EP3600775B1 - Removal tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter - Google Patents

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to a disassembly tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter. The invention further relates to a method for dismantling a filter insert of a liquid filter.

State of the art

Liquid filters are known from the prior art. Such liquid filters can be used, for example, in the automotive sector to clean fuel from particles and water. Other liquid filters are designed to clean urea solution, which is used for DENOX systems or SCR systems, i.e. for nitrogen oxide reduction. Such liquid filters usually consist of a housing, an inlet for the liquid and an outlet for the cleaned liquid. A replaceable filter insert can be provided in the housing of the liquid filter. This filter insert can be formed, for example, from a filter element which is fastened between a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap may have a first opening and the second end cap may have a second opening.

In order to ensure that the fluid is always adequately filtered, it may be necessary to change the filter insert after a certain period of time or after the vehicle has driven a certain number of kilometers. For this purpose, either the entire liquid filter can be replaced, but this is costly. Alternatively, it can be provided that only the filter insert is removed from the housing.

A so-called disassembly tool can be provided for this purpose. Such disassembly tools can, for example, be included with the replacement filter insert in order to remove the filter insert that is in use quickly, safely and without damage from the housing of the liquid filter.

Such a disassembly tool can, for example, be formed in one piece in the form of a flat, elongated style (similar to an ice cream style) extending along a longitudinal axis. The disassembly tool can have one or two hooks at a distal end. The disassembly tool can be inserted through the two openings in the first and second end caps of the filter insert for the disassembly process. The hooks of the disassembly tool lock behind an edge of the opening of the downstream end cap, which is located downstream when viewed along the insertion direction. The term “downstream” is only to be understood as indicating a position in relation to a direction. If a pull is now exerted on the dismantling tool in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the filter insert can be completely pulled out of the housing of the liquid filter. By locking the disassembly tool behind the opening of the end cap of the filter insert that is furthest away in relation to the insertion direction, it is ensured that the complete filter insert can be removed from the housing. If the dismantling tool were to simply lock behind the front opening when viewed in relation to the insertion direction, there would be a risk that when the dismantling tool is pulled out, the filter element, which can be soaked in liquid, would tear and in this way part of the filter insert would get stuck in the housing.

From the DE 10 2015 207 565 A1 a disassembly tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter is known.

From the US 2014 / 0327257 A1 a device for removing a filter basket for swimming pools is known.

From the US 2014/0015267 A1 a device and a method for lifting a filter basket for swimming pools are known.

From the CN 205290 814 U a disassembly tool according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, which is formed from two separate arms made of metal, the two arms each having two sleeves which are rotatably coupled to one another by means of two pin axes, so that easy disassembly of the two arms is possible .

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the knowledge that when using one-piece disassembly tools, either a special geometry must be present inside the filter insert in order to make insertion of the disassembly tool low-friction and damage-free. Alternatively, it is necessary to design the disassembly tool so flexible or elastic that it can be elastically deformed upon mechanical contact with an inside of the openings of the end caps or the filter element and further insertion is possible. These design conditions mean that, on the one hand, each filter insert or each diameter of the openings requires its own dismantling tool, specially designed for the filter insert.

When designing a flexible or elastic disassembly tool, the insertion process until the disassembly tool locks onto the filter insert can be easily carried out - but at the same time this increases the risk that the disassembly tool will not be stable enough when pulling out or dismantling the filter insert. to move the filter insert out of the housing. This can be the case, for example, if the filter insert is particularly tight. In such a case, it may happen that the disassembly tool is deformed due to its elasticity and is not sufficiently stable to move the filter insert out of the housing. Therefore, several attempts may be necessary to complete the removal of the filter insert from the housing. This also increases the risk of damaging the filter element when reinserting the disassembly tool, which in turn increases the risk that the filter insert cannot be completely removed from the housing.

With a conventional disassembly tool, it can also be problematic to safely insert the disassembly tool until it locks behind the opening of the end cap. During the manufacturing process of the filter insert, it can happen that when the end cap is glued to the filter element or when the end cap is welded to the filter element, the diameter of the opening is reduced by adhesive material or melting compound. In such a case, it may be difficult to reliably move the disassembly tool through the opening in such a way that the hooks of the disassembly tool engage behind the edge of the opening.

There may therefore be a need to provide a disassembly tool that is equally suitable for disassembling various filter inserts. At the same time, the disassembly tool should be designed in such a way that the risk of damage to the filter element of the filter insert when inserting the disassembly tool through the filter insert is as low as possible. Finally, the dismantling tool should be designed in such a way that, even with larger tolerances in the opening diameter as a result of manufacturing processes, it is reliably possible to pass through the opening of the end cap without great effort and then securely locking behind the edge of the opening of the end cap is possible. Ultimately, the disassembly tool should be 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 disassembly tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter is proposed. The disassembly tool includes a first arm with a first outside, the first outside extending along a first axis. The disassembly tool further includes a second arm having a second outside, the second outside extending along a second axis. The first arm has a first hook which projects from the first arm essentially transversely to the first axis. The second arm has a second hook which projects from the second arm essentially transversely to the second axis. It is provided that the first outside and the second outside are connected to one another so that they can rotate relative to one another by means of a swivel joint which has a joint axis. The swivel joint is thus arranged or provided on the two outer sides in such a way that the two arms can be rotated relative to one another. The two arms can therefore be rotated or pivoted around the swivel joint with its axis of rotation.

