DE102017212901A1 - Liquid filter and tank filter system with a liquid filter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid filter (1) for separating particles from a liquid, in particular from fuel or a urea solution. The liquid filter (1) has a distributor element (10) with an inner space (11) delimited by a wall (14), the inner space (11) being separated from an outer space (103) of the liquid filter (1) in a fluid-tight manner. The liquid filter (1) further comprises at least two separate filter elements (20), wherein the distributor element (10) has at least two connection openings (12), which are spaced apart and each pass through the wall (14). In this case, each filter element (20) is fluid-conductively connected to a respective connection opening (12).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a liquid filter for separating particles from a liquid, in particular from fuel or a urea solution. The invention further relates to a tank filter system with such a liquid filter.

State of the art

So-called tank filter systems are known from the prior art. In such tank filter systems, a liquid filter is arranged directly in a tank for the liquid to be cleaned. The liquid to be purified may be, for example, fuel such as diesel or gasoline or a urea solution in an SCR system (selective catalytic reduction). Such SCR systems find e.g. Use in the reduction of oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines. The arrangement of the liquid filter directly in the liquid tank valuable space can be saved for example in motor vehicles.

Such a tank filtration system with a liquid filter is for example from the US 2004/0144705 A1 known.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the recognition that for such tank filter systems or liquid filters in such tank filter systems as many parameters as possible should be optimized simultaneously. On the one hand, the filter surface should be as large as possible so that the longest possible service life is achieved until the necessary replacement of the liquid filter. In other words, the filter surface should be designed to remove as many particles as possible from the liquid to be cleaned before a filter medium of the liquid filter is clogged or filled with particles in such a way that there is an unacceptable pressure drop between a raw side (eg the outside). the liquid filter and a clean side (eg an interior) of the liquid filter comes. Furthermore, the production costs for such a liquid filter should be as low as possible. This is preferably effected by the simplest possible and accelerated or rapid production process. Finally, the liquid filter should meet all these parameters with the smallest possible space requirement, since, for example, in motor vehicles the available space for such liquid filter is limited.

In particular, different requirements for the filter capacity may exist for different applications (e.g., car applications as compared to truck applications). For example, e.g. For a larger throughput of liquid, a higher filter capacity is desired, so as not to make the time between workshop visits to replace filter elements too low.

It has been found that in conventional liquid filters for tank filtration systems either the service life is insufficient and therefore a relatively short maintenance interval is required or that the space occupied by the liquid filter in the tank takes away valuable volume for the liquid to be purified in the tank - in other words conventional Liquid filters for tank filter systems require a relatively large volume in the tank.

There may therefore be a need to provide a liquid filter for a tank filter system which achieves a long service life and a high filter efficiency with the smallest possible space requirement in the tank and thereby occupies the lowest possible volume and is as simple and inexpensive to produce.

Advantages of the invention

This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a liquid filter for separating particles from a liquid is proposed. The liquid to be filtered may be, for example, a fuel such as gasoline or diesel or even an aqueous urea solution. The fluid filter has a distributor element with a wall bounded by an interior space. The interior is fluid-tightly separated from an outer space of the liquid filter. The fluid filter further comprises at least two separate filter elements, wherein the distributor element has at least two connection openings, which are spaced from each other and each pass through the wall. In this case, each filter element is fluid-conductively connected to a respective connection opening.

The proposed embodiment is advantageously effected by simple means a modular structure of the liquid filter. By providing a plurality of connection openings, the liquid filter with respect to the necessary filter capacity can be tailored to the particular application. The more filter capacity or filter surface is necessary for the separation of particles, the more of the connection openings are each connected to a filter element. Because the Filter elements are in this case connected in a fluidic sense parallel to each other, not in series. Alternatively or additionally, filter elements with filter capacity adapted to requirements may also be connected to each of the connection openings. For example, filter elements with large filter capacity for truck applications and filter elements with lower filter capacity for car applications. As a result, a modularly constructed liquid filter is basically created. A single manifold module can be used for a variety of applications. As a result, the costs for the production of such liquid filters, eg for tank filter systems, can be reduced considerably.
If a filter element is arranged at a connection opening, then the connection opening is opened in a fluid-conducting manner, so that the interior of the distributor element is fluid-conductively connected to an interior of the connected filter element.

Each filter element is separate from each other filter element and thus independently effective, so can, for example. basically be replaced separately.

