Window unit, window unit, mould and associated methods and uses

Abstract

Window units, window units, molds, and associated methods and uses. The invention discloses a window unit. The window unit comprises an embedded glass panel; a frame which has a frame contour and surrounds the edges of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides, and which grips or surrounds the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring; the frame includes a main portion in the form of a hard component. The main part of the frame comprises at least one clip-like assembly comprising a top element, a bottom element; the at least one clip-like assembly is designed to clamp and retain the lugs of the trim element between the top element and the bottom element. The top element is displaced from the bottom element along the edge. The at least one clip-like assembly and the main portion are formed as a single component. The top element and the bottom element are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the trim element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly. A mold for producing such a window unit is also disclosed. A window unit comprising such a window unit is also disclosed. Associated methods and uses are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window unit comprising: an embedded glass panel; a frame having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of the embedded glass panel on at least two peripheral sides, and gripping the embedded glass panel or surrounding the embedded glass panel in the form of a ring on at least two peripheral sides; the frame comprises a main part in the form of a hard component. In general and more specifically, the present invention relates to a reinforced window unit comprising at least one clip-like component for clamping and retaining a decorative element along a portion of the edge.

[0002] The present invention thus relates to various fields, wherein a window unit comprises at least one clip-like component for gripping and holding a decorative element along a portion of an edge. The window unit is designed to be mounted on a structure. The structure may be a fixed object such as a building, or the body of a mobile object such as a motor vehicle, car, bus, truck, train, ship, etc. Such a window unit may be used outdoors as well as indoors. Background Art

[0003] Builders often conceal these unattractive seals behind metallic trim elements or trim elements made of synthetic material coated with a metal film. These trim elements must be fastened securely enough so that there is no risk of them accidentally falling off. These trim elements must also be able to be removed, for example during work or during the replacement of the trim element in the event of a defect, so that the entire window / paint provided on the vehicle does not need to be replaced.

[0004] Various methods have been proposed for fastening these decorative elements, which generally involve the connection between the seal and the decorative element. Generally, these fastenings are achieved by means of clip-type devices, making the installation simple and fast. In these assembly operations, the decorative element, which basically consists of a metal profile, is fastened to a component incorporated in the seal itself. Positioning the various elements generally requires one or more operations that can only be achieved manually, which is unsatisfactory from an economic point of view. In view of simplifying these operations, the solution relies on fastening methods that include clamping the profile constituting the decorative element to the corresponding element integrated in the peripheral seal when the peripheral seal is formed on the window. In particular, Belgian patent application BE 2013 / 0441 proposes a decorative element fastener that includes two different elements, a first element being a base molded directly with the seal and a second element comprising a clip designed to receive the lug of the decorative element. At the same time, the second element is assembled to the base by engaging the two elements relative to each other with a movement opposite to the separation of the two elements. This solution offers the advantage that the second element can be replaced if it is defective.

[0005] However, this solution leads to the formation of shrinkage cavities in the region of the seal when the fastening element is positioned.

[0006] In order to reduce this shrinkage cavity, European patent application EP 3461668 discloses a clip inserted on the glazing unit. This solution requires the assembly of separately manufactured parts (main part, clip, ...). This solution also requires a large number of operations to manufacture the glazing and makes the assembly with the decorative element more complicated. Summary of the invention

[0007] Therefore, in order to solve these problems, the present invention proposes an enhanced window unit.

[0008] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a window unit comprising: a glazing panel; and a frame having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides and gripping the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides or surrounding the glazing panel in the form of a ring. The frame comprises a main part in the form of a hard component.

[0009] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is based on that the main part of the frame comprises at least one clip-like component comprising a top element and a bottom element; the at least one clip-like component is designed to clamp and hold the lug of the decorative element between the top element and the bottom element.

[0010] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that the top element is displaced from the bottom element along the edge in order to stabilize the clamping of the lug of the decorative element.

