DESC:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

EXHAUST MUFFLER OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to an exhaust muffler of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] An exhaust muffler is a device for reducing the exhaust noise of the exhaust gas emitted by the vehicle and lowers the exhaust noise by lowering the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas. Typically, an exhaust muffler defines an interior space which is partitioned into a plurality of chambers by one or more separators in order to increase the attenuation effect.

[003] However, in certain cases, it is desired to provide an exhaust muffler for controlling a quality of the exhaust noise (which is dependent upon factors of the engine such as the capacity of the engine, engine rotational speed, etc.). In particular, it is desired to control the quality of the exhaust noise without substantially affecting the performance of engine and the size of the exhaust muffler.

[004] Additionally, in certain instances, it is desired to provide an exhaust muffler that imparts a distinctive sound effect (imparts a booming effect). In particular, it is desired to impart the distinctive sound effect without affecting the performance of engine and the size of the exhaust muffler.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features.

[006] Accordingly, the present invention provides an exhaust muffler of a vehicle, the exhaust muffler comprising: a first end wall, a second end wall, and an outer wall co-operating to define at least a first internal space; at least a first pipe for introducing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space; and at least one auxiliary component spaced apart from the second end wall, the at least one auxiliary component co-operating with the second end wall and the outer wall to define a second internal space distinct from the at least first internal space. The exhaust muffler further comprises a second pipe traversing through the at least one auxiliary component and the second internal space for transporting the exhaust gas from the at least first internal space to the atmosphere. In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe comprising at least a first set of peripheral aperture for introducing the exhaust gas into the second internal space prior to releasing the exhaust gas to the atmosphere.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the exhaust muffler further comprises at least first separator bifurcating the at least first internal space into a third internal space and at least a fourth internal space.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the at least first separator comprises at least a second set of aperture for transporting the exhaust gas from the third internal space to the at least fourth internal space.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the exhaust muffler further comprises at least one inter-chamber communicating pipe traversing through the at least first separator for transporting the exhaust gas from the third internal space to the at least fourth internal space.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, a volume of the second internal space being in the range of 0.01% to 20% of a volume of the at least first internal space.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, a dimension of the first set of peripheral aperture being in the range of 1/5 to 1/1.5 of a dimension of the second pipe.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one auxiliary component being coupled to at least the outer wall.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the at least one auxiliary component being a cover element.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one auxiliary component additionally enhances an aesthetic value of the exhaust muffler.

[0015] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising: an engine unit emitting exhaust gas; and an exhaust muffler attached to the engine and being adapted to reduce the exhaust noise of the exhaust gas. The exhaust muffler comprising a first end wall, a second end wall, and an outer wall co-operating to define at least a first internal space; at least a first pipe for introducing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space; at least one auxiliary component spaced apart from the second end wall, the at least one auxiliary component co-operating with the second end wall and the outer wall to define a second internal space distinct from the at least first internal space; a second pipe traversing through the at least one auxiliary component and the second internal space for transporting the exhaust gas from the at least first internal space to the atmosphere; and the second pipe comprising at least a first set of peripheral aperture for introducing the exhaust gas into the second internal space prior to releasing the exhaust gas to the atmosphere.

[0016] An advantage of the invention comprises the exhaust muffler produces the distinctive sound effect and more particularly, the booming effect.

[0017] Another advantage of the invention comprises the exhaust muffler producing the distinctive sound effect and more particularly, the booming effect without using any additional elements.

[0018] Yet another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to utilize the second internal space for producing the distinctive sound effect and more particularly, the booming effect.

[0019] A further advantage of the invention comprises the ability to utilize the at least one auxiliary component for enhancing the aesthetic value of the exhaust muffler.

[0020] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0021] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:
[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust muffler constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust muffler constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust muffler constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;
[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust muffler constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;
[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust muffler constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;
[0028] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of an exhaust muffler constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0029] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0030] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0032] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”“an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0035] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0037] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-mentioned element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0038] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used.

