Fluid filter module

Abstract

A fluid filter module for a motor vehicle may include a housing shell and a filter. The housing shell may be cup-shaped. The filter may be at least partially disposed within the housing housing. The housing housing and the filter may be interconnected and collectively define a housing. The filter may divide an interior space of the housing into an unfiltered region and a filtered region. The housing may include an inlet and an outlet. The filter may include a filter frame and a filter media configured to at least one of remove and collect impurities from the fluid. The unfiltered region and the filtered region may be in fluid communication through the filter media. The filter frame is connected to the filter media and includes a frame wall for closing the open end of the housing shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to fluid filter modules, which may be used, for example, in drive systems (e.g., for traction motors), internal combustion engines, and / or motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional fluid filter module designs employ multiple parts and / or components to encapsulate the filter and guide fluid (e.g., transmission fluid) through it for filtration. For example, some traditional filter modules use a multi-part housing to encapsulate the filter. The filter is housed in a first housing section and covered by a second housing section. The first housing section, the second housing section, and the filter are then interconnected by welding (e.g., vibration welding). The welding of the two housing sections creates a seam between them, which is a potential point of failure, prone to unwanted leaks and / or ruptures. Furthermore, each part and / or component in a traditional fluid filter module design requires specialized tooling, its own machining equipment, and adds extra steps to the module assembly process. Therefore, the production cost of traditional fluid filter modules increases with the number of parts and / or components. Minimizing costs is a key factor in ensuring market competitiveness, making this issue crucial.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved fluid filter module to reduce or eliminate one or more problems or defects present in existing fluid filter modules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A fluid filter module for a motor vehicle may include a housing and a filter. The housing may be cup-shaped. The filter may be at least partially disposed within the housing. The housing and the filter may be interconnected and together define the housing. The filter may divide the internal space of the housing into an unfiltered area and a filtered area. The housing may include: i) an inlet through which fluid flows into the unfiltered area; and ii) an outlet through which fluid flows out of the filtered area. The filter may include: i) a filter frame; and ii) a filter medium configured to remove impurities from the fluid and collect at least one of the impurities. The unfiltered area and the filtered area are fluidly in communication with each other via the filter medium. The filter frame is connected to the filter medium and includes a frame wall for closing an open end of the housing.

[0005] A fluid filter module for a motor vehicle may include a monolithic housing and a filter. The housing may be cup-shaped. The filter may be at least partially disposed within the housing. The housing and the filter may be interconnected and together define the housing. The filter may divide the internal space of the housing into an unfiltered area and a filtered area. The housing may include: i) an inlet through which fluid flows into the unfiltered area; and ii) an outlet through which fluid flows out of the filtered area. The filter may include: i) a filter frame; and ii) a filter medium configured to remove impurities from the fluid and collect at least one of the impurities. The unfiltered area and the filtered area are fluidly in communication with each other via the filter medium. The filter frame is connected to the filter medium and includes a frame wall for closing an open end of the housing. The housing may also include a plurality of operating openings through which the filter can be operated to be clamped onto the housing and pressed onto the housing when the housing and the filter are interconnected.

[0006] The detailed description and accompanying drawings below will make other features and advantages apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Although the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations, various aspects of this disclosure can be better understood through the description of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and constructions disclosed in the drawings or in the detailed description below. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first exemplary fluid filter module; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing of the first fluid filter module; Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the filter in the first fluid filter module; Figure 5 and Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first fluid filter module in the middle; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a second exemplary fluid filter module; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the filter in the second fluid filter module; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the second fluid filter module; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the third exemplary fluid filter module; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the third fluid filter module; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the fourth exemplary fluid filter module; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the fourth fluid filter module; Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the fifth exemplary fluid filter module; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of the housing of the fifth fluid filter module; Figure 16 and Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A 3D view of the filter in the fifth fluid filter module; and Figure 18 and Figure 19 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the fifth fluid filter module. Detailed Implementation

[0008] The various embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0009] This disclosure discloses a fluid filter module 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 (e.g., a transmission oil filter module), which can be used, for example, in a drive system (e.g., for a traction motor), an internal combustion engine, and / or a motor vehicle. The module 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 is configured to allow fluid (e.g., transmission oil) to flow through and to remove and / or collect impurities from the fluid flowing through the module 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. A first exemplary fluid filter module 100 is shown below. Figure 1-6 As shown. The second exemplary fluid filter module 200 is as follows. Figure 7-9 As shown. The third exemplary fluid filter module 300 is as follows. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. The fourth exemplary fluid filter module 400 is as follows. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown. The fifth exemplary fluid filter module 500 is as follows. Figure 14-19 As shown. It should be understood that the advantages and / or benefits described below with respect to one or more exemplary fluid filter modules 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 also apply to any other exemplary fluid filter module 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 having the same and / or similar features, elements, etc. (which provide and / or achieve the above advantages and / or benefits).

[0010] Reference Figure 1-6 A first exemplary fluid filter module 100 includes a housing 102, a housing shell 130, a filter 150 (e.g., a filter assembly and / or subassembly), an inlet 110, an outlet 120, one or more operating openings 114A, 114B, and a seal 126. The housing shell 130 is a cup-shaped monolithic body. The filter 150 is at least partially disposed within the housing shell 130 and closes the housing shell 130 (e.g., the frame wall 170 of the filter 150 closes the openings and / or opening ends 130A of the housing shell 130). The housing shell 130 and the filter 150 are interconnected (e.g., joined by laser welding and / or laser welding) to form and / or define the housing 102. The operating openings 114A, 114B provide operating channels (e.g., clamping channels) for the portion of the filter 150 disposed within the housing shell 130 so that the filter 150 can be pressed and / or clamped onto the housing shell 130 when the filter 150 and the housing shell 130 are joined (e.g., laser welded). In at least some examples (e.g., modules 100, 500), after the housing 130 and filter 150 are connected, the operating openings 114A, 114B can function as the inlet opening 112 of the inlet 110, or have the same function as the inlet opening 112.

