Wiper coupling adapter and wiper assembly containing the same

Abstract

A wiper coupling adapter (52) for use in the detachable attachment of a wiper assembly (26) to a wiper arm (24) in a bayonet-type manner, the adapter having a mounting end (32) comprising a cover plate (66) arranged between the side walls (54) and interacting with a section of the side walls (54) to define a support adapted to receive the mounting end (32) of the wiper arm (24) during operation. The side walls (54) each comprise a projection (82) extending transversely towards each other to engage with the mounting end (32) of the wiper arm (24) during operation. The wiper coupling adapter (52) also comprises a locking mechanism (72) comprising a projecting body (74) and a head (76) located at a terminal end of the projecting body (74).The head (76) includes a lip (78) which is attached to extend through an opening (38) of the base from the mounting end (32) and to accommodate a section of the base from the mounting end (32) to prevent unwanted release of the wiper coupling adapter (52) from the mounting end (32) of the wiper arm (24).

Description

Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wiper arrangements and more specifically to a wiper coupling adapter and a wiper arrangement containing the same, for use in conjunction with the wiper arrangement on a wiper arm of a vehicle. 2. Description of the affected state of the art

[0002] Conventional wiper systems known in the prior art comprise a type of wiper assembly mounted on a wiper arm, which in turn is mounted adjacent to a vehicle's windshield, and is pivotally driven to transmit a reciprocating motion to the wiper assembly across the windshield. The wiper assembly includes a rubber wiping element that is in contact with the windshield over the surface to be wiped. Wiper assemblies can generally be classified into two categories, conventionally referred to as "towing" wiper assemblies and "blade" wiper assemblies.

[0003] Some wiper systems incorporate bayonet-type wiper arms. The wiper arm has an elongated body and a pivoting end, which is attached to an electric motor to move the wiper arm back and forth across the surface to be wiped. The wiper arm also has a bayonet-type mounting end at the other end of the elongated body. This mounting end comprises a base and a bent tab that extends linearly outward from the base. The mounting end also includes an opening, spaced longitudinally from the bent tab, that extends through the base.

[0004] It is known to provide a wiper coupler or wiper adapter to connect the wiper assembly to the wiper arm in a bayonet-like manner. Such a wiper coupler is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,287,296. While this type of wiper coupler is used for its intended purpose, it is not sufficiently secured to the wiper arm in a bayonet-like manner. Furthermore, such a wiper coupler is comparatively difficult to install on a bayonet-style wiper arm.

[0005] Furthermore, document WO 2004 / 024 520 A1 discloses an arrangement for attaching a windshield wiper blade to a wiper arm. The windshield wiper blade has a continuous, transverse pivot pin designed to form a rotary connection with the arm, and the arm is provided with an end rod. According to the invention, the arrangement comprises an independent part, referred to as an adapter, which is attached to the blade, and the aforementioned rod is inserted longitudinally therein.

[0006] Furthermore, document DE 103 47 637 A1 discloses a device for connecting a wiper blade to a wiper arm, wherein the wiper blade carries first articulating means on which a connecting piece is articulated, wherein the connecting piece carries second articulating means corresponding to the first articulating means, wherein the connecting piece carries at least first and second support surfaces corresponding to at least first and second counter-support surfaces of the wiper arm, wherein the at least first support surface is oriented at an angle α to the at least second support surface which is different from 0°, wherein the connecting piece carries first and second locking means corresponding to first and second counter-locking means of the wiper arm, wherein at least one first locking means and / or first counter-locking means is deflectable.are, wherein at least one second locking device and / or a second counter-locking device is / are deflectable, wherein the deflection direction of the first locking device or first counter-locking device is at an angle β to the deflection direction of the second locking device or counter-locking device (78) which is different from 0°.

[0007] Furthermore, document US 2006 218 740 A1 discloses a wiper coupling and a wiper assembly comprising a wiper element and a tournament-style support structure for carrying the wiper element. The wiper assembly further comprises a wiper coupling that detachably attaches the support structure to a wiper arm mounting element. The wiper coupling comprises a pair of side walls, each having a flange for engaging a portion of the mounting element's guides, and further comprises a raised platform and a deck, each positioned between the side walls. The deck and a portion of the side walls form a support for receiving the mounting element's rail. The wiper coupling further comprises an opening between the raised platform and the deck.The opening accommodates part of the curved tab of the fastener to facilitate attachment between the superstructure and the fastener, which is commonly used for use with a beam-blade type wiper assembly.

