Window unit, assembled window unit, mold and associated method and use

Abstract

A window unit includes: a mounting glass panel; a frame which has a frame contour and surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side, 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 portion of the frame comprises at least one clip-like assembly comprising a first member and a second member, the at least one clip-like assembly being designed to insert and retain the rigid projection of the trim element between the first member and the second member. The at least one clip-like assembly and the main portion are formed as a single component. The first member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to a penetration axis of the trim element to be inserted into the at least one clip-like assembly. The first member is oriented at an angle A1 relative to a penetration axis of a rigid lug to be inserted into the at least one clip-like assembly, the angle being between 20 DEG and 60 DEG.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window unit comprising: a glazing panel; 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 or surrounding the glazing panel in the form of a ring on at least two peripheral sides; the frame comprising a main part in the form of a hard component, in general and more particularly, the present invention relates to a reinforced window unit comprising a decorative element along a portion of the edge.

[0002] The present invention thus relates to various fields, wherein a window unit includes at least one clip-like component for inserting and retaining a decorative element along a portion of an edge. The window unit is designed to be mounted on a structure. The structure can be a stationary 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 can 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 securely fastened sufficiently to avoid the risk of accidental detachment. They must also be removable, for example during work or to replace a defective trim element, without having to replace the entire window / paint installed on the vehicle.

[0004] Various methods have been proposed for fastening these decorative elements, typically involving a connection between the seal and the trim. Typically, these fastenings are achieved using clip-type devices, making installation simple and quick. During these assembly operations, the decorative element, essentially consisting of a metal profile, is fastened to a component integrated into the seal itself. Positioning the individual components typically requires one or more manual operations, which is unsatisfactory from an economic perspective. To simplify these operations, solutions rely on fastening methods that involve clamping the profile forming the decorative element to corresponding elements integrated into the peripheral seal when it is formed on the window. In particular, Belgian patent application BE2013 / 0441 proposes a trim fastener comprising two distinct components: a first component, a base molded directly with the seal, and a second component, a clip designed to receive a lug of the decorative element. Simultaneously, the second component is assembled to the base by engaging the two components relative to each other in a movement opposite to the movement that separates them. This solution offers the advantage that the second component can be replaced if it becomes 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] To reduce this shrinkage, European Patent Application EP3461668 discloses a clip inserted into the glazing unit. This solution requires the assembly of separately manufactured parts (main part, clip, etc.). This solution also requires a large number of operations to manufacture the glazing and further complicates assembly with decorative elements.

[0007] Patent publication WO 2022029000 discloses a glazing unit including a clip for holding a decorative element. The clip comprises an elongated flexible portion and a rigid portion for retaining the decorative element. Each of the flexible and rigid portions is substantially parallel to and opposite to a clamping direction.

[0008] Because the rigid portion is arranged substantially parallel to and opposite to the clamping direction, this solution is difficult to assemble. Positioning of the decorative element requires extreme precision to avoid breakage and high stress on the flexible arm. High-precision bending of the decorative element is also required. Consequently, the operation is complicated by the high risk of breakage of the elongated flexible portion extending outside the assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, tool systems for producing such window units require high costs because of the undercuts at least below the rigid part.

[0010] Once installed (inserted), this solution makes it almost impossible to uninstall the decorative element.

[0011] The A-side of the decorative element presents a high risk of sink marks. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, in order to solve these problems, the present invention proposes an enhanced window unit.

[0013] In a first aspect, the present 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 in the form of a ring on at least one peripheral side, preferably on at least two peripheral sides, or surrounding the glazing panel. The frame comprises a main part in the form of a rigid component.

[0014] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is based on the fact that the main part of the frame comprises at least one clip-like assembly. This clip-like assembly comprises a first member and a second member. This at least one clip-like assembly is designed to insert and retain a rigid lug of a decorative element between the first and second members.

[0015] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that the at least one clip-like component and the main part are formed as a single component in order to at least reduce the manipulations.

[0016] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that the first member is 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 assembly.