[0011] The housing 130 and the filter 150 (e.g., frame wall 170) together define and / or form the housing 102 of module 100. The housing 102 includes and / or defines an internal space 104. At least a portion of the filter 150 (e.g., substrate 156 and filter media 152A, 152B) is disposed within the internal space 104 of the housing 102, dividing the internal space 104 into an unfiltered region 104A and a filtered region 104B. The unfiltered region 104A and the filtered region 104B are in (e.g., exclusively) fluid communication via the filter 150 (e.g., filter media 152A, 152B). An inlet 110 (e.g., inlet opening 112) and operating openings 114A, 114B open to the unfiltered region 104A, while an outlet 120 (e.g., outlet opening 122) opens to the filtered region 104B. Fluid can flow into the unfiltered region 104A of module 100, housing 102, and / or internal space 104 through inlet 110. Fluid in unfiltered region 104A can flow through filter 150 (e.g., filter media 152A, 152B) into filtered region 104B of internal space 104. As fluid flows from unfiltered region 104A through filter 150 (e.g., filter media 152A, 152B) into filtered region 104B, filter 150 filters the fluid (e.g., removes and / or collects impurities contained in the fluid). Fluid can flow out of the filtered region 104B of module 100, housing 102, and / or internal space 104 through outlet 120.

[0012] Because the housing 130 and the filter frame 154 of the filter 150 are monolithic, the disclosed fluid filter module 100 contains fewer parts and / or components than conventional fluid filter modules. Therefore, compared to conventional fluid filter modules, module 100 requires less tooling, less processing equipment, and fewer assembly steps, enabling the disclosed module 100 to be manufactured at a lower cost. Furthermore, because the housing 130 is monolithic and seamless, the housing 102 has fewer seams, making it less prone to leakage and / or breakage compared to conventional fluid filter modules. Additionally, the housing 130 and the filter 150 (e.g., filter frame 154) are connected by a single laser-welded joint, which reduces processing costs and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process. Module 100 is also highly customizable, enabling various design variations while maintaining the laser-welded joint profile. By using the same laser-welded joint profile across multiple design variations, production costs can be further reduced.

[0013] Inlet 110 includes a plurality of inlet openings 112 through which fluid flows into the housing 102 and / or the unfiltered region 104A of the internal space 104. The inlet openings 112 are disposed within and defined by the housing 102. In some examples (see, for example...) Figure 1-9 and Figure 14-19 The inlet opening 112 is disposed in and defined by the filter 150 (e.g., frame wall 170).

[0014] The outlet 120 and / or housing 130 includes an outlet opening 122 through which fluid flows out of the filtered region 104B of the housing 102 and / or internal space 104. The outlet opening 122 is disposed within and defined by the housing 102 and / or housing 130. The outlet 120 and / or housing 130 also includes an outlet connector 124 through which the module 100, housing 102, and / or housing 130 can be connected to one or more other components that receive filtered fluid from the module 100. The outlet connector 124 is a generally annular body that extends from the housing 130 (e.g., top wall 132 and / or spoon-shaped portion 544) and extends around the outer periphery of the outlet opening 122. A seal 126 (e.g., an O-ring seal) is disposed on the exterior and / or outer periphery of the outlet connector 124 and extends along the outer periphery. The seal 126 is disposed and / or received in an annular groove defined by the outlet connector 124. In some examples (see, for example) Figure 1-13 The outlet opening 122 is disposed in and defined by the top wall 132 of the housing 130, and the outlet connector 124 extends from the top wall 132 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the housing 130 and substantially parallel to the opening end 130A of the housing 130 (see example). Figure 5 ), and / or transverse to the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134.

[0015] The housing 130 is a generally cup-shaped monolithic body with an opening and / or an open end 130A (e.g., a single open end 130A). The housing 130 has a generally trapezoidal shape (e.g., viewed from top, bottom, and side angles), and / or a generally trapezoidal cross-section in one or more planes perpendicular to the open end 130A of the housing 130 (e.g., a first plane extending between the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134, and a second plane extending between the first side wall 136 and the second side wall 138). The trapezoidal shape of the housing 130 and / or its cross-section helps to better control the flow rate of fluid through the module 100 and reduce the pressure drop when fluid flows through the module 100. Furthermore, the generally trapezoidal shape has been found to be advantageous for forming the monolithic housing 130 by injection molding, and in particular for removing and / or demolding the housing 130 from the mold.

