Source: http://www.allindianpatents.com/patents/247767-air-cleaner-layout-structure-and-battery-support-structure-for-saddle-ride-vehicle
Timestamp: 2018-02-19 15:40:53
Document Index: 782328918

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Indian Patents. 247767:AIR CLEANER LAYOUT STRUCTURE AND BATTERY SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE RIDE VEHICLE
AIR CLEANER LAYOUT STRUCTURE AND BATTERY SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE RIDE VEHICLE
CLEANER LAYOUT STRUCTURE AND BATTERY SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE RIDE VEHICLE An air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure is provided for a saddle ride vehicle. An air cleaner case includes a cover part having a duct, a case part having a connecting tube, and an element disposed between the cover part and the case part. The air cleaner case has a bulgy part bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to the connecting tube in the manner of being astride a vehicle body frame with reference to the element. A battery cover fastened to a battery case by a plurality of fastening members and having a battery abutting part projected inwards is provided, wherein straight lines connecting the pairs of fastening positions cross a battery. The resulting configuration enables the air cleaner case to be secured while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case> and enables the battery to be supported, without using a battery band.
[0001] The present invention relates to an air cleaner layout structure and a battery support structure suitable for use in a saddle ride type vehicle such as a motorcycle.
[0002] Saddle ride vehicles such as motorcycles include those in which an air cleaner case is disposed on a lateral side of the vehicle body This type of vehicles include those in which an element is disposed in the air cleaner case so as to partition the inside of the case in the vehicle body width direction, and the element can be attached and detached by removing an outside cover of the case (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-246289).
[0003] However, in the conventional structure, in the case of enlarging the capacity of the air cleaner case in consideration of pulsation of intake air, an increase in the depth (the size in the vehicle body width direction) of the air cleaner case would make the air cleaner case bulge to a lateral side of the vehicle body In some cases, therefore, it has been difficult to secure the capacity of the air cleaner case
while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case.
[0004] In addition, an attempt to secure the capacity by enlarging the length of the air cleaner case in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body or the like has the problem that the number of component parts is increased to cause complication of structure or that the mounting positions for other component parts requiring comparatively large spaces such as a battery are restricted.
[0005] In addition, vehicles such as motorcycles include those in which a pair of hook parts capable of hooking a battery band thereon are provided in the vicinity of a battery, the battery band is hooked on the pair of hook parts to thereby fix the battery, and the outside of this area is covered with an appearance cover (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-119484).
[0006] Further, there has been proposed a motorcycle in which, instead of using a battery band, a battery and an oil tank are alignedly disposed on a rear fender, and they are held clamped between a left-right pair of side covers (refer to, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 2-17950).
[0007] However, in the configuration wherein a battery is fixed by a battery band, independent component parts for fixing the battery, such as the battery band and the hook parts, are needed, which leads to increases in the number of component parts and in weight and is undesirable on a cost basis; In addition, a gap is needed between the battery band and the appearance cover, so that the degree of freedom in designing the appearance cover is limited.
[0008] On the other hand, in the configuration wherein a battery is fixed by the left-right pair of side covers, the side covers in part make contact with the battery, so that the battery-holding force is dependent on the rigidity of the covers.
An attempt to strengthen the battery-holding force would lead to increases in the thickness of the covers and in weight.
[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances.
[0010] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an air cleaner layout structure for a saddle ride type vehicle by which a capacity of an air cleaner case can be secured while suppressing the bulging amount of the case toward a lateral side of the vehicle body.
[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, there is provided an air cleaner layout structure for a saddle ride type vehicle having an air cleaner case disposed on a vehicle body frame, wherein the air cleaner case includes a dirty side part having an intake port, a clean side part having a connecting tube, and an element disposed between the dirty side part and the clean side part, and the air cleaner case has a bulgy part bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to the connecting tube in the manner of being astride the vehicle body frame with reference to the element. According to this invention, since the air cleaner case has the bulgy part bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to the connecting tube in the manner of being astride the vehicle body frame with reference to the element, the capacity of the air cleaner case can be secured while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case toward the vehicle body lateral side.
[0012] In this case, preferably, the air cleaner case is disposed slantly relative to the vehicle body front-rear direction, and a battery is disposed in a space formed by disposing the air cleaner case slantly. According to this configuration,
the capacity of the air cleaner case can be secured more easily while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case toward the vehicle body lateral side, and the layout efficiency of component parts needing comparatively large layout spaces such as the battery can be enhanced.
[0013] In this case, preferably, the air cleaner case is provided with a relief part for avoiding the vehicle body frame. According to this configuration, the air cleaner case can be disposed close to the vehicle body frame. Therefore, the layout efficiency of the air cleaner can be enhanced, and layout spaces for other component parts such as the battery can be secured.
[0014] In this case, preferably, a battery case in which to dispose the battery is provided, and a part near the intake port of the air cleaner case is covered with the battery case. According to this configuration, it is possible by the battery case to make it difficult for dust, rainwater or the like to enter into the intake port.
[0015] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery support structure for a vehicle by which a battery can be effectively supported, without using a battery band.
[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a battery support structure for a vehicle, having a battery disposed in a battery case provided on the vehicle, wherein the battery support structure includes a battery cover which is fastened to the battery case by a plurality of fastening members and which has a battery abutting part projected toward the inner side, and a line or lines connecting a plurality of fastening positions cross the battery. According to this invention, the battery support structure includes the battery cover which is fastened to the battery case by the plurality of fastening
members and which lias the battery abutting part projected toward the inner side, and the line or lines connecting the plurality of fastening positions cross the battery, so that the battery-holding force can be controlled by regulating the distance(s) between the fastening members and the fastening margin. Therefore, the battery-holding force can be secured without increasing the thickness of the cover, and the battery can be effectively supported by the battery cover only.
[0017] In this case, preferably, the battery case is provided with fastening member receiving parts which are located on both sides of the battery and which correspond to the plurality of fastening members. According to this configuration, the fastening member receiving parts are located on both sides of the battery, so that the fastening member receiving parts can be made to function also as members for restricting the movement of the battery.
[0018] In this case, preferably, an appearance cover is provided on the outside of the battery cover. According to this configuration, the battery abutting part of the battery cover can be hidden by the appearance cover, and the load exerted on the battery cover and the battery can be dispersed to the vehicle body frame side.
