Glass assembly, window assembly, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a glass assembly, a window assembly and a vehicle. The glass assembly comprises a glass body and a first fixing assembly fixed to an outer surface of the glass body and adapted to be detachably connected with a second fixing assembly fixed to a functional component of a lighting module. The glass assembly of the present disclosure can optimize the assembly space of the lighting module with a smaller size, and allows the pre-positioning and pre-assembly of the first fixing assembly on the glass body, thereby helping to simplify the assembly process of the lighting module, ensuring the stability and reliability of the fixation while reducing the assembly complexity, and avoiding the risk of damage to the fragile functional component of the lighting module during the assembly process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of glass technology, and more particularly to a glass assembly, a window assembly using the glass assembly, and a vehicle using the glass assembly or window assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the increasing demand for functional products from consumers, illuminated glass with lighting effects has received widespread attention from vehicle manufacturers and is favored by consumers. Typically, illuminated glass with lighting effects uses patterned areas created on or within the surface of the glass panel. By scattering or diffusing light from light sources positioned at the edges or surface of the glass panel, or light sources integrated into the glass panel, the incident light is transmitted through these patterned areas, thus achieving different lighting effects.

[0003] In most applications of lighting glass, sufficient installation space is required for the lighting modules (such as light sources and light guides) mounted on it. When lighting glass is used in vehicle windows, the limited installation space within the vehicle body structure makes it difficult to assemble and secure the large mounting structures used for the lighting modules. Even though using adhesives to attach the lighting modules to the glass surface may reduce the size of the mounting structures used to secure the lighting modules, this method is complex and carries the risk of damaging the fragile functional components of the lighting modules. Furthermore, to achieve the desired lighting effect, optical adhesives require high optical performance, and their bonding and curing processes are complex and time-consuming, increasing installation costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and to propose an improved structural design for fixing the lighting module to the glass body of the glass assembly in a cost-effective and reliable manner, and is particularly suitable for applications with tight installation space, such as vehicle windows.

[0005] Therefore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a glass assembly is provided, the glass assembly comprising: a glass body; and a first fixing component, the first fixing component being fixed to the outer surface of the glass body and adapted to be detachably connected to a second fixing component fixed to a functional component of a lighting module.

[0006] Based on the above technical concept, the embodiments of this disclosure may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some alternative forms, the first fixing component includes a first mounting bracket bonded to the surface of the glass body, or the first mounting bracket is fixed to a first fixing block bonded to the surface of the glass body.

[0008] In some alternative forms, the glass assembly further includes an illumination module and a second fixing component fixed to a functional part of the illumination module.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the glass assembly includes a plurality of first fixing components and an illumination module, a plurality of second fixing components being fixed to functional components of the illumination module and the plurality of first fixing components being detachably connected to the plurality of second fixing components respectively.

[0010] In some alternative forms, the first fixing component is detachably connected to the second fixing component, and the overall thickness of the first fixing component and the second fixing component is less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0011] In some alternative forms, the second fixing component includes a second fixing block fixed to the functional component of the lighting module, the second fixing block being detachably connected to the first mounting bracket.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the first mounting bracket is configured to include a threaded hole with threads or a snap-fit ​​hole with a snap fastener, and the second fixing block is configured to include a through hole adapted to pass through a threaded fastener or a snap hook adapted to the snap fastener.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the functional components of the lighting module are arranged on the outer surface of the glass body and in direct contact with the outer surface of the glass body.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the outer surface of the glass body is marked to pre-identify the position of the first fixing component.

[0015] In some alternative configurations, the thickness of the first fixing component is less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0016] In some alternative configurations, the thickness of the first fixing component is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0017] In some alternative forms, the glass assembly includes a first glass body and a second glass body attached to each other, with the first fixing component disposed on the outer surface of the first glass body away from the second glass body, or disposed on the outer surface of the second glass body away from the first glass body.

[0018] In some alternative forms, the first glass body and the second glass body are the same size.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a window assembly is provided, the window assembly including the glass components described above, wherein the window assembly includes a door, window, curtain wall, vehicle window glass, aircraft glass, or ship glass.

[0020] In some alternative forms, the window is generally referred to as a vehicle window, including a windshield, a rear windshield, a sunroof, a door window, or a corner window.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a means of transportation is provided, the means of transportation including the glass assembly described above, or the window assembly described above, optionally, the means of transportation including a vehicle.