The distributor element can be designed such that it has no filter function. In other words, the distributor element as such has no filter function but merely the function of distributing the liquid or collecting it from the filter elements.

The outer space of the liquid filter is so fluid-tightly sealed from the interior, a cavity bounded by the wall in the interior of the distributor element, that liquid from the outer space (eg a raw side of the liquid filter) only then from this outer space into the interior (eg a clean side of the liquid filter) when it passes through one of the filter elements, the particles present in the liquid being retained by the filter elements.

For the purposes of this application, the connection openings are not to be regarded as microscopic pores through which liquid can enter or pass. Rather, the connection openings are so large that unfiltered liquid can enter through the connection openings into the interior of the distributor element.

One or more connection openings may e.g. connect an interior of the respectively connected filter element fluid-conducting directly to the interior. In other words, the interior of a filter element (a filter element interior) is in this case without further interposition of further elements, e.g. Seven or filter membranes, connected to the interior of the distributor element.

The liquid filter can be designed, for example, such that one, several or each connection opening has in cross section at least 0.1% and at most 30%, preferably at least 0.5% to at most 10% of a filter surface of a filter element connected thereto. When calculating the filter surface of the filter element, it is not necessary to focus on a fractal, microscopic surface. For example, one, several or each connection opening may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm and at most 50 mm. The one or more or all connection openings may be e.g. circular, oval or even be formed with a substantially rectangular cross-section, it may or may also be formed in the form of a plurality of slots. For example, a length of the cross section of a connection opening formed in this way may be at least 10 mm and a width of the cross section of the through opening may be at least 0.5 mm. Preferably, all connection openings are identical. As a result, the connection of a filter element to one of the connection openings can be effected particularly simply.

The liquid filter may have a fluid-conducting outlet element for discharging purified liquid located in the interior. In this case, the interior of the distributor element can be fluid-conductively connected to the outlet element. The outlet element may, for example, have a cross-section with a surface which lies in the range between 0.5 mm ² (square millimeters) and 2500 mm ² , preferably between 0.7 mm ² and 2000 mm ² and very particularly preferably between 4 mm ² and 1600 mm ² , for example 100mm ² or 300 mm ² or 500 mm ² or 700 mm ² or 900 mm ^2.

In principle, the liquid flow can also be reversed. In this case, the interior is the raw side and the liquid is cleaned as it passes through the filter elements and thus reaches the outside of the liquid filter, which is then a clean side.

The fact that all filter elements are identical parts makes the liquid filter particularly easy and inexpensive to produce. Because then it can be easily determined for a specific application, which filter capacity is necessary and a filter capacity this representing number of identically constructed filter elements is connected to each one of the connection openings of the distributor element.

Characterized in that the connection openings, with which no filter element is connected, fluid-tight are closed, a reliable separation of particles on the liquid filter is made possible. In this way, no unfiltered liquid can get into the interior of the distributor element. At the same time, the distributor element advantageously offers great flexibility: if required for greater filter capacity, further filter elements can simply be connected to the unused connection openings (the closed connection openings are then opened).

The connection openings can thus be designed to be closable. For the purposes of this application, the term "closable" is to be understood as meaning that the connection openings can be closed in a fluid-tight manner, e.g. when no filter element is arranged at a connection opening.

In a further development, it is provided that each filter element has a filter medium for the separation of particles, wherein the filter medium separates a filter element interior from the exterior space. Furthermore, it is provided that each filter element has a fluid-conducting connection channel which connects the filter element interior with the filter element associated with the connection opening on the distributor element. By the filter medium is advantageously effected that the particles of the uncleaned liquid can be deposited on the filter medium. The fluid-conducting connection channel ensures that each filter element can be easily and reliably connected to the associated connection opening. In this case, the fluid-conducting connection channel may be the only access to the filter element interior through which liquid can enter or leave without passing through the filter medium. The fluid-conducting connection channel may have a cross-section with a surface which is in the range between 0.5 mm ² (square millimeters) and 2500 mm ² , preferably between 0.7 mm ² and 2000 mm ² and very particularly preferably between 1 mm ² and 1000 mm ² , it may, for example 100mm be ² or 300 mm ² or 500 mm ² or 700 mm ² or 900 mm. ²

The filter elements may advantageously be formed such that their surface facing the exterior space is overwhelmingly, i. at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 90% is formed by the filter medium.

