Adapter and squeegee assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes an adapter and a wiper strip assembly. The adapter comprises two side plates spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction, each side plate having an upper edge and a lower edge spaced apart along a height direction; a first end plate and a second end plate connecting the two side plates to each other and spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction; and a connecting column fixed between the two side plates and used to engage a wiper arm, the upper edge of each side plate has a first slope and a second slope adjacent to each other and reducing the height of the side plate as approaching the second end plate, the height of the first slope is greater than 50% of the maximum height of the side plate and the height of the second slope, the longitudinal length of the first slope is less than the longitudinal length of the second slope, and the connecting column is located between the first end plate and the first slope, and the second slope is located between the second end plate and the first slope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automotive windshield wiper technology, and more specifically, to an adapter for engaging a wiper blade assembly with a wiper arm, and a wiper blade assembly including the adapter. Background Technology

[0002] Car windshield wipers are a key safety component that ensures clear visibility for drivers. They are mainly driven by a wiper motor to drive the wiper arm, and the end of the wiper arm is connected to a wiper blade assembly (also known as a wiper blade or wiper blade) with a rubber blade, which performs a reciprocating wiping motion on the windshield surface.

[0003] A reliable and convenient connection between the wiper blade assembly and the wiper arm is crucial. Currently, various wiper arm interfaces exist on the market, and the width, thickness, locking mechanism position, and shape of the wiper arm connection end can vary significantly between different car manufacturers and even different car models. Traditional wiper blade assemblies are designed primarily for specific wiper arm interfaces. This leads to the following significant drawbacks: a wiper blade assembly typically only fits one or a few specific wiper arm sizes. The wide variety of car models and the complex and inconsistent wiper arm interface standards make it difficult for wiper blade assemblies to achieve broad compatibility. Therefore, when purchasing or replacing wiper blades, users must first accurately identify their vehicle's wiper arm type and then select the corresponding wiper blade assembly—a complex and error-prone process. Furthermore, ordinary car owners often face difficulties in identifying the interface type and selecting the correct adapter when replacing wiper blades themselves. Incorrect wiper blade assembly selection can lead to installation failure, weak connections, or even accidental detachment of the wiper blade assembly during wiper operation, posing a safety hazard.

[0004] Therefore, the core problem facing automotive wiper blade assemblies in existing technologies lies in the insufficient universality of their connection structure with the wiper arm, making it impossible to flexibly, reliably, and conveniently adapt to the wide variety of wiper arm interfaces of different sizes on the market. This directly leads to difficulties for users in choosing, inconvenient installation, and potential safety risks.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution to solve the problem of universal connection between wiper blade assembly and wiper arms of various sizes. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure proposes an improved adapter comprising: two side plates spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction, each side plate having an upper edge and a lower edge spaced apart in a height direction; a first end plate and a second end plate connecting the two side plates and spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction; and a connecting post fixed between the two side plates for engaging a wiper arm, wherein the upper edge of each side plate has a first ramp and a second ramp adjacent to each other and decreasing in height as it approaches the second end plate, wherein the height of the first ramp is greater than 50% of the maximum height of the side plate and the height of the second ramp, and the longitudinal length of the first ramp is less than the longitudinal length of the second ramp, and wherein the connecting post is located between the first end plate and the first ramp, and the second ramp is located between the second end plate and the first ramp.

[0007] According to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the two side plates define an opening between each other, the opening terminating in the longitudinal direction at a first proximal end of the first end plate and a second proximal end of the second end plate.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end plate further has a second distal end opposite to the second proximal end in the longitudinal direction, and is further provided with a positioning protrusion fixed to the second end plate and protruding relative to the second distal end in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the first end plate further has a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end in a longitudinal direction, and the adapter further includes a distal support plate protruding from the first distal end and fixed between the two side plates.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the adapter further includes a spring arm fixed to the distal support plate, the free end of the spring arm being adapted to move between an unlocked position near the distal support plate and a locked position away from the distal support plate, and the elastic deformation of the spring arm generating a restoring force that biases the free end toward the locked position.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the two side plates protrude relative to the distal support plate in a longitudinal direction to define a limiting groove between each other with the distal support plate as its base, and the spring arm is partially received in the limiting groove.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the distal support plate is provided with a limiting protrusion projecting toward the spring arm.

[0013] According to one alternative embodiment of this disclosure, each side plate is provided with a guide protrusion projecting in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the adapter further includes a proximal support plate that protrudes from a first proximal end of the first end plate and is fixed between the two side plates.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end plate has two side edges spaced apart in the lateral direction, each side edge having a slope that decreases the lateral width of the second end plate as it moves away from the second proximal end.

