Sheet metal part for glass element of vehicle roof, corresponding device and vehicle roof

Abstract

The invention relates to a sheet metal part (9) for a glass element (3) of a vehicle roof (2), the sheet metal part (9) being designed as a closed sheet metal frame (10) which is formed by four strip-shaped frame parts (11), two of which are arranged opposite each other, and the sheet metal part (9) being designed as a closed sheet metal frame (10) which is formed by four strip-shaped frame parts (11). The frame part (11) has two first grooves (14) and a second groove (15), and the first grooves (14) are designed to position the sheet metal part (9) in a molding tool (6) with respect to a first direction, in particular an X-direction, and the second groove (15) is designed to position the sheet metal part (9) in the molding tool (6) with respect to a second direction, in particular a Y-direction, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the frame portion (11) has a further second groove (15). The invention also relates to a corresponding device and to a vehicle roof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sheet metal component for a glass element for a vehicle roof, a device for producing a glass element for a vehicle roof, and a vehicle roof. Background Art

[0002] Glass elements for motor vehicles are generally known from the prior art. Glass elements are usually installed in vehicles in two ways, namely as movable glass elements for opening and closing the roof (keyword: sliding roof) or as so-called fixed glass elements permanently mounted on the roof (e.g. so-called panoramic sunroofs). For installation on the roof, the glass elements usually have one or more foam surrounds, which are arranged, for example, at the edge of the glass element. These foam surrounds can be used to fixedly connect one or more other components, such as sheet metal parts, to the glass element. Such sheet metal parts can provide as reinforcement for the glass element and / or for mechanical fixed coupling to the motor vehicle, for example, depending on the intended use, to a sliding roof mechanism, a body or a roof frame of the motor vehicle.

[0003] The special tool required for producing glass elements is a so-called molding or foaming tool, which usually has two mold halves, which match each other as an upper part and a lower part and enable the above-mentioned foam surround to be formed. According to a typical production process, one or more glass panes and other components (such as sheet metal parts) are inserted into the molding tool, and after the two mold halves are closed, the foaming material is then introduced into the molding tool, which fixedly connects all the inserted components together to produce the glass element.

[0004] The production of a foam surround is described, for example, in European patent EP 0 355 209 B1. Summary of the invention

[0005] One problem addressed by the present invention is that of specifying a concept which enables particularly reliable and precise production of glass elements.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a sheet metal component for a glass element of a vehicle roof is disclosed. The sheet metal component is formed as a closed sheet metal frame, which is formed by four strip-shaped frame parts, two of which are arranged opposite to each other. In other words, the frame parts of the sheet metal frame are arranged opposite to each other in pairs. The frame parts have two first grooves and one second groove. These three grooves can be provided in one frame part or distributed in two or three frame parts. The first groove is designed to position the sheet metal component in a molding tool relative to a first direction, in particular the X direction, and the second groove is designed to position the sheet metal component in a molding tool relative to a second direction, in particular the Y direction perpendicular to the first direction. One of the frame parts has an additional second groove.

[0007] The sheet metal part is intended for the production of glass elements, wherein the sheet metal part becomes an integral part of the glass element via one or more foam surrounds. During the production process, the sheet metal part is inserted into a special molding tool together with other components, such as one or more window panes. After closing the molding tool, one or more cavities are formed in the molding mold, which are then filled with foamed material. After the foamed material has hardened, one or more foam surrounds are formed, which are fixedly connected to the components inserted into the molding tool, such as the sheet metal part. This means that the sheet metal part is in particular fixedly connected to the one or more window panes. The sheet metal part is made of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum. The present disclosure is not limited to sheet metal parts, and frame parts formed as closed frames that are not made of metal material, such as plastic or fiber composite materials, can be provided or used instead of sheet metal parts.

[0008] Such a foam surround is usually formed at the edge of the glass element and surrounds the glass element at the edge. Here and hereinafter, the edge of the glass element refers to the lateral boundary of the glass element, which extends essentially in a horizontal plane parallel to the roof of the motor vehicle in the operational installation state. The foam surround is, for example, a polyurethane foam surround.