[0011] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on that the at least one clip-like component and the main part are formed as a single component to at least reduce the manipulations.

[0012] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that the top element and the bottom element are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the at least one clip-like component in order to enable insertion and insertion of the lugs of the decorative element.

[0013] Thus, the present invention may also address the need for a decorative element that is easily inserted and retained along a window unit, while being replaceable by an easy operation.

[0014] The invention allows to obtain a strong and dimensionally stable window unit.

[0015] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle window unit comprising a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention. The vehicle window unit further comprises a decorative element comprising a lug designed to be clipped and retained in a clip-like assembly.

[0016] The solution as defined in the second aspect of the invention is based on the fact that a lug is inserted into the at least one clip-like component between the top element and the bottom element.

[0017] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the step of injecting the main part and the at least one clip-like component onto the glazing panel in a single step.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a vehicle glazing unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0019] Step A. Providing a glazing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0020] Step B. providing a decorative element, the decorative element comprising a lug designed to be clamped and retained in a clip-like assembly;

[0021] Step C. Assembling the decorative element by clamping the lug between the top element and the bottom element of the at least one clip-like element.

[0022] In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a mould for producing a window unit according to claims 1 to 8, the mould being designed to receive at least a portion of a glazed unit onto which the main part is to be inserted, characterised in that the mould comprises a cavity for producing the main part and the at least one clip-like component by injection.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a use of clamping a decorative element by means of at least one clip-like component, the at least one clip-like component being included in a main part of a frame, the frame having a frame profile and surrounding an edge of an embedded glass panel on at least two peripheral sides, and gripping the embedded glass panel or surrounding the embedded glass panel in the form of a ring on at least two peripheral sides; the frame comprising a main part (4) in the form of a hard component, the clip-like component comprising a top element (51), a bottom element (52); the at least one clip-like component being designed to clamp and hold a lug of the decorative element between the top element and the bottom element, the top element being displaced from the bottom element along the edge, the at least one clip-like component and the main part being formed as a single component, and the top element and the bottom element being designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to a penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like component.

[0024] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims or described embodiments.

[0025] The following description relates to an automobile, but it should be understood that the invention may be applicable to other fields, like general transportation applications or building applications etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are provided by way of illustration and not limitation. These drawings are schematic and not true to scale. These drawings do not limit the present invention in any way. Further advantages will be illustrated by way of example.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic 3D view of a window unit according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic 3D view of a vehicle window unit according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic 3D view of the clip-like component.

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic 2D view of the clip-like component.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of a clip-like assembly along plane AA'.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of a clip-like assembly along plane BB'.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly along plane CC'.

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In this document, various modifications, equivalents and / or replacements are directed to specific embodiments and include corresponding embodiments. In all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar parts. Other variations can be envisioned within the scope of the claims.

[0036] As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as "inside", "outside", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc., are related to the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention can take various alternative orientations, and therefore, these terms are not to be considered limiting. Further, all numbers used in the specification and claims to represent dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, amounts of ingredients, reaction conditions, etc. are to be understood in all cases as modified by the term "approximately". Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical values ​​listed in the following specification and claims are approximate values ​​that can be changed according to the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise stated, the expression "substantially" means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0037] In addition, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include the starting range value and the ending range value, and to cover any and all sub-ranges contained therein. For example, the specified range "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all sub-ranges start with a minimum value of 1 or greater, such as 1 to 6.1, and end with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the term "deposited on..." or "disposed on..." refers to depositing or disposing on it but not necessarily in surface contact with it. For example, a coating "deposited on a substrate" does not exclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0038] Where the term "comprising" is used in this specification and claims, other elements or steps are not excluded. Where the indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, for example "a" or "an", "the", this includes the plural of the noun, unless otherwise stated. In this document, "configured to" may be used interchangeably with the following words in hardware and software, for example, "suitable for", "capable of", "changed to", "made to", "able to" or "designed to", as the case may be. In any case, the expression "the device is configured to do..." may mean "the device may do..." together with another device or component.