[0016] According to one alternative embodiment of this disclosure, the first slope is arc-shaped and the second slope is straight; or, the first slope includes an arc segment and a straight segment, and the second slope is arc-shaped, wherein the straight segment is arranged between the arc segment and the second slope.

[0017] Similarly, in order to address the problems in the prior art described above, this disclosure also proposes an improved scraper assembly, comprising: a scraper; a scraper bracket supporting the scraper; and an adapter as described in this disclosure, the adapter being mounted on the scraper bracket.

[0018] This disclosure may be embodied in the illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are merely illustrative, and any variations contemplated under the teachings of this disclosure should be considered to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. These drawings should not be construed as necessarily limiting the scope of this disclosure, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a wiper blade assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is connected to the wiper arm.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the adapter for the scraper assembly shown;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of the adapter for the scraper assembly shown;

[0023] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the adapter taken by line IV-IV in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A schematic perspective view of the scraper bracket and scraper of the scraper assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the adapter of the wiper blade assembly engaging with the wiper blade support portion;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view showing the adapter of the wiper blade assembly fully engaged with the wiper blade bracket; and

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic front view of an adapter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Further features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. However, this disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely to illustrate this disclosure and to convey the spirit and essence of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0029] This disclosure aims to provide an improved adapter for connecting a wiper arm to a wiper blade holder, and a wiper blade assembly including the adapter. Due to its novel design, the adapter can accommodate wiper arms of various sizes, thus making the wiper blade assembly highly versatile and eliminating the need for a specific wiper blade assembly for each wiper arm. In particular, the novel design of the adapter according to this disclosure allows for easy and quick installation and removal from the wiper blade holder, enabling ordinary users to easily replace the adapter and wiper blade holder without requiring professional assistance. Furthermore, the novel design of the adapter according to this disclosure reliably transmits the oscillating force applied by the wiper arm to the wiper blade holder, allowing the wiper blade holder to oscillate accurately with the wiper arm, thereby enabling the wiper blade to accurately perform the wiping action.

[0030] Various alternative, but non-limiting, embodiments of the adapter and scraper assembly according to this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that although the various views show the height direction HH', the longitudinal direction LL', and the lateral direction TT', which are generally perpendicular to each other (i.e., generally transverse to each other), and embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to these three directions, this is merely intended to convey the teachings of this disclosure more intuitively with reference to the accompanying drawings, and not to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure in any way. For example, in practical applications, the height direction HH' may not coincide with the vertical direction.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a wiper blade assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, connected to the wiper arm. Figure 1 As shown, the wiper blade assembly 10 generally includes a wiper blade (e.g., made of synthetic rubber) 100, a wiper blade bracket (e.g., made of engineering plastic) 200 supporting the wiper blade 100, and an adapter (e.g., made of engineering plastic) 300 mounted on the wiper blade bracket 200, wherein the wiper blade 100 and the adapter 300 are located on opposite sides of the wiper blade bracket 200. Additionally, a wiper arm 20 is connected to the adapter 300 so that the adapter 300, along with the wiper blade bracket 200 and the wiper blade 100, can swing with the wiper arm 20. When the wiper arm 20 positions the wiper blade 100 against the windshield, the wiper blade 100 can swing to clear rainwater from the windshield, thereby providing the driver with a clear view. As described in detail below, the adapter 300 can be connected to wiper arms 20 of various sizes, making the wiper blade assembly 10 highly versatile.

