FILTER TO BE FIXED TO THE INLET OF A FUEL TANK AND TANK INLET

Description

1 / 21 “FILTER TO BE FIXED AT THE FUEL TANK INLET AND TANK INLET” TECHNICAL AREA

[001] The present invention relates to a filter and a tank inlet. Background of the Invention

[002] A saddle-type vehicle is known in which a filter is provided in an opening of a fuel tank inlet (see, for example, JP2014-201188A). The filter described in JP2014201188A is cylindrical with a bottom, and an outer peripheral surface and a bottom surface of the filter are each formed by a perforated plate. A nozzle is inserted into the filter, and fuel is supplied from the nozzle through the filter to the fuel tank. As the fuel passes through the perforated plate of the filter, contamination present in the fuel is captured by the perforated plate.

[003] However, there are manufacturing restrictions regarding the diameter of the orifice and the pitch of the perforated plate, and there is a limit to how large the orifice diameter can be or how precise the pitch can be. For this reason, a filter formed by a perforated plate has the disadvantage that the resistance to fuel flow becomes large, making fuel delivery difficult. Brief Description of the Invention

[004] Aspects of embodiments not limited to the present disclosure relate to the provision of a filter and a tank inlet that can reduce the flow resistance experienced by the fuel and smoothly deliver the fuel to a fuel tank.

[005] Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure address the features discussed above and / or others. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 10 / 47 2 / 21 features not described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not necessary to address the features above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure may not address the features described above.

[006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a filter is provided for connection to a tank inlet of a fuel tank, the filter including: - a perimeter wall formed with a first member having numerous holes and formed in a cylindrical shape with openings on both the upper and lower sides; and - a lower wall formed with a second member having numerous holes and shaped so as to close off a lower portion of the perimeter wall, - where the resistance to flow that the fuel encounters when passing through the second member is less than the resistance to flow that the fuel encounters when passing through the first member. Brief Description of the Drawings

[007] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of the periphery of a fuel tank according to an example; Figure 2 is a side view of a tank inlet according to the example; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel tank from Figure 1 taken along line AA; Figure 4 is a top view of a filter according to the example; Figure 5 is a side view of the filter according to the example; Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 11 / 47 3 / 21 Figure 6 is a perspective view of an inlet cup and a support according to the example, seen from above; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inlet cup and support as per the example, viewed from below; Figure 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a filter assembly operation according to the example; Figure 8B is a diagram illustrating the example of the filter assembly operation according to the example; Figure 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of the filter assembly operation according to the example; Figure 9B is a diagram illustrating the example of the filter assembly operation according to the example; and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a fuel supply operation according to the example. Detailed Description of the Invention

[008] A filter according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to be fixed to a fuel tank inlet. A peripheral wall of the filter is formed by a first member with numerous holes and in a cylindrical shape, with openings on the upper and lower sides. A lower wall of the filter is formed by a second member with numerous holes and closes a lower portion of the peripheral wall. When a nozzle is inserted into the filter, fuel is supplied to the fuel tank through the numerous holes in the first member of the peripheral wall and through the numerous holes in the second member of the lower wall. The resistance to flow that the fuel receives when passing through the second member is less than the resistance to flow that the fuel receives when passing through the first member. The fuel passes easily through the lower wall formed by the second member and, while contamination is captured by the second member, the Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 12 / 47 4 / 21 fuel is smoothly supplied to the fuel tank via the second member. Method of implementation

[009] Next, a tank inlet of this example will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a top view of the periphery of a fuel tank of this example. Figure 2 is a side view of the tank inlet of this example. In the following drawings, an arrow Fr indicates the front of a vehicle, an arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, an arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and an arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle. In Figure 2, the fuel tank is indicated by a dashed two-point line.

[0010] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a collector tube (10) is installed at the front of a saddle-type vehicle (1), and a handlebar (11) is installed on top of the collector tube (10). A tank rail (12) extends rearward from the collector tube (10), and a fuel tank (13) is positioned on the tank rail (12). A circular refueling port (31) (see Figure 3) is formed by a tank inlet (20) in the center of the top of the fuel tank (13) (see Figure 2), and a tank cap (14) for opening and closing the refueling port (31) is attached to the tank inlet (20) (see Figure 1). With the tank cap (14) open, a nozzle is inserted into the refueling port (31) of the tank inlet (20) to supply fuel to the fuel tank (13).