The term “comprising” is to be understood as synonymous with the term “having”.

The term “essentially transverse” is understood to mean a direction perpendicular to the first axis or to the second axis, whereby the direction can deviate from the vertical by up to +/-20°.

In other words: The dismantling tool is designed in the form of two door leaves that are connected to one another by means of a joint and can be rotated relative to one another. In this way it is possible to vary the distance of the first hook from the second hook easily and reliably. When inserting the dismantling tool, the distance between the first hook and the second hook can be selected to be small or the projected area of the dismantling tool on a plane perpendicular to a direction of insertion into the filter insert can be reliably smaller than the projected area of a channel provided, for example, inside the filter insert , in particular, for example, the projected surface of the dismantling tool can always be located inside the projected surface of such a channel. After the insertion process has ended, i.e. when the two hooks have reached the rear opening viewed along the insertion direction, the distance between the two hooks can be increased by rotating the first arm relative to the second arm around the swivel joint so that the two hooks are one be able to reach behind the edge of the opening. The distance between the two hooks can then be designed such that “slipping” from the edge of the opening is no longer possible.

The two hooks are suitable for reaching behind the edge of an opening of one of the end caps, in particular the opening of the filter insert located downstream with respect to the insertion direction or insertion direction. In the context of this application, the term “downstream” or “upstream” is only to be understood as meaning a relative position with respect to a defined direction. This is not a direction of flow of a liquid unless it is explicitly stated.

The proposed disassembly tool can advantageously be manufactured simply and inexpensively. Due to the variable distance between the two hooks from each other, it is advantageously suitable for use for dismantling or extracting filter inserts of various designs or with different diameters of the openings of the end caps. In other words: The proposed disassembly tool can be used universally for various filter inserts.

Furthermore, if the diameter of the openings in the end caps varies as a result of manufacturing tolerances, the dismantling tool can still be inserted through the filter insert without any problems and simply, that is, without great effort, and can be adjusted in the inserted state in such a way that the two hooks are reliably and safely behind the edge the opening are arranged and a safe extraction or a safe dismantling of the filter insert from the housing of the liquid filter is made possible.

Finally, the disassembly tool or the first arm and the second arm can be designed to be dimensionally stable. A special elasticity of the material or the shape of the disassembly tool is not required. This is because the distance between the hooks can be adjusted for the insertion process or the insertion process so that the hooks can be easily inserted through the filter insert, in particular without mechanical contact with the interior of the filter element or the edge of one of the openings of the end caps. A dimensionally stable design of the two arms makes the disassembly process particularly simple and reliable: accidental twisting of the disassembly tool is not to be expected, even with larger pull-out forces required, due to the dimensional stability. This advantageously ensures that the filter insert can be extracted or dismantled from the housing in one piece without damage and reliably on the first attempt.

A further development provides that the joint axis of the swivel joint extends parallel or essentially parallel to the first axis. The joint axis can even coincide with the first axis. It is also possible for the joint axis to be aligned parallel or essentially parallel to the second axis.

This advantageously results in a particularly simple production of the disassembly tool. Furthermore, this advantageously ensures that when the first arm is rotated relative to the second arm, the two hooks can be rotated in a common plane, which increases the contact surface on the edge of the opening of the end cap and thus increases the pressure on individual points of the edge when it is pulled out is reduced.

It is intended that the disassembly tool is made in one piece. This advantageously results in particularly simple and cost-effective production. Furthermore, this ensures that there is no incorrect assembly of the disassembly tool after the manufacturing process for the first arm and the second arm. For example, the disassembly tool can be made of metal or plastic in a single injection molding process.

It is envisaged that the swivel joint is designed as a film joint or as a hinge. This advantageously ensures that the two arms are always are captively connected to each other. It is possible for the swivel joint to consist of several joint sections. For example, the swivel joint can consist of two, three, four or even more sub-joints. The joint axis of the individual swivel joints can be arranged collinear with one another, so that only a single axis of rotation is realized. This is equivalent to hanging a door on multiple hinges.

A film joint is a band hinge that has no mechanical parts. A film joint can, for example, be designed as a flexible, thin-walled joint groove between two parts to be connected, in this case between the first arm and the second arm.

By using a film joint or a hinge, particularly cost-effective and quick assembly can be achieved. In addition, individual parts can be advantageously saved. The disassembly tool together with the film joint or the hinge can be manufactured particularly advantageously as an injection-molded part.

It can be provided that the disassembly tool can be adjusted into an insertion state and into a disassembly state different from the insertion state by rotating the arms relative to one another around the swivel joint. In the inserted state, the first hook and the second hook essentially point in the same direction. In the inserted state, the first hook is at a first distance from the axis of rotation. In the disassembled state, the first hook and the second hook are at a second distance from one another. The first distance is smaller than the second distance.

The expression “essentially in the same direction” is understood to mean that the extension directions of the two hooks can enclose an angle of up to +/-20° with one another.

For example, the first distance can be smaller than a first diameter of the first opening of the first end cap of the filter insert. For example, the second distance is larger than the first diameter of the first opening of the first end cap of the filter insert.

