Holding element for a lifting and lowering vehicle side window

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding element for a side window of a vehicle, a side window equipped therewith and a method for its production and its use.

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have opening side windows. These side windows are equipped with a side pane that can be moved (i.e., raised and lowered) through a substantially vertical movement, allowing the side window to be opened and closed. To move the window, it is connected to a mechanism inside the vehicle body.

[0003] To connect the side window to the raising and lowering mechanism, the side window can be provided with one or more holes in the area of ​​its lower edge. Alternatively, one or more retaining elements can be attached, in particular glued, to the side window in the area of ​​the lower edge. Such retaining elements conventionally have a substantially Y-shaped cross-section with two contact sections that are glued to the two surfaces of the side window and to which a common fastening section is connected via a step each. The fastening section adjoins the lower edge of the side window and is equipped with a hole for connection to the raising and lowering mechanism. Such Y-shaped retaining elements are known, for example, from EP1936088A1, EP1936087A1, EP1935557A1, EP1935558A1, EP1745190A1, EP1299611 A2 and DE4340363A1.

[0004] DE1192551B discloses a retaining element according to the preamble of claim 1. It shows a substantially Y-shaped retaining element, wherein the fastening section is divided into two parts, each of which is connected to a respective contact section and which are connected to each other via a connecting section opposite the contact sections. This configuration creates a certain spring tension, which presses the contact sections against the pane surfaces. Otherwise, however, the retaining element is essentially rigid. A similar retaining element is also known from JPS57187482A.

[0005] DE20101057U1 discloses a two-part retaining element, wherein the two parts are inserted into each other at the end facing away from the pane to create a hinge-like connection. The retaining element is clamped to the pane, with the contact portion of one part having a pin-like projection that is guided through a hole near the lower edge of the pane and engages a recess in the other part.

[0006] US 2005 / 072077A1 discloses a retaining element for a vehicle window that is mounted on a hole in the vehicle window. The retaining element can be folded shut like a hinge, leaving a receiving space for the vehicle window.

[0007] Typically, conventional Y-shaped retaining elements are attached to the lower edge of the side window. In a first conventional design, this occurs after the adhesive is introduced into the open gap of the retaining elements, after which the retaining elements are usually pushed onto the window in a clamping manner. This causes the excess adhesive to swell uncontrollably between the lower edge of the window and the retaining element. In a second conventional design, the adhesive is applied after the retaining element has been positioned on the side window. The adhesive is injected, in particular, through filling openings in the contact sections. To prevent the adhesive from escaping from the space between the contact section and the window surface, it is necessary to seal this space with a sealing device that rests against the side edges of the contact sections.The adhesive is then injected until the entire gap is filled, and then cures. The use of the sealing element makes attaching the retaining element more complex.

[0008] The orientation of the attached retaining element depends largely on the curvature of the pane at the edge, which in turn is subject to a certain degree of manufacturing variation. Due to the lever-like attachment section extending from the lower edge of the pane, the position of the connection to the raising and lowering mechanism is also subject to variation and can sometimes deviate significantly from the intended position. This may result in the product not being able to be installed.

[0009] There is therefore a need for improved retaining elements for vehicle side windows and improved methods for their attachment that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. The present invention is based on the object of providing such improved retaining elements and methods. The retaining elements should be able to be attached to the side window as quickly and easily as possible (particularly without the use of a sealing device), allow for high positioning flexibility, and adhere securely and stably to the side window.

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by a holding element according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0011] The holding element according to the invention for a side window of a vehicle comprises a first fastening section and a first contact section which is rigidly connected thereto and is provided for fastening to a first surface of the side window. The holding element also comprises a second fastening section and a second contact section which is rigidly connected thereto and is provided for fastening to a second surface of the side window opposite the first surface. The two fastening sections are connected to one another via a hinge section which is fastened to the edge of the two fastening sections which faces away from the associated contact section. In other words, the first fastening section and the second fastening section are connected to one another via a hinge section opposite the contact sections.The hinge section is bendable and allows one part of the holding element, consisting of the first fastening section and the first contact section, to pivot relative to the other part of the holding element, consisting of the second fastening section and the second contact section. Because the first fastening section can pivot relative to the first contact section and the second fastening section can pivot relative to the other, the holding element can be opened and closed. When closed, the fastening sections lie flat against one another and are jointly suitable for attachment to the vehicle. The two individual fastening sections therefore form a common fastening section, via which the holding element can be connected to the raising and lowering mechanism within the vehicle body.When closed, the two attachment sections are suitable for attachment to two opposite surfaces of the side window and are arranged opposite each other for this purpose.