[0039] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0040] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle (10) is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a head pipe (14), a front fender (16), a front ground engaging member (18), a headlight (20), a steering handle bar (22), a fuel tank (24), an engine unit (26), a rear ground engaging member (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a seat (34), a tool box (36), a frame (38), and an exhaust muffler (100). The front ground engaging member (18) is coupled to the steering handle bar (22) via the front fork (12) and the rotatable held by the head pipe (14). The front fender (16) is located above the front ground engaging member (18) and is held by the front fork (12). The frame structure (38) supports each of the fuel tank (24), the engine unit (26), the rear ground engaging member (28), the rear fender (30), the tail light (32), the seat (34), the tool box (36), and the exhaust muffler (100). The exhaust muffler (100) receives the exhaust gas as produced by the engine unit (26). The exhaust muffler (100) is attached to the engine unit (26) and being adapted to reduce the exhaust noise of the exhaust gas. It may be noted that the vehicle (10) is shown to have included above stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (10) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2 that illustrates a schematic view of the exhaust muffler (100) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The exhaust muffler (100) comprises a first end wall (102), a second end wall (104), and an outer wall (106) defining at least a first internal space (108). The exhaust muffler (100) comprises at least a first pipe (110) for directing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space (108). The exhaust muffler (100) further comprises at least one auxiliary component (112) spaced apart from the second end wall (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the exhaust muffler (100) further comprises at least one auxiliary component (112) together with the second end wall (104) and the outer wall (106) defining a second internal space (114) distinct from the at least a first internal space (108). The exhaust muffler (100) further comprises a second pipe (116) extending through the at least one auxiliary component (112) and the second internal space (114) for directing the exhaust gas from the at least first internal space (108) to the atmosphere. In an embodiment of the invention, the second pipe (116) comprises a plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the second internal space (114) prior to releasing the exhaust gas to the atmosphere.

[0044] Now, referring to Figure 3, a schematic view of the exhaust muffler (100) is provided in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The exhaust muffler (100) constructed in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention is substantially similar to the exhaust muffler (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment shown in Figure 2 and described above. Therefore, the differences between the exhaust muffler (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment and the exhaust muffler (100) constructed in accordance with the second embodiment will be described in detail. While the exhaust muffler (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment, there is defined a first internal space (108) between the first end wall (102), the second end wall (104), and the outer wall (106). In the exhaust muffler (100) constructed in accordance with the second embodiment there are defined at least a third internal space (108a) and a fourth internal space (108b) between the first end wall (102), the second end wall (104), and the outer wall (106). In particular there is defined at least a first partitioning separator (120) bifurcating the at least first internal space (108) into the third internal space (108a) and the fourth internal space (108b). It may be noted that the first partitioning separator (120) may preferably be located between the first end wall (102) and the second end wall (104) and may be coupled to the outer wall (106). In this case, the third internal space (108a) receives the exhaust gas as produced by the engine unit (26).

[0045] While the first partitioning separator (120) bifurcates the first internal space (108) into the third internal space (108a) and the fourth internal space (108b), the exhaust gas still needs to be transported from the third internal space (108a) to the fourth internal space (108b). To transport the exhaust gas from the third internal space (108a) and the fourth internal space (108b), there may be defined at least a set of aperture (122) in the first partitioning separator (120). Alternatively, there may be provided at least one inter-chamber conduit (124) extending through the at least first partitioning separator (120) for directing the exhaust gas from the third internal space (108a) to the at least fourth internal space (108b). In another alternative embodiment, there may be provided at least a set of aperture (122) in the first partitioning separator (120) as well as at least one inter-chamber conduit (124) extending through the at least first partitioning separator (120) for directing the exhaust gas from the third internal space (108a) to the at least fourth internal space (108b). It may be noted that while in Figure 3, the exhaust muffler (100) is shown to have both the set of aperture (122) and the inter-chamber conduit (124), the exhaust gas can be transported from the third internal space (108a) to the fourth internal space (108b) using either or both of the set of aperture (122) and the inter-chamber conduit (124).

[0046] It may be noted that in Figure 2, the first pipe (110) for directing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space (108) is shown as having an open end (126). However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 4, the first pipe (110) may additionally comprise a plurality of second peripheral aperture (128) for adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the first internal space (108) or the third internal space (108a). In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 5, the first pipe (110) may comprise closed end (130) and the first pipe (110) may merely comprise of the plurality of second peripheral aperture (128) for adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the first internal space (108) or the third internal space (108a). It may be noted that the remaining aspects of Figure 4 and Figure 5 are substantially similar to those demonstrated in Figure 2 and described above, and hence, the remaining features have not been re-described.

[0047] It may be noted that in Figure 3, the first pipe (110) for directing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space (108) is shown as having an open end (126). However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 6, the first pipe (110) may additionally comprise a plurality of second peripheral aperture (128) for adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the first internal space (108) or the third internal space (108a). In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 7, the first pipe (110) may comprise a closed end (130) and the first pipe (110) may merely comprise the plurality of second peripheral aperture (128) for adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the first internal space (108) or the third internal space (108a). It may be noted that the remaining aspects of Figure 6 and Figure 7 are substantially similar to those demonstrated in Figure 3 and described above, and hence, the remaining features have not been re-described.

[0048] In all of the embodiments described above and demonstrated in Figures 2 to 7, a volume of the second internal space (114) is in the range of 0.01% to 20% of a volume of the at least first internal space (108). Thus, maximum reduction in the exhaust noise is produced in the first internal space (108).