[0011] The tank inlet (20) is provided with an inlet plate (24), to which the tank lid (14) is attached. An inlet cup (30) is provided in the center of a lower surface of the inlet plate (24). The inlet cup (30) has a filling port (31) formed on an upper surface and a connection port (32) (see Figure 3) formed on a lower surface. A filter (50) with a cylindrical shape at the bottom is provided with Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 13 / 47 5 / 21 removable form in the connection port (32) on a lower surface (36) (see Figure 6) of the inlet cup (30). The filter (50) projects significantly from the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30) towards a storage compartment of the fuel tank (13). A drain tube (21) is connected to the lower surface of the inlet plate (24), and liquid droplets on the inlet plate (24) are discharged through the drain tube (21).

[0012] A separator (22) is supported on the lower rear part of the inlet plate (24), and a gas-liquid separation chamber is formed within the separator (22), and the fuel that entered the separator (22) is separated into a liquid component and a gaseous component. A vent tube (23) projects from the lower surface of the separator (22) into the gas-liquid separation chamber, and a return port (not shown) is formed on the lower surface of the separator (22). The gaseous component of the fuel is discharged to the outside through the vent tube (23), and the liquid component of the fuel is returned to the storage compartment of the fuel tank (13) through the return port.

[0013] However, when using fuel with a high alcohol concentration, contamination of the fuel may occur due to the fuel supply facilities available on the market. For this reason, a filter is usually installed at the tank inlet to filter the fuel. There are removable and fixed filters, but considering the ease of removing contamination, a removable filter is preferable. When the filter is entirely made of a perforated plate, the resistance to fuel flow increases, preventing a uniform fuel supply. Therefore, in this example, a metal mesh with low flow resistance is used as the bottom wall of the filter.

[0014] The tank inlet will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel tank of Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 14 / 47 6 / 21 Figure 1, taken along line AA. Figure 4 is a top view of the filter in this example. Figure 5 is a side view of the filter in this example. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the inlet cup and support in this example, viewed from above. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inlet cup and support in this example, viewed from below. Additionally, an outer cylinder of the inlet cup is omitted in Figures 6 and 7. In the following description, a clockwise direction refers to a clockwise direction centered on the supply port when viewed from above, and a counterclockwise direction refers to a counterclockwise direction centered on the supply port when viewed from above.

[0015] As illustrated in Figure 3, an outer surface of the fuel tank (13) is covered with a tank cap (15). The tank inlet (20) is provided in an opening of the fuel tank (13), and the tank inlet (20) is exposed to the outside through an opening in the tank cap (15). The inlet plate (24) of the tank inlet (20) has a shallow bottom, and a peripheral wall of the inlet plate (24) is joined to an opening edge of the fuel tank (13). The inlet cup (30) is joined to a central opening of the inlet plate (24). The inlet cup (30) has a double cylinder structure consisting of an outer cylinder (33) and an inner cylinder (34), and the outer cylinder (33) and the inner cylinder (34) are combined to form the inlet cup (30) in a cylindrical shape with a bottom.

[0016] The outer cylinder (33) of the inlet cup (30) is joined to an opening edge of the inlet plate (24), and an upper portion of the outer cylinder (33) is folded inward to form the supply port (31) on an upper surface of the inlet cup (30). The inner cylinder (34) of the inlet cup (30) is joined to an inner surface of the outer cylinder (33), and a lower plate (35) with an annular shape projects inward from a lower end of the inner cylinder (34) to form the connection port. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 15 / 47 7 / 21 (32) on a lower surface of the inlet cup (30). A support (40) is attached to an inner surface of the inner cylinder (34) of the inlet cup (30), and a filter (50) is held detachable in the inlet cup (30) by the support (40). A detailed configuration of the support (40) will be described below.

[0017] The filter (50) has a perforated tube (peripheral wall) (51) made of a perforated plate having numerous holes. The perforated tube (51) is cylindrical in shape, with open upper and lower faces. A flange ring (connecting member) (55) configured to engage with an opening edge of the connecting port (32) of the inlet cup (30) is joined to an upper portion of the perforated tube (51). A lower portion of the perforated tube (51) is closed by a lower mesh (lower wall) (52) made of a metal mesh with numerous holes. A reinforcing element (53) is fixed to the inside of the lower portion of the perforated tube (51), and the lower mesh (52) is supported from below by the reinforcing element (53).

