Window units, assembled window units, molds, and related methods and uses

Abstract

The window unit includes a glazing panel and a frame having a frame profile and surrounding an edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side and gripping the glazing panel, or surrounding the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring, the frame having 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 a first member and a second member, the at least one clip-like assembly designed to plug and maintain a rigid lug of a trim element between the first member and the second member. The at least one clip-like assembly and the first portion are formed as a single component. The first member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly. The first member is oriented from the axis of penetration of the rigid lug by an angle A1 of 20° to 60° so as to be plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a window unit including a glazing panel, a frame having a frame profile that surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides and that grips or surrounds the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring, the frame including a first portion in the form of a hard component, and more particularly to an improved window unit that includes 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 plugging 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.

[0007] WO 2022029000 discloses a glazing unit having a clip for clipping a trim element, the clip having an elongated flexible portion and a rigid portion for retaining the trim element, each of the flexible portion and the rigid portion being configured substantially parallel to the clipping direction and opposite to the clipping direction.

[0008] This solution is difficult to assemble due to this rigid part, which is arranged substantially parallel to and opposite to the clipping direction. The positioning of the trim element must be very precise to avoid breakage and to avoid high pressure on the flexible arm. Also, a high degree of precision in bending the trim element is required. Handling is therefore also complicated due to the high risk of breakage of this elongated flexible part, which extends outside the assembly.

[0009] Additionally, the machining systems for manufacturing such windows are also expensive due to at least the undercuts below the rigid portion.

[0010] Such a solution makes it almost impossible to remove the trim element once it has been installed (plugged in).

[0011] There is a high risk of sink marks on the A side of the trim element. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, to solve these problems, the present invention proposes an improved window unit.

[0013] 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 the edges of the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides, gripping the glazing panel and surrounding the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side, preferably on at least two peripheral sides, in the form of a ring, wherein the frame has a first part in the form of a hard component.

[0014] The solution defined in a first aspect of the invention is based on the first part of the frame including at least one clip-like assembly, which includes a first member and a second member, and which is designed to plug and maintain a rigid lug of the trim element between the first member and the second member.

[0015] Also, the solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is based on the at least one clip-like assembly and the first part being formed as a single component to at least reduce handling.

[0016] The solution defined in the first aspect of the invention is also based on the first member being designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into at least one clip-like assembly.

[0017] The solution defined in the first aspect of the present invention is also based on the first member being oriented at an angle A1 between 20° and 60° (i.e. 20°≦A1≦60°) from the axis of penetration of the rigid lug so as to be plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly, preferably the angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e. 30°≦A1≦55°, more preferably the angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e. 30°≦A1≦45°, and more preferably the angle A1 is about 40° in order to at least stabilize the plugging of the rigid lug of the trim element into the at least one clip-like element.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an assembled window unit comprising a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the assembled window unit also having a trim element including at least one rigid lug designed to be plugged and maintained in a clip-like assembly.

[0019] The solution defined in the second aspect of the invention is based on the insertion of at least one rigid lug into at least one assembly of clip elements, the at least one rigid lug being inserted between the first and second members.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises injecting a first element and at least one clip-like assembly in a single step onto a glazing panel.

[0021] The present invention relates in a fourth aspect to a method of assembling an assembled glazing unit according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Step A: Provide a glazing unit according to the first aspect of the invention. Step B: Provide a trim element having at least one rigid lug designed to be plugged and maintained in a clip-like assembly. Step C: Assembling the trim element by clipping one of the at least one rigid lug into one of the at least one clip-like assemblies between the first and second members of a corresponding one of the at least one lug, preferably assembling the trim element by clipping each of the at least one rigid lug corresponding to the clip-like element into a corresponding clip-like assembly of the at least one clip-like assemblies between the first and second members.

