Rear spoiler for a roof of a vehicle

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a rear spoiler for mounting to a roof of a vehicle. The rear spoiler includes an airflow directing upper surface for forming an aerodynamic extension of the roof in a longitudinal direction, the airflow directing upper surface being elongate in a transverse direction, and a water drainage channel in the form of a recess extending transversely on the airflow directing upper surface. The water drainage channel is shaped to receive a flow of water from the airflow directing upper surface and to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction towards the side edges of the rear spoiler for discharge therefrom.

Description

[0001] REAR SPOILER FOR A ROOF OF A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a rear spoiler for a roof of a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a rear spoiler, and to a vehicle body.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known to provide a motor vehicle with a spoiler located at a rear of the roof, typically above the rear windshield or windscreen. These spoilers often include an airflow directing upper surface which forms an aerodynamic extension of the roof in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is elongate in a transverse direction. Such spoilers are intended to reduce aerodynamic drag and can also reduce the build-up of dirt and debris on the rear windscreen. Typically, the rear spoiler is mounted to the boot door or tailgate. With such arrangements, the airflow directing upper surface forms an aerodynamic extension of the roof when the tailgate is closed and is moved or tilted away from the trunk compartment when the tailgate is opened. However, in some arrangements, the rear spoiler may be fixed in relation to the roof rather than to the tailgate. This may lead to water ingress into the trunk compartment from the rear spoiler when the tailgate is open, particularly if the tailgate is a side-hinged or bottom-hinged tailgate rather than a conventional top-hinged tailgate.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide rear spoiler for a roof of a vehicle, and a vehicle body as claimed in the appended claims

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a rear spoiler for mounting to a roof of a vehicle, the rear spoiler comprising: an airflow directing upper surface for forming an aerodynamic extension of the roof in a longitudinal direction, the airflow directing upper surface being elongate in a transverse direction; and a water drainage channel in the form of a recess extending transversely on the airflow directing upper surface, wherein the water drainage channel has a length in the transverse direction and a width in a longitudinal direction and is shaped to receive a flow of water from the airflow directing upper surface and to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction towards the side edges of the rear spoiler.

[0010] With this arrangement, the water drainage channel can reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip over the trailing edge of the rear spoiler when the vehicle is stationary. This can be particularly beneficial when used with vehicles having a side-opening or bottom-opening tailgate, since it can reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip into the trunk compartment or onto the user from the roof-mounted rear spoiler when the tailgate is open. The recess is a cavity or blind slot in the upper surface of the rear spoiler.

[0011] The water drainage channel may be shaped to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction towards the side edges of the rear spoiler for discharge therefrom.Optionally, the recess is at least partly defined by a rear wall having a height of between 6 mm and 20 mm.

[0012] This range of rear wall heights has been found to provide a particularly effective barrier for rearward flowing water while minimising airflow interruption during driving, thereby reducing noise and aerodynamic drag. Optionally, the rear wall has a height of from 7 mm to 15 mm, for example from 8 mm to 12 mm. As used herein, the term “rear” refers to the region closest to the trailing edge of the rear spoiler, and the term “rearward” refers to the longitudinal direction towards the trailing edge. This corresponds to the rearward direction of the vehicle with which the rear spoiler is intended for use.

[0013] Optionally, the rear wall comprises a rear top fillet which is contiguous with the airflow directing upper surface rearward of the water directing channel. The rear top fillet may have a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 mm.

[0014] This configuration has been found to further reduce noise and aerodynamic drag during driving while still maintaining the height of the rear wall, thereby to providing an effective barrier to rearward flowing water.

[0015] Optionally, the recess is at least partly defined by a front wall comprising a front top fillet which is contiguous with the airflow directing upper surface forward of the water directing channel, the front top fillet having a radius of curvature of at least 10 mm.

[0016] This arrangement has been found to encourage the rearward flow of water into the water directing channel and to reduce the amount of water which might otherwise flow across, or “jump”, the channel in the rearward direction. It can also reduce noise and aerodynamic drag during driving. Optionally, the radius of curvature of the front top fillet is at least 12 mm. As used herein, the term “front” refers to the region towards the leading edge of the rear spoiler, i.e. the region opposite to the trailing edge in the longitudinal direction, and the terms “forward” and “front” refer to the longitudinal direction towards the leading edge. This corresponds to the forward direction of the vehicle with which the rear spoiler is intended for use.