[0009] When the sheet metal part is inserted into the molding tool, it must be firmly positioned, in particular to comply with the prescribed tolerances and to achieve a particularly precise production of the glass element. For this purpose, positioning pins are provided in the molding tool, each of which engages in a corresponding first or second groove to form a 3-point support. Contrary to typical mechanical practice, the invention provides a fourth groove instead of a 3-point support by means of three grooves, thereby deliberately accepting a mechanical over-positioning. This over-positioning ensures that the sheet metal part can still be firmly positioned in the molding tool without having particularly torsion and / or bending resistance. Advantageously, the invention prevents the sheet metal part from rotating about the positioning pins, which a 3-point support could cause depending on the position of the grooves. It is also advantageous that, compared with a 3-point support, a trapezoidal distortion of the sheet metal part can be prevented. For example, such distortions and / or rotations can cause a receiving tab or a retaining tab of the sheet metal part for connection to a motor vehicle to be unstable in position in the molding tool and often outside the permitted tolerances after the glass element is manufactured. The invention effectively avoids the latter.

[0010] Here and in the following, a Cartesian coordinate system is used as the basis for the directional information. The sheet metal frame has a predetermined length in the X direction and a predetermined width in the Y direction. If the sheet metal component is installed in a motor vehicle as intended, i.e. as an integrated part of a glazing element, the X direction also corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The X groove is therefore designed in such a way that a movement in the X direction is prevented, but a certain degree of freedom is allowed in the Y direction. Likewise, the Y groove prevents a movement in the Y direction, but a certain degree of freedom is allowed in the X direction.

[0011] The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other, ie form an angle of 90° with each other. Small deviations of about + / -5% from 90° are also included.

[0012] The frame parts may also be referred to as frame legs. The sheet metal frame is closed because the ends of the frame parts are connected to each other. Preferably, the sheet metal frame is formed in one piece; the sheet metal frame may also be formed from a plurality of separate, fixedly connected elements, such as four frame parts. For example, the four frame parts are two opposite transverse frame parts and two opposite longitudinal frame parts. For example, the longitudinal frame parts extend in the X direction and the transverse frame parts extend in the Y direction.

[0013] The first direction is preferably the X direction and the second direction is preferably the Y direction. The first slot is preferably an X slot and the second slot is preferably a Y slot. Thus, the X slot is designed to position the sheet metal part in the molding tool along the X direction and the Y slot is designed to position the sheet metal part in the molding tool relative to the Y direction. The first slot and the second slot can also be designed differently so as to act in other directions, wherein it must be ensured that their directions of action are at 90° to each other. For example, the first slot is a Y slot and the second slot is an X slot.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a first frame part of the four frame parts has the first groove and the one second groove, wherein the second frame part has a further second groove. This contributes to a stable positioning of the sheet metal part in the moulding tool.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second frame part is opposite the first frame part. This contributes to a particularly stable positioning of the sheet metal part in the moulding tool, in particular when the first frame part has the above-mentioned three grooves and the second frame part has a further second groove.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second frame part is oriented perpendicular to the first frame part. Therefore, the second frame part is directly adjacent to the first frame part. In other words, the second frame part is a lateral part relative to the first frame part. This helps to achieve the above advantages and functions.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the second slot of the first frame part is arranged between two of the first slots with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first frame part.This helps to position the sheet metal part securely in the moulding tool.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the further second groove of the second frame part is arranged in the region of the longitudinal end of the second frame part. This contributes to achieving the above advantages and functions. In the region of the longitudinal end is meant the end of the second frame part relative to the longitudinal direction of the second frame part. For example, this region accounts for 20% of the total length of the second frame part, starting from the outer end of the second frame part towards its center.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a sheet metal component for a glass element of a vehicle roof similar to that described above is disclosed. The sheet metal component is formed in a similar manner as described above. Compared to the sheet metal component according to the first aspect, no fourth groove (an additional second groove) is provided, but one of the frame parts has at least one spacer. The at least one spacer is used to position the sheet metal component in the molding tool relative to the second direction.

[0020] If appropriate, the above explanations and developments also apply by analogy to the sheet metal component according to the second aspect. The sheet metal component according to the second aspect achieves the advantages and functions described above.