[0032] refer to Figure 2 , which shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the adapter for the scraper assembly shown. Figure 2As shown, the adapter 300 includes two side plates 310 spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction TT', and a first end plate 320 and a second end plate 330 connecting the two side plates 310. The first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction LL', meaning that the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 connect the two side plates 310 to each other at two locations spaced apart along the longitudinal direction LL'. Because the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 are spaced apart from each other, an opening 301 can be left between the two side plates 310. This opening 301 is defined between the two side plates 310 in the lateral direction TT' and terminates on opposite sides along the longitudinal direction LL' at a first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 and a second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330, respectively. Additionally, the adapter 300 includes a connecting post 340 fixed between the two side plates 310 for engaging the wiper arm 20. The connecting post 340 is positioned in the longitudinal direction LL' between a first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 and a second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330, such that the opening 301 exposes the connecting post 340. Therefore, the wiper arm 20 can pass through the opening 301 between the two side plates 310 and engage the connecting post 340, thereby connecting the wiper blade assembly 10 to the wiper arm 20. It is worth noting that the term "proximal end" herein can be understood as the end of the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 that is close to or faces the opening 301. Of course, the first end plate 320 also has a first distal end 322 that is opposite to the first proximal end 321 (i.e., away from or opposite to the opening 301) along the longitudinal direction LL', and the second end plate 330 also has a second distal end 332 that is opposite to the second proximal end 331 (i.e., away from or opposite to the opening 301) along the longitudinal direction LL'. It is also worth mentioning that the term "plate" as used herein has its usual meaning in the mechanical field, that is, a structure whose dimensions in two directions are significantly larger (e.g., differ by at least a factor of) than its dimensions in a third direction. For example, the dimensions of the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 in the longitudinal direction LL' and the transverse direction TT' are both significantly larger than their respective dimensions in the height direction HH'. That is, the thicknesses of the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 are both oriented in the height direction HH'. For example, the dimensions of the first end plate 320 and the second end plate 330 in the longitudinal direction LL' and the transverse direction TT' are both at least twice the size of their respective dimensions in the height direction HH'.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 2Each side plate 310 has an upper edge 311 and a lower edge 312 that are opposite in direction HH' (i.e., spaced apart along the height direction HH'). Therefore, the height of each side plate 310 (i.e., its dimension in the height direction HH') can be considered as the distance along the height direction HH' that separates the upper edge 311 and the lower edge 312, and the opening 301 can be considered as extending from the first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 along the upper edges 311 of the two side plates 320 to the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330. Additionally, from... Figure 2 As can be seen, the height of each side plate 310 is not constant along the longitudinal direction LL', but varies along the longitudinal direction LL'. Specifically, the upper edge 311 of each side plate 310 has two adjacent slopes, namely a first slope 311a near the first end plate 320 and a second slope 311b near the second end plate 330, wherein the inclination of the first slope 311a is greater than that of the second slope 311b; in other words, the slope of the first slope 311a is greater than that of the second slope 311b. (Reference) Figure 3 , which shows Figure 1 A schematic front view of the adapter for the scraper assembly shown. Figure 3 As shown, the inclination or slope of the first slope 311a can be represented by the ratio of the distance ha (also called height) crossed by the first slope 311a in the vertical direction HH' to the distance la (also called longitudinal length) crossed by the first slope 311a in the longitudinal direction LL', and the inclination or slope of the second slope 311b can be represented by the ratio of the distance hb crossed by the second slope 311b in the vertical direction HH' to the distance lb crossed by the second slope 311b in the longitudinal direction LL', wherein the distance ha crossed by the first slope 311a in the vertical direction HH' is greater than that of the second slope 311b. The distance hb that ramp 311b crosses in the height direction HH' is greater than the distance la that the first ramp 311a crosses in the longitudinal direction LL' is less than the distance lb that the second ramp 311b crosses in the longitudinal direction LL'. Therefore, the inclination or slope of the first ramp 311a is greater than that of the second ramp 311b. This allows the first ramp 311a to rapidly reduce the height of the side plate 310 as it approaches the second end plate 330, while the second ramp 311b can slowly reduce the height of the side plate 310 as it approaches the second end plate 330. In particular, the height ha of the first ramp 311a is greater than 50% of the maximum height of the side plate 310, which allows the first ramp 311a to reduce the height of the side plate 310 by more than 50% as it approaches the second end plate 330. Furthermore, returning to... Figure 2 The connecting column 340 is positioned in the longitudinal direction LL' between the first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 and the first ramp 311a.

[0034] In the above configuration, each side plate 310 can have a larger height between the first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 and the first ramp 311a, and a smaller height between the first ramp 311a and the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330. Furthermore, since the connecting post 340 is located between the first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 and the first ramp 311a, after the wiper arm 20 is engaged with the connecting post 340, the wiper arm 20 can engage the portion of each side plate 310 with a larger height in the lateral direction TT', thereby increasing the height of the side plate 310. The contact area of ​​the wiper arm 20 allows each side plate 310 to more reliably withstand the oscillating force exerted by the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT', thereby enabling the wiper blade assembly 10 to more reliably oscillate with the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT'. Furthermore, the portion of each side plate 310 between the first ramp 311a and the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330 has a smaller height, effectively avoiding structural interference with the wiper arm 20. This allows the adapter 300 to adapt to various sizes of wiper arms 20, rather than being limited to a specific size. In particular, ideally as... Figure 4 As shown, the connecting post 340 is positioned near or adjacent to the lower edge 312 of each side plate 310. This helps to increase the contact area between the side plate 310 and the wiper arm 20, thereby allowing each side plate 310 to more reliably withstand the oscillating force exerted by the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT'. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the second ramp 311b not only reduces the height of the side plate 310 but also enlarges the opening 301 in the longitudinal direction LL'. This allows wiper arms 20 of various sizes to pass through the opening 301 and engage with the connecting post 340, thus enabling the adapter 300 to accommodate wiper arms 20 of various sizes. Therefore, the above configuration allows the adapter 300 to not only reliably withstand the oscillating force exerted by the wiper arm 20 but also to accommodate wiper arms 20 of various sizes, thereby improving the reliability and versatility of the wiper blade assembly 10 equipped with the adapter 300.

