Window unit including glazing panel and frame

Abstract

The present invention discloses a window unit (10) including: (i) a glazing panel (2); (ii) a rigid portion (5) provided on at least a portion of an edge (12) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and designed to receive a decorative strip (4), the rigid portion (5) including at least one snap-fit ​​system (6) including a base (50) and at least first and second arms (6 a; 6 b); and (iii) a frame profile (3) surrounding the edge (12) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and made of a flexible material, the frame profile (3) being overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid portion (5). According to the present invention, the snap-fit ​​system (6) has at least one rigid arm (6 a) and at least one flexible arm (6 b).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Window units comprising a glazing panel and a frame are known. To manufacture a window unit in which a frame is provided to surround a glazing panel, a primer and / or adhesive is applied to the inner surface, the face side, and the outer surface in the edge region of the glazing panel before a main part (frame profile) is molded in the edge region of the peripheral side of the glazing panel.

[0003] Such window units are often equipped with decorative strips to enhance the visible aspect of the window. Typically, the decorative strips are made of metal or plastic material and are fixed to the glazing by different means, such as glue, bending the decorative strip in specific areas (harpoons), metal fasteners integrated into the frame, or overmolding the strip during the encapsulation process.

[0004] Nowadays, some window units have a frame that is 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 to the encapsulated frame before assembly of the decorative strip. However, this type of manufacturing method consumes manpower, which increases the manufacturing costs of the window.

[0005] Similarly, today, the encapsulation of frame profiles with thicker encapsulated materials is increasingly being carried out, which requires the use of inserts to manage the obtaining of window units with glazing panels, frames and decorative strips whose quality meets the end user's expectations in terms of surface aspect.

[0006] In addition to supporting the decorative strips, 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 allows for a faster cooling rate after injection of the encapsulating material, which in turn shortens the cycle time of the manufacturing process. Generally, hard thermoplastic materials are used for inserts (Young's modulus E>1000 MPa: PP, PC / ABS, etc.).

[0007] Chinese Patent CN102272463A discloses an insert for fixing a decorative strip to a molding frame. The insert includes at least one clamp having at least an upstream mating portion that cooperates with the molding frame and a downstream mating portion that can be mated with an attachment accessory. The upstream mating portion includes a plurality of hook feet connected by a base, and the tip of each leg is deformable. In the step of fixing the decorative strip to the molding frame, forces are applied to the tip of the leg in two opposite directions toward the material of the forming strip, so that the tip of the leg is deformed and penetrates into the material of the shaped strip. However, because the insert has multiple hook feet and a complex shape, it complicates its own manufacturing process and its installation process, thereby increasing manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a window unit comprising a glazing panel and an insert that is simple to manufacture and allows for simple fixing of decorative strips, taking into account the shortcomings of existing rigid part or, more particularly, insert structures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides: - glazing panels, - a rigid part provided on at least a portion of the edge on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and designed to receive a decorative strip, the rigid part comprising at least one snap-fit ​​system including a base and at least first and second arms; a frame profile encompassing the edge on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and made of a soft material, the frame profile being overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid part; The present invention relates to an improved window unit, including:

[0010] According to the present invention, the snap fit system has at least one rigid arm and at least one flexible arm.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion surrounds at least a part of the edge on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel, in which case the rigid portion forms an insert for fixing it to the decorative strip.

[0012] The present invention relates to the technical field of attaching decorative strips to glass windows, in particular to inserts used to attach bright decorative strips to the borders of automobile glass, the glass window comprising the decorative strip, the insert and the border.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a rigid part that can be an insert to be fixed to a glazing panel to form a window unit according to the invention, the rigid part comprising integrated fixing means for a decorative strip within the insert.

[0014] According to the invention, the insert and the fixing means are provided in one piece and of the same material. The use of an insert with at least one fixing means integrated in the insert and made of the same material reduces costs and improves the quality in terms of the appearance of the surface of the part.

[0015] The fastening means are integrated into the insert, so that no additional assembly of fastening means is required after manufacturing of the rigid part or more specifically the insert. The fastening means, i.e. the snap-fit ​​system, can be made of the same material as the rigid part or of a different material. In that case, the fastening means can be manufactured separately and then overmolded in the insert mold.

