Liquid separator, in particular for a fuel cell exhaust gas system, and method for manufacturing such a liquid separator
The use of connecting elements for housing parts in a fuel cell exhaust system simplifies and cost-reduces the manufacturing process by eliminating welding, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a stable, gas-tight connection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PUREM GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
The manufacturing of fuel cell exhaust system components, particularly the connection of housing parts, is time-consuming and costly due to the need for welding, which also complicates disassembly and requires extensive machinery.
A liquid separator design using connecting elements, such as U-shaped clamps or screw bolts, to join housing parts with consecutive connecting flanges, allowing for a simple, reliable, and detachable connection without the need for welding, ensuring defined positioning and gas-tight seals.
This method simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces machinery requirements, enables easy assembly and disassembly, and maintains a stable, gas-tight connection between housing parts, while being cost-effective and lightweight.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025083530_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0002] - 1 -
[0003] Liquid separator, in particular for a fuel cell exhaust system, and method for manufacturing such a liquid separator Description
[0004] The present invention relates to a liquid separator which can be used, for example, in a fuel cell exhaust system to separate water contained in the fuel cell exhaust gas from the fuel cell exhaust gas. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a liquid separator.
[0005] For reasons of both weight and cost, various components and system sections of fuel cell exhaust systems are largely constructed from plastic materials. System sections composed of multiple plastic parts are generally joined by welding. This necessitates a time-consuming and, due to the requirement for a welding system, costly process on the production line for manufacturing such fuel cell exhaust system components.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid separator, in particular for a fuel cell exhaust system, and a method for manufacturing such a liquid separator, with which a simple yet reliable connection of two housing parts of the liquid separator can be achieved.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this problem is solved by a liquid separator, in particular for a fuel cell exhaust system, comprising: a first housing part with a first connecting flange, a second housing part with a second connecting flange, 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0008] - 2 -
[0009] In this liquid separator, the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange are arranged consecutively, and the first housing part and the second housing part are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting elements connecting the first connecting flange to the second connecting flange.
[0010] Joining the two housing parts using multiple connecting elements in the area of designated connecting flanges avoids the need for welding. Furthermore, these connecting elements can be inserted manually, especially in small production runs, without requiring extensive machinery. The use of such connecting elements not only results in a simpler manufacturing process requiring less machinery, but also ensures that the housing parts can be disassembled without damage.
[0011] To achieve a defined positioning of the two housing parts relative to each other, the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange can be: arranged consecutively in the direction of a liquid separator longitudinal axis, or / and surround the liquid separator longitudinal axis in a ring-like manner, preferably completely, or / and be axially supported relative to each other in the area of mutually facing flange sides, or / and abut each other with their mutually facing flange sides.
[0012] To achieve defined radial support for the two housing parts, a first radial support area can be provided radially inside the first connecting flange, and a second radial support area can be provided radially inside the second connecting flange, wherein a radial- 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0013] - 3 - support area of first radial support area and second radial support area is radially surrounded on the outside by the other radial support area of first radial support area and second radial support area and is radially supported with respect to this.
[0014] An overload-preventing, essentially planar support of the two housing parts against each other in the radial direction can be achieved by one radial support area having an outer circumferential surface surrounding the liquid separator longitudinal axis, preferably completely, and the inner circumferential surface of the other radial support area surrounding the liquid separator longitudinal axis, preferably completely.
[0015] In order to create a gas-tight connection between the two housing parts, a sealing element receiving recess can be provided in the area of the inner circumferential surface and / or in the area of the outer circumferential surface.
[0016] In order to ensure a defined positioning of the two housing parts relative to each other in essentially all spatial directions or directions of relative movement, a positioning formation can be provided to position the first housing part relative to the second housing part in a mounting position.
[0017] The positioning formation can, for example, include at least one positioning projection on one connecting flange of the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange, and at least one positioning recess on the other connecting flange of the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange for receiving at least one positioning projection.
[0018] For a particularly easy-to-implement yet reliable connection, at least one connecting element, preferably each connecting element, can comprise: a connecting clamp encompassing the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange, 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0019] - 4 - or a screw bolt passing through the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange, or a rivet bolt passing through the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange.
[0020] The use of connecting clamps as connecting elements is particularly advantageous because they can be easily attached to the two opposing connecting flanges, for example from the radial outside, without the need for special tools.