[0017] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that the first member is oriented at an angle A1 relative to the penetration axis of the rigid lug to be inserted into the at least one clip-like component, which angle is between 20° and 60°, i.e. 20°≤A1≤60°, preferably, the angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e. 30≤A1≤55°, more preferably, the angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e. 30°≤A1≤45°, and even more preferably, the angle A1 is about 40°, so as to stably insert at least the rigid lug of the decorative element into the at least one clip-like element.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an assembled window unit comprising a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention. The assembled window unit further comprises a decorative element comprising at least one rigid lug designed to be inserted into and retained in a clip-like assembly.

[0019] The solution as defined in the second aspect of the invention is based on the fact that one of the at least one rigid lug is inserted into one of the at least one clip-like components.One of the at least one rigid lug is inserted between the first component and the second component.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling an assembled glazing unit according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Step A. providing a glazing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention; Step B. Providing a decorative element comprising at least one rigid lug designed to be inserted into and retained in a clip-like assembly; Step C. Assembling the decorative element by clamping one of the at least one rigid lugs into one of the at least one clip-shaped components, between the first component and the second component of the clip-shaped component corresponding to the at least one lug, preferably, assembling the decorative element by clamping each of the at least one rigid lugs corresponding to the clip-shaped component into the corresponding clip-shaped component of the at least one clip-shaped component, between the first component and the second component.

[0022] In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for disassembling a decorative element from an assembled window unit according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the step of spreading the first member to extract the lug of the decorative element by reducing the angle A1 .

[0023] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a mould for producing a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, 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 mould cavity for producing the main part and the at least one clip-like component by injection.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, the 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 having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of a glazed panel on at least one peripheral side; the frame comprising a main part (4) in the form of a rigid component; the at least one clip-like component being designed to insert and retain a rigid lug of the decorative element between a first component and a second component, the at least one clip-like component and the main part being formed as a single part, the first component being designed to be clamped to the first component when in contact with the first component. The first member is 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; the first member is oriented at an angle A1 relative to the penetration axis of the rigid lug to be inserted into the at least one clip-like component, which is between 20° and 60°, i.e. 20°≤A1≤60°, preferably, the angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e. 30°≤A1≤55°, more preferably, the angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e. 30°≤A1≤45°, and even more preferably, the angle A1 is approximately 40°.

[0025] Thus, by constituting its different aspects, the present invention makes it possible to solve the need for easy insertion and retention of decorative elements along a window unit, while allowing the replacement of such decorative elements by easy manipulation and easy replacement of already installed decorative elements.

[0026] The invention allows to obtain a strong and dimensionally stable window unit.

[0027] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims or described embodiments.

[0028] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 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 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 explained by way of example.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic 3D view of a portion of a window unit in a first embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 is with Figure 2 Schematic 3D view of a portion of an assembled window unit corresponding to the window unit.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic 3D view to scale ZA of a rigid lug according to the invention inserted into a corresponding clip-like component.

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly along plane AA'.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic 3D view of a portion of a window unit in a second embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is with Figure 6 Schematic 3D view of a portion of an assembled window unit corresponding to the window unit.

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic 3D view to scale ZB of a clip-like assembly according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic 3D view to scale ZB of a rigid lug according to the invention inserted into a corresponding clip-like component.

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 9Schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly along plane BB'.

[0040] Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12 is a schematic view of the sub-steps of step C according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In this document, various modifications, equivalents, and / or replacements are directed to specific embodiments and include corresponding embodiments. In all figures, 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.

[0043] As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as "inside," "outside," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," etc., relate to the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood that the present invention may assume various alternative orientations, and therefore, these terms are not to be considered limiting. Further, all numbers used in the specification and claims expressing dimensions, physical properties, processing parameters, amounts of ingredients, reaction conditions, etc., are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "approximately." Therefore, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values ​​recited in the following specification and claims are approximate values ​​that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise indicated, the expression "substantially" means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0044] 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) a minimum value of 1 and a 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.

[0045] 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 that noun, unless otherwise stated. In this document, "configured to" may be used interchangeably with the following words in hardware and software, as the case may be, for example, "suitable for", "capable of", "changed to", "made to", "able to" or "designed to". In any case, the expression "the device is configured to do..." may mean "the device can do..." together with another device or component.

