Window units, molds and related methods

Abstract

The present invention discloses a window unit (10) including a glazing panel (2) and a frame profile provided over at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel. The frame profile includes a rigid portion (3) designed to receive a decorative strip (4). The rigid portion (3) has an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side and includes at least one rigid connection means (5a) and at least one flexible connection means (5b). The at least one rigid connection means and the at least one flexible connection means have an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side and are integral parts of the rigid portion. The decorative strip (4) includes at least one first clamp portion (4a) rotatably connected to the at least one rigid connection means and at least one second clamp portion (4b) clamped to the at least one flexible connection means. The at least one flexible connecting means is generally offset from the at least one rigid connecting means in the direction of the long side of the rigid portion by a distance greater than 0 mm (D>0 mm).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automotive window unit comprising a glazing panel, a decorative strip, and a frame profile on at least a portion of the peripheral side of the edge of the automotive window unit. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a window unit provided with a decorative strip and a corresponding mold. [Background technology]

[0002] Window units having a glazing panel and a frame are known. Window units often include a decorative strip to improve the visual appearance of the window. Typically, the decorative strip is made of a metallic or plastic material and is secured to the glazing by different means, such as glue, folding the decorative strip in specific areas (harpooning), metal fasteners integrated into the frame, or overmolding the strip during an encapsulation process.

[0003] Currently, some window units have a frame provided around the glazing unit by encapsulation with a soft material, and the decorative strip is fixed to the glazing panel by metal fasteners, such as metal clips, as described in German Patent No. 19818153. These metal clips are manually fixed onto the encapsulated frame before assembly of the decorative strip. However, this type of manufacturing is labor-intensive and increases the cost of window manufacturing.

[0004] To avoid the large thickness of the encapsulated material and meet current expectations for high surface quality in window units, plastic inserts have been developed to support the decorative strip. In addition to supporting the decorative strip, plastic inserts are also used to increase the rigidity of the glazing unit in certain areas, such as the rear corners. The use of such inserts also allows for a reduction in the cycle time of the manufacturing process due to the faster cooling rate after injection of the encapsulating material.

[0005] The art has proposed several process routes for easily fixing decorative strips to inserts. China Patent Application Publication No. 102272463A discloses an insert for fixing decorative strips to molding frames. The insert includes at least one clamp having an upstream connecting portion that cooperates with at least the molding frame and a downstream connecting portion that allows connection with an attachment accessory. The upstream connecting portion includes multiple hook legs connected by a base, and the tip of each leg is deformable. However, the insert has multiple hook legs and a complex shape, which makes its unique manufacturing process and its installation process very complicated. International Publication No. 2022 / 029000 proposes a simpler manufacturing and fixing process for decorative strips by designing the rigid portion of the frame to include a snap-fit ​​system including one rigid arm and one flexible arm. CN114750707 discloses a system for fixing a decorative strip to an insert including an attachment part, a fixed part and a flexible part, and the decorative strip includes a first clamp part rotatably connected to the attachment part and a second clamp part fixed to the flexible part.

[0006] However, the molding process of plastic inserts with rotating and flexible connections is very difficult, especially in view of the ever thinner decorative strips. Therefore, there is a need in the art to design a plastic insert that allows for a simplified, sustainable, and cost-effective molding process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a window unit including a glazing panel, a frame profile provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and including a rigid portion designed to receive a decorative strip. The rigid portion has an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side and includes at least one rigid connection means and at least one flexible connection means. The at least one rigid connection means and the at least one flexible connection means have an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side and are integral parts of the rigid portion. The window unit further includes a decorative strip including at least one first clamp portion rotatably connected to the at least one rigid connection means and at least one second clamp portion clamped to the at least one flexible connection means. The at least one connection means is generally offset from the at least one rigid connection means in the direction of the long side of the rigid part by a distance of more than 0 mm (D>0 mm), preferably 5 mm or more (D≧5 mm), more preferably 10 mm or more (D≧10 mm), most preferably 15 mm or more (D≧15 mm). The frame profile may further comprise a soft part made from a soft material and overmolded onto at least a part of the rigid part.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a window unit, which comprises the step of overmolding a rigid portion provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and designed to receive a decorative strip, the rigid portion comprising at least one rigid connecting means and at least one flexible connecting means.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a mould for manufacturing a rigid part of a window unit as described above, the mould comprising a cavity for producing by injection a rigid part comprising at least one rigid connection means and at least one flexible connection means, the at least one flexible connection means being totally offset from the at least one rigid connection means in the direction of a long side of the rigid part by a distance greater than 0 mm (D>0 mm). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The present 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.