[0016] At least one snap-fit ​​system allows for easy assembly of the decorative strip on the glazing panel. The strip may be removable or non-removable, depending on the design of the snap-fit ​​system. In some cases, the decorative strip may be removable before assembly of the vehicle module. This allows for reworking the part in case of manufacturing problems without the risk of disassembling the decorative trim on the vehicle, which would be problematic in terms of safety and the risk of theft.

[0017] It is understood that two or more snap fit systems may be integrated to successfully fasten the decorative strip to the rigid part, the number of snap fit systems and their location depending on the type of decorative strip as well as its shape and material.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid arms of the snap-fit ​​system provided on the rigid part have a modulus of elasticity below 20 mm and the flexible arms have a modulus of elasticity above 30 mm, where the modulus of elasticity is defined as the square of the average length of the arms divided by the average thickness of the arms.

[0019] A displacement (y) of the flexible arm of the snap-fit ​​system is required to allow assembly between the decorative strip and the rigid part. The direction of the displacement is generally perpendicular to the line formed by both legs (bases) of the arm up to the top of the arm. The relationship between the displacement (y) of the arm and the strain ratio (ε) at the leg of the arm is: y=0.67ε(l 2) / e=0.67εEF (wherein, elastic modulus EF = (l 2 ) / e) is.

[0020] Therefore, for a given allowable strain ratio (ε max ), the maximum displacement ymax of the flexible arm (which allows the flexible arm to move in an elastic manner without risk of breakage) is directly proportional to the elastic modulus EF. The elastic modulus is independent of the material used, but is relevant for the design of the flexible arm of a snap-fit ​​system.

[0021] A higher EF means that the flexible arm can move more without risk of injury and with the correct rebound effect.

[0022] According to the invention, the risk of breaking the snap-fit ​​system (clip) is reduced by the required deformation associated with the trim assembly, which allows proceeding to a safe, fast and easy assembly of the trim of the module.

[0023] Furthermore, this concept also allows the decorative strip to be removed after assembly, for example by using a flat screwdriver. This allows for reworking the part in case of manufacturing problems without the risk of disassembling the decorative trim on the car, which would be problematic in terms of safety and the risk of being a victim of theft. Nevertheless, the decorative strip cannot be removed after its assembly on the car. In some cases, the decorative trim may be removable before the assembly of the module on the car.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part for fixing the decorative strip is made of a hard thermoplastic material with a Young's modulus above 1500 MPa. The hard material may be used to make the part a little more stiff, to reduce the thickness of the soft material and / or to add functionality to the encapsulated window unit. In a preferred embodiment, the hard material is not visible after assembly of the encapsulated window unit in the car.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part for fixing the decorative strip is made of a hard thermoplastic material selected from polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-based material (ABS), polyamide (PA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion is made of a hard material that includes fillers (glass fibers, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulfate fibers, mica).

[0027] The presence of the filler may improve adhesion of the rigid portion at least in part of the glazing panel and strengthen the rigid portion.

[0028] The hard material (which may also be filled with fillers such as glass fiber, glass balls, talc, etc.) is at least partially coated with the soft material after the overmolding process.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the window unit is provided with a frame profile which is an injection moulded frame.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a primer is provided between the frame profile and the edge of the glazing panel to bond the frame profile to the glazing panel.

[0031] 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 with a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa. The soft material with a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrenic-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0032] The soft material provides the final surface appearance of the frame and is also used to fit and attach the window unit to the vehicle body. In effect, the softness of the material allows for interference between the vehicle body and the window unit by using a soft lip. The soft material may also be used to ensure a seal between the vehicle body and the encapsulated window unit.

[0033] 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 naturally forms an adhesive chemical bond with the hard material, so that good adhesion can be achieved between the frame profile and the rigid part without using a primer between the two parts.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, a primer is provided between the rigid portion and the frame profile to connect the frame profile to the rigid portion.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the snap-fit ​​system of the rigid part for fixing the decorative strip has a U-shape or is U-shaped like this, this design allows for a good balance between elasticity and rigidity of the snap-fit ​​system in order to fix the decorative strip efficiently by the rigid part.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a stroke limiter is integrated into the rigid part to limit the displacement of the flexible arm of the snap-fit ​​system. The stroke limiter makes it possible to limit the deformation of the second arm of the snap-fit, avoiding any deterioration of the snap-fit ​​(clip) associated with a bad operation.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a guide is integrated into the rigid part to better align the rigid part with the decorative trim by fitting the decorative trim rigid arm to the guide.

