VEHICLE GLAZING WITH MAGNETIC SUPPORT

Abstract

This vehicle glazing (1) comprises a glazed element (2), and a seal (6) which is in contact with at least one edge of an inner face (22), and a trim fixing device (110) comprising an orientation support (8) rigidly attached to said seal (6) and at least one magnet (9) mounted with clearance on this support (8). A flexible part (95) is interposed between the magnet (9) and the support (8). (Fig. 5)

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE GLAZING WITH MAGNETIC SUPPORT

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle glazing and the trimming of their periphery inside the passenger compartment and more particularly to the fixing of the trim inside the passenger compartment near a vehicle window.

[0002] By vehicle, we mean a land road vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a bus, a tram, a railway vehicle.

[0003] More particularly, the present invention relates to the method of fixing a vehicle roof trim, that is to say one or more pieces generally thermoformed and covered with fabric, covering the inner periphery of the roof of the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

[0004] Such trim is found in particular in vehicles including a panoramic roof, that is to say a roof equipped with fixed glazing.

[0005] Such a trim forms, along the longitudinal sides of the glazing, a kind of channel, providing both an aesthetically pleasing finish and concealing certain functional elements such as cables or electronic components like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate the roof glazing from inside the passenger compartment. The trim can thus be peripheral, all around the glazing in a single piece, or it can be in several parts and located near several edges of the glazing.

[0006] It is important that the means of fixing the roof lining be as unobtrusive as possible, so that this lining itself can occupy a minimal volume inside the passenger compartment, thus freeing up space for the movements in particular of the heads of the passengers.

[0007] It is also important that these fastening means be robust, so that the trim has a resistance to tearing in accordance with the specifications imposed by the car manufacturers.

[0008] It is also important that these means of fixing be stable, so as to avoid vibration phenomena of the linings on their support or of the support system itself, during the operation of the vehicle.

[0009] It is also important that these means of fixing be reversible: it must be possible to detach the trim, without damaging it, to access what it normally hides, and then put it back.

[0010] The present invention thus aims in particular to provide means for fixing trim, in particular for panoramic roofs of motor vehicles which allow us to meet these needs.

[0011] This objective, as well as other advantages that will result from the following description, is achieved with vehicle glazing comprising a glazed element, creating a separation between an exterior space and an interior space and having an exterior face, an interior face, and an edge situated between these two faces. Said glazing includes a seal that is in contact with at least one edge of said interior face and a trim fixing device comprising an orientation support rigidly attached to said seal and at least one magnet mounted with clearance on this support, notable in that it includes a flexible piece interposed between the magnet and the support. The orientation support is thus an orientation support for the orientation of at least one magnet, and is preferably an orientation support for the orientation of two magnets with a single orientation support.

[0012] Thanks to these characteristics, it is possible to obtain, in a very simple way and with minimal bulk, a possibility of movement of the magnet relative to the orientation support.

[0013] This movement, permitted by the flexible part, allows the magnet to remain in contact over its entire surface with the ferromagnetic part attached to the lining, thus ensuring a strong and tear-resistant connection, while being able to be carefully disassembled.

[0014] The flexible piece interposed between the magnet and the support makes it possible to eliminate the risks of vibration of the magnet or magnets on its or their support.

[0015] In addition, the combination of the set and the flexible part makes it possible to respond in a very simple way and with minimal bulk to the needs of robust and vibration-free connection of the trim on the roof of the vehicle.

[0016] This allows us to reduce the volume of this trim, and free up space for passengers in the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0017] According to other optional features of the device according to the present invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0018] - the flexible part is a washer made of thermoplastic material: this washer, which can Being circular or square, for example, allows the function of absorbing the vibrations of the magnet on its support to be carried out very simply;

[0019] - the magnet includes a fixing hole through which a fixing means passes cooperating with said support, said flexible part is arranged around said fastening means;

[0020] - said support has an annular extension and said flexible part is arranged around this extension: this arrangement allows a ball-joint type movement of the magnet relative to the support;

[0021] - said flexible part has annular extensions, cooperating respectively with said orifice and with a counterbore formed in said orientation support: this arrangement allows a ball-and-socket type movement of the magnet relative to the support, while allowing the self-centering of this magnet relative to this support;

