DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddle type vehicle and more particularly to a guard for an exhaust emission system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, a saddle type vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly comprises of an engine assembly coupled to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides forward motion to the vehicle.
[0003] Moreover, the vehicle also comprises of an exhaust emission system connected to the engine assembly to help in oxidation of the exhaust and release it in the atmosphere. The exhaust emission system comprises of a muffler assembly provided at a lateral side of the vehicle mounted to the frame assembly or the vehicle through a mounting bracket. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0004] Conventionally, in saddle type vehicles, muffler assemblies are provided to dampen noise arising from the exhaust emission system. The muffler assembly is also provided for preventing harmful emissions being emitted to the atmosphere. Generally, a tail pipe is provided in the muffler assembly acting as a passage for emission of the exhaust gases out of the exhaust emission system. The arrangement of the tail pipe is often changed with respect to the muffler assembly to improve the sound quality of the system and reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases. However, the pillion always faces the danger of heat burn from the tail pipe provided in the muffler assembly of the exhaust emission system. In addition to it, the exhaust emission system also faces a problem of exhaust being emitted in the direction of the vehicle standing behind or nearby.
[0005] Thus, to overcome all the above problems, the present system provides a guard for the exhaust emission system and the tail pipe which prevents the pillion from any kind of heat burn. It is also an objective of the present subject matter to deviate the direction of the gases being discharged from any of the vehicles running nearby.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear view of an exhaust emission system in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the guard in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear view of the exhaust emission system in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Typically, a two-wheeled vehicle is operated through an engine assembly which is horizontally coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly. Air fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly by means of a carburetor. Thereafter, combustion of the air fuel mixture takes place so that a piston disposed in the engine assembly is set into motion. The piston is operated in a linear motion, after which said liner motion is converted to a rotational motion of a crankshaft, wherein said rotational motion is transferred to the rear wheel finally resulting into motion of the vehicle. This mechanism also results in generation of power and torque by the engine assembly.
[00014] Generally, an exhaust emission system is provided in an attached condition to the engine assembly. Typically, the exhaust emission system comprises on an exhaust pipe connected to the internal combustion engine, extending in a downward and rearward direction from said internal combustion engine along a vehicle length direction. The other end of the exhaust pipe is connected to a muffler assembly placed laterally at one side of the vehicle. The unburnt air-fuel mixture in form of exhaust gases is emitted in the atmosphere after a proper oxidation reaction which takes place in the muffler assembly of the exhaust emission system. Typically, the exhaust gases enter the exhaust emission system through the exhaust pipe and later enter the muffler assembly for reaction.
[00015] Conventionally, a baffle assembly is provided in the muffler assembly of the exhaust emission system to help dampen the noise and provide a better quality of sound. It also helps in reducing the temperature of the exhaust gases present. Typically, the gases pass through a bend pipe of the baffle assembly and are released through the perpetrating holes at its end. After being emitted from the bend pipe it enters a baffle pipe before it is finally emitted in the atmosphere through a tail pipe. This whole process provides a better diffusion of the gases so that the noise is dampened, a better sound quality is provided and the temperature of the gases decreases. Additional to it, the exhaust emission system also adds an extra appeal to the aesthetic and aerodynamics features.
[00016] Generally, in some of the known arts the tail pipe is disposed at an extreme rear end point of the muffler assembly, wherein in some of the other known arts it is attached at either of the left hand or right hand portion on the muffler assembly. Such an assembly of tail pipe is provided for a better diffusion of the exhaust. However, the problem with such known arts is the probability of heat burns which the pillion faces. Since, the tail pipe is located at a side portion the pillion faces a huge risk of getting heat burns on his/her feet as the tail pipe is in a very close proximity to his/her leg. In addition to it, the exhaust being released through such a construction is either diverted towards the vehicle behind or any other vehicle standing nearby. Thus, this is one of the other problems which the exhaust emission system faces.