The filter medium may e.g. be formed flat. In this case, a flat configuration is to be understood as meaning an aspect ratio between the thickness of the filter medium relative to an extension of the filter medium in the plane which is at least 1: 5 or at least 1:10, preferably at least 1:20 or even more preferably at least 1:30. For example, the filter medium in the form of a thin filter membrane with a layer thickness in the range of 5 microns to 3000 .mu.m, preferably from 1000 .mu.m to 2000 .mu.m, for example, be formed with a layer thickness of 200 .mu.m or 400 .mu.m or 800 .mu.m or 1500 .mu.m or 2500 .mu.m. In this case, the filter medium may be formed from a single layer. The filter medium may for example consist of a single plastic membrane with a pore size of less than 200 μm, for example in the range of 5 μm to 100 μm, or have such a membrane, preferably with a pore size of 5 μm to 20 μm. However, it is also possible that the filter medium is made up of a plurality of layers, e.g. from a fabric layer with a layer thickness between 100 and 400μm, e.g. facing the raw side. Another layer, which may be formed as a filter fleece or filter felt or as a membrane and a layer thickness between 800μm and 1500μm, and a pore size of e.g. 5μm to 100μm, preferably from 5μm to 20μm. As well as another layer, e.g. facing the clean side and may be formed as a so-called spunbound layer, in the manner of an endless filament made of a plastic and has a layer thickness of 50 .mu.m to 800 .mu.m. Preferred materials include plastic, e.g. Polyamide, e.g. PA6, PA6.6 or polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

By such a configuration of the filter medium, the respective filter element can advantageously be built to save space and compact and is particularly easy to produce. Thus, the filter medium may be e.g. be connected to a support frame of the filter element by means of an injection molding process or by a welding operation. Furthermore, a sufficiently large filter element interior is created in this way to allow a smooth flow of the liquid out of the filter element interior.

Characterized in that the at least one filter element is pocket-shaped, a particularly simple and cost-effective production of the filter element can be effected.

Characterized in that at least one filter element releasably, ie non-destructively releasably fixed to the associated or associated connection opening can be a particularly simple maintenance of the liquid filter realized. Because this is at least one, releasably secured filter element clogged or its filter surface, for example, the filter medium, coated with particles, it can be easily removed from the distributor element and replaced by a new filter element. This can save costs. In particular, it is not necessary to replace the complete liquid filter if only one of the filter elements or at least not all filter elements have reached their filter capacity. The detachable Connection can be realized for example by a screw or a clip connection. It is also possible that all the filter elements are releasably fixed to their associated connection openings.

Characterized in that at least one filter element is permanently fixed to the associated or associated connection opening, in particular welded, a particularly reliable tightness between the distributor element and the filter element is effected. The term "insoluble" here "non-destructive solvable" to understand. This can e.g. by a material connection, e.g. a welded connection, an adhesive connection, etc. It is also possible that all filter elements are permanently fixed to their associated connection openings.

The fact that the distributor element is fluid-conductively connected to an outlet element for discharging purified fluid from the fluid filter further increases the degree of modularity. For it is now possible to connect the outlet element with e.g. Simply connect a prefabricated module from the distributor element and filter elements arranged on it. This latter module can be made preconfigured for various applications and then has to be fluidly connected during final assembly only with the - standardized - connection of the connection element. As a result, the production costs can be significantly reduced.

Characterized in that at least one filter element in the filter element interior, a support structure is provided is advantageously effected that the filter element always has a sufficiently large internal volume, which can not collapse.

This refinement advantageously ensures that the filter element interior is always sufficiently large or that a certain spacing between the filter medium and a surface lying opposite it is achieved. This ensures that the filter surface is always maintained for cleaning the liquid to be cleaned and is not reduced by a mechanical contact between the filter medium and a surface opposite it. It can also be advantageously ensured that a sufficiently large gap for the discharge of the purified liquid from the filter element interior remains.

Characterized in that the support structure comprises at least one support element, wherein on the support member a plurality of ribs is arranged, which protrude in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support member is advantageously effected that the support structure inside the filter element can take on the task of a kind of spacer , As a result of the plurality of ribs, as far as possible over the surface of the filter element, the filter element or the filter medium of the filter element does not collapse and in this way the active filter surface is always maintained.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a tank filter system is proposed. The tank filter system in this case has a liquid filter according to the above description. Such a tank filtration system is advantageously modular and therefore inexpensive to produce. Furthermore, it is advantageous particularly compact and has a long service life and can be particularly easy and inexpensive to maintain.

list of figures

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are not to be construed as limiting the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1: Einen schematischen Querschnitt eines Tankfiltersystems;
• 2: einen schematischen Querschnitt durch einen Flüssigkeitsfilter;
• 3: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Flüssigkeitsfilters;
• 4: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Flüssigkeitsfilters.