[0019] In this case, preferably, the battery cover is so shaped that an outside part of the battery abutting part is recessed inwards, and the outside part of the battery abutting part is covered with the appearance cover. According to this configuration, the exposure of the recessed outside part of the battery cover to the exterior can be obviated, and a good appearance can be secured.
[0020] In this case, preferably, the appearance cover covers said fastening member(s). According to this configuration, the exposure of the fastening member(s) to the exterior can be obviated, and a good appearance can be secured.
[0021] In this case, preferably, the battery abutting part has a substantially triangular shape contained in the outer shape of the appearance cover in side view. According to this configuration, the battery abutting part can be made to overlap with the appearance cover correspondingly to any of various designs of the appearance cover.
[0022] In this case, preferably, the fastening members for fastening the battery cover to the battery case function also as fastening members for fastening the appearance cover to the battery cover. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of component parts and the number of assembling steps, for fixing the battery cover and the appearance cover.
[0023] Besides, in this case, preferably, the battery cover covers an electrical equipment cable and a fuse. According to this configuration, the battery cover can be made to function also as a cover for covering the electrical equipment.
[0024] Effects of the Invention include the following:
[0025] In the present invention, the air cleaner case includes the dirty side part having the intake port, the clean side part having the connecting tube, and the element disposed between the dirty side part and the clean side part, and the air cleaner case has the bulgy part bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to the connecting tube in the manner of being astride the vehicle body frame with reference to the element. Therefore, the capacity of the air cleaner case can be secured while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case toward the vehicle body lateral side.
[0026] In addition, the air cleaner case is disposed slantly relative to the
vehicle body front-rear direction, and the battery is disposed in the space formed by disposing the air cleaner case slantly. Therefore, the capacity of the air cleaner case can be secured more easily while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case toward the vehicle body lateral side, and the layout efficiency of component parts needing comparatively large layout spaces such as the battery can be enhanced.
[0027] Besides, the air cleaner case is provided with the relief part for avoiding the vehicle body frame. Therefore, the air cleaner case can be disposed close to the vehicle body frame, whereby the layout efficiency of the air cleaner can be enhanced, and layout spaces for other component parts such as the battery can be secured.
[0028] Furthermore, the part near the intake port of the air cleaner case is covered with a battery case in which to dispose the battery. Therefore, it is possible by the battery case to prevent the penetration of dust, rainwater or the like into the intake port.
The battery support structure of the present invention comprises the battery cover which is fastened to the battery case by the plurality of fastening members and which has the battery abutting part projected inwards, and the line or lines connecting the plurality of fastening positions cross the battery, so that the battery can be effectively supported by only the battery cover, without using a battery band.
[0029] In addition, the battery case is provided with the fastening member receiving parts which are located on both sides of the battery and which correspond to the plurality of fastening members, so that the fastening member receiving parts can be made to function also as members for restricting the movement of the battery. [0030] Since the appearance cover is provided on the outside of the battery
cover, the battery abutting part of the battery cover can be hidden by the appearance cover, and the load exerted on the battery cover and the battery can be dispersed to the vehicle body frame side.
[0031] In addition, the battery cover is so shaped that an outside part of the battery abutting part is recessed inwards, and the outside part of the battery abutting part is covered with the appearance cover, so that the exposure of the recessed part to the exterior can be obviated, and a good appearance can be secured.
[0032] Since the appearance cover covers the fastening mernber(s), the exposure of the fastening member(s) to the exterior can be obviated, and a good appearance can be secured.
[0033] In addition, the battery abutting part has a substantially triangular shape contained in the outer shape of the appearance cover, so that the battery abutting part can be made to overlap with the appearance cover correspondingly to any of various designs of the appearance cover.
[0034] The fastening members for fastening the battery cover and the battery case function also as fastening members for fastening the appearance cover to the battery cover, so that it is possible to reduce the number of component parts and the number of assembling steps, for fixing the battery cover and the appearance cover.
[0035] Further, the battery cover covers the electrical equipment cable and the fuse, so that the battery cover can be made to function also as a cover for covering the electrical equipment.
[0036] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating
[0037] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle pertaining to the present embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the motorcycle;
[0040] FIG. 3 shows an air cleaner together with the surrounding configuration.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the air cleaner;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a view taken along the direction of arrow V of FIG. 4;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a right side view showing the air cleaner together with the surrounding configuration;
[0044] FIG 7 shows the condition where first and second side covers are attached to the structure shown in FIG 6;
[0045] FIG 8 shows the condition where a cover part and an element of the air cleaner are detached;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a left side view showing a battery together with the surrounding configuration;
[0047] FIG. 10 shows the condition where the first and second side covers are attached to the structure shown in FIG. 9;
[0048] FIG. 11 shows the condition where the first side cover is attached to the structure shown in FIG. 9;
[0049] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11;
[0050] FIG 13(A) is a top plan view of a battery case, and FIG. 13(B) is a left side view of the same;
[0051] FIG. 14(A) is a rear view of the battery case, and FIG. 14(B) is a right side view of the same;
[0052] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the battery case and a duct of an air cleaner case together with the surrounding configuration;
[0053] FIG. 10 shows the condition where the first and second side covers are attached to the structure shown in FIG. 9;
[0054] FIG. 11 shows the condition where the first side cover is attached to the structure shown in FIG 9;
[0055] FIG 12(A) is a plan view of a first side cover, FIG. 12(B) is a top plan view of the same, FIG. 12(C) is a front view, and FIG. 12(D) is a rear view;
[0056] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11;
[0057] FIG 14 is a sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG 11;
[0058] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 11;
[0059] FIG 16(A) is a plan view of a second side cover, and FIG 16(B) is a top plan view of the same;
[0060] FIG 17(A) is a top plan view of a battery case, and FIG 17(B) is a left side view of the same; and
[0061] FIG 18(A) is a rear view of the battery case, and FIG. 18(B) is a right side view of the same.
[0062] Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described below, referring to the attached drawings. Incidentally, in the following description, the front, rear, left, right, upper and lower sides mean the respective sides with reference to the vehicle body. Besides, arrow FR in the drawings indicates the front side of the vehicle, and arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body.
[0063] FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle pertaining to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the motorcycle. As shown in FIG. 1, the motorcycle 1 includes: a vehicle body frame 2; a left-right pair of front fork members 3, 3 steerably supported on a front part of the vehicle body frame 2; a steering handle 4 attached to a top bridge 3A supporting upper ends of the front fork members 3, 3; a front wheel 5 rotatably supported by lower end parts of the front forks 3,3.