[0038] Correct assembly can be ensured by using guides, which are sometimes integrated into the rigid part, or more specifically into the insert, and also into the decorative strip. The function of the guide is to guide the decorative strip along the rigid part (or insert), thereby ensuring perfect alignment between both parts. As a result, high-quality positioning of the decorative strip in the frame profile encapsulation is guaranteed.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame profile and the rigid part are at least partially injected onto the glazing during the injection moulding process, thus simplifying the manufacturing process of the window unit according to the invention.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid part is an insert that is first manufactured in a separate mold by injection molding and then overmolded with a frame profile made of soft material in the cavity of the encapsulating mold or mold.

[0041] The rigid part, or more particularly the insert, can be manufactured and stored before being assembled onto at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel and then overmolded with a frame profile made of soft material in an encapsulating mold.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid portion is directly molded by encapsulating it on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel, and then overmolded with a frame profile made of a soft material in a second encapsulation mold or cavity. This traditional 2K process simplifies the process and reduces costs.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a window unit according to the present invention, wherein the method comprises an overmolding step of providing a rigid part designed to receive a decorative strip on at least a part of the edge on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel, the rigid part comprising at least first and second arms to form a snap-fit ​​system.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises: a. placing a glazing within a first encapsulation mold or cavity; b. encapsulating a rigid portion on at least one peripheral side of the glass panel, the peripheral side on which the decorative strip is intended to be placed; c. transferring the so-formed glazing and rigid portion into a second encapsulating mold or cavity; d. injecting a frame profile into the second encapsulating mold or cavity to overmold at least a portion of the rigid portion and simultaneously injecting a frame profile into the second encapsulating mold or cavity to overmold at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel; e. Removing the injected module from the second encapsulation mold or cavity; f. assembling the decorative strip to the module by clipping the decorative strip rigid arms to at least one snap fit system integrated into the rigid portion. Includes.

[0045] Therefore, the rigid part, or more specifically the insert, is molded directly on the glazing panel. In that case, a specific encapsulation mold is produced. The glazing panel is placed in this mold, and the glazing panel is directly encapsulated by the hard material, i.e. the rigid part. Later, the module made of the glazing panel and the hard rigid part (insert) is placed in another mold or mold cavity, which is then overmolded with the soft material of the frame profile. The process of manufacturing a glazing panel with a frame profile and a rigid part (insert) intended to receive a decorative strip is simplified and reduces human resources.

[0046] The rigid part, which is provided with at least one snap-fit ​​system, is directly encapsulated in the glazing panel and then overmolded in a specific mold. In all these embodiments, no manpower is required to manufacture the part, and there is no way to pretend that the insert is fixed after manufacture.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a window unit comprises: a. injecting rigid parts into separate molds comprising at least one snap fit system; b. placing the glazing and rigid portion within an encapsulation mold; c. encapsulating a frame profile on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and overmolding the frame profile over at least a portion of the rigid portion where the decorative strip is intended to be placed; d. Removing the injected module from the encapsulation mold; e. Assembling the decorative strip onto the module by clipping the decorative strip rigid arms into at least one snap fit system integrated into the rigid portion. Includes.

[0048] According to the present invention, the glazing panel can be a flat or curved panel to match the vehicle design. The glazing panel can be processed, i.e., annealed, tempered, etc., to comply with safety and anti-theft requirements. Heatable systems, such as coatings or wiring networks, can be applied to the glazing panel to add, for example, defrosting and / or defogging functions.

[0049] In some embodiments, the glazing panel is a glass panel. A glass panel comprises at least one glass sheet.

[0050] Alternatively, the glazing panel may be a laminated glass panel. Laminated glazing includes glass sheets held together by one or more interlayers positioned between the glass sheets.

[0051] The glass sheets may be clear glass, or tinted glass, the latter being tinted with a particular composition of glass or by applying, for example, a coating or plastic layer.

[0052] In embodiments where the glazing panel is a laminated glass panel, it may be advantageous to have glass sheets of various thicknesses to reduce weight and noise. Thin glass sheets less than 1 mm thick can be used without bending or deforming due to deformation induced by the glazing panel. Therefore, such thin glass sheets can maintain the desired design.

[0053] It is to be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims.