In the same way, a first distance of the second hook from the axis of rotation can be less than a first diameter of the first opening of the first end cap of the filter insert.

For example, the first distance is at most 75%, advantageously at most 70.7% (1/SQRT(2)), further advantageously at most 60% and most advantageously at most 50% of the second distance. The first distance and the second distance are measured, for example, from the free end of the first hook to the free end of the second hook, i.e. from the outermost points of the respective hooks.

This advantageously ensures that the disassembly tool with its two hooks can be guided into the filter insert or through the openings in the end cap of the filter insert with little effort and preferably without mechanical contact. At the same time, this ensures that, in the dismantling state, the two hooks come into contact reliably behind an edge of the first opening of the first end cap of the filter insert or reach behind it, and in this way the filter insert can be reliably dismantled. The first end cap is arranged downstream of the second end cap of the filter insert when viewed with respect to the insertion direction of the disassembly tool.

It can be provided that in the dismantling state the first hook and the second hook point outwards away from each other (180°). The expression “pointing outwards” is to be understood as meaning a direction that is directed away from the body of the respective arm. Alternatively, it can be provided that in the dismantling state the two hooks enclose an angle value between 70° and 110° with respect to their direction of extension, particularly advantageously an angle value between 85° and 95°.

It can be provided that the first hook is arranged on a first hook end of the first arm that is opposite the first operating end. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second hook is arranged on a second hook end of the second arm that is opposite the second operating end. The first hook end and the second hook end form the distal ends of the respective arm.

A further development provides that the first arm or the second arm has at least one stop for the other arm, so that a rotation of the two arms around the swivel joint relative to one another by more than 100° is prevented.

It should be understood that if, for example, the first arm has the stop, the second arm abuts the stop during a relative rotation by the maximum angle.

Conversely, for example, the first arm can hit the stop of the second arm if the first arm is rotated or pivoted around the maximum angle of rotation (less than 100°).

Providing the at least one stop advantageously ensures that a fitter can handle the disassembly tool reliably and safely. When visibility is limited, the stop can ensure that the fitter has reliably either put the disassembly tool into the disassembly state when the stop is reached or that he has moved the disassembly tool into the insertion state. Furthermore, this prevents overstretching of the swivel joint and thus possible damage to the swivel joint.

It can be provided that the first operating end of the first arm has a channel-like first operating opening.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the second operating end of the second arm has a channel-like second operating opening.

It is possible, for example, for the two operating openings to be aligned with each other when dismantled.

By providing the operating openings or at least one operating opening, the extraction process or disassembly process can be made significantly easier for an operator or user of the disassembly tool. Because it is possible that the operator can insert his finger or a tool such as a screwdriver or a wrench through the first operating opening and/or the second operating opening, so that force is applied to the disassembly tool over a larger area during the disassembly process can be exercised.

A further development provides that the first arm has a third hook at an end opposite the first hook, which protrudes from the first arm essentially transversely to the first axis. The second arm has a fourth hook at an end opposite the second hook, which projects from the second arm essentially transversely to the second axis. The third hook has a greater length than the first hook when viewed transversely to the first axis. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth hook viewed transversely to the second axis has a greater length than the second hook.

The length is measured from the free end of the respective hook to the swivel joint.

This advantageously means that the dismantling tool can be used for different filter inserts. The end of the disassembly tool on which the first and second hooks are arranged can therefore be used for filter inserts that have a small insertion channel or whose openings in the first and second end caps have a relatively small diameter. In contrast to this, the end of the disassembly tool which has the third and fourth hooks can be used when filter inserts have to be dismantled which have a comparatively larger channel diameter or a larger diameter of the openings in the first end cap and/or in the second end cap exhibit. In the case of the latter filter elements, it could happen that the end which has the first and second hooks cannot reach behind the edge of the first opening of the first end cap in the disassembled state because the length of the first and second hooks is too short.

In this way, i.e. with two hooks of different lengths at the two different ends of the disassembly tool, a disassembly tool that can be used particularly well and universally can be provided.

In a further development, it can be provided that a securing element is arranged on the first arm, with a counter-element complementary to the securing element being arranged on the second arm. In the dismantled state, the securing element is coupled to the counter-element.

The securing element and the counter-element can, for example, be coupled to one another in a non-positive or frictional or form-fitting manner in the disassembled state.

The provision of the securing element and the counter-element advantageously ensures that in the dismantling state the hooks are prevented from accidentally slipping off the edge of the first opening of the first end cap. Furthermore, the stability in the Disassembly condition improved by coupling the first arm to the second arm as a result of the securing element and counter element, so that the disassembly tool is designed to be stiffer overall. This makes it possible to remove the filter insert from the liquid filter reliably and safely.

In a further development, it can be provided, for example, that the securing element is designed as a pin and the counter-element is designed as a groove in which the pin is received in the dismantling state. Alternatively, the counter element can be designed as a pin and the securing element can be designed as a groove in which the pin is received in the dismantling state. This development advantageously ensures that a particularly simple and stable coupling can be achieved between the first arm and the second arm in the disassembled state.

It goes without saying that more than a single securing element-counter-element pair can also be provided on the disassembly tool.