[0064] In addition, an engine 6 is supported by the vehicle body frame 2 at a substantially central position of the vehicle body; a swing arm 7 vertically swingably supported on the vehicle body frame 2 on the rear side of the engine 6; a rear wheel 8 is rotatably supported by rear end parts of the swing arm 7; a left-right pair of rear cushions 9 are disposed between rear parts of the swing arm 7 and the vehicle body frame 2; a fuel tank 10 is disposed at an upper part of the vehicle body frame 2; and a seat 11 is disposed on the rear side of the fuel tank 10.
[0065] Between the top bridge 3 A and a bottom bridge 3B supporting the front fork 3 at upper and lower positions, a head light 12 and a front cowl 13 and the
like are mounted through brackets (not shown), and a front fender 14 for covering the upper side of the front wheel 5 is attached to the front fork members 3,3. In addition, a left-right pair of side view mirrors 15,15 is attached to the steering handle 4, and a rear cowl 16 and a rear fender 17 and the like are attached to rear parts of the vehicle body frame 2.
[0066] The vehicle body frame 2 includes: a head pipe 20; a single main frame 21 extending from the head pipe 20 in the front-rear direction over substantially the whole length of the motorcycle 1; a single front member 22 extending toward the lower side of the vehicle body from both sides of a front part of the main frame 21; a single middle member 23 extending toward the lower side of the vehicle body from an intermediate part of the main frame 21 and functioning also as a pivot plate; and a single rear member 24 connecting a rear part of the main frame 21 and a lower part of the middle member 23 to each other.
[0067] The main frame 21, the front member 22, the middle member 23 and the rear member 24 are composed of pressed frames obtained by press working of steel plate blanks. More specifically, the main frame 21 includes an upper member 21A having a recessed sectional shape directed down which is obtained by press working of a steel plate blank, and a lower member 21B having a recessed sectional shape directed up which is also obtained by press working. The upper-lower pair of the upper member 21A and the lower member 2 IB are welded to each other, with a shaft-like cross member 21C therebetween for supporting an upper end part of the rear cushion 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the main frame 21 is so shaped that its width gradually increased along the direction from the front part toward the rear part thereof, and its intermediate part, or its part between the middle member 23 and
the rear member 24, constitutes the upper member.
[0068] The front member 22 is formed by joining a left-right pair of press-worked steel plate blanks, and has a downwardly extending part 22A extending toward the lower side of the vehicle body, as shown in FIG. 1. An engine front part hanger 25 is fastened to the downwardly extending part 22A by bolts 26, 26, and a front part of the engine 6 is supported through the engine front part hanger 25.
[0069] The middle member 23 includes: a main member 23A composed of a steel plate blank press worked to have a recessed sectional shape opened to the front side of the vehicle body; and a sub member 23B composed of a press-worked steel plate blank so joined as to cover the front opening of the main member 23 A. A rear part of the engine 6 is fastened to the main member 23 A by bolts 27, 27, a pivot volt 28 is passed through the main member 23A at a position on the rear side of the engine 6, and the front end of the swing arm 7 is turnably supported on the main member 23 A through the pivot volt 28.
[0070] The rear member 24 includes: a main member 24A composed of a steel plate blank press worked to have a recessed sectional shape opened on the front side of the vehicle body; and a sub member 24B composed of a press-worked steel plate blank so joined as to cover the front opening of the main member 24A. A rear part of the main member 24A is welded to the main frame 21, the main member 24A is provided at its front lower part with a left-right pair of recessed-form bifurcated parts 24C, 24C symmetrical on the left and right sides, and the bifurcated parts 24C, 24C are welded to both sides of the main member 23A of the middle member 23 so as to be located on both sides of the pivot bolt 28. In addition, a side stand 30 and a main stand 31 are attached to the lower end of the main member 24 A, and driver's
steps 32, 32 and the like are attached to the lower end through brackets.
[0071] The engine 6 is a single-cylinder 4-cycle engine, which includes a crankcase 40, a cylinder block 41 extending substantially upwards from a front part of the crankcase 40, a cylinder head 42 connected to an upper part of the cylinder block 41, and a head cover 43 connected to an upper part of the cylinder head 42.
[0072] A piston is reciprocally movably contained in a cylinder in the cylinder block 41. A crankshaft connected to the piston through a connecting rod, an output shaft 45 of the engine 6, and the like are rotatably borne on the crankcase 40. An intake valve and an exhaust valve for respectively opening and closing an intake port and an exhaust port which communicate with the cylinder in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft, and the like are disposed in the cylinder head 42. The output shaft 45 and the rear wheel 8 are provided with sprockets 46 and 47, respectively, and a drive chain 48 is wrapped around the sprockets 46 and 47 to constitute a chain transmission mechanism. The power of the engine 6 is transmitted to the rear wheel 8 through the chain transmission mechanism.
[0073] The cylinder head 42 is provided in its front surface with an exhaust port 42 A communicating with the exhaust port of the cylinder, and an exhaust pipe 50 is connected to the exhaust port 42A, The exhaust pipe 50 extends toward the lower side of the vehicle body from the exhaust port 42A, extends on the lower side of the crankcase 40 toward the rear side of the vehicle body, and is connected at its rear end to a muffler 55.
[0074] The cylinder head 42 is provided in its rear surface with an intake port 42B connected to a fuel supply system 60. An air cleaner 70 is connectingly provided at the rear side of the air cleaner 70.
[0075] The fuel supply system 60 includes a throttle body 61 provided therein with a valve element opened and closed according to throttle operations by the user, and an injector (not shown) disposed in the throttle body 61 in the state of being directed to the intake port 42B. The fuel supply system 60 controls the amount of air supplied from the air cleaner 70 to the engine 6 by the valve element, and injects a fuel contained in the fuel tank 10 through the injector under control of a control unit (ECU) (not shown), thereby mixing the fuel with air to form a fuel-air mixture, which is supplied to the engine 6.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 2, the air cleaner 70 is so disposed as to cross in the vehicle body width direction on the lower side of a part corresponding to the upper member of the main frame 21. FIG 3 shows the air cleaner 70 together with the surrounding configuration, FIG 4 is a top plan view of the air cleaner 70, and FIG 5 is a view of the air cleaner 70 as viewed in the direction of arrow V of FIG. 4. Incidentally, symbol LC in FIG. 3 denotes the center line of the vehicle body.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the air cleaner 70 has a box-shaped air cleaner case 71 extending in a direction inclined against the vehicle body front-rear direction. The air cleaner case 71 includes a case part 73 having a connecting tube
72	extending toward the vehicle body front side, a cover part 75 having a duct 74
extending toward the vehicle body left side, and an air cleaner element (hereinafter
referred to as element) 76 (see FIG 4) disposed between the cover part 75 and the
case part 73.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, the case part 73 has a base part 73A to which the connecting tube 72 is connected, and a bulgy part 73 B bulging from the base part
73	A toward a vehicle body lateral side (vehicle body left side) with reference to the
element 76. The base part 73A and the bulgy part 73B are integrally formed in a cup-like shape, and the depth Dl of the case part 73 is set larger than the depth D2 of the cover part 75.