[0021] At least one spacer is attached to the sheet metal component as an element independent of the sheet metal component. Once the sheet metal component is inserted into the molding tool, the at least one spacer comes into contact with the side wall of the molding tool, i.e. with the vertically extending side wall of the lower mold half or the upper mold half. As with the second groove, the positioning of the sheet metal component relative to the second direction, for example the Y direction, is thus achieved or improved by the at least one spacer. The at least one spacer can also be referred to as a positioning element, a spacer or a stop block. The at least one spacer is fixedly or detachably arranged on the sheet metal component.

[0022] Alternatively, at least one spacer can be arranged fixedly or detachably on the molding tool, for example fixedly or detachably on the lower mold half or the upper mold half.

[0023] It should be noted that more than one spacer may also be provided on one or more frame parts or molding tools. Explanations above and below regarding at least one spacer also apply equally to a plurality of such spacers.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the at least one spacer is made of a plastic material, in particular of an elastomer. This facilitates a gentle contact with the molding tool and allows precise positioning of the sheet metal part. The spacer can also be made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel or polished stainless steel. Optionally, the spacer has a coating, in particular to prevent scratches on the sheet metal part.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first frame part has two first slots, such as X slots, and a second slot, such as a Y slot, wherein at least one spacer is arranged on the second frame part oriented perpendicularly to the first frame part. This helps to achieve the above advantages and functions.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the at least one spacer is arranged on a holding bracket of the frame part. Such a holding bracket, also called a holding angle bracket, extends vertically from the corresponding frame part, ie in the Z direction, thereby providing sufficient surface area for the additional spacer.

[0027] At this point, it should be noted that embodiments are also disclosed that are combinations of the features of the sheet metal component according to the first aspect and the second aspect. Therefore, sheet metal components similar to those described above with an additional second and at least one spacer are also included. All of the above embodiments can be applied by analogy, and the above advantages and functions are equally possible. This also applies to the other aspects described below.

[0028] According to a third aspect, a device for producing a glass element for a vehicle roof is disclosed. The device has a molding tool having a lower mold half and an upper mold half. The lower mold half is designed to receive a sheet metal component formed according to one of the above-described embodiments in a form-fitting manner. The lower mold half has three locating pins, which are arranged so that they engage in a form-fitting manner in corresponding first and second grooves of the received sheet metal component. This already achieves centering or positioning. The device also has one or more of the following features:

[0029] - the lower mould half has a further positioning pin for engaging in a further second groove; and / or

[0030] - a side wall of the lower or upper mould half is in direct contact with at least one spacer arranged on the sheet metal part; and / or

[0031] The lower or upper mold half has at least one spacer for direct contact with the sheet metal part.

[0032] The device achieves the above-mentioned advantages and functions. In particular, the sheet metal part is centered or positioned in the molding tool by mechanical positioning. The above-mentioned views on the embodiments and features apply by analogy, in particular with regard to the features of the grooves, directions and spacers. It is worth mentioning that one or more spacers can be arranged not only on the sheet metal part, but also alternatively or additionally on the molding tool.

[0033] It should be noted at this point that in all embodiments described in this disclosure, the arrangement of the locating pins and slots may be interchanged. For example, a molding tool (e.g., the lower mold half of the tool) may have a slot, and a sheet metal component may have a corresponding locating pin.

[0034] The lower mold half and / or the upper mold half have a forming area, such as a recess, for defining a cavity and forming a foam surround of the glass element to be produced. For example, a sheet metal part is at least partially inserted or arranged in this recess.

[0035] For example, the device has suitable means for supporting the moulding tool and for moving the two mould halves relative to each other, for example for opening or closing the moulding tool. The device also comprises means for introducing the foaming material. The moulding tool may also be provided with one or more slides to achieve certain geometries of the foam surround.