• ■ einen ersten Schritt: Bereitstellen eines Demontagewerkzeugs gemäß der obigen Beschreibung;
• ■ einen zweiten Schritt: Einstellen des Demontagewerkzeugs in einen Einführzustand, wobei im Einführzustand der erste Haken und der zweite Haken einen ersten Abstand von dem Drehgelenk aufweisen, der geringer ist als ein erster Durchmesser der ersten Öffnung und als ein zweiter Durchmesser der zweiten Öffnung;
• ■ einen dritten Schritt: Einführen des Demontagewerkzeugs in den Filtereinsatz entlang einer Einführrichtung derart, dass die Haken des Demontagewerkzeugs zumindest durch die erste Öffnung hindurchgeführt sind, bevorzugt durch die zweite Öffnung und durch die erste Öffnung vollständig hindurch geführt sind;

• ■ einen vierten Schritt: Einstellen des Demontagewerkzeugs in einen Demontagezustand durch Verdrehung der beiden Arme des Demontagewerkzeugs relativ zueinander um das Drehgelenk herum, wobei im Demontagezustand der erste Haken und der zweite Haken einen Rand der ersten Öffnung der ersten Endkappe hintergreifen;
• ■ einen fünften Schritt: Verlagern des Demontagewerkzeugs entgegen der Einführrichtung , so dass zusammen mit dem Demontagewerkzeug der Filtereinsatz aus dem Gehäuse demontiert wird.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for dismantling a filter insert of a liquid filter is proposed. When assembled, the liquid filter comprises a housing and at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet. Furthermore, the liquid filter includes a filter insert, which is inserted, for example, in the housing. The filter insert includes a filter element extending along a longitudinal axis and a first and a second end cap. The filter element can, for example, be folded in a star shape or designed as a wound filter element. Other filter elements are also possible. The filter element is arranged between the first end cap and the second end cap when viewed along the longitudinal axis. The first end cap has a first channel-like opening and the second end cap has a second channel-like opening. The filter insert can, for example, be hollow cylindrical. The procedure includes the following steps:

• ■ a first step: providing a disassembly tool according to the above description;
• ■ a second step: adjusting the disassembly tool into an insertion state, wherein in the insertion state the first hook and the second hook have a first distance from the swivel joint that is less than a first diameter of the first opening and than a second diameter of the second opening;
• ■ a third step: inserting the disassembly tool into the filter insert along an insertion direction such that the hooks of the disassembly tool at least are guided through the first opening, preferably through the second opening and completely through the first opening;

• ■ a fourth step: setting the disassembly tool into a disassembly state by rotating the two arms of the disassembly tool relative to one another around the swivel joint, wherein in the disassembly state the first hook and the second hook engage behind an edge of the first opening of the first end cap;
• ■ a fifth step: moving the dismantling tool against the insertion direction so that the filter insert is dismantled from the housing together with the dismantling tool.

The proposed method makes it possible to insert the disassembly tool particularly easily through the filter insert. Furthermore, the same disassembly tool can be used for different filter inserts with different sized openings. Finally, the method offers the advantage that after the dismantling tool has been passed through the two openings, it can be easily ensured that the two hooks engage reliably and securely behind the edge of the first opening and in this way the filter insert is reliably assembled in a single piece or . Can be completely dismantled or extracted from the housing of the liquid filter.

drawings

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

Figs. 1a-1e:

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Demontagewerkzeugs und seiner Verwendung aus dem Stand der Technik;

Figs. 2a-2c:

schematische Darstellungen eines erfindungsgemäßen Demontagewerkzeugs und seiner Verwendung im Einführzustand und im Demontagezustand;

Figs. 3a, 3b:

Vorder- und Rückansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Demontagewerkzeugs im Einführzustand;

Figs. 4a-4d:

schematische Querschnitte und Aufsichten auf das Demontagewerkzeug aus Figs. 3a, 3b im Einführzustand (Figs. 4a, 4b) und im Demontagezustand (Figs. 4c, 4d);

Figs. 5a, 5b:

Querschnitt und Detailansicht eines Querschnitts des Demontagewerkzeugs aus Figs. 3a, 3b im Demontagezustand;

Figs. 6a, 6b:

Vorder- und Rückansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Demontagewerkzeugs im Demontagezustand;

Figs. 7a-7e:

schematische Querschnitte und Aufsichten auf das Demontagewerkzeug aus Figs. 6a, 6b im Einführzustand (Figs. 7a, 7b) und im Demontagezustand (Figs. 7c-7e);

Fig. 8:

Schritte eines Verfahrens zur Demontage eines Filtereinsatzes eines Flüssigkeitsfilters.

Show it:

Figs. 1a-1e:

various representations of a disassembly tool and its use from the prior art;

Figs. 2a-2c:

schematic representations of a disassembly tool according to the invention and its use in the insertion state and in the disassembly state;

Figs. 3a, 3b:

Front and rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a disassembly tool in the inserted state;

Figs. 4a-4d:

schematic cross sections and top views of the dismantling tool Figs. 3a , 3b in the insertion state ( Figs. 4a, 4b ) and in the dismantled state ( Figs. 4c, 4d );

Figs. 5a, 5b:

Cross section and detailed view of a cross section of the dismantling tool Figs. 3a , 3b in dismantled condition;

Figs. 6a, 6b:

Front and rear view of a further exemplary embodiment of a disassembly tool in the disassembly state;

Figs. 7a-7e:

schematic cross sections and top views of the dismantling tool Figs. 6a, 6b in the insertion state ( Figs. 7a, 7b ) and in the dismantled state ( Figs. 7c-7e );

Fig. 8:

Steps of a method for dismantling a filter element of a liquid filter.