[0079] The connecting tube 72 is connected to a front wall of the base part 73A, and the connecting tube 72 extends forwards, to be connected to the throttle body 61. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an upper wall of the base part 73 A is provided with a bolt fastening part 77 extending upwards, and the case part 73 is fixed to a right side surface of the main frame 21 through the bolt fastening part 77 by a bolt 78. Besides, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a front wall of the bulgy part 73B is provided with a relief part 79 recessed along the middle member 23.
[0080] This configuration ensures that when the bolt fastening part 77 of the case part 73 is fixed to the right side of the main frame 21, as shown in FIG 3, the case part 73 extends slantly in relation to the vehicle body front-rear direction, specifically, extends toward the left front side of the vehicle body, and its tip part is located on the vehicle body left side of the main frame 21. In addition, the case part 73 can be disposed in proximity to the middle member 23, while avoiding the interference with the middle member 23 by the presence of the relief part 79. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a drain hose 80 is connected to the lower side of a tip part of the bulgy part 73B, so that water inside the air cleaner case 71 is drained through the drain hose 80 to the exterior.
[0081] The cover part 75 is formed in a cup-like shape having substantially the same cross-sectional shape as that of the base part 73 A of the case part 73. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover part 75 is detachably fixed to the base part
73 A of the case part 73 by a plurality of screws 81, 81, 81, 81. As shown in FIG. 3, a duct 74 is connected to a rear wall of the cover part 75. The duct 74 extends from the rear wall toward the vehicle body inner side, and its tip is opened on the lower side of the main frame 21. In addition, as shown in FIG 4, the cover part 75 is integrally provided therein with a plurality of ribs 82 extending toward the cover part 73, and the element 76 disposed between the cover part 75 and the case part 73 is supported in the state of being pressed by the ribs 82. Incidentally, the case part 73 is also provided therein with ribs 83 located substantially opposite to the ribs 82 so as to pressingly support the element 76.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, the cover part 75 is disposed on the vehicle body right side of the vehicle body frame 2 (the main frame 21, the middle member 23, and the rear member 24), and the case part 73 extends from the cover part 75 toward the left front side of the vehicle body frame 2 in the manner of being astride the vehicle body frame 2. This makes it possible to secure a large overall depth (Dl + D2) of the air cleaner case 71 while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case 71 to a vehicle body lateral side, and to secure a sufficient capacity of the air cleaner case 71.
[0083] In addition, as shown in FIG 6, the cover part 75 is integrally provided with bush attaching parts 86, 86 to which a plurality of ring-shaped rubber bushes (grommets) 85, 85 are attached, and with a screw receiving part 87. As shown in FIG 7, a first side cover 90R for covering a lateral side of the cover part 75 and a second side cover 91R for externally covering the space between the first side cover 90R and the main frame 21 are locked to the bush attaching parts 86, 86 through the rubber bushes 85. The first side cover 90R and the second side cover
91R, in the locked state, are co-fastened to the screw receiving part 87 by a single screw 92, whereby they are fixed to the cover part 75.
[0084] In the air cleaner 70, the outside air is led through the duct 74 into the inside of the cover part 75, air in the cover part 75 is cleaned while passing through the element 76 to be led into the inside of the case part 73, and the cleaned air accumulated in the case part 73 is supplied to the engine 6 through the fuel supply system 60, according to the demand from the engine 6. In other words, the cover part 75 functions as a dirty side pail for accumulating the outside air, whereas the case part 73 functions as a clean side part for accumulating the cleaned air.
[0085] In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the case part 73 serving as the clean side part has the bulgy part 73B bulging to the depth side (the vehicle body left side) relative to the connecting tube 72 in the manner of being astride the vehicle body frame 2, so that the capacity of the clean side part (the case part 73) can be enlarged. This produces the following effect. If the capacity of the clean side part is small, at the time when air in the air cleaner case 71 is sucked into the engine 6, the resistance at the time of passage of air through the element 76 is high, so that pulsation is liable to be generated. In the present configuration, on the contrary, the capacity of the clean side part is large, so that the cleaned air in the clean side part can be easily sucked into the engine 6, and pulsation of the intake air can be restrained.
[0086] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the element 76 in this configuration includes a dry-type first element 76C having a filter paper 76B folded at a predetermined length interval in a frame member 76A, and a dry-type
second element 76D composed of a plate-like sponge member disposed on the upstream side (the outside air intake side) of the first element 76C. Therefore, the outside air led into the inside of the cover part 75 is deprived of comparatively coarse dust by the second element 76D, and is then deprived of fine dust by the first element 76C, before being supplied into the inside of the case part 73. Since the first element 76C is used only for removal of fine dust, the lifetime of the first element 76C can be prolonged accordingly.
[0087] As shown in FIG 8, the elements 76C and 76D can be easily taken out on a vehicle body lateral side by only detaching the cover part 75 on the vehicle body lateral side. This ensures that maintenance, such as cleaning and replacement, of the elements 76C and 76D can be carried out easily. Here, in FIG. 3, the detaching direction of the elements 76C and 76D is denoted by symbol X; namely, the detaching direction X is the direction to the cover part 75 side and is the direction toward the rear skew side of the vehicle body.
[0088] Incidentally, the frame member 76A for the first element 76C functions also as a seal member for the gap between the case part 73 and the cover part 75, which reduces the number of component parts.
Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the air cleaner case 71 is disposed slantly relative to the vehicle body front-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, a vacant space is formed on the rear side of the bulgy part 73B of the air cleaner case 71, and, as shown in FIG. 3, a battery 100 for supplying electric power to various parts of the vehicle body is disposed in the vacant space.