[0016] The housing 130 includes a top wall 132, a bottom wall 134 disposed opposite to the top wall 132, and one or more side walls 136, 138, 140 extending between and connecting the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134. The top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134 are generally planar bodies, trapezoidally shaped. The long end / main end of the top wall 132 and the long end / main end of the bottom wall 134 are located at and / or partially define the open end 130A of the housing 130, while the short end / secondary end of the top wall 132 and the short end / secondary end of the bottom wall 134 are located at a closed end 130B of the housing 130 opposite to the open end 130A. The top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134 extend laterally (e.g., obliquely) relative to each other, such that the distance between the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134 is greater at the open end 130A of the housing 130 than at the closed end 130B. One or more sidewalls 136, 138 (e.g., first sidewall 136 and second sidewall 138) are also generally planar bodies, trapezoidal in shape. The first sidewall 136 and second sidewall 138 extend laterally and / or perpendicularly to the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134, such that the cross-sectional profile of the opening end 130A of the housing 130 and the internal space 104 of the housing 102 is generally rectangular (see example...). Figure 5 A sidewall 140 (which may be referred to as a third sidewall and / or endwall) disposed opposite to the open end 130A of the housing 130 (i.e., disposed at the closed end 130B) has an inclined structure. This endwall 140 includes a first endwall portion 140A and a second endwall portion 140B. The first endwall portion 140A extends from the top wall 132 to the second endwall portion 140B and is disposed laterally (e.g., inclined) relative to the top wall 132 and the second endwall portion 140B. The second endwall portion 140B extends from the bottom wall 134 to the first endwall portion 140A and is disposed laterally (e.g., inclined) relative to the bottom wall 134 and the first endwall portion 140A. The angle formed between the second endwall portion 140B and the bottom wall 134 is greater than the angle formed between the first endwall portion 140A and the top wall 132. In a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the housing 130, the length of the second endwall portion 140B is greater than the length of the first endwall portion 140A. This allows the distance between the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134 to decrease and / or narrow more gradually. Alternatively, the end wall 140 may be curved rather than inclined. In at least some examples, the inclined or curved structure of the end wall 140 is advantageous for the tooling design of the housing 130.

[0017] Filter 150 (which may be a filter assembly and / or subassembly) includes one or more filter media 152A, 152B and a filter frame 154 connected to and / or securing the filter media 152A, 152B. Filter media 152A, 152B are configured to remove and / or collect impurities from fluid flowing through module 100. In the exemplary example herein, filter media 152A, 152B are pleated filter media, but it should be understood that one or more filter media 152A, 152B may also have other shapes and / or structures.

[0018] The filter frame 154 includes a base 156, a peripheral wall 160, a plurality of fixed walls 162-166, and a frame wall 170. Optionally, the filter frame 154 also includes one or more supports 180A-180E. The filter frame 154 and its components (e.g., the base 156, peripheral wall 160, fixed walls 162-166, frame wall 170, and supports 180A-180E) are configured, constructed, and / or individually configured as monolithic bodies and / or components. The filter frame 154 is connected to the housing 130 by laser welding (e.g., by laser weld seam). Operating openings 114A and 114B provide operating channels (e.g., clamping channels) for the filter frame 154 portion (e.g., base 156) disposed inside the housing 130, so that the filter frame 154 (e.g., peripheral wall 160) can be pressed and / or clamped onto the top wall 132 of the housing 130 when the filter frame 154 is laser welded to the housing 130.

[0019] The base 156 of the filter frame 154 is generally planar and trapezoidal in shape, but other shapes may also be used. The base 156 extends generally parallel to the top wall 132 of the housing 130 (see example). Figure 6The substrate 156 includes and / or defines an opening 158 that forms and / or defines an inner periphery of the substrate 156. The opening 158 is generally rectangular, but may also take other suitable shapes, such as trapezoids. One or more filter media 152 are disposed and / or fixed in the opening 158, which may be divided by one or more fixed walls 166 into one or more media receiving portions 158A, 158B (e.g.). The substrate 156 includes multiple portions, including a first portion 156A, a second portion 156B, a third portion 156C, and a fourth portion 156D. The length of the first portion 156A is greater than the length of the second portion 156B. The first portion 156A and the second portion 156B are disposed opposite each other, while the third portion 156C and the fourth portion 156D are disposed opposite each other. The third portion 156C and the fourth portion 156D extend between and connect the first portion 156A and the second portion 156B of the substrate 156, forming a trapezoidal ring shape. The first, second, third, and fourth portions 156A-156D of the substrate 156 collectively define the opening 158. Optionally, the substrate 156 (e.g., the second portion 156B, the third portion 156C, and the fourth portion 156D) contacts and / or abuts against the housing 130 (e.g., the end wall 140, the first sidewall 136, and the second sidewall 138) to further secure the filter 150 within the housing 130.

[0020] A peripheral wall 160 is disposed on the substrate 156 and extends from the substrate 156 in a direction away from the unfiltered region 104A, and / or laterally (e.g., obliquely or vertically) to the substrate 156. The peripheral wall 160 extends around the substrate 156 and follows (e.g., mirrors) the outer and / or inner peripheries of the substrate 156. In the exemplary example herein, the peripheral wall 160 is disposed between the outer and inner peripheries of the substrate 156 (e.g., spaced apart from and / or concentrically disposed with respect to the outer and inner peripheries), but alternatively it may be disposed at either the outer or inner periphery of the substrate 156. The peripheral wall 160 makes sealing contact with and / or abuts against the top wall 132 of the housing 130 and partially defines the filtered region 104B of the interior space 104. The peripheral wall 160 is connected to the top wall 132 of the housing 130 by laser welding and / or laser weld seam, thereby forming a fluid seal between the filtered region 104B and the unfiltered region 104A of the interior space 104.