[0022] The present invention relates in a fifth aspect to a method of removing a trim element from an assembled window unit according to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the step of widening the first member to unplug the lug of the trim element by reducing the angle A1.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a mould for manufacturing a window unit according to the first aspect of the invention, characterized in that the mould is designed to receive at least a part of a glazing unit onto which the first part is to be inserted, and comprises a cavity for producing the first part and at least one clip-like assembly by injection.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to a use for clipping a trim element by means of at least one clip-like assembly configured in a first part of a frame having a frame profile and surrounding an edge of a glazing panel on at least one peripheral side, the frame having a first part (4) in the form of a hard component, the at least one clip-like assembly being designed to plug and maintain a rigid lug of the trim element between the first and second parts, the at least one clip-like assembly and the first part being formed as a single component, The first member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into at least one clip-like assembly, and the first member is oriented from the axis of penetration of the rigid lug by an angle A1 between 20° and 60° (i.e., 20°≦A1≦60°) so as to be plugged into at least one clip-like assembly, preferably the angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e., 30°≦A1≦55°, more preferably the angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e., 30°≦A1≦45°, and even more preferably the angle A1 is about 40°.

[0025] Thus, the present invention, through the different aspects in which it is constructed, makes it possible to solve the need to easily plug and maintain trim elements along a window unit, with the possibility to change these trim elements by easy handling and easy replacement of already installed trim elements.

[0026] The invention allows for a robust and dimensionally stable window unit to be obtained.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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]

[0029] 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.

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a window unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic 3D view of a portion of a window unit in a first embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention; FIG.

[0032] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic 3D view of a portion of an assembled window unit corresponding to the window unit of FIG. 2.

[0033] [Figure 4] 3D schematic view in zoom ZA of a rigid lug plugged into a corresponding clip-like assembly according to the invention. FIG.

[0034] [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly of FIG. 4 along the plane AA'.

[0035] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic 3D view of a portion of a window unit in a second embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic 3D view of a portion of an assembled window unit corresponding to the window unit of FIG. 6.

[0037] [Figure 8] 3D schematic view of a clip-like assembly according to the invention in zoom ZB. FIG.

[0038] [Figure 9] 3D schematic view in zoom ZB of a rigid lug plugged into a corresponding clip-like assembly according to the invention. FIG.

[0039] [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the clip-like assembly of FIG. 9 along plane BB'.

[0040] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0041] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the sub-steps of step C according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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%.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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."

[0046] 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).

[0047] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above-mentioned problems.

[0048] 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 .

[0049] Glazing Panel In one embodiment, the glazing panel may include at least one glass sheet.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Frame According to the invention, the frame 3 has a frame profile and surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side.

[0058] In some embodiments, the frame is capable of gripping the glazing panel or surrounding the glazing panel on at least two peripheral sides in the form of a ring.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the frame has a first portion 4 in the form of a hard component. It should be understood that a hard component is a dimensionally stable component having a Young's modulus greater than 1000 MPa, preferably the hard component is a dimensionally stable component having a Young's modulus greater than 1500 MPa.

[0060] 1st part 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 2nd 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The soft component has a natural chemical adhesive bond with the hard component.

[0069] The soft component has a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa. The soft material having 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In one preferred embodiment, the soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based material.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 2 and 7 show a portion of an assembled window unit 10 to be mounted on the body of a vehicle such as an automobile. The assembled window unit 10 comprises the window unit described above.

[0074] Trim Elements The assembled window unit also includes a trim element 6.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The trim elements are generally elongated elements substantially parallel to the edges of the glazing unit having a well-finished exterior surface 65 .

[0077] 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.

[0078] The trim elements may be manufactured from a plastic-based material or a metal such as aluminum.

[0079] 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.

[0080] As shown in Figures 5 to 10, 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.

[0081] According to the present invention, rigid lugs means that the lugs are not flexible enough to be pluggable into the first and second members.

[0082] In accordance with the present invention, the rigid lugs can have any shape that can be plugged and maintained in a clip-like assembly.