[0012] In the closed state, the holding element according to the invention therefore has an approximately Y-shaped cross-section, as is essentially also known from conventional holding elements. In contrast to these, however, the holding element according to the invention is not a completely rigid component, but can be opened or folded out before assembly. In the open state, for example, the surfaces of the contact sections that are to adhere to the side window can be provided with a portion of adhesive. This eliminates the need for subsequent injection of adhesive. The holding element is attached to the side window by closing it around the lower edge of the side window. With suitable dimensioning and positioning of the portion of adhesive, no adhesive escapes from the spaces between the contact sections and the window surface, so that sealing of the spaces is not necessary, which considerably simplifies the manufacturing process.Furthermore, this type of assembly ensures a high degree of flexibility regarding the alignment of the retaining element. For example, the retaining element can be automatically positioned before closing so that the relative position of the common fastening section corresponds to the desired ideal position, while any deviations in the pane curvature are compensated for by a suitably thick portion of adhesive. These are major advantages of the present invention.

[0013] The retaining element according to the invention can alternatively be described, starting from a conventional retaining element, as a retaining element for a side window of a vehicle, comprising two opposing contact sections for fastening to the opposing main surfaces of the side window in the region of its lower edge, and a fastening section which adjoins both contact sections (typically via step sections). In contrast to a conventional Y-shaped retaining element, the fastening section is not solid, but is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction, with each part of the fastening section being connected to only one contact section. The two parts of the fastening section are connected to one another via a hinge section, which is fastened to the edge of the two partial fastening sections that faces away from the associated contact section.The two partial fastening sections with their respective contact section can be folded apart around the hinge section as a rotation axis, whereby the holding element can be opened.

[0014] The open and closed states of the holding element are stable within the meaning of the invention without the influence of external forces. The transition from the open to the closed state and vice versa therefore requires an external force. Bending of an elastic holding element which returns to its original state without the influence of external forces, for example as a result of an internal spring force, is not an open state within the meaning of the invention and does not allow for convenient application of the adhesive as in the case of the present invention. Particularly preferably, the holding element can be brought into an open state in which the contact sections are arranged in one plane without destruction. The holding element can thus be placed on a base with the contact surfaces facing upwards in order to apply the adhesive.

[0015] The first and second fastening sections preferably each have a hole (mounting hole), wherein the hole of the first fastening section and the hole of the second fastening section overlap one another when the retaining element is closed, such that a passage extends through the retaining element. This passage through the common fastening section formed by the two adjacent fastening sections is provided for fastening the retaining element to the vehicle, in particular to the mechanism for raising and lowering the side window. The two holes ideally overlap one another concentrically when closed.

[0016] The holes in the fastening sections and the resulting passage through the holding element in the closed state are usually essentially circular, which is what most conventional fastening systems are designed for. If the holes are concentrically superimposed, the size of the passage corresponds to the size of the holes if both holes are the same size, or to the size of the smaller hole if the two holes have different sizes. However, depending on the requirements in the individual case, the holes and the passage can have any other shape, for example an elliptical shape or an irregular shape. The size of the passage is usually at least 20 mm 2< , in particular from 20 mm 2< to 2000 mm 2< , preferably from 80 mm 2< to 700 mm 2< . The passage is ideally approximately circular with a diameter of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0017] When closed, the two fastening sections can abut one another directly or indirectly, for example if they are bonded together via an adhesive layer. Preferably, the two fastening sections abut one another directly. In a preferred embodiment, the two fastening sections are locked together. This advantageously further increases the stability and positioning accuracy of the holding element. For this purpose, the second fastening section is provided with a hole into which a guide or locking element arranged on the first fastening section is inserted, for example a pin or locking hook. In an advantageous embodiment, the mounting holes in the fastening sections are also used for locking.The hole of the first fastening section is surrounded circumferentially or intermittently by at least one guide element, which, when the holding element is closed, is inserted into the hole of the second fastening section or is guided through the hole of the second fastening section. The at least one guide element is preferably designed as a mandrel or as a locking hook. The guide element preferably rests against the circumferential side edge of the hole of the second fastening section, thereby preventing lateral displacement of the fastening sections relative to one another. In the design with locking hooks, the holding element is additionally stabilized in the closed state.

