Window unit, vehicle window unit, mold, and related methods and uses

Abstract

Window unit, vehicle window unit, mold, and related methods and uses. The present invention discloses a window unit including a glazing panel and a frame having a frame profile that either surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides to grip the glazing panel or surrounds the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring. The frame includes a first portion in the form of a hard component. The first portion of the frame includes at least one clip-like assembly, the clip-like assembly including an upper element and a lower element, the at least one clip-like assembly designed to clamp and maintain a lug of a trim element between the upper element and the lower element. The upper element is offset from the lower element along the edge. The at least one clip-like assembly and the first portion are formed as a single component. The upper element and the lower element are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the through axis of the trim element inserted into the clip-like assembly. The present invention also discloses a mold for manufacturing such a window unit. The present invention also discloses a vehicle window unit including such a window unit. The present invention also discloses related methods and uses.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a window unit including a glazing panel and a frame having a frame profile and surrounding an edge of the glazing panel to grip the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides or in the form of a ring to surround the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides, the frame including a first portion in the form of a hard component, and more particularly to an improved window unit including at least one clip-like assembly for clamping and maintaining a trim element along a portion of the edge.

[0002] The present invention therefore relates to several fields in which a window unit includes at least one clip-like assembly for clamping and maintaining a trim element along a portion of its edge. The window unit is designed to be mounted on a structure. The structure may be a fixed object such as a building or the body of a mobile object such as an automobile, car, bus, truck, train, ship, or the like. Such a window unit may be used both indoors and outdoors. [Background technology]

[0003] Builders often hide these unattractive seals behind metallic trim elements or trim elements made from synthetic materials covered with a metallic film. These trim elements must be fastened in a sufficiently robust manner so that there is no risk of them accidentally coming loose. For example, if the trim element is defective, it must be possible to remove it at the time of work or when replacing the trim, thereby avoiding the need to replace the entire window / paint provided on the vehicle.

[0004] Various methods have been proposed for fastening these trim elements, often involving a connection between the seal and the trim. These fastenings are usually achieved using clip-type means, making installation simple and fast. In these assembly operations, the trim, which essentially comprises a metallic profile, is fastened to components integrated within the seal itself. Positioning the various elements often requires one or more manual operations, which is unsatisfactory from an economical standpoint. Aiming to simplify these operations, solutions rely on fastening methods that include clamping the profiles that make up the trim to corresponding elements integrated within the peripheral seal when formed on the window. Specifically, Belgian Patent Application No. 2013 / 0441 proposes fastening a trim with two separate elements: a first element, which is a base molded directly with the seal, and a second element, which includes clips designed to accept the lugs of the trim. Meanwhile, the second element is assembled on the base by the engagement of the two elements relative to each other, a movement that resists their separation. This solution offers the advantage that the second element can be replaced if it is defective.

[0005] However, this solution leads to the formation of shrinkage cavities in the area of ​​the seal when the fastening element is positioned.

[0006] To reduce these shrinkage cavities, European Patent Application No. 3461668 discloses a clip that is inserted onto the glazing unit. This solution requires the assembly of separately manufactured parts (first part, clip, etc.). This solution makes the assembly with the trim element more complicated, while also requiring more work to manufacture the glazing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, to solve these problems, the present invention proposes an improved window unit.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a window unit comprising a glazing panel and a frame having a frame profile and surrounding and gripping the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides or in the form of a ring surrounding the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides, wherein the frame comprises a first part in the form of a hard component.

[0009] The solution defined in a first aspect of the invention is based on the first part of the frame comprising at least one clip-like assembly, the clip-like assembly comprising an upper element and a lower element, the at least one clip-like assembly being designed to clamp and maintain a lug of a trim element between the upper element and the lower element.

[0010] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the upper element being offset from the lower element along its edge in order to stabilize the clamping of the trim element with the lug.

[0011] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that at least one clip-like assembly and the first part are formed as a single component, at least to reduce the effort.

[0012] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the fact that the upper and lower elements are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the through axis of the trim element that is plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly, so as to allow the insertion and plugging of the lugs of the trim element.

[0013] Thus, the present invention solves the need to easily insert and maintain a trim element along a window unit while also having the possibility to change this trim element with a simple operation.

[0014] The invention makes it possible to obtain a window unit that is robust and dimensionally stable.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle window unit comprising a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the vehicle window unit also comprising a trim element including a lug designed to be retained by clamping within a clip-like assembly.

[0016] The solution defined in a second aspect of the invention is based on the lug being inserted in at least one clip-like assembly between the upper and lower elements.