[00017] The present subject matter overcomes the above stated problems of the exhaust emission system known in the prior art. One of the objectives of the present subject matter is to provide a two-wheeled vehicle employed with a guard for the exhaust emission system and the tail pipe such that no heat burn is caused to the pillion. Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide a guard for the exhaust emission system and the tail pipe which would deviate the direction of the exhaust and prevent it from hitting the vehicle standing behind or nearby. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a system which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the system.
[00018] In an embodiment in accordance with the present subject matter, a two-wheeled vehicle employed with an exhaust emission system comprising of a muffler assembly is provided. An inlet of the muffler assembly is coupled to an exhaust pipe which extends in a downwardly manner from an exhaust port of an internal combustion engine. In an embodiment, the muffler assembly as a whole is coupled to a frame assembly of the vehicle.
[00019] In an embodiment, the exhaust emission system extends along the vehicle length in a rearward fashion. The exhaust emission system is disposed adjacently to the rear wheel and extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In an embodiment, an adapter is disposed at the end of the exhaust pipe, and the adapter connects the exhaust pipe to the catalytic converter disposed in the muffler assembly. In one embodiment, the muffler assembly comprises of a left hand piece and a right hand piece welded together to form said muffler assembly. The rear most portion of the muffler assembly converge in to form a substantial conical like structure. In another embodiment, either of the right hand piece and left hand piece, whichever placed opposite to the vehicle protrudes and extends out to provide a larger volume.
[00020] In an embodiment, the exhaust emission system of the present subject matter comprises of a U-shaped bend pipe disposed in the muffler assembly, extending out from an end of catalyst converter disposed in the muffler assembly. The exhaust gas after its reaction with the catalyst converter enters the bend pipe and is released through perpetrating holes formed at its end. In an embodiment the exhaust emission system comprises of a baffle pipe disposed in the muffler unit located just below the upper portion of the bend pipe placed substantially parallel to it. The exhaust gas after being emitted from the bend pipe further enters the baffle pipe. Furthermore, in an embodiment the exhaust emission system comprises of a tail pipe disposed at one side of a muffler unit in a sideward fashion.
[00021] In an embodiment, the exhaust emission system comprises of a depression formed on one of its side, wherein the tail pipe is disposed in said depression. In an embodiment, a mounting bracket is attached over the tail pipe in said depression, and a guard is mounted over it. In an embodiment, the profile of the depression formed is substantially similar as that of the guard. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the top surface of the guard is formed in the same profile as that of the side portion of the muffler assembly on which the tail pipe is accommodated. The guard is disposed above the tail pipe such that it adequately encompasses and confines the tail pipe within itself. In an embodiment, the muffler assembly comprises of a front portion formed near the exhaust pipe and a rear portion formed at the other end, and wherein the guard is located at the rear portion of the muffler assembly. Moreover, the present construction enhances the aesthetic appeal, since the whole structure including the guard projects out to be a single unit without any additional surface protruding out. In addition to it, the tail pipe is also securely accommodated and covered by the guard preventing any kind of heat burns and not allowing the exhaust being released to get diverted towards any other vehicle nearby.
[00022] Thus, the present subject matter prevents the pillion from any kind of heat burn caused by the tail pipe. It deviates the direction of the exhaust being discharged from any vehicle running nearby. In addition to it the present subject matter enhances the aesthetic appeal of the system as well.
[00023] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00024] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00025] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary scooter type vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle comprises of a main frame assembly (1) made of carbon fiber and resin material and is conventionally an underbone chassis frame which provides a generally open central area to permit “step-through” mounting by a rider. Typically, the frame assembly (1) comprises of a head tube (2), a main tube (3), and a pair of side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (only one shown). The head tube (2) is disposed towards the front portion, wherein the main tube (3) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (2) forming a flat horizontal step-through portion (3S). The other end of the main tube (3) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (LH, RH) through a bracket (not shown).