[0021] Fixed walls 162-166 extend from the base 156 into the unfiltered region 104A of the interior space 104 (i.e., in the direction opposite to the peripheral wall 160). Fixed walls 162-166 include a first fixed wall 162, a second fixed wall 164, and one or more optional third fixed walls 166. The first fixed wall 162 is disposed on a first side of the base 156, extending from a third portion 156C of the base 156 and extending along a first side of the opening 158, defined and / or delimited by the third portion 156C of the base 156. The second fixed wall 164 is disposed on an opposite second side of the base 156, extending from a fourth portion 156D of the base 156 and extending along a second side of the opening 158, defined and / or delimited by the fourth portion 156D of the base 156. The third fixed wall 166 is disposed between the first fixed wall 162 and the second fixed wall 164. A third fixing wall 166 extends between and connects the first portion 156A and the second portion 156B of the substrate 156. The third fixing wall 166 divides the opening 158 into a first media receiving portion 158A and a second media receiving portion 158B. The first media receiving portion 158A is at least partially defined by the first fixing wall 162, the third fixing wall 166, the first portion 156A, and the second portion 156B. The second media receiving portion 158B is at least partially defined by the second fixing wall 164, the third fixing wall 166, the first portion 156A, and the second portion 156B. A first filter medium 152A is disposed and / or fixed in the first media receiving portion 158A and connected to one or more of the first fixing wall 162, the third fixing wall 166, and the substrate 156 (e.g., the first portion 156A and / or the second portion 156B). The second filter medium 152B is disposed and / or fixed in the second medium receiving portion 158B and is connected to one or more of the second fixing wall 164, the third fixing wall 166, and the base 156 (e.g., the first portion 156A and / or the second portion 156B). Although Figure 1-13 Exemplary examples include a single third fixed wall 166, two media receptacles 158A, 158B and two filter media 152A, 152B, but module 100 may also include other desired numbers of fixed walls, media receptacles and filter media.

[0022] When the filter 150 is disposed within and / or connected to the housing 130, the frame wall 170 closes the opening end 130A of the housing 130 and partially defines and / or forms the housing 102. The frame wall 170 also partially defines and / or delineates the unfiltered region 104A of the interior space 104. The frame wall 170 is disposed on and connected to a first portion 156A of the substrate 156 (e.g., a monomer). The frame wall 170 extends from the first portion 156A of the substrate 156 in a direction opposite to the peripheral wall 160 and / or laterally towards the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130.

[0023] The frame wall 170 includes a plurality of members, rods, and / or slats 172, 174. The plurality of members 172, 174 include a plurality of first members and / or vertical members 172 and a plurality of second members and / or horizontal members 174. The first members 172 extend transversely to a first portion 156A of the base 156, transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the second members 174, generally parallel to the first sidewalls 136 and second sidewalls 138 of the housing 130, and / or generally parallel to each other. The second members 174 extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the first members 172, generally parallel to the first portion 156A of the base 156, generally parallel to the top wall 132 and bottom wall 134, and / or generally parallel to each other. The first members 172 and the second members 174 intersect each other to form a grid and / or lattice pattern. Therefore, the frame wall 170 can be considered and / or referred to as a lattice frame wall 176.

[0024] An inlet opening 112 is disposed in and defined by a frame wall 170. Due to the presence of the inlet opening 112 in the frame wall 170 (e.g., in modules 100, 200, 500), the frame wall 170 cannot form a fluid seal to the open end 130A of the housing 130. Each inlet opening 112 is formed and / or defined by two adjacent first members 172 and the space and / or gap between two adjacent second members 174 extending between the two adjacent first members 172. Therefore, the filter 150, filter frame 154, and / or frame wall 170 include and / or define the inlet 110 of module 100. In examples where the frame wall 170 includes the inlet 110 (e.g., in modules 100, 200, 500), the frame wall 170 and / or its members 172, 174 form and / or act as an inlet filter and / or protective grille to block, limit, and / or prevent debris or other objects from entering the housing 102 and / or the interior space 104.

[0025] Operating openings 114A and 114B are disposed in and defined by the frame wall 170. The first operating opening 114A is formed and / or defined by a fixed-end second member 174A, an adjacent second member 174C, a first-side first member 172A, and a first member 172C directly adjacent to the first-side first member 172A. The second operating opening 114B is formed and / or defined by a fixed-end second member 174A, an adjacent second member 174C, a second-side first member 172B, and a first member 172D directly adjacent to the second-side first member 172B. In the exemplary example herein, both the first operating opening 114A and the second operating opening 114B are partially defined by the same second member 174C, but this is not necessary.

[0026] The fixed end second component 174A is a second component 174 of the frame wall 170, which (i) is disposed at and / or forms the fixed end of the frame wall 170 that is connected to and / or fixed to the base 156, and / or (ii) is disposed at and / or contacts the top wall 132 closest to the outer shell 130. The free end second component 174B is a second component 174 of the frame wall 170, which (i) is disposed at and / or forms the free end of the frame wall 170 opposite to the fixed end of the frame wall 170 and / or the base 156, and / or (ii) is disposed at and / or contacts the bottom wall 134 closest to the outer shell 130. The first member 172A on the first side is a first member 172 of the frame wall 170, which (i) is disposed at and / or forms the end of the frame wall 170 opposite to the second member 172B on the second side, and / or (ii) is disposed at and / or contacts the first side wall 136 closest to the outer casing 130. The first member 172B on the second side is a first member 172 of the frame wall 170, which (i) is disposed at and / or forms the end of the frame wall 170 opposite to the first member 172A on the first side, and / or (ii) is disposed at and / or contacts the second side wall 138 closest to the outer casing 130. The first member 172A on the first side and the second member 172B on the second side extend between the fixed end second member 174A and the free end second member 174B and connect the two. The fixed end second member 174A, the free end second member 174B, the first side first member 172A, and the second side first member 172B extend around and / or define the outer perimeter of the frame wall 170.

[0027] The adjacent first member 172C is aligned with the first fixed wall 162, and / or the first operating opening 114A is aligned with the third portion 156C of the base 156. The adjacent first member 172D is aligned with the second fixed wall 164, and / or the second operating opening 114B is aligned with the fourth portion 156D of the base 156. Therefore, the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be inserted into the internal space 104 (e.g., the unfiltered area 104A) through the first operating opening 114A and the second operating opening 114B, respectively, and can be moved to contact and / or press against the third portion 156C and the fourth portion 156D of the base 156, thereby clamping the filter frame 154 onto the housing 130 when the filter 150 and the housing 130 are laser welded together. To better accommodate the movement of the clamping member (e.g., toward and / or away from the substrate 156) when clamping and / or releasing the filter frame 154 from the housing 130 during laser welding, the cross-sectional areas of the first operating opening 114A and the second operating opening 114B are typically larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet opening 112. After the housing 130 and the filter 150 are connected (e.g., laser welded), the operating openings 114A and 114B can function as the inlet opening 112 of the inlet 110, or have the same function as the inlet opening 112.