[0022] - said orientation support comprises an extension with beveled outer walls which partially penetrates the said orifice, coming to rest on the inlet edge of this orifice: this extension allows the centering of the magnet relative to the support; depending on the number and arrangement of the beveled walls of the extension, the pivoting of the magnet relative to the support can be obtained in certain predetermined planes - which eliminates certain degrees of freedom and therefore the pivot-type connection between the two parts;

[0023] - said magnet comprises a stirrup and two magnetized elements arranged inside this stirrup: such a magnet makes it possible to ensure a particularly robust and clear connection with the ferromagnetic element of the lining;

[0024] - said caliper is intended to be in contact with a metallic part of the lining; The magnets are preferably on either side of the fixing system in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal edges of the glazing and in the transverse direction along the transverse edges of the glazing to ensure a pull-out force; The magnets are thus less thick than the bracket;

[0025] - said seal is made by encapsulating the edge of the glazing and is provided with at least one hollow fixing stud extending towards said interior space: incorporating the fixing stud into the encapsulation joint allows this stud to be produced in a single overmolding operation of the periphery of the glazing; In-situ molding of the stud at the same time as the molding of the profiled joint allows for very precise positioning and ensures robust fixing of said stud;

[0026] - this device includes means for fixing at least one lighting module: This module can be hidden by the trim when it is placed on the magnets.

[0027] - the glazing comprises a plurality of magnet supports and magnets distributed along The profiled seal: this distribution ensures optimal attachment of the trim around the entire perimeter of the glazing assembly. The attachment and fixing of the trim can be further enhanced by other means, such as clips.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a glazing assembly according to the above, and a trim fixed on said magnets.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0030] [Fig-1] represents, schematically and in side view, a motor vehicle comprising glazing according to the invention;

[0031] [Fig.2]: a perspective view of a panoramic vehicle roof comprising glazing according to the invention, taken from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment;

[0032] [Fig.3]: a cross-sectional and perspective view of glazing according to an embodiment of the invention and of a roof trim mounted on this glazing,

[0033] [Fig.4]: a perspective view of another embodiment of glazing according to the invention and its associated roof trim,

[0034] [Fig.5]: an exploded perspective view of the whole of [Fig.4],

[0035] [Fig. 6]: a perspective view from another angle of the glazing of figures 4 and 5, without the accompanying garnish,

[0036] [Fig.7]: a perspective view from yet another angle of the glazing of figures 4 to 6, without the associated trim,

[0037] [Fig.8]: a perspective view of the glazing magnet according to the invention and its associated flexible part,

[0038] [Fig. 9]: a cross-sectional view of a variant of the magnet according to the invention,

[0039] [Fig. 10]: a cross-sectional view of another variant of the magnet according to the invention,

[0040] [Fig. 11]: a cross-sectional view of yet another variant of the magnet according to the invention.

[0041] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs throughout the figures.

[0042] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the present invention is described by way of example in the context of an application as fixed glazing 1 of vehicle 1000.

[0043] This glazing closes an opening by creating a separation between an exterior space E, which is outside the vehicle, and an interior space I, which is inside the vehicle. The concepts of "exterior" and "interior" are therefore considered in relation to, respectively, the exterior space and the interior space.

[0044] The present invention is described, by way of non-limiting example, as applied to a roof window 1 of a vehicle 1000. In [Fig. 2], the window is, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally in the vehicle's frame of reference. With reference to [Fig. 3], the window 1 is seen in vertical cross-section.

[0045] The glazing 1 comprises a glazed element 2. This glazed element can be monolithic, i.e. made of a single sheet of material, or be composite, i.e. made of several sheets of material between which is inserted at least one intermediate layer of adherent material, in the case of laminated glazing.

[0046] The sheet(s) of material may be mineral(s), in particular glass, having for example undergone annealing or tempering, or organic(s), in particular plastic material such as polyvinyl butyral.

[0047] The intermediate layer preferably contains at least one thermoplastic material, preferably polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the thermoplastic intermediate layer may also contain, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinyl fluoride, and / or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0048] The intermediate thermoplastic layer can be formed of one or more superimposed thermoplastic films, the thickness of a thermoplastic film not exceeding, preferably, 1.0 mm, in particular from 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm or 0.9 mm, typically around 0.4 mm or 0.7 mm.