[0049] In all of the embodiments described above and demonstrated in Figures 2 to 7, a dimension of the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) is in the range of 1/5 to 1/1.5 of a dimension of the second pipe (116). Thus, the dimension of the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) is sufficiently large enough to introduce into the second internal space (114) as well as entry of the exhaust gas from the second internal space (114) into the second pipe (116). During the course of the exhaust gas exiting from the second pipe (116) into the second internal space (114) via the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) and the exhaust gas exiting entering into the second pipe (116) from the second internal space (114) via the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118), the exhaust muffler (100) produces the distinctive sound effect (the booming effect).

[0050] An advantage of the invention is that the exhaust muffler produces a distinctive sound effect and, more particularly, the booming effect.

[0051] Another advantage of the invention is that the exhaust muffler produces a distinctive sound effect, and more particularly, the boom effect, without using any additional elements. In fact, all the elements, such as the first end wall (102), the second end wall (104), the outer wall (106), the first pipe (110), the auxiliary component (112), and the second pipe (116) are available in the traditional exhaust muffler. The present invention merely by providing the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) in the second pipe (116), which allows the exhaust gas to be introduced into the second internal space (114) prior to releasing the exhaust gas to the atmosphere, produces the distinctive sound effect and more particularly, the booming effect.

[0052] Yet another advantage of the invention is the ability to utilize the second internal space to produce the distinctive sound effect and, more particularly, the booming effect.

[0053] A further advantage of the invention is the ability to utilize at least one auxiliary component to enhancing the aesthetic value of the exhaust muffler (100). Thus, there is no cost addition while constructing the exhaust muffler of the present invention. Also, there is no substantial increase in the weight of the exhaust muffler of the present invention. In some embodiments, it is possible to reduce the overall weight of the exhaust muffler on account of the fact that a weight of the second pipe (116) would decrease because of providing the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118). This may result in a reduction in the cost of making the exhaust muffler (100). Also, there is no increase in the time for making the exhaust muffler of the present invention.

[0054] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising from the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0055] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Additionally, numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. An exhaust muffler (100) of a vehicle, the exhaust muffler (100) comprising:
a first end wall (102), a second end wall (104), and an outer wall (106) defining at least a first internal space (108);
at least a first pipe (110) for directing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space (108);
at least one auxiliary component (112) spaced apart from the second end wall (104), the at least one auxiliary component (112) together with the second end wall (104) and the outer wall (106) defining a second internal space (114) distinct from the at least a first internal space (108);
a second pipe (116) extending through the at least one auxiliary component (112) and the second internal space (114) for directing the exhaust gas from the at least first internal space (108) to the atmosphere; and
the second pipe (116) comprising a plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the second internal space (114) prior to releasing the exhaust gas to the atmosphere.

2. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least first partitioning separator (120) bifurcating the at least first internal space (108) into a third internal space (108a) and at least a fourth internal space (108b).

3. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least first partitioning separator (120) comprises at least a set of aperture (122) for directing the exhaust gas from the third internal space (108a) to the at least fourth internal space (108b).

4. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising at least one inter-chamber conduit (124) extending through the at least first partitioning separator (120) for directing the exhaust gas from the third internal space (108a) to the at least fourth internal space (108b).

5. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a volume of the second internal space (114) adapted to be within the range of 0.01% to 20% of a volume of the at least first internal space (108).

6. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dimension of the plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) defined to be within the range of 1/5 to 1/1.5 of a dimension of the second pipe (116).

7. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one auxiliary component (112) being coupled to at least the outer wall (106).

8. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one auxiliary component (112) being a cover element (112).

9. The exhaust muffler (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one auxiliary component (112) additionally enhances an aesthetic value of the exhaust muffler (100).

10. A vehicle (10), comprising:
an engine unit (26) emitting exhaust gas; and
an exhaust muffler (100) attached to the engine (26) and being adapted to reduce the exhaust noise of the exhaust gas; the exhaust muffler (100) comprising:
a first end wall (102), a second end wall (104), and an outer wall (106) defining at least a first internal space (108);
at least a first pipe (110) for directing exhaust gas into the at least first internal space (108);
at least one auxiliary component (112) spaced apart from the second end wall (104), the at least one auxiliary component (112) together with the second end wall (104) and the outer wall (106) defining a second internal space (114) distinct from the at least a first internal space (108);
a second pipe (116) extending through the at least one auxiliary component (112) and the second internal space (114) for directing the exhaust gas from the at least first internal space (108) to the atmosphere; and
the second pipe (116) comprising a plurality of first peripheral aperture (118) adapted to introduce the exhaust gas into the second internal space (114) prior to releasing the exhaust gas to the atmosphere.