[0028] Supports 180A-180E support the filter 150 and / or the housing 130, and to a certain extent resist deformation of the housing 130 (e.g., preventing the housing 130 from collapsing and / or preventing obstruction and / or blockage of fluid flow through the module 100). Supports 180A-180E are disposed on and extend from the fixed walls 162-166. Supports 180A-180E are part and / or extensions of the fixed walls 162-166, and are integrally formed with the corresponding fixed walls 162-166. Furthermore and / or alternatively, one or more supports 180A-180E may be disposed on, extend from, and / or integrally formed with one or more portions 156A-156D of the base 156. Support portions 180A-180E (e.g., their free ends disposed opposite to the base 156) are configured to be slightly spaced from the housing 130 (e.g., not in contact with and / or abutting against the housing 130). Alternatively, one or more (e.g., each and / or all) of the support portions 180A-180E are in contact with and / or supported on the housing 130. A first subset of the support portions (e.g., support portion 180A) extends into the filtered region 104B of the interior space 104 and is disposed near and / or in contact with the top wall 132 of the housing 130. A second subset of the support portions (e.g., support portions 180B-180D) extends into the unfiltered region 104A of the interior space 104 and is disposed near and / or in contact with the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130.

[0029] The filter frame 170 includes five support portions 180A-180E (e.g., first support portion 180A, second support portion 180B, third support portion 180C, fourth support portion 180D, and fifth support portion 180E), but the number of support portions 180 can be set as needed. The first support portion 180A is located at or near the center of the third fixed wall 166 and extends into the filtered area 104B. The second support portion 180B is located at or near the center of the third fixed wall 166 (i.e., opposite to the first support portion 180A) and extends into the unfiltered area 104A. The third support portion 180C is located at or near the end of the third fixed wall 166 that connects to the second portion 156B of the substrate 156 and extends into the unfiltered area 104A. The fourth support portion 180D is located at or near the end of the first fixed wall 162 that connects to the second portion 156B of the substrate 156 and extends into the unfiltered area 104A. The fifth support 180E is located at or near the end of the second fixed wall 164 that is connected to the second part 156B of the substrate 156, and extends into the unfiltered area 104A.

[0030] The second exemplary module 200 is as follows Figure 7-9As shown. Module 200 includes a housing 102, a housing outer shell 130, a filter 150, an inlet 110, an outlet 120, one or more operating openings 214A-214D, and a seal 126. Apart from the structure of the frame wall 170, the structure of the inlet opening 212, the structure of the operating openings 214A-214D, and the additional multiple clamping supports 284A-284D, which will be further described below, module 200 and... Figure 1-6 The first exemplary module 100 is substantially similar to and / or identical to the first exemplary module 100 in the example.

[0031] Frame wall 170 is configured and / or can be considered and / or referred to as perforated frame wall 276. Frame wall 170 includes a perforated planar body 278, a fixed-end second member 174A, a free-end second member 174B, a first-side first member 172A, and a second-side first member 172B extending around the periphery of the perforated planar body 278 and / or forming its frame. The perforated planar body 278 includes inlet openings 212 that form and / or define perforations in the perforated planar body 278. The inlet openings 212 are disposed in and defined by the perforated planar body 278. The inlet openings 212 (relative to the inlet opening 112 of module 100) are smaller, circular, and / or annular in shape, and arranged in multiple rows and columns to form a grid. Therefore, filter 150, filter frame 154, and / or frame wall 170 include and / or define inlet 110 of module 200.

[0032] In addition to the five support portions 180A-180E, the filter frame 170 also includes multiple clamping supports 284A-284D (e.g., first clamping support 284A, second clamping support 284B, third clamping support 284C, and fourth clamping support 284D). Unlike the support portions 180A-180E, which have a generally planar raised structure, the clamping supports 284A-284D have a cylindrical and / or annular body structure, which improves their overall strength and durability, enabling them to be used to press the filter frame 154 onto the housing 130 during laser welding. The clamping supports 284A-284D are disposed on, extend from, and / or integrally formed with the base 156 of the filter frame 154. Similar to supports 180A-180E, the free end of each clamping support 284A-284D is configured to be slightly spaced from (e.g., not in contact with and / or abutting against) the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130, or alternatively, to contact and / or be supported on the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130. Each clamping support 284A-284D is aligned with a corresponding operating opening 214A-214D, which are provided in and defined by the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130. In other words, the housing 130 includes a plurality of operating openings 214A-214D. Each operating opening 214A-214D is aligned with a corresponding clamping support 284A-284D of the filter frame 154 and provides an operating channel for the clamping support to clamp and / or press the filter 150 relative to the housing 130 during laser welding of the filter 150 and the housing 130. Alternatively, the frame wall 170 and / or the perforated planar body 278 may include and / or define a plurality of operating openings similar to the operating openings 114A, 114B of the module 100.