[0054] The following description relates to automotive window units, but it should be understood that the invention may be applicable to other areas, such as structural windows in transportation vehicles, e.g., trains, buses, boats, etc., which may provide an encapsulation surrounding the edge of the window on at least one peripheral side.

[0055] 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, and which are provided for purposes of explanation and not limitation. The drawings are schematic and not to scale. They do not limit the invention in any way. Many advantages will be explained with examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 depicts a glazing window unit disposed on a vehicle body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the glazing window unit of FIG. 1 taken along section AA. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the glazing window unit of FIG. 1 taken along section AA. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the glazing window unit of FIG. 1 taken along section line BB, showing a guide according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a glazing module representing a glazing panel with a rigid portion and an encapsulated flexible frame, but without decorative strips. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] The contents of the present invention are further described below with reference to the drawings. The examples provided herein are illustrative of the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. They do not represent limiting embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of the features listed in the following embodiments.

[0058] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0059] 1 shows a window unit 10, more particularly an automotive window unit installed in a vehicle body 1. The window unit 10 includes a glazing panel 2 having a decorative strip 4 secured to a rigid portion (not visible) provided on at least a portion of an edge 12 on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel. The rigid portion is designed to receive the decorative strip 4.

[0060] A frame profile 3 is injection molded along the periphery on the edge 12 of the glazing panel 2 by techniques known to those skilled in the art according to design requirements. The frame profile 3 may be provided around the entire periphery of the glazing panel 2 or around a portion of the periphery of the glazing panel. In this embodiment, the frame has a frame profile and surrounds the edge of the glazing panel on three peripheral sides.

[0061] The window unit 10 has a polygonal, in particular triangular, shape. The glazing panel 2 has the same shape, but slightly smaller. The frame has a frame profile and surrounds the edges of the glazing panel on three peripheral sides.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the rigid part 5 surrounds at least part of the edge 12 of the glazing panel 2 on at least one peripheral side, in which case the rigid part forms an insert for fixing it to the decorative strip 4.

[0063] According to the present invention, the frame profile 3 is made of a soft material having a Young's modulus of less than 1000 MPa. For example, the soft material is selected from thermoplastic materials such as, but not limited to, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPV (vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer), TPE-S (styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer), soft PVC (soft polyvinyl chloride), or PU (polyurethane) or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) elastomers; any other suitable material may also be used. According to the present invention, the frame profile 3 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid part 5, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the glazing window unit of Figure 1 taken along the section AA.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the rigid portion 5 surrounds at least a part of the edge 12 on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel 2. In that case, the rigid portion forms an insert in order to fasten it to the decorative strip 4.

[0065] To improve the overall appearance of the vehicle, a decorative strip 4 is provided on the edge 12 portion of the glazing panel 2 of the vehicle that is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The decorative strip 4 is used to cover the edge 12 of the glazing panel of the vehicle. In this description of one embodiment of the present invention, the decorative strip 4 is used as an ornament for the edge portion of the glazing panel 2 that is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. It is understood that the method of fixing the decorative strip 4 to the rigid part 5 may also be suitable for other decorative products or vehicle glazing accessories.

[0066] In order to successfully fasten / attach the decorative strip 4 to the edge 12 of the glazing of the motor vehicle, the present invention provides a rigid part 5 as shown in Figures 2-5.

[0067] According to the present invention, the rigid part 5, more particularly the insert, comprises at least one snap-fit ​​system 6 including a base 50 and at least first and second arms 6a; 6b, the snap-fit ​​system 6 having at least one rigid arm 6a and at least one flexible arm 6b.

[0068] According to the invention, the snap fit system 6 is designed to receive and fix the decorative strip 4 by pressing on a rigid part, more particularly the insert 5, which interlocks the components together. The snap fit as an essential attachment feature has the advantage that there are no loose parts.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second arms 6a, 6b are provided at their extremities with curved portions in the form of hooks 60, 61, respectively. The second arm 6b can be moved towards the first arm 6a by two external forces in opposite directions, so that the two curved portions 60, 61 are inserted into the attachment arms 9 of the decorative strip 4 and snap-fit ​​to the attachment arms 9 as shown in Figure 2. The number and position of the snap-fit ​​systems 6 along the rigid part 5 depend on the shape and material of the decorative strip.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elasticity factor of the rigid arms 6a is below 20 mm and the elasticity factor of the flexible arms 6b is above 30 mm, where the elasticity factor is defined as the square of the average length l, l1 of the arms 6a, 6b divided by the average thickness e, e1 of the arms 6a, 6b as shown in Figure 3. The advantages associated with these features have been explained above.