Show it

• 1 : A schematic cross section of a tank filter system;
• 2 a schematic cross section through a liquid filter;
• 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a liquid filter;
• 4 : A perspective view of another embodiment of a liquid filter.

1 represents a tank filtration system 100 dar. The tank filter system 100 has a tank 102 for a liquid 104 on. At the liquid 104 For example, it may be a fuel, such as diesel or gasoline. It is also possible that the liquid 104 an (aqueous) urea solution, for example, for an SCR system for the exhaust aftertreatment of an internal combustion engine is. The direction of gravity G is indicated by an arrow. The tank is shown in its normal installation position, so that the direction of gravity G pointing down.

The liquid 104 in the tank 102 is unfiltered, so it is in the tank 102 a raw page 103a of the tank filter system 100 in front. The Tank 102 continues to show a breakthrough 105 through which purified liquid the tank 102 can leave. The Tank 102 is from an outdoor space 106 of the tank 102 surround. The Tank 102 continues to point in its interior, ie on the raw side 103a , a liquid filter 1 on. The raw side 103a thus provides an outdoor space 103 of the liquid filter 1 dar. The liquid filters 1 is designed to remove particles from the liquid 104 deposit.

The liquid filter 1 has a distributor element 10 with one of a wall 14 limited interior 11 on, with the interior 11 fluid-tight from the outside 103 of the liquid filter 1 is disconnected. The interior 11 is designed as a cavity and can be used as a clean side 11a serve.

The liquid filter 1 has two separate filter elements in the illustrated embodiment 20a . 20b on. The distributor element 10 has at least two, in the illustrated embodiment four, connection openings 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d on, which are spaced apart from each other and each wall 14 succeed. There is every filter element 20a . 20b each with a connection opening 12a . 12b fluidly connected.

The connection openings 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d basically connect the interior 11 with the outside space 103 if no filter element 20 is connected and if the connection openings 12 not closed.

It is clearly evident that it is at the connection openings 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d not just a pore like in the filter media 21a . 21b but an opening which, for example, at least 2mm diameter, preferably at least 8mm diameter. The connection openings can 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d be circular, oval or also substantially rectangular. For example, such connection openings 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d Have dimensions with a length of at least 2mm and a width of at least 1mm.

Both filter elements 20a . 20b each have a filter medium 21a . 21b on, which may be formed, for example, as a filter membrane or as a filter fleece. The respective filter medium 21a . 21b separates the outside space 103 from a filter element interior 22a . 22b of the respective filter element 20a . 20b , The respective filter element interior 22a . 22b can serve as a clean side of the liquid, after the particles on the raw side 103a present liquid 104 when passing through the respective filter medium 21a . 21b have been deposited on this. For discharging the purified liquid from the filter element interior 22a . 22b is on the filter elements 20a . 20b in each case a fluid-conducting connection channel 26a . 26b intended.

In the filter element interior 22a . 22b can be a support structure 70a . 70b be provided. The support structure 70a . 70b For example, by a support element 71a 7ab with a plurality of ribs arranged thereon 72a . 72b educated. The support element 71a . 71b extends eg along a longitudinal axis A and the majority of the ribs 72a . 72b protrudes from the support element 71a . 71b transverse to the longitudinal axis A from. By providing the support structure 70a . 70b will prevent the filter medium 21a . 21b collapses during operation and thus reduces the active filter area in an undesirable manner. By such a support structure, the respective filter element 20a . 20b be built very flat, for example, with a height H between 2mm and 100mm, preferably between 5mm and 50mm. The filter surface of a filter element 20a . 20b may for example be at least 1000 mm ² (square millimeters), preferably at least 2000mm ² , for example 2200 mm ² or 2300 mm ² or 2500mm ² .

The filter elements 20a . 20b can be built the same, making the production more cost effective and easier to handle. The filter elements 20a . 20b For example, they can be detachable or non-detachable at their fluid-conducting connection channels 26a . 26b at the respectively associated connection opening 12a . 12b be attached fluid-conducting.