[0018] Here, the perforated plate exhibits greater rigidity than the metal mesh, but the metal mesh has a higher opening ratio and therefore lower flow resistance than the perforated plate. A peripheral wall of the filter (50) is formed by the perforated tube (51), so that the rigidity of the filter (50) is increased and a nozzle (65) (see Figure 10) is properly fixed during fuel supply. Furthermore, as the lower wall of the filter (50) is formed by the lower mesh (52), the flow resistance that the fuel receives when passing through the lower mesh (52) is reduced and thus the fuel is supplied smoothly. In addition, the productivity of the filter (50) is improved with the use of a perforated plate.

[0019] A pair of U-shaped plugs (54) project radially into the perforated tube (51) at a position above the lower mesh (52). By the nozzle (65) that touches the pair of plugs (54), the nozzle (65) does not come into contact with the lower mesh (52), thus avoiding damage to the mesh. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 16 / 47 8 / 21 lower (52). The pair of plugs (54) also functions as an operating portion in which a tool (not shown) is attached when attaching or detaching the filter (50). U-shaped portions of the pair of plugs (54) define openings, and the filter (50) can be easily attached and detached from the inlet cup (30) by hooking the tool into the openings of the pair of plugs (54).

[0020] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a flange ring (55) in the upper portion of the perforated tube (51) is formed by a flange plate (56) with a diameter larger than the connection port (32) (see Figure 3) of the inlet cup (30). Four protruding pieces (57) project radially outward from the flange plate (56), and the four protruding pieces (57) are positioned at equal intervals in a circumferential direction (at 90-degree intervals in this example). Three of the protruding pieces (57) have mountain-shaped convex portions (58) on their upper surfaces, and the remaining protruding piece (57) has a hemispherical protrusion (59) on its upper surface. The convex portion (58) is formed by cutting and bending both sides of the protruding piece (57), and the protrusion (59) is formed by joining the protruding piece (57).

[0021] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in the lower portion of the perforated tube (51), an outer edge of the circular lower mesh (52) is folded downwards, and the outer edge of the lower mesh (52) is compressed between the perforated tube (51) and the reinforcing element (53). The lower mesh (52) can be easily fixed by the perforated tube (51) and the reinforcing element (53), thus improving the productivity of the filter (50). Furthermore, the lower mesh (52) is positioned above a lower end of the perforated tube (51), and the entirety of the lower mesh (52) is surrounded by the perforated tube (51). The lower mesh (52) is protected by the perforated tube (51), and deformation and damage to the lower mesh (52) are suppressed when the filter (50) is fixed or removed.

[0022] In addition, a pair of caps (54) is provided in a Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 17 / 47 9 / 21 inner surface of the perforated tube (51) at the same height. The pair of plugs (54) is formed by bending a solid steel material with a circular cross-section in a U shape. The pair of plugs (54) is adjacent to and above the lower mesh (52), and the nozzle (65) (see Figure 10) is inserted deep into the filter (50). In this case, the length of the perforated tube (51) and the height of the pair of plugs (54) are adjusted so that a sensor (66) (see Figure 10) to interrupt the supply from the nozzle (65) is located below the inlet cup (30). As the plug (54) is located close to the lower mesh (52), the perforated tube (51) does not become longer than necessary.

[0023] The pair of plugs (54) is spaced apart to leave a center of the perforated tube (51) empty, and the pair of plugs (54) faces each other, with the center of the perforated tube (51) between them. Even when the nozzle (65) touches the pair of plugs (54), the impact is received approximately uniformly by the pair of plugs (54), and the deformation of the plugs (54) is suppressed. By hooking a tool onto the pair of plugs (54), the rotational torque can be easily transmitted from the tool to the filter (50) when connecting or disconnecting the filter (50) from the inlet cup (30). A procedure for connecting and disconnecting the filter (50) from the inlet cup (30) will be described below.