[0071] The rigid portion 5 may be made of a hard thermoplastic material with a Young's modulus E higher than 1500 MPa. The material may be chosen between polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-based materials (ABS), polyamide (PA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0072] The rigid portion 5 may contain fillers (glass fibres, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulphate fibres, mica) for example to improve its mechanical properties.

[0073] The snap-fit ​​system 6 of the rigid part 5 preferably has a U-shape or is U-shaped like, which allows for better fastening.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2, a stroke limiter 7 may be integrated into the rigid portion 5 to limit the displacement of the flexible arm 6b of the snap-fit ​​system 6. The stroke limiter 7 prevents excessive deformation of the flexible arm 6b of the snap-fit ​​system 6, which may result in deterioration of the arm 6b.

[0075] In the present invention, the snap fit system 6 of the insert 5, comprising its base 50 and at least its first and second arms 6a, 6b, and the encapsulated frame profile 3, are fixedly connected by integrally injection molding the insert 5 when the encapsulated profile frame 3 is injection molded onto at least a portion of the edge of the glazing panel.

[0076] Therefore, the present invention also provides a method for attaching a decorative strip 4 on the edge 12 of a glazing panel 2 by means of an insert 5 as described above.

[0077] According to the present invention, a window unit can be manufactured as claimed in the above description: the rigid part 5 (or insert) can be directly molded by encapsulating it on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel 2 and overmolded with a frame profile 3 made of a soft material in a second encapsulating mold.

[0078] The insert 5 is overmolded: it is manufactured in a specific injection mold, then placed in an encapsulation mold together with the bare glazing panel and then overmolded by a frame profile 3 made of soft material.

[0079] In some embodiments, the insert 5 is molded directly onto the glazing panel at the visible edge 12 of the glazing panel. In that case, a specific encapsulation mold is used. The glazing panel 2 is placed in this mold, and the glazing panel is directly encapsulated with a hard material. Later, the module made of glass and a hard frame is placed in another mold or cavity and then overmolded with a frame profile 3 made of a soft material.

[0080] The hard material may be used to make the part a little stiffer, to reduce the thickness of the soft material, and / or to add features to the encapsulated window unit: guides integrated into the rear door fixings, use of fasteners to assemble the window unit to the vehicle body, etc. The hard material may be polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) based blends, acrylic based blends, polyamide, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the hard material is not visible after assembly of the encapsulated window unit into the vehicle.

[0081] The soft component may be a thermoplastic elastomer-based material. Styrene-based and vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers are commonly used. In another embodiment, the soft component is a soft polyvinyl chloride. The soft material provides the final surface appearance of the frame and is also used to fit and attach the window unit to the vehicle body. In effect, the softness of the material allows for interference between the vehicle body and the window unit by using a soft lip. The soft material may also be used to ensure a seal between the vehicle body and the encapsulated window unit.

[0082] According to the invention, the fastening means 6 are integrated into the insert 5. Therefore, no additional assembly of the fastening means is required after manufacturing of the insert 5. The fastening means can be made of the same material as the insert or of a different material, in which case the fastening means can be manufactured separately and then overmolded in the insert mold.

[0083] In another embodiment, the fixing means can also be encapsulated directly on the glass and then overmolded in a specific mold. In all these embodiments, no manpower is required to manufacture the part and there is no way to retrieve the fixing from the insert after manufacturing.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a guide 8 may be integrated into the rigid part 5 to align the rigid part 5 with the decorative trim 4 by fitting a decorative strip rigid arm 9 into the guide 8. The guide 8 is preferably made of the same material as the rigid part 5. The guide 8 ensures correct assembly and may possibly be integrated into the insert 5 and also into the decorative strip 4. The function of the guide is to guide the decorative strip 4 according to the insert, thereby ensuring perfect alignment between the parts. As a result, a high-quality positioning of the decorative strip 4 in the encapsulation is then guaranteed.

[0085] Figure 5 shows a glazing panel provided with an insert 5. The insert 5 surrounds the edge 12 of the glazing panel 2. The frame profile 3 is overmolded with the insert 5 and extends along the entire periphery of the glazing panel, at least on the sides where the rigid portions are provided. Snap-fit ​​systems 6 according to the invention are distributed along the rigid portions. The distance between each snap-fit ​​system 6 is adapted to secure a decorative strip.