[0017] The present invention relates in a third aspect to a method of manufacturing a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the step of injection moulding a first portion and at least one clip-like assembly onto a glazing panel in a single step.

[0018] The present invention relates in a fourth aspect to a method of assembling a vehicle glazing unit according to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising: Step A. Providing a glazing unit according to a first aspect of the present invention; Step B. Providing a trim element including a lug designed to be clamped and maintained within a clip-like assembly; Step C. Assembling the trim element by clamping the lug between the upper and lower elements of at least one clip-like element. Includes.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a mould for manufacturing a window unit as defined in claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mould is designed to receive at least a part of a glazing unit into which a first part is to be inserted and comprises a cavity for producing the first part and at least one clip-like assembly by injection.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a use for clamping a trim element with at least one clip-like assembly contained within a first part of a frame having a frame profile and surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides to grip the glazing panel or surrounding the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring, wherein the frame includes a first element (4) in the form of a hard component, the clip-like assembly includes an upper element (51) and a lower element (52), the at least one clip-like assembly is designed to clamp and maintain a lug of the trim element between the upper element and the lower element, the upper element being positioned offset from the lower element along the edge, the at least one clip-like assembly and the first part are formed as a single component, and the upper element and the lower element are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the trim element inserted into the clip-like assembly.

[0021] It is to be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features set forth in the claims or the described embodiments.

[0022] Although the following description is directed to automobiles, it should be understood that the invention may also be applicable to other fields, such as transportation applications in general or construction applications or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various exemplary embodiments of the invention, provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The drawings are schematic representations and are not to scale. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Further advantages will be explained by way of example.

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic 3D view of a window unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

[0025] [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a schematic 3D view of a vehicle window unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic 3D view of a clip-like assembly.

[0027] [Figure 4] FIG. 2D is a schematic 2D view of a clip-like assembly.

[0028] [Figure 5] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly of FIG. 5 along plane AA'.

[0029] [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly of FIG. 5 along plane BB'.

[0030] [Figure 7] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly of FIG. 5 along plane CC'.

[0031] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present specification for a particular embodiment includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the corresponding embodiment. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Other variations may be envisioned within the scope of the claims.

[0033] As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as "inside," "outside," "upper," "lower," "above," and "below" refer to the present invention as depicted in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention may assume various other orientations, and therefore, such terms should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, amounts of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like used in the present specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Therefore, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, the numerical values ​​depicted in the following specification and claims are approximate and may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "substantially" means within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0034] Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include the beginning and end values ​​of the range and encompass all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range explicitly stated as "1 to 10" should be considered to include all subranges from a minimum value of 1 to a maximum value of 10 (inclusive), i.e., all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or greater, e.g., 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on, but not necessarily in surface contact with, a substrate. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not exclude the presence of one or more other coatings of the same or different composition disposed between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0035] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present specification and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. When an indefinite or definite article is used to refer to the singular, e.g., "a" or "an," this includes the plural of that noun, unless specifically stated to the contrary. As used herein, "configured to" can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "capable of," or "designed to," in terms of hardware and software, depending on the context. In any context, the expression "device configured to" can mean that the device, together with other devices or components, is "capable of performing."

[0036] Furthermore, in this specification and claims, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily denote an order in time, space, precedence, or any other way. It should be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may operate in orders other than those described or illustrated in this application. When a component (e.g., a first component) is described as being "coupled (functionally or communicatively)" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected to the other component through yet another component (e.g., a third component).

[0037] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above-mentioned problems.

[0038] According to a first aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the invention relates to a window unit 1 comprising a glazing panel 2 and a frame 3 .

[0039] <Glazing Panel> In one embodiment, the glazing panel may include at least one glass sheet.

[0040] In another embodiment, due to the reduced deformation induced on the glazing panel, the glazing panel may comprise a laminated glass panel. A laminated glass panel comprises glass sheets held together by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets. The interlayers utilized are typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which have adjustable stiffness. These interlayers hold the glass sheets together in a manner that prevents the glass from breaking into large, sharp fragments when broken.

[0041] The material of the glass sheets may independently be, for example, soda-lime silica glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, or other materials such as thermoplastic polymers or polycarbonates known particularly for automotive applications. References to glass throughout this application should not be considered as limiting.