[0024] In a cross-sectional view, the upper portions of the pair of plugs (54) are formed with curved surfaces projecting upwards, and the pair of plugs (54) is spaced so as to leave the center of the perforated tube (51) empty. The flow resistance that the fuel receives when passing through the pair of plugs (54) is reduced, and the flow resistance experienced by the fuel when passing between the pair of plugs (54) is also reduced, so that the fuel is smoothly supplied to the fuel tank (13). As described above, the pair of plugs (54) is U-shaped and installed in the perforated tube (51) so that the curved portions Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 47 10 / 21 are oriented vertically. The stiffness of the pair of plugs (54) in the direction of insertion of the nozzle (65) is increased, and the deformation of the pair of plugs (54) is suppressed even when the nozzle (65) touches the pair of plugs (54).

[0025] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the support (40) is attached to the inner surface of the inner cylinder (34) of the inlet cup (30). The support (40) is formed in a substantially annular shape and is provided with four fastening pieces (41) corresponding to the four protruding pieces (57) (see Figure 3) of the filter (50). A gap is provided between the four fastening pieces (41) of the support (40) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30) and when the filter (50) is fixed, the four protruding pieces (57) of the filter (50) are compressed between the four fastening pieces (41) of the support (40) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). The filter (50) is held in an axial direction by the support (40) and the inlet cup (30) to avoid noise.

[0026] More specifically, the four fastening pieces (41) are staggered downwards inwards in a radial direction, and one of the four fastening pieces (41) is partially bent inwards in the radial direction. The lower end surfaces of the three fastening pieces (41) are formed with inclined surfaces (42) corresponding to the convex portions (58) of the three protruding pieces (57), and a lower surface of the remaining fastening piece (41) is formed with a recess (45) corresponding to the protrusion (59) of one of the protruding pieces (57). The inclined surface (42) is inclined so as to become lower in a clockwise direction, and the distance between the inclined surface (42) of each fastening piece (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30) becomes narrower in a clockwise direction. That is, the clockwise direction is a mounting direction in which the four protruding pieces (57) fit into the gaps.

[0027] Furthermore, in the support (40), a notch (46) is formed between adjacent fastening parts (41), so that the protruding parts (57) do not interfere Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 19 / 47 11 / 21 into each other when the filter (50) is fixed or removed. A width of each notch (46) is formed greater than the width of each protruding piece (57), and a recessed amount of each notch (46) is formed greater than the protruding amount of each protruding piece (57). Therefore, when each protruding piece (57) is positioned in each notch (46), each protruding piece (57) can pass through each notch (46) in the vertical direction. Furthermore, each notch (46) is connected to a gap between each fixing piece (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30), and each fixing piece (41) is formed so as to be guided into the gap by each notch (46) of the support (40).

[0028] As described above, the three fastening pieces (41) are formed, respectively, with the inclined surfaces (42), and when the filter (50) is rotated clockwise, the inclined surfaces (42) press down the convex portions (58), thus holding the filter (50) firmly in the inlet cup (30). A retaining portion (43), shaped like a mountain, is formed at one end of the inclined surface (42), in the counter-clockwise direction. A protruding extension of the retaining portion (43) of each fastening piece (41) is designed to be large enough that each protruding piece (57) can pass through it, by means of a slight elastic deformation of each protruding piece (57). When the retaining portions (43) come into contact with the convex portions (58) of the protruding parts (57), the reverse rotation (counterclockwise rotation) of the filter (50) is prevented, making it difficult for the filter (50) to exit the inlet cup (30).

[0029] The other clockwise ends of the inclined surfaces (42) of the three fastening pieces (41) are connected respectively to the contact surfaces (44). The contact surfaces (44) of the three fastening pieces (41) are formed parallel to the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). The contact surface (lower end) (44) of each fastening piece (41) is in contact with the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 20 / 47 12 / 21 (30), ensuring positional accuracy between the inclined surface (42) of each fixing piece (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). As a result, a distance between the inclined surface (42) of each fixing piece (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30), and a distance between the retaining portion (43) of each fixing piece (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30) are of appropriate dimensions, so that the three protruding pieces (57) are stably held by the three fixing pieces (41) while the reverse rotation of the filter (50) is adequately suppressed.

[0030] As described above, the recess (45) is formed in one of the fixing pieces (41), and the filter (50) is positioned in the inlet cup (30), fitting the protrusion (59) of one of the protruding pieces (57) into the recess (45). The protrusion (59) is formed in a hemispherical shape, and the protrusion (59) of the protruding piece (57) fits into the recess (45) of the fixing piece (41) to position and hold the filter (50) in relation to the inlet cup (30) with an appropriate force. Furthermore, when removing the filter (50), the curved hemispherical shape of the protrusion (59) facilitates the removal of the filter (50) from the recess (45). The fastening piece (41) with the inclined surface (42) and the fastening piece (41) with the recess (45) are formed simultaneously by pressing the same support (40), so that the processing accuracy of the support (40) is improved.