[0033] A first clamping support 284A is disposed at or near the end of the third portion 156C of the base 156 that connects to the first portion 156A, extends into the unfiltered area 104A from the third portion 156C, and is aligned with the first operating opening 214A. A second clamping support 284B is disposed at or near the end of the fourth portion 156D of the base 156 that connects to the first portion 156A, extends into the unfiltered area 104A from the fourth portion 156D, and is aligned with the second operating opening 214B. A third clamping support 284C is disposed at or near the end of the third portion 156C of the base 156 that connects to the second portion 156B, extends into the unfiltered area 104A from the third portion 156C, and is aligned with the third operating opening 214C. A fourth clamping support 284D is disposed at or near the end of the fourth portion 156D of the base 156 that connects to the second portion 156B, extends from the fourth portion 156D into the unfiltered area 104A, and is aligned with the fourth operating opening 214D. In some examples, the clamping supports 284A-284D may extend into, at least partially disposed in, and / or completely pass through the respective operating openings 214A-214D.

[0034] During laser welding, each clamping member is inserted into the corresponding operating openings 214A-214D to engage and / or contact the corresponding clamping supports 284A-284D, and presses the clamping supports 284A-284D, thereby clamping and / or pressing the filter frame 154 onto the housing 130 when the filter 150 and the housing 130 are laser welded together (e.g., pressing the peripheral wall 160 onto the top wall 132). Positioning the clamping supports 284A-284D at or near the corners of the filter frame 154 and / or the base 156 allows for a more uniform pressure distribution when the filter frame 154 is pressed onto the housing 130, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage and / or contamination (e.g., forming a better and / or more reliable seal between the housing 130 and the filter frame 154).

[0035] In some examples, once the filter 150 and housing 130 are joined (e.g., laser welded), the operating openings 214A-214D remain open and unsealed (i.e., not fully closed, covered, and / or sealed). In such examples, the clamping supports 284A-284D may be configured to be slightly spaced from the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130 (see, for example...). Figure 9Alternatively, the clamping supports 284A-284D may contact and / or be supported on the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130, and may (e.g., partially and / or completely) cover the operating openings 214A-214D, but not seal the operating openings 214A-214D (e.g., the engagement and / or abutment of the clamping supports 284A-284D with the bottom wall 134 does not form a seal around the operating openings 214A-214D).

[0036] In other examples, once the filter 150 and housing 130 are joined (e.g., laser welded), the operating openings 214A-214D are closed, covered, and / or sealed to prevent fluid from flowing out of the housing 102 through the operating openings 214A-214D during operation. Alternatively, after the filter 150 and housing 130 are joined (e.g., laser welded), each clamping support 284A-284D may cover and seal the associated operating opening 214A-214D (see example...). Figure 11 Alternatively, the clamping supports 284A-284D do not seal the operating openings 214A-214D. After the laser welding process is completed, one or more (e.g., each) operating openings 214A-214D can be closed, covered, filled and / or sealed by one or more bodies (e.g., a plate, one or more plugs, caps and / or lids, etc.) and / or sealants (e.g., sealing materials and / or sealants).

[0037] The third exemplary module 300, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. Module 300 includes a housing 102, a housing shell 130, a filter 150, an inlet 110, an outlet 120, one or more operating openings 214A-214D, and a seal 126. Apart from the structure of the frame wall 170 and the inlet opening 312, which will be described below, module 300 is... Figure 7-9 The second exemplary module 200 is substantially similar to and / or identical to that in the example.

[0038] Frame wall 170 is configured and / or can be regarded as and / or referred to as solid frame wall 376. Frame wall 170 includes a solid planar body 378, a fixed end second member 174A, a free end second member 174B, a first side first member 172A, and a second side first member 172B extending around the periphery of the solid planar body 378 and / or forming its frame. Unlike the first exemplary module 100 and the second exemplary module 200, frame wall 170 and / or solid planar body 378 do not include (e.g., do not exist) openings, recesses, and / or similar structures, and fluid-tightly close the opening end 130A of housing 130.

[0039] An inlet opening 312 is disposed in and defined by the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130. The inlet opening 312 is located near the opening end 130A of the housing 130, between the first operating opening 214A and the second operating opening 214B. Optionally, the inlet openings 312 are linearly arranged between the first operating opening 214A and the second operating opening 214B. It is conceivable that the housing 130 may also include a single strip-shaped inlet opening instead of multiple inlet openings 312.

[0040] Fourth exemplary module 400, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown. The module 400 includes a housing 102, a housing outer shell 130, a filter 150, an inlet 110, an outlet 120, one or more operating openings 214A-214D, and a seal 126. In addition to the filter 150, it also includes a magnet housing 486 and one or more magnets 488, and the housing outer shell 130 includes a closing flange 442. The module 400 is connected to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The third exemplary module 300 is substantially similar to and / or identical to that in the example.

[0041] The filter 150 and / or filter frame 154 also include a magnet receiving portion 486 configured to receive and hold one or more magnets 488 for attracting, extracting, and / or capturing magnetic (e.g., ferro-containing) materials and / or particles suspended in the fluid flowing through the module 400. The magnet receiving portion 486 is connected to a first portion 156A of the base 156 and / or the frame wall 170. The magnet receiving portion 486 includes and / or defines a magnet receiving cavity for receiving one or more magnets 488. In an exemplary example, the magnet receiving portion 486 is configured and / or constructed as a cage-like structure, but other structures may also be used. The magnet receiving portion 486 has a single open end through which a magnet 488 can be inserted into the magnet receiving cavity. The open end of the magnet receiving portion 486 is located near the first portion 156A of the base 156. The open end of the magnet receiving portion 486 and / or the magnet receiving cavity is closed by a closing flange 442 of the housing 130, which extends from the top wall 132 at the open end 130A of the housing 130. When the filter 150 and the housing 130 are connected to each other, the closing flange 442 of the housing 130 aligns with and closes the open end of the magnet receiving portion 486, preventing the magnet 488 disposed therein from falling out.