[0039] In addition, the terms first, second, etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe the order in time, space, ranking or any other manner. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the present invention described herein can operate using other orders other than the order described or illustrated herein. When describing a component element (e.g., a first component element) as "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another component element (e.g., a second component element), it should be understood that the component element can be directly connected to the other component element, or can be connected to the other component element through other components (e.g., a third component element).

[0040] The object of the present invention is to alleviate the above mentioned problems.

[0041] According to a first aspect of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the invention relates to a window unit 1 comprising a glazed panel 2 and a frame 3 .

[0042] <Inlaid glass panel>

[0043] In one embodiment, the glazed panel may include at least one glass sheet.

[0044] In another embodiment, the embedded glass panel may include a laminated glass panel due to the reduction of induced deformation on the embedded glass panel. The laminated glass panel includes glass sheets that are held by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets. The interlayers used are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) of adjustable hardness. These interlayers keep the glass sheets bonded together even when broken, so that they prevent the glass from breaking into a large number of sharp fragments.

[0045] The material of the glass panes may independently be, for example, soda-lime-silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates known in particular for automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered limiting.

[0046] The glass plate may be independently transparent glass or colored glass, the colored glass being colored with a specific glass component or by applying, for example, a decorative coating, paint, or plastic layer. By using a known cutting method, the glass plate may have any shape suitable for the opening in a plan view, such as a rectangular shape. As a method of cutting the glass plate, for example, a method in which a laser is irradiated on the surface of the multi-layer glazing to cut the glass plate, or a method in which a cutting wheel performs mechanical cutting may be used.

[0047] The glass sheet can be independently produced by a known production method such as a float process, a fusion process, a redraw process, a press forming process or a drawing process. As a production method of the glass sheet, a float process is preferably used from the viewpoints of productivity and cost.

[0048] In the case of laminated glass panels, it may be advantageous to have glass sheets of different thicknesses to reduce weight and reduce noise. Due to the induced deformation on the embedded glass panel, thin glass sheets with a thickness of less than 1 mm can be used without bending or deformation. Therefore, such thin glass sheets can maintain the desired design.

[0049] The shape of the window unit in plan view (in the XZ plane) is generally triangular, especially for a window unit used as a quarterlight window unit. The shape is not limited to triangular and may be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, hexagonal, etc. depending on the application.

[0050] The glazing panels can be flat or curved panels to match the design of the car. The glazing panels can be processed, i.e. annealed, tempered, ..., to meet the specifications of security and anti-theft requirements. A heatable system (e.g. a coating or a wire network) can be applied to the glazing panels to add, for example, defrosting and / or defogging functions.

[0051] <frame>

[0052] According to the invention, the frame 3 has a frame profile and surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides and grips the glazing panel or surrounds the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring, and the frame comprises a main part 4 in the form of a hard component. It should be understood that the hard component is a dimensionally stable component with a Young's modulus higher than 1000 MPa, preferably, the hard component is a dimensionally stable component with a Young's modulus higher than 1500 MPa.

[0053] <Main section>

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the hard component is a polypropylene-based material. Other hard materials with a Young's modulus higher than 1000 MPa may also be used, such as polyamide, certain styrenes, ABS, certain PVC, etc.

[0055] In some preferred embodiments, the hard component can be reinforced with fillers (glass fiber, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulfate fiber, mica), i.e., polypropylene reinforced with 30% glass fiber (PP30GF), whose Young's modulus is higher than 1500 MPa, about 1680 MPa.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the main part is in direct contact with the embedded glass panel, which means that the main part is directly injected onto the embedded glass panel without any other material between the main part and the surface of the embedded glass panel. The embedded glass panel may be locally provided with an adhesive or primer material to ensure tightness and / or facilitate the encapsulation of the main part on the embedded glass panel.