[0089] FIG 9 is a left side view showing the battery 100 together with the surrounding configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the battery 100 is disposed in a
battery case 110 fixed to the vehicle body frame 2. The battery case 110 is provided with bush attaching parts 112, 112 to which a plurality of (in this example, two) ring-shaped rubber bushes (grommets) 111, 111 are attached, and with a plurality of (in this example, three) screw receiving parts 113,113, 113 (fastening member receiving parts).
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a first side cover 90L which covers a lateral side of the battery case 110 and which constitutes a left-right pair of covers with the first side cover 90R on the right side and a second side cover 91L which externally covers the space between the first side cover 90L and the main frame 21 and which constitutes a left-right pair of covers with the second side cover 91R on the right side, are locked to the bush attaching parts 112,112 through the rubber bushes 111,111. As shown in FIG 11, the first side cover 90L in the locked state is attached to the screw receiving parts 113,113,113 by a plurality of (in this example, three) screws 115, 116, 117 (fastening members). As shown in FIG. 10, the second side cover 91L is co-fastenedly fixed to the screw receiving part 113 by one 117 of the screws 115, 116, 117.
[0091] Incidentally, the screw receiving parts 113, 113,113 are provided on both sides of the battery 100, whereby boss parts corresponding to the screw receiving parts 113,113,113 are made to function also as restricting members for restricting the movements in the front-rear direction (the vehicle body front-rear direction) of the battery 100.
[0092] Thus, in this embodiment, the first side cover 90L functions as a first battery cover for covering the battery 100, and the second side cover 91L functions as a second battery cover for covering the battery 100 and, simultaneously,
a part of the first side cover 90L. Therefore, penetration of rainwater or dust to the battery 100 side can be securely prevented by these battery covers (the side covers
90Land91L).
[0093] In addition, the first side cover 90L is integrally provided with an abutting part 90LA which is recessed in a substantially triangular shape to the inner side (the battery 100 side) and which abuts on the battery 100. Here, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG 11.
[0094] An inside surface M of the abutting part 90LA is so formed as to abut on the battery 100 in the course of fastening the first side cover 90L to the battery case 110 by the screws 115, 116, 117. Therefore, when the inside surface M of the abutting part 90LA abuts on the battery 100 during tightening of the screws 115, 116, 117 and then the screws 115, 116, 117 are further tightened, parts 90LB and 90LC surrounding the abutting parts 90LAare elastically deformed, and the abutting part 90LA energizes the battery 100 to the battery case 110 side by the elastic force of the first side cover 90L. Therefore, the battery 100 can be effectively supported by using only the first side cover 90L, without using a battery band for holding the battery 100 in the battery case 110.
[0095] In this case, the locations (the screw receiving parts 113, 113, 113) at which the first side cover 90L is fastened to the battery case 110 by the screws 115 to 117 are formed at positions on the front and rear sides of the battery 100. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, therefore, the straight lines a, 3 (see FIG 11) connecting the fastening locations extend across the battery 100. Accordingly, by the fastening allowance between the first side cover 90L and the battery 100, the first side over 90L can press the abutting part 90LA of the first side cover 90 against the
battery 100 from both sides of the abutting part 90LA. As a result, the abutting part 90LA as a whole is put into even abutment on the battery 100, whereby the battery 100 is supported more effectively.
[0096] Now, the battery case 110 will be described more in detail below. FIG. 13(A) is a top plan view of the battery case 110, FIG. 13(B) is a left side view, FIG 14(A) is a rear view, and FIG 14(B) is a right side view.
[0097] The battery case 110 has a bolt fastening part 120 (see FIG 9) fastened to a left side surface of the main frame 21 by a bolt 121, and a bolt fastening part 122 fastened to the middle member 23 by a bolt, and is fixed through them to the main frame 21 and the middle member 23.
The battery case 110 is so shaped as to extend downwards from a left side surface of the main frame 21 at a position on the rear side of the air cleaner 70, when fixed to the vehicle body frame 21, as shown in FIG. 9. In other words, in the left side view shown in FIG 9, the battery case 110 is formed in such a shape as to substantially cover a roughly triangular space surrounded by the main frame 21, the middle member 23 and the rear member 24.
[0098] The battery case 110 generally includes, as one body, a battery disposing part 130 in which the battery 100 is disposed, a containing case part 140 provided on the lower side of the battery disposing part 130, and an electrical equipment disposing part 150 provided on the upper side of the battery disposing part 130. The battery disposing part 130 includes a battery mount plate part 131 on which the battery 100 is mounted, and a back plate part 132 erecting so as to cover both side surfaces and the back surface of the battery 100. As shown in FIG 15, the back plate part 132 is disposed close to the duct 74 constituting the intake port of the
air cleaner 70, with some spacing therebetween, and thereby functions as a cover part for covering the vicinity of the inlet of the duct 74, thereby preventing the penetration of dust or rainwater into the duct 74.
[0099] The containing case part 140 has a box-like shape provided with an opening part 141 on one end side and extending in the vehicle body width direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening part 141 is located at a position on the lower side of the cover part 75 of the air cleaner case 71, on the vehicle body right side. For example, tools, documents or the like are contained in the containing case part 140. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 15, the first side cover 90R covering the vehicle body right side of the cover part 75 functions also as a lid for the opening part 141, so that the contained goods can be put into and removed from the containing case part 140 by detaching the first side cover 90R.
[00100] A starter relay switch 151 connected to a battery cable 101 extending from the battery 100 is attached to the electrical equipment disposing part 150 on the rear side of the battery disposing part 130, and fuse cases 153 and 154 are attached to the electrical equipment disposing part 150 on the upper side of the battery disposing part 130 by a mount rubber 152. A starter motor cable 155 extending from the starter relay switch 151 extends between the fuse cases 153,154 and the battery 100 toward the vehicle body front side, to be connected to a starter motor (not shown) disposed at the engine 6.
[00101] Thus, the battery case 110 is integrally provided with the containing case part 140 and the electrical equipment disposing part 150, which makes it possible to reduce the number of component parts, as compared with the
case where these parts are formed as component parts separate from the battery case 110. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the side covers 90L and 91L covering the battery case 110 function also as covers for covering electrical equipments disposed in the electrical equipment disposing part 150, which also makes it possible to reduce the number of component parts and ensures that maintenance such as replacement of the battery 100 and the electrical equipment can be easily carried out by detaching the side covers 90L and 91L.