Figure 1a shows a disassembly tool 60 from the prior art. The disassembly tool 60 is formed in one piece in the manner of an ice cream stick or a spatula. In other words: The disassembly tool 60 has a flat, elongated extension. At a front distal end 61, the disassembly tool 60 has a first hook 63 and a second hook 64, which are designed in the manner of two forks. An analogous structure is also located at the second distal end 62 of the disassembly tool 60. The disassembly tool 60 has a recess in its middle section between the first end 61 and the second end 62, so that it is as elastic and bendable as possible.

Figure 1b shows the disassembly tool 60 from the prior art being inserted along an insertion direction 80 into a filter insert 70. The filter insert 70 has a hollow cylindrical shape and extends along a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A defines an axial direction. A distinction must be made between this and a radial direction that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The filter insert 70 includes a first end cap 71 with a first opening 73 and a second end cap 72 with a second opening 74.

A filter element 78 is attached in a fluid-tight manner between the two end caps 71, 72. The filter element 78 also has a hollow cylindrical shape, so that the dismantling tool 60 can first be inserted through the second opening 74 along the longitudinal axis A in the insertion direction 80, then can pass through the hollow interior of the filter element 78 and finally through the first opening 73 the first end cap 71 can be inserted through. The distance between the two hooks 63, 64 of the disassembly tool is greater than the diameter of the first opening 73 and the second opening 74. Due to the fork-shaped design of the first end 61 of the disassembly tool 60, the hooks 63, 64 can be elastically reversible in the manner of snap hooks are deflected inwards when hitting the edge of the respective opening 73, 74 and spring outwards again after passing through the respective opening 73, 74.

Figure 1c shows an enlarged section of the Figure 1b in a state in which the first hook 63 rests directly on the edge 75 of the first opening 73, shortly before passing through the first opening 73 during the insertion process.

The filter insert 70 also has sealing means 79, for example in the form of O-rings 79, which are each arranged on a radial outside of the first end cap 71 and the second end cap 72 and enable sealing against a housing 93 of a liquid filter 90.

Figure 1d shows a liquid filter 90 with a housing 93 as well as a liquid inlet 91 and a liquid outlet 92. The filter insert 70 is mounted in the housing 93. The filter insert 70 is usually covered in a fluid-tight manner by a lid. In the figure shown, however, the filter insert 70 is to be removed from the housing 93 using the disassembly tool 60 from the prior art. The state shown is in which the dismantling tool 60 is immediately before being inserted into the filter insert 70 along the insertion direction 80.

Figure 1e shows the liquid filter 90 Figure 1d , whereby the disassembly tool 60 is now inserted into the filter insert 70 in such a way that the two hooks (not shown) engage behind the edge 75 of the first opening 73 (not shown) of the filter insert 70. By moving the disassembly tool 60 counter to the insertion direction 80, the disassembly tool 60 can now be removed from the liquid filter 90 together with the filter insert 70.

The liquid filter 90 can be, for example, a fuel filter, for example for oil, diesel or gasoline. It is also possible for the liquid filter 90 to be provided as a filter for filtering urea solution in a DENOX system or SCR system (SCR = "selective catalytic reduction"). Other uses of the liquid filter are also conceivable.

Figure 2a shows schematically a disassembly tool 1 of the invention and a filter insert 70. The same reference numbers represent the same functional elements.

The first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 of the filter insert 70 has a first diameter D3. The second opening 74 of the second end cap 72 has a second diameter D4.

The dismantling tool 1 is shown in an insertion state 50. The disassembly tool 1 has a first arm 10 with a first outside 13, the first outside 13 extending along a first axis A1. The disassembly tool 1 also has a second arm 20 with a second outside 23, the second outside 23 extending along a second axis A2. The second arm is only shown in dashed lines in the figure, since it lies behind the first arm 10 in the inserted state 50 in the drawing shown. The first arm 10 has a first hook 11, which projects from the first arm 10 essentially transversely to the first axis A1, that is to say approximately perpendicularly (+/-20° relative to the vertical) and is suitable for the edge 75 of the first opening 73 the first end cap of the 71 of the filter insert 70 to reach behind. The second arm has a second hook 21 (located behind the first arm 11 in the figure), which projects from the second arm 20 essentially transversely to the second axis A2 and is suitable for the edge 75 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 of the Filter insert 70 to reach behind.

The first hook 11 is arranged on a first hook end 3 of the first arm 10, the second hook 21 on a second hook end 4 of the second arm 20. Both hook ends 3, 4 can, for example, be the distal ends of the respective arm Be 10, 20.

The first outside 13 of the first arm 10 and the second outside 23 of the second arm 20 are rotatably connected to one another relative to one another by means of a swivel joint 30, 32 with a joint axis A3. The swivel joint 30 can, for example, be used as a Film joint 32 can be designed, for example as a flexible, thin-walled joint groove between the two parts to be connected to one another, namely the first arm 10 and the second arm 20. The swivel joint 30 can also be designed as a hinge.

