Windscreen wiper adaptor assembly

Abstract

Aspects and embodiments of the invention relate to a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly for coupling a first wiper drive spindle to a second wiper drive spindle. The adaptor assembly comprises: a wiper

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly. The present disclosure also relates to a windscreen wiper drive mechanism including a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly, and to a vehicle including a windscreen wiper drive mechanism. BACKGROUND It is a requirement of road vehicles to have windscreen wipers for clearing precipitation, dirt, debris etc. from the windscreen, so that a driver of the vehicle can see clearly in a range of weather or driving conditions. A known type of windscreen wiper system includes first and second wiper arms each having a wiper blade for clearing precipitation, dirt, debris etc. from the windscreen. The wiper arms are coupled to wiper drive spindles, which are driven in a reciprocating rotation about respective spindle axes by a windscreen wiper drive mechanism. Typical windscreen wiper drive mechanisms include a motor and a drive linkage configured to convert movement of the motor into reciprocating rotation of the wiper drive spindles. For vehicles which are designed for specific purposes (e.g. off-road and / or endurance racing), standard windscreen wiper systems may be unsuitable for maintaining good visibility. For example, the motor of a standard windscreen wiper drive mechanism may not be powerful enough to move the wiper arms at a required rate when the vehicle is travelling at higher speeds. In addition, harsh driving conditions may cause precipitation, dirt, debris etc. to damage the drive linkage of the windscreen wiper drive mechanism. The present disclosure aims to provide a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly which allows more flexibility in windscreen wiper system selection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly, a windscreen wiper drive mechanism, and a vehicle. Throughout the summary of the invention, description and claims the terms front, rear, left, right, upper and lower are defined with reference to their normal use in the description of a forward facing upright standing vehicle. It follows that features of the invention are described in relation to a vehicle such that, for example, front features are those closer to the front of the vehicle than rear features and upper features are those closer to the top of the vehicle than lower features. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly for coupling a first wiper drive spindle to a second wiper drive spindle. The adaptor assembly comprises a wiper adaptor sleeve having a first end with a first bore configured to receive the first wiper drive spindle, a second end with a second bore configured to receive the second wiper drive spindle, and coupling means configured to rotationally fix the wiper adaptor sleeve to the first wiper drive spindle and to the second wiper drive spindle for rotation therewith. The adaptor assembly also comprises a cover member which forms a protective cover over at least part of the wiper adaptor sleeve, and an adaptor mount by which the cover member is supported, the adaptor mount having an aperture through which the wiper adaptor sleeve extends and fastening means for securing the adaptor mount to a vehicle. Such an adaptor assembly allows first and second spindles to be connected to each other (e.g. for adapting a wiper drive mechanism having the first spindle for use with a different spindle type, and / or for providing an extension to the first spindle). The adaptor assembly can facilitate connection of the windscreen wiper drive mechanism to a windscreen wiper arm which otherwise might not be compatible for a given application, for example due to installation space constraints and / or geometric incompatibilities between the windscreen wiper drive mechanism and the windscreen wiper arm. The adaptor assembly thus provides more design freedom in selecting the most appropriate combination of windscreen wiper arm and windscreen wiper drive mechanism for a given application, thereby allowing more flexibility in windscreen wiper system selection. Having a cover member which forms a protective cover over at least part of the wiper adaptor sleeve helps inhibit ingress of water / dirt and thereby protect internal moving parts of the wiper drive mechanism to which the first drive spindle is connected. The cover member may also help to rotationally support the wiper adaptor sleeve. Furthermore, having an adaptor mount can facilitate correct location of the adaptor assembly on a vehicle. Optionally, the first end of the wiper adaptor sleeve is configured to engage with a first type of spindle, and wherein the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve is configured to engage with a second type of spindle different to the first type of spindle. This allows an existing wiper drive mechanism with a different type of spindle to be used to drive wiper arms of a vehicle (e.g. if a more powerful mechanism is needed for high performance modifications of a vehicle), without the need to design an entirely new wiper drive mechanism. Optionally, the first bore at the first end of the wiper adaptor sleeve has a first internal dimension, and wherein the second bore at the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve has a second internal dimension different to the first internal dimension. Such a configuration allows spindles of different dimensions to be coupled together. Optionally, the first bore has a circular cross-sectional shape and the first internal dimension is a first internal diameter and / or wherein the second bore has a circular cross-sectional shape and the second internal dimension is a second internal diameter. Optionally, the wiper adaptor sleeve further comprises an internal restriction which at least partially separates the first and second bores. Such an internal restriction defines a stop for facilitating correct insertion of the first and