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic 3D view of a window unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

[0012] [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic 3D view of a window unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, further including a decorative strip.

[0013] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic 3D view of a portion of FIG. 1.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic 2D view of FIG.

[0015] [Figure 5A-5B] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the window unit of FIG. 4 along plane AA'.

[0016] [Figures 6A-6B] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the window unit of FIG. 4 along plane BB'.

[0017] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic 3D view of a decorative strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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%.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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."

[0022] 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).

[0023] Window Unit The present invention relates to a window unit comprising a glazing panel, a frame profile comprising a rigid part and optionally a soft part, and a decorative strip, the decorative strip being fixed to the rigid part via a rotating connection and a flexible connection. The object of the invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective molding process, by designing the rigid part in such a way that it can perform its function of efficiently fixing the decorative strip, while allowing the corresponding injection mold of the rigid part to be robust and therefore sustainable.

[0024] Rotating connection means are very efficient for guiding and securing the attachment of the decorative strip to the rigid part. Flexible connections are also known to be very effective connection means, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process, especially when they are manufactured as an integral part of the rigid part, as in the present invention. However, the design of such flexible connection means, when manufactured from a rigid thermoplastic material, requires a certain amount of space to provide the required flexibility. Furthermore, the current trend in the passenger car industry is to design decorative strips that are thinner and therefore provide less space for the attachment means to the rigid part of the window assembly. Surprisingly, it has been found that designing a rigid part including at least one rotating rigid connection means and at least one flexible connection means such that the rigid and flexible connection means are shifted from each other allows the efficiency of both attachment means to be utilized even in the case of thin decorative strips. Such a design allows the corresponding mold of the rigid part to be robust and therefore sustainable. Therefore, such a design of the rigid part provides a very effective attachment of the decorative strip to the rigid part, a robust mold, and a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable manufacturing process.

[0025] In a first aspect, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention relates to a window unit (10) comprising a glazing unit (2) and a frame profile including a rigid portion (3) designed to receive a decorative strip (4). The frame profile is provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side. The rigid portion has an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side. It includes at least one rigid connection means (5a) and at least one flexible connection means (5b), both of which have an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side. As shown in Figure 7, the decorative strip (4) includes at least one first clamping portion (4a) rotatably connected to the at least one rigid connection means (5a) and at least one second clamping portion (4b) clamped to the at least one flexible connection means (5b).

[0026] In the window unit of the present invention, the at least one flexible connection means is entirely offset from the at least one rigid connection means in the direction of the long side of the rigid part by a distance greater than 0 mm (D>0 mm), as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0027] Glazing Panel The glazing panel (2) may include at least one glass sheet. In another embodiment, due to reduced deformation induced on the glazing panel, the glazing panel may include a laminated glass panel. Laminated glass panels include glass sheets held together by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets. The utilized interlayers 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 upon fracture. It may also be advantageous to have glass sheet thickness variations to reduce weight and noise. Due to the deformation induced on the glazing panel, thin glass sheets with thicknesses of less than 1 mm can be used without bending or deformation. Thus, such glass sheets can maintain the desired design.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The glazing panels can be flat or curved panels to fit with the design of the passenger vehicle. The glazing panels can be treated, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to meet the specifications of security and anti-theft requirements. For example, a heatable system, such as a coating or a network of wires, can be provided on the glazing panel to add defrosting and / or anti-fogging capabilities.

[0030] The material of the glass sheets can 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 limiting. The glass sheets can independently be clear glass or tinted glass, which is tinted by a specific composition of glass or by the application of, for example, a decorative coating, paint, or plastic layer. The glass sheets can independently be manufactured by known manufacturing methods such as the float process, fusion process, redraw process, press molding process, or pulling process. As a method for manufacturing glass sheets, it is preferable to use the float process from the standpoint of productivity and cost.