[0083] Referring again to Figures 2-5, which illustrate some embodiments of the present invention, the first portion of the frame has at least one clip-like assembly 5a.

[0084] 2 shows an embodiment in which the first portion has four clip-like assemblies 5a within the depicted portion, it being understood that the number of clip-like assemblies can vary from one clip-like assembly to any number of clip-like assemblies depending on the length and specific application.

[0085] Clip-like assembly As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first portion 4 of the frame 3 has at least one clip-like assembly 5 .

[0086] In some preferred embodiments, the first portion has at least two clip-like elements configured to stabilize the trim element for plugging.

[0087] In some embodiments, depending on the desired application and the length of the trim element to be plugged, particularly measured along the glazing panel, the first portion 4 can have as many clip-like elements 5a, 5b as are required along the edge of the window to be concealed by the trim element.

[0088] According to the invention, the at least one clip-like assembly 5a 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 in a single step.

[0089] The clip-like assemblies have a first member 51 and a second member 52. At least one clip-like assembly is designed to plug and maintain a rigid lug 61 of the trim element 6 between the first member 51 and the second member 52.

[0090] It will be appreciated that the first and second members are aligned to plug the rigid lugs.

[0091] It will be appreciated that clipping or plugging of the trim element is performed by the first member 51 and the second member 52 and there is no need for a separate element of the clip-like element designed to clip in order to plug and maintain the trim element within the clip-like element.

[0092] First member The first member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into the clip-like assembly, meaning that the first member is designed not to break upon plugging or unplugging, and the flexibility of the first member must allow bending upon insertion of the head 611 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0093] The term flexible means that the member has a modulus of elasticity greater than 30 mm, where modulus of elasticity is defined as the square of the average length of the arm divided by the average thickness of the member to at least allow the head 611 to pass over the other side of the first member.

[0094] In this representation, the axis of penetration is substantially along the Y axis, and therefore locally perpendicular to the edge of the window unit, which in this representation is the X axis.

[0095] 4 and 5 show a first member 51 that is designed to be flexible and a second member 52 that is designed to be rigid.

[0096] The term rigid means that the member / element is unable to move and is dimensionally stable.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first member 51 can have arms 511 designed to bend easily in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the rigid lug 61 so as to be plugged into a clip-like assembly, even if the lower member is made of a rigid material such as polypropylene, meaning that the shape, length, thickness, and / or width can vary depending on the application and the trim element to be plugged. The first member can also have an end portion 513. The end portion can have a hook-like element to hold the trim element once it is plugged into the clip-like assembly. The end portion is designed in combination with the end portion 611 of the rigid lug to maintain the rigid lug between the first and second members. The end portion 611 can have a hook-like element to maintain the rigid lug once it is plugged into the clip-like assembly, and the end portion 513 can be, for example, a flat-like surface or can be inverted like a hook.

[0098] Preferably, the clip-like assembly has openings 55 around the first and second members to facilitate attachment and / or detachment of the trim elements, as shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9. The openings allow the first and second members to create specific 3D shapes to ensure individual flexibility of the upper and lower elements.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the opening may have a generally rectangular shape having a length L55 and a width W55, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, where 10 mm < L55 < 15 mm and 12 mm < W55 < 24 mm.

[0100] In some preferred embodiments, L55 is about 12.5 mm.

[0101] In some preferred embodiments, W55 is about 18 mm.

[0102] In some embodiments, the distance D15 between the boundary of the opening and the arm is between 4 mm and 8 mm, where 4 mm≦D15≦8 mm.

[0103] In some preferred embodiments, D15 is about 6 mm.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first member may have arms 511 designed to bend easily in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the rigid lug 61 of the trim element so as to plug into a clip-like assembly, even if the first member is made from a rigid material such as polypropylene, which means that the shape, length, thickness, and / or width may vary depending on the application and the trim element to be plugged.