[00102] In this embodiment, the air cleaner case 71 includes the case part 73 having the connecting tube 72, the cover part 75 having the duct 74, and the
element 76 disposed between the cover part 75 and the case part 73, and the case part 73 has the bulgy part 73B bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to the connecting tube 72 with reference to the element 76 in the manner of being astride the vehicle body frame 2. Therefore, the depth of the air cleaner case 71 can be sufficiently secured, while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case 71 toward the vehicle body lateral side. Accordingly, the capacity of the air cleaner case 71 can be secured sufficiently.
[00103] Moreover, the air cleaner case 71 is disposed slantly in relation to the vehicle body front-rear direction, and the battery 100 is disposed in the space formed by disposing the air cleaner case 71 slantly. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently secure the capacity of the air cleaner case 71 by enlarging the depth of the air cleaner case 71 while suppressing the bulging amount of the air cleaner case 71 toward the vehicle body lateral side, to easily secure the space for disposing the battery 100, and to thereby enhance the layout efficiency.
[00104] In addition, since the capacity of the case part 73 connected to the
throttle body 61 is enlarged, the capacity of a chamber for moderating the pulsation of intake air can be secured sufficiently, and the pulsation of the intake air can be suppressed efficiently.
[00105] Besides, since the bulgy part 73B of the air cleaner case 71 is provided with the relief part 79 for avoiding the middle member 23, it is possible to dispose the air cleaner case 71 close to the middle member 23, to enhance the layout efficiency of the bulgy part 73B, and to secure more easily the space for laying out other component parts such as the battery 100.
[00106] Furthermore, since the battery case 110 in which to dispose the battery 100 covers the vicinity of the inlet of the duct 74 serving as the intake port oi the air cleaner 70, it is possible to make it difficult for dust, rainwater or the like to enter into the duct 74.
[00107] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a first side cover 90L which covers lateral side of the battery case 110 and which constitutes a left-right pair of covers with the first side cover 90R on the right side and a second side cover 91L which externally covers the space between the first side cover 90L and the main frame 21 and which constitutes a left-right pair of covers with the second side cover 91R on the right side, are locked to the bush attaching parts 112, 112 through the rubber bushes 111, 111.
[00108] In this embodiment, the first side cover 90L functions as a first battery cover (battery cover) for covering the battery 100, whereas the second side cover 91L functions as a battery cover (appearance cover) for covering the battery 100 together with a part of the first side cover 90L, and the penetration of rainwater or dust to the battery 100 side is securely prevented by these covers (the side covers
90L, 91L).
[00109] Now, the first side cover 90L and the second side cover 91L will be described in detail below.
[00110] FIG. 18(A) is a plan view of the first side cover 90L, FIG. 18(B) is a top plan view of the same, FIG. 18(C) is a front view, and FIG. 18(D) is a rear view.
[00111] The first side cover 90L is formed in a cup-like shape which is substantially tetragonal in side view, and includes an inserted part 111A inserted into the rubber bush 111 on the front side of the battery case 110, and screw passing parts 113A, 113A, 113A provided at positions corresponding to the screw receiving parts 113, 113, 113 of the battery case 110.
[00112] As shown in FIG. 19, the first side cover 90L is tentatively locked by inserting the inserted part 111A into the rubber bush 111 on the front side of the battery case 110. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of (in this example, three) screws 115, 116, 117 (fastening members) are inserted into the screw passing parts 113A, 113A, 113 A and fastened to the screw receiving parts 113, 113, 113 of the battery case 110, whereby the first side cover 90L is fixed to the battery case 110 so as to cover the battery 100.
[00113] The first side cover 90L is provided on the inner upper side thereof with an abutting part 92 which abuts on the battery case 110 at the time of fixation to the battery case 110; with the abutting part 92 thus provided, the fixation of the first side cover 90L is more stabilized. Incidentally, an outside part of the abutting part 92 is recessed inwards, and the recessed part 92A has a hole shape permitting insertion therein of an inserted part 95B (FIG. 22) (described later) of the second side cover 91L.
[00114] Here, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, one 117 of the screws 115, 116, 117 is inserted from the outside of the second side cover 91L disposed on the outside of the first side cover 90L, and is fastened to the screw receiving part 113. In other words, this screw 117 functions also as a fastening member for fastening the second side cover 91L to the battery case 110.
[00115] Further, the first side cover 90L is integrally provided with a battery abutting part 90LA which is recessed to the inner side (the battery 100 side) and which abuts on the battery 100. As shown in FIG. 16, the battery abutting part 90LA is formed in a substantially triangular shape contained in the outer shape of the second side cover 91L while being set substantially along the outer shape of the second side cover 91L, which is substantially triangular in side view. More specifically, the battery abutting part 90LA has a substantially triangular shape contained between a front edge 91LF inclined toward the rear lower side of the second side cover 91L and a rear edge 91LR extending from the lower end of the front edge 91LF and inclined toward the rear upper side, whereby the battery abutting part 90LA and the second side cover 91L overlap with each other, and the exposure of the recessed part due to the battery abutting part 90LA to the exterior is obviated. Here, FIG 21 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG 17.
[00116] The inside surface M of the battery abutting part 90LA is so formed as to abut on the battery 100 in the course of fastening of the first side cover 90L to the battery case 110 by the screws 115, 116, 117. Therefore, in the course of tightening the screws 115,116, 117, the inside surface M of the battery abutting part 90LA abuts on the battery 100, and, when the screws 115,116, 117 are further tightened, parts 90LB and 90LC surrounding the battery abutting part 90LA are
elastically deformed, and the battery abutting part 901. A energizes me banery 100 toward the battery case 110 side by the elastic force of the first side cover 90L.
[00117] In this case, the positions (the screw receiving parts 113, 113, 113) at which the first side cover 90L is fastened to the battery case 110 by the screws 115 to 117 are formed at positions on both sides of the battery 100. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 21, the lines a and β (see FIG. 17) connecting the fastening positions cross the battery 100. Accordingly, the first side cover 90L can press its battery abutting part 90LA formed on the first side cover 90L against the battery 100 from both sides of the battery abutting part 90LA, so that the battery abutting part 90LA as a whole makes even abutment on the battery 100, and the battery 100 is fixed more assuredly.