[0042] The glass sheets can be, independently, clear glass or tinted glass, which is a specific composition of glass or colored by the application of, for example, a decorative coating, paint, or plastic layer. The glass sheets can have any shape for fitting into the opening, such as a rectangular shape in plan, by using known cutting methods. For example, the glass sheets can be cut by shining a laser beam onto the surface of the multi-glazing window to cut the glass sheet, or by mechanically cutting with a cutter wheel.

[0043] The glass sheets can be independently manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float method, the fusion method, the redraw method, the press molding method, or the pulling method. As a manufacturing method for the glass sheets, it is preferable to use the float method from the viewpoint of productivity and cost.

[0044] For laminated glass panels, it may be advantageous to have glass sheets with varying thicknesses to reduce weight and noise. Thin glass sheets with thicknesses of less than 1 mm may be used without bending or deformation due to the deformations induced on the glazing panel. As a result, such thin glass sheets can maintain the desired design.

[0045] The shape of the window unit in plan view (in the XZ plane) is usually triangular, especially for window units used as quarter-light window units. Depending on the application, the shape is not limited to triangular, but can be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, hexagonal or similar.

[0046] The glazing panels can be flat or curved panels to fit the design of the passenger vehicle. The glazing panels can be treated, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet security and anti-theft requirements. For example, a heatable system, such as a coating or a network of wires, can be applied onto the glazing panel to add defrosting and / or anti-fogging capabilities.

[0047] <frame> According to the invention, a frame 3 having a frame profile that surrounds the edge of a glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides to grip the glazing panel or that surrounds the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring comprises a first part 4 in the form of a hard component. It is to be understood that a hard component is a dimensionally stable component having a Young's modulus of more than 1000 MPa, preferably a hard component is a dimensionally stable component having a Young's modulus of more than 1500 MPa.

[0048] <Part 1> In one preferred embodiment, the hard component is a polypropylene-based material. Other hard materials with a Young's modulus greater than 1000 MPa can also be used, such as polyimides, certain styrenes, ABS, certain PVCs, and others.

[0049] In some preferred embodiments, the hard components can be reinforced with fillers (glass fibers, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulfate fibers, mica), i.e., polypropylene can be reinforced with 30% glass fibers (PP30GF) with a Young's modulus above 1500 MPa, which is about 1680 MPa.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first portion is in direct contact with the glazing panel, meaning that the first portion is injected directly onto the glazing panel without any other material between the first portion and the surface of the glazing panel. The glazing panel may have a bonding agent or primer material locally to ensure airtightness and / or facilitate encapsulation of the first portion onto the glazing panel.

[0051] The first portion can be overmolded onto the glazing panel. To expedite the process, the first portion is preferably injected into a mold so that it is encapsulated on the glazing panel.

[0052] The first portion may have a specific shape to meet the requirements of the desired application. In some embodiments, the first portion may have an extension 41 to ensure the mechanical strength of the window unit.

[0053] <Second part> In one embodiment of the invention, the frame may include a second part 7 in the form of a soft component that is at least partially positioned on the first part. The second part allows the window unit to be sealed onto the structure to which it is fixed. Such a structure may be a car body, a building, etc.

[0054] The second portion may be injected in a step performed at least partially on the first portion after the step of injecting the first portion. Preferably, the second portion is a single portion. In some embodiments, the second portion may be in local contact with the glazing panel to ensure aesthetics and airtightness of the window.

[0055] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the second portion contacts the glazing panel, preferably at least at the level of the at least one constraint release means.

[0056] The soft component has a natural chemical adhesive bond with the hard component.

[0057] The soft component has a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa. The soft material with a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrene-based vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0058] The soft component is used to provide the final surface appearance of the frame and also to attach the window unit to the vehicle body. The soft lip allows the softness of the material to effectively allow interference between the vehicle body and the window unit. The soft component is often also used to ensure the sealing function between the vehicle body and the encapsulated window unit.

[0059] In one preferred embodiment, the soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based material.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame profile surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and is made from a soft component that has a natural chemical adhesive bond with the hard material, thus allowing for good adhesion between the frame profile and the first part without the use of a primer between the two parts.

[0061] 2 shows a vehicle window unit 10 that is mounted on the body of a vehicle such as a passenger car. The vehicle window unit 10 includes a window unit that includes a glazing panel 2 and a frame 3.

[0062] <trim element> The vehicle window also includes a trim element 6 .

[0063] In this representation, the trim element 6 has an outer surface 65 designed to conceal part of the first portion 4 and, if present, part of the second portion.

[0064] The trim elements are generally elongated elements substantially parallel to the edges of the glazing unit having a well-finished exterior surface 65 .