[0021] It may be provided that at least one connecting element, designed as a connecting clamp, is essentially U-shaped with clamp legs supported on opposite flange sides of the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange, and with a clamp web connecting the clamp legs. For example, such connecting clamps may be designed as formed sheet metal strips to ensure a stable connection.
[0022] To ensure a defined positioning in the circumferential direction, a connecting element receiving recess, open to the outside, for example radially outwards, and receiving the connecting element designed as a connecting element, can be provided on the first connecting flange and / or the second connecting flange in association with at least one connecting element designed as a connecting element, preferably each connecting element designed as a connecting element.
[0023] A loosening, for example radially outwards, can be prevented by providing a positive locking engagement formation on the first connecting flange and / or on the second connecting flange, in association with at least one connecting element designed as a connecting clamp, preferably each connecting element designed as a connecting clamp. (Example: 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE)
[0024] - 5 - is provided for a positive locking engagement acting essentially in a radial direction with the connecting element designed as a connecting clamp.
[0025] For example, at least one positive locking engagement formation, preferably each positive locking engagement formation, can comprise an engagement recess or an engagement projection.
[0026] To separate liquid contained, for example, in the fuel cell exhaust gas, it can be provided that: at least a part of a liquid collection chamber is formed in the second housing part, a second pipe section is provided on the second housing part with an upstream end region positioned in the liquid collection chamber, a first pipe section engaging in the liquid collection chamber is provided on the first housing part, and a downstream end region of the first pipe section surrounds the upstream end region of the second pipe section circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the liquid separator, preferably completely.
[0027] The first pipe section can be radially widening in its downstream end region, preferably in a funnel-like shape, in the downstream direction.
[0028] To limit the liquid collection chamber in the axial direction, a first end wall supporting the first pipe section and essentially closing off the liquid collection chamber in the direction of a liquid separator's longitudinal axis can be provided on the first housing part, and / or a second end wall supporting the second pipe section and essentially closing off the liquid collection chamber in the direction of a liquid separator's longitudinal axis can be provided on the second housing part. 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0029] - 6 -
[0030] To efficiently separate liquid by accelerating it radially outwards, a swirl current generation unit can be provided in the first pipe section.
[0031] The liquid accumulated in the liquid separator can be released to the outside by providing at least one liquid release opening on the second housing part for releasing liquid accumulated in the liquid collection chamber.
[0032] For this purpose, a liquid dispensing element providing at least one liquid dispensing opening can be attached to the second housing part, preferably by screwing.
[0033] For the stable integration of the liquid separator constructed according to the invention, for example into a vehicle, a mounting form for fixing the liquid separator to a support structure can be provided on the second housing part and / or on the first housing part.
[0034] For a lightweight, cost-effective design, the first housing part can be made of molded plastic, and / or the second housing part can be made of molded plastic.
[0035] The invention further relates to a fuel cell exhaust system comprising a liquid separator constructed according to the invention.
[0036] According to a further aspect, the problem mentioned at the outset is solved by a method for manufacturing a liquid separator constructed according to the invention, comprising the following measures: a) providing the first housing part, preferably as a molded plastic part, b) providing the second housing part, preferably as a molded plastic part, c) positioning the first housing part and the second housing part relative to each other such that the first connecting flange and the second connecting flange are positioned successively, 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0037] - 7 - d) Attaching a plurality of connecting elements to the first connecting flange and to the second connecting flange to connect the first housing part to the second housing part.
[0038] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show:
[0039] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid separator;
[0040] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid separator of Fig. 1;
[0041] Fig. 3 shows an axial view of the liquid separator of Fig. 1 in viewing direction III in Fig. 1;
[0042] Fig. 4 shows a view of the liquid separator of Fig. 1 in the direction of view IV in Fig. 1;
[0043] Fig. 5 shows a view of the liquid separator of Fig. 1 in the direction of view V in Fig. 1;
[0044] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the liquid separator of Fig. 1 in the area of a connecting clamp connecting two connecting flanges;
[0045] Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of a connecting clamp that joins two connecting flanges together;
[0046] Fig. 8 in its representations a) and b) enlarged detail view of the liquid separator shown in longitudinal section in Fig. 2;
[0047] Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system with a fuel cell and a fuel cell exhaust system. 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0048] - 8 -
[0049] Before the design of a liquid separator is described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 8, the basic structure of a fuel cell system generally designated 10, in which such a liquid separator can be used, is first described with reference to Fig. 9.