[0017] Optionally, the width of the water drainage channel is at least 3 mm. This has been found to encourage the rearward flow of water into the water directing channel and to reduce the amount of water which might otherwise flow across, or “jump”, the channel in the rearward direction. Optionally, the width of the water drainage channel is at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm or at least 10 mm. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “width” refers to the maximum dimension of the water drainage channel in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The recess defines a cavity, blind hole, or blind slot on the upper surface of the rear spoiler. The recess may have a generally U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0019] Optionally, the length of the water drainage channel is at least 70 cm.

[0020] With this arrangement, the water drainage channel can extend across a significant area of the transverse extent of the boot opening to thereby reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip from the trailingedge of the rear spoiler into that area. Optionally, the length of the water drainage channel is at least 80 cm, at least 90 cm, or at least 100 cm. This can enable the water drainage channel to extend across the full transverse extent of the boot opening. The water drainage channel may extend across at least 50 percent of the length of the airflow directing upper surface, optionally at least 60 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, or at least 95 percent of the length of the airflow directing upper surface. The water drainage channel may extend across at least 50 percent of the length of the rear spoiler, optionally at least 60 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, or at least 95 percent of the length of the rear spoiler. As used herein, the term “length” refers to the maximum dimension in the transverse direction of the rear spoiler.

[0021] Optionally, the length of the water drainage channel is less than the length of the airflow directing upper surface.

[0022] With this arrangement, the water drainage channel terminates inboard of the side edges of the airflow directing upper surface. This can avoid the transverse ends of the water drainage channel being open to the sides of the rear spoiler. This can be beneficial to maintaining air flow attachment along the side surfaces of the rear spoiler, thereby reducing the risk of noise or aerodynamic drag. It can also reduce the visual impact of the water drainage channel on the rear spoiler when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the water drainage channel terminates inboard of the side surfaces by a transverse distance of less than 20 mm. This can provide the above advantages while positioning the ends of the water directing channel close enough to the side edges of the airflow directing upper surface to allow the flow of water to spill over the side edges rather than over the trailing edge. Optionally, the water drainage channel terminates inboard of the side surfaces by a transverse distance of less than 15 mm or less than 10mm.

[0023] Optionally, the water drainage channel comprises a transition portion at one or both transverse ends, wherein a depth of the water drainage channel reduces gradually to zero along the transition portion.

[0024] This arrangement can allow the flow of water to exit the water drainage channel more easily in the transverse direction, thereby reducing the amount of water which might otherwise collect in the water drainage channel or spill out of the water drainage channel in a rearward direction. The depth of the water drainage channel may reduce at any desired rate. The floor of the water drainage channel may rise at a slope or ramp angle of less than 30 degrees relative to horizontal, optionally less than 20 degrees, less than 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 6 degrees, less than 5 degrees, less than 4 degrees, less than 3 degrees, or less than 2 degrees. In this manner, the flow velocity of the water moving along the channel in the transverse direction can be maintained sufficiently for the water to exit the channel in the transverse direction from the transition portion. In certain embodiments, the depth of the water drainage channel may reduce at a ramp angle of 2.5 degrees. In other words, the floor of the water drainage channel may define a slope which extends upwards towards the sides of the rear spoiler at an angle of 2.5 degrees.

[0025] The airflow directing upper surface may be substantially planar in the transverse direction. Optionally, the airflow directing upper surface slopes downwards from a central region towards the side edges.With this arrangement, the water drainage channel can be provided with a floor which slope downwards from its centre towards its transverse ends without requiring an increase in the depth of channel in relation to the airflow directing upper surface. This can simplify manufacture and facilitate the exit of the flow of water from the transverse ends of the water directing channel, thereby reducing the extent to which water and debris might otherwise collect in the water directing channel towards its transverse ends. Optionally, the rear top edge of the water drainage channel is lower than the front top edge of the water drainage channel. This has been found to reduce air flow disturbance during driving, thereby reducing noise caused by the presence of the water directing channel. Optionally, the rear top edge of the water drainage channel is at least 1 mm lower than the front top edge of the water drainage channel. Optionally, the water directing channel comprises a floor wall extending in the longitudinal direction between the front and rear walls. The floor wall may have a width of at least 3 mm.