[0035] like Figures 2-3As shown, each side plate 310 has a first end 313 and a second end 314 spaced apart along the longitudinal direction LL', wherein the first end 313 is close to the first end plate 320, and the second end 314 is close to the second end plate 330. Additionally, the upper edge 311 of each side plate 310 also has a third slope 311c extending from the first end 313 to a first slope 311a, wherein the height of the side plate 310 increases with distance from the first end 313 (i.e., with proximity to the first slope 311a), and the inclination of the third slope 311c is less than the inclination of the first slope 311a; in other words, the slope of the third slope 311c is less than the slope of the first slope 311a. Figure 3 As shown, the inclination or slope of the third slope 311c can be represented by the ratio of the distance hc (also called height) crossed by the third slope 311c in the height direction HH' to the distance lc (also called longitudinal length) crossed in the longitudinal direction LL'. The distance ha crossed by the first slope 311a in the height direction HH' is greater than the distance hc crossed by the third slope 311c in the height direction HH', and the distance la crossed by the first slope 311a in the longitudinal direction LL' is less than the distance lc crossed by the third slope 311c in the longitudinal direction LL'. Therefore, the inclination or slope of the first slope 311a is greater than the inclination or slope of the third slope 311c. In this configuration, the portion of each side plate 310 that engages with the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT' can have a greater height, thereby further increasing the contact area between the side plate 310 and the wiper arm 20, so that each side plate 310 can more reliably withstand the oscillating force exerted by the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT'.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the second end 314 of each side plate 310 is connected to the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330, such that the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 331 connects the second ends 314 of the two side plates 310 to each other. Additionally, as... Figure 3As shown, the second end plate 330 has a second upper surface 333 and a second lower surface 334 that are opposite to each other along the height direction HH'. The upper edge 311 of each side plate 310 is aligned with the second upper surface 333 of the second end plate 330 at the second end 314, and the lower edge 312 of each side plate 310 is aligned with the second lower surface 334 of the second end plate 330 at the second end 314. That is, at the second end 314 of each side plate 310, the upper edge 311 and the lower edge 312 of the side plate 310 are aligned with the second upper surface 333 and the second lower surface 334 of the second end plate 330, respectively, so that the height of each side plate 310 at the second end 314 is the same as the height (i.e., thickness) of the second end plate 330 at the second proximal end 331. In this configuration, the second ramp 311b of the upper edge 311 of each side plate 310 reduces the height of the side plate 310 to be equal to the height of the second end plate 330 as it approaches the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330. This further reduces the height of the side plate 310, thus more reliably preventing structural interference between the adapter 300 and the wiper arm 20. This allows the adapter 300 to accommodate wiper arms 20 of more sizes, thereby further improving the versatility of the adapter 300 and the wiper assembly 10. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the height of the second end plate 330 is not constant along the longitudinal direction LL', but varies along the longitudinal direction LL'. Specifically, the height of the second end plate 330 decreases along the direction from the second proximal end 331 to the second distal end 332. In this configuration, not only does the height of each side plate 310 decrease as it approaches the second proximal end 331 of the second end plate 330, but the height of the second end plate 330 also decreases as it approaches the second distal end 332. This more reliably avoids structural interference between the adapter 300 and the wiper arm 20, allowing the adapter 300 to accommodate wiper arms 20 of more sizes, thus further improving the versatility of the adapter 300 and the wiper assembly 10. In particular, as Figure 2As shown, the second end plate 330 has two side edges 335 that are opposite in the lateral direction TT' (i.e., spaced apart along the lateral direction TT'), wherein each side edge 335 extends from the second proximal end 331 to the second distal end 332 of the second end plate 330. Therefore, the dimension of the second end plate 330 in the lateral direction TT' (also referred to as the lateral width) can be considered as the distance separating the two side edges 335 as measured along the lateral direction TT'. In addition, each side edge 335 has a ramp 335a, which decreases the lateral width of the second end plate 330 as it moves away from the second proximal end 331 (i.e., as it moves closer to the second distal end 332). In this configuration, the width of the second end plate 330 decreases as it approaches the second distal end 332, which helps to avoid structural interference between the adapter 300 and the wiper arm 20. This allows the adapter 300 to be adapted to wiper arms 20 of more sizes, thus further improving the versatility of the adapter 300 and the wiper assembly 10.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown and further reference Figure 4 ,in Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2The schematic cross-sectional view of the adapter taken by line IV-IV shows that the first end plate 320 has a first upper surface 323 and a first lower surface 324 that are opposite to each other along the height direction HH', and the first end plate 320 is positioned between the two side plates 310 such that its first upper surface 323 is aligned with the upper edges 311 of the two side plates 310. That is, unlike the second end plate 330 which connects the second ends 314 of the two side plates 310 to each other, the first end plate 320 itself is positioned between the two side plates 310, and its first upper surface 323 is shaped to conform to the upper edges 311 of the two side plates 310 so as to be aligned with the upper edges 311 of the two side plates 310 (in particular, with the third ramp 311c). Additionally, the adapter 300 includes a proximal support plate 350 projecting from the first proximal end 321 of the first end plate 320 toward a direction away from the first upper surface 323, and a distal support plate 360 ​​projecting from the first distal end 322 of the first end plate 320 toward a direction away from the first upper surface 323. That is, the thicknesses of the proximal support plate 350 and the distal support plate 360 ​​are oriented in the longitudinal direction LL'. Furthermore, the proximal support plate 350 and the distal support plate 360 ​​are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction LL', and each of them is fixed between two side plates 310. In other words, each of the proximal support plate 350 and the distal support plate 360 ​​connects the two side plates 310 to each other. In this configuration, through the cooperation of the aforementioned plates, the two side plates 310 are connected to each other on one side via the first end plate 320, the proximal support plate 350 and the distal support plate 360, and on the other side via the second end plate 330. This significantly improves the structural strength of the adapter 300, thereby significantly improving the reliability of the adapter 300, while avoiding a significant increase in the weight of the adapter 300.