Above the distributor element 10 closes an outlet 2 for discharging purified liquid from the liquid filter 1 at.

In 1 is to recognize how the liquid 104 from the tank 102 along the arrows from the crude side 103a in the tank 102 through the filter media 21a . 21b the two filter elements 20a . 20b first in the respective filter element interior 22a . 22b entry. In the process, the particles on the outside become the filter media 21a . 21b deposited. From the filter element interiors 22a . 22b the purified liquid flows through the fluid-conducting connection channels 26a . 26b containing the filter element interiors 22a . 22b with the filter elements 20a . 20b associated connection openings 12a . 12b at the distributor element 10 combines. Then the purified liquid enters the interior 11 of the distributor element 10 and from there to the outlet element 2 through which the liquid passes the liquid filter 1 leaves.

A liquid inlet from the tank 102 or from the raw side 103a of the tank 102 to the interior 11 of the distributor element 10 can thus only through one of the filter media 21a . 21b a filter element 20a . 20b respectively. Through the outlet element 2 can thus purified liquid from the tank 102 through the liquid filter 1 be removed through. The thus purified liquid can be supplied, for example, to an internal combustion engine or an exhaust aftertreatment system.

To prevent the entry of liquid from the tank 102 through the filter media 21a . 21b through into the interior 11 can cause on outlet 2 a negative pressure, for example by a pump on an internal combustion engine or an exhaust aftertreatment system, are generated.

In principle, it is of course conceivable that the liquid filter 1 is also operated in the opposite direction, ie by outlet 2 uncleaned liquid in the interior 11 of the distributor element 10 is initiated and then from there through the filter media 21a . 21b through to the outside 103 of the liquid filter 1 occurs. The outlet element 2 In this case, of course, it functions as an inlet member for introducing liquid into the liquid filter 1 , Pure side and raw side are then reversed compared to the above description.

2 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a filter element 20 of the liquid filter 1 , The filter element 20 has a support frame 27 with a supporting frame wall 28 on. The supporting frame wall 28 has a first end face 28a (pointing downwards in the figure) and a second end face 28b (pointing upwards in the figure). The filter medium 21 is on the first front page 28a and on the second front 28b attached fluid-tight. The filter element 20 thus forms the shape of a bag. On its right side in the figure, the fluid-conducting connection channel 26 arranged, which is the supporting frame wall 28 between the two end faces 28a . 28b passes through and so the filter element interior 22 with an outer space of the filter element 20 combines. Is this connection channel 26 with a connection opening 12 of the liquid filter 1 connected, so is the filter element interior 22 with the interior 11 of the distributor element 10 connected.

The supporting frame 27 For example, made of a plastic, elongated and flat. Its lateral extension (in the figure from left to right or into the image plane) is eg at least 5 times as great as its height H (in the figure from bottom to top), preferably at least 10 times as large as its height H , The height H may for example be between 1mm and 100mm, preferably between 3mm and 40mm and most preferably between 5mm and 25mm. The filter medium 21 on the upper side of the support frame in the figure 27 and the filter medium 21 on the lower side of the support frame in the figure 27 are arranged substantially parallel to each other .. In other words: the support frame wall 28 has substantially the same height everywhere. However, other embodiments are conceivable.

It can be provided that the filter medium 21 on the first front side 28a and / or on the second end face 28b is attached fluid-tight by a friction welding process or a laser welding process. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the filter medium 21 in an injection molding process in each case with the associated end faces 28a . 28b the supporting frame wall 28 is connected. In this case, for example, the relevant filter medium 21 act as an insert of an injection molding machine, wherein the support frame 27 is injected from a plastic.

The filter medium 21 may be formed, for example, in the form of a thin membrane with a planar extension or as a filter fleece. Such a membrane may for example have a thickness in the range of 5 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m. However, it is also possible to use a filter medium which has a thickness in the range from 5 μm to 3000 μm, preferably between 1000 μm and 2000 μm, for example 1000 μm or 1500 μm. In this case, the filter medium may be formed from a single layer or designed in multiple layers.

The supporting frame 28 of the liquid filter 1 can be formed banana-shaped curved in an extension plane in the image plane. In this way it can be adapted to a tank shape very well.