[0031] Window frame - rigid part According to the present invention, a window unit includes a frame profile provided over at least a portion of an edge of a glazing panel on at least one peripheral side, the frame profile including a rigid portion designed to receive a decorative strip, the rigid portion having an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side.

[0032] It should be understood that the rigid portion is typically made from a hard thermoplastic material having a Young's modulus greater than 1000 MPa, preferably greater than 1500 MPa. In one preferred embodiment, the rigid portion is a polypropylene-based material. Other hard materials having a Young's modulus greater than 1000 MPa can also be used, such as polyimide, certain styrenes, ABS, certain PVCs, and others.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the rigid portion 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.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion is in direct contact with the glazing panel, meaning that the rigid 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 rigid portion onto the glazing panel.

[0035] The rigid portion can be overmolded onto the glazing panel. To facilitate the process, the rigid portion is preferably injected into a mold so that it is encapsulated on the glazing panel. The rigid portion can have a specific shape to meet the requirements of the desired application. In some embodiments, the rigid portion can have an extension to ensure the mechanical strength of the window unit.

[0036] Connection Method In the window unit of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the rigid part comprises at least one rigid connection means (5a) and at least one flexible connection means (5b). The at least one rigid connection means and the at least one flexible connection means have an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side. The at least one rigid connection means and the at least one flexible connection means are an integral part of the rigid part, i.e. the rigid connection means, the flexible connection means and the rigid part are manufactured as a single part. They are therefore manufactured from the same material and in a single step.

[0037] In the present invention, at least one flexible connecting means is generally offset from at least one rigid connecting means in the direction of the long side of the rigid portion by a distance greater than 0 mm (D>0 mm). Each connecting means has a long side along at least one peripheral side and an edge perpendicular to this direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the distance D is measured between the edge of at least one flexible connecting means and the edge of the nearest adjacent rigid connecting means.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distance is 5 mm or more (D≧5 mm), preferably 10 mm or more (D≧10 mm), more preferably 15 mm or more (D≧15 mm). Preferably, the distance is 25 mm or less (D≦25 mm), more preferably 20 mm or less (D≦20 mm).

[0039] It has been found that such an offset provides the molding space required for molding both connection means, specifically the flexible connection means. Surprisingly, it has been found that even if the design of the decorative strip is so narrow that there is insufficient space for positioning a suitable snap-fit ​​system, rapid and efficient fastening of the decorative strip can nevertheless be achieved by providing the rigid portion with a rigid connection means for spaced-apart rotational connection and a flexible connection means for clamping. The width of the decorative strip is measured in a direction perpendicular to the elongated side. The distance between the at least one rigid connection means and the at least one flexible connection means is required to provide sufficient space for the necessary injection handling sliding blocks and / or injection ports. In a further preferred embodiment, the rigid portion is designed to accept an injection port that allows molding of the rigid portion without a sliding block, providing a more robust and sustainable mold, lower manufacturing costs, and lower maintenance costs.

[0040] The rigid portion may typically include a plurality of rigid connection means and a plurality of flexible connection means, typically the number of rigid connection means being equal to the number of flexible connection means, typically alternating along the long sides of the rigid portion.

[0041] In other embodiments of the invention, it may be envisaged that there are more rigid connection means than flexible connection means or that there are more flexible connection means than rigid connection means. It may also be envisaged that several rigid connection means are adjacent to one another and / or several flexible connection means are adjacent to one another. The number and their location will depend not only on the type of decorative strip, but also on the shape and material. Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the rigid part does not contain the same number of rigid and flexible connection means, i.e., three rigid connection means and two flexible connection means.

[0042] In embodiments of the invention where the rigid portion comprises multiple rigid connection means and multiple flexible connection means, the distance D is measured for each connection means between the edge of each flexible connection means and the edge of the nearest adjacent rigid connection means. In some embodiments where a flexible connection means is not located next to a rigid means, for example next to another flexible connection means or adjacent to an edge of the rigid portion, the distance D is not measured.