[0018] Typically, the contact sections and the fastening sections have the same material thickness. In this case, at least one fastening section is inevitably offset from the associated contact section, since the contact sections are spaced from one another by the side window when installed, and the fastening sections abut one another. The offset is preferably created by a stepped section via which at least one contact section and its associated fastening section are connected to one another. To create the offset, the angle between the stepped section and the contact section, as well as the angle between the stepped section and the fastening section, are greater than 0° and less than 180°, typically greater than or equal to 45° and less than 180°.

[0019] According to the invention, both contact sections are each connected to the respectively associated fastening section via a step section, wherein the step sections cause the contact sections to be offset relative to the fastening sections. The two step sections have the same geometry, in particular length and angle to the adjacent sections. The first sub-element of the holding element (first fastening section, first step section and first contact section) and the second sub-element of the holding element (second fastening section, second step section and second contact section) are then mirror-symmetrical to one another. This has the advantage that, in the installed position, the fastening sections are arranged centrally between the contact sections and in the plane of the side window, which is advantageous with regard to the position of the center of gravity and the space required in the vehicle body.

[0020] The retaining element is preferably made of a metal, a metal alloy, or a plastic, particularly preferably of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or thermoplastics with or without fiberglass, glass bead, or similar reinforcements, as well as their blends with other plastics. Suitable thermoplastics include, for example, polyamides (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The retaining element is most preferably made of aluminum, PET, or polyamide 66. Suitable materials are available, for example, under the trade names Technyl, Zytel, Ultramid, Schulamid, Ultradur, Arnite, Duranex, Crastin, Bergadur, Pocan, or Grivor. The entire retaining element is made of the same material. If the retaining element is made of a plastic, this plastic is preferably glass-fiber-reinforced or carbon-fiber-reinforced. The retaining element is formed as a single piece.For frameless side windows, retaining elements made of metal or metal alloys are preferred due to their greater stability. For framed side windows, plastic retaining elements are preferred due to their lower weight – the lower stability of the plastic retaining element compared to metal retaining elements is offset by the stabilizing effect of the frame when the window is closed.

[0021] The contact sections and the fastening sections are plate-like, typically essentially rectangular, although other shapes are also conceivable. The material thickness of the fastening sections and the contact sections, and optionally the step sections, is preferably from 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 5 mm, for example 3.5 mm. This achieves good stability without requiring excessive space or excessive material usage. The contact sections, the fastening sections, and optionally the step sections preferably have the same material thickness.

[0022] The width of the contact sections, the fastening sections, and optionally the step sections is preferably from 1 cm to 100 cm, particularly preferably from 2 cm to 15 cm, for example 10 cm. This achieves good stability, and in particular, the contact sections provide sufficiently large adhesion surfaces for connection to the side window.

[0023] The length (or height) of the contact sections is preferably from 1 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably from 2 cm to 4 cm, for example 3 cm. This achieves good stability; in particular, the contact sections provide sufficiently large adhesion surfaces for connection to the side window. The area of ​​the contact sections is preferably from 5 cm 2 to 500 cm 2 , particularly preferably from 10 cm 2 to 50 cm 2 , for example 30 cm 2 .

[0024] The length (or height) of the fastening sections is preferably from 2 cm to 15 cm, particularly preferably from 4 cm to 10 cm, for example 8 cm. In this range, the fastening sections are particularly advantageously suited for connection to conventional mechanisms for raising and lowering the side window. The length of the stepped sections is, for example, from 2 mm to 10 mm.

[0025] According to the invention, the material thickness of the hinge section is less than that of the other sections in order to ensure the necessary flexibility. The material thickness of the hinge section is preferably from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, particularly preferably from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, very particularly preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, for example 0.25 mm. The length of the hinge section is, for example, from 5 mm to 15 mm. The width of the hinge section preferably corresponds to at least 60%, particularly preferably at least 80% of the width of the fastening sections in order to achieve sufficient stability and positioning accuracy when folding. Very particularly preferably, the width of the hinge section corresponds to the width of the fastening sections.

[0026] For the purposes of the invention, width refers to the dimension along the lower edge of the side window in the installed position. Length (or height) is understood to be the perpendicular dimension, which, in the installed position, is essentially parallel to the plane of the side window. For example, the contact area of ​​a contact section with the side window is the product of the length and width of the contact section. The material thickness is the dimension perpendicular to the plane of the side window in the installed position.