[0022] The disclosed glass assembly provides detachable fastening components for both the glass body and the lighting module. This optimizes the assembly space of the lighting module with a smaller size and allows for pre-positioning and pre-assembly of the first fastening component on the glass body. This simplifies the assembly process of the lighting module, ensuring stability and reliability while reducing assembly complexity and avoiding the risk of damage to fragile functional components of the lighting module during assembly. Furthermore, the fastening components, which are separately fixed to the glass body and the lighting module, are easy to implement, require no special processes or optically clear adhesive (OCA), and are cost-effective. This provides greater feasibility for product structural and functional design, and allows for application to various glass assemblies to enhance their functionality and compatibility with surrounding components. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood through the following detailed description of alternative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a glass assembly or window assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a first fixing component and a second fixing component that are detachably connected by a threaded fastening method.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a glass assembly or window assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a first fixing component and a second fixing component that are detachably connected by a clip.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a glass assembly or window assembly, showing markings on the surface of the glass. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0028] In this document, the expressions “including” or similar expressions such as “having” are open-ended and do not exclude additional unlisted components or functions.

[0029] In this document, the terms “first”, “second”, etc., are not used to specify the order of events or the number of components, unless otherwise stated.

[0030] In this article, "multiple" and "multi-layered" mean two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly specified, terms such as "connection" and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this article, the "surface" of a glass body refers to the surface with the largest surface area among all the faces of the glass body, and the "edge" refers to the surface of the glass body defined by its thickness. The "section" of a glass body is a section taken along the thickness direction of the glass body, and the "direction of the section" is the direction perpendicular to the surface of the glass body or the normal direction of the surface of the glass body.

[0033] In the following description, the glass assembly is used in the context of automotive windows; however, it is not excluded that the glass assembly can be used in architectural fields such as doors, windows, and curtain walls, as well as in other transportation environments such as aircraft or ship windows. It should be understood that the automotive windows according to embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, windshields, rear windshields, sunroofs, door windows, or corner windows, and can provide different lighting effects based on different needs.

[0034] It has been recognized that when illuminated glass with lighting effects is used in automotive windows, especially door windows, there is a problem of limited installation space preventing the assembly and fixation of large-sized fixing structures for the lighting modules. Furthermore, methods of directly bonding the lighting modules with adhesives are generally complex and carry the risk of damage to fragile electrical components (functional parts) of the lighting module during assembly. Additionally, if optical adhesive is used to fix the lighting module to achieve the desired lighting effect, the optical properties of the adhesive must be considered, and the bonding and curing processes are complex, time-consuming, and costly. Therefore, existing fixing structures or methods for lighting modules suitable for illuminated glass are not satisfactory to manufacturers. According to the concept of this disclosure, the fixing structure of the lighting module is optimized to reduce its size and simplify the fixing method, enabling glass assemblies with lighting modules to be used in various applications where assembly space is required.

[0035] Therefore, this disclosure provides a glass assembly. For example... Figure 1 In one embodiment, the glass assembly includes a glass body 100 and a first fixing component 200. When the glass assembly includes an illumination module, the illumination module includes a functional component 400, i.e., a component capable of achieving an illumination effect, such as, but not limited to, a light source, a light guide, etc. It should be understood that, depending on the application, the glass assembly of this disclosure covers single-layer glass bodies and laminated glass with multiple glass bodies. The illustration only uses a single-layer glass body 100 as an example, and the first fixing component 200 is fixed to the surface of the glass body 100. When the glass assembly is laminated glass, for example, when the glass assembly includes a first glass body and a second glass body attached to each other, the first fixing component is arranged, specifically, fixed to the outer surface of the first glass body away from the second glass body, or arranged, specifically, fixed to the outer surface of the second glass body away from the first glass body. It should be understood that when the glass body is a coated glass body with an additional coating, the first fixing component is fixed to the outer surface of the coated glass body. According to this disclosure, the first fixing component 200 is adapted to be detachably connected to a second fixing component 300 fixed to the functional component 400 of the illumination module.

[0036] In this manner, the first fixing component in the glass assembly of this disclosure allows for pre-positioning or pre-assembly of the lighting module for mounting and fixing on the glass assembly. When it is necessary to mount and fix the lighting module, the second fixing component can be connected to the first fixing component, thereby providing assembly flexibility and reducing the assembly complexity of mounting the lighting module onto the glass body and the risk of damaging fragile electrical components during assembly. Furthermore, for laminated glass, the design of this disclosure facilitates setting the dimensions of the first and second glass bodies to be consistent, thereby optimizing the design flexibility and adaptability of laminated glass.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first fixing component 200 may include a first mounting bracket 210, which is bonded to the surface of the glass body 100. The second fixing component 300 includes a second fixing block 310 fixed to the functional component 400 of the lighting module, and the second fixing block 310 is detachably connected to the first mounting bracket 210. Since the first mounting bracket 210 does not directly contact the functional component 400, there is no need to worry about adverse optical performance effects on the lighting effect required by the functional component 400. Therefore, the adhesive used to bond the first mounting bracket 210 to the surface of the glass body can be a conventional adhesive or an optical adhesive with low optical performance requirements. The bonding process is simple, easy to implement, does not damage the glass body, and is cost-effective.