[0046] 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 an order in time, space, ranking or any other manner. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable where appropriate, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in an order other than the order described or illustrated herein. When describing a component (e.g., a first component) as "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component can be directly connected to the other component, or can be connected to the other component through other components (e.g., a third component).

[0047] The object of the present invention is to alleviate the above-mentioned problems.

[0048] According to the 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 . <Inlaid glass panel>

[0049] In one embodiment, the glazed panel may include at least one glass sheet.

[0050] In other embodiments, the glazing panels may include laminated glass panels to reduce induced deformation in the glazing panels. Laminated glass panels include glass sheets held together by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets. The interlayers employed are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with adjustable hardness. These interlayers keep the glass sheets bonded together even when broken, preventing the glass from shattering into a large number of sharp fragments.

[0051] 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 polycarbonate, known in particular for automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered limiting.

[0052] The glass sheets can be individually clear glass or colored glass, the colored glass being colored using a specific glass composition or by applying, for example, a decorative coating, paint, or plastic layer. By using known cutting methods, the glass sheets can have any shape suitable for the opening in plan view, such as a rectangular shape. For example, methods for cutting the glass sheets can be used, in which a laser is irradiated onto the surface of the multi-layer glazing to cut the glass sheets, or in which a cutting wheel is used for mechanical cutting.

[0053] 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 for the glass sheet, the float process is preferably used from the viewpoints of productivity and cost.

[0054] In the case of laminated glass panels, it can be advantageous to use glass sheets of varying thicknesses to reduce weight and reduce noise. Due to the induced deformation in the laminated glass panels, 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.

[0055] 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. Depending on the application, the shape is not limited to a triangle and may be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, hexagonal, etc.

[0056] The glazing panels can be flat or curved to match the vehicle's design. They can be processed, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet safety and security standards. Heatable systems (e.g., coatings or wire networks) can be applied to the glazing panels to add defrosting and / or defogging functions, for example. <frame>

[0057] According to the invention, the frame 3 has a frame profile and surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side.

[0058] In some embodiments, the frame may grip the glazing panel or surround the glazing panel in the form of a ring on at least two peripheral sides.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the frame comprises a main portion 4 in the form of a hard component. It will be understood that a hard component is a dimensionally stable component having a Young's modulus higher than 1000 MPa, preferably a hard component is a dimensionally stable component having a Young's modulus higher than 1500 MPa. <Main section>

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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), that is, polypropylene reinforced with 30% glass fiber (PP30GF), whose Young's modulus is higher than 1500 MPa, about 1680 MPa.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the main part is in direct contact with the embedded glass panel, which means that the main part is directly injected into 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 partially provided with an adhesive or primer material to ensure tightness and / or promote the encapsulation of the main part on the embedded glass panel.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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. <Secondary part>

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame may comprise a secondary part 7 in the form of a soft component at least partially placed 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, ...

[0066] The secondary portion can be injected in a step completed after the primary portion is injected, at least partially over the primary portion. Preferably, the secondary portion is a single part. In some embodiments, the secondary portion can partially contact the glazing panel to ensure the aesthetics and sealing of the window unit.

[0067] 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 constraint release means.

[0068] The soft component has a natural chemical cohesive bond with the hard component.

[0069] The soft component has a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa. The soft material having a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0070] The soft component is used to give the frame its final surface appearance and also serves to assemble the window unit to the vehicle body. The material's softness effectively creates an interference fit between the vehicle body and the window unit through the use of a soft lip. The soft component is sometimes also used to ensure a seal between the vehicle body and the encapsulated window unit.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based material.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, a 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 bond with hard materials. Thus, good adhesion between the frame profile and the main part can be achieved without using a primer between the two parts.

[0073] Figure 2 and Figure 7 There is shown a portion of an assembled window unit 10 to be mounted on the body of a vehicle, such as a car. The assembled window unit 10 comprises a window unit as described above. <Decorative elements>

[0074] The assembled window unit further comprises a decorative element 6 .

[0075] 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.

[0076] The decorative element is generally an elongated element, substantially parallel to the edge of the glazing unit, having an outer surface 65 that is finished.