[0027] The fastening sections and the contact sections can be flat. The curvature of the side window is then compensated for by the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the contact sections and the fastening sections can be curved in a complementary manner, thus, for example, adapting to the curvature of the side window and replicating it, and in the case of the fastening sections, continuing it.

[0028] The invention further comprises a side window with a retaining element according to the invention. The side window is intended as a vehicle side window for separating a vehicle interior from an external environment. The side window has an upper edge, a lower edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The side window also has a first surface (main surface) and a second surface (main surface) opposite the first surface, between which said edges extend. In the region of the lower edge, at least one retaining element according to the invention is attached to the side window. This means that the retaining element covers a region of the lower edge and adjacent regions of the surfaces of the side window.The first contact section of the retaining element is adhesively attached to the first surface of the side window, and the second contact section is adhesively attached to the second surface of the side window, with the adhesive connection being established by means of an adhesive. Typically, the lower edge of the side window is provided with two retaining elements.

[0029] The retaining element is preferably attached to the side window exclusively by means of the adhesive. In particular, the side window is not provided with one or more holes or bores through which projections or pins of the retaining element would be guided for a clamping connection. The contact surfaces are therefore preferably flat or curved, without any local projections, pins, or receptacles for such projections or pins.

[0030] The upper edge refers to the side edge of the side window that faces upwards when installed. The lower edge refers to the side edge that faces downwards toward the ground when installed. The leading edge refers to the side edge that faces forwards in the direction of travel. The trailing edge refers to the side edge that faces backwards in the direction of travel.

[0031] The side window according to the invention is preferably an openable, in particular raiseable and lowerable side window of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. This is understood to mean a pane for a side window which can be opened and closed again by a substantially vertical displacement of the side window into the body. Typically, such side windows have several, in particular two, holding elements which are attached in the region of the lower edge, where they are concealed in the vehicle body when the window is open and closed. Each holding element has a passage which is provided for connection to a lifting mechanism arranged in the vehicle body, typically a vehicle door, in order to fasten the pane, in particular by inserting a fastening section of the lifting mechanism, for example a fastening pin, into the passage.The side window can be frameless or framed. A framed side window has a complete body frame around the window opening, so that when closed, all side edges of the side window overlap within the vehicle body – the side window is essentially inserted into the body frame when raised. A frameless side window lacks such a body frame. Instead, the top, front, and rear edges of the side window are exposed when closed.

[0032] The first contact section is attached to the first surface of the side window via a first adhesive layer, and the second contact section is attached to the second surface of the side window via a second adhesive layer. The thickness of each adhesive layer is preferably from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm. Conventional holding elements are typically attached to the side window via adhesive layers each approximately 1 mm thick. In an advantageous embodiment, thicker adhesive layers are used, preferably with a thickness of 2 mm to 4 mm. This has the advantage that the variation in the edge curvature of the side windows can be better compensated for by the thicker adhesive layer. The precise alignment of the holding element can therefore be selected more freely, so that the fastening sections can be arranged more precisely in the desired position, regardless of the edge curvature of the side window.This reduces variation within a production run regarding the positioning of the bushing for attachment to the lifting mechanism. The thickness of the adhesive layers is determined by the distance between the contact sections when closed (typically determined by the design of the stepped sections) and the thickness of the side window, which must be taken into account when designing the retaining element for a specific type of side window.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a high-modulus adhesive. The modulus of elasticity of the adhesive is preferably at least 20 MPa, more preferably at least 150 MPa, especially at least 300 MPa, most preferably from 400 MPa to 600 MPa. This ensures particularly stable connection between the side window and the retaining element. This advantage is particularly important for frameless side windows, where the connection between the side window and the retaining element is subject to particularly high stresses, for example, due to forces acting towards the rear edge caused by the wind. Suitable high-modulus adhesives include polyurethane, acrylate, or epoxy adhesives.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the adhesive is a fast-curing adhesive, allowing direct demolding without any additional stabilization measures. Rapid curing can be achieved by mixing two components. Other methods include curing through external energy input, for example, through heat or light.

[0035] The so-called open time of the two-component adhesive is between 0.5 and 10 minutes, preferably between 1 and 5 minutes. The curing or setting time of the adhesive to achieve sufficient internal strength is less than 10 minutes, preferably between 1 and 5 minutes. This has the advantage that the position of the retaining element relative to the side window is quickly fixed, eliminating the need for stabilizing measures after attaching the retaining element. However, the adhesive can also be a slow-curing adhesive.