[0038] Advantageously, the first mounting bracket 210 can be fixed to the first fixing block 220. As shown in the figure, the first fixing block 220 is fixed to the first mounting bracket 210 on the surface of the glass body 100 and bonded to the surface of the glass body 100, thereby fixing the first mounting bracket 210 to the surface of the glass body 100. In this case, there is no adhesive between the first mounting bracket 210 and the surface of the glass body 100, and the first fixing block 220 is only used to fix the first mounting bracket 210. The thickness of the first fixing block 220 can also be set to be relatively small. Depending on different needs, the first fixing assembly can be constructed to include only the first mounting bracket, or to include both the first mounting bracket and the first fixing block, providing greater assembly flexibility. The fixing of the first mounting bracket and the first fixing block can be carried out in any suitable manner, such as by injection molding or fixed connection to form an integral part, without limitation.

[0039] The second fixing block 310 can be integrally formed with the functional component 400, for example, through injection molding or other suitable fixing connection methods, and this is not limited thereto. The second fixing block 310 is detachably connected to the first mounting bracket 210 to facilitate the replacement and maintenance of the second fixing block 310 and the functional component 400 (or lighting module), and the functional component 400 can be arranged on the surface of the glass body 100 to achieve different lighting effects depending on different needs, and directly contact the surface of the glass body 100. Here, "direct contact" means that there are no additional parts between the surface of the functional component that performs the lighting function (e.g., the light-emitting surface of the light source or light guide) and the outer surface of the glass body, and light can directly enter the glass body. Compared with the existing method of bonding the functional component to the glass body with optical adhesive, the method of direct contact between the functional component and the glass body does not need to consider the influence of optical adhesive on optical performance, which makes it easier to flexibly achieve the required lighting effect and is less costly.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the second fixing block 310 can be detachably connected to the first mounting bracket 210 by means of threaded fastening. Specifically, the first mounting bracket 210 can be configured to include a threaded hole 211, and correspondingly, the second fixing block 310 can be configured to include a through hole 311 suitable for threaded fasteners to pass through, such as the threaded screw 320 shown in the figure. Thus, by passing the screw 320 through the through hole 311 of the second fixing block 310 and threading it into the threaded hole 211 of the first mounting bracket 210, the functional component 400 (or lighting module) fixed to the second fixing block 310 can be fixed to the first mounting bracket 210 fixed to the surface of the glass body 100, thereby realizing the assembly and fixation of the lighting module on the glass body.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second fixing block 310 can also be detachably connected to the first mounting bracket 210 by means of a clip. For example... Figure 2In another embodiment shown, the first mounting bracket 210 may be configured to include a snap-fit ​​hole 231 with a snap fastener 232, and correspondingly, the second fixing block 310 may be configured to include a hook adapted to the snap fastener 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the second fixing block 310 may, for example, have a snap-fit ​​block 330 extending toward the first mounting bracket 210, and the snap-fit ​​block 330 is provided with a hook 331 adapted to the snap fastener 232. It should be understood that the snap-fit ​​block 330 shown is only an example, and other structural designs with hooks 331 are feasible and are not limited here. Thus, by inserting the hook 331 into the snap-fit ​​hole 231 and engaging with the snap fastener 232 to secure it in the snap-fit ​​hole 231 of the first mounting bracket 210, the functional component 400 (or lighting module) fixed to the second fixing block 310 can be fixed to the first mounting bracket 210 fixed to the surface of the glass body 100, thereby achieving the assembly and fixation of the lighting module on the glass body.

[0042] Regardless of the construction and fixing method employed, in the glass assembly of this disclosure, the thickness of the first fixing component is advantageously set to be less than or equal to 8 mm, and more advantageously, greater than or equal to 5 mm. Once the first and second fixing components are connected and fixed to each other, the overall thickness of the first and second fixing components can advantageously be less than or equal to 10 mm, and generally does not exceed the thickness of the lighting module. This smaller fixing structure ensures that the overall thickness of the glass assembly does not increase significantly, thus providing greater versatility.