[0057] The main part can be overmolded on the embedded glass panel. In order to facilitate this process, the main part can preferably be injected into a mold so as to be encapsulated on the embedded glass panel.

[0058] The main part may have a specific shape to meet the requirements of the desired application.In some embodiments, the main part may have an extension 41 to ensure the mechanical strength of the window unit.

[0059] <Secondary section>

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame may comprise a secondary part 7 in the form of a soft component placed at least partially on the primary part. The secondary part allows the window unit to be fastened to the structure to which it is fixed. Such a structure may be a car body, a building...

[0061] The secondary part can be injected in a step completed after the step of injecting the primary part, at least partially injected on the primary part. Preferably, the secondary part is a single part. In some embodiments, the secondary part can be in partial contact with the embedded glass panel to ensure the beauty and sealing of the window unit.

[0062] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary portion is in contact with the glazing panel and preferably at least at the level of the at least one restraint release means.

[0063] The soft component has a natural chemical cohesive bond with the hard component.

[0064] The soft component has a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa. The soft material with a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is a soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0065] The soft component is used to give the frame a final surface appearance and also to fit the window unit to the vehicle body. Effectively, the softness of the material allows interference to be created between the vehicle body and the window unit by using a soft lip. The soft component is sometimes also used to ensure a sealing function between the vehicle body and the encapsulated window unit.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based material.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame profile surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and is made of a soft component that has a natural chemical cohesive bonding with hard materials. Thus, good adhesion between the frame profile and the main part can be obtained without using a primer between the two parts.

[0068] Figure 2 A vehicle window unit 10 is shown to be mounted on a body of a vehicle, such as a car. The vehicle window unit 10 comprises a window unit comprising a flush-fitting glass panel 2 and a frame 3.

[0069] <Decorative elements>

[0070] The vehicle window also comprises a decorative element 6 .

[0071] In this representation, the decorative element 6 has an outer surface 65 designed to mask a portion of the primary portion 4 and, if present, a portion of the secondary portion.

[0072] The decorative element is generally an elongated element, substantially parallel to the edge of the glazing unit, having an outer surface 65 which is finished.

[0073] The decorative element may be flat or curved.The decorative element may have any shape so as to mask the portion of the window unit which should not be visible once mounted on the structure.

[0074] The decorative element may be made of a plastic-based material or of a metal, such as aluminum.

[0075] For aesthetic reasons, such as matching the color of the structure or providing a particular finished appearance, the decorative element may have a coating, film, or the like on the outer surface.

[0076] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, on the inner face 66 of the turning seal, the trim element comprises a lug 61. The trim element may comprise extensions 62, 63 which allow a good positioning of the trim element between the body and the window unit and / or allow reinforcement of the trim element.

[0077] According to the invention, the lugs may have any shape capable of being clamped and retained in a clip-like assembly.

[0078] Back to Figure 2 , the lugs 61 are inserted into (not shown) at least one clip-like component so as to be clamped and retained on the window unit.

[0079] Depending on the desired application, the lugs may be point-shaped lugs or elongated lugs, extending along the length of the decorative element (ie along the X-axis in this representation).

[0080] <Clip-shaped component>

[0081] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main part 4 of the frame 3 comprises at least one clip-like component 5 .

[0082] According to the invention, the at least one clip-like component 5 and the main part 4 are formed as a single part. This means that the at least one clip-like component 5 and the main part 4 are produced from the same material and during a single step.

[0083] The clip-like component comprises a top element 51, a bottom element 52. At least one clip-like component is designed to clamp and hold the lug of the decorative element between the top element and the bottom element.

[0084] Typically, the clip is composed of a top element and a bottom element that are positioned above and below each other in the Z-axis to insert the decorative element between the two elements.