[0008] The prior art therefore requires a new wiper coupling adapter that operatively attaches a wiper assembly to a wiper arm in a bayonet-type manner. Furthermore, the prior art requires a wiper coupling adapter that provides a secure hold and is easy to install on a wiper arm in a bayonet-type manner. Additionally, the prior art requires a wiper coupling adapter that operatively engages with a wiper arm in a bayonet-type manner and is designed for a wiper assembly that includes a replaceable wiper element. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention overcomes many limitations and disadvantages of the prior art in a wiper coupling adapter and in a wiper assembly for use in conjunction with a bayonet-type wiper arm. The wiper assembly for use in conjunction with the wiper assembly on a wiper arm is not within the scope of the claim, but is considered to facilitate understanding of the invention. According to this embodiment, a wiper coupling adapter detachably attaches a wiper assembly to a bayonet-type wiper arm, which has a mounting end.The wiper coupling adapter comprises a pair of side walls, each including a post extending transversely to each other to engage with the wiper assembly, and a cover plate positioned between the side walls, which interacts with a section of the side walls to define a support adapted to receive the mounting end of the wiper arm during operation. The side walls each include a projection extending transversely from each side wall to engage with the mounting end of the wiper arm during operation. The wiper coupling adapter also includes a locking mechanism comprising a projecting body and a head located at one end of the projecting body.The head includes a lip extending from the end of the opening, which is adapted to extend through an opening end and overlaps with a section of the mounting end to prevent unwanted release of the wiper coupling adapter from the mounting end of the wiper arm, the locking mechanism further comprising a projecting element extending downwards and outwards from one side of the head opposite the lip.

[0010] One advantage of the present invention is that a wiper coupling adapter operationally couples a wiper assembly to a wiper arm in a bayonet-type manner. Another advantage of the present invention is that the wiper coupling adapter provides a locking mechanism to secure the wiper assembly to a wiper arm in a bayonet-type manner. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a wiper assembly includes a wiper coupling adapter with good front retention of an arm for existing bayonet-type wiper arms.Another advantage of the present invention is that a wiper assembly includes a wiper coupling adapter for fitting in the spare parts market of current wiper arms in the form of a bayonet with a replaceable wiping element, in order to be replaced by immediately available wiping elements, in order to simplify the task associated with replacing a wiper assembly.

[0011] Other tasks, features and advantages of the present invention will be immediately understood when they are better understood after reading the following description, which should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a partial, perspective view of the front of a vehicle which has a wiper system with a pair of wiper assemblies which are pivotably mounted on wiper arms for a back-and-forth movement across a windshield of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of a wiper coupling adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is connected to a section of the wiper assembly and a wiper arm from the Fig. 1 is shown. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the wiper coupling adapter according to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 2, which is shown in a position assembled with the wiper arm. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a section of the wiper coupling adapter and a wiper arm, which is located in the Fig. 3 is shown. Fig. Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a section of the wiper coupling adapter and a wiper arm, which is located in the Fig. 3 are shown. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0012] Reference will now be made to the figures in which similar reference symbols are used to denote a similar structure, with a section of a vehicle schematically represented at 10 in the Fig. Figure 1 shows the vehicle comprising a body panel 12, a roof 14, and a pair of laterally spaced front pillars or "A-pillars" 16, which extend between the roof 14 and the body panel 12. The A-pillars 16, the roof 14, and the body panel 12 work together to define a generally rectangular opening 18, in which a curved or "recessed" glass windshield 20 is supported.

[0013] A wiper system is included in the Fig. 1 generally specified at 22 and is used to clean the glass windshield 20. The wiper system 22 comprises a wiper arm, which is generally specified at 24, and a wiper assembly, which is generally specified at 26. Experts in the field will recognize that the wiper system 22 may comprise more than one wiper arm 24 and more than one wiper assembly 26. By way of an example and as it is in the Fig. As specified in 1, a wiper system 22 can comprise a pair of wiper arms 24 and wiper assemblies 26 corresponding to the driver's side and the passenger's side of the vehicle 10.

[0014] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. The wiper arm 24 comprises an elongated body 28 with a pivoting end 30, which is attached to an electric motor (not shown) for operation, in order to move the wiper arm 24 back and forth over the surface to be wiped. The wiper arm 24 further comprises a bayonet-type attachment end 32, which is described in more detail below, at the other end of the elongated body 28. The elongated body 28 has a predetermined length to position the wiper assembly 26 over the appropriate surface area. It will therefore be understood that the predetermined length of the elongated body 28 can vary depending on the surface area to be wiped.Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the elongated body 28 may be articulated to allow movement away from the surface to be wiped, in order to facilitate replacement of the wiper assembly 26 when it is worn, or to perform other maintenance or repairs on the wiper system 22 or an adjacent area of ​​the vehicle 10. In addition to these elements, the wiper arm 24 may also include a preloading element (not shown), such as a spring, to provide a preload force that facilitates contact between the wiper assembly 26 and the windshield 20 of the vehicle 10.