[0042] Fifth exemplary module 500, such as Figure 14-19 As shown. Module 500 includes a housing 102, a housing outer shell 130, a filter 150, an inlet 110, an outlet 120, one or more operating openings 514A, 514B, and a seal 126. Except for a few differences described below, module 500 is similar to... Figure 1-6 The first exemplary module 100 is substantially similar to and / or identical to the first exemplary module 100 in the example.

[0043] The end wall 540 of the housing 130 includes a single portion that extends generally parallel to the opening end 130A, which is consistent with... Figure 1-6 The first exemplary module 100 differs from the housing 130, whose end wall 140 has an inclined and / or curved structure. The top wall 132 includes a spoon-shaped portion 544 extending from the top wall 132 in a direction away from the bottom wall 134. This portion is referred to herein as a "spoon-shaped portion" because its shape and / or appearance resembles a spoon-shaped vent on the hood and / or roof of an automobile (e.g., a sedan). The spoon-shaped portion 544 is located in or near the central region of the top wall 132. The spoon-shaped portion 544 includes a top wall 544A, an end wall 544B, and two side walls 544C, 544D, all extending from the top wall 132 of the housing 130. The end wall 544B of the spoon-shaped portion 544 is located near the outlet 120 and / or the end wall 540, and opposite the opening end 130A of the housing 130. The top wall 544A of the spoon-shaped portion 544 extends transversely to the top wall 132 and bottom wall 134 of the housing 130. Alternatively, the top wall 544A of the spoon-shaped portion 544 extends generally parallel to the bottom wall 134 of the housing 130. The spoon-shaped portion 544 defines and / or delineates an auxiliary region and / or an extended region 504C of the interior space 104, which expands the volume of the filtered region 104B and accommodates at least a portion of the fixed walls 562, 564 of the filter 150 and the filter media 152. The auxiliary region 504C of the interior space 104 can be considered as part of and / or forms part of the filtered region 104B.

[0044] An outlet opening 522 is disposed in and defined by a spoon-shaped portion 544 (e.g., top wall 544A and end wall 544B) of the housing 130. An outlet connector 524 extends from the housing 130 (e.g., spoon-shaped portion 544, top wall 132 and / or end wall 540) in a direction generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the housing 130 and generally perpendicular to the opening end 130A of the housing 130 (see example). Figure 19 ), and / or transverse to the top wall 132 and the bottom wall 134.

[0045] Unlike some other exemplary modules 100, 200, 300, and 400, filter frame 154 does not include any supports 180A-180E, any clamping supports 284A-284D, or a third fixing wall 166. However, it is conceivable that filter frame 154 of module 500 may also include one or more supports, one or more clamping supports, and / or one or more third fixing walls. Filter frame 154 includes a first fixing wall 562 and a second fixing wall 564, both of which extend from base 156 into the unfiltered region 104A (i.e., in the direction opposite to the peripheral wall 160), filtered region 104B, and auxiliary region 504C of interior space 104.

[0046] The frame wall 170 includes a fixed-end second member 174A, a free-end second member 174B, a first-side first member 172A, and a second-side first member 172B, which extend around and / or define the outer perimeter of the frame wall 170. The plurality of members includes a plurality of additional first members and / or vertical members 172, but does not include any other and / or additional second members and / or horizontal members 174. Therefore, the frame wall 170 can be considered and / or referred to as a slatted frame wall 576.

[0047] An inlet opening 512 is disposed in and defined by the frame wall 170. Each inlet opening 512 is formed and / or defined by the space and / or gap between two adjacent first members 172, a fixed-end second member 174A, and a free-end second member 174B. A first operating opening 514A is formed and / or defined by the fixed-end second member 174A, the free-end second member 174B, a first-side first member 172A, and a first member 172C directly adjacent to the first-side first member 172A. A second operating opening 514B is formed and / or defined by the fixed-end second member 174A, the free-end second member 174B, the second-side first member 172B, and a first member 172D directly adjacent to the second-side first member 172B. Therefore, the filter 150, the filter frame 154, and / or the frame wall 170 include and / or define the inlet 110 of the module 500.

[0048] This document describes numerous examples / implementations of various apparatuses, systems, and / or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / implementations described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these examples / implementations can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the examples / implementations described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the examples / implementations described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore should be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0049] Throughout this specification, references to "example," "in an example," "in conjunction with an example," "various embodiments," "in conjunction with an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "one embodiment," etc., all indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "example," "in an example," "in conjunction with an example," "in various embodiments," "in conjunction with an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "one embodiment," appearing throughout the specification, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more examples / embodiments in any suitable manner. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment / example can be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples, provided that such combination is not illogical or unachievable. Moreover, various modifications can be made to the teachings of this disclosure to adapt them to specific situations or materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] It should be understood that when referring to a single element, it is not necessarily limited to this, and may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, left to right, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to help the reader understand this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation, and in particular do not limit the position, orientation or use of the examples / embodiments.

[0051] "One or more" includes the following: one element performs one function; multiple elements perform one function (e.g., distributed execution); one element performs multiple functions; multiple elements perform multiple functions; or any combination of the above.

[0052] It should also be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used in some cases to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first element and the second element are elements, but they are not the same element.

[0053] The terminology used in describing the various embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] The terms "connection" (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate components connecting elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, movable connection, effective connection, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Therefore, a description of a connection does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and fixed to each other. Connections between electrical components (if any) may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of "for example" and "such as" in the specification should be interpreted broadly to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0055] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described in a particular order in combination of one or more steps herein, it should be understood that these methods may be implemented with different order of steps, with some steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps added, and / or with some steps omitted.

[0056] As used herein, the term “if” may optionally be interpreted, depending on the context, as “when,” “in response to determination,” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, the phrase “if determination” or “if [the condition or event] is detected” may optionally be interpreted, depending on the context, as “when determination,” “in response to determination,” or “when [the condition or event] is detected,” or “in response to detection.”