[0065] The trim elements can be flat or curved and can have any shape to conceal portions of the window unit that need not be visible when installed on a structure.

[0066] The trim elements may be manufactured from a plastic-based material or a metal such as aluminum.

[0067] Trim elements may have coatings, films, or the like on their exterior surfaces for aesthetic reasons, such as to match the color of the structure or to impart a particular finish.

[0068] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, on an inner surface 66 facing the seal, the trim element includes a lug 61. The trim element may include extensions 62, 63 that allow for better positioning of the trim element between the vehicle body and the window unit and / or that allow for reinforcement of the trim element.

[0069] In accordance with the present invention, the lug may have any shape that can be clamped and maintained within the clip-like assembly.

[0070] Referring again to Figure 2, the lug 61 is inserted into at least a clip-like assembly (not shown) so as to be retained clamped onto the window unit.

[0071] The lug may be a solid or elongated lug, depending on the desired application, which extends along the length of the trim element, which in such terms is meant in the X axis.

[0072] <Clip-shaped assembly> As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion 4 of the frame 3 includes at least one clip-like assembly 5 .

[0073] According to the invention, the at least one clip-like assembly 5 and the first part 4 are formed as a single component, which means that the at least one clip-like assembly 5 and the first part 4 are manufactured from the same material and during a single step.

[0074] The clip-like assemblies include an upper element 51 and a lower element 52. At least one clip-like assembly is designed to clamp and maintain a lug of a trim element between the upper and lower elements.

[0075] Typically, the clip consists of an upper and lower element positioned above one another in the Z axis to insert the trim element between the two elements.

[0076] In accordance with the present invention, to reduce shrinkage cavities, the upper element 51 is offset from the lower element along its edge, meaning that the upper element 51 is offset from the lower element 52 substantially along the X axis in these figures. It should be understood that the clamping or insertion of the trim element is performed by the upper and lower elements and there is no need for a separate element of the clip-like element designed to clamp the trim element to insert and maintain it on the clip-like element.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the upper and lower elements are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the through axis of the trim element that plugs into the clip-like assembly 5. In this representation, the through axis is substantially along the Y axis and therefore locally perpendicular to the edge of the window unit, i.e., the X axis in this representation.

[0078] 5 shows a bottom element according to the present invention. In some embodiments, bottom element 52 may have arms 521 designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the trim element inserted into the clip-like assembly, even when the bottom element is made from a rigid material such as polypropylene, meaning that the shape, length, thickness, and / or width may vary depending on the application and the trim element being inserted. The bottom element may also include an end portion 522. The end portion may include a hook-like element for retaining the trim element when it is inserted into the clip-like assembly.

[0079] 7 shows an upper element according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the upper element 51 may have arms 511 designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the penetration axis of the trim element inserted into the clip-like assembly, even when the lower element is made from a rigid material such as polypropylene, meaning that the shape, length, thickness, and / or width may vary depending on the application and the trim element being inserted. The lower element may also include an end portion 512. The end portion may include a hook-like element for retaining the trim element when it is inserted into the clip-like assembly.

[0080] <Linguistic element> In some embodiments, at least one clip-like assembly includes a tongue-like element 53 between the upper and lower elements to guide the trim element to move in the correct direction, in this representation along the Y axis, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6. Thus, the tongue-like element 53 has a shaped element 531 designed to guide the trim element to remain correctly inserted between the upper and lower elements.

[0081] The tongue-like element 53 may also include a stop 532 to prevent the trim element from being forced inwardly into the clip-like assembly in a crushing manner.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper element 51 has a length L51 measured along the Y axis, the lower element 52 has a length L52 measured along the Y axis, and the tongue element 53 has a length L53 measured along the Y axis.

[0083] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim element to be inserted, the length L51 is between 8 mm and 12 mm ([8 mm≦L51≦12 mm]), preferably the length L51 is between 9 mm and 11 mm ([9 mm≦L51≦11 mm]), and more preferably the length L51 is about 9.5 mm (L51=9.5 mm).

[0084] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim element to be inserted, the length L52 is between 8 mm and 12 mm ([8 mm≦L52≦12 mm]), preferably the length L52 is between 9 mm and 11 mm ([9 mm≦L52≦11 mm]), and more preferably the length L52 is about 9.5 mm (L52=9.5 mm).

[0085] In some preferred embodiments, the length L51 and the length L52 of the top element are substantially the same (L51=L52).

[0086] In some preferred embodiments, the length L53 measured along the Y-axis of the tongue element 53 is greater than the lengths L51 and L52.

