A window support for a dynamic laminated glazing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a glazing (1) comprising at least one glass sheet (11, 12), an electrical device (13) provided on the glazing (1), a connector (14) electrically connected to the electrical device (13), a window support (15) with a body (151) fixed on the glazing (1) edge.

Description

A WINDOW SUPPORT FOR A DYNAMIC LAMINATED GLAZINGFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminated glazing, in particular a laminated glazing intended to be used as a dynamic glazing, more in particular a dynamic glazing with a window support fixed to the glazing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is primarily intended to be used in production of automotive glazing but not limited to. The present invention relates to a glazing with an electrical device needing an electrical connection such as an antenna, or a functional film for controlling the transparency of the glazing, or a display, or alike. For example, in the architectural field such glazings with functional films are dynamic glazings that may be darkened at will, in particular electronically, in order to protect against the heat of the sun and glare. In the construction field, smart windows can be darkened at will when the weather is sunny in order to prevent the passage of light into a room, or lightened when the weather is cloudy in order to once more maximize the passage of light or light from display in case the dynamic glazing comprises an integrated display. In addition, in the architectural field, the glazings are generally flat or have a low curvature. Also, it is more and more requested from designer and car manufacturers to have side or rear windows provided with a functional film such as a switchable film to control the light level entering inside the vehicle for thermal comfort and / or for privacy and acoustic comfort.

[0003] In the automotive field, such glazings are for example used as the roofs, windshields, rear windows and side windows including the quarter-lites of vehicles. In particular, such vehicle glazings also comprise a window support as mounting brackets or supporting frames. Such window supports are used mainly for mechanical and structural purposes like holding, attaching, fixing or connecting the glazing. Such window supports are especially widely used forthe sliding side windows of the vehicle, the sliding mechanism is connected to the window support. Moreover, frame-like window supports are also widely used in automotive for the fixed glazings.

[0004] Moreover, automotive designers are looking for using at least one of the automotive glazing as display. Thus, it is desired to integrate a display into a glazing and more particularly into a laminated glazing. However, laminating a display into a glazing is difficult due toproperties of the functional films. Furthermore, the display may be combined with a switchable film to increase the light contrast while keeping a thermal comfort and / or privacy.

[0005] Automotive glazings such as roof, windshield, back-lite, quarter-lite and side lite are generally bent to fit with the design of the car. The bent shape is more and more complex with high value of curvature. The bent shape is commonly obtained by applying a pressure and / or a heating on the laminated glazing. The bending processes are those commonly and well known by skilled man in the art to bent automotive and / or architectural laminated glazing.

[0006] In the prior art, the use of liquid crystal (LC) films in glazings has been envisaged as a way of providing controllable visual isolation. In these applications, the main function is the transformation of an essentially transparent glazing into a glazing that is simply translucent. These applications did not involve specific embodiments designed for providing the electrical connection to the glazing. Particularly, since automotive glazings are subject to vibrations, shocks, vast amount of temperature changes or pull force specifically on these electrical connections during manufacturing and / or during usage, and such glazings are subject to movement in the case of sliding windows, providing such glazing with a rigid electrical connection is even more challenging.

[0007] W02022218953 describes a curved laminated glazing with a functional film and optical clear adhesives to fill between the functional film and the glazing. It describes the mechanical structure of such glazings.

[0008] US10858875 describes a connector wrapping around the glazing edge and a window support is aligned with the connector to provide rigid electrical connection to the electrical device.

[0009] US7123202 describes a cap over the glazing to protect the connector of the electrical device.

[0010] It is also known from EP2801689 that a connector integrated onto the glazing edge and window support with a corresponding socket with the connector fitted onto the glazing edge providing the connector is attached to the corresponding socket.

[0011] In the conventional processes, the electrical device comes with its own connector and the electrical device attached / fixed to the glazing for instance by lamination while the one end of the connector hanging / extending from the glazing. Then, in the installation / mounting process of the glazing to the vehicle or into the building frame, the free end of the connectoris plugged to electrify the electrical device. Unfortunately, during the installation / mounting process, the connector may be affected by a greater pull force than the estimated force or during the usage, due to the nature of vehicles, the glazing is subjected to frequent vibrations, shock which may deteriorate / loosen the connection of the connector. The connector may be also subjected to water ingress or moisture. Thus, malfunctioning of the electrical connection of the connector which driven from the causes mentioned above may occur in the glazing comprising a such electrical device leading the electrical device not working properly and thus, such a glazing refused generally by car manufacturers and the final customers. Therefore, a solution ensuring a rigid and robust electrical connection to the electrical device is needed.