[00026] The head tube (2) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (6) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (9). The upper portion of a front wheel (7) is covered by a front fender (8). The pair of side-tubes (LH, RH) extend from the other end of the main tube (3) being disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle (10) width direction. Each of the said side tube (LH, RH) extends from the main tube (3) in an upward inclined fashion and gradually after a certain length extends rearward in a substantially horizontal and parallel fashion being placed in the vehicle widthwise direction. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in between the pair of side-tubes (LH, RH) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including a utility box (12), a seat assembly (11) and a fuel tank assembly (not shown). The vehicle furthermore, comprises of a side panel LH and side panel RH (not shown) which covers the side tubes (LH, RH) and covers the vehicle (10) structure from the sides.
[00027] Generally, the utility box (12) is supported between the side tube LH (4) and side tube RH so as to be disposed below the seat (11). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) may be disposed on between the rear portions of the pair of the side-tubes (LH, RH). The vehicle (10) further comprises of a rear wheel (13) covered by a rear fender (14) with a tail light (15) disposed above it and a support bar (16) place above the tail light (15) at the end of the seat assembly (11). The rear wheel (13) is supported towards the rear side of the main frame (1) by an internal combustion (IC) engine (5) which is horizontally coupled swingably to the rear of the frame assembly (1) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10) through a rear suspension system (17). The IC engine (5) transfers the drive directly to the rear wheel (13) as it is coupled directly to it through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system (18). The vehicle further comprises of an exhaust emission system (shown in Fig, 2) connected to the internal combustion engine (5). The exhaust emission system enables the filtering the exhaust being generated by the internal combustion engine (5), and helps in releasing it in the atmosphere.
[00028] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rear portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine (5) comprises of a cylinder head (21) which provides a space for combustion of the air-fuel mixture. The cylinder head (21) comprises of an exhaust port (22) to which an exhaust pipe (23) is connected. In an embodiment, the exhaust emission system (20) comprises an exhaust pipe (23) extending in a downward and backward direction along the vehicle length form the exhaust port (22). In an embodiment, the exhaust emission system comprises a muffler assembly (24) connected to the other end of the exhaust pipe (23). The exhaust being produced by the internal combustion engine (5) travels through the exhaust pipe (23) to enter the muffler assembly (24). The muffler assembly (24) helps in oxidization of the emission being produced by the internal combustion engine (5). In furtherance to it, the muffler assembly also helps in reducing the temperature of the exhaust being produced and dampens the sound of the internal combustion engine (5). Moreover, the muffler assembly (24) also comprises of a tail pipe (25) disposed in it which helps in discharging of exhaust from it to the atmosphere. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, a guard (26) is disposed above the tail pipe (25). The guard (26) helps in protecting the pillion from any kind of heat burns and also channelizes the exhaust being released, not allowing it to flow in direction of a vehicle standing behind or nearby as a matter of fact. In an embodiment, the muffler assembly (24) comprises of a vertical axis XX’ passing though it in a substantial central fashion. It divides the muffler assembly (24) in a front portion (F) formed near the exhaust pipe (23) and a rear portion (R) formed at the other end, i.e. the rear end. The guard (26) is disposed at the rear portion (R) of the muffler assembly (24).
[00029] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear view of the exhaust emission system (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the muffler assembly (24) comprises of a LH piece (31) and RH piece (32), wherein said LH piece (31) and RH piece (32) are welded together to form said muffler unit (24). As per an embodiment, of the present subject matter, the RH piece (32) protrudes and extends outwardly in a pyramid like structure as compared to the LH piece (31) which is substantially plain. In furtherance to it, the rearmost portion of the RH piece (32) comprises of a depression (33) in which the tail pipe (25) is disposed. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the profile of the depression (33) is carved out is similar as that of the guard (26) which is also accommodated in it to cover the tail pipe (25). Hence, as per the present subject matter, the guard (26) is accommodated in the depression (33) to cover the tail pipe (25).