[0049] The glazing can form a side window of a vehicle. The vehicle can be a road vehicle, such as a car, truck, bus, tram, or railway vehicle. It can be a fixed glazing (not movable in the vehicle's frame of reference).

[0050] Here, the glazing is preferably positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally in the vehicle's frame of reference.

[0051] In the context of this document, the notion of verticality is introduced with reference to the vertical axis Z of a vehicle; the central horizontal longitudinal axis of forward movement of the vehicle equipped with the glazing according to the invention as roof glazing, being the axis generally referred to as the X axis of the vehicle, and the horizontal lateral axis being the Y axis, as seen in [Fig.1].

[0052] As can be seen in figures 3 to 5, the window 2 has an outer face 20 intended to be oriented towards the outer space E and an inner face 22 intended to be oriented towards the inner space I. The window 2 can be curved.

[0053] The glazing 1 includes a profiled seal 6, which is peripheral here; it extends along the four edges of the glazed element.

[0054] The glazing 1 comprises, in addition to the glazed element 2, at least one lighting system 27, each comprising several point light sources of the LED (light-emitting diode) type. The lighting system 27 extends along a longitudinal edge of the glazed element 2.

[0055] Each lighting system 27 is located further inside than the inner face 22 of the glazed element 2 and therefore constitutes an internal lighting system. The power supply to these modules is not detailed here.

[0056] A prismatic system, not illustrated, may be interposed between the point light sources and the glazed element; it may have a part that fits into a recess of the glazed element. The light emitted by the point light sources the lighting system(s) 27 is directed towards the inner face 22, to provide lighting within the mass of the glazed element 2 and a redirection of this lighting towards the interior space I.

[0057] This lighting system 27 comprises, arranged end to end following one another and substantially aligned along the curvature of at least one edge of the glazed element 2, at least two luminous modules 7, 7', each carrying point light sources and / or LEDs, longitudinal, adjacent, each extending in its length along a longitudinal direction 70, 70', and each having longitudinal ends 71, 71', two of which are arranged opposite each other.

[0058] These two longitudinal ends 71,71' are attached to the profiled joint 6, itself attached or fixed to the glazed element 2, by at least one attachment system 100 which is reversible, in the sense that this system allows the longitudinal ends 71,71' to be attached, but also to be detached, and this without damage to the rest of the glazing.

[0059] These two longitudinal ends 71,71' are each mechanically linked to an intermediate zone 75, 75' which is located directly (without any other interposed element) between, on the one hand, a profiled zone 65, 65' which has been provided in the profiled joint 6 and which is located more towards the external space E than the intermediate zone 75, 75' and, on the other hand, a support zone 85, 85' of an orientation support 8, this support zone 85, 85' being located more towards the internal space I than the intermediate zone 75, 75', the support zone 85, 85' being supported, respectively, on the said intermediate zone 75, 75' (this support is therefore in the direction of the external space E.

[0060] Each light module 7, 7', is thus supported by at least one orientation support 8 having a base 80 further from the glazed element 2 than the two intermediate zones 75, 75'. This base 80 is arranged to be, directly or indirectly, fixed or attached to the glazed element 2. The orientation support 8 is arranged to attach the light modules 7, 7' to the glazed element 2 via the intermediate zones 75, 75' and the profiled zones 65, 65' of the profiled joint 6, and to allow adjustment of the positioning of the two light modules 7, 7' relative to the glazed element 2.

[0061] The orientation support 8 constitutes a support for the two intermediate zones 75, 75' of the two longitudinal ends 71, 71'. More particularly, the orientation support 8 is arranged to orient in space both of the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', of two light modules 7, 7', independently of each other with respect to this orientation support 8.

[0062] More particularly, as can be seen in Figures 4 to 7, the orientation support 8 is reversibly attached to the profiled seal 6 fixed to an edge of the glazed element 2 by means of of an axial fixing element 101 having an axis D oriented substantially perpendicular to the inner face 22 of the glazed element 2. This axial fixing element 101 is, preferably, a screw or a bolt or a clip, penetrating (directly or indirectly) into the profiled joint 6.