[0015] With reference to the Fig. The wiper arm 24 further comprises a mounting end, generally specified at 32, which is located at or adjacent to the end of the elongated body 28, opposite the pivoting end 30. The mounting end is adapted to engage operationally with the wiper assembly 26, as will be described in more detail below. The mounting end 32 comprises a base 34 and a curved tab 36, which extends linearly outwards from the base 32. The mounting end 32 also includes an opening 38, which is arranged longitudinally at a distance from the curved tab 36 and extends through the base 34. It should be understood that the mounting end 32 of the wiper arm 24 is a conventional one and is known in the prior art.It should also be understood that the wiper arm 24, which has the bayonet-type mounting end 32 described above, is conventionally used for connecting a specific type of wiper assembly and does not form part of this invention. It should further be understood that the present invention comprises a wiper coupling adapter 52 and a wiper assembly 26, which are described in more detail below, and which are operationally attached to the wiper arm 24 at a bayonet-type mounting end 32.

[0016] As it is in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the wiper arrangement 26 comprises a structure, generally specified at 40, and a wiper element 42, which is supported by the structure 40 during operation. The wiper element 42 can be made of any suitable material that imparts a flexible property when cured, such as rubber, silicone, or a polymer. It should be understood that the wiper element 42 is known in the prior art.

[0017] Referring to the Fig. The structure 40 comprises a body 44, which has an asymmetrical side profile. More precisely, the body 44 includes a stepped-down area 46 to accommodate a wiper coupling adapter 52, which is described in more detail below, and a section 48 of a low profile adjacent to the stepped-down area 46. The section 48 of low profile reduces the probability of interference with the wiper arm 24 during operation and further reduces the probability of being lifted by wind during operation. The structure 40 also includes a pair of aligned bores 50 adjacent to the stepped-down area 46 to engage with a wiper coupling adapter 52 during operation, as will be described in more detail below.

[0018] Referring to the Fig. The wiper assembly 26, as shown in sections 2 to 5, further comprises a wiper coupler or wiper adapter, which is generally specified at 52. The wiper coupling adapter 52 is mounted on the structure 40 for operational purposes and is used to connect the wiper assembly 26 to the wiper arm 24. More precisely, the wiper coupling adapter 52 detachably connects the structure 40 to the mounting end 32 of the wiper arm 24. The wiper coupling adapter 52 comprises a pair of side walls 54, which extend longitudinally. Each of the side walls 54 defines a surface 56, which is generally arranged opposite the other. The opposing surfaces 56 include a recessed section 58, which is partially defined within the opposing surfaces 56 by a lip 60.

[0019] As shown, each of the side walls 54 further comprises an internal surface 62, which are opposite each other. The internal surfaces 62 are adapted to engage with the body 44 of the structure 40 during operation. The internal surfaces 62 include posts 64, which extend transversely from their respective internal surfaces 62 and towards each other. During operation, the posts 64 engage with the aligned bores 50 of the body 44 and provide a bearing surface that allows the structure 40 to pivot relative to the wiper coupling adapter 52. The internal surfaces 62 may include at least one support rib (not shown) to provide an interference fit between the side walls 54 and the body 44, as well as to increase the structural strength of the side walls 54.

[0020] With reference to the Fig. The wiper coupling adapter 52 further comprises a cover plate 66, which is arranged between the side walls 54. The cover plate 66 is recessed or located below a top surface of the side walls 54 and interacts with the side walls 54 to define a recess or support that is adapted to receive the base 34 of the mounting end 32 during operation. The wiper coupling adapter 52 further comprises a raised platform 68, which is arranged between the side walls 54 at a front longitudinal end thereof. This platform interacts with the side walls 54 and the cover plate 66 to define an opening 70 between them. It should be understood that the raised platform 68 also provides structural support between the side walls 54.