[0043] It should be understood that the lighting modules disclosed herein are various suitable modules applicable to lighting glass capable of realizing lighting functions, including but not limited to lighting modules that utilize a light source to provide incident light, and self-emissive lighting modules. Furthermore, although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a single lighting module, but two or more lighting modules, such as three or four, arranged staggered along the surface of the glass, are all feasible, thus enabling the fulfillment of various lighting effects based on different needs. For example, when the glass assembly includes a single lighting module, such as a light strip, it can correspondingly include multiple first fixing components fixed to the outer surface of the glass, and multiple second fixing components fixed to the functional components of the single lighting module. The assembly and fixing of the single lighting module can be achieved through the connection and fixation of the multiple first fixing components and the corresponding multiple second fixing components. The assembly process is simple and avoids the risk of damage to the fragile functional components of the lighting module. When the glass assembly includes multiple lighting modules, first fixing components and second fixing components can be correspondingly provided for each lighting module, thereby achieving the assembly and fixing of multiple lighting modules through the multiple first fixing components and the corresponding multiple second fixing components.

[0044] In some embodiments, when the glass assembly includes multiple fixing structures (multiple first fixing components and multiple second fixing components), it is advantageous, such as Figure 3 As shown, the surface of the glass body 100 may be provided with multiple marks. Three marks M are exemplarily shown in the figure to pre-identify the positions of multiple first fixing components (first mounting bracket 210 and attachable first fixing block 220), thereby achieving precise positioning of the first fixing components and consequently the lighting module, further optimizing the assembly and fixing process of the lighting module. The marks M may, for example, be pre-formed on the surface of the glass body 100 using ink. Of course, this document also covers the case of one mark corresponding to one first fixing component.

[0045] This disclosure provides an improved fixing structure that effectively reduces the size of the fixing structure for assembling and fixing the lighting module on the glass assembly, and optimizes the assembly process. It allows the first fixing component to be pre-positioned or pre-assembled on the glass assembly, and the lighting module to be fixed by the second fixing component. This provides assembly flexibility for the lighting module and reduces the assembly complexity of assembling the lighting module onto the glass body and the risk of damaging fragile electrical components during assembly. It is suitable for a variety of applications.

[0046] It should be understood here that the embodiments shown in the figures only illustrate various alternative shapes, sizes and arrangements of the glass assembly according to the present disclosure; however, they are merely illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The technical content and features of this disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept under the inventive concept of this disclosure, but all such changes and improvements fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. The description of the above embodiments is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of this disclosure is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A glass assembly, characterized in that, The glass assembly includes: Vitreous body; and A first fixing component is fixed to the outer surface of the glass body and is adapted to be detachably connected to a second fixing component fixed to a functional part of the lighting module.

2. The glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing component includes a first mounting bracket, which is adhered to the outer surface of the glass body, or The first mounting bracket is fixed to the first fixing block, and the first fixing block is bonded to the outer surface of the glass body.

3. The glass assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The glass assembly also includes an illumination module and a second fixing component fixed to a functional part of the illumination module.

4. The glass assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The glass assembly includes a plurality of first fixing components and a lighting module, wherein a plurality of second fixing components are fixed to the functional components of the lighting module and the plurality of first fixing components are detachably connected to the plurality of second fixing components respectively.

5. The glass assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first fixing component and the second fixing component are detachably connected, and the overall thickness of the first fixing component and the second fixing component is less than or equal to 10 mm.

6. The glass assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second fixing component includes a second fixing block fixed to the functional component of the lighting module, and the second fixing block is detachably connected to the first mounting bracket.

7. The glass assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first mounting bracket is configured to include a threaded hole with threads or a snap-fit ​​hole with a snap fastener, and the second fixing block is configured to include a through hole adapted to pass through a threaded fastener or a snap hook adapted to the snap fastener.

8. The glass assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The functional components of the lighting module are arranged on the outer surface of the glass body and are in direct contact with the outer surface of the glass body.

9. The glass assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the glass body is marked to pre-identify the position of the first fixing component.

10. The glass assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The thickness of the first fixing component is less than or equal to 8 mm.

11. The glass assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The thickness of the first fixing component is greater than or equal to 5 mm.

12. The glass assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The glass assembly includes a first glass body and a second glass body attached to each other, wherein the first fixing component is disposed on the outer surface of the first glass body away from the second glass body, or on the outer surface of the second glass body away from the first glass body.

13. The glass assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first glass body and the second glass body have the same size.

14. A window assembly, characterized in that, The window assembly includes a glass component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the window assembly includes a door, window, curtain wall, vehicle window glass, aircraft glass, or ship glass.

15. The window assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The window assembly is the vehicle window glass, including the windshield, rear windshield, sunroof, door glass, or corner window glass.

16. A means of transportation, characterized in that, The means of transport includes a glass assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or a window assembly according to claim 14 or 15; optionally, the means of transport includes a vehicle.

Images