[00118] FIG. 22(A) is a plan view of the second side cover 91L, and FIG. 22(B) is a top plan view of the same. The second side cover 91L is formed in a substantially triangular shallow cup-like shape composed, in side view, of the front edge 91LF inclined toward the rear lower side, the rear edge 91LR extending from the lower end of the front edge 91LF and inclined toward the rear upper side, and an upper edge 91LU connecting the upper ends of the front edge 91LF and the rear edge 91LR to each other substantially horizontally.
[00119] The second side cover 91L is integrally provided with a front-rear pair of inserted parts 95 A, 95B projected inwards, and a screw passing part 96 through which the above-mentioned screw 117 is passed. The inserted parts 95A, 95B are provided for tentative locking of the second side cover 91L to the vehicle body frame 2 and the first side cover 90L. The inserted part 95A on the front side is inserted into a rubber bush (grommet) at a bush attaching part (not shown) provided
in the vehicle body frame 2, and the inserted part 95B on the rear side is inserted into the recessed part 92A on the outside of the abutting part 92 of the first side cover 90L, whereby the second side cover 91L is tentatively locked to the outside of the first side cover 90L. Then, as shown in FIG 20, the screw 117 is passed through the screw passing part 96 of the second side cover 91L and fastened to the battery case 110, whereby the second side cover 91L is fixed.
[00120] When fixed to the battery case 110, as shown in FIG 16, the second side cover 91L covers the battery abutting part 90LA of the first side cover 90L and, simultaneously, covers the screw 115 for fixing the first side cover 90L to the battery case 110, whereby exposure of the battery abutting part 90L and the screw 115 to the exterior can be obviated, and a good appearance can be obtained.
[00121] Now, the battery case 110 will be described more in detail below. FIG 23(A) is a top plan view of the battery case 110, FIG 23(B) is a left side view, FIG 24(A) is a rear view, and FIG 24(B) is a right side view.
[00122] The battery case 110 has a bolt fastening part 120(seeFIG. 9) fastened to a left side surface of the main frame 21 by a bolt 121, and a bolt fastening part 122 fastened to the middle member 23 by a bolt, and is fixed through them to the main frame 21 and the middle member 23.
[00123] The battery case 110 is so shaped as to extend downwards from a left side surface of the main frame 21 at a position on the rear side of the air cleaner 70, when fixed to the vehicle body frame 21, as shown in FIG. 9. In other words, in the left side view shown in FIG 9, the battery case 110 is formed in such a shape as to substantially cover a roughly triangular space surrounded by the main frame 21, the middle member 23 and the rear member 24.
[00124] The battery case 110 generally includes, as one body, a battery disposing part 130 in which the battery 100 is disposed, a containing case part HO provided on the lower side of the battery disposing part 130, and an electrical equipment disposing part 150 provided on the upper side of the battery disposing part 130. The battery disposing part 130 includes a battery mount plate part 131 on which the battery 100 is mounted, and a back plate part 132 erecting so as to cover both side surfaces and the back surface of the battery 100. As shown in FIG. 15, the back plate part 132 is disposed close to the duct 74 constituting the intake port of the air cleaner 70, with some spacing therebetween, and thereby functions as a cover part for covering the vicinity of the inlet of the duct 74, thereby preventing the penetration of dust or rainwater into the duct 74.
[00125] The containing case part 140 has a box-like shape provided with an opening part 141 on one end side and extending in the vehicle body width direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening part 141 is located at a position on the lower side of the cover part 75 of the air cleaner case 71, on the vehicle body right side. For example, tools, documents or the like are contained in the containing case part 140. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 15, the first side cover 90R covering the vehicle body right side of the cover part 75 functions also as a lid for the opening part 141, so that the contained goods can be put into and removed from the containing case part 140 by detaching the first side cover 90R.
[00126] A starter relay switch 151 connected to a battery cable 101 extending from the battery 100 is attached to the electrical equipment disposing part 150 on the rear side of the battery disposing part 130, and fuse cases 153 and 154 are
attached to the electrical equipment disposing part 150 on the upper side of the battery disposing part 130 by a mount rubber 125. A starter motor cable 155 extending from the starter relay switch 151 extends between the fuse cases 153, 154 and the battery 100 toward the vehicle body front side, to be connected to a starter motor (not shown) disposed at the engine 6.
[00127] Thus, the battery case 110 is integrally provided with the containing case part 140 and the electrical equipment disposing part 150, which makes it possible to reduce the number of component parts, as compared with the case where these parts are formed as component parts separate from the battery case 110.
[00128] In this embodiment, the first side cover (battery cover) 90L for covering the battery 100 has the battery abutting part 90LA which abuts on the battery 100 when the first side cover 90L is fixed to the battery case 110, so that the first side cover (battery cover) 90L can press the battery 100 to the battery case 110 side. Therefore, the battery 100 can be effectively supported by only the first side cover 90L, without using a battery band, and it is possible to contrive reductions in the number of component parts and in weight, as compared with the case where a battery band is used.
[00129] Moreover, the lines a and ]3 (see FIG. 17) connecting the screw receiving parts 113, 113,113 (fastening positions) at which the first side cover 90L is fixed to the battery case 110 by the screws 115, 116,117 cross the battery 100, and an arbitrary fastening margin is provided between the battery abutting part 90LA of the first side cover 90L and the battery 100, so that the region surrounding the battery abutting part 90LA of the first side cover 90L can widely be elastically deformed by
the fastening margin. This makes it possible to restrict the movement of the battery 100 by effectively utilizing the elastic force of the first side cover 90L. In this case, the holding force for the battery 100 can be controlled by regulating the fastening margin and the distances between the screws 115, 116, 117, so that the holding force for the battery 100 can be secured without increasing the thickness of the first side cover 90L.
[00130] In addition, since the screw receiving parts 113, 113, 113 are provided on both sides of the battery 100, boss parts corresponding to the screw receiving parts 113, 113, 113 can be made to function also as restricting members for restricting the movements in the front-rear direction (the vehicle body front-rear direction) of the battery 100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23(A) and (B), a wall part 113B of the screw receiving part 113 and a case inside wall 110A are on the same plane, but a configuration can be adopted in which only the wall part 113B of the screw receiving part 113 is provided.
[00131] In addition, since the battery abutting part 90LA is projected toward the inside of the first side cover 90L, the regions ranging from edge parts of the battery abutting part 90LA to the surrounding parts 90LB, 90LC can be made to be easy to elastically deform. This also makes it possible to easily obtain an elastic force sufficient for holding the battery 100.