[0086] Once the decorative strips are secured to the insert, a window unit 10 according to the present invention is formed.

Claims

1. - glazing panels (2), a rigid part (5) provided on at least a portion of the edge (12) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and designed to receive a decorative strip (4), said rigid part (5) comprising at least one snap-fit ​​system (6) including a base (50) and at least first and second arms (6a; 6b) and made of a hard material, said rigid part (5) being an insert that surrounds at least a portion of the edge (12) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel, said insert and said snap-fit ​​system (6) being made in one piece; a frame profile (3) surrounding the insert on the edge (12) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel and made of a soft material, the frame profile (3) being overmolded onto at least a portion of the rigid part (5); A window unit (10) comprising: A window unit (10) characterized in that said snap-fit ​​system (6) comprises at least one rigid arm (6a) and at least one flexible arm (6b).

2. 2. A window unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the modulus of elasticity of the rigid arms (6a) is below 20 mm and the modulus of elasticity of the flexible arms (6b) is above 30 mm, the modulus of elasticity being defined as the square of the average length (l, l1) of the arms (6a, 6b) divided by the average thickness (e, e1) of the arms (6a, 6b).

3. 3. A window unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hard material is a hard thermoplastic material with a Young's modulus above 1500 MPa.

4. 4. A window unit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the rigid thermoplastic material is selected from polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-based materials (ABS), polyamide (PA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

5. 5. The window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hard material comprises fillers (glass fibres, glass beads, calcium carbonate, talc, silica, wollastonite, clay, calcium sulphate fibres, mica).

6. Window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the soft material has a Young's modulus below 1000 MPa.

7. Window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the soft material has the ability to form a naturally adhesive chemical bond with the hard material.

8. Window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the snap-fit ​​system (6) of the rigid part (5) has or is U-shaped.

9. 9. The window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a stroke limiter (7) is integrated in the rigid part (5) to limit the displacement of the flexible arm (6b) of the snap-fit ​​system (6).

10. Window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a guide (8) is integrated into the rigid part (5) for aligning the rigid part (5) with the decorative strip (4) by fitting a decorative trim rigid arm (9) into the guide (8).

11. 11. The window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the frame profile (3) and the rigid part (5) are at least partially injected onto the glazing panel (2) during an injection moulding process.

12. 12. A window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the rigid part (5) is directly molded by encapsulating it on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) and is overmolded with the frame profile (3) made of a soft material in a second encapsulating mould.

13. 13. A method for manufacturing a window unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a step of overmolding a rigid part (5) designed to receive a decorative strip (4) onto at least a part of an edge (12) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel, said rigid part (5) comprising at least first and second arms (6a; 6b) forming a snap-fit ​​system (6).

14. a. placing a glazing panel (2) within a first encapsulation mold or cavity; b) Encapsulating said rigid portion (5) onto at least one peripheral side of said glazing panel (2), said peripheral side on which said decorative strip (4) is intended to be placed; c. Transferring the so-formed glazing panel (2) and the rigid portion (5) into a second encapsulating mold or cavity; d. In a second encapsulating mold or cavity, overmolding at least a portion of the rigid portion (5) by injection of the frame profile (3) and simultaneously overmolding at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) by injection of the frame profile (3); e. Removing the injected module (11) from the second encapsulation mold or cavity; f) Assembling said decorative strip (4) on said module (11) by clipping a decorative strip rigid arm (9) onto at least one snap-fit ​​system (6) integrated in said rigid part (5). A method for manufacturing a window unit (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises:

15. a. Injecting said rigid part (5) into a separate mould equipped with at least one snap fit system; b. Placing the glazing panel (2) and the rigid part (5) in an encapsulation mold; c) encapsulating the frame profile (3) on at least one peripheral side of the glazing panel (2) and overmolding the frame profile onto at least a portion of the rigid part (5) where the decorative strip (4) is intended to be placed; d. Removing the injected module (11) from the encapsulation mold; e. Assembling said decorative strip (4) on said module (11) by clipping a decorative strip rigid arm (9) onto at least one snap-fit ​​system (6) integrated in said rigid part (5). A method for manufacturing a window unit (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises:

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