[0077] The decorative element may be flat or curved.The decorative element may have any shape so as to mask portions of the window unit that should not be visible once mounted on the structure.

[0078] The decorative element may be made of a plastic-based material or of a metal, such as aluminum.

[0079] 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.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 10As shown, on the inner face 66 of the turning seal, the trim element comprises a rigid lug 61. The trim element may comprise extensions 62, 63 which allow good positioning of the trim element between the body and the window unit and / or allow reinforcement of the trim element.

[0081] According to the invention, a rigid lug means that the lug is not flexible and cannot be inserted into the first component and the second component.

[0082] According to the present invention, the rigid lug may have any shape that can be inserted into and retained in a clip-like assembly.

[0083] Returning to the present invention, some embodiments of the present invention are shown Figures 2 to 5 , the main part of the frame includes at least one clip-like component 5a.

[0084] Figure 2 An embodiment is shown in which the main portion comprises four clip-like components 5a in the portion shown. It will be appreciated that the number of clip-like components may vary from one to the desired number of clip-like components, depending on the length and the specific application. <Clip-shaped component>

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the main portion 4 of the frame 3 comprises at least one clip-like component 5 .

[0086] In some preferred embodiments, the main part comprises at least two clip-like elements, which are arranged to stabilize the decorative element to be inserted.

[0087] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application, in particular the length of the decorative element to be inserted measured along the glazing panel, the main part 4 may comprise as many clip-like elements 5a, 5b along the edge of the window unit to be hidden by the decorative element.

[0088] According to the invention, the at least one clip-like component 5a 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.

[0089] The clip-like assembly comprises a first member 51 and a second member 52 . The at least one clip-like assembly is designed to insert and retain the rigid lug 61 of the decorative element 6 between the first member 51 and the second member 52 .

[0090] It will be appreciated that the first and second members are aligned for insertion into the rigid lugs.

[0091] It will be understood that the clamping or insertion of the decorative element is performed by the first member 51 and the second member 52 , without requiring another element designed to clamp in order to insert the decorative element into the clip-like element and to retain it therein. <First Component>

[0092] The first member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly. This means that the first member is designed not to break during insertion or extraction, and the flexibility of the first member must allow bending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Y axis during insertion into the head 611.

[0093] The term "flexible" means that the member has a spring constant, defined as the square of the average length of the arms divided by the average thickness of the member, higher than 30 mm to allow at least the head 611 to pass through the other side of the first member.

[0094] 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).

[0095] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first component 51 designed to be flexible and a second component 52 designed to be rigid are shown.

[0096] The term "rigid" means that a member / element cannot move and is dimensionally stable.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first member 51 can have an arm 511 that is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the rigid lug 61 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 can vary depending on the application and the decorative element to be inserted. The first member can also include an end portion 513. The end portion can include a hook-like element to hold the decorative element after the decorative element is inserted into the clip-like assembly. The end portion is designed to combine with the end portion 611 of the rigid lug to hold the rigid lug between the first member and the second member. The end portion 611 can include a hook-like element to hold the rigid lug after the decorative element is inserted into the clip-like assembly, and the end portion 513 can be, for example, a flat surface or a barb.

[0098] Preferably, if Figure 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the clip-like assembly includes openings 55 around the first and second members to facilitate installation and / or removal of the decorative element. The openings allow for specific 3D shapes to be created for the first and second members to ensure individual flexibility of the top and bottom elements.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the opening may have a Figure 8 and Figure 9 The general rectangular shape shown has a length L55, where 10mm≤L55≤15mm, and a width W55, where 12mm≤W55≤24mm.

[0100] In some preferred embodiments, L55 is about 12.5 mm.

[0101] In some preferred embodiments, W55 is about 18 mm.

[0102] In some embodiments, the distance D15 between the boundary of the opening and the arm is between 4 mm and 8 mm, ie, 4 mm≤D15≤8 mm.

[0103] In some preferred embodiments, D15 is about 6 mm.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first member can have an arm 511 that is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the rigid lug 61 of the decorative element to be inserted into the clip-like assembly, even when the first member is made of a rigid material (such as polypropylene), which means that the shape, length, thickness and / or width can vary depending on the application and the decorative element to be inserted.