[0012] The classical processes for connecting the connector to an electric supply lead to presence of functional defects eventually which are not acceptable for car manufacturer and customers in the course of time. Thus, repair or replacement or also retro-fit solutions are necessary when the defects occurred during the usage of the glazing. Prior art suggests integration of the window support for providing rigid electrical connection to the electrical device, however most of the solutions described in the prior art do not allow repair or replacement or retro-fit solutions. Even more, prior art solutions focused on specific electrical devices that an integration of the connector into the window support for an antenna as an electrical device is not compatible for a switchable functional film as the electrical device, such samplings are not in favor of the manufacturer since escalating production costs while every other competitor aiming to cut down production costs. Moreover, such solutions suggest integration of the connector into the window support or onto the glazing ofwhich requires extensive design changes contradicting the classical processes, i.e., establishing new assembly lines, new molds and so on. Adapting such a solution proposed in the prior art requires accumulating changes in the entire manufacturing line which means tremendous time and cost. Supplementary to the long times and high cost, there is a risk of jeopardizing the glazing while the mounting / fitting the window support to the glazing. Aligning the electrical connection with the window support as prior art suggests may cause the malfunctioning of the electrical connection straight away during installation in the case of incorrect fitting of the window support or fitting of the window support may damage the electrical connection. The alignment between the window support and the glazing requires precise craftmanship in such cases. In addition, not being suitable for retro-fitting means a complete replacement of the glazing and such devastatingly affects the customer. Moreover,providing protection to the electrical connection of the electrical device for water ingress should not increase the thickness of the glazing since such structural changes also require design changes, i.e., yet again causing time and cost for the manufacturer. Conjointly, there is still a need for protecting the electrical connection for the electrical devices on the glazings provided that the protection should be cost-effective, practically simple, compatible with almost all electrical devices and traditional production processes, robust as a rigid connection yet flexible to compensate vibrations, shock or sliding movement of the glazing.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The goal of the present invention is to provide a glazing having an electrical device and a window support fixed to the glazing with a fixing means for the connector of the electrical device to eliminate the aforementioned problems.

[0014] The present invention provides a glazing with an electrical device and a window support that may be integrated into a curved glazing and / or a laminated glazing, but not limited to. More specifically, the present invention provides a fixing means integrated onto the window support for the connector of the electrical device. The present invention relates to an automotive laminated glazing comprising an electrical device, but not limited to.

[0015] The present invention also concerns a laminated glazing, the glazing comprising at least: a. a first glass sheet having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, b. an electrical device, c. a second glass sheet having an outer (P3) and an inner (P4) faces, d. at least one bonding layer for laminating the glass sheets.

[0016] The laminated glazing comprises at least two glass sheets, in different embodiments glazing may include three or more glass sheets and more than one electrical device provided the electrical devices may differ from each other.

[0017] More particularly, the present invention concerns a glazing comprising at least one glass sheet, one electrical device with a connector, one window support to be fixed onto the glazing wherein the window support comprising a fixing means for the connector to be fixed onto. Specifically, the freely hanging end of the connector is to be fixed onto the fixing means. Such window support with fixing means allows usability of the window support for any electrical device for glazings with almost any connector and also usability of the windowsupport for glazings with no electrical device, i.e., one solution for all. Moreover, by arranging the fixing means as an extension to the window support eliminates the aforementioned problems due to incorrect fixation of the window support.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the fixing means at least partially wraps the free end of the connector. Enclosure and / or encapsulation of the connector provides a rigid and robust connection. Hereby, the emphasis on the end of the connector should be understood as that the root cause of the aforementioned problems is the looseness / freeness / slackness of the connection joints, or (inter)connection interface in other words and fixation of the cables / wires does not have worthy and reasonable improvement on the problem. Therefore, the fixing means of the present invention provides a robust electrical connection to the electrical device by focusing the root cause with just adequate and yet simple intervention to the window support.

[0019] In addition, the fixing means and the connector is sealed together to provide protection for the water ingress and to the moisture. Preferably after the connector is fixed onto the fixing means, a sealing material is applied over the connector.

[0020] Furthermore, thanks to the intelligent approach in designing the fixing means, all the benefits mentioned above for the connector are also operable for the counter part of the connector, i.e., the wire harness or the counter-connector coming from the electricity source or the control unit, by default.

[0021] Additionally, the fixing means of the present invention aims to provide production of a high-quality glazing with an electrical device for a lower cost by eliminating additional process steps and reducing design changes in production.