[0031] A filter assembly operation will be described with reference to Figures 8A to 9B. Figures 8A to 9B are diagrams illustrating an example of the filter assembly operation in this example. Figures 8A and 9A illustrate the filter assembly operation in a plan view, and Figures 8B and 9B illustrate the filter assembly operation in a cross-sectional view.

[0032] As illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B, when assembling the filter (50), the pair of stoppers (54) of the perforated tube (51) is secured using a Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 21 / 47 13 / 21 tool (not illustrated) or similar, and the four protruding parts (57) of the filter (50) are aligned with the four notches (46) of the support (40). Then, the perforated tube (51) is inserted into the connection port (32) of the inlet cup (30) until the flange ring (55) of the filter (50) comes into contact with the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). In this case, as the four protruding parts (57) pass through the four notches (46), the filter (50) does not interfere with the support (40), and the four protruding parts (57) are guided to the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30).

[0033] As illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B, when the flange ring (55) of the filter (50) comes into contact with the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30), the filter (50) (perforated tube (51)) is rotated clockwise by the tool. The four protruding pieces (57) fit into the openings between the four fixing pieces (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). The hemispherical protrusion (59) of one of the protruding pieces (57) fits into the recess (45) of one of the fixing pieces (41) and is positioned in a circumferential direction, and the convex portions (58) of the three protruding pieces (57) are pressed from above by the inclined surfaces (42) of the three fixing pieces (41). Furthermore, the convex portions (58) of the three protruding pieces (57) come into contact with the retaining portions (43) of the three fixing pieces (41), thus preventing the filter (50) from rotating in a reverse direction.

[0034] In this way, the four notches (46) of the support (40) guide the four protruding pieces (57) into the gaps between the four fixing pieces (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30), and the four protruding pieces (57) enter the gaps, thus regulating the movement of the filter (50) in the insertion / removal direction. Furthermore, the convex mountain-shaped portions (58) of the three protruding pieces (57) are positioned in valley-shaped portions at the lower ends of the three fixing pieces (41), thus restricting the movement of the filter (50) in a rotational direction. A Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 22 / 47 14 / 21 The filter (50) mounting operation on the inlet cup (30) can be easily performed, and the filter (50) is properly fixed in the inlet cup (30), thus suppressing the noise of the filter (50).

[0035] When removing the filter (50), an operational procedure is performed that is the reverse of the installation procedure. That is, the filter (50) (perforated tube (51)) is rotated counterclockwise by the tool, and the four protruding pieces (57) are removed from the gaps between the four fixing pieces (41) and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). The four protruding pieces (57) of the filter (50) are aligned with the four notches (46) of the support (40), and the filter (50) is pulled out of the inlet cup (30) so that the four protruding pieces (57) pass through the four notches (46). In this way, the filter (50) can be easily removed from the inlet cup (30).

[0036] A fuel supply operation will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fuel supply operation in this example.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 10, when performing the fuel supply operation, the nozzle (65) is inserted into the supply port (31) of the tank inlet (20) (inlet cup (30)). When the nozzle (65) enters the filter (50), the nozzle touches the pair of plugs (54) of the filter (50). In this case, when the nozzle (65) is touching the pair of plugs (54), the sensor (66) to interrupt the supply of fuel from the nozzle (65) is positioned below the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30). Therefore, fuel is not supplied to a position higher than the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup (30), and fuel is prevented from overflowing from the tank inlet (20).

[0038] During fuel supply, the nozzle (65) is held in a state inserted in the filter (50). The peripheral wall of the filter (50) is formed by a perforated tube (51), made of a highly rigid perforated plate. The perforated tube (51) holds the injector nozzle (65) stably during Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 23 / 47 15 / 21 fuel supply. The lower wall of the filter (50) is formed by the lower mesh (52), made of a metal mesh with a high opening ratio. The fuel is smoothly supplied to the fuel tank (13) through the lower mesh (52). In addition, the U-shaped plugs (54) are also installed vertically, and the upper portion of each plug (54) is curved in a convex shape, so that the fuel flow is less likely to be obstructed by each plug (54).