[0105] According to the present invention, Figure 5 As shown, the first member 51 and at least the arm 511 are oriented at an angle A1 relative to the penetration axis (90) of the rigid lug to be inserted into at least one clip-like assembly, which angle is between 20° and 60°, that is, 20°≤A1≤60°. Preferably, the angle A1 is greater than or equal to 30° and the angle A1 is less than or equal to 45°.

[0106] The angle A1 is measured in the plane YZ between the penetration axis 90 and the axis 91 of the arm 511 of the first member.

[0107] In some embodiments, angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, ie, 30°≤A1≤55°, more preferably angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, ie, 30°≤A1≤45°, and even more preferably angle A1 is about 40°.

[0108] This angle A1 allows guiding the rigid lug during penetration without requiring high-precision tools, while it allows reducing the flexibility required of at least the arm 511 and ensuring the mechanical anchoring of the end portion 611 of the rigid lug on the end portion 513 of the first member. The arm is oriented in the same direction as the penetration direction of the rigid lug.

[0109] The first member may include a region 519 having a reduced thickness T519 across its width between the arm 511 and the base 512, such as Figure 4 shown to facilitate the insertion of the rigid lugs by increasing the flexibility of the arms without changing the stiffness of the material used.

[0110] It will be appreciated that the flexibility of the arm (and therefore of the first member) is elastic, meaning that if no force is applied, the position and angle A1 return to their rest position. The arm then moves during insertion of the rigid lug by increasing the angle A1 and then returns to near its rest position after insertion, blocking the rigid lug between the first and second members.

[0111] In some embodiments, as Figures 6 to 10 As illustrated, the second member may be similar to the first member, which means that the second member may be 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 assembly.

[0112] Figure 8 Some embodiments are shown in which the first member 51 and the second member 54 are designed to be flexible.

[0113] In such an embodiment, since the first member 51, preferably the second member 54, and in particular the arms of the second member, are oriented at an angle A2 of between 20° and 60°, i.e. 20°≤A1≤60°, relative to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the at least one clip-like assembly, preferably the angle A2 is between 30° and 55°, more preferably the angle A2 is between 30° and 45°, i.e. 30°≤A1≤45°, and even more preferably the angle A2 is about 40°, the deformation during assembly is thus distributed between the two flexible arms and then between the first and second members, while guiding the insertion of the rigid lug.

[0114] In some preferred embodiments, angle A2 is substantially equal to angle A1 , in order to facilitate the insertion of the rigid lug.The decorative element can then be partially removed from the final position.

[0115] In some preferred embodiments, Figure 8 and Figure 9As illustrated, the first member 51 and / or the second member 52 may have a general tongue shape with a length L5, where 5.0 mm ≤ L5 ≤ 10.0 mm, a width W5, where 4.0 mm ≤ L5 ≤ 8.0 mm, and a thickness T5, where 1.2 mm ≤ T5 ≤ 2.0 mm.

[0116] In some preferred embodiments, L5 is about 7.5 mm.

[0117] In some preferred embodiments, W5 is about 6.0 mm.

[0118] In some preferred embodiments, T5 is about 1.5 mm.

[0119] In some preferred embodiments, the distance T519 between the end of the first member and the second member is between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm, i.e., 1.0 mm ≤ T5 ≤ 1.5 mm, and more preferably, the distance T519 between the end of the first member and the second member is about 1.0 mm.

[0120] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As illustrated, the rigid lug may have an end element 611 shaped to be blocked by each of the first and second members.

[0121] The rigid lugs may have any shape, in particular a shape that increases their rigidity, e.g. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the rigid lug is in the form of a general bridge having two legs, wherein the elongated portion terminates in an end portion.

[0122] To avoid sink marks, Figure 10 As shown, according to some preferred embodiments, the legs of the decorative element can be attached or produced on the inner face 66 of the decorative element. In such embodiments, the thickness t61 of the legs is preferably less than or equal to one third of the thickness T6 measured between the outer surface 65 and the inner face 66 of the decorative element, i.e., t61 ≤ 1 / 3*T6.