[0038] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the adapter 300 also includes a spring arm 370 fixed to the distal support plate 360, such as Figure 4As best shown, the spring arm 370 is generally L-shaped, so that it, together with the distal support plate 360, defines a generally U-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the spring arm 370 has a fixed end 371 connected to the distal support plate 360 ​​and a free end 372 spaced apart from the distal support plate 360 ​​along the longitudinal direction LL'. The elastic deformation of the spring arm 370 allows the free end 372 to move between an unlocked position near the distal support plate 360 ​​and a locked position away from the distal support plate 360, and the spring arm 370 is adapted to generate a restoring force biasing the free end 372 toward the locked position. In other words, the spring arm 370 has a normal state in which the free end 372 is in the locked position away from the distal support plate 360 ​​and a compressed state in which the free end 372 is in the unlocked position near the distal support plate 360, and the elastic deformation of the spring arm 370 generates a restoring force biasing the free end 372 toward the locked position. In this configuration, the user can apply a pushing force to the free end 372 of the spring arm 370 to cause elastic deformation of the spring arm 370, thereby pushing the free end 372 to the unlocked position. The spring arm 370 can automatically return to the locked position after the pushing force is removed, thus allowing the adapter 300 to be mounted on and removed from the scraper bracket 200 as described in detail below. Specifically, for ease of user operation, the free end 372 of the spring arm 370 forms a handle adapted to engage the user's fingers, allowing the user to push the free end 372 to the unlocked position by pressing the handle. Specifically, a portion of the surface of the spring arm 370 facing away from the distal support plate 360 ​​(i.e., facing away from the distal support plate 360) forms an engagement groove 373 extending in the lateral direction TT', and another portion of this surface forms a ramp 374 that slopes away from the distal support plate 360 ​​as it approaches the engagement groove 373. More specifically, the engagement slot 373 is positioned adjacent to the free end 372, that is, the engagement slot 373 is positioned between the free end 372 and the ramp 374. As described in more detail below, this configuration facilitates the mounting of the adapter 300 onto the scraper bracket 200.