[0087] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim element to be inserted, the length L53 is between 10 mm and 15 mm ([10 mm≦L53≦15 mm]), preferably L53 is between 12 mm and 14 mm ([12 mm≦L53≦14 mm]), and more preferably L53 is about 12.4 mm (L52=12.4 mm).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4, the top element 51 has a width W51 measured along the X-axis, the bottom element 52 has a width W52 measured along the X-axis, and the tongue element 53 has a width W53 measured along the X-axis.

[0089] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim element to be inserted, the width W51 is between 12 mm and 18 mm ([12 mm≦W51≦18 mm]), preferably, W51 is between 14 mm and 17 mm ([14 mm≦W51≦17 mm]), and more preferably, the width W51 is about 15 mm (W51=15 mm).

[0090] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim element to be inserted, the width W52 is between 12 mm and 18 mm ([12 mm≦W52≦18 mm]), preferably the width W52 is between 14 mm and 17 mm ([14 mm≦W52≦17 mm]), and more preferably the width W52 is about 15 mm (W52=15 mm).

[0091] In some preferred embodiments, the width W51 and the width W52 of the top element are substantially the same (W51=W52).

[0092] In some preferred embodiments, the tongue element 53 has a width W53 measured along the X-axis that is less than the widths W51 and W52.

[0093] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim element to be inserted, the width W53 is between 3 mm and 7 mm ([3 mm≦W53≦7 mm]), preferably the width W53 is between 4 mm and 6 mm ([4 mm≦W53≦6 mm]), and more preferably the width W53 is about 5 mm (W53=5 mm).

[0094] 5-7 show that the at least one clip-like assembly and the first part are formed as a single component. This means that the at least one clip-like assembly is part of the first part and the at least one clip-like element is made during and together with the injection of the first part. Thus, the at least one clip-like element is manufactured from the same component as the first part.

[0095] In this expression, the upper element 51 is present solely on one side of the tongue-like element 53, such as the lower element 52 on the other side, which means that there are no other elements designed to insert and hold the trim element in front of the upper element in the Z axis and in front of the lower element in the Z axis. The insertion of the trim element is performed by only the upper and lower elements in the case of one clip-like element.

[0096] In some preferred embodiments, the first portion includes at least two clip-like elements configured to stabilize the trim element being inserted therein.

[0097] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and in particular the length measured along the X-axis of the trim element to be inserted, the first portion 4 may include as many clip-like elements 5 as necessary along the edge of the window unit that is to be concealed by the trim element.

[0098] Preferably, in such an embodiment, the first part 4 comprises an extension 41 between the two clip-like elements 5 to ensure mechanical strength at least in the part hidden by the trim element.

[0099] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the trim elements to be inserted, the width W5 of the clip-like element 5 is at least the sum of widths W51, W52, and W53, with the spaces between at least the top element, tongue element, and bottom element. With widths W51 and W52 of about 15 mm and W53 of about 5 mm, width W5 is about 40 mm.

[0100] To ensure independent flexibility of the upper and lower elements, a space may be created between the upper and lower elements. In some embodiments, tongue element 53 is separated from upper element 51 along the edge of the first portion 4 by a space 54, and tongue element 53 is separated from lower element 52 along the edge of the first portion 4 by a space 55. The space is created along the edge, which in this representation means along the X-axis.

[0101] The space makes it possible to create a specific 3D shape for the upper and lower elements in order to guarantee their individual flexibility.

[0102] In this representation, the upper element has a generally S-shape in the YZ plane, while the lower element has a generally C-shape in the YZ plane, these shapes allowing the clip-like element to have a good balance between elasticity and rigidity in order to efficiently secure the decorative trip through the rigid part. The upper and lower elements are elongated from the first part starting from the upper part, which means the part of the first part that has a greater value along the Y axis of the first part.

[0103] It should be understood that any other shape may be used starting from a portion of the upper and / or lower element that allows for flexibility of the upper and lower portions.

[0104] The trim element shown in Figure 2 is approximately 600 mm. The first part may include five clip-like elements to ensure that the trim element is properly secured when inserted. The distance between two clip-like elements may be approximately 118 mm.

[0105] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a window unit according to the first aspect, the method comprising the step of injecting a first portion and at least one clip-like assembly in a single step onto a glazing panel.

[0106] Preferably, the step of injecting is preceded by the step of inserting a glazing panel into the mold.

[0107] The present invention also relates to a mould for manufacturing a window unit according to the first aspect. The mould is designed to receive at least a portion of a glazing unit into which the first portion is to be inserted. It should be understood that only a portion of the glazing panel to be injection moulded or the entire glazing panel may be inserted into the mould.