[0123] In some embodiments, T6 is between 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm, ie, 2.5 mm≤T6≤4.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, T6 is approximately 3.0 mm, and t61 is a maximum of 1.0 mm.

[0124] To avoid sink marks, Figure 12 As shown, according to some other preferred embodiments, the legs of the decorative element can also be attached or produced at the outer portion 671 of the inner face 66 , close to the stop element 62 .

[0125] In some embodiments, each of the first and second members includes a base and an arm. Each of the first and second members may include a thickness 519, 539 that decreases in width between the arm 511, 531 and the base 512, 532, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 shown to facilitate the insertion of the rigid lugs by increasing the flexibility of the arms without changing the stiffness of the material used.

[0126] As shown, 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 molding of the main part and is produced together with the main part. Therefore, the at least one clip-like element is made of the same component as the main part.

[0127] In this representation, the top element 51 is located solely on one side of the tongue-like element 53, and the bottom element 52 is located on the other side, meaning that no other element is designed to insert and retain 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 accomplished solely by the top and bottom elements.

[0128] The rigid lugs 61 are inserted into at least one clip-like component for insertion and retention on the window unit.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Preferably, the injection step is preceded by a step of inserting the glazing panel into the mould.

[0131] The present invention also relates to a mold for producing a window unit according to the first aspect. The mold is designed to receive at least a portion of a glazing unit, onto which the main part is to be inserted. It will be understood that only the portion of the glazing panel to be injected, or the entire glazing panel, can be inserted into the mold.

[0132] According to the invention, the mould comprises a mould cavity for producing the main part and at least one clip-like component in a single step by injection.

[0133] The mold comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. These portions can be closed to create a mold cavity. Once the portions are closed, the mold cavity is sealed. The mold comprises at least one injection nozzle for injecting the main part into the mold cavity.

[0134] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle glazing unit according to the second aspect of the invention, such as Figure 11The method comprises the following steps: Step A. Providing (81) a window unit according to the first aspect of the present invention; Step B. Providing (82) a decorative element comprising a rigid lug designed to be inserted into and retained in a clip-like assembly; Step C. Assembling (83) the decorative element by clamping one of the at least one rigid lugs into one of the at least one clip-shaped components, between the first component and the second component of the clip-shaped component corresponding to the at least one lug, preferably, assembling the decorative element by clamping each of the at least one rigid lug corresponding to the clip-shaped element into the corresponding clip-shaped component of the at least one clip-shaped component, between the first component and the second component.

[0135] In the embodiment with a single rigid lug, step C corresponds to assembling the decorative element by clamping the lug between the top and bottom elements of at least one clip-like element.

[0136] like Figure 12 As shown, step C may include several sub-steps 831 , 832 , 833 , 834 .

[0137] Sub-step 831 involves presenting a decorative element having at least one rigid lug in front of the corresponding at least one clip-like component. Due to the design of the first and second components, it is not necessary to position the rigid lug in a strictly perfect position. After the decorative element has been presented, it is inserted between the first and second components, specifically between the arms of the first component 51 and the second component 54, into the recess 56 created between these arms.

[0138] Sub-step 832 is the sub-step of continuing the insertion while self-centering the rigid lug 102 by sliding on one of the arms to be perfectly centered.

[0139] Sub-step 833 is a sub-step for continuing insertion. Pressing the end of the rigid lug opens the arms by temporarily reducing angles A1 and A2, meaning the ends of the arms move away from the rigid lugs in directions 103 and 104 substantially perpendicular to insertion direction 101. Angle A1 transitions from a rest position, where angle A1 = A1r, to a temporary insertion position, where angle A1 = A1i, where A1r > A1i. The same applies to angle A2.

[0140] Sub-step 834 is a sub-step of blocking the decorative element to form the assembled window unit. The end portion of the rigid lug passes the end portion of the arm, and then due to the elastic flexibility of the arms of the first and second components, the arm tries to return to its rest position, which means that the angle A1 changes from the temporary insertion position of angle A1=A1i (where A1r>A1i) to the substantially rest position of angle A1=A1r. In such an embodiment, the behavior of angle A2 is similar to that of angle A1. Returning to a position close to the rest position makes it possible to block the rigid lug of the decorative element between the corresponding clip-like elements, in particular between the first component and the second component.