[0050] The fuel cell system 10, which can be used, for example, in a vehicle to provide electrical energy, comprises a fuel cell 12 with a cathode region 14 and an anode region 16. Air is supplied to the cathode region 14 as cathode gas K, and hydrogen (H2) from anode gas A is supplied to the anode region 16. The cathode exhaust gas KA generated in the cathode region 14 during operation of the fuel cell 12 is highly enriched with water or water vapor and is introduced into a fuel cell exhaust system, generally designated 18. At least in phases, the anode exhaust gas AA, which contains a residual amount of hydrogen, can also be introduced into the fuel cell exhaust system 18, for example, during so-called purge processes.
[0051] The fuel cell exhaust system 18 can include a condenser 20 in an upstream section, in which water contained in the fuel cell exhaust BA in gaseous form, i.e., as water vapor, is condensed. A liquid separator 22 follows the condenser 20, in which water W transported in the fuel cell exhaust BA can be separated from the fuel cell exhaust BA and, for example, fed back into the fuel cell process. The water-reduced fuel cell exhaust BA can flow through a silencer 24 after the liquid separator 22 before being released to the environment.
[0052] The liquid separator 22 used, for example, in such a fuel cell exhaust system 18, is described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 8.
[0053] The liquid separator 22 is generally elongated in the direction of a liquid separator longitudinal axis L, or is essentially oriented in the direction of the liquid 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0054] - 9 - The longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator, for example, allows the fuel cell exhaust gas BA to flow through it in a flow direction S. The liquid separator 22 comprises a first housing part 26, which essentially provides its upstream region, and a second housing part 28, which essentially provides the downstream region of the liquid separator 22 and adjoins the first housing part 26 in the flow direction S.
[0055] The first housing part 26, preferably provided as a one-piece molded plastic component, i.e., as an integral block of material, comprises a first end wall 30 on which a first pipe section 32 of the liquid separator 18 is supported. The first pipe section 32 provides a connection area in its upstream end region 34 for connecting the liquid separator 22 to upstream system components, for example, the fuel cell exhaust system 18.
[0056] Radially, a substantially cylindrical first radial support area 36 adjoins the first end wall 30 of the first housing part 26, and this support area has an outer circumferential surface 38 oriented substantially radially outwards. A groove-like recess 40 for receiving a sealing element is formed on the first radial support area 36 and is open radially outwards. A sealing element 42, for example an O-ring, is received in this recess such that it protrudes radially outwards beyond the outer circumferential surface 38.
[0057] A first connecting flange 44, which surrounds the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator in a ring-like manner and preferably completely, adjoins an end region of the first radial support region 36 that is axially located away from the first end wall 30. This flange extends radially outwards from the first radial support region 36, preferably in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator.
[0058] To provide a stable structure and also to introduce a cooling effect, a plurality of circumferentially successive ribs 46 are provided, which are radially inward on the first pipe section 32 and radially outward on the ers- 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0059] - 10 - connect to the radial support area 36 and in the axial direction to the first end wall 30.
[0060] The second housing part 28 of the liquid separator 22 has a second end wall 48, which in its central area carries a second pipe section 50 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator. In a downstream end region 52, the second pipe section 50 is designed for connection to downstream system areas, for example, the fuel cell exhaust system 18.
[0061] Radially, a circumferential wall 54 of the second housing part 28 adjoins the second end wall 48. Together with the second end wall 48, this circumferential wall 54 encloses a liquid collection chamber 56, which is essentially formed within the second housing part 28. In its axial end region, furthest from the second end wall 48, the circumferential wall 54 forms a second radial support region 58. This radial support region surrounds the first radial support region 36 of the first housing part 26 and has an inner circumferential surface 60 that faces or abuts the outer circumferential surface 38. The sealing element 42, which projects radially outwards beyond the outer circumferential surface 38, abuts the inner circumferential surface 60 and thus forms a particularly gas-tight seal in the area where the two housing parts 26 and 28 meet.
[0062] A second connecting flange 62, extending substantially radially outwards, adjoins the axial end region of the second radial support region 58 or the circumferential wall 54, which is located away from the end wall 50. The second connecting flange 62 is arranged following the first connecting flange 44 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator. With their sides 64, 66 facing each other, the two connecting flanges 44, 62 preferably rest directly against each other and are thus supported against each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator.