[0105] According to the present invention, as shown in Figure 5, the first member 51 and at least the arm 511 are oriented from the axis of penetration (90) of the rigid lug by an angle A1 between 20° and 60° (20° < A1 < 60°) so as to be plugged into at least one clip-like assembly. Preferably, the angle A1 is greater than or equal to 30° and the angle A1 is less than or equal to 45°.

[0106] The angle A1 is measured between the axis 90 of the penetration and the axis 91 of the arm 511 of the first member in the plane YZ.

[0107] In some embodiments, angle A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e., 30°≦A1≦55°, and more preferably, angle A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e., 30°≦A1≦45°, and more preferably, angle A1 is about 40°.

[0108] This angle A1 allows the rigid lug to be guided during penetration without the need for high-precision tools, while it reduces the required flexibility of the at least one arm 511 and ensures mechanical anchoring of the end portion 611 of the rigid lug on the end portion 513 of the first member. The arms are oriented in the same direction as the penetration direction of the rigid lug.

[0109] The first member may have a zone 519 with a reduced thickness T519 across its width between the arm 511 and the base 512, as shown in Figure 4, to facilitate plugging of the rigid lug by increasing the flexibility of the arm without changing the stiffness of the material used.

[0110] It should be understood that the flexibility of the arm (and therefore the flexibility of the first member) is elastic, meaning that the position and angle A1 return to its rest position when no effort is applied, so that upon insertion of the rigid lug, the arm moves by increasing the angle A1 and then returns to near its rest position after insertion to block the rigid lug between the first and second members.

[0111] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6-10, the second member can be similar to the first member, meaning that the second member can be designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into at least one clip-like assembly.

[0112] FIG. 8 shows some embodiments in which the first member 51 and the second member 54 are designed to be flexible.

[0113] In such an embodiment, the first member 51, preferably the second member 54, in particular the arms of the second member, are oriented from the axis of penetration of the trim element for plugging into at least one clip-like assembly by an angle A2 between 20° and 60° (i.e., 20°≦A2≦60°), preferably A2 is between 30° and 55°, more preferably the angle A2 is between 30° and 45°, i.e., 30°≦A2≦45°, and even more preferably the angle A2 is about 40°. Thus, deformation during assembly, while guiding the rigid lug for plugging, is divided between the two flexible arms and then between the first and second members.

[0114] In some preferred embodiments, angle A2 is substantially equal to angle A1 to facilitate plugging of the rigid lug, which allows the trim element to partially exit its final position.

[0115] In some preferred embodiments, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first member 51 and / or the second member 52 can have a generally tongue-like shape having a length L5, a width W5 and a thickness T5, where 5.0 mm < L5 < 10.0 mm, where 4.0 mm < W5 < 8.0 mm, where 1.2 mm < T5 < 2.0 mm.

[0116] In some preferred embodiments, L5 is about 7.5 mm.

[0117] In some preferred embodiments, W5 is about 6.0 mm.

[0118] In some preferred embodiments, T5 is about 1.5 mm.

[0119] In some preferred embodiments, the distance T519 between the end of the first member and the second member is 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, where 1.0 mm≦T5≦1.5 mm, and more preferably, the distance T519 between the end of the first member and the second member is about 1.0 mm.

[0120] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rigid lug can have end elements 611 in a shape designed to be blocked by each of the first and second members.

[0121] The rigid lug can have any shape, in particular the shape shown in Figures 9 and 10 to reinforce its rigidity, in which case the rigid lug is approximately bridge-shaped with two legs in which the elongated portion is terminated by end portions.

[0122] To avoid sink marks, according to some preferred embodiments, the legs of the trim element may be attached or formed on the interior surface 66 of the trim element, as shown in Figure 10. In such embodiments, the thickness t61 of the legs is preferably less than or equal to one-third of the thickness T6 measured between the exterior surface 65 and the interior surface 66 of the trim element, where t61 < 1 / 3 * T6.