The dismantling tool 1 has a first operating end 12 on the first arm 10 at its end opposite the first hook end 3, which has a channel-like first operating opening 15 through which, for example, a screwdriver or a finger of an operator or an operator can be plugged in. The second arm 20 has a second operating end 22 at its end opposite the second hook end 4, the second operating end 22 having a second channel-like operating opening 25, through which a screwdriver or a finger can also be inserted . The disassembly tool 1 is preferably designed such that the two operating openings 15, 25 are in a disassembly state 52 ( Figure 2c ) of the disassembly tool 1 are aligned.

The first hook 11 has a first distance D1.1 between its free end and the axis of rotation. Accordingly, the second hook 21 has a first distance D1.2 between its free end and the axis of rotation. The first distance D1.1 or D1.2 of the first hook 11 or the second hook 21 is measured from the outer ends of the respective hook to the axis of rotation. In the inserted state 50 shown, the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 point essentially in the same direction, i.e. in directions that enclose a maximum angle of +/-20° to one another. The first distance of the first hook D1.1 is smaller than a first diameter D3 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 of the filter insert. In the same way, the first distance D1.2 of the second hook 21 is also smaller than the first diameter D3 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 of the filter insert.

Figure 2b shows the dismantling tool 1 still in the inserted state 50, the dismantling tool 1 now being inserted through the second opening 74 into the hollow cylindrical recess of the filter element 78. Because the first distance D1.1, D1.2 of the two hooks 11, 21 is smaller than the second diameter D4 of the second opening 74 of the second end cap 72, the insertion of the disassembly tool 1 can be carried out essentially without mechanical contact with parts of the filter insert and Therefore, it can be done without great effort and without causing any damage. The first distance D1.1, D1.2 of the two hooks 11, 21 is preferably also smaller than the diameter of the recess of the filter element 78, so that the insertion process of the dismantling tool 1 is carried out by the Filter element 78 can be done without damaging the filter element 78. This can be particularly important because the filter element 78 can still be soaked in liquid during the dismantling process, which can reduce the intrinsic stability of the filter element 78. In particular, if the filter element 78 is damaged, the filter insert 70 can tear apart.

Figure 2c shows the disassembly tool 1 in the disassembly state 52. For this purpose, the disassembly tool 1 has now also been passed through the first opening 73. Since the first distance D1.1, D1.2 of the two hooks 11, 21 in the insertion state 50 is also smaller than the first diameter D3, the two hooks 11, 21 can also be passed through the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 without any problems.

In order to now adjust the dismantling tool 1 into the dismantling state 52, the two operating ends 12, 22 are rotated around the axis of rotation 30, 32 (see arrow). As a result, the first arm 10 rotates relative to the second arm 20 around the swivel joint 30, 32 and the two hooks 11, 21 pivot apart. The two hooks 11, 21 engage behind the edge 75 of the first opening 73. In the dismantling state 52, the two hooks 11, 21 now have a second distance D2 from one another, which is larger than the first diameter D3 of the first opening 73. In the dismantling state 52 The dismantling tool 1 can now be moved out of the housing 93 of the liquid filter 90 together with the complete filter insert 70 by moving the dismantling tool 1 counter to the insertion direction 80 or insertion direction 80.

The proposed disassembly tool 1 has the advantage that a damage-free, quick and reliable insertion of the disassembly tool 1 through the two openings 73, 74 of the two end caps 71, 72 is possible with little effort. The disassembly state 52 can thus be set in a simple manner, in which reliable disassembly of the filter insert 70 can be effected with the aid of the disassembly tool 1. Because the two hooks 11, 21 reach behind the edge 75 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 safely, broadly and reliably.

Figure 3a shows an embodiment of the disassembly tool 1 in a front view. The dismantling tool 1 shown has hooks at its two distal ends of the two arms 10, 20. A first hook 11 and a third hook 14 can therefore be seen on the first arm 10. Furthermore, there are a second hook 21 and a on the second arm 20 fourth hook 24 can be seen. The third hook 14 is longer than the first hook 11. This is made visible by the distances D1.1 and D1.3. The fourth hook 24 has a first length which corresponds to the first distance D1.4 of the fourth hook from the axis of rotation A3 and which is greater than the first length (corresponding to the first distance D1.2) of the second hook 21.

The first arm 10, like the second arm 20, is rod-shaped and has a large number of openings or recesses 16a, between which webs 16 extend. In this way, the dismantling tool 1 is particularly light and yet stable.

The dismantling tool 1 is shown in the inserted state 50. A first operating opening 15 and a second operating opening 25 can be seen at the end of the dismantling tool remote from the first hook 11 and second hook 21. If the first arm 10 is now pivoted through 180° relative to the second arm 20 about the axis of rotation A3 of the swivel joint 30, which cannot be seen in the drawing shown, the first operating opening 15 forms a channel-like through opening with the second operating opening 25 which, for example, a screwdriver can be inserted through in order to achieve better force distribution for an operator or fitter during the extraction process.