[00030] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket (41) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket (41) is disposed over the tail pipe (25) in the depression (26) formed on the RH piece (32) of the muffler assembly (24). The mounting bracket (41) is provided to accommodate the guard (26) over it. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the mounting bracket (41) comprises of openings (42) through which the guard (26) is mounted over it. Thus, as per the present subject matter, the mounting bracket (41) is disposed in the depression (33) over which the guard (26) is mounted.
[00031] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the guard (26) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the guard (26) is mounted over the mounting bracket (41) through the openings (42) provided on it. In addition to it, the guard (26) is disposed over the tail pipe (25) through the mounting bracket (41) in the depression (33) formed on the RH piece (32) of the muffler unit (24). As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the profile of the guard (26) is same as that of the depression (33) carved out on the RH piece (32) of the muffler unit (24). In addition to it, the guard (26) comprises of a top surface (S).
[00032] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear view of the exhaust emission system (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As described earlier, the muffler unit (24) according to the present subject matter comprises of a LH piece (31) and a RH piece (32), wherein both of them are welded together to form said muffler unit (24). As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the rearmost portion of the RH piece comprises of depression (33) in which the tail pipe is disposed. The guard (26) is also disposed in the depression to cover the tail pipe (25). In an embodiment, the profile of the depression (33) and guard (26) is substantially same, such that the top surface (S) of the guard (26) and top surface (S’) of the rear most portion of the RH piece (32) extend and form a same curved plane (AA’) substantially conforming to profile of each other i.e. S, S’ & AA. The curved plane projects outwards from the vehicle. The depression (33) is profiled to perfectly accommodate guard (26), such that in an assembled condition it seems as one single unit. Hence, the guard (26) totally covers and envelopes the tail pipe (25), with a small gap (G) provided at the end through which the tail pipe (25) is exposed to the atmosphere for discharge of exhaust. Thus, the guard (26) prevents the pillion from any kind of heat burn and also prevents the exhaust from being discharged towards a vehicle standing behind or anywhere nearby.
[00033] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. An exhaust emission system (20) for a saddle type vehicle (10) comprising an internal combustion engine (5), wherein said exhaust emission system (20) comprises:
an exhaust pipe (23) extending downwards from said internal combustion engine (5) in a rearward direction along vehicle length;
a tail pipe (25) provided for discharge of exhaust from said exhaust emission system (20); and
a muffler assembly (24) comprises a vertical axis XX’ passing thereto dividing said muffler assembly (24) into a front portion (F) formed near said exhaust pipe (23) and a rear portion (R) formed at a rear end thereof, and wherein said muffler assembly (24) comprises a guard (26) attached over said tail pipe (25), said guard (26) is substantially disposed in said rear portion (R).
2. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said muffler assembly (24) comprises a left hand (LH) piece (31) and a right hand (RH) piece (32) welded together to form said muffler assembly (24).
3. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said RH piece (32) comprises a depression (33) formed on said rear portion (R) when seen from a rear view of said vehicle (10), and wherein said tail pipe (25) being disposed in said depression (33).
4. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said muffler unit (24) comprises a mounting bracket (41) disposed in said depression (33) above said tail pipe (25).
5. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said guard (26) disposed in said depression (33) is mounted on said mounting bracket (41) through openings (42) provided therein to cover said tail pipe (25).
6. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said depression (33) carved on rearmost portion of said RH piece (32) comprises of a profile similar and conforming to that of said guard (26).
7. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said RH piece (32) comprises of a top surface (S’) formed along a curved plane AA’ projecting outwards from the vehicle (10).
8. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said depression (33) perfectly accommodates said guard (26) resulting profile of top surface (S) of said guard (26) substantially conforming with said curved plane AA’ which is conforming to the top surface (S’) of said RH piece (32).
9. The exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guard (26) completely covers and envelopes said tail pipe (25) with a gap (G) formed at a rear portion therein through which said tail pipe (25) is accessible and exposed.
10. A two wheeled vehicle (10) including said exhaust emission system (20) as claimed in claims 1-10.