[0022] The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom for modifications can be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will now be described further, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures. These examples are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrictthe invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples. A better understanding of the present invention will be added upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG.l is a view of a vehicle with glazing.

[0025] FIG.2 is a schematic view of a laminated glazing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG.3 is a schematic view of a window support mounted on a glazing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG.4 is a schematic view of a window support according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG.5 illustrates the window support in different embodiments of the present invention, while the FIG.6 illustrates the fixing means with clips.

[0029] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:I. GlazingII. First glass sheet12. Second glass sheet13. Electrical device14. Connector15. Window support151. Body152. Fixing means16. Connection interface161. Counter-part of connector17. InterlayerDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims.

[0031] While some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would beunderstood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0032] As used herein, spatial ordirectional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the invention as it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0033] Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to be inclusive of the beginning and ending range values and to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on but not necessarily in surface contact with. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0034] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g., "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this document, "configured to (or set to)" may be interchangeably used in hardware and software with, for example, "appropriate to", "having a capability to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of", or "designed to" according to a situation. In any situation, an expression "device configured to do" may mean that the device "can do" together with another device or component.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing asequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

[0036] I n the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "substantially" or "around" or "proximity" or "close to" preferably mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5% i.e., in this context the terms should be understood as in the range of ± 10%, even more ± 5%. Tolerance may be selected depending on the nature of the intended applications.

[0037] I n the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression "liquid adhesive", "optical coupling material", "optical resin", "optical coupling adhesive", "optical clear adhesive" and "liquid resin" are used interchangeably, further expression "functional film", "film", "electrically powered functional film" and "electrical functional film" are used interchangeably, further expression "flow", "fluidic flow", "liquid flow" and "liquid adhesive flow" are used interchangeably.

[0038] The present invention introduces improvements to a glazing (1) comprising at least one glass sheet (11, 12), an electrical device (13) provided on the glazing (1), a connector (14) electrically connected to the electrical device (13) and optionally extending / hanging from the glazing (1), a window support (15) with a body (151) fixed preferably next to the connector (14) on the glazing (1) edge. Before going into the details of the present invention, definitions for glazing (1), structure of the proposed glazing (1) will be explained herein.

[0039] The glazing (1) comprising at least one glass sheet (11, 12). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glazing (1) is laminated and comprising a first glass sheet (11) having an outer (Pl) and an inner (P2) faces, a second glass sheet (12) having an outer (P3) and an inner (P4) faces. In different embodiments, the glazing (1) may comprise more than two glass sheets, like a triple glazing or alike.

[0040] For simplicity, the numbering of the glass sheets (11, 12) in the continuation of the description refers to the numbering nomenclature conventionally used for glazing (1). Thus,the face of the laminated glass which is in contact with the environment external to the vehicle is known as being the face 1 (Pl) and the surface in contact with the internal medium, that is to say the passenger compartment of the vehicle, is known as face 4 (P4). In order to avoid any doubt, the terms "external" and "internal" referto the orientation of the glazing (1) during the installation as glazing (1) in a vehicle. Anyhow, in the description below, these terms are used interchangeably, i.e., the first glass sheet (11) may have face 1 and face 2 or face 3 and face 4 of the glazing, in the meantime the second glass sheet may (12) have face 3 and face 4 or face 1 and face 2, respectively which means first glass sheet (11) may be used as external side of the glazing (1) or the internal side of the glazing (1). According to the invention, the glass may be a glass of soda-lime-silica, aluminosilicate or borosilicate type, and the like, the composition of the glazing (1) is not crucial for the purpose of the present invention.

[0041] According the invention, the term "laminated" refers to a step of providing a layered structure in which the electrical device (13) and more particularly a functional film such as a switchable film alone or in combination with another functional film, and one or more glass sheets (11, 12) are separated by a bonding interlayer (17) extending across substantially the entire interface between the electrical device (13) and the glass sheets (11, 12) facing the electrical device (13).

[0042] The electrical device (13) according to the present invention being positioned between the faces 2 (P2) and 3 (P3), where it can be protected from damage, or it can also be positioned on Pl or P4 face of the glazing (1). The electrical device (13) may be any electrical device conventionally used on the vehicle glazings (1), such as a heating grid / coatings or antennas on glazings, or functional films used for transparency changing or display purposes, or a display itself. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical device (13) is a functional film laminated inside the glazing (1).