second wiper drive spindles into the wiper adaptor sleeve. Optionally, the wiper adaptor sleeve comprises a circumferential groove on its outer surface, and wherein the cover member comprises a radial protrusion on its inner surface which is received within the circumferential groove. Having a radial protrusion of the cover member received within a circumferential groove of the wiper adaptor sleeve can facilitate correct axial positioning of the cover member relative to the sleeve and can enable the cover member and wiper adaptor sleeve to support each other axially as well as radially. In addition, this configuration can enable the wiper adaptor sleeve to exert modest axial force on the cover member to compress the cover member against the adapter mount and thereby improve sealing between the cover member and the adapter mount and / or the wiper adaptor sleeve. The circumferential groove is preferably at a location between the first and second ends of the sleeve. Optionally, the radial protrusion of the cover member is a circumferential rib. The radial protrusion being a circumferential rib inhibits ingress of water / dirt through an interior of the cover member (i.e. between the cover member and the wiper adaptor sleeve). In some embodiments, the circumferential rib completely circumscribes the sleeve (i.e. it is annular). In other embodiments, the circumferential rib is discontinuous. Optionally, the radial protrusion of the cover member is provided at an end of the cover member. Providing the radial protrusion at an end of the cover member provides an easy way to form the radial protrusion (e.g. by rolling an end of the cover member). In addition, providing the radial protrusion at an end of the cover member can facilitate correct insertion of the radial protrusion into the circumferential groove during assembly by allowing a visual check by an assembly line operator. Optionally, the radial protrusion of the cover member is provided between first and second ends of the cover member. Optionally, the radial protrusion on the inner surface of the cover member comprises a curved or tapered underside. Such a shaped underside helps the cover member to pass over the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve and can facilitate receipt of the radial protrusion into the circumferential groove when the cover member is pushed over the wiper adaptor sleeve from the second end. Optionally, the cover member is configured to extend to the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve such that substantially an entire length of the wiper adaptor sleeve is enclosed behind the cover member. Optionally, the cover member is of flexible carbon fibre material. This eases insertion of cover member over the wiper adaptor sleeve and helps to maintain a closer fit to improve covering performance. Optionally, the cover member comprises a conical outer surface. Optionally, the cover member further comprises a cylindrical outer surface which extends from the conical outer surface towards the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve. Optionally, the cover member further comprises a tapered free end configured to cover the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve. Optionally, the coupling means comprises one or more radial openings in the wiper adaptor sleeve which extend into the first bore and / or one or more radial openings in the wiper adaptor sleeve which extend into the second bore. Having one or more radial openings which extend into the first and / or second bores allows set screws and / or puddle welding to be used to rotationally fix the wiper adaptor sleeve to first and second wiper drive spindles to ensure rotation therewith. Optionally, the coupling means comprises splines in the first bore and / or splines in the second bore for engaging complementary splines of a spindle. Optionally, the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve comprises a tapered outer surface which tapers inwardly towards the second end. Such a tapered outer surface eases receipt of the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve within the cover member. Optionally, the wiper adaptor assembly further comprises a seal component configured to be located between the adaptor mount and a panel of the vehicle. Such a seal component inhibits ingress of water / dirt under the adaptor mount. Optionally, the adaptor mount comprises a recess for locating the seal component. Such a recess facilitates correct location of the seal component. Optionally, the seal component comprises an O-ring. O-rings are readily available and effective for sealing under compression. Optionally, the fastening means comprises one or more through-holes each configured for receiving a fastener. Having one or more through-holes provides a simple means for fastening the adaptor mount e.g. using bolts, screws and the like. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a windscreen wiper drive mechanism comprising: a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly as disclosed herein; and first and second wiper drive spindles coupled by the wiper adaptor sleeve. Optionally, the windscreen wiper drive mechanism further comprises a drive linkage coupled to the first drive spindle and configured to drive reciprocating rotation of the first and second drive spindles about a spindle axis. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a windscreen wiper drive mechanism as disclosed herein, wherein the adaptor mount of the windscreen wiper adaptor assembly is fixed to a body structure of the vehicle by the fastening means. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wiper adaptor sleeve of the windscreen wiper assembly of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the wiper adaptor sleeve of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a sectional side view of a cover member of the windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 is a sectional side view of an alternative cover member for a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cover member of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of part of a wiper arm and part of a windscreen wiper drive mechanism including the wiper adaptor assembly of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 9 is a schematic front view of a vehicle including the wiper arm and windscreen wiper drive mechanism of Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly is indicated at 10. The adaptor assembly 10 is configured for coupling a first wiper drive spindle 12 (as shown in Figure 8) to a second wiper drive spindle 14. The adaptor assembly 10 comprises the following components, which will be described in more detail below: a wiper adaptor sleeve 20; a cover member 40 which forms a protective cover over at least part of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20; an adaptor mount 60 by which the cover member 40 is supported and the adaptor assembly 10 is mounted to a vehicle; and a seal component 80. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 has a first end 22 with a first bore 24 configured to receive the first wiper drive spindle 12, and a second end 26 with a second bore 28 configured to receive the second wiper drive spindle 14. The wiper adaptor sleeve 20 also has a coupling means 30 configured to rotationally fix the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to the first wiper drive spindle 12 and to the second wiper drive spindle 14 for rotation therewith. Such a wiper adaptor sleeve 20 allows first and second spindles 12, 14 to be connected to each other (e.g. for adapting between different spindle types, and / or for providing an extension to the spindle by which a wiper arm is driven in use by a wiper drive mechanism). In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 22 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 is configured to engage with a first type of spindle, and the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve is configured to engage with a second type of spindle different to the first type of spindle. This allows the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to adapt between different types of spindle, which may be useful, for example, when using a wiper drive mechanism to drive wiper arms which were designed for use with a different wiper drive mechanism (e.g. if a more powerful mechanism is needed for high performance modifications of a vehicle), without the need to design and manufacture an entirely new wiper drive mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bore 24 at the first end 22 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 has a first internal dimension 25, and the second bore 28 at the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 has a second internal dimension 27 different to the first internal dimension 25. In particular, the first and second bores 24, 28 each have a circular cross-sectional shape and the first and second internal dimensions 25, 27 are first and second internal diameters of different diameter (e.g. the first diameter 25 is narrower than the second diameter 27). In alternative embodiments, the first and second internal dimensions 25, 27 are different (e.g. the internal dimensions 25, 27 may have different shapes, different numbers of internal splines, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 has an internal restriction 32 which at least partially separates the first and second bores 24, 28. This internal restriction 32 defines a stop for facilitating correct insertion of the first and second wiper drive spindles 12, 14 into the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal restriction 32 is in the form of a transverse wall with a central aperture and so is annular. In alternative embodiments, the internal restriction 32 may be a transverse wall which fully isolates the first and second bores 24, 28 from each other. In alternative embodiments, the internal restriction 32 is provided in the form of one or more inward radial protrusions which extend from an inner circumference of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. As discussed in more detail below, the purpose of the internal restriction 32 is to form a stop within the first and second bores 24, 28 to assist in the correct location of the first and second wiper drive spindles 12, 14 within the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 during assembly. Consequently, the internal restriction 32 need only extend into the bores 24, 28 to the extent that it reduces the internal diameter to below the outer diameter of the spindles with which the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 is intended for use. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling means 30 comprises radial openings 30a in the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 which extend into the first bore 24 and radial openings 30b in the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 which extend into the second bore 28, and a threaded fastener, such as set screws 30c (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2), within the radial openings 30a, 30b to rotationally fix the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to the first and second wiper drive spindles 12, 14 and ensure rotation therewith. As an alternative, the radial openings 30a, 30b can be used with a different type of fastener, such as a puddle welding connection, to rotationally fix the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to the first and second wiper drive spindles 12, 14 to ensure rotation therewith. In alternative embodiments, the coupling means 30 may include splines in the first bore 24 and / or splines in the second bore 28 which can form a splined connection with corresponding splines on the first and second spindles in addition to, or instead of, the radial openings 30a, 30b and fasteners 30c. The wiper adaptor sleeve has an outer surface 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 34 tapers radially inwardly towards the first end 22 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 22 and tapers radially inwardly towards the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 22. The outer