[0085] According to the invention, in order to reduce the shrinkage cavity, the top element 51 is displaced from the bottom element along the edge, which means that in these figures the top element 51 is substantially moved along the X axis from the bottom element 52. It should be understood that the clamping or insertion of the decorative element is performed by the top element and the bottom element, without the need for another element designed to clamp in order to insert the decorative element into the clip-like element and to hold it in the clip-like element.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the top and bottom elements are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly 5. In this representation, the penetration axis is substantially along the Y axis and is therefore locally perpendicular to the edge of the window unit (the X axis in this representation).

[0087] Figure 5 A bottom element according to the invention is shown. In some embodiments, the bottom element 52 may have an arm 521 designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly, even when the bottom element is made of a rigid material such as polypropylene, which means that the shape, length, thickness and / or width may vary depending on the application and the decorative element to be inserted. The bottom element may also include an end portion 522. The end portion may include a hook-like element to retain the decorative element once it has been inserted into the clip-like assembly.

[0088] Figure 7A top element according to the invention is shown. In some embodiments, the top element 51 may have an arm 511 designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly, even when the bottom element is made of a rigid material such as polypropylene, which means that the shape, length, thickness and / or width may vary depending on the application and the decorative element to be inserted. The bottom element may also include an end portion 512. The end portion may include a hook-like element to retain the decorative element once it has been inserted into the clip-like assembly.

[0089] <Tongue-shaped element>

[0090] In some embodiments, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in order to guide so that the decorative element moves in the correct direction along the Y axis in this representation, at least one clip-like component comprises a tongue-like element 53 located between the top element and the bottom element. Therefore, the tongue-like element 53 has a shaped element 531 designed to guide the decorative element to be correctly inserted and retained between the top element and the bottom element.

[0091] The tongue element 53 may also include a stop 532 to prevent the decorative element from being pushed inwardly into the clip-like assembly.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the top element 51 has a length L51 measured along the Y axis, the bottom element 52 has a length L52 measured along the Y axis, and the tongue element 53 has a length L53 measured along the Y axis.

[0093] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the length L51 is between 8 mm and 12 mm ([8 mm ≤ L51 ≤ 12 mm]), preferably, the length L51 is between 9 mm and 11 mm ([9 mm ≤ L51≤ 11 mm]), and more preferably, the length L51 is about 9.5 mm (L51 = 9.5 mm).

[0094] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the length L52 is between 8 mm and 12 mm ([8 mm ≤ L52 ≤ 12 mm]), preferably, the length L52 is between 9 mm and 11 mm ([9 mm ≤ L52≤ 11 mm]), and more preferably, the length L52 is about 9.5 mm (L52 = 9.5 mm).

[0095] In some preferred embodiments, the length L51 and the length L52 of the top element are substantially the same (L51 = L52).

[0096] In some preferred embodiments, the length L53 of the tongue element 53 measured along the Y-axis is longer than the lengths L51 and L52.

[0097] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the length L53 is between 10 mm and 15 mm ([10 mm ≤ L53 ≤ 15 mm]), preferably, the length L53 is between 12 mm and 14 mm ([12 mm ≤ L53 ≤ 14 mm]), and more preferably, the length L53 is about 12.4 mm (L52 = 12.4 mm).

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, top element 51 has a width W51 measured along the X-axis, bottom element 52 has a width W52 measured along the X-axis, and tongue element 53 has a width W53 measured along the X-axis.

[0099] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the width W51 is between 12 mm and 18 mm ([12 mm ≤ W51 ≤ 18 mm]), preferably, the width W51 is between 14 mm and 17 mm ([14 mm ≤ W51 ≤ 17 mm]), and more preferably, the width W51 is about 15 mm (W51 = 15 mm).

[0100] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the width W52 is between 12 mm and 18 mm ([12 mm ≤ W52 ≤18 mm]), preferably, the width W52 is between 14 mm and 17 mm ([14 mm≤ W52 ≤17 mm]), and more preferably, the width W52 is about 15 mm (W52 = 15 mm).

[0101] In some preferred embodiments, the width W51 and the width W52 of the top element are substantially the same (W51 = W52).