[0043] In one preferred embodiment to further improve the sustainability of the rigid part and the corresponding mold, the rigid and flexible connecting means are distributed along the length of the long sides of the rigid part and are offset in a direction perpendicular to at least one peripheral side to provide effective fixation of the decorative part. In fact, the combination of one rigid connecting means between its adjacent flexible connecting means can usually be used to form two arms of a snap-fit ​​system.

[0044] Rigid Connection Means As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5A and 5B, the rigid connection means (5a) comprises a support for allowing a rotational connection between it and the first clamping portion (4a) of the decorative strip.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the rigid connection means is arranged substantially on a straight line of the rigid portion, as depicted in Figure 1. More preferably, the rigid connection means is arranged on a straight line close to the glazing panel to guide the positioning of the decorative strip along the glazing panel and to perform rotational fixation towards the vehicle body, which is advantageous for avoiding damage and scratches to the vehicle body.

[0046] The rigid connecting means allows the decorative strip to be connected by rotation. The rotation axis of the decorative strip is substantially parallel to the long side of the rigid part. Typically, the first clamping part (4a) of the decorative strip rotates on a support which may be a bridge or rigid upper support, an aperture, opening or slot, gap, recess, depression or corner, cutout or any other means performing the same function. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid connecting means is a hole, preferably a hole of generally rectangular shape.

[0047] Flexible Connection Means A certain degree of deformation of the flexible connecting means is necessary to allow assembly between the second clamping portion of the decorative strip and the rigid portion. The direction of deformation is generally perpendicular to the direction of the long sides of the rigid portion. Suitable flexible connecting means are described in WO 2022 / 029000, pages 4 and 3, with reference to FIG. 3. As explained in this patent document, for a given allowable strain ratio related to the material used, the maximum deformation of the flexible arm that allows it to function in elastic behavior without risk of breakage is directly proportional to the elastic modulus. Since this is a rigid material, the elastic modulus is primarily independent of the material used, but is relevant to the design of the flexible arm in a snap-fit ​​system: the higher the elastic modulus, the more movement the flexible arm can have without risk of damage and with the correct springback effect.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flexible connecting means (5b) may have arms designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the through axis of the decorative strip that is to be plugged into the flexible connecting means (5b). Because it is made from a rigid material such as polypropylene, the shape, length, thickness, and / or width may vary depending on the application and the decorative strip that is to be plugged. The flexible connecting means may also include ends that may include hook-like elements to maintain the decorative strip once plugged into the flexible connecting means (5b).

[0049] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6A and 6B, the flexible connecting means (5b) preferably includes an arm and a hook-like end to enable clamping to the second clamping portion (4b) of the decorative strip.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible connecting means has a modulus of elasticity greater than 30 mm, the modulus of elasticity being defined as the square of the average length of the arms divided by the average thickness of the arms.

[0051] To provide more elasticity to the flexible connecting means and more rigidity to the rigid portion, the rigid portion (3) preferably further comprises a torsion bar (5c), typically a torsion bar on each side of the rigid connecting means (5a). The torsion bars are connected between the rigid portion and the flexible connecting means, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The torsion bars can be elastically deformed to drive the flexible connecting means to rotate relative to the rigid portion.

[0052] Thus, the risk of breaking the rigid part, which is a brittle material, due to the deformation required in connection with the decorative strip assembly is reduced, which allows safe, fast and easy assembly of the decorative strip onto the rigid part to proceed.

[0053] Furthermore, this combination of rigid connection means with flexible connection means also allows for the removable of the decorative strip after assembly on the rigid part, for example by using a flat-head screwdriver, when the window assembly has not yet been assembled in the vehicle. This is advantageous for allowing a quick check in the factory. Indeed, if a problem occurs during production, this allows for the removal of the decorative strip and avoids the disposal of the entire defective window unit. The decorative strip cannot be removed after its assembly on the vehicle. When the window unit is placed on the vehicle, allowing for rework by disassembly of the decorative strip would be problematic in terms of safety and theft risk.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or more guide means can be integrated into the rigid part in order to better align the rigid part and the decorative trim by fitting the guide means with the rigid arms of the decorative trim. The use of guide means makes it possible to guarantee correct assembly. In some cases, the guide means can be integrated into the rigid part, or more specifically into the rigid part and the decorative strip. Their function is to guide the decorative strip along the rigid part, thereby ensuring perfect alignment between both parts, which in turn guarantees high-quality positioning of the decorative strip on the encapsulation of the frame profile.