[0043] By "functional film", it is meant for example electrochromic means in which the variation is obtained by modifying the state of colored ions in compositions included in these glazing (1) and which are sensitive to application of high pressure and temperature. It is also a question of glazing (1) comprising, in suspension, layers of particles that, depending on the application of an electric voltage, are or are not ordered, such as the systems referred to as suspended particles devices (SPDs), or even a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) film consisting of a polymer containing liquid crystals sensitive to the application of the electricvoltage or even a guest-host liquid crystal film which include polymers, inorganic particles, or dichroic dye within the liquid crystal matrix. More particularly, the "electrically powered film" is a liquid crystals (LC) film providing controllable visual isolation. In these applications, the main function is the transformation of an essentially transparent glazing (1) into a glazing that is simply translucent. The electrically powered functional film may be a display film which is electrically operated to illustrate pictures and / or videos to be seen from the outer and / or inner of the vehicle wherein the glazing (1) is placed. The "electrically powered functional film" may be made of OLED and more particularly well-known AMOLED. The glazing (1) according to the present invention may comprise a combination of one switchable film and OLED film. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the functional film has a size smaller than the first (11) and the second sheet of glass (12). According to the present invention, the functional film is electrically powered through a flexible connector (14). The way to connect the functional film to a power is well-known. In terms of the present invention, the functional film is not limited to examples given above and it should be understood broadly that any functional film for to be used in glazing (1) which is suitable or not for interlayer lamination, like PVB lamination. Thus, the functional film, when it is incorporated into a laminated curved glazing (1) and positioned on a vehicle, in particular as glazed roof or side window, advantageously has to have a good aesthetic and a quick switch in mode ON / OFF in case of switchable film and clear image / information / video in case of integrated display such as OLED display.

[0044] The connector (14) is used for energizing the electrical device (13) and connected to the electrical device (13) and optionally extends over the glazing (1), i.e., one end of the connector (14) is connected to the electrical device (13) and the other end of the connector (14) is freely hanging and extending from the glazing (1) for being connected to its counterpart. The connector (14) may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector, or a flexible flat cable (FFC) connector, or a ribbon-type connector, or a flat connector, or a simple cabling means. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector (14) is a FPC connector, one end connected to the electrical device (13) and one end extending from the glazing (1).

[0045] The window support (15) with a body (151) fixed on the glazing (1) edge preferably next to the connector (14). The window support (15) is attached to the glazing (1) via its body (151). The window support (15) is next to the free hanging connector (14), the term "next to" in this context should be understood as the distance between the window support (15) andthe connector (14) is less than 10cm. In different embodiments, the window support (15) functions as a mounting bracket (also called as holder apparatus) for the sliding windows especially for the sidelites of a vehicle, or a divisional bar for a quarterlite fix (QLF) or a rear door fix (RDF), or a frame for a quarterlite fix or a rear door fix. A quarterlite fix or a rear door fix is nomenclature conventionally used for fixed glazings (1) used in the vehicles, and a divisional bar or a frame should be understood as the means for fixation of such glazings (1), usually the divisional bar partially encapsulates the glazing edges, and the frame fully encapsulates the glazing edges. Such window supports (15) can be made from plastic, thermoplastic or metal material, conventionally from polypropylene (PP). Such examples of the window support (15) are illustrated in the figures.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the body (151) is configured to at least partially sandwich the glazing (1), in a version of this embodiment, the body (151) has a U- shaped cross section allowing the glazing (1) to fit in. In one embodiment of the present invention, the body (151) is configured to at least partially sandwich the glazing (1). The term "sandwiching" should be understood as the outer faces (Pl, P4) of the glazing (1) are in contact with the window support (15), i.e., the glazing (1) is inserted into the window support (15), and "partially" should be understood as not the whole surfaces of the glazing (1) nor the window support (15) is in contact with each other. Preferably, the body (151) has a U-shaped profile (cross section) and the glazing (1) fits into middle of the body (151). The window support (15) is fitted to the glazing (1) by at least partially sandwiching the glazing (1) thanks to its U-shaped cross section. In different embodiments, the body (151) may compose from different smaller parts, meaning, the body (151) is not necessarily a single piece.

[0047] According to one example of the present invention, the Fig.l shows a laminated automotive sidelite; the sidelite is intended to be fixed on the vehicle's body. It is understood that the invention is not limited to a sidelite and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing (1) can be used in any glazing for a vehicle and in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laminated glazing (1) can be used in outside of automotive industry, i.e., anywhere where a laminated glazing (1) is needed, such as in buildings and so on.