In the same way, a first operating opening 15a and a second operating opening 25a are provided at the end of the dismantling tool 1 opposite the third hook 14 and fourth hook 24. If the disassembly tool 1 is used in a configuration in which the third hook 14 and the fourth hook 24 are first inserted into the filter insert, the first operating opening 15a and the second operating opening 25a can be used in the disassembly state 52 to insert a screwdriver be used.

In the figure shown it can be clearly seen that the first outside 13 of the first arm 10 and the second outside 23 of the second arm 20 face each other.

Figure 3b shows the dismantling tool 1 Figure 3a in a rear view. The swivel joint 30 can be clearly seen, which is designed here as a film joint 32.

Furthermore, in the rear view shown, three securing elements 18, 18a are shown on the first arm 10, which are designed as pins 18a. On the back of the second Arms 20 are arranged with counter elements 28 corresponding to the securing elements 18, which are shown here as a type of blind holes or grooves 28a. The securing elements 18, 18a can engage in the grooves 28a of the second arm 20 when the first arm 10 is rotated relative to the second arm 20 by approximately 180°. This creates a particularly stable coupling between the first arm 10 and the second arm 20, because the first arm 10 is connected to the second arm 20 without this coupling only by means of the swivel joint 30. By providing the securing elements 18 and the corresponding counter-elements 28, the dismantling tool 1 is mechanically stabilized during the dismantling process.

Figure 4a shows schematically a cross section through a filter insert 70, in which the dismantling tool 1 is located Figure 3a and 3b has been introduced. The dismantling tool 1 is still in the inserted state 50.

Figure 4b shows a top view of the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 of the dismantling tool 1 Figure 4a . It can be seen that the two hooks 11, 21 do not yet engage behind the edge 75 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 of the filter insert 70. Since in the illustrated, purely exemplary embodiment, the third hook 14 and the fourth hook 24 are longer than the first and second hooks 11, 21, the third and fourth hooks 14, 24 are in the top view shown of the first end cap 71 above the first and second hook 11, 21 visible protruding.

Figure 4c shows the dismantling tool 1 Figure 4a in the dismantled state 52. For this purpose, the first arm was rotated or pivoted around the swivel joint 30 relative to the second arm 20 by approximately 180 ° (see also the arrows in Figs. 4a, 4b ).

Figure 4d shows a top view of the dismantling tool 1 Figure 4c . It can be clearly seen that after the first arm 10 has been pivoted around the swivel joint 30 relative to the second arm 20, the two hooks 11, 21 now point in opposite directions and thereby engage behind the edge 75 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71. The total length of the first and second hooks 11, 21 results from the sum of the first two distances D1.1 + D1.2. The total length D1.1+D1.2 is now larger than the first diameter D3 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71.

Figure 5a shows a cross section through the dismantling tool 1 Figures 4c and 4d . It can be clearly seen how the securing elements 18 in the form of pins 18a the corresponding counter elements 28 designed as grooves 28a engage and thus stabilize the dismantling tool 1. Furthermore, it can be seen how the first operating openings 15, 15a are aligned with the second operating openings 25, 25a.

Figure 5b shows an excerpt from the in Figure 5a edged section of the dismantling tool 1. It can be seen how the securing element 18, designed as a pin 18a, engages in the counter-element 28, designed as a groove 28a. The securing element 18 can have thickenings on its outside, which result in a larger diameter than the diameter of the counter-element 28. In this way, the securing element 18 can be fastened in the counter-element 28 in a non-positive or frictional manner. At the same time, releasability is ensured, ie after the disassembly process of the filter insert 70, the disassembly tool 1 can be pivoted from the disassembly state 52 around the swivel joint 30 with a little effort and moved back into the insertion state 50. The securing elements 18 then detach from the counter-elements 28.

Figure 6a shows a further embodiment of the disassembly tool 1. The disassembly tool 1 is shown in the disassembly state 52. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the dismantling state 52 is already reached when the first arm 10 is crossed relative to the second arm 20 by approximately 90°. In order to prevent further pivoting beyond the 90° mark, 10 stops 40 or stop elements 40 are arranged on the first arm. In the insertion state 50, not shown here, the first hook 11 points in approximately the same direction as the second hook 21. In this insertion state 50, the first operating opening 15 and the second operating opening 25 are also not arranged collinearly, as in Figure 6a , but they stand apart from each other by approx. 90°. If the dismantling tool 1 is now moved from the insertion state 50, not shown here, into the dismantling state 52 shown here, the stop elements 40 prevent the first arm 11 from rotating relative to the second arm 21 beyond a value of approximately 90°. Because the second arm 20 strikes the stop element 40 designed as a stop 40. An operator or fitter now knows through a haptic signal that the dismantling state 52 has been reached. The haptic signal is given by blocking further rotation by striking the second arm 20 against the stop 40 or the stop element 40 of the first arm 10.

Figure 6b shows the dismantling tool 1 in a view rotated by 180 °.

In both Figures 6a and 6b The ribs 16 serving as mechanical reinforcement and the recesses or recesses 16a can be seen, the recesses or recesses 16a leading to material and weight savings.

Figure 7a shows the disassembly tool Figure 6a and Figure 6b in the insertion state 50.

Figure 7b shows analogously to Figure 4b a top view of the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 of the dismantling tool 1 in the inserted state 50. It can be seen that the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 point in the same direction. This makes it possible to push the disassembly tool through the interior of the filter insert 70 and through the two openings 23, 74 in the two end caps 71, 72.