[00132] Further, since the second side cover (appearance cover) 91L is provided on the outside of the first side cover 90L, a recessed part corresponding to the battery abutting part 90LA of the first side cover 90L and the screw 115 can be hidden, whereby a good appearance can be secured. Thus, the load exerted on the first side cover 90L and the battery 100 can be dispersed to the vehicle body frame 2
[00133] In addition, since the battery abutting part 90LA is formed in a substantially triangular shape which is substantially along the outer shape of the second side cover 91L in side view, the battery abutting part 90LA can be made to overlap with the second side cover 91L correspondingly to any of various arbitrary designs of the second side cover 91L.
[00134] One of the screws 117 for fastening the first side cover 90L to the battery case 110 is made to function also as a screw for fastening the second side cover 91L to the battery case 110, which enables reductions in the number of component parts and in the number of assembling steps.
[00135] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the side covers 90L and 91L covering the battery 100 are made to function also as covers for covering an electrical equipment disposed in an electrical equipment disposing part 150, so that the number of component parts of the covers can be reduced, while preventing penetration of rainwater or dust to the electrical equipment side. Also, maintenance such as replacement of the battery 100 and the electrical equipment can be easily carried out by detaching the side covers 90L and 91L.
Since the air cleaner case 71 is disposed slantly in relation to the vehicle body front-rear direction and the battery 100 and the battery case 110 are disposed in the vacant space formed by disposing the air cleaner case 71 slantly, these component parts can be disposed in proximity to the center of the vehicle body, and the layout efficiency can be enhanced.
[00136] While the present invention has been described based on the embodiment above, it is obvious that the invention is not to be limited to the above
embodiment. For example, while the case of applying the present invention to an air cleaner layout structure and a battery support structure in a motorcycle has been described in the above embodiment, this application is not limitative, and the invention is widely applicable to air cleaner layout structures and to battery support structures for other saddle ride type vehicles such as three-wheel vehicles and four-wheel vehicles which are classified as ATV (all-terrain vehicles).
[00137] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
1.	An air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a saddle
ride vehicle having an air cleaner case disposed on a vehicle body frame,
wherein said air cleaner case comprises:
a dirty side part having an intake port,
a clean side part having a connecting tube, and
an element disposed between said dirty side part and said clean side part,
wherein said air cleaner case has a bulgy part bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to said connecting tube in the manner of being astride said vehicle body frame with reference to said element.
2.	The air cleaner layout structure-and battery support structure as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said air cleaner case is disposed slantly relative to a vehicle body
front-rear direction, and a battery is disposed in a space formed by disposing said air
cleaner case slantly.
3.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner case is provided with a relief part for avoiding said vehicle body frame.
4.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a battery case in which to dispose said battery, and a part near said intake port of said air cleaner case is covered with said battery case.
5.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth
in claim 2, wherein the battery is disposed in a battery case, and
wherein said battery support structure comprises:
a battery cover which is fastened to said battery case by a plurality of fastening members and which has a battery abutting part projected toward the inner side, and
at least one straight line connecting a plurality of fastening positions crosses said battery.
6.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle as set forth in claim 5, wherein said battery case is provided with fastening member receiving parts which are located on both sides of said battery and which correspond to said plurality of fastening members.
7.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle as set forth in claim 5, wherein an appearance cover is provided on the outside of said battery cover.
8.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle as set forth in claim 7, wherein said battery cover is so shaped that an outside part of said battery abutting part is recessed inwards, and said outside part of said battery abutting part is covered with said appearance cover.
9.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle
as set forth in claim 8, wherein said appearance cover covers said fastening members.
10.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle as set forth in claim 7, wherein said battery abutting part has a substantially triangular shape contained in the outer shape of said appearance cover in side view.
11.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle as set forth in claim 7, wherein said fastening members for fastening said battery cover to said battery case function also as fastening members for fastening said appearance cover to said battery cover.
12.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle as set forth in claim 5, wherein said battery cover covers an electrical equipment cable and a fuse.
13.	An air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a saddle ride vehicle having an air cleaner case disposed on a vehicle body frame,
wherein said air cleaner case comprises: a dirty side part having an intake port, a clean side part having a connecting tube, and
an element disposed between said dirty side part and said clean side part, wherein said air cleaner case has a bulgy part bulging to a vehicle body lateral side relative to said connecting tube in the manner of being astride said vehicle body
frame with reference to said element.
14. The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth in claim 13, wherein said air cleaner case is disposed slantly relative to a vehicle body front-rear direction, and a battery is disposed in a space formed by disposing said air cleaner case slantly.
15.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth in claim 13, wherein said air cleaner case is provided with a relief part for avoiding said vehicle body frame.
16.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth in claim 14, further comprising a battery case in which to dispose said battery, and a part near said intake port of said air cleaner case is covered with said battery case.
17.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure as set forth in claim 14, wherein the battery is disposed in a battery case, and
18.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle
as set forth in claim 17, wherein said battery case is provided with fastening member
receiving parts which are located on both sides of said battery and which correspond
to said plurality of fastening members.
19.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle
as set forth in claim 17, wherein an appearance cover is provided on the outside of
said battery cover.
20.	The air cleaner layout structure and battery support structure for a vehicle
as set forth in claim 19, wherein said battery cover is so shaped that an outside part of
said battery abutting part is recessed inwards, and said outside part of said battery
abutting part is covered with said appearance cover.
2152-CHE-2007 AMENDED CLAIMS 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-CHE-2007 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-CHE-2007 FORM-13 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-che-2007 form-3 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-che-2007 form-5 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-CHE-2007 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-CHE-2007 POWER OF ATTORNEY 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-CHE-2007 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 27-04-2011.pdf
2152-che-2007-abstract.pdf
2152-che-2007-claims.pdf
2152-che-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf
2152-che-2007-description(complete).pdf
2152-che-2007-drawings.pdf
2152-che-2007-form 1.pdf
2152-che-2007-form 18.pdf
2152-che-2007-form 26.pdf
2152-che-2007-form 3.pdf
2152-che-2007-form 5.pdf
2152/CHE/2007
1-1, MINAMI-AOYAMA 2-CHOME MINATO-KU TOKYO 107-8556
1 YOKURA, YASUFUMI C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME WAKO-SHI SAITAMA 351-0193
1 2006-265976 2006-09-28 Japan
2 2006-265978 2006-09-28 Japan