[0039] like Figures 2-4As shown, the first end 313 of each side plate 310 protrudes along the longitudinal direction LL' relative to the first distal end 322 of the first end plate 320, i.e., relative to the distal support plate 360, such that the first ends 313 of the two side plates 310 define a limiting groove 302 between them with the distal support plate 360 ​​as its base. This limiting groove 302 opens toward the spring arm 370 so that the spring arm 370 can be partially received in the limiting groove 302. That is, the spring arm 370 is positioned in the transverse direction TT' between the first ends 313 of the two side plates 310 such that the first ends 313 of the two side plates 310 are located on opposite sides of the spring arm 370 along the transverse direction TT'. In this configuration, since the spring arm 370 is positioned between the first ends 313 of the two side plates 310 in the lateral direction TT', the two first ends 313 can limit the displacement of the spring arm 370 in the lateral direction TT'. Furthermore, since the spring arm 370 is configured to be elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction LL', which makes it unsuitable for elastic deformation in the lateral direction TT', the above configuration can protect the spring arm 370 from breakage due to excessive elastic deformation in the lateral direction TT', thereby improving the reliability of the adapter 300 and extending its service life. In particular, the distal support plate 360 ​​is also provided with a limiting protrusion 361 that protrudes toward the spring arm 370 (i.e., protrudes into the limiting groove 302 along the longitudinal direction LL'). In this configuration, not only can the displacement of the spring arm 370 in the lateral direction TT' be limited by the first ends 313 of the two side plates 310, but the displacement of the spring arm 370 in the longitudinal direction LL' can also be limited by the limiting protrusions 361. This protects the spring arm 370 from breakage due to excessive elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction LL', thereby further improving the reliability of the adapter 300 and extending its service life. In particular, each side plate 310 is also provided with a guide protrusion 315 protruding from the first end 313 along the longitudinal direction LL'. Therefore, the spring arm 370 is also positioned between the two guide protrusions 315 in the lateral direction TT', so that the two guide protrusions 315 are located on opposite sides of the spring arm 370 along the lateral direction TT'. As described in more detail below, the two guide protrusions 315 facilitate easier installation and removal of the adapter 300 from the wiper blade bracket 200, and also help transmit the oscillating force exerted by the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT' to the wiper blade bracket 200. Specifically, the second end plate 330 is further provided with a positioning protrusion 336 that is fixed to the second lower surface 334 and protrudes relative to the second distal end 332 in the longitudinal direction LL'.As described in more detail below, the positioning protrusion 336 makes it easier to install the adapter 300 on the wiper bracket 200 and remove the adapter 300 from the wiper bracket 200, and the positioning protrusion 336 also helps to transmit the oscillating force applied by the wiper arm 20 in the lateral direction TT' to the wiper bracket 200.

[0040] refer to Figure 5 , which shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the scraper bracket and scraper blade of the scraper assembly shown. (See diagram below.) Figure 5As shown, the wiper bracket 200 includes a bracket body 210 and two wiper legs 220 attached to the bracket body 210. An adapter 300 can be mounted on the bracket body 210, and the two wiper legs 220 can hold the wiper 100, for example, by clamping, so that the wiper 100, the wiper bracket 200 and the adapter 300 can be combined to form a wiper assembly 10. The wiper arm 20 can engage with the connecting post 340 of the adapter 300, so that the wiper arm 20 can drive the wiper 100 to swing on the windshield of the car through the adapter 300 and the wiper bracket 200 to clear rainwater on the windshield and thus clear the driver's vision. Specifically, similar to adapter 300, the support body 210 includes two vertical plates 211 spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction TT', and a first horizontal plate 212 and a second horizontal plate 213 connecting the two vertical plates 211. The first horizontal plate 212 and the second horizontal plate 213 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction LL', meaning that the first horizontal plate 212 and the second horizontal plate 213 connect the two vertical plates 211 at two positions spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction LL'. Because the first horizontal plate 212 and the second horizontal plate 213 are spaced apart from each other, a notch 201 for receiving adapter 300 is left between the first horizontal plate 212 and the second horizontal plate 213. Additionally, the support body 210 also includes a locking protrusion 214 protruding from the proximal end of the first horizontal plate 212 (i.e., the end facing or near the notch 201) along the longitudinal direction LL' and two guide plates 215 protruding from the locking protrusion 214 along the height direction HH', wherein the two guide plates 215 are spaced apart from the two vertical plates 211 on both sides along the transverse direction TT', such that a guide groove 216 is defined between each guide plate 215 and the corresponding vertical plate 211, and wherein the two guide grooves 216 are located on opposite sides of the locking protrusion 214 along the transverse direction TT'. Therefore, on one side of the notch 201, the bracket body 210 is provided with engaging protrusions 214 and guide grooves 216 for engaging with the adapter 300. On the other side of the notch 201, the second horizontal plate 213 and the two vertical plates 211 on both sides define a positioning groove 217. The positioning groove 217 opens into the notch 201 at the proximal end of the second horizontal plate 213 (i.e., the end facing or near the notch 201) and is also used for engaging with the adapter 300. This allows the adapter 300 to be accommodated in the notch 201 and to engage with the bracket body 210 on both sides of the notch 201. Therefore, the adapter 300 can be reliably mounted on the bracket body 210 and transmit the oscillating force applied by the wiper arm 20 to the bracket body 210.