[0026] Optionally, the water drainage channel is located forward of a trailing edge of the airflow directing upper surface by at least 40 mm, for example at least 50 mm. With this arrangement, the water directing channel is located sufficiently far from the trailing edge such that air flow can reattach to the airflow directing upper surface downstream or rearward of the water directing channel, i.e. to the rearward portion 111. This can reduce aerodynamic drag during driving. Optionally, the water drainage channel is located forward of a trailing edge of the airflow directing upper surface by a longitudinal distance of no greater than 80 mm, for example no greater than 75 mm or 70 mm. With this arrangement, the water directing channel is located close enough to the trailing edge to limit the amount of standing water which might otherwise collect on the rearward portion of the airflow directing surface and subsequently drip over the trailing edge when the vehicle is stationary.

[0027] Optionally, the water drainage channel is located forward of a trailing edge of the airflow directing upper surface by between 50 mm and 70 mm.

[0028] Optionally, the water drainage channel is curved in the longitudinal direction such that a central region of the water drainage channel is located rearward of its transverse ends.

[0029] This can further help to direct water away from the trailing edge of the rear spoiler and thereby reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip from the trailing edge.

[0030] Optionally, the rear spoiler further comprises a roof mounting structure configured to secure the rear spoiler to a roof of a vehicle.

[0031] Providing the rear spoiler as a discrete assembly which is secured to the roof with the mounting structure during installation can enable greater design freedom for the structure of the rear spoiler in comparison to arrangements in which the rear spoiler is integrally formed with the roof of the vehicle. The mounting structure may comprise any suitable structure, for example one or more of: fastener apertures, clip apertures, and clips. Alternatively, the rear spoiler may be integrally formed with the roof.According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle body comprising: a roof; a trunk compartment with a trunk opening; a tailgate to selectively open or close the trunk opening; and a rear spoiler according to any preceding aspect, wherein the rear spoiler is mounted to the roof such that the airflow directing upper surface defines an aerodynamic extension of the roof in the longitudinal direction and at least part of the airflow directing upper surface protrudes over at least part of the trunk opening in the longitudinal direction when the tailgate is in an open position.

[0032] With this arrangement, the water drainage channel can reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip over the trailing edge of the rear spoiler when the vehicle is stationary. This can be particularly beneficial when used with vehicles having a side-opening or bottom-opening tailgate, since it can reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip into the trunk compartment or onto the user from the roof-mounted rear spoiler when the tailgate is open.

[0033] Optionally, the length of the water drainage channel is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the trunk opening such that the water drainage channel extends beyond the trunk opening in the transverse direction.

[0034] This can help to further reduce dripping of water from the rear spoiler into the trunk compartment.

[0035] Optionally, the open recess comprises a rear wall which extends at an angle of less than 50 degrees to a vertical plane of the vehicle.

[0036] This has been found to provide a particularly effective barrier to the rearward flow of water from the water directing channel, thereby reducing the amount of water which might otherwise spill over the rear wall. Optionally, the rear wall extends at an angle of less than 45 degrees to the vertical plane, less than 40 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, or less than 10 degrees to the vertical plane.

[0037] Optionally, the rear spoiler is a discrete component and comprises a mounting structure by which the rear spoiler is secured to the roof.

[0038] Also disclosed is a vehicle comprising the vehicle body of the previous aspect.

[0039] 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

[0040] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rear spoiler in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 3 shows a rear view of the vehicle of Figure 2;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a perspective underside view of the rear spoiler of Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear spoiler taken through line I V-l V in Figure 1 ;

[0045] Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of part of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4;

[0046] Figure 7 shows a rear view of the rear spoiler of Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a plan view of the rear spoiler of Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a transverse end of a water drainage channel of the rear spoiler; Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the transverse end of the water drainage channel of Figure 9; and Figure 11 shows an enlarged perspective underside view of a side region of the rear spoiler of Figure 1.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] A rear spoiler 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rear spoiler 100 is mounted to a roof of a vehicle 200.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a rear spoiler 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rear spoiler 100 includes an airflow directing upper surface 110 for forming an aerodynamic extension of the vehicle roof in a longitudinal direction 10. The airflow directing upper surface 110 is elongate in a transverse direction 20. The airflow directing upper surface 110 has a leading edge 112 at its front end, has a trailing edge 114 at its rear end, and has side ends 116 at its transverse extremes. The leading edge 112 and the trailing edge 114 may also be considered as the leading and trailing edges of the rear spoiler 100 itself. The rear spoiler 100 further includes a water drainage channel 120 in the form of a recess extending transversely on the airflow directing upper surface 110, i.e. the water drainage channel 120 is elongate in the transverse direction 20. The water drainage channel 120 has a width 121 in the longitudinal direction 10 and a length 122 in the transverse direction 20 and is shaped to receive a flow of water from the airflow directing upper surface 110 and to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction 20 towards the side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100 for discharge therefrom. For clarity, the terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” are used in relation to the rear spoiler 100 in a manner consistent with the co-ordinate system of the vehicle with which the rear spoiler 100 is intended for use. Thus, the longitudinal direction 10 of the rear spoiler 100 corresponds to the longitudinal direction, i.e. length direction, of the vehicle, while the transverse direction 20 of the rear spoiler 100 refers to the transverse direction, i.e. the width or lateral direction, of the vehicle.