[0036] It should be noted that the term "mold half" does not represent a geometrically exact half of a molding tool. Instead, it refers to two tool parts of a molding tool that together form a whole. In other words, for example, it is an upper and lower mold.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, a roof for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The roof has a glass element, wherein the glass element has a sheet metal component according to one of the above-described embodiments. Thus, as described above, the glass element is fixedly connected to the roof. The roof essentially achieves the above-described advantages and functions. The above-described views on the embodiments apply by analogy.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect, a method for producing a glass element for a roof of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps:

[0039] - providing a lower mold half and an upper mold half of a molding tool;

[0040] - arranging the sheet metal part at a predetermined position in the lower mould half according to one of the previously described embodiments;

[0041] - inserting the pane at least partially into the lower mold half of the tool;

[0042] - closing the two mold halves so that the two mold halves together with the window pane form one or more cavities along one edge of the window pane, in which the sheet metal part is at least partially arranged;

[0043] - introducing foaming material into the cavity so that one or more foam surrounds are formed around the edges of the pane, the sheet metal part being at least partially located in the foam surround so that the sheet metal part is coupled to the pane in a form-fitting and / or integrally bonded manner.

[0044] The method substantially achieves the above-mentioned advantages and functions. Defined positioning of the sheet metal part in the lower mold half is achieved by shape cooperation with the grooves and / or spacers. The above-mentioned views on the embodiment also apply by analogy to the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Further advantages, features and developments can be found in the exemplary embodiments explained below in conjunction with the drawings.Similar, similar or analogously acting elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0046] In the figure:

[0047] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle having a roof and a glass element;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an apparatus for producing glass elements is shown;

[0049] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 2 A detailed schematic diagram of the device;

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two detailed illustrations showing a groove in a sheet metal part for a glass element

[0051] intention;

[0052] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the device during the foam surrounding process;

[0053] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing twisting and distortion of a sheet metal component;

[0054] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a sheet metal component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] as well as

[0056] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A sheet metal component according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0057] Schematic diagram of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a motor vehicle 1 is shown with a roof 2 having a glass element 3 (also called a cover). In the present exemplary embodiment, the glass element 3 is a glass element which is immovable relative to the roof 2, also called a fixed glass element or a fixed glass module (FTM: fixed type module). Alternatively, the glass element 3 is movable relative to the roof 2 in order to selectively open, partially open or close an opening in the roof 2. The glass element 3 has fastening regions 4, two of which are provided as an example in FIG. Figure 1. In the fastening region 4, the glass element 3 is mechanically fixedly connected (e.g. fixedly screwed) to the vehicle roof 2, for example to the vehicle body or to a top frame element. In the case of a movable element, the glass element 3 is, for example, coupled to an unfolding and displacement mechanism for controlling the movement of the glass element 3. For a corresponding connection, the glass element 3 has, for example, retaining brackets (also called retaining angle brackets or retaining angle pieces), which are integral parts of the glass element 3.

[0059] As explained at the outset, the glass element 3 usually consists of a plurality of components which are fixedly connected to one another. In particular, the glass element 3 comprises a glass pane, a sheet metal frame and a foam surround, in particular a so-called edge foam surround. During production, the sheet metal frame, which usually has the above-mentioned retaining tabs, is fixedly connected to the glass pane via the foam surround. It should be noted that, instead of one glass pane, a plurality of panes or so-called pane assemblies can also be provided.

[0060] The coordinate system shown in the figure applies to the directions. The X direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the Y direction corresponds to the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction (vertical direction or gravity direction).

[0061] Figure 2 Schematically shown is an apparatus 5 for producing such a glass element 3. The apparatus 5 comprises a moulding tool 6, also called a foaming tool. The moulding tool 6 comprises two mould halves: a lower mould half 7 and an upper mould half 8 (schematically indicated by dashed lines).

[0062] A sheet metal part 9 designed as a closed sheet metal frame 10 is inserted into the lower mold half 7. The sheet metal part 9 is an integral part of the glass element 3 to be produced by means of an edge foam surround. The sheet metal frame 10 is formed by four strip-shaped frame parts 11, which are positioned opposite each other in pairs. The sheet metal frame 10 thus has two longitudinal frame parts 12 and two transverse frame parts 13. For example, the frame parts 11 are arranged at right angles to each other, but this is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, the sheet metal part 9 is formed in one piece, although this is also not necessarily the case.

[0063] One of the frame parts 11 (the first frame part), namely the first transverse frame part 13, has three grooves, namely two X grooves 14 (as the first grooves) and one Y groove 15 (as the second groove), as described at the beginning. The Y groove 15 is arranged between the two X grooves 14 along the longitudinal direction of the first transverse frame part 13. The grooves 14 and 15 are aligned with the positioning pins 16 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) fit, wherein a locating pin engages in a corresponding groove in a form-fitting manner and blocks the sheet metal part 9 in one of the two directions X and Y (respectively as the first and second directions), while there is freedom in the corresponding other direction.