[0048] The glazing (1) as shown in Fig.2 as an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first sheet of glass (11) having an external surface (Pl) and an inner surface (P2), and a second sheet of glass (12) having an inner surface (P3) and an outer surface (P4). Such glazing(1) is laminated. The first sheet of glass (11) of the glazing (1) is that sheet in contact with the exterior of the vehicle. The second sheet of glass (12) is that sheet in contact with the inner space of the vehicle. However, as explained above, the ordering can be changed and also the glazing (1) can be a triple glazing or any kind of glazing with at least two glass sheets (11, 12). The glazing (1) can also include more electrical devices (13) which are laminated inside.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or the second sheet of glass (11, 12) are bent in a previous step before providing an electrical device (13) over at least one surface of the first and / or the second sheet of glass (11, 12), i.e., before the lamination process. However, the curvature of the glazing (1) is not crucial for the present invention.

[0050] According to one another embodiment of the present invention, the glazing (1) comprises a first glass sheet (11), a second glass sheet (12) and a pressure-sensitive preferably electrically powered functional film as an electrical device (13) in between the glass sheets (11, 12), and at least one fluid such as a liquid adhesive or such as an optical coupling material as bonding interlayer (17), provided in contact with the functional film and the inner surface (face 2 or face 3 as described above) of the first and / or second glass sheets (11, 12) to provide a bonding function. Achieving such configuration of the glass sheets (11, 12) with the functional film may be accomplished in any method, the present invention is related to the fixing means (152) for providing a robust electrical connection for the glazing (1) with such functional film.

[0051] Th us, the invention relates to any glazing (1), whether tempered, laminated or not, whether for a vehicle or a building, that comprises an electrical device (13) with a connector (14) to energize the electrical device (13), and a window support (15) fixed to the glazing edge preferably next to the connector (14).

[0052] The window support (15) of the present invention is comprising a fixing means (152) for the connector (14) to be fixed onto and suitable for a glazing (1) comprising an electrical device (13) with a connector (14) according to the definitions above, more specifically the connector (14) extending from the electrical device (13) is fixed onto the fixing means (152), thereby strengthening the electrical connection of the electrical device (13). As described above, the free end of the connector (14) is fixed onto the fixing means (152), in other words, the socket / plug / receptacle part of the connector (14), and also free wire end of the connector (14) in the case of the connector (14) does not have a socket / plug / receptacle. The fixingmeans (152) may be a part of the window support (15) or as an extension on the window support (15). Preferably, the fixing means (152) is produced in the same mold with the window support (15). In some other embodiments, the fixing means (152) may be an extra part which can be removably attached onto the window support (15). The fixing means (152) provides anchoring function to the connector (14), i.e., stabilizes the connection of the connector (14).

[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fixing means (152) at least partially encapsulates the connector (14). The connector (14) is fixed onto the fixing means (152) and the fixing means (152) at least partially wraps the connector (14). By fixation of the free end of the connector (14), the pull force on the other end of the connector (14) reduces significantly, i.e., a secure connection is provided for the electrical device (13).

[0054] In a version of this embodiment, the fixing means (152) comprising clips for the connector (14) to be snap-fitted. The fixing means (152) in this version is simple conventional clips used for snap-fit connections. The connector (14) in the installation process, is fixed onto the clips to provide a secure connection to avoid mentioned problems. In addition, the clips solution is very cost effective and eases the installation process.

[0055] In another version of this embodiment, the fixing means (152) comprising a cavity for the connector (14) to be mounted onto. The fixing means (152) in this version comprising walls (not shown) forming the cavity for the connector (14). Similar to the clip embodiment, the connector (14) is mounted onto the cavity for a secure fixation. After the connector (14) is fixed into the cavity, the cavity may be filled with potting to provide sealing which will be described below.

[0056] In another version of this embodiment, the fixing means (152) comprising sockets for connector (14) to be plugged into. The connector (14) of the electrical device (13) is connected to the socket on the window support (15) and the counter part of the connector (161), i.e., the wire harness coming from the vehicle is also connected to the corresponding socket on the window support (15). The sockets on the window support (15) may be a double-way socket which is connecting the connector (14) and its counterpart (161) electrically or it may be two sockets on the window support (15) for connecting the connector (14) and its counterpart (161) respectively and the two sockets are connected electrically by the electrical connection running through the window support (15) inbetween the two sockets.