[0052] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 200 comprises a vehicle body 210 having side panels 212 and a roof 220, a trunk compartment 230 with a trunk opening 232, a tailgate 240 to selectively close the trunk opening 232, and a rear spoiler 100 as illustrated in Figure 1. The trunk opening 232 has a width 234 which is defined by the maximum transverse dimension ofthe trunk opening 232. The vehicle body 210 defines a vertical direction 30 which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions 10 and 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the tailgate 240 is a sideopening tailgate 240 with one or more hinges (not shown) at or proximal to a side edge of the tailgate 240 by which the tailgate is pivoted about a broadly vertical axis to selectively open or close the trunk opening 232, as best seen in Figure 3. In other embodiments, the tailgate 240 may be a top-opening or bottom-opening tailgate 240 with one or more hinges at or proximal to the top or bottom edges of the tailgate, respectively.

[0053] The rear spoiler 100 is fixed in relation to the roof 220 such that the airflow directing upper surface 110 of the rear spoiler 100 defines an aerodynamic extension of the roof 220 in the longitudinal direction 10. The airflow directing upper surface 110 may follow the contour of the roof 220. The side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100 may follow the contour of the upper part of the side panels 212 of the vehicle body 210. In such embodiments, the airflow directing upper surface 110 extends across the full width of the rear part of the roof 220 and the side ends 116 of the airflow directing upper surface 110 are located at the transition between the roof 220 and tops of the side panels 212. The side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100 may slope outwards and downwards from the side ends 130. The side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100 may form an aerodynamic extension of the vehicle body side panels 212 in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] The tailgate 240 optionally has a rear windscreen 242 located beneath the rear spoiler 100 when the tailgate 240 is closed. The rear spoiler 100 is provided to reduce aerodynamic drag during forward driving of the vehicle 200 and can also reduce the build-up of dirt and debris on the rear windscreen 242. As the rear spoiler 100 is fixed in relation to the roof 220, the rear spoiler 100 remains in position above the trunk opening 232 when the tailgate 240 is open such that at least part of the airflow directing upper surface 110, specifically at least part of the trailing edge 114 of the airflow directing upper surface 110 protrudes over at least part of the trunk opening 232 in the longitudinal direction 10 when the tailgate 240 is in an open position. The airflow directing upper surface 110 is generally horizontally disposed. Consequently, in wet conditions, standing water can accumulate on the airflow directing upper surface 110.

[0055] When the vehicle 200 is stationary and the tailgate 240 is opened, standing water which has accumulated on the airflow directing upper surface 110 can flow or drip over the trailing edge 114 of the airflow directing upper surface 110. Because the trailing edge 114 protrudes over the trunk opening 232, if the flow of water from the trailing edge 114 is not mitigated, water can enter the trunk compartment through the trunk opening 232 and / or drip onto a user standing beneath the rear spoiler 100. The water drainage channel 120 is provided to mitigate the flow of water from the trailing edge of the rear spoiler 100. To achieve this, the water drainage channel 120 is shaped to receive a flow of water from the airflow directing upper surface 110 and to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction 20 towards the side ends of the rear spoiler 100 for discharge therefrom.

[0056] Figure 4 is a perspective underside view of the rear spoiler 100. As illustrated, the rear spoiler 100 may comprise a carrier 140, a spoiler element 150 secured to the carrier 140, for example by vibration welding, and one or more underside trim components 160 secured to the carrier 140 and / or to the spoiler element 150. The spoiler element 150 defines the airflow directing surface 110 and the side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100. The rear spoiler 100 may comprise a light cluster 170 positioned centrally beneath the trailing edge 114. Therear spoiler 100 may further comprise a mounting structure in the form of a mounting bracket 180 by which the rear spoiler 100 is mounted to the vehicle body 200, as discussed below in relation to Figure 11.