[0064] Figure 3 An example of a part of a device 5 is shown, in which three grooves 14, 15 can be seen. Also shown are positioning pins 16, which engage in the grooves 14, 15 in a form-fitting manner.

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an X-slot 14 with an engaging locating pin 16 is shown, Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Sectional view AA.

[0066] The sheet metal frame 10 also has a plurality of retaining tabs 17 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0067] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 In addition to the sheet metal part 9, a glass pane 18 is also inserted into the mold 6. When the two mold halves 7, 8 are closed (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), which form a cavity 19. In a production step, a foaming material, for example a polyurethane foam, is introduced into the cavity 19, which hardens to form a foam surround 20. In the example, the cavity 19 is formed at the periphery of the edge of the glass pane 18, so that only the foam surround 20 is formed, thus being a foam around the peripheral edge. After curing and removal, the glass element 3 is produced, which can of course be further processed if necessary.

[0068] For positioning the sheet metal part 9 in the lower mould half 7, three grooves 14, 15 are provided as previously described in order to provide a mechanically defined 3-point support.

[0069] It can be seen that, in particular due to the frame geometry and the thin sheet metal material (sheet thickness, for example, 2.0 mm, 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm or less than 1.0 mm), the sheet metal component 9 tends to twist or rotate in the inserted state, such as Figure 7 As shown, it shows distortion on the left side, in particular the positioning pin distortion with respect to the Y-slot 15, and trapezoidal distortion on the right side (see the positions 9' and 9" of the sheet metal part 9, which are correspondingly shown exaggerated to indicate the deviation from the ideal position in the molding tool 6).

[0070] Figure 8A sheet metal component 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. It corresponds essentially to the sheet metal component 9 described above, wherein, with the difference, the further frame part 11 has an additional slot. In particular, the transverse frame part 13b opposite the transverse frame part 13a has a Y-slot 15, in which the corresponding further positioning pin of the lower mold half 7 engages. Thus, when the sheet metal frame 10 is inserted into the lower mold half 7, there is a mechanical over-positioning, which, contrary to the usual assumption, is particularly advantageous in the present case for a safe and precise positioning and fixing of the sheet metal component 9 in the molding tool 6.

[0071] In the example shown, the further Y-groove is approximately in the centre of the transverse frame part 13b. Alternatively, the further groove 15 can be arranged in the region of the longitudinal ends 21 of the transverse frame part 13b (see reference numeral 15').

[0072] The sheet metal component 9 achieves the advantages and functions described above.

[0073] As an alternative or in addition to the further Y-grooves 15, spacers 22, for example made of elastomer, are attached to one or more retaining tabs 17. Fig. 9 is shown as an example, and Fig. 9 Again, the device 5 for production is shown. The retaining tabs 17 are attached to the longitudinal frame part 12 oriented perpendicularly to the first transverse frame part 13. When the sheet metal part 9 is inserted into the lower mold half, the spacers 22 come into contact with the corresponding side walls 23 of the lower mold half 7 and the upper mold half 8 of the molding tool 6 opposite to the spacers 22. This centers the sheet metal part 9 in the Y direction and securely positions it in the molding tool 6.

[0074] Fig.10 A schematic cross-sectional detail of the device 5 is shown, in which the spacer 22 can be seen, which is in direct contact with the side wall 23 of the upper mold half, thereby ensuring a secure positioning.

[0075] One or more spacers 22 are either fixedly arranged on the sheet metal part 9, i.e. fixedly connected to the sheet metal part 9, and remain on the sheet metal part 9 after the production of the glass element 3. Alternatively, one or more spacers 22 are detachably (i.e. removably) arranged on the sheet metal part 9.

[0076] In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention (not shown), one or more spacers are provided on or in the moulding tool. Similar to the above, these may be fixedly arranged or detachably (ie removably) arranged.