[0102] In some preferred embodiments, the width W53 of the tongue element 53 measured along the X-axis is shorter than the widths W51 and W52.

[0103] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the width W53 is between 3 mm and 7 mm ([3 mm ≤ W53 ≤ 7 mm]), preferably, the width W53 is between 4 mm and 6 mm ([4 mm ≤ W53≤ 6 mm]), and more preferably, the width W53 is about 5 mm (W53 = 5 mm).

[0104] Figures 5 to 7 It is shown that the at least one clip-like component and the main part are formed as a single component. This means that the at least one clip-like component is part of the main part and the at least one clip-like element is produced during the injection of the main part and is produced together with the main part. Thus, the at least one clip-like element is made of the same component as the main part.

[0105] In such representation, the top element 51 is located alone on one side of the tongue-like element 53, such as the bottom element 52 on the other side, which means that no other element is designed to insert and hold the decorative element in front of the top element in the Z axis and in front of the bottom element in the Z axis. For a clip-like element, the insertion of the decorative element is done only by the top element and the bottom element.

[0106] In some preferred embodiments, the main part comprises at least two clip-like elements arranged to stabilize the decorative element to be inserted.

[0107] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application, in particular the length of the decorative element to be inserted measured along the X axis, the main part 4 may comprise as many clip-like elements 5 along the edge of the window unit to be hidden by the decorative element.

[0108] Preferably, in such an embodiment, the main portion 4 comprises an extension 41 between the two clip-like elements 5 to ensure mechanical strength at least at the portion to be masked by the decorative element.

[0109] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the decorative element to be inserted, the width W5 of the clip-like element 5 is at least the sum of the widths W51, W52 and W53, with at least a space between the top element, the tongue element and the bottom element. For widths W51 and W52 of about 15 mm, W53 of about 5 mm, the width W5 is about 40 mm.

[0110] In order to ensure independent flexibility of the top element and the bottom element, a space can be created between the top element and the bottom element. In some embodiments, the tongue element 53 is separated from the top element 51 by a space 54 along the edge of the main part, and the tongue element 53 is separated from the bottom element 52 by a space 55 along the edge of the main part 4. The space is created along the edge (which in this representation means along the X axis).

[0111] The space allows to create specific 3D shapes for the top element and the bottom element to ensure individual flexibility of the top element and the bottom element.

[0112] In this representation, the top element has a general S-shape in plane YZ, while the bottom element has a general C-shape in plane YZ, these shapes allowing a good balance between elasticity and rigidity of the clip-like element in order to efficiently fix the decorative strip by the rigid portion. The top element and the bottom element are elongated from the main portion, starting from a top portion of the main portion (that means the portion of the main portion having a higher value along the Y axis).

[0113] It should be understood that any other shape, starting portion, of the top element and / or the bottom element that allows for flexibility of the top and bottom portions may be used.

[0114] Figure 2 The decorative element shown in is about 600 mm. The main part may include five clip-like elements to ensure that the decorative element is correctly fixed once inserted. The distance between two clip-like elements may be about 118 mm.

[0115] The invention also relates to a method for producing a window unit according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises the step of injecting the main part and the at least one clip-like component onto the glazing panel in a single step.

[0116] Preferably, the injection step is preceded by a step of inserting the glazing panel into the mould.

[0117] The invention also relates to a mould for producing a window unit according to the first aspect. The mould is designed to receive at least a portion of a glazing unit, onto which the main part is to be inserted. It should be understood that only the portion of the glazing panel to be injected or the entire glazing panel can be inserted into the mould.

[0118] According to the invention, the mould comprises a cavity for producing the main part and at least one clip-like component by injection.

[0119] The mould comprises a top part and a bottom part. These parts can be closed, thereby creating a cavity. Once these parts are closed, the cavity is sealed. The mould comprises at least one injection nozzle for injecting the main part into the cavity.