[0057] All content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative only and not restrictive. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from this disclosure.

[0058] It should be understood that the controllers, systems, and / or processors described herein may include conventional processing means known in the art, capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in associated memory, all of which operate as described herein. To some extent, the methods described herein are embodied in software, and the resulting software may be stored in associated memory and may also constitute means for performing such methods. Such systems or processors may also employ types including ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), combinations of RAM and ROM, and / or combinations of non-volatile and volatile memory, so that any software can be stored while simultaneously storing and processing dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0059] It should also be understood that the article of manufacture according to this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is encoded for implementing the logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include code for performing one or more methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to be executed by one or more processors, for example, multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed across and connected to a communication network, which may be a wired network and / or a wireless network. When executed by a processor, the code for implementing one or more features described in conjunction with one or more embodiments may cause multiple transistors to change from a first state to a second state. At least to some extent, the specific pattern of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which do not change state) may be determined by logic and / or code.

Claims

1. A fluid filter module for a motor vehicle, comprising: Cup-shaped shell; A filter is at least partially disposed within the housing enclosure; The outer shell and the filter are interconnected and together define the shell, and the filter divides the internal space of the shell into an unfiltered area and a filtered area; The housing includes: i) an inlet through which fluid can flow into the unfiltered area; and ii) an outlet through which fluid can flow out of the filtered area; The filter includes: i) a filter frame; and ii) a filter medium configured to remove and collect at least one of the impurities in the fluid, wherein the unfiltered area and the filtered area are fluidly connected to each other via the filter medium; and The filter frame is connected to the filter medium and includes a frame wall for closing the open end of the housing.

2. The fluid filter module according to claim 1, wherein, The outer shell is a single-piece component.

3. The fluid filter module according to claim 1, wherein, The housing also includes a plurality of operating openings, through which the filter can be operated to be either clamped onto the housing or pressed onto the housing when the housing and the filter are connected to each other.

4. The fluid filter module according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of operating openings lead to the unfiltered area of ​​the interior space.

5. The fluid filter module according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of operating openings are disposed in and defined by the frame wall.

6. The fluid filter module according to claim 5, wherein, The inlet includes a plurality of inlet openings disposed in and defined by the frame wall.

7. The fluid filter module according to claim 6, wherein, The frame wall is one of the following: lattice frame wall, perforated frame wall, and slat frame wall.

8. The fluid filter module according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of operating openings are disposed within and defined by the housing housing.

9. The fluid filter module according to claim 8, wherein, The inlet includes a plurality of inlet openings disposed within and defined by the housing shell.

10. The fluid filter module according to claim 8, wherein, The frame wall is a solid frame wall and the opening of the shell is sealed by a fluid seal.

11. The fluid filter module according to claim 8, wherein: The filter frame further includes a base and a plurality of clamping supports extending laterally from the base; and The plurality of operating openings are respectively aligned with corresponding clamping supports among the plurality of clamping supports, such that when the filter and the housing are connected to each other, the plurality of clamping supports can be operated to clamp the filter on the housing and press it on the housing at least once.

12. The fluid filter module according to claim 1, wherein: The filter frame also includes a base and a peripheral wall extending laterally from the base; The filter is connected to the housing via the peripheral wall; and The peripheral wall is laser welded to the outer shell of the housing.

13. The fluid filter module according to claim 1, wherein, The outer shell of the housing has a trapezoidal cross-section in at least one plane perpendicular to the open end of the housing.

14. The fluid filter module according to claim 1, wherein, The filter frame also includes a trapezoidal annular planar substrate defining an opening in which the filter medium is disposed.

15. The fluid filter module according to claim 14, wherein: The matrix comprises a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fourth part; The first part is configured as an opening near the outer shell of the housing; The second part is positioned opposite to the first part; The third and fourth portions extend between the first and second portions and connect the two; as well as The length of the first part is greater than the length of the second part.

16. The fluid filter module according to claim 15, wherein, The filter frame also includes a peripheral wall extending laterally from the substrate, the peripheral wall being laser-welded to the housing shell and at least partially defining the filtered area of ​​the interior space.

17. The fluid filter module according to claim 15, wherein: The frame wall includes a plurality of operating openings, which allow the filter to be operated via the plurality of operating openings to be either pressed against the housing or clamped against the housing when the housing and the filter are connected to each other. as well as The plurality of operating openings include: A first operating opening is aligned with the third portion of the substrate; as well as The second operating opening is aligned with the fourth portion of the substrate.

18. A fluid filter module for a motor vehicle, comprising: Monolithic cup-shaped shell; A filter is at least partially disposed within the housing housing; The outer shell and the filter are interconnected and together define the shell, and the filter divides the internal space of the shell into an unfiltered area and a filtered area; The housing includes: i) an inlet through which fluid can flow into the unfiltered area; and ii) an outlet through which fluid can flow out of the filtered area; The filter includes: i) a filter frame; and ii) a filter medium configured to remove and collect at least one of the impurities in the fluid, wherein the unfiltered area and the filtered area are fluidly connected to each other via the filter medium. The filter frame includes a frame wall for closing the open end of the housing shell; and The housing also includes a plurality of operating openings, through which the filter can be operated to be pressed against the housing and clamped onto the housing when the housing and the filter are connected to each other.

19. The fluid filter module according to claim 18, wherein: The plurality of operational openings lead to the unfiltered area of ​​the interior space; and The plurality of operating openings are provided in and defined by at least one of the frame wall and the housing shell.

20. The fluid filter module according to claim 18, wherein, The inlet includes a plurality of inlet openings, which are disposed in and defined by at least one of the frame wall and the housing shell.

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