[0041] like Figure 5As shown, each vertical plate 211 has two transverse ramps spaced apart from each other: a first transverse ramp 211a away from the first horizontal plate 212 and a second transverse ramp 211b closer to the first horizontal plate 212. The distance between the two vertical plates 211 in the transverse direction TT' decreases as they move away from the first horizontal plate 212 (i.e., as they move closer to the second horizontal plate 213). In other words, the two vertical plates 211 move closer to each other as they approach the second horizontal plate 213 by means of the first transverse ramp 211a and the second transverse ramp 211b. In this configuration, the width of the bracket body 210 can decrease as it approaches the second horizontal plate 213, thereby helping to avoid structural interference between the bracket body 210 and the wiper arm 20. This allows the wiper blade bracket 200 to accommodate wiper arms 20 of more sizes, thus further improving the versatility of the wiper blade bracket 200 and the wiper blade assembly 10.

[0042] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in, Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The schematic perspective view shows the adapter of the wiper blade assembly engaging with the wiper blade support portion, and Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiper blade assembly adapter fully engaged with the wiper blade bracket. Figure 6 As shown, if the adapter 300 needs to be installed on the scraper bracket 200, the positioning protrusion 336 of the adapter 300 can first be inserted into the positioning groove 217 of the bracket body 210. Then, the adapter 300 is rotated around the proximal end of the second horizontal plate 213 of the bracket body 210 until the ramp 374 of the spring arm 370 of the adapter 300 abuts against the engaging protrusion 214 of the bracket body 210. At this time, if the adapter 300 is pressed towards the bracket body 210, the adapter 300 can be further pressed. Then, the engaging protrusion 214 will, with the aid of the ramp 374, bias the free end 372 of the spring arm 370 toward the unlocked position until the engaging protrusion 214 enters the engaging groove 373 on the spring arm 370. As the engaging protrusion 214 enters the engaging groove 373, the elastic restoring force of the spring arm 370 can bias the free end 372 back to the locked position, thereby locking the engaging protrusion 214 in the engaging groove 373, thus allowing the adapter 300 to be mounted on the bracket body 210. Figure 7As shown, after the adapter 300 is installed, the engaging protrusion 214 of the bracket body 210 prevents the spring arm 370 of the adapter 300 from disengaging from the bracket body 210, and the second horizontal plate 213 of the bracket body 210 prevents the positioning protrusion 336 of the adapter 300 from disengaging from the bracket body 210. That is, the adapter 300 engages with the bracket body 210 on both opposite sides along the longitudinal direction LL', thereby reliably holding the adapter 300 on the bracket body 210. It is also worth mentioning that during the above installation, each guide protrusion 315 of the adapter 300 will enter the corresponding guide groove 216 of the bracket body 210 and will be clamped between the corresponding vertical plate 211 and guide plate 215 of the bracket body 210. In this configuration, the two guide protrusions 315 not only guide the adapter 300 during installation to ensure accurate mounting on the bracket body 210, but also reliably hold the spring arm 370 between the two guide plates 215 after the adapter 300 is installed, transmitting the oscillating force applied by the wiper arm 20 to the bracket body 210. This prevents the spring arm 370 from interacting with the two guide plates 215 in the lateral direction TT', thus preventing breakage due to elastic deformation in the lateral direction TT', and further improving the reliability of the adapter 300. Specifically, after the adapter 300 is installed, the positioning protrusion 336 abuts against the second horizontal plate 213 and is clamped between the two vertical plates 211 of the bracket body 210. Therefore, the positioning protrusion 336 can also transmit the oscillating force applied by the wiper arm 20 to the bracket body 210, thereby enabling the wiper arm 20 to drive the wiper blade bracket 200 more reliably via the adapter 300. Additionally, if it is necessary to remove the adapter 300 from the scraper bracket 200, the user only needs to push the free end 372 of the spring arm 370 to the unlocked position and follow the reverse steps of the installation operation described above to easily remove the adapter 300 from the scraper bracket 200. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, after the adapter 300 and the scraper bracket 200 are assembled, the first transverse ramps 211a of the two vertical plates 211 of the bracket body 210 of the scraper bracket 200 are aligned with the ramps 335a of the two side edges 335 of the second end plate 330 of the adapter 300 in the height direction HH'. With this configuration, as described above, the versatility of the scraper assembly 10 can be further improved.