[0036] As is common for vehicle windows, the side window is preferably curved so that the interior surface is concave and the exterior surface is convex. The exterior surface is the surface that faces the outside environment in the installed position. The interior surface is the surface that faces the interior in the installed position.

[0037] In one embodiment, the side pane is constructed as single-pane safety glass (ESG). The side pane consists of a single pane of glass that is thermally or chemically toughened (tempered). The thickness of the glass pane is preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0038] In another embodiment, the side pane is designed as a laminated pane (LSG: laminated safety glass). The laminated pane comprises a first glass pane and a second glass pane, which are bonded together by a thermoplastic intermediate layer. The panes can also be referred to as the outer pane and the inner pane, with the inner pane facing the interior in the installed position and the outer pane facing the outside environment in the installed position. The exposed surfaces of the side pane, to which the retaining element is bonded, are the surfaces of the individual panes facing away from the intermediate layer, i.e. the outer surface of the outer pane and the interior surface of the inner pane. The outer pane and the inner pane preferably have a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm, whereby the thickness of the two panes can be the same (symmetrical panes) or different (asymmetrical panes).The thickness of the intermediate layer is preferably from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The intermediate layer is typically formed from a polymer film, preferably from or based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane (PU). To improve thermal comfort in the vehicle, the intermediate layer can be formed from a noise-reducing polymer film, which typically comprises at least three layers, with the middle layer having greater plasticity or elasticity than the surrounding outer layers, for example, due to a different proportion of plasticizers.

[0039] The glass pane or panes are preferably made of soda-lime glass, as is common for window panes. The glass panes can be clear and colorless, but also tinted, clouded, or colored.

[0040] Shown, but not claimed in the patent claims, is a vehicle with a lifting mechanism arranged within the body for an openable side window and a side window according to the invention, wherein the lifting mechanism is attached to the fastening sections of the holding element, preferably via a holder in the passage through the fastening sections.

[0041] The invention further comprises a method for producing a side window with a retaining element according to the invention for a vehicle. At least one retaining element according to the invention and a side window with a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a lower edge are provided. An adhesive is applied to the contact sections when the retaining element is in the open, i.e., unfolded, state. More precisely, the adhesive is applied to the adhesive surfaces of the contact sections, which are provided for connection to the side window and face one another when the retaining element is closed. The retaining element is then closed, i.e., folded, around a region of the lower edge of the side window.This means that the retaining element is closed such that a region of the first surface of the side window, a region of the second surface of the side window, and the region of the lower edge extending between said regions of the surfaces are arranged between the contact sections. The first contact section is connected to the first surface of the side window, and the second contact section is connected to the second surface of the side window via the adhesive.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the adhesive is only applied to a central area of ​​the adhesive surfaces of the contact sections to be connected to the side window. The adhesive has a distance of at least 2 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm, from the side edges of the contact sections. This leaves a peripheral edge area of ​​the adhesive surface free of adhesive. If the holding element is attached to the side window, the adhesive is distributed over the adhesive surface as a result of the contact pressure. If the adhesive quantity is appropriately measured, the adhesive does not escape, or only slightly, from the space between the respective contact section and the associated window surface. In this case, it is not necessary to seal said space to prevent the adhesive from escaping.Therefore, it is preferable not to take any measures to seal the gap, such as temporarily attaching a sealing element around the contact section. The appropriate amount of adhesive depends on the intended distance between the pane surface and the contact section and on the size of the adhesive surface and can be determined by a person skilled in the art through simple calculations or preliminary tests. A particular advantage of the hinged retaining element according to the invention over conventional rigid retaining elements is that the adhesive surfaces are accessible when opened, and the adhesive can be applied to them in a targeted manner, instead of having to be subsequently injected with the aid of a sealing element.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the side window is positioned and fixed in a tool in a specified position, which is defined, for example, based on reference points on the window. The retaining element is moved into the desired position in the open state, for example, using an assembly aid or a robot, and folded there so that the contact sections are connected to the surfaces of the side window. The position of the retaining element is selected such that the fastening sections of the fully assembled retaining element are arranged in the desired position relative to the sliding element.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the adhesive is a fast-curing adhesive. This fixes the position of the retaining element relative to the side window sufficiently quickly, eliminating the need for temporary position stabilization measures while the adhesive cures. The production process is thus simplified and accelerated.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive is a slow-curing adhesive. To prevent displacement of the retaining element before the adhesive has fully cured, measures should be taken to temporarily stabilize its position. This can advantageously be achieved using a second adhesive, such as a hot-melt adhesive, which is applied to the edge area of ​​the adhesive surface free from the actual adhesive, for example, selectively in the corners of the adhesive surface. The fast-curing second adhesive secures the position of the retaining element while the actual adhesive cures. Since the connection between the side window and the retaining element is generally not subjected to any forces greater than the force of gravity acting on the retaining element during curing, the adhesive strength requirements of the second adhesive are comparatively low.