[0039] As described above, according to the filter (50) of this example, when the nozzle (65) is inserted into the filter (50), the fuel is supplied to the fuel tank (13) through the perforated tube (51) and the lower mesh (52). The flow resistance experienced by the fuel when passing through the lower mesh (52), made of metal mesh, is less than that experienced by the fuel when passing through the perforated tube (51), made of a perforated plate, making it easier for the fuel to pass through the lower mesh (52). While contamination is captured by the lower mesh (52), the fuel is smoothly supplied to the fuel tank (13) through the lower mesh (52).

[0040] In this example, the first member is a perforated plate and the second member is a metal mesh, but the first and second members are not limited to a perforated plate and a metal mesh. It is sufficient that the first and second members are members with multiple holes, and that the flow resistance experienced by the fuel when passing through the second member is less than the flow resistance experienced by the fuel when passing through the first member.

[0041] Furthermore, in this example, the plug is U-shaped, but the shape of the plug is not particularly limited, as long as it projects radially inward from the perforated tube at a position above the lower mesh. For example, the plug could be made of a material of Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 24 / 47 16 / 21 steel with a large wire diameter, or the plug can be formed from a plate material.

[0042] In addition, in this example, the filter is supplied with the pair of caps, but the perforated tube may be supplied with one cap, or it may be supplied with three or more caps.

[0043] Furthermore, in this example, the filter is provided with four protruding parts, but it is sufficient that the filter be provided with a plurality of protruding parts. For example, the filter may be provided with two protruding parts. Furthermore, although the support is provided with four fastening parts, the support may be provided with a plurality of fastening parts. For example, the support may be provided with two fastening parts.

[0044] Furthermore, in this example, convex portions are respectively provided on the three projecting parts and inclined surfaces are respectively formed on the three fastening parts, but it is sufficient that a convex portion be provided on at least one projecting part and an inclined surface corresponding to the convex portion be formed on at least one fastening part. For example, a convex portion may be provided on each of the four projecting parts and an inclined surface may be formed on each of the four fastening parts, or a convex portion may be provided on one projecting part and an inclined surface may be formed on one fastening part.

[0045] Furthermore, in this example, the protrusion is provided in a projecting part and the recess is formed in a fastening part, but it is sufficient that a protrusion is provided in at least one projecting part and a recess corresponding to the protrusion is formed in at least one fastening part. For example, protrusions may be provided, respectively, in all four projecting parts and recesses may be formed, respectively, in all four fastening parts, or protrusions may be provided, Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 25 / 47 17 / 21 respectively, in two protruding parts and recesses can be formed, respectively, in two fixing parts.

[0046] Furthermore, in this example, the outer edge of the bottom mesh is folded down and compressed between the perforated tube and the reinforcing element, but the method of attaching the bottom mesh is not particularly limited.

[0047] Furthermore, the filter in this example is not limited to use on saddle-type vehicles, and can be used on other vehicles or machines that use a fuel tank.

[0048] As described above, a first aspect is a filter (50) to be fixed to a tank inlet (20) of a fuel tank (13), the filter comprising a perimeter wall (perforated tube 51) formed with a first member having numerous holes and formed in a cylindrical shape with openings on the upper and lower faces, and a lower wall (lower mesh 52) formed with a second member having numerous holes and formed so as to close a lower portion of the perimeter wall, in which the resistance to flow that the fuel receives when passing through the second member is less than the resistance to flow that the fuel receives when passing through the first member. According to this configuration, when a nozzle is inserted into the filter, fuel is supplied to the fuel tank through the numerous holes in the first member of the perimeter wall and the numerous holes in the second member of the lower wall.The resistance to flow experienced by the fuel as it passes through the second member is less than that experienced by the fuel as it passes through the first member, and the fuel passes more easily through the lower wall formed by the second member. Therefore, contamination is captured by the second member, and the fuel is smoothly supplied to the fuel tank through the second member. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 26 / 47 18 / 21

[0049] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the first member is a perforated plate and the peripheral wall is a perforated tube (51) made of the perforated plate, and the second member is a metal mesh and the lower wall is a lower mesh (52) made of metal mesh. According to this configuration, the rigidity of the peripheral wall is increased by the perforated tube, and the nozzle is adequately maintained while the fuel is being supplied. The lower mesh reduces the flow resistance that the fuel experiences, allowing the fuel to be supplied smoothly. The use of a perforated tube in the peripheral wall improves the filter's productivity.