[0077] Reference numerals list

[0078] 1 Motor Vehicle

[0079] 2 Roof

[0080] 3 Glass elements

[0081] 4 Fastening area

[0082] 5. Installation

[0083] 6 Molding tools

[0084] 7 Lower mold

[0085] 8 Upper mold

[0086] 9 Sheet metal parts

[0087] Twisting and turning of 9', 9" sheet metal parts

[0088] 10 Sheet Metal Frame

[0089] 11. Framework

[0090] 12 Longitudinal frame

[0091] 13 Horizontal frame

[0092] 13a, 13b Transverse frame part

[0093] 14 X slots

[0094] 15 Y slot

[0095] 16 Locating pin

[0096] 17 Retention tab

[0097] 18 Glass Pane

[0098] 19 chambers

[0099] 20 Foam Surround

[0100] 21 longitudinal end

[0101] 22 Spacer

[0102] 23 Sidewall

[0103] AA Section

Claims

1. A sheet metal component (9) for a glass element (3) of a vehicle roof (2), wherein: The sheet metal component (9) is designed as a closed sheet metal frame (10), which is formed by four strip-shaped frame parts (11), two of which are arranged opposite to each other. The frame portion (11) has two first grooves (14) and one second groove (15), and The first groove (14) is designed to position the sheet metal part (9) in the molding tool (6) relative to a first direction, in particular the X direction, and the second groove (15) is designed to position the sheet metal part (9) in the molding tool (6) relative to a second direction, in particular the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, It is characterized in that The frame part (11) has a further second groove (15).

2. The sheet metal component (9) according to claim 1, wherein The first frame part (13a) of the four frame parts (11) has the two first grooves (14) and the one second groove (15), and the second frame part (13b) has the other second groove (15).

3. The sheet metal component (9) according to claim 2, wherein: The second frame portion (13b) is opposite to the first frame portion (13a).

4. The sheet metal component (9) according to claim 2, wherein: The second frame portion (13b) is oriented perpendicularly to the first frame portion (13a).

5. The sheet metal component (9) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The second groove (15) of the first frame portion (13a) is arranged between the two first grooves (14) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first frame portion (13a).

6. The sheet metal component (9) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The further second groove (15) of the second frame part (13b) is arranged in the region of a longitudinal end (21) of the second frame part (13b).

7. A sheet metal component (9) for a glass element (3) of a vehicle roof (2), wherein: The sheet metal component (9) is designed as a closed sheet metal frame (10), which is formed by four strip-shaped frame parts (11), two of which are arranged opposite to each other. The frame portion (11) has two first grooves (14) and one second groove (15), and The first groove (14) is designed for positioning the sheet metal part (9) in the molding tool (6) relative to a first direction, and the second groove (15) is designed for positioning the sheet metal part (9) in the molding tool (6) relative to a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, It is characterized in that One frame part (11) has at least one spacer (22), wherein the at least one spacer (22) is used to position the sheet metal component (9) in the molding tool (6) relative to the second direction.

8. The sheet metal component (9) according to claim 7, wherein The at least one spacer (22) is made of a plastic material, in particular an elastomer.

9. The sheet metal component (9) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The first frame part (13a) has two first grooves (14) and one second groove (15), wherein the at least one spacer (22) is arranged on a second frame part (12) oriented perpendicularly to the first frame part (13a).

10. The sheet metal component (9) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The at least one spacer (22) is arranged on a retaining tongue (17) of the frame part (11).

11. A device (5) for producing a glass element (3) for a vehicle roof (2), comprising a molding tool (6) having a lower mold half (7) and an upper mold half (8), wherein: The lower mold half (7) is designed to receive a sheet metal component (9) according to any one of the preceding claims in a form-fitting manner, and The lower mold half (7) has three locating pins (16) arranged such that the locating pins (16) engage in a form-fitting manner in corresponding first grooves (14) and second grooves (15) of the received sheet metal part (9), It is characterized in that The lower mold half (7) has a further positioning pin (16) for engaging in the further second groove (15), and / or the side wall (23) of the lower mold half (7) or the upper mold half (8) is in direct contact with at least one spacer (22) arranged on the sheet metal part (9), and / or the lower mold half (7) or the upper mold half (8) has at least one spacer (22) for direct contact with the sheet metal part (9).

12. A roof (2) of a motor vehicle (1), the roof (2) comprising a glass element (3), wherein: The glass element (3) comprises a sheet metal component (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images