[0063] The intermediate zone 75, 75' of the light modules 7, 7' comprises a shoulder needle 76, 76' having two ends, each cylindrical or conical, one extending towards the outer space E in the hollow profiled centering pad 62, 62' provided in the profiled joint 6 and the other extending towards the inner space I in a hollow support pad 83, 83' provided in said orientation support 8.

[0064] For at least one lighting system, and preferably for each lighting system 27, at least two light modules 7, 7' are arranged adjacently, each oriented along its length in a longitudinal direction. There may, for example, be ten LEDs per light module.

[0065] The edge 21 and part of the peripheral edge of the inner face 22 of the glass 2 are encapsulated inside the profiled seal 6 formed from thermoplastic material.

[0066] This material can be, for example, polyurethane with a hardness of 90 shore A.

[0067] The encapsulation technique is known per se, and described for example in patent application WO2006 / 035180: it consists of overmolding by injection the thermoplastic material to the periphery of the glazing.

[0068] Advantageously, during this overmolding, hollow fixing studs 61 are made from material with the seal itself, as can be seen in figures 5 and 6.

[0069] Only one fixing stud 61 is visible in figures 6 and 7, but it must be understood that a plurality of fixing studs 61 are distributed regularly on the peripheral seal 6, all around the glass 2.

[0070] Optionally, two hollow profiled centering studs 62, 62' can also be provided, arranged on either side of the fixing stud 61.

[0071] An orientation support 8, which can be formed of plastic material or metal alloy, comprises a base 80, oriented longitudinally, which is provided in its center with an orifice 81, on either side of which are arranged, according to the length, support pads 83, 83', as is more particularly visible on [Fig.6].

[0072] The orientation support 8 is fixed to the joint 6 for example by a screw 820 having a threaded body and a head, the threaded body of which passes through the central orifice 81 of the base 80 in the direction of the profiled joint 6 and the head of which is retained by a periphery of this central orifice 81. The threaded body cooperates with a corresponding thread formed in the fixing stud 61 of the joint 6.

[0073] The lighting modules 7, 7' which may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are fixed by means of tabs 72, 72' pinched between the hollow profiled centering pads 62, 62' of the joint 6 and the support pads 83, 83' of the orientation support 8.

[0074] A magnet 9 is fixed on the orientation support 8, so as to face the interior space I.

[0075] This magnet 9 may include a stirrup 91 made of plastic or metallic material, inside of which are arranged two permanently magnetized elements 92a, 92b, of a shape for example parallelepiped.

[0076] As can be seen more particularly in figures 8 to 11, between the two magnetized elements 92a, 92b, the stirrup 91 has an orifice 93 through which is passed a means of fixing this magnet 9 on the orientation support 8.

[0077] This fastening means may include a screw 94 cooperating with a thread formed in the orientation support 8.

[0078] This fastening means may also include a protrusion made of material with the orientation support 8, and passing through the orifice 93 formed in the bracket 91 of the magnet, a clip-type fixing washer then being placed on this protrusion to hold the magnet 9.

[0079] A play is preferably provided in the fixing of the magnet 9 on the support 8, this play allowing limited rotations of the magnet 9 at least in the XY and XZ planes.

[0080] As can be seen in particular in figures 8 to 11, between the magnet 9 and the orientation support 8, and around the means of fixing this magnet 9 to this support 8, a flexible piece 95 in the shape of a washer formed in a flexible material is placed.

[0081] This flexible part 95 in the shape of a washer, which can for example be circular or square in shape, can be formed in a relatively flexible plastic material, such as polyurethane with a hardness of 60 shore A.

[0082] In the variant shown in [Fig.9], the orientation support 8 has an annular extension 84 which penetrates partly inside the orifice 93 of the magnet 9. This annular extension 84 also helps to facilitate the penetration of the screw, and thus to reduce its length.

[0083] This annular extension 84 has a diameter smaller than that of the orifice 93 of the magnet 9, and the flexible washer-shaped piece 95 is arranged around the extension 84, allowing a ball-type movement of the magnet 9 relative to the support 8.

