| 摘要 |
<p>A vehicle spray suppressor in the form of a mudflap (12) comprises a panel (32) having a spray receiving surface (28) provided with a series of upstanding parallel ribs or bars (42) which extend transversely and slope obliquely upwards in a central zone (40), these ribs or bars (42) defining therebetween a series of parallel open ended transversely extending sloping flow channels (78). These channels (78) serve to guide and convey liquid from spray impinging on the surface in the central zone (40) of the mudflap towards opposite side edges and into laterally adjacent marginal collecting regions (36a, 36b) from where it can drain away in a controlled manner. In use, most of the liquid will flow upwards to discharge into the marginal collecting region (36b) adjacent to the end of the ribs or bars and channels which are at the higher level. The area of the central zone (40) covered by the sloping ribs or bars (42) is offset with respect to the centre line (L) of the panel so that the one marginal collecting region (36b) is wider than the other marginal collecting region (36a). This wider marginal collecting region (36b) is provided with forwardly projecting flexible fingers (46) of which the majority are arranged in a pattern of rhombic groups (48) in parallel columns or vertical rows (50) defining drainage paths (52) of zig-zag form. The marginal collecting regions (36a, 36b) are also bounded by inwardly sloping vertically extending ribs (39) serving as reinforcement and retaining walls. The transverse ribs or bars (42) also slope upwards away from the surface of the panel (32) as viewed in cross-section. In modifications, the ribs or bars (42) may slope downwards as seen in cross-section, and also the central zone (40) containing the transverse ribs or bars may extend over a greater part of the panel and the forwardly projecting fingers (46) may be omitted. In some cases, the transverse ribs or bars may even include one or more changes in angular direction and bends along their length.</p> |