[0050] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the lower mesh is positioned above a lower end of the perforated tube, and an entire part of the lower mesh is surrounded by the perforated tube. According to this configuration, the lower mesh is protected by the perforated tube, and deformation or damage to the lower mesh is suppressed when the filter is fixed or removed.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the filter includes a reinforcing element (53) provided within the perforated tube so as to support the lower wall from below, where an outer edge of the lower mesh is folded down and compressed between the perforated tube and the reinforcing element. According to this configuration, by compressing the outer edge of the lower mesh between the perforated tube and the reinforcing element, the lower mesh can be easily fixed to the inside of the perforated tube, improving the filter's productivity.

[0052] In a fifth aspect, in any of the second to fourth aspects, the filter includes a plug (54) that projects radially inward from the perforated tube at a position above the lower mesh. According to this configuration, the nozzle rests against the plug, so that the nozzle does not come into contact with the lower mesh, thus avoiding damage to the mesh. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, p. 27 / 47 19 / 21 lower.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the buffer is arranged adjacent to and above the lower mesh. According to this configuration, the nozzle can be inserted deep into the filter.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the plug is composed of a plurality of plugs, and the plurality of plugs is spaced apart to leave a center of the perforated tube empty. According to this configuration, even when the nozzle touches the plugs, an impact is received by the plurality of plugs, and the deformation of the plugs is suppressed. Furthermore, the resistance to flow that the fuel experiences when passing between the plurality of plugs is reduced, allowing the fuel to be supplied smoothly to the fuel tank.

[0055] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the plug is a pair of plugs, and the pair of plugs faces each other. According to this configuration, even when the nozzle touches the pair of plugs, an impact is received approximately uniformly by the pair of plugs, thus suppressing the deformation of the plugs.

[0056] In a ninth aspect, in any of the fifth to eighth aspects, an upper portion of the cap is formed with a curved surface projecting upwards in a cross-sectional view. According to this configuration, the resistance to flow that the fuel experiences when passing through the cap is reduced, and the fuel is supplied smoothly to the fuel tank.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, in any of the fifth to ninth aspects, the plug is formed in a U-shape, and the plug is installed in the perforated tube so that a curved portion of the plug is oriented vertically. According to this configuration, the stiffness of the plug in the direction of nozzle insertion is increased, and the deformation of the plug is suppressed. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 28 / 47 20 / 21 even when the nozzle touches the cap.

[0058] An eleventh aspect is a tank inlet including the filter according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, an inlet cup (30) having a supply port (31) on an upper surface and a connection port on a lower surface, and a support (40) configured to hold the filter in the inlet cup, wherein the filter is detachably installed in the connection port (32) of the inlet cup, the filter is provided with a plurality of projecting parts (57) radially outwards, the support is provided with a plurality of fastening parts (41) corresponding to the plurality of projecting parts, gaps are provided between the plurality of fastening parts and the lower surface (36) of the inlet cup, and the support is formed so as to be able to guide the plurality of fastening parts into the gaps.According to this configuration, the multiple protruding filter elements are guided by the support and positioned in the gaps between the multiple fastening elements and the lower surface of the inlet cup. The multiple protruding filter elements are compressed between the multiple fastening elements of the support and the lower surface of the inlet cup. The filter is held in place in the inlet cup so that the nozzle does not come loose even when inserted into the filter, and filter noise caused by engine vibration is also reduced. Furthermore, the multiple protruding filter elements can slide out of the gaps between the multiple fastening elements and the lower surface of the inlet cup, allowing the filter to be easily removed from the inlet cup.

[0059] In a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, at least one of the plurality of projecting parts is provided with a convex portion (58), and the others of the plurality of projecting parts are provided with projections (59), at least one of the plurality of fastening parts is formed with an inclined surface (42) corresponding to the convex portion, and the others Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, p. 29 / 47 21 / 21 of the plurality of fixing parts are formed with recesses (45) corresponding to the protrusions, and the convex portion is pressed against the inclined surface as the filter is rotated in a direction in which the plurality of protruding parts enters the gap, and the filter is positioned in the inlet cup as the protrusion fits into the recess. According to this configuration, the convex portion of the protruding part is pressed down by the inclined surface of the fixing part, thus firmly holding the filter in the inlet cup, and the protrusion of the protruding part fits into the recess of the fixing part, thus positioning the filter in relation to the inlet cup.