[0063] The two housing parts 26, 28 are defined by the connecting flanges 44, 62, which are supported against each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator, as shown in 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0064] - 11 - axial direction. The two housing parts 26, 28 are positioned in a defined radial direction relative to each other by the radial support areas 36, 58, which are supported against each other in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator. To provide a defined positioning of the two housing parts 26, 28 about the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator relative to each other, a positioning feature generally designated 68 is provided. This includes, for example, one or more positioning projections 70 on the second connecting flange 62 and, for example, a positioning recess 72 on the first connecting flange 44, corresponding to each positioning projection 70. Each positioning projection 70 engaging in a corresponding positioning recess 72 thus also defines a positioning of the two housing parts 26, 28 in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator relative to each other.
[0065] In a downstream end region 74 positioned in the liquid collection chamber 56, the first pipe section 32 is essentially funnel-shaped and radially widening. An upstream end region 76 of the second pipe section 50 is positioned within this radially widening downstream end region 74 of the first pipe section 32, engaging in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator. Thus, an annular opening 78 is formed between the two interlocking pipe sections 32 and 50, through which, for example, water contained in the fuel cell exhaust gas BA can be discharged. To support this process, a swirl flow generation unit, generally designated 80, is arranged in the first pipe section 32.This can comprise a plurality of paddle-like flow deflection elements 84 arranged circumferentially around the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator, which induce a swirling flow in the fuel cell exhaust gas BA, which is introduced into the first pipe section 32 essentially in the flow direction S. The resulting centrifugal forces accelerate the water droplets contained in the fuel cell exhaust gas BA, causing them to move radially outwards downstream of the swirl flow generation unit 80 and, in particular, along the inner surface of the first pipe section 32 towards the annular opening 78. Thus, a large proportion of the water droplets in the fuel cell exhaust gas BA are removed.
[0066] - 12 -
[0067] Water contained in droplet form is separated from the fuel cell exhaust gas BA and enters the area of the liquid collection chamber 56.
[0068] To drain water W accumulating in the liquid collection chamber 56, a lid-shaped liquid discharge element 86 is preferably screwed onto a region of the circumferential wall 54 positioned at the bottom in a vertical direction. The liquid discharge element 86, which may also be designed as a molded plastic part, can have a liquid discharge nozzle 88 with a liquid discharge opening 90 formed therein in a central region, which is the lowest point in the vertical direction. Through the liquid discharge opening 90, water accumulating in the liquid collection chamber 56 can be drained and, for example, fed back into the fuel cell process.
[0069] For example, a mounting element, generally designated 92, is provided as an integral part of the second housing part 28 in a region of the circumferential wall 54 of the second housing part 28 that is to be positioned vertically at the top. In the area of the mounting element 92, the liquid separator 22 can be fixed to a support structure, for example on a vehicle, by means of screws.
[0070] The following section, with particular reference to Figures 6 and 7, describes in detail how the two housing parts 26, 28 are firmly, yet detachably, connected to one another in the area of their connecting flanges 44, 62. A plurality of connecting elements 94 are provided to create this firm connection. In the illustrated embodiment, these elements are designed as essentially U-shaped connecting clamps 96. Each such connecting clamp 96 is placed radially outward onto the adjacent connecting flanges 44, 62, so that the clamp legs 100, 102, which are connected to each other by a clamp web 98, are supported on the opposite sides 104, 106 of the connecting flanges 44, 62, thereby pressing the connecting flanges 44, 62 against each other. 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0071] - 13 -
[0072] In order to specify a defined circumferential positioning for the connecting clamps 96 on the one hand, and to prevent them from protruding radially outwards beyond the connecting flanges 44, 58 on the other, a radially outwards open connecting element receiving recess 108, 110 can be provided in each of the two connecting flanges 44, 62 in association with each such connecting clamp 96, in which the clamp web 98 of the associated connecting clamp 96 is received.