[0057] I n one specific embodiment, the fixing means (152) comprises at least one clip, at least one cavity and at least one socket for the different connectors (14) coming out from the glazing (1), preferably from different electrical devices (13) provided on the glazing (1). In a version of this embodiment, the fixing means (152) is provided on both sides of the window support (15). Therefore, with the combination of different embodiments, more secure and reliable electrical connections made possible for the electrical devices (13).

[0058] In one another embodiment of the present invention, the fixing means (152) and the connector (14) are sealed together. A potting material is poured over the fixing means (152) to cover and seal the connector (14) provided that the sealing is applied after the connector (14) is fixed onto the fixing means (152). The material used forthe potting can be conventional epoxy used for sealing electronic circuits. Sealing of the connector (14) provides protection for the water ingress or for the dust.

[0059] In one another embodiment of the present invention, the connector (14) and its counterpart (161) form a connection interface (16), and the connection interface (16) is provided on the fixing means (152). The free end of the connector (14) is connected to its counter-part (161) in the installation process and formation of both called the connection interface (16). All embodiments described above for the connector (14) are suitable / compatible for the counter-part of the connector (161), meaning the counter-part of the connector (161) is also fixed onto the fixing means (152), even in the case where the end of the connector (14) does not comprise a socket / plug / receptacle. Counter part of the connector (161) is also called wire harness coming from the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle or from an electricity source.

[0060] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the window support (152) is configured to be fixed to the glazing (1) as a holder / mount apparatus. The glazings (1) used in automotive field, especially the side windows (sidelite) of a vehicle requires a holder, i.e., a mount apparatus for the window sliding / opening mechanisms, also called as brackets. Such parts are usually fixed permanently to the glazing (1) with adhesives. In this embodiment, the window support (15) is used as the mount / holderforthe glazing (1). The window support (15) is permanently fixed to the glazing (1) with the help of adhesives or any means for permanent fixation so that it can also be used as a mount / holder apparatus for the window sliding / opening mechanism. The window support (15) in this embodiment comprises necessary means for fixing of the window sliding / opening mechanism to the window support(15), such as mounting clips or etc. With this embodiment, the window support (15) is not required to be removed from the glazing (1). In different versions of this embodiment, a hole on the glass sheets (11, 12) might be provided for attaching / fixing the mount / holder by clipping, such technique is also widely used in automotive industry.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the window support (15) comprises a filling means (not shown) for injecting a liquid adhesive in between the two glass sheets (11, 12) as a bonding interlayer (17) in the case where the electrical device (13) is a pressure and temperature sensitive functional film which is not suitable for conventional auto-clave lamination process. In such embodiment, the window support (15) may serve for multiple purposes like providing a secure electrical connection to the electrical device (13) and also eliminating defects on the electrical device (13) such as Mura effect due to high pressure and temperature known for such functional films.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A glazing (1) comprising at least one glass sheet (11, 12), an electrical device (13) provided on the glazing (1), a connector (14) electrically connected to the electrical device (13), a window support (15) with a body (151) fixed on the glazing (1) edge, characterized in that the window support (15) comprising a fixing means (152) for the connector (14) to be fixed onto.

2. A glazing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means (152) at least partially encapsulates the connector (14).

3. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (152) comprising clips for the connector (14) to be snap-fitted.

4. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (152) comprising a cavity for the connector (14) to be mounted onto.

5. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (152) comprising sockets for connector (14) to be plugged into.

6. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (152) and the connector (14) are sealed together.

7. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the connector (14) and its counterpart (161) forms a connection interface (16), and the connection interface (16) is provided on the fixing means (152).

8. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the window support (15) is a holder apparatus / mounting bracket for the sliding windows or a divisional bar for the quarter-lite-fix or rear-door-fix, or a frame for the quarter-lite-fix or rear-door-fix.

9. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the glazing (1) is a laminated glazing comprising at least two glass sheets (11, 12) and a bonding interlayer (17).

10. A glazing (1) according to claim 9, wherein the window support (15) comprises a filling means for injection a liquid adhesive as the bonding interlayer (17) in between the two glass sheets (11, 12).

11. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the electrical device (13) is a functional switchable film, or an antenna, or a display, or a heating element provided on the glazing (1).

12. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the connector (14) is a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or a ribbon-type connector, or a flat connector.

13. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the body (151) is configured to at least partially sandwich the glazing (1).

14. A glazing (1) according to claim 13, wherein the body (151) has a U-shaped cross section allowing the glazing (1) to fit in.

15. A glazing (1) according to any preceding claims, wherein the fixing means (152) is removably attached to the window support (15).

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