[0060] Although the present example is described, other examples can be made by combining the example described above and examples of modification in whole or in part.

[0061] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the examples described above and can be modified, replaced, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical concept. Moreover, when technological advances or derived technologies allow the technical ideas to be realized in a different way, they can be implemented using this method. Therefore, the claims encompass all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical concept. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 30 / 47

Claims

1 / 3 Claims 1. FILTER (50) TO BE FIXED AT THE INLET OF A FUEL TANK (20), characterized by the filter (50) comprising: - a peripheral wall (51) formed with a first member having numerous holes and formed in a cylindrical shape with openings on both the upper and lower sides; and - a lower wall (52) formed with a second member having numerous holes and formed so as to close a lower portion of the peripheral wall (51), - wherein the resistance to flow that the fuel receives when passing through the second member is less than the resistance to flow that the fuel receives when passing through the first member.

2. FILTER (50), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first member is a perforated plate and the peripheral wall (51) is a perforated tube made of the perforated plate, and - the second member is a metal mesh and the lower wall (52) is a lower mesh made of metal mesh.

3. FILTER (50), according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower mesh (52) is positioned above a lower end of the perforated tube (51), and the entirety of the lower mesh (52) is surrounded by the perforated tube (51).

4. FILTER (50), according to claim 3, further characterized by comprising: - a reinforcing element (53) provided within the perforated tube (51) so as to support the lower wall (52) from below, - wherein an outer edge of the lower mesh (52) is bent downwards and compressed between the perforated tube (51) and the reinforcing element (53). Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page 31 / 47 2 / 3 5. FILTER (50), according to claim 2, characterized by further comprising a plug (54) that projects radially into the perforated tube (51) at a position above the lower mesh (52).

6. FILTER (50), according to claim 5, characterized in that the buffer (54) is disposed adjacent to and above the lower mesh (52).

7. FILTER (50), according to claim 5, characterized in that the plug (54) is a plurality of plugs (54), and the plurality of plugs (54) is spaced apart from each other to leave a center of the perforated tube (51) empty.

8. FILTER (50), according to claim 7, characterized in that the plug (54) is a pair of plugs (54), and the pair of plugs (54) face each other.

9. FILTER (50), according to claim 5, characterized in that an upper portion of the buffer (54) is formed with a curved surface protruding upwards in a cross-sectional view.

10. FILTER (50), according to claim 5, characterized in that the plug (54) is U-shaped, and the plug (54) is installed in the perforated tube (51) so that a curved portion of the plug (54) is oriented vertically.

11. TANK INLET (20), characterized by comprising: - the filter (50), as defined in any of claims 1 to 10; - an inlet cup (30) having a supply port (31) on an upper surface and a connection port (32) on a lower surface; and - a support (40) configured to hold the filter (50) in Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, page. 32 / 47 3 / 3 inlet cup (30), - wherein the filter (50) is installed in a removable manner in the connection port (32) of the inlet cup (30), - the filter (50) is provided with a plurality of protruding parts (57) that project radially outwards, - the support (40) is provided with a plurality of fixing parts (41) corresponding to the plurality of protruding parts (57), - gaps are provided between the plurality of fixing parts (41) and the lower surface of the inlet cup (30), and - the support (40) is formed so as to be able to guide the plurality of fixing parts (41) into the gaps. 1.

2. TANK INLET (20), according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the protruding parts (57) of the plurality of protruding parts (57) is provided with a convex portion, and the other protruding parts (57) of the plurality are provided with protrusions, - at least one of the fastening parts (41) of the plurality of fastening parts (41) is formed with an inclined surface corresponding to the convex portion, and the other fastening parts (41) of the plurality of fastening parts (41) are formed with recesses corresponding to the protrusions, and - the convex portion is pressed against the inclined surface while the filter (50) is rotated in a direction in which the plurality of protruding parts (57) enters the opening, and - the filter (50) is positioned in the inlet cup (30) while the protrusion fits into the recess. Petition 870250092780, dated 10 / 10 / 2025, pp. 33 / 47

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