[0046] The retaining element itself is manufactured using standard processes. Plastic retaining elements are preferably manufactured using injection molding, while metal or metal alloy retaining elements are manufactured using extrusion, milling, punching, rolling, and / or welding.

[0047] The invention also includes the use of a side window according to the invention as an openable side window of a motor vehicle, preferably a passenger car, wherein the holding element serves for fastening to a lifting mechanism in the vehicle body.

[0048] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing and exemplary embodiments. The drawing is a schematic representation and not to scale. The drawing does not limit the invention in any way.

[0049] They show: Fig. 1 a plan view of a side window with two holding elements, Fig. 2 a cross section through a conventional holding element, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of the holding element according to the invention in the open state, Fig. 4 the holding element from Fig. 3 during closing and attaching to the side window, Fig. 5the retaining element from Fig. 3 attached to the side window, Fig. 6 a cross section through an embodiment of the holding element according to the invention in the open state, Fig. 7 a cross section through two embodiments of a holding element in the closed state, which is not claimed in the patent claims, and Fig. 8 a flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0050] Fig. 1shows a plan view of a side window I, which is intended as an opening side window for the front side window of a passenger car. Two retaining elements 1 are attached in the area of ​​the lower edge U of the side window, which are intended for connection to a lifting mechanism inside the vehicle door. For this purpose, the retaining elements 1 have openings 8 to which the lifting mechanism can be attached.

[0051] Fig. 2shows a cross-section through a side window I with a conventional holding element 1'. The holding element 1' has a substantially Y-shaped cross-section. The holding element 1' comprises two opposing contact sections 2.1', 2.2', which are adhesively bonded to the two surfaces 1a, 1b in the region of the lower edge U of the side window I. The holding element 1' thus surrounds an area of ​​the lower edge U and the adjacent area of ​​the surfaces 1a, 1b. The contact sections 2.1', 2.2' are followed by a fastening section 3', which is positioned below the side window I and directed towards the lower edge U. The fastening section 3' has a passage 8' for connection to the lifting mechanism.

[0052] Fig. 3In contrast, this shows a foldable holding element 1 according to the invention in the open or unfolded state. The holding element 1 has a first contact section 2.1, to which a first fastening section 3.1 is connected via a first step section 5.1. The first contact section 2.1, the first step section 5.1, and the first fastening section 3.1 are rigidly connected to one another. The holding element 1 also has a second contact section 2.2, to which a second fastening section 3.2 is connected via a second step section 5.2. The step sections 5.1, 5.2 cause a lateral offset between the respectively assigned contact section 2.1, 2.2 and the fastening section 3.1, 3.2, so that the contact section and the fastening section are not in the same plane. The first rigid part of the holding element 1, consisting of the first contact section 2.1, the first step section 5.1, and the first fastening section 3.1, and the second rigid part of the holding element 1, consisting of the second contact section 2.2, the second step section 5.2, and the second fastening section 3.2, are mirror-symmetrical to one another. They essentially result from a conventional holding element if its fastening section were divided in two lengthwise. A hinge section 4 connects those side edges of the two fastening sections 3.1, 3.2 that face away from the respective associated step section 5.1, 5.2 with contact section 2.1, 2.2. The hinge section 4 is flexible and allows the two parts of the holding element 1 to pivot relative to one another, allowing the holding element 1 to be opened and closed.

[0053] The retaining element 1 is made in one piece from glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide 66. The contact sections 2.1, 2.2, the fastening sections 3.1, 3.2, and the step sections 5.1, 5.2 have a thickness D (material thickness) of 3 mm. In contrast, the hinge section 4 is significantly thinner, with a thickness D of 0.25 mm. Due to the different material thicknesses, the hinge section 4 is flexible, while the rest of the retaining element 1 is rigid.