[0055] Preferably, the rigid portion includes guiding means (8) adjacent to the rigid connecting means, such as chamfers and / or guiding ramps in the thickness of the edges of the rigid connecting means, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 .

[0056] A further advantage of the present invention, in which at least one rigid connection means and at least one flexible connection means are offset, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, is that reinforcing means (7) can be added between the rigid and flexible connection means, preferably along the edges of the flexible connection means, to provide a stronger and therefore more sustainable rigid section.

[0057] decorative strip To improve the overall appearance of a passenger vehicle, a decorative strip is provided on a portion of the edge of the automobile glazing panel (2) that is visible from outside the automobile, as shown in FIG. 2 . The decorative strip (4) is used to cover the automobile glazing panel edge. Typically, the decorative strip (4) is used as a decoration on the portion of the edge of the glazing panel (2) that is visible from outside the automobile. It should be understood that the method of fastening the decorative strip (4) to the rigid part (3) may also be suitable for other decorative products or automobile glazing accessories. The decorative strip is generally an elongated element that is substantially parallel to the edge of the glazing unit having a well-finished exterior surface. The decorative strip may have any shape to hide the portion of the window unit that should not be visible when installed on a structure.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the window unit of the present invention further comprises a decorative strip (4) comprising at least one first clamping portion (4a) rotatably connected to at least one rigid connection means (5a) and at least one second clamping portion (4b) clamped to at least one flexible connection means (5b). The second clamping portion may be made of several individual portions corresponding to the respective flexible connection means of the rigid portion and / or may be made of longer or shorter portions extending along the long sides of the elongated shape of the decorative portion. The embodiment shown in Figure 7 shows three individual first clamping portions (4a) and a single long second clamping portion (4b).

[0059] Figures 5A and 5B show a rotational connection between the rigid part (3) and the decorative part (4). As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the first clamping part (4a) of the decorative strip is inserted into the rigid connecting means (5a), and the decorative strip is pressed into the flexible connecting means (5b) of the rigid part (3) to clamp the second clamping part (4b) of the decorative strip. In one embodiment, the decorative strip comprises several first clamping parts arranged in a generally spaced-apart relationship. In this example, the rigid part comprises several corresponding rigid connecting means. Similarly, the decorative strip may also comprise several second clamping parts arranged in a generally spaced-apart relationship. In this example, the rigid part comprises several corresponding flexible connecting means.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5A to 6B, the rotation direction of the first clamping portion (4a) is preferably opposite to the bending direction of the second clamping portion (4b), which promotes firm fixation of the decorative strip to the rigid portion (3).

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the decorative strip (4) may further include a blocking strip (4c), which is fixed onto the edge of the decorative strip. When the decorative strip is snap-fitted onto the rigid part (3), the blocking strip (4c) can reduce the matching gap formed by the decorative strip and the window unit to prevent environmental dust and the like from entering between them. The blocking strip further reduces the risk of scratches on the vehicle body and ensures proper positioning of the decorative strip on the rigid part and proper alignment of the decorative strip on the vehicle body.

[0062] The first clamping part (4a), the second clamping part (4b) and, if present, the blocking strip (4c) are fixed to the decorative strip (4) on the same side surface and are spaced apart from each other to snap fit onto the rigid part (3).

[0063] The decorative strip may be made from a plastic-based material or a metal such as aluminum, which may have a coating, film or the like on the exterior surface for aesthetic reasons such as matching the color of the structure or to impart a particular finish.

[0064] Frame profile - soft part As shown in Figures 5A-6B, in one embodiment of the present invention, the frame profile of the window unit further comprises a soft portion (6) made of a soft material. The soft portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid portion. As mentioned above, the rigid portion is usually made of a hard material. The frame profile makes it possible to hold the window unit on the structure to which it is fixed. Such a structure may be a car body, a building, etc.