[0084] In the variant shown in [Fig. 10], the washer 95 itself has annular extensions 96a, 96b, cooperating respectively with the orifice 93 of the magnet 9 and with a counterbore 840 formed in the support 8 at the entrance of the orifice 81 of this support: This flexible piece 95 in the shape of a washer thus formed allows a ball-joint type movement of the magnet 9 relative to the support 8, while allowing the self-centering of this magnet relative to this support.

[0085] In the variant shown in [Fig.1 1], the orientation support 8 has an extension 84' with beveled outer walls which penetrates partly inside the orifice 93 of the magnet 9, coming to rest on the inlet edge of this orifice.

[0086] The extension 84' allows the centering of the magnet 9 relative to the support 8.

[0087] Depending on the number and arrangement of the beveled walls of the extension 84', the pivoting of the magnet 9 relative to the support 8 can be obtained in certain predetermined planes - which eliminates certain degrees of freedom and therefore the pivot-type connection between the two parts.

[0088] Once all the aforementioned parts are assembled as shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, a fastening device is obtained ready to accommodate a trim 110 extending around the periphery of the roof glazing 1, inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0089] This trim 110 can be formed of a single or a plurality of thermoformed and fabric-covered channels, inside of which are ferromagnetic parts 111 arranged so as to come opposite the magnets 9.

[0090] The fixing of the trim 110 under the periphery of the roof glazing 1 is carried out by pairing ferromagnetic elements 111 of this trim with the magnets 9 distributed at the periphery of this glazing 1.

[0091] Once in place, this trim completely covers the profiled seal 6, the orientation supports 8 distributed along the profiled seal 6, the magnets 9, as well as any additional elements such as the modules 7, 7' of light-emitting diodes allowing the roof glazing 1 to be illuminated from the interior space I of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0092] The method of fixing the magnets 9 on the orientation supports 8, with controlled play and the presence of flexible parts 95 interposed between the magnets 9 and these orientation supports 8, makes it possible, in a very simple way and with minimal bulk, to ensure a clear contact of these magnets 9 with the associated ferromagnetic elements 111 of the lining 110, and to prevent any risk of vibration of this lining 110.

[0093] Thanks to the small size, trim 110 can be dimensioned in such a way that the space for passengers inside the passenger compartment is optimized.

[0094]

[0095] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0096] The present invention could be applied to the fixing of trims on other parts of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, such as for example on the pillars of the side windows of a vehicle.

Claims

Demands

1. Vehicle glazing (1) comprising a glazed element (2), creating a separation between an exterior space (E) and an interior space (I) and having an exterior face (20), an interior face (22) and an edge (21) situated between these two faces, said glazing (1) comprising a seal (6) which is in contact at least with an edge of said interior face (22) and a trim fixing device (110) comprising an orientation support (8) rigidly attached to said seal (6) and at least one magnet (9) mounted with some clearance on this support (8), characterized in that it comprises a flexible piece (95) interposed between the magnet (9) and the support (8).

2. Glazing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible part (95) is a washer made of thermoplastic material.

3. Glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the magnet (9) comprises a fixing orifice (93) through which a fixing means (94) is passed, cooperating with said support (8), said flexible part (95) is disposed around said fixing means (94).

4. Glazing (1) according to claim 3, wherein said support (8) has an annular extension (84) and said flexible piece (95) is arranged around this extension (84).

5. Glazing (1) according to claim 3, wherein said flexible piece (95) has annular extensions (96a, 96b), cooperating respectively with said orifice (93) and with a counterbore (840) formed in said orientation support (8).

6. Glazing (1) according to claim 3, in which said orientation support (8) comprises an extension (84') with beveled outer walls which penetrates partly inside said orifice (93), coming to rest on the entrance edge of this orifice (93).

7. Glazing (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said magnet (9) comprises a bracket (91) and two magnetized elements (92a, 92b) arranged inside said bracket (91).

8. Glazing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said joint (6) is made by encapsulating the edge of this glazing and is provided with at least one hollow fixing stud (61) extending in the direction of said interior space (I).

9. Glazing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for fixing at least one lighting module (7.7').

10. Glazing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of magnet supports (8) and magnets (9) distributed on said joint (6).

11. Motor vehicle, comprising a glazing assembly conforming to any one of the preceding claims, and a trim (110) fixed to said magnets (9).

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