[0123] In some embodiments, T6 is between 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm, i.e., 2.5 mm≦T6≦4.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, T6 is about 3.0 mm and t61 is at most 1.0 mm.

[0124] Also, to avoid sink marks, in some other preferred embodiments, the legs of the trim element can be attached or generated at the outer portion 671 of the inner surface 66 adjacent to the stop element 62, as shown in FIG.

[0125] In some embodiments, each of the first and second members has a base and an arm, and each of the first and second members can have a reduced thickness 519, 539 across its width between the arm 511, 531 and the base 512, 532, as shown in Figure 10, to facilitate plugging of the rigid lug by increasing the flexibility of the arm without changing the stiffness of the material used.

[0126] As shown in the figures, 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 created 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.

[0127] 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 maintain 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.

[0128] The rigid lug 61 is inserted into at least one clip-like assembly to plug and maintain it within the window unit.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Preferably, the step of injecting is preceded by the step of inserting a glazing panel into the mold.

[0131] 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.

[0132] According to the invention, the mould comprises a cavity for producing by injection the first part and the at least one clip-like assembly in a single step.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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 11, said method comprising: Step A: Provide a window unit according to a first aspect of the present invention (81). Step B: Provide a trim element (82) having rigid lugs designed to plug and remain in a clip-like assembly. Step C: Assemble the trim element by clipping one of the at least one rigid lug into one of the at least one clip-like assemblies between the first and second members of a corresponding one of the at least one lug, preferably by clipping each of the at least one rigid lug corresponding to the clip-like element into a corresponding clip-like assembly of the at least one clip-like assembly between the first and second members (83).

[0135] In embodiments having a single rigid lug, step C corresponds to assembling the trim element by clipping the lug between the upper and lower elements of at least one clip-like element.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 12, step C may have several sub-steps 831, 832, 833, 834.

[0137] Substep 831 is the substep of presenting a trim element having at least one rigid lug in front of at least one corresponding clip-like assembly. Due to the design of the first and second members, it is not necessary to position the rigid lug precisely in its perfect position. After presenting the trim element, the trim element is inserted between the first and second members, specifically between the arm of the first member 51 and the arm of the second member 54, into the pocket 56 created between the arms.

[0138] Sub-step 832 is the sub-step of continuing the insertion while allowing the rigid lug to self-center 102 so as to be centered by sliding one of the arms.

[0139] Sub-step 833 is the sub-step of continuing the insertion. The pressing of the ends of the rigid lugs releases the arms by temporarily reducing the angles A1 and A2, which means that the ends of the arms move away from the rigid lugs in directions 103, 104 substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction 101. The angle A1 changes from a rest position with angle A1=A1r to a temporary insertion position with angle A1=A1i, where A1r>A1i. This is the same for angle A2.

[0140] Substep 834 is a substep of blocking the trim elements to form an assembled window unit. The end portions of the rigid lugs pass over the end portions of the arms, and then, due to the elastic flexibility of the arms of the first and second members, the arms attempt to return to their rest positions, which means that the angle A1 changes from a temporary insertion position with angle A1=A1i, where A1r>A1i, to a rest position with angle A1=A1r substantially. In such an embodiment, the behavior of angle A2 is similar to that of angle A1. The return to a position close to the rest position allows the rigid lugs of the trim elements to block between the corresponding clip-like elements, and particularly between the first and second members.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 12, the window unit can be assembled into a vehicle having an automobile body 9 before assembling the trim elements onto the window unit.

[0142] The present invention also provides a method for removing a trim element from an assembled window unit obtained by the method shown in Figures 11 and 12. The method includes the step of widening the first member to unplug the lug of the trim element by increasing the angle A1 to allow the blocked portion of the rigid lug to disengage from the clip-like element. The arm may be accessible from the rear side of the assembled window unit. The arm can be released by rotating a screwdriver or another jig by changing the angle A1 from A1r to substantially A1i.