[0057] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rear spoiler 100 taken through line V-V in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rear spoiler 100 in the region of the water drainage channel 120.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the water drainage channel 120 is defined by a recess 123 on the airflow directing upper surface 110. The recess 123 defines a cavity, blind hole, or blind slot on the upper surface 110 of the rear spoiler 100. Optionally, the recess 123 is at least partly defined by a rear wall 123-1 and a front wall 123-2. The term “rear” refers to the region closest to the trailing edge 114 of the rear spoiler 100, i.e. the cross-sectional side of the recess 123 closest to the rear of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the region closest to the leading edge 112 of the rear spoiler 100, i.e. the cross-sectional side of the recess 123 closest to the front of the vehicle.

[0059] The rear wall 123-1 may have any suitable height. Optionally, the rear wall 123-1 has a height 123-1H of between 6mm and 20mm. For example, from 7 mm to 15 mm or from 8 mm to 12 mm. The height 123-1H of the rear wall is the maximum dimension of the rear wall 123-1 in the vertical direction from the floor 123-3 of the recess 123 to a top plane 123-4 which is generally aligned with the distal ends, or top ends, of the rear wall 123-1 and the front wall 123-2, as illustrated in Figure 6. The rear wall 123-1 may comprise a sharp corner at its top end which defines the transition between the water drainage channel 120 and the airflow directing surface 110 rearward of the channel 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall 123-1 comprises a rear top fillet 123-5 which is contiguous with the airflow directing upper surface 110 rearward of the water drainage channel. The reartop fillet 123-5 is curved to smooth the transition between the rear wall 123-1 and the airflow directing upper surface 110. Optionally, the rear top fillet 123-5 has a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 mm. The provision of a rear top wall 123-1 with this range of heights has been found to facilitate the formation of an effective barrier to the rearward flow of water over the top of the channel while minimising airflow interruption during driving, thereby reducing noise and aerodynamic drag. Additionally, the provision of a rear top fillet 123-5 at the top of the rear wall 123-1, has been found to further reduce noise and aerodynamic drag during driving while still maintaining the height of the rear wall 123-1. As will be understood, the rear top fillet 123-5 forms part of the rear wall 123-1 and consequently contributes to the total height of the rear wall 123-1.

[0060] The front wall 123-2 may have any suitable height. Optionally, the front wall 123-2 has a height 123-2H of between 6mm and 20mm. For example, from 7 mm to 15 mm or from 8 mm to 12 mm. The height 123-2H of the front wall is the maximum dimension of the front wall 123-2 in the vertical direction from the floor 123-3 of the recess 123 to a top plane 123-4 which is generally aligned with the distal ends, or top ends, of the rear wall 123-1 and the front wall 123-2, as illustrated in Figure 6. The front wall 123-2 may comprise a sharp corner at its top end which defines the transition between the water drainage channel 120 and the airflow directing surface 110 forward of the channel 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 123-2 comprises a front top fillet 123-6 which is contiguous with the airflow directing upper surface 110 forward of the water drainage channel. The front top fillet 123-6 is curved to smooth the transition between the front wall 123-2 and the airflow directing upper surface 110. Optionally, the front top fillet 123-6 has a radius of curvature of at least 10 mm.For example, the front top fillet 123-6 may have a radius of curvature of at least 12 mm. The provision of a front top fillet 123-6 with a relatively large radius of curvature has been found to encourage the rearward flow of water into the water drainage channel 120 and to reduce the amount of water which might otherwise flow directly across the open top of, or “jump”, the channel 120 in the rearward direction. It can also reduce noise and aerodynamic drag during driving. As will be understood, the front top fillet 123-6 forms part of the front wall 123-2 and consequently contributes to the total height of the front wall 123-2.

[0061] The respective heights of the rear wall 123-1 and the front wall 123-2 may be substantially the same, such that the distal ends of the rear wall 123-1 and the front wall 123-2 are substantially level. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wall height 123-1 H is less than the front wall height 123-2H. This can help to further reduce airflow disruption caused by the channel 120 during driving. For example, the rear wall height 123-1 H may be at least 0.5mm less, optionally at least 1 mm less than the front wall height 123-2H in the vertical direction. In this manner, the rear top edge of the water drainage channel 120 is lower than the front top edge of the water drainage channel 120. This can reduce air flow disturbance during driving, thereby reducing air flow noise which might otherwise result from the provision of the water drainage channel 120.