surface 34 tapering radially inwardly towards the first and second ends 22, 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 22 eases receipt of the first or second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 within the cover member 40 (as will be described in more detail). In alternative embodiments, the outer surface 34 does not taper towards the first end 22 and / or second end 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 also has a circumferential groove 36 on its outer surface 34, which interacts with the cover member 40 as will be described in more detail below. The circumferential groove 36 is provided at a location between the first and second ends 22, 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve. In alternative embodiments, the circumferential groove 36 is provided at the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 5, the cover member 40 has first and second ends 42, 44 and an inner surface 46 which defines a bore 48 extending between the first and second ends 42, 44. The bore 48 is configured to receive at least part of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 so that the cover member 40 surrounds and forms a protective cover over at least part of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. Such a cover member 40 helps inhibit ingress of water / dirt and thereby protect internal moving parts of the wiper drive mechanism to which the first drive spindle 12 is connected. The cover member 40 may also help to rotationally support the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 40 has a radial protrusion 50 on its inner surface 46. The radial protrusion 50 is received within the circumferential groove 36 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. This can facilitate correct axial position of the cover member 40 relative to the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 and can enable the cover member 40 and wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to support each other axially as well as radially. In addition, this configuration can enable the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to exert modest axial force on the cover member 40 to compress the cover member 40 against the adapter mount 60 and thereby improve sealing between the cover member 40 and the adapter mount 60 and / or the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial protrusion 50 of the cover member 40 is a circumferential rib. In particular, the circumferential rib 50 is annular (i.e. completely circumscribing the inner surface 46 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20). This inhibits ingress of water / dirt through an interior of the cover member 40 (i.e. between the cover member 40 and the wiper adaptor sleeve 20) around the full extent of the outer surface of the sleeve. In alternative embodiments, the circumferential rib 50 may be discontinuous (i.e. a series of projections distributed along the circumference of the inner surface 46). In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 5, the radial protrusion 50 of the cover member 40 is provided at the second end 44 of the cover member 40. This can provide a convenient way to form the radial protrusion 50 (e.g. by rolling the second end 44 of the cover member 40). In addition, providing the radial protrusion 50 at the second end 44 of the cover member 40 can facilitate correct insertion of the radial protrusion 50 into the circumferential groove 36 during assembly by allowing a visual check by an assembly line operator. It will be understood that, because the circumferential groove 36 is provided at a location between the first and second ends 22, 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 and the radial protrusion 50 is provided at the second end 44 of the cover member 40, the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 extends beyond and is not covered by the cover member 40 when assembled (as illustrated in Figure 2). As best illustrated in Figure 5, the radial protrusion 50 on the inner surface 46 of the cover member 40 has a curved underside 52. In alternative embodiments, the underside 52 is tapered. Such a shaped underside can help the cover member 40 to pass over the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 and can facilitate receipt of the radial protrusion 50 into the circumferential groove 36 when the cover member 40 is pushed over the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 from the second end 26 during assembly. In alternative embodiments, a side 54 of the radial protrusion 50 opposite to the underside 52 is curved or tapered. It will be understood that such a shape of the side 54 opposite to the underside 52 would help the cover member 40 to pass over the first end 22 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20, which provides an alternative assembly direction. In some embodiments, the cover member 40 is made of a carbon fibre material, which may be flexible. This can ease receipt of the cover member 40 over the wiper adaptor sleeve 20, whilst maintaining a degree of stiffness which helps the cover member 40 to support the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. In alternative embodiments, other suitable materials may be used, such as rubber, silicone or composite materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 40 has a conical outer surface 56. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, an alternative cover member which is compatible with the adaptor assembly 10 of Figures 1 and 2 is indicated at 140. The cover member 140 is similar in structure and function to the cover member 40 and similar reference numbers are used to denote similar features. The cover member 140 differs from the previously described cover member 40 in that it is configured to extend to the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 such that substantially an entire length of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 is enclosed behind the cover member 140. To achieve this, the cover member 140 has a cylindrical portion 158 which extends from the conical outer surface 156. The cylindrical portion 158 is configured to cover the portion of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 located between the circumferential groove 36 and the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20. It will therefore be understood that the radial protrusion 150 is provided between first and second ends 142,144 of the cover member 140. The second end 144 of the cover member 140 is provided at an end of the cylindrical portion 158 opposite to the conical outer surface 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 144 forms a radially inward shoulder in order to cover the second end 26 of the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 when assembled. This can help to further inhibit ingress of water and / or dirt into the wiper drive mechanism. This can also facilitate correct axial position of the cover member 140 relative to the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 (in one direction) and can enable the cover member 140 and wiper adaptor sleeve 20 to support each other axially (in one direction) as well as radially. In other words, the second end 144 of the cover member 140 of Figures 6 and 7 can achieve some of the functionality of the radial protrusion 50, 150 and circumferential groove 36. Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the adaptor mount 60 has an aperture 62 through which the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 and / or first wiper drive spindle 12 extend and fastening means 64 for securing the adaptor mount 60 to a vehicle. This facilitates correct location of the adaptor assembly 10 on a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means 64 is provided in the form of through-holes 66 each for receiving a fastener (e.g. bolt, screw and the like). In alternative embodiments, other suitable fastening means are provided. The illustrated adaptor mount 60 also has a recess 68 surrounding the aperture 62 for receiving the cover member 40. A side wall 70 of the recess 68 is configured to engage an outer surface of the cover member 40 in order to support the cover member 40 in a transverse direction. The base of the recess 68 forms a seat on which the first end 42 of the cover member 40 is supported in an axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal component 80 is configured to be located between the adaptor mount 60 and a panel of the vehicle (i.e. below an underside 72 of the adaptor mount 60). In some embodiments, the underside 72 of the adaptor mount 60 includes a recess (not shown) for locating the seal component 80 (e.g. an annular groove on an underside of the adaptor mount 60). In the illustrated embodiment, the seal component 80 is an O-ring, which can provide effective sealing when compressed between the adaptor mount 60 and said panel of a vehicle (e.g. when fasteners received in the through holes 66 are tightened). In alternative embodiments, a different type of seal component is provided. In alternative embodiments, the seal component 80 is omitted entirely (i.e. the adaptor mount 60 directly engages said panel of a vehicle). Referring now to Figure 8, a windscreen wiper drive mechanism is indicated at 200. The windscreen wiper drive mechanism 200 includes the adaptor assembly 10 of Figures 1 and 2, and first and second wiper drive spindles 12,14 coupled by the wiper adaptor sleeve 20 of the adaptor assembly 10. The wiper drive mechanism 200 also includes a drive linkage 202 coupled to the first drive spindle 12 and configured to drive reciprocating rotation of the first and second drive spindles 12,14 about a spindle axis A by transferring drive from a wiper motor (not shown). The drive linkage 202 is only shown partially in Figure 8, but can be of any suitable known type. In the illustrated embodiment, the windscreen wiper drive mechanism 200 is connected to a wiper arm 300 which includes a bore 302 for receiving the second wiper drive spindle 14 and rotationally fixing the second wiper drive spindle 14 relative to the wiper arm 300. In this way, reciprocating rotation of the second wiper drive spindle 14 is translated to reciprocating rotation of the wiper arm 300 in order to clear the windscreen of a vehicle. It will be understood that while a single adaptor assembly 10 and wiper arm 300 are shown, the wiper drive mechanism 200 may include a two or more adaptor assemblies 10 which are spaced apart in a transverse direction for coupling to and driving two or more wiper arms. Referring now to Figure 9, a vehicle including the wiper drive mechanism 200 and wiper arms 300, 300a is indicated at 400. The vehicle 400 has a windscreen 402 and a body structure 404 underneath the windscreen 402. The wiper drive linkage 202 (shown schematically in Figure 9) is located underneath the body structure 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the wiper drive mechanism 200 includes first and second adaptor assemblies 10, 10a connected to first and second windscreen wiper arms 300, 300a. The adaptor mounts 60 of the adaptor assemblies 10, 10a of the wiper drive mechanism 200 are fixed to the body structure 404 of the vehicle 400 (i.e. to an external surface of the body structure 404) by the fastening means (not shown in Figure 9). It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A windscreen wiper adaptor assembly for coupling a first wiper drive spindle to a second wiper drive spindle, the adaptor assembly comprising:a wiper adaptor sleeve having a first end with a first bore configured to receive the first wiper drive spindle, a second end with a second bore configured to receive the second wiper drive spindle, and coupling means configured to rotationally fix the wiper adaptor sleeve to the first wiper drive spindle and to the second wiper drive spindle for rotation therewith;a cover member which forms a protective cover over at least part of the wiper adaptor sleeve; andan adaptor mount by which the cover member is supported, the adaptor mount having an aperture through which the wiper adaptor sleeve extends and fastening means for securing the adaptor mount to a vehicle.

2. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the wiper adaptor sleeve is configured to engage with a first type of spindle, and wherein the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve is configured to engage with a second type of spindle different to the first type of spindle.

3. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of claim 2, wherein the first bore at the first end of the wiper adaptor sleeve has a first internal dimension, and wherein the second bore at the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve has a second internal dimension different to the first internal dimension.

4. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of claim 3, wherein the first bore has a circular cross-sectional shape and the first internal dimension is a first internal diameter and / or wherein the second bore has a circular cross-sectional shape and the second internal dimension is a second internal diameter.

5. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the wiper adaptor sleeve further comprises an internal restriction which at least partially separates the first and second bores.

6. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the wiper adaptor sleeve comprises a circumferential groove on its outer surface, and wherein the cover member comprises a radial protrusion on its inner surface which is received within the circumferential groove.

7. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of claim 6, wherein the radial protrusion of the cover member is a circumferential rib.

8. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of claim 6 or 7, wherein the radial protrusion of the cover member is provided at an end of the cover member.

9. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the radial protrusion on the inner surface of the cover member comprises a curved or tapered underside.

10. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the cover member is configured to extend to the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve such that substantially an entire length of the wiper adaptor sleeve is enclosed behind the cover member.

11. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means comprises one or more radial openings in the wiper adaptor sleeve which extend into the first bore and / or one or more radial openings in the wiper adaptor sleeve which extend into the second bore.

12. The windscreen wiper adaptor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second end of the wiper adaptor sleeve comprises a tapered outer surface which tapers inwardly towards the second end.

13. A windscreen wiper drive mechanism comprising:a windscreen wiper adaptor assembly according to any of claims 1 to 12; and first and second wiper drive spindles coupled by the wiper adaptor sleeve.

14. The windscreen wiper drive mechanism of claim 13, further comprising a drive linkage coupled to the first wiper drive spindle and configured to drive reciprocating rotation of the first and second wiper drive spindles about a spindle axis.

15. A vehicle comprising a windscreen wiper drive mechanism according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the adaptor mount of the windscreen wiper adaptor assembly is fixed to a body structure of the vehicle by the fastening means.

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