[0021] The wiper coupling adapter 52 also includes a locking mechanism, which is generally specified at 72, to releasably lock the mounting end 32 of the wiper arm 24. The locking mechanism 72 comprises a projecting body 74, which is arranged between the side walls 54 and extends upwards towards the cover plate 66 near a distal end 75 from the cover plate 66. The locking mechanism 72 also includes a head 76 at a free end or termination end of the projecting body 74. The head 76 includes a lip 78 which extends longitudinally forward from there, which is adapted to extend through an opening 38 in the base 36 of the mounting end 32 and overlap with a section of the base 34 of the mounting end 32 to prevent unwanted release of the wiper coupling adapter 52 from the mounting end 32 of the wiper arm 24.The head 76 and the projecting body 74 form a generally “T-shaped” element, or a “T-shaped” element in cross-section parallel to the side walls 54. The locking mechanism 72 further comprises a projecting element 80 extending downwards and outwards rearwards from the head 76 to provide a preload force to preload the lip 78 forwards to overlap with a section from the base 34 of the fastening end 32. The projecting body 74, the head 76, and the cover plate 66 are integral, uniform, and formed in one piece.

[0022] With reference to the Fig. The wiper coupling adapter 52, as described in sections 2 to 5, also includes a projection 82 on each side wall 54, which extends transversely towards each other from an inner surface 84 to engage the base 34 of the mounting end 32 of the wiper arm 24 during operation. The projection 82 is arranged facing forward of the locking mechanism 72. The projection 82 extends longitudinally by a predetermined distance. The projection 82 is located below the height of the head 76 of the locking mechanism 72, or vertically below an upper end of the head 76. The side walls 54 and the projections 82 are integral, uniform, and formed in one piece. It should also be understood that the wiper coupling adapter 52 is made of a plastic material and is integral, uniform, and formed in one piece.

[0023] The embodiment of the wiper arrangement 26 of the present invention, which is described in the Fig. The assembly shown in 2 to 5 is correctly assembled if the wiper coupling adapter 52 is inserted adjacent to the step 46 or the stepped section of the body 44 of the structure 40 and the aligned posts 64 are engaged with the aligned holes 50 in an operational manner. The wiper assembly 26 is correctly attached to the wiper arm 24 by inserting the curved tab 36 into the opening 70 and rotating the wiper assembly 26 such that the curved tab 36 is in contact with the raised platform 68 and the locking mechanism 72 extends through the opening 38 in the base 34, and the lip 78 overlaps the base 34 due to the preload force of the projecting element 80. Correct attachment of the wiper assembly 26 is further achieved when the base 34 of the attachment end 32 is inserted into the cover plate 66 and overlaps with projections 82 of the base 36.

[0024] On the other hand, a replacement of the wiper arrangement of the present invention, which is described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, this is achieved by applying a force to the projecting element 80 in a direction towards the raised platform 68, thereby releasing the locking mechanism 72 from contact with the base 36, and rotating the wiper assembly 26 such that the curved tab 36 moves away from the raised platform 68. The wiper assembly 26 is removed from the wiper arm 24 when the curved tab 36 is released from the opening 70 of the wiper coupling adapter 52.

[0025] The present invention has been described in a descriptive manner. It should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the teachings above. Within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may therefore be carried out differently than specifically described.

Claims

[1] Wiper coupling adapter (52) for use in the detachable attachment of a wiper assembly (26) to a wiper arm (24) in the manner of a bayonet, which has a fastening end (32), wherein the wiper coupling adapter (52) has: a pair of side walls (54) which encompass each post (64) extending transversely towards each other in order to engage with the wiper arrangement (26) in an operational manner; a cover plate (66) which is arranged between the side walls (54) which interacts with a section of the side walls to define a support which is adapted to accommodate the operationally related mounting end (32) of the wiper arm (24); each side wall includes a projection (82) extending transversely from each side wall towards each other in order to engage with the mounting end (32) of the wiper arm (24) in an operational context; and a locking mechanism (72) comprising a projecting body (74) and a head (76) arranged at a termination end of the projecting body (74), the head (76) comprising a lip (78) extending from the head, which is adapted to extend through an opening (38) of the mounting end (32) and overlaps with a section of the mounting end to prevent unwanted release of the wiper coupling adapter (52) from the mounting end (32) of the wiper arm (24), the locking mechanism (72) further comprising a projecting element extending downwards and outwards from one side of the head opposite the lip. [2] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the lip (78) extends longitudinally forward from the head (76). [3] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the head (76) and the projecting body (74) form a “T”-shaped element in a cross-section parallel to the side walls (54). [4] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the projection (82) is arranged towards the front of the locking mechanism (72). [5] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the projection (82) extends longitudinally. [6] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the projection (82) is arranged in a vertical direction below an upper end of the head (76). [7] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate (66) is arranged vertically below an upper end of the side walls (54) to form a recess for the fastening end (32). [8] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the side walls (54) and the projection (82) are integral, uniform and formed in one piece. [9] Wiper coupling adapter (52) according to claim 1, wherein the projecting body (74), the head (76) and the cover plate (66) are integral, uniform and formed in one piece.

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