[0062] The width 121 of the water drainage channel 120 may be at least 3 mm, for example at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm or at least 10 mm. This can reduce the amount of water which might otherwise flow directly across the top of, or “jump”, the channel 120 in the rearward direction. In embodiments in which the rear wall 123-1 and the front wall 123-2 have sharp top edges, the width 121 is defined by the longitudinal distance between the front and rear top edges. In embodiments in which the rear wall 123-1 and the front wall 123-2 comprise rear and front top fillets 123-5 and 123-6, the width 121 is defined by the longitudinal distance between the regions of the rear and front walls 123-1 and 123-2 immediately below the rear and front top fillets 123-5 and 123-6, as illustrated in Figure 6. The floor 123-3 of the recess 123 may be defined by the intersection of the rear and front walls 123-1 and 123-2. For example, where the recess 123 has a V-shaped cross-section. The floor 123-3 of the recess 123 may be defined by a floor wall 123-3 extending in the longitudinal direction between the front and rear walls. The floor wall 123-3 may have a width of at least 3 mm, for example at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm or at least 10 mm.

[0063] Figure 7 is a rear view of the rear spoiler 100. As illustrated, the airflow directing upper surface 110 is curved in the transverse direction. In this manner, the airflow directing upper surface 110 slopes downwards from a central region towards the side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100. With this arrangement, the water drainage channel 120 can be provided with a floor (123-3 in Figure 6) which slopes downwards from the centre of the channel 120 towards its transverse ends without requiring an increase in the depth of channel 120 in relation to the airflow directing upper surface 110 in order to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction. This can simplify manufacture and facilitate the exit of the flow of water from the transverse ends of the water drainage channel. This can reduce the extent to which water and / or debris might otherwise accumulate in the water drainage channel 120 towards its transverse ends.

[0064] Figure 8 is a plan view of the rear spoiler 100. The water drainage channel 120 is located forward of the trailing edge 114 of the airflow directing upper surface 110 by a longitudinal distance 124. In this manner, the airflowdirecting upper surface 110 has a rearward portion 111 which is located rearward of the channel 120 and has a width in the longitudinal direction which corresponds to the longitudinal distance 124 by which the channel 120 is located forward of the trailing edge 114. The longitudinal distance 124 by which the water drainage channel 120 is located forward of the trailing edge 114 of the airflow directing upper surface may be at least 40 mm, for example at least 50 mm. With this arrangement, the water directing channel 120 is located sufficiently far from the trailing edge 114 such that air flow can reattach to the airflow directing upper surface 110 downstream or rearward of the water directing channel 120, i.e. to the rearward portion 111. This can reduce aerodynamic drag during driving. Optionally, the longitudinal distance 124 by which the water drainage channel 120 is located forward of the trailing edge 114 of the airflow directing upper surface is no greater than 80 mm, for example no greater than 75 mm or 70 mm. With this arrangement, the water directing channel 120 is located close enough to the trailing edge 114 to limit the amount of standing water which might otherwise collect on the rearward portion 111 of the airflow directing surface 110 and subsequently drip over the trailing edge 114 when the vehicle is stationary. The longitudinal distance 124 is preferably in the range of 50-70 mm. In one example, the longitudinal distance 124 is 69.5 mm.

[0065] The length 122 of the water drainage channel 120 is at least 70 cm, for example at least 80 cm, at least 90 cm, or at least 100 cm. With this arrangement, the water drainage channel 120 can extend across a significant area of the trunk opening to thereby reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip from the trailing edge of the rear spoiler into that area. Optionally, the length 122 of the water drainage channel 120 is greater than the maximum transverse dimension (see feature 234 in Figure 3), i.e. the width of, the trunk opening such that the water drainage channel 120 extends beyond the trunk opening in the transverse direction. This can further help to reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip into the trunk from the rear spoiler 100.