[0141] like Figure 12 As shown, the window unit can be assembled to a vehicle having a body 9 before the decorative element is assembled to the window unit.

[0142] The present invention also provides a method for Figure 11 and Figure 12 A method for removing a decorative element from an assembled window unit is presented. The method includes the steps of expanding a first member to remove the decorative element's lug by increasing angle A1 to allow the blocked portion of the rigid lug to exit the clip-like element. The arm is accessible from the rear side of the assembled window unit. By changing angle A1 from A1r to substantially A1i, the arm can be opened by rotating a screwdriver or another clamp.

[0143] This allows replacing only the decorative element when necessary, rather than the entire assembled window unit, saving money and materials.

[0144] In practice, the present invention solves the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular by allowing easy assembly, reducing tool costs, making it possible to easily replace decorative elements without replacing the entire assembled window unit, reducing the risk of breakage of components of the clip-like elements, preventing sink marks at the sides, allowing a less precise assembly and therefore reducing costs, and at the same time allowing good insertion position accuracy.

[0145] Furthermore, the invention can be implemented for every fixing method to save additional parts (screws, adhesive tapes, clips, etc.).

Claims

1. A window unit (1), comprising: - embedded glass panels (2), a frame (3) having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side, preferably on at least two peripheral sides; the frame comprises a main part (4) in the form of a hard component, Characterized in that the main part of the frame comprises at least one clip-like assembly (5a, 5b) comprising a first member (51) and a second member (52, 54), the at least one clip-like assembly being designed to insert and retain a rigid lug (61) of a decorative element between the first and second members, said at least one clip-like component and said main portion being formed as a single component, said first member being designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into said at least one clip-like assembly, The first member is oriented at an angle A1 relative to the penetration axis (90) of the rigid lug to be inserted into the at least one clip-like component, said angle being between 20° and 60°, i.e. 20°≤A1≤60°, preferably, said angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e. 30≤A1≤55°, more preferably, said angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e. 30°≤A1≤45°, and even more preferably, said angle A1 is about 40°, And wherein, the second member is oriented at an angle A2 relative to the penetration axis of the decorative element to be inserted into the at least one clip-like component, the angle being between 20° and 60°, i.e. 20°≤A2≤60°, preferably, the angle A2 is between 30° and 55°, more preferably, the angle A2 is between 30° and 45°, i.e. 30°≤A2≤45°, and even more preferably, the angle A2 is about 40°.

2. The window unit according to claim 1, wherein The second member is 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.

3. A window unit according to any one of the preceding claims, the rigid component being a polypropylene based material, preferably a polypropylene based material filled with glass fibres.

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

5. The window unit of claim 3, wherein: The soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer-based material.

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

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

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

9. An assembled window unit (10) comprising: - a window unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, a decorative element (6) comprising at least one rigid lug designed to be inserted into and retained in a clip-like assembly, Characterized in that one of the at least one rigid lug is inserted into one of the at least one clip-like components and is located between the first member and the second member.

10. A method for producing a window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 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.

11. A method for assembling an assembled window unit according to claim 10, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: Step A. Providing (81) a window unit produced by the method of claim 11; Step B. providing (82) the decorative element; Step C. Assembling (83) the decorative element by clamping one of the at least one rigid lugs into one of the at least one clip-shaped components, between the first component and the second component of the clip-shaped component corresponding to the at least one lug, preferably, assembling the decorative element by clamping each of the at least one rigid lug corresponding to the clip-shaped component into the corresponding clip-shaped component of the at least one clip-shaped component, between the first component and the second component.

12. A method for disassembling a decorative element from an assembled window unit according to claim 9, wherein: The method comprises a step of spreading the first member to extract the lug of the decorative element by reducing the angle A1 .

13. A mould for producing a window unit according to claims 1 to 8, said mould being designed to receive at least a portion of a glazed unit onto which said main part is to be inserted, characterised in that The mold comprises a mold cavity for producing the main part and the at least one clip-like component by injection.

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