[0108] According to the invention, the mould comprises a cavity for producing the first part and the at least one clip-like assembly by injection.

[0109] The mold includes an upper portion and a lower portion that can be closed to create a cavity that is sealed when the portions are closed, and the mold includes at least one injection nozzle for injecting a first portion into the cavity.

[0110] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a method of assembling a vehicle glazing unit, as shown in Figure 8, said method comprising: Step A. Providing a glazing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8 (801), Step B. Providing a trim element (802) including a lug designed to be clamped and maintained within a clip-like assembly; Step C. Assembling the trim element by clamping the lug between the upper and lower elements of at least one clip-like element (803). Includes.

[0111] Step C of assembling the trim elements by clamping the lugs between the upper and lower elements of at least one clip-like element may be performed by forcing the trim elements substantially along the Y-axis. Upon insertion of the lugs into the clip-like elements, the upper and lower elements are designed to be flexible in a direction (Z-axis) substantially perpendicular to the through-axis (Y-axis) of the trim elements inserted into the clip-like assembly, so that the upper element deforms along the Z-axis, meaning that the end portion 512 of the upper element moves in +Z, and the lower element deforms along the Z-axis, meaning that the end portion 522 of the upper element moves along -Z. The upper and lower elements are designed to be flexible, meaning that they can geometrically deform under the through-constraint of the lugs of the trim elements, and they can resume their original shape once the constraint is released or the lugs are correctly inserted, allowing the trim elements to remain inserted into the window unit.

Claims

1. - Glazing panel (2), and - A frame (3) having a frame profile, wherein the frame (3) grips the glazing panel by surrounding its edges on at least two peripheral sides, or surrounds the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring, and the frame (3) includes a first portion (4) in the form of a hard component. In a window unit (1) including, The first portion of the frame includes at least one clip-like assembly (5), the clip-like assembly includes an upper element (51) and a lower element (52), and the at least one clip-like assembly is designed to hold and maintain a lug of a trim element between the upper element and the lower element. The upper element is positioned offset from the lower element along the edge. The at least one clip-like assembly and the first portion are formed as a single component, and The upper and lower elements are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the through axis of the trim element that is inserted into the at least one clip-like assembly. A window unit (1) characterized by the following.

2. The window unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one clip-like assembly includes a tongue-shaped element (53) between the upper element and the lower element.

3. The window unit according to claim 2, wherein the tongue-shaped element (53) is separated from the upper element (51) by a space (54) along the edge of the first portion, and the tongue-shaped element (53) is separated from the lower element (52) by a space (55) along the edge of the first portion (4).

4. The window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hard component is made of a polypropylene-based material.

5. The window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame includes a second portion (7, 71, 72) in the form of a soft component at least partially positioned on the first portion.

6. The window unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein the soft component is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

7. The window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first portion is in direct contact with the glazing panel.

8. The window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the glazing panel includes a glass panel.

9. The window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the glazing panel includes a laminated glass panel.

10. - Window unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - Trim element (6) including a lug designed to be held and maintained within a clip-like assembly. In a vehicle window unit (10) including, The vehicle window unit (10) is characterized in that the lug (61) is inserted into the at least one clip-shaped assembly between the upper element and the lower element.

11. A method for manufacturing a window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step of injection molding the first portion and the at least one clip-like assembly onto the glazing panel in a single step.

12. A method for assembling a vehicle glazing unit according to claim 10, Step A. Step (801) of providing the glazing unit, Step B. Step (802) of providing the trim element, Step C. Assembling the trim element by sandwiching the lug between the upper and lower elements of the at least one clip-like element (803). A method that includes this.

13. A mold for manufacturing a window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the mold being designed to receive at least a portion of the glazing unit into which the first portion is inserted, the mold comprising a cavity for creating the first portion and the at least one clip-shaped assembly by injection.

14. A use for gripping a glazing panel by surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides, or for clamping a trim element with at least one clip-like assembly contained within a first portion of the frame surrounding the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring, wherein the frame includes a first portion (4) in the form of a hard component, the clip-like assembly includes an upper element (51) and a lower element (52), the at least one clip-like assembly is designed to clamp and maintain the lug of the trim element between the upper element and the lower element, the upper element is offset from the lower element along the edge, the at least one clip-like assembly and the first portion are formed as a single component, and the upper element and the lower element are designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the through axis of the trim element into which the clip-like assembly is inserted.

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