[0120] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle glazing unit according to the second aspect of the invention, such as Figure 8 The method comprises the following steps:

[0121] Step A. Providing (801) a glazing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8

[0122] Step B. Providing (802) a decorative element, the decorative element including a lug designed to be clamped and retained in a clip-like assembly;

[0123] Step C. Assembling (803) the decorative element by clamping the lug between the top element and the bottom element of at least one clip-like element.

[0124] Step C of assembling the decorative element by clamping the lug between the top element and the bottom element of at least one clip-like element can be achieved by pushing the decorative element substantially along the Y axis. During the insertion of the lug into the clip-like element, since the top element and the bottom element are designed to be flexible in a direction (Z axis) substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis (Y axis) of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly, the top element is deformed along the Z axis, which means that the end portion 512 of the top element moves along +Z, and the bottom element is deformed along the Z axis, which means that the end portion 522 of the top element moves along -Z. The top element and the bottom element are designed to be flexible, which means that they are able to undergo geometric deformation under the penetration constraint of the lug of the decorative element and, once the constraint is released or the lug is correctly inserted, they can recover their original shape, allowing to keep the decorative element inserted into the window unit.

Claims

1. A window unit (1), comprising: - Glass panels (2), - a frame (3) having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides and gripping the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides or surrounding the glazing panel in the form of a ring; the frame comprising a main part (4) in the form of a hard component, The invention is characterized in that the main part of the frame comprises at least one clip-like component (5), the clip-like component comprising a top element (51) and a bottom element (52); the at least one clip-like component is designed to clamp and hold the lug of the decorative element between the top element and the bottom element, the top element is displaced from the bottom element along the edge, said at least one clip-like component and said main portion are formed as a single component, And the top element and the bottom element are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to a penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the at least one clip-like component.

2. The window unit according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one clip-like component comprises a tongue-like element (53) located between the top element and the bottom element.

3. The window unit of claim 2, wherein: The tongue-shaped element (53) is separated from the top element (51) by a space (54) along the edge of the main portion, and the tongue-shaped element (53) is separated from the bottom element (52) by a space (55) along the edge of the main portion (4).

4. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hard component is a polypropylene based material.

5. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The frame comprises a secondary part (7, 71, 72) in the form of a soft component, which is at least partially placed on the primary part.

6. The window unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer-based material.

7. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The main portion is in direct contact with the embedded glass panel.

8. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The embedded glass panel includes a glass panel.

9. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The glazed panel comprises a laminated glass panel.

10. A vehicle window unit (10), comprising: - a window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a decorative element (6) comprising a lug designed to be clamped and retained in a clip-like assembly, Characterized in that the lug (61) is inserted into the at least one clip-like component and is located between the top element and the bottom element.

11. A method for producing a window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The method comprises the step of injecting the main portion and the at least one clip-like component onto the glazing panel in a single step.

12. A method for assembling a vehicle glazing unit according to claim 10, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: Step A. providing (801) the embedded glass unit; Step B. Providing (802) the decorative element; Step C. Assembling (803) the decorative element by clamping the lug between the top element and the bottom element of the at least one clip-like element.

13. A mould for producing a window unit according to claims 1 to 9, said mould being designed to receive at least a portion of said glazing unit onto which said main part is to be inserted, characterised in that The mold comprises a cavity for producing the main part and the at least one clip-like component by injection.

14. A use for clamping a decorative element by means of at least one clip-like component, the at least one clip-like component being included in a main part of a frame, the frame having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of a glass panel on at least two peripheral sides and gripping the glass panel or surrounding the glass panel in the form of a ring on at least two peripheral sides; the frame comprising a main part (4) in the form of a hard component, the clip-like component comprising a top element (51) and a bottom element (52); the at least one clip-like component being designed to clamp and hold a lug of the decorative element between the top element and the bottom element, the top element being displaced from the bottom element along the edge, the at least one clip-like component and the main part being formed as a single component, and the top element and the bottom element being designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to a penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like component.

Images