[0065] The frame profile can be at least partially injected onto the rigid portion in a step performed after the step of injection molding the rigid portion. Preferably, the frame profile is one single part. In some embodiments, the frame profile part can be locally connected to the glazing panel to ensure the aesthetics and robustness of the window unit.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame profile surrounding the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side is made of a soft material that has a natural chemical adhesive bond with the hard components of the rigid part, thus obtaining good adhesion between the frame profile and the rigid part without the use of a primer between them.

[0067] The soft component has a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa and can be made from a material based on a thermoplastic elastomer. Styrene-based vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0068] 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.

[0069] process Typically, the frame profile and rigid portion are at least partially injected onto the glazing in an injection molding process. Thus, the process of manufacturing a window unit according to the invention is simplified.

[0070] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a window unit (10) as described herein, the method comprising an overmolding step of a rigid portion (3) provided on at least a part of the edge of the glazing panel (2) on at least one peripheral side, the rigid portion (3) comprising at least one rigid connection means (5a) and at least one flexible connection means (5b), the rigid portion (3) being designed to receive a decorative strip (4).

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part is first manufactured in a separate mold by injection molding, which can be stored and then overmolded with a frame profile manufactured from a soft material in an encapsulation mold or mold cavity. According to such an embodiment, the method for manufacturing a window unit comprises: a) injection molding a rigid part in a separate mold, the rigid part in fact comprising at least one rigid connecting means and at least one flexible connecting means, b) placing the glazing and rigid portion into an encapsulation mold; c) encapsulating a soft part on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and overmolding the soft part onto at least a portion of the rigid part where the decorative strip is intended to be placed, to form an injection-molded module; d) removing the injection molded module from the encapsulation mold; e) assembling the decorative strip onto the injection-molded module by rotatably connecting a first clamping portion of the decorative strip to at least one rigid connecting means of the rigid portion; f) clamping a second clamping portion of the decorative strip to the at least one flexible connecting means; Includes.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part is directly molded by encapsulation on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and overmolded with a frame profile made of a soft material in a second encapsulation mold or cavity. This conventional 2K process makes the process easier and reduces costs. According to this embodiment, the method comprises: a) placing a glazing into a first encapsulation mold or cavity; b) encapsulating a rigid part on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel on which the decorative strip is intended to be placed, the rigid part in fact comprising at least one rigid connecting means and at least one flexible connecting means, c) transferring the glazing and thus formed rigid part into a second encapsulation mold or cavity; d) overmolding at least a portion of the rigid portion by injection of a soft portion and simultaneously overmolding at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel by injection of a frame profile to form an injection-molded module; e) removing the injection molded module from the second encapsulation mold or cavity; f) assembling the decorative strip onto the injection-molded module by rotatably connecting a first clamping portion of the decorative strip to at least one rigid connecting means of the rigid portion; and g) clamping a second clamping portion of the decorative strip to at least one flexible connecting means of the rigid portion; Includes.

[0073] In this method, a rigid portion provided with at least one rigid connection means and at least one flexible connection means is molded directly onto the glazing panel. In this case, a specific encapsulation mold is produced. The glazing panel is placed in this mold, and the glazing panel is directly encapsulated with the hard material, i.e., the rigid portion. The module made from the glazing panel and the hard rigid portion is then placed in another mold or mold cavity and then overmolded with the soft material of the frame profile. The process of producing a glazing panel provided with a rigid portion intended to receive the frame profile and the decorative strip is simplified and reduces the effort.

[0074] Mold The rigid portion can be molded separately or directly onto the glazing panel. Thus, in a further aspect, the present invention relates to a mold for manufacturing a rigid portion including a flexible connection means and a rigid connection means, or for manufacturing a window unit including a rigid portion. The mold includes a cavity for creating the rigid portion by injection. The mold includes an upper portion and a lower portion. These portions are closed, thereby creating the cavity. The cavity is sealed when the portions are closed. The mold includes at least one injection nozzle for injecting the rigid portion into the cavity.

[0075] When the rigid portion is molded directly onto the glazing panel, the mold is designed to receive at least a portion of the glazing unit into which the rigid portion is inserted. It should be understood that only a portion of the glazing panel to be injected or the entire glazing panel can be inserted into the mold.