[0066] The water drainage channel 120 may extend across the full length 115 of the airflow directing upper surface 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the length 122 of the water drainage channel 120 is less than the length 115 of the airflow directing upper surface 110. With this arrangement, the water drainage channel 120 terminates inboard of the side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100. This prevents the transverse ends 125 of the water drainage channel 120 from being open to the sides ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100. This can be beneficial to maintaining air flow attachment along the sides of the rear spoiler, thereby reducing the risk of noise or aerodynamic drag. It can also reduce the visual impact of the water drainage channel 120 on the rear spoiler 100 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Optionally, the water drainage channel 120 terminates inboard of the side ends 116 of the airflow directing surface 110 by a transverse distance 126 of less than 20 mm. This can provide the above advantages while positioning the ends 125 of the water directing channel 120 close enough to the side ends 116 of the airflow directing upper surface 110 such that the flow of water can bridge the transverse distance 126 and spill over the side ends 130 of the rear spoiler 100 rather than over the trailing edge 114. Optionally, the water drainage channel 120 terminates inboard of the side ends 116 of the airflow directing surface 110 by a transverse distance 126 of less than 15 mm, or less than 10mm. In one example, the water drainage channel 120 terminates inboard of the side ends 116 of the airflow directing surface 110 by a transverse distance 126 of 9 mm. Optionally, the transition portion 127 may be angled in a forward direction relative to the adjacent part of the channel 120 such that the rear wall terminates closer to the side ends 116 than the front wall. In such examples, the transverse distance 126 may be measured as thedistance from the terminal end of the rear wall to the side ends 116. The water drainage channel 120 may extend across at least 50 percent of the length 115 of the airflow directing upper surface 110, optionally at least 60 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, or at least 95 percent of the length 115 of the airflow directing upper surface 110. The water drainage channel 120 may extend across at least 50 percent of the length 105 of the rear spoiler 100, optionally at least 60 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 90 percent, or at least 95 percent of the length 105 of the rear spoiler 100.

[0067] The water drainage channel 120 may be substantially linear in the longitudinal direction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the water drainage channel 120 is curved in the longitudinal direction 10 such that a central region of the water drainage channel 120 is located rearward of its transverse ends 125. This can further help to direct water away from the trailing edge 114 of the rear spoiler 100 and thereby reduce the amount of water which might otherwise drip from the trailing edge 114. The water drainage channel is optionally positioned 50-70 mm forwards of the trailing edge of the rear spoiler. The water drainage channel 120 may be shaped in the longitudinal direction to correspond to the shape of the trailing edge 114. In such embodiments, the longitudinal distance 124 by which the water drainage channel 120 is located forward of the trailing edge 114 of the airflow directing upper surface 110 may be substantially constant along substantially the entire length of the water drainage channel 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the trailing edge 114 and the water drainage channel 120 are both curved in the longitudinal direction 10 such that their respective central regions are located rearmost.

[0068] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a transverse end of the water drainage channel 120. Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the transverse end of the water drainage channel 120 shown in Figure 9.

[0069] It will be understood that the water drainage channel 120 may terminate at a vertical wall at each transverse end. In the illustrated embodiment, the water drainage channel 120 comprises a transition portion 127 at one or both of its transverse ends. In this region, the floor of the recess rises in relation to the airflow directing upper surface 110 towards the side ends 116 such that the depth 128 of the water drainage channel 120 reduces gradually to zero along the transition portion 127. This can allow the flow of water to exit the water drainage channel 120 more easily in the transverse direction, thereby reducing the amount of water which might otherwise collect in the water drainage channel 120 or spill out of the water drainage channel in a rearward direction. Optionally, the floor of the water drainage channel 120 rises at only a shallow angle 129 in the transition portion 127. For example, the floor of the water drainage channel 120 may rise at a slope or ramp angle 129 of less than 30 degrees relative to horizontal, optionally less than 20 degrees, less than 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, or less than 6 degrees. In this manner, the flow velocity of the water moving along the channel 120 in the transverse direction can be maintained sufficiently for the water to exit the channel 120 in the transverse direction from the transition portion 127. In one example, the water drainage channel 120 rises at a ramp angle 129 of 2.5 degrees.