[0054] The width B of the retaining element 1 is, for example, 80 mm. The length L of the contact sections 2.1, 2.2 is, for example, 30 mm. The length L of the fastening sections 3.1, 3.2 is, for example, 50 mm.

[0055] Each fastening section 3.1, 3.2 has a hole 7.1, 7.2. The holes 7.1, 7.2 are circular, and their centers are located at the same point in the respective fastening section 3.1, 3.2. As a result, the holes 7.1, 7.2 overlap concentrically when the holding element 1 is closed, resulting in a passage through the holding element for attaching the lifting mechanism.

[0056] The hole 7.1 of the first fastening section 3.1 has a diameter of 10 mm and is surrounded by a guide element 6. The hole 7.2 of the second fastening section 3.2 is slightly larger, with a diameter of 10.4 mm. When the holding element 1 is folded, the guide element 6 is inserted into the hole 7.2, locking the two fastening sections 3.1 and 3.2 together.

[0057] A layer of adhesive 9 is applied to each of the bonding surfaces of the contact sections 2.1, 2.2. The adhesive is, for example, DOW Betaforce 9050S with an elastic modulus of 400 MPa, an elongation at break of 80%, a tear strength of 15 MPa, and a pot life of 6 minutes. The thickness of the adhesive layers before joining is, for example, 4 mm. The adhesive 9 is only applied to a central area of ​​the bonding surfaces, so that a peripheral edge area with a width of 5 mm of the bonding surfaces remains free. When the retaining element 1 is bonded, the adhesive can spread over this free area so that it does not leak out of the spaces between the side window and the contact sections 2.1, 2.2.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows how the holding element 1 from Figure 3is mounted on the side window I. The retaining element 1, which is provided with the adhesive 9 in the open state, is folded around the lower edge U of the side window I, i.e., closed. The side window I is, for example, designed as single-pane safety glass (ESG) made of 3.85 mm thick soda-lime glass. For the sake of simplicity, the side window I is shown flat in the figure, but in reality it has a curvature, as is typical for windows on passenger cars.

[0059] Fig. 5 shows the holding element 1 from the Figures 3 and 4 fully assembled on the side window I. The contact sections 2.1, 2.2 adhere to the surfaces 1a, 1b of the side window I via the adhesive 9. The guide element 6 is arranged within the hole 7.2 and locks the two fastening sections 3.1, 3.2 together.

[0060] In the figure, the dimensions of the width B and the length L in the sense of the invention are indicated by arrows.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section through a holding element 1 according to the invention in the open state with the first contact section 2.1, the first step section 5.1, the first fastening section 3.1, the hinge section 4, the second contact section 2.2, the second step section 5.2, and the second fastening section 3.2. Furthermore, the dimension of the thickness D (material thickness) in the sense of the invention is indicated by an arrow.

[0062] Fig. 7shows a cross-section through two holding elements 1 with different guide elements 6, which are not claimed in the patent claims. In the holding element 1 of Figure 6a, the guide element 6 is designed as a mandrel that extends into the hole 7.2 of the opposite fastening section 3.2. The mandrel in the sense of the invention is a raised portion, preferably of constant width or tapered, that is suitable for being inserted into a complementary hole, but which does not have elements that actively prevent it from being removed from the hole. In contrast, in the holding element 1 of Figure 6b, the guide element 6 is designed as a locking hook. This is formed at its end with a barb that counteracts removal from the hole.

[0063] As in the Figures 3 to 5As shown, the guide element 6, whether designed as a pin or a locking hook, can completely surround the hole 7.1 of the first fastening section 3.1. Alternatively, several pins or locking hooks can also be distributed around the hole 7.1.