[0073] To prevent the connecting clamp 96 from detaching radially outwards even under vibration, a positive-locking engagement element, generally designated 112, is provided. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in conjunction with the first connecting flange 44, the positive-locking engagement element 112 comprises an engagement recess 114 into which the clamp leg 100 is positioned, with an end section 116 formed, for example, towards the first connecting flange 44. Thus, a positive lock acting in a radial direction, particularly radially outwards, is provided between the connecting clamp 96 and the first connecting flange 44, thereby preventing the connecting clamp 96 from detaching radially outwards.
[0074] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 in conjunction with the second connecting flange 62, the positive-locking engagement formation 112 comprises an engagement projection 118, which overlaps on its radial inner side with an end section 120 of the clamp leg 102 that is deformed axially onto the second connecting flange 62. This also creates a positive lock, acting particularly radially outwards, which prevents the connecting clamp 96 from coming loose.
[0075] It should be noted that, of course, such measures for creating a positive locking engagement can be provided on each of the two connecting flanges 44, 62 in association with the connecting clamps 96, whereby, for example, the same measures, i.e., either engagement recesses 114 or engagement projections 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0076] - 14 -
[0077] 118. The engagement recesses 114 can also be designed such that they extend completely through the respective connecting flange 44 or 62 in the thickness direction. In principle, however, to prevent the connecting clamps 96 from loosening radially outwards, it may be sufficient to provide such structural measures of the positive locking engagement formation 112 only on one of the connecting flanges 44, 62.
[0078] By using the connecting clamps 96 as connecting elements 94, a simple and cost-effective fixed connection between the two housing parts 26, 28 is achieved. This connection can be produced in a production line for manufacturing such a liquid separator 22 using very simple methods, for example, manually. Particularly complex machinery is therefore not required for the fixed connection of the two housing parts 26, 28. At the same time, the connection thus created is fundamentally detachable, so that, if necessary, the two housing parts 26, 28 can be easily separated from each other after removing the connecting clamps 96 to carry out repair work.
[0079] It should be noted that such a detachable and easily manufactured connection of the two housing parts 26, 28 can also be achieved if the connecting elements 94 are designed, for example, as screw bolts or rivet bolts passing through openings in the connecting flanges 44, 62. Due to the fact that no tools are required when using the connecting clamps 96 as connecting elements 94, for example, to create a screw connection or a rivet connection, the design of the connecting elements 94 as connecting clamps 96 is particularly preferred.
[0080] Finally, it should be noted that the principles of the present invention, particularly with regard to the fixed, easily implemented and detachable connection of the housing parts 26, 28 of the liquid separator 22 to one another, can of course also be provided for in other structural configurations of the liquid separator 22. For example, the second housing part 28 could have a circumferential wall 54 that is separate from the second end wall 48. 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE
[0081] - 15 - be constructed. The circumferential wall 54 could then be connected to the second end wall 48 in the same manner as described above with reference to the two connecting flanges 44, 62. It is also fundamentally possible to design the liquid separator with housing parts separated essentially in the direction of a plane containing the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator, of which, for example, in the illustration of Fig. 2, one housing part forms the upper section and the other the lower section of the liquid separator. Connecting flanges projecting radially outwards and positioned opposite each other on these two housing parts, extending essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the liquid separator, can be formed in the area of which, for example, by using the connecting clamps, the two housing parts can then be firmly and releasably connected to each other.
Claims
68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE - 16 - Claims 1. Liquid separator, in particular for a fuel cell exhaust system, comprising: a first housing part (26) with a first connecting flange (44), a second housing part (28) with a second connecting flange (62), wherein the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62) are arranged successively, and wherein the first housing part (26) and the second housing part (28) are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting elements (94) connecting the first connecting flange (44) to the second connecting flange (62).
2. Liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62) are: arranged successively in the direction of a liquid separator longitudinal axis (L), or / and surround the liquid separator longitudinal axis (L) in a ring-like manner, preferably completely, or / and are axially supported with respect to each other in the area of mutually facing flange sides (64, 66), or / and bear against each other with their mutually facing flange sides (64, 66).
3. Liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that a first radial support area (36) adjoins the first connecting flange (44) radially inside, and that a second radial support area (58) adjoins the second connecting flange (62) radially inside, wherein a radial support area of the first radial support area 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE - 17 - (36) and second radial support area (58) is radially surrounded on the outside by the other radial support area of first radial support area (36) and second radial support area (58) and is radially supported with respect to this.
4. Liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that one radial support area has an outer circumferential surface (38) surrounding the longitudinal axis (L) of the liquid separator, preferably completely, and surrounded by an inner circumferential surface (60) of the other radial support area.
5. Liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that a sealing element receiving recess (40) for a sealing element (42) is provided in the area of the inner circumferential surface (60) and / or in the area of the outer circumferential surface (38).
6. Liquid separator according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that a positioning formation (68) is provided for positioning the first housing part (26) relative to the second housing part (28) in a mounting position.
7. Liquid separator according to claim 6, characterized in that the positioning formation (68) on a connecting flange of first connecting flange (44) and second connecting flange (62) comprises at least one positioning projection (70) and on the other connecting flange of first connecting flange (44) and second connecting flange (62) comprises at least one positioning recess (72) for receiving at least one positioning projection (70).
8. Liquid separator according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that at least one connecting element (94), preferably each connecting element (94), comprises: 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE - 18 - a connecting clamp (96) encompassing the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62), or a screw bolt passing through the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62), or a rivet bolt passing through the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62).
9. Liquid separator according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96) is essentially U-shaped with clamp legs (100, 102) supported on opposite flange sides (104, 106) of the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62) and a clamp web (98) connecting the clamp legs (100, 102).
10. Liquid separator according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that on the first connecting flange (44) and / or the second connecting flange (62) in association with at least one connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96), preferably each connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96), an outwardly open connecting element receiving recess (108, 110) receiving the connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96) is provided.
11. Liquid separator according to one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, in association with at least one connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96), preferably each connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96), a positive locking engagement formation (112) for providing a form-fitting 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE - 19 - final intervention with the connecting element (94) designed as a connecting clamp (96).
12. Liquid separator according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one positive locking engagement formation (112), preferably each positive locking engagement formation (112), comprises an engagement recess (114) or an engagement projection (118).
13. Liquid separator according to one of claims 1-12, characterized in that: at least a part of a liquid collection chamber (56) is formed in the second housing part (28), a second pipe section (50) is provided on the second housing part (28) with an upstream end region (76) positioned in the liquid collection chamber (56), a first pipe section (32) engaging in the liquid collection chamber (56) is provided on the first housing part (26), a downstream end region (74) of the first pipe section (32) surrounds the upstream end region (76) of the second pipe section (50) circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (L) of the liquid separator, preferably completely.
14. Liquid separator according to claim 13, characterized in that the first pipe section (32) in its downstream end region (74) is radially widening in the downstream direction, preferably in a funnel-like manner.
15. Liquid separator according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a first end wall (30) is provided on the first housing part (26), carrying the first pipe section (32) and closing off the liquid collection chamber (56) substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the liquid separator, and / or that on the two- 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE - 20 - ten housing part (28) a second end wall (48) is provided which carries the second pipe section (50) and closes off the liquid collection chamber (56) essentially in the direction of a liquid separator longitudinal axis (L).
16. Liquid separator according to one of claims 13-15, characterized in that a swirl current generation unit (80) is provided in the first pipe section (32).
17. Liquid separator according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that at least one liquid discharge opening (90) is provided on the second housing part (28) for the discharge of liquid accumulated in the liquid collection chamber (56).
18. Liquid separator according to claim 17, characterized in that a liquid dispensing element (86) providing at least one liquid dispensing opening (90) is fixed to the second housing part (28), preferably by screwing.
19. Liquid separator according to one of claims 1-18, characterized in that a mounting form (92) for fixing the liquid separator (22) to a support structure is provided on the second housing part (28) and / or on the first housing part (26).
20. Liquid separator according to one of claims 1-19, characterized in that the first housing part (26) is designed as a plastic molded part, and / or that the second housing part (28) is designed as a plastic molded part.
21. Fuel cell exhaust system comprising a liquid separator (22) according to any one of claims 1-20. 68849P DE Purem GmbH / 3317 DE - 21 - 22. Method for manufacturing a liquid separator according to one of the above Propositions 1-20, comprising the measures: a) providing the first housing part (26), preferably as a plastic molded part, b) providing the second housing part (28), preferably as a plastic molded part, c) positioning the first housing part (26) and the second housing part (28) relative to each other such that the first connecting flange (44) and the second connecting flange (62) are positioned successively, d) attaching a plurality of connecting elements (94) to the first connecting flange (44) and to the second connecting flange (62) for connecting the first housing part (26) to the second housing part (28).