[0143] This allows only the trim elements to be changed as needed without having to change the entire assembled window unit, thus saving money and materials.

[0144] Indeed, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular by allowing easier assembly, by reducing tooling costs, by giving the possibility to easily change the trim elements without changing the entire assembled window unit, by reducing the risk of breaking parts of the clip-like elements, by preventing sink marks on one side, by giving the possibility to have a relatively imprecise assembly and therefore reducing costs while allowing good accuracy of the plugged-in position.

[0145] In addition to this, the present invention can also be implemented for each fastening method to save add-ons (screws, tape, clips, etc.).

Claims

1. A window unit (1), - a glazing panel (2), a frame (3) having a frame profile and surrounding the edges of the glazing panel on at least one peripheral side, preferably on at least two peripheral sides, the frame having a first part (4) in the form of a hard component; In a window unit including the first portion of the frame includes at least one clip-like assembly (5a, 5b), the clip-like assembly including a first member (51) and a second member (52, 54), the at least one clip-like assembly being designed to plug and maintain a rigid lug (61) of a trim element between the first member and the second member; the at least one clip-like assembly and the first portion are formed as a single component; the first member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly; the first member is oriented from the axis of penetration (90) of the rigid lug so as to be plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly by an angle A1 between 20° and 60° (i.e., 20°≦A1≦60°), preferably, A1 is between 30° and 55°, i.e., 30°≦A1≦55°, more preferably, A1 is between 30° and 45°, i.e., 30°≦A1≦45°, and more preferably, A1 is about 40°; and the second member is oriented from the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to plug into the at least one clip-like assembly by an angle A2 of 20° to 60° (i.e. 20°≦A2≦60°), preferably A2 is 30° to 55°, preferably A2 is 30° to 45°, i.e. 30°≦A2≦45°, and more preferably A2 is about 40°.

2. 2. The window unit of claim 1, wherein the second member is designed to be flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of penetration of the trim element so as to be plugged into the at least one clip-like assembly.

3. 3. A window unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hard component is a polypropylene-based material, preferably the hard component is a glass-fibre-filled polypropylene-based material.

4. 4. A window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame comprises a second part (7) in the form of a soft component arranged at least partially on the first part.

5. The window unit according to claim 3 , wherein the soft component is a thermoplastic elastomer-based material.

6. A window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first portion is in direct contact with the glazing panel.

7. The window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the glazing panel comprises a glass panel.

8. The window unit of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the glazing panel comprises a laminated glass panel.

9. An assembled window unit (10), comprising: - a window unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a trim element (6) including at least one rigid lug designed to be plugged and maintained in a clip-like assembly; In an assembled window unit comprising: an assembled window unit, wherein one of the at least one rigid lug is inserted within one of the at least one clip-like assemblies between the first member and the second member.

10. A method for manufacturing a window unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: The method includes injecting the first portion and the at least one clip-like assembly onto the glazing panel in a single step.

11. 11. A method of assembling the assembled window unit of claim 10, comprising: Step A: Providing the window unit (81) manufactured by the method of claim 11; Step B: providing the trim element (82); Step C: Assembling the trim element by clipping one of the at least one rigid lug into one of the at least one clip-like assemblies between the first and second members of a corresponding one of the at least one lug, preferably by clipping each of the at least one rigid lug corresponding to a clip-like element into a corresponding clip-like assembly of the at least one clip-like assembly between the first and second members (83); A method comprising:

12. 10. The method of removing a trim element from an assembled window unit according to claim 9, comprising the step of spreading the first member to release the lug of the trim element from a plug connection by decreasing the angle A1.

13. A mold for manufacturing a window unit as described in claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mold is designed to receive at least a portion of the glazing unit into which the first part will be inserted, and includes a cavity for producing the first assembly and the at least one clip-like assembly by injection.

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