[0043] refer to Figure 8 The illustration shows a schematic front view of an adapter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The adapter of the illustrated embodiment and Figures 1-7 The difference between the adapter in the illustrated embodiment is that, Figures 1-7In the embodiment shown, the first slope 311a of each side plate 310 is arc-shaped, and the second slope 311b of each side plate 310 is straight. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the first slope 311a of each side plate 310 has a composite shape, and the second slope 311b of each side plate 310 is arc-shaped. Specifically, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, each side plate 310 has a first slope 311a with an arc-shaped segment 311a' and a straight segment 311a', wherein the two ends of the straight segment 311a' are connected to the arc-shaped segment 311a' and the second slope 311b, respectively. That is, the straight segment 311a' is arranged between the arc-shaped segment 311a' and the second slope 311b. As can be seen from the foregoing, in this disclosure, a slope refers to a structure that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction LL', the height direction HH' and / or the lateral direction TT', and the structure is not necessarily straight; it can also be arc-shaped, or a composite shape combining arc and straight shapes, etc.

[0044] The above description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details alternative but non-limiting embodiments of the adapter and scraper assembly according to this disclosure. Modifications and additions to the technology and structure, as well as recombinations of features in the various embodiments, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of this disclosure and should be considered within its scope. Therefore, all such modifications and additions conceivable under the teachings of this disclosure should be considered part of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure includes equivalent technologies known at the filing date of this disclosure and equivalent technologies not yet foreseen.

Claims

1. An adapter, characterized in that, include: Two side plates (310) spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction (TT'), each side plate (310) having an upper edge (311) and a lower edge (312) spaced apart along the height direction (HH'); A first end plate (320) and a second end plate (330) that connect the two side plates (310) to each other and are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (LL'); and A connecting post (340) is fixed between the two side plates (310) and used to engage the wiper arm. Each side plate (310) has an upper edge (311) with a first slope (311a) and a second slope (311b) adjacent to each other, the height of which decreases as it approaches the second end plate (330). The height of the first slope (311a) is greater than 50% of the maximum height of the side plate (310) and the height of the second slope (311b), and the longitudinal length of the first slope (311a) is less than the longitudinal length of the second slope (311b). The connecting column (340) is located between the first end plate (320) and the first ramp (311a), and the second ramp (311b) is located between the second end plate (330) and the first ramp (311a).

2. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two side plates (310) define an opening (301) between them, the opening (301) terminating in the longitudinal direction (LL') at a first proximal end (321) of the first end plate (320) and a second proximal end (331) of the second end plate (330).

3. The adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second end plate (330) also has a second distal end (332) opposite to the second proximal end (331) along the longitudinal direction (LL'), and is also provided with a positioning protrusion (336) fixed to the second end plate (330) and protruding relative to the second distal end (332) along the longitudinal direction (LL').

4. The adapter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first end plate (320) also has a first distal end (322) opposite to the first proximal end (321) along the longitudinal direction (LL'), and the adapter further includes a distal support plate (360) protruding from the first distal end (322) and fixed between the two side plates (310).

5. The adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adapter also includes a spring arm (370) fixed to the distal support plate (360), the free end (372) of the spring arm (370) being adapted to move between an unlocked position near the distal support plate (360) and a locked position away from the distal support plate (360), and the elastic deformation of the spring arm (370) generating a restoring force that biases the free end (372) toward the locked position.

6. The adapter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two side plates (310) protrude relative to the distal support plate (360) along the longitudinal direction (LL') to define a limiting groove (302) between them with the distal support plate (360) as its base, and the spring arm (370) is partially received in the limiting groove (302).

7. The adapter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distal support plate (360) is provided with a limiting protrusion (361) protruding toward the spring arm (370).

8. The adapter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each side plate (310) is provided with a guide protrusion (315) protruding along the longitudinal direction (LL').

9. The adapter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The adapter also includes a proximal support plate (350) that protrudes from the first proximal end (321) of the first end plate (320) and is fixed between the two side plates (310).

10. The adapter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second end plate (330) has two side edges (335) spaced apart along the lateral direction (TT'), each side edge (335) having a ramp (335a) that decreases the lateral width of the second end plate (330) as it moves away from the second proximal end (331).

11. The adapter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first slope (311a) is arc-shaped, and the second slope (311b) is straight; or, the first slope (311a) includes an arc segment (311a') and a straight segment (311a”), and the second slope (311b) is arc-shaped, wherein the straight segment (311a”) is arranged between the arc segment (311a') and the second slope (311b).

12. A scraper assembly, characterized in that, include: Scraper (100); A scraper support (200) that supports the scraper (100); as well as The adapter according to any one of claims 1-11 is mounted on the scraper bracket (200).

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