[0064] Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing a side window according to the invention with a holding element. List of reference symbols:

[0065] (1)Retaining element for a side window of a vehicle (2.1)First contact section of the retaining element 1 (2.2)Second contact section of the retaining element 1 (3.1)First fastening section of the retaining element 1 (3.2)Second fastening section of the retaining element 1 (4)Hinge section of the retaining element 1 (5.1)First step section of the retaining element 1 (5.2)Second step section of the retaining element 1 (6)Guide element (7.1)Hole in the first fastening section 3.1 (7.2)Hole in the second fastening section 3.2 (8)Perforation through the fastening sections 3.1, 3.2 (9)Adhesive Iside window of a vehicle lafirst surface of the side window I Ibsecond surface of the side window I (O)Upper edge of side window I (U)Lower edge of side window I (V)Front edge of side window I (H)Rear edge of side window I (1')Retaining element according to the state of the art (2.1')First contact section of the retaining element 1' (2.2')Second contact section of the retaining element 1' (3')Fastening section of the retaining element 1' (8')Pass-through the fastening section 3' (L)Length / Height (B)Width (D)Thickness / Material thickness

Claims

1. Retaining element (1) for a side window (I) of a vehicle, comprising - a first securing section (3.1) and a first contact section (2.1) connected thereto for securing to a first surface (Ia) of the side window (I), - a second securing section (3.2) and a second contact section (2.2) connected thereto for securing to a second surface (Ib) of the side window (I), wherein the first securing section (3.1) and the second securing section (3.2) are connected to one another opposite the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) via a hinge section (4) such that the first securing section (3.1) together with the first contact section (2.1) and the second securing section (3.2) together with the second contact section (2.2) can be pivoted relative to one another, whereby the retaining element (1) can be opened and closed, wherein, in the closed state, - the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) are in surface contact with one another and, together, are suitable for securing to the vehicle, and - the contact sections (2.1 2.2) are suitable for securing to two opposing surfaces (Ia, Ib) of the side window (I), wherein the first contact section (2.1) is connected to the first securing section (3.1) via a first step section (5.1) and the second contact section (2.2) is connected to the second securing section (3.2) via a second step section (5.2), and wherein the step sections (5.1, 5.2) have the same geometry, characterized in that the open state and the closed state are stable as such without action of external forces, wherein the retaining element is formed in one piece, wherein the hinge section (4) has lower material thickness than the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) and the contact sections (2.1 2.2) in order to ensure the flexibility required for opening and closing the retaining element.

2. Retaining element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) have, in each case, a hole (7.1, 7.2) and wherein the holes (7.1, 7.2) are superimposed on one another in the closed state of the retaining element (1) such that a passage (8) for securing to the vehicle extends through the retaining element (1).

3. Retaining element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the hole (7.1) of the first securing section (3.1) is surrounded by at least one guide element (6), which is implemented as a mandrel or latching hook and is inserted into the hole (7.2) of the second securing section (3.2) in the closed state of the retaining element (1).

4. Retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the hinge section (4) has a material thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

5. Side window for a vehicle, having a first surface (Ia), a second surface (Ib) opposite thereto, and a lower edge (U), and having at least one retaining element (1) attached in the region of the lower edge (U) according to one of claims 1 through 4, wherein, by means of an adhesive (9), the first contact section (2.1) is secured to the first surface (Ia) and the second contact section (2.2) is secured to the first surface (Ib).

6. Side window according to claim 5, wherein the thickness of the adhesive (9) is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 4 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm.

7. Side window according to one of claims 5 through 6, wherein the adhesive (9) has a modulus of elasticity of at least 20 MPa, preferably at least 150 MPa, most particularly preferably of 400 MPa to 600 MPa.

8. Method for producing a side window having a retaining element for a vehicle, wherein: (a) a retaining element (1) according to one of claims 1 through 4 and a side window (I) having a first surface (Ia), a second surface (Ib) opposite thereto, and a lower edge (U) are provided, (b) an adhesive (9) is applied to the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) of the retaining element (1) in the open state, and (c) the retaining element (1) is closed around a region of the lower edge (U) of the side window (I), wherein the first contact section (2.1) is connected to the first surface (Ia) and the second contact section (2.2) is connected to the second surface (Ib) via the adhesive (9).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive (9) is applied only to a central region of the surfaces of the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) to be connected to the side window (I) and has a distance from the side edges of the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) of at least 2 mm, preferably of 2 mm to 10 mm.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein a second adhesive is applied between the adhesive (9) and the side edges of the contact sections (2.1, 2.2), which second adhesive is suitable for temporary stabilization of the retaining element (1) on the side window (I), until the adhesive (9) is cured.

11. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the adhesive (9) has a curing time of less than 10 min, preferably of 1 min to 5 min, and wherein no measures for temporary positional stabilization during the curing of the adhesive (9) are taken.

12. Use of a side window according to one of claims 5 through 7 as an openable side window of a motor vehicle, preferably of a passenger car.