Claims

1. i. Glazing panel (2), ii. A frame profile comprising a rigid portion (3) provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and designed to receive a decorative strip (4), wherein the rigid portion is - Having an elongated shape with a long side along at least one peripheral side, - Includes at least one rigid connecting means (5a) and at least one flexible connecting means (5b), - The frame profile, wherein the at least one rigid connecting means and the at least one flexible connecting means have an elongated shape with a long side along the at least one peripheral side and are integral parts of the rigid portion. Includes, iii. In a window unit (10), the decorative strip includes at least one first clamp portion (4a) rotatably connected to the at least one rigid connecting means and at least one second clamp portion (4b) clamped to the at least one flexible connecting means, The window unit (10) is characterized in that the at least one flexible connecting means is offset overall from the at least one rigid connecting means by a distance greater than 0 mm (D > 0 mm) in the direction of the long side of the rigid portion.

2. The window unit according to claim 1, wherein the distance is 5 mm or more (D ≥ 5 mm), preferably 10 mm or more (D ≥ 10 mm), and more preferably 15 mm or more (D ≥ 15 mm).

3. The window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible connecting means has an elastic modulus greater than 30 mm, and the elastic modulus is defined as the result of dividing the square of the average length of the arm by the average thickness of the arm.

4. The window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid portion is made of a rigid thermoplastic material having a Young's modulus of more than 1000 MPa, preferably a rigid thermoplastic material having a Young's modulus of more than 1500 MPa, and more preferably a material based on polypropylene.

5. The window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame profile further includes a soft portion (6) made of a soft material and overmolded on at least a portion of the rigid portion.

6. The window unit according to claim 5, wherein the soft material of the frame profile has a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa and is preferably a material based on a thermoplastic elastomer.

7. The window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid portion further includes a reinforcing means (7).

8. The window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid portion further includes a torsion bar (5c), preferably a torsion bar on each side of the rigid connecting means.

9. The window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the decorative strip further includes a blocking strip (4c).

10. A method for manufacturing a window unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method includes the step of overmolding a rigid portion (3) provided on at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel (2) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) and designed to receive a decorative strip (4), the rigid portion comprising at least one rigid connecting means (5a) and at least one flexible connecting means (5b).

11. a. A step of placing glazing inside the first encapsulation mold or cavity, b. Encapsulating the rigid portion on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel where the decorative strip is intended to be placed. c. A step of transferring the glazing and the rigid portion thus formed into the second encapsulation mold or cavity. d. The step of overmolding at least a portion of the rigid portion by injection of the soft portion, and simultaneously overmolding at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel by injection of the soft portion, e. The step of removing the injection-molded module from the second encapsulation mold or cavity. f. The step of assembling the decorative strip onto the injection-molded module by rotatably connecting the first clamp portion of the decorative strip to the at least one rigid connecting means of the rigid portion, and g. The step of clamping the second clamp portion of the decorative strip to the at least one flexible connecting means of the rigid portion. A method for manufacturing the window unit according to claim 10, characterized by including the following:

12. a. A step of injection molding the rigid portion in a separate mold, b. The step of placing the glazing and the rigid portion inside the encapsulation mold, c. To form an injection-molded module, the steps of encapsulating the soft portion on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and overmolding the frame profile on at least a portion of the rigid portion on which the decorative strip is intended to be placed. d. The step of removing the injection-molded module from the encapsulation mold, e. The step of assembling the decorative strip onto the injection-molded module by rotatably connecting the first clamp portion of the decorative strip to the at least one rigid connecting means of the rigid portion, and f. The step of clamping the second clamp portion of the decorative strip to the at least one flexible connecting means of the rigid portion. A method for manufacturing the window unit according to claim 10, characterized by including the following:

13. A mold for manufacturing the rigid portion of a window unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cavity for injection molding the rigid portion (3) including the at least one rigid connecting means (5a) and the at least one flexible connecting means (5b), wherein the at least one flexible connecting means is offset overall from the at least one rigid connecting means by a distance greater than 0 mm (D > 0 mm) in the direction of the long side of the rigid portion.

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