Basically, it is also possible that the filter element 20 in another embodiment without a support frame 27 is formed. In such an embodiment, the example in 1 may be indicated, two parts (an upper part and a lower part) of the filter medium 21 be placed one above the other and then connected to each other fluid-tight at their edge regions, for example by an adhesive process or a welding process. In this way, for example, a bag can be formed, the only one opening for the connection channel 26 leaves open. In the interior of the thus formed filter element 20 can be a support structure 70 , as in 2 represented, may be arranged. Such a support structure prevents the two parts of the filter medium 21 come into contact with each other inside the bag and impair the filter function. Such a filter element 20 without support frame 27 can be made particularly simple and inexpensive.

3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the liquid filter 1 in which on the distributor element 10 six connection openings 12a - 12f are provided. From these six connection openings 12a - 12f four are closed, namely the connection openings 12c . 12d . 12e . 12f , At two of the connection openings 12a . 12b is each a filter element 20a . 20b connected. In this case, the two filter elements 20a . 20b For example, have a banana-shaped curved shape. The majority of the surface of the filter elements 20a . 20b is through a filter medium 21a . 21b educated. Through these filter media 21a . 21b must be uncleaned liquid 104 from the outside space 103 of the liquid filter 1 pass to inside the distributor element 10 located interior 11 to arrive - so from the raw side 103a to the clean side 11a to get. The filter elements 20a . 20b can do it with support frame 27 or without support frame 27 be formed.

4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the liquid filter 1 , The liquid filter has the same distributor element 10 on how in 3 , In the illustrated embodiment, however, there are now four filter elements 20a . 20b . 20c . 20d at four of the connection openings 12a . 12b . 12c . 12d connected fluid-conducting, whereby the filter capacity is increased compared to the liquid filter 3 , Only two connection openings 12e . 12f are closed or closed.

From the comparison of 3 and 4 becomes very well the modular concept of the liquid filter 1 clearly: in a simple way, the filter capacity can be increased by adding more filter elements 20 to the distributor element 10 be connected. Because the filter elements 20 compared to the distributor element 10 quite expensive can be avoided so with low required filter capacity to provide unnecessary filter capacity ( 3 ). In an application with high filter capacity, by contrast, using common parts in a simple and cost-effective manner, the filter capacity by connecting other common parts (filter elements 20 ) increase ( 4 ).

At the filter elements 20a . 20b . 20c . 20d of the 3 and 4 they can be identical parts. Of course, the filter elements 20 not be designed as equal parts, they can eg in several different sizes (filter surface), with different pore sizes or with and without support frame 27 be designed.

The tank filter system 100 or the liquid filter 1 For example, they are suitable for the filtration of fuels such as diesel or gasoline and in particular for liquids used in SCR systems, eg aqueous urea solution. Basically, the tank filter system 100 also be suitable for the filtration of water.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 20040144705 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Liquid filter for separating particles from a liquid, in particular from fuel or a urea solution, comprising: a distributor element (10) having an inner space (11) bounded by a wall (14) and separated from an outer space (103) of the liquid filter (1) in a fluid-tight manner, at least two filter elements (20) which are separate from each other, wherein the distributor element (10) has at least two connection openings (12) which are spaced apart from each other and pass through the wall (14), each filter element (20) each having a connection opening (12 ) is fluid-conductively connected. Liquid filter after Claim 1 , wherein all filter elements (20) are identical parts. Liquid filter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein connection openings (12), with which no filter element (20) is connected, are closed in a fluid-tight manner. Liquid filter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each filter element (20) a filter medium for separating particles, the filter medium separating a filter element interior space from the outer space, - A fluid-conducting connection channel (26) which connects the filter element interior (22) with the filter element (20) associated with the connection opening (12) on the distributor element (10). Liquid filter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one filter element (20) is pocket-shaped. Liquid filter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one filter element (20) is releasably fixed to the associated connection opening (12). Liquid filter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one filter element (20) is permanently fixed to the associated connection opening (12), in particular welded. Liquid filter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor element (10) is fluid-conductively connected to an outlet element (2) for discharging purified liquid from the liquid filter (1). Liquid filter according to one of Claims 4 to 8th , wherein at least one filter element (20) in the filter element interior (22) has a support structure (70) is provided. A liquid filter according to the preceding claim, wherein the support structure (70) comprises at least one support member (71), wherein on the support member (71) a plurality of ribs (72) arranged in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis (A) of the support member (71) protrude. Tank filter system for a motor vehicle, wherein the tank filter system (100) comprises a liquid filter (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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