[0070] In one example, the rear spoiler 100 has a water drainage channel with a total length of around 1020 mm. At each transverse end of the water drainage channel is a transition region over which the depth 128 of the channel gradually decreases to zero in an outboard direction. Each transition region may have any suitablelength. For example, each transition region may have a length of at least 5mm, at least 10mm, at least 20mm, at least 30mm, at least 40mm, or at least 50mm. Each transition region may have a length of no greater than 120mm, no greater than 100mm, no greater than 90mm, or no greater than 80mm. Each transition region may have a length of from 40mm to 70mm, for example from 50mm to 60mm. In the illustrated embodiment, each transition region has a length of 56 mm and a ramp angle 129 of 2.5 degrees. The length of the water drainage channel between the transition regions is around 880 mm. The water drainage channel 120 terminates inboard of the side edges 116 of the airflow directing upper surface 110 by a transverse distance 126 of 9 mm. The water drainage channel 120 is defined by a recess having a rear wall with a height of 8 mm, a front wall with a height of 9 mm, and a floor wall with a width of 3 mm. The rear wall extends at an angle of 36 degrees to the vertical direction. The rear wall has a rear top fillet with a radius of curvature of 0.5 mm. The front wall has a front top fillet with a radius of curvature of 13 mm.

[0071] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective underside view of an end region of the rear spoiler 100 in which the underside trim component is not shown. As will be understood, the rear spoiler 100 may be provided as integral with the vehicle body. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear spoiler 100 is a discrete component which is mounted to the roof of the vehicle body. As such, the rear spoiler 100 may comprise a mounting structure in the form of a mounting bracket 180 by which the rear spoiler 100 is mounted to the vehicle body. The mounting bracket 180 comprises a plurality of spoiler mounting apertures 182 by which the mounting bracket 180 is secured to the carrier 140 using fasteners (not shown). The mounting bracket 180 also comprises a plurality of body mounting apertures 184 by which the mounting bracket 180 is secured to the vehicle body using fasteners 186, such as threaded bolts. However, it will be understood that other mounting or fastening means, such as clips or ultrasonic welding, may be used.

[0072] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rear spoiler for mounting to a roof of a vehicle, the rear spoiler comprising:an airflow directing upper surface for forming an aerodynamic extension of the roof in a longitudinal direction, the airflow directing upper surface being elongate in a transverse direction; anda water drainage channel in the form of a recess extending transversely on the airflow directing upper surface, wherein the water drainage channel has a length in the transverse direction and a width in a longitudinal direction and is shaped to receive a flow of water from the airflow directing upper surface and to direct the flow of water in the transverse direction towards the side edges of the rear spoiler for discharge therefrom.

2. The rear spoiler of claim 1 , wherein the recess is at least partly defined by a rear wall having a height of between 6 mm and 20 mm.

3. The rear spoiler of claim 2, wherein the rear wall comprises a rear top fillet which is contiguous with the airflow directing upper surface rearward of the water directing channel, the rear top filter having a radius of curvature of at least 0.5 mm.

4. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, wherein the recess is at least partly defined by a front wall comprising a front top fillet which is contiguous with the airflow directing upper surface forward of the water directing channel, the front top fillet having a radius of curvature of at least 10 mm.

5. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the water drainage channel is at least 70 cm.

6. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the water drainage channel is less than the length of the airflow directing upper surface.

7. The rear spoiler of claim 6, wherein the water drainage channel comprises a transition portion at one or both transverse ends, wherein a depth of the water drainage channel reduces gradually to zero along the transition portion.

8. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, wherein the airflow directing upper surface slopes downwards from a central region towards the side edges.

9. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, wherein the water drainage channel is located forward of a trailing edge of the airflow directing upper surface by between 50mm and 70mm.

10. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, wherein the water drainage channel is curved in the longitudinal direction such that a central region of the water drainage channel is located rearward of its transverse ends.

11. The rear spoiler of any preceding claim, further comprising a roof mounting structure configured to secure the rear spoiler to a roof of a vehicle.

12. A vehicle body comprising:a roof;a trunk compartment with a trunk opening;a tailgate to selectively open or close the trunk opening; anda rear spoiler according to any preceding claim,wherein the rear spoiler is mounted to the roof such that the airflow directing upper surface defines an aerodynamic extension of the roof in the longitudinal direction and at least part of the airflow directing upper surface protrudes over at least part of the trunk opening in the longitudinal direction when the tailgate is in an open position.

13. The vehicle body of claim 12, wherein the length of the water drainage channel is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the trunk opening such that the water drainage channel extends beyond the trunk opening in the transverse direction.

14. The vehicle body of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the open recess comprises a rear wall which extends at an angle of less than 50 degrees to a vertical plane of the vehicle.

15. The vehicle body of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the rear spoiler is a discrete component and comprises a mounting structure by which the rear spoiler is secured to the roof.

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