The Figures 7c and 7d show the dismantling tool 1 Figure 7a in the dismantled state 52 in a cross section through a front view ( Fig. 7c ) and a view rotated 90° to the front view ( Fig. 7d ). In Figure 7c It can be seen that the first operating opening 15 is now aligned with the second operating opening 25. This creates a continuous passageway through which a screwdriver can be inserted, for example. The dismantling state 52 is caused by a rotation of the first arm 10 relative to the second arm 20 around the swivel joint 30 by approximately 90 °. The swivel joint can be designed, for example, as a film joint 32 or as a hinge.

Fig. 7e shows a top view of the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 of the dismantling tool 1 from the Figures 7c and 7d . It can be seen that the two hooks 11, 21 now protrude approximately at right angles from one another, that is, they enclose an angle between them of approximately 90°. As a result, the two hooks 11, 21 engage behind the edge 75 of the first opening 73 of the first end cap 71 of the filter element 70. In this way, the filter insert 70 can be reliably transported out of its housing using the disassembly tool 1.

• ■ einen ersten Schritt 100: Bereitstellen eines Demontagewerkzeugs 1;
• ■ einen zweiten Schritt 200: Einstellen des Demontagewerkzeugs in einen Einführzustand 50, wobei im Einführzustand 50 der erste Haken 11 und der zweite Haken 21 einen ersten Abstand D1.1, D1.2 von dem Drehgelenk 30, 32 aufweisen, der geringer ist als ein erster Durchmesser D3 der ersten Öffnung 73 und als ein zweiter Durchmesser D4 der zweiten Öffnung 74;
• ■ einen dritten Schritt 300: Einführen des Demontagewerkzeugs 1 in den Filtereinsatz 70 entlang einer Einführrichtung 80 derart, dass die Haken 11, 21 des Demontagewerkzeugs 1 zumindest durch die erste Öffnung 72 hindurch geführt sind, bevorzugt durch die zweite Öffnung 74 und durch die erste Öffnung 72 vollständig hindurch geführt sind;
• ■ einen vierten Schritt 400: Einstellen des Demontagewerkzeugs 1 in einen Demontagezustand 52 durch Verdrehung der beiden Arme 10, 20 des Demontagewerkzeugs 1 relativ zueinander um das Drehgelenk 30, 32 herum, wobei im Demontagezustand 52 der erste Haken 11 und der zweite Haken 21 einen Rand 75 der ersten Öffnung 72 der ersten Endkappe 71 hintergreifen;
• ■ einen fünften Schritt 500: Verlagern des Demontagewerkzeugs 1 entgegen der Einführrichtung 80, so dass zusammen mit dem Demontagewerkzeug 1 der Filtereinsatz 70 aus dem Gehäuse 93 demontiert wird.

In Fig. 8 a method for dismantling a filter insert 70 of a liquid filter 90 is shown. The liquid filter 90 includes, for example, as shown in FIG Figures 2a to 2c shown, in the assembled state, a housing 93, at least one liquid inlet 91, at least one liquid outlet 92 and the filter insert 70. The filter insert 70 comprises, for example, a filter element 78 extending along a longitudinal axis A, a first end cap 71 and a second end cap 72, whereby the Filter element 78 viewed along the longitudinal axis A between the first end cap 71 and the second end cap 72 is arranged, wherein the first end cap 71 has a first channel-like opening 73, wherein the second end cap 72 has a second channel-like opening 74. The procedure includes the following steps:

• ■ a first step 100: providing a disassembly tool 1;
• ■ a second step 200: setting the disassembly tool into an insertion state 50, wherein in the insertion state 50 the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 have a first distance D1.1, D1.2 from the swivel joint 30, 32, which is less than a first diameter D3 of the first opening 73 and a second diameter D4 of the second opening 74;
• ■ a third step 300: inserting the disassembly tool 1 into the filter insert 70 along an insertion direction 80 such that the hooks 11, 21 of the disassembly tool 1 are guided at least through the first opening 72, preferably through the second opening 74 and through the first opening 72 are completely guided through;
• ■ a fourth step 400: Setting the disassembly tool 1 into a disassembly state 52 by rotating the two arms 10, 20 of the disassembly tool 1 relative to one another around the swivel joint 30, 32, with the first hook 11 and the second hook 21 having an edge in the disassembly state 52 75 engage behind the first opening 72 of the first end cap 71;
• ■ a fifth step 500: Displacing the dismantling tool 1 counter to the insertion direction 80, so that the filter insert 70 is dismantled from the housing 93 together with the dismantling tool 1.

The dismantling tools 1 shown can be produced, for example, in a plastic injection molding process. They can, for example, be made of polypropylene, polyamide or polyethylene or at least partially contain these materials.

The dismantling tool 1 presented is suitable for dismantling filter inserts 70 from liquid filters 90, for example for fuel filters or urea filters. Due to its properties, it can be used universally, i.e. for different types of filter inserts 70, is easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and allows the filter inserts 70 to be reliably dismantled from a housing 93 of an associated liquid filter 90.

Claims (9)

1. Dismounting tool for a filter insert of a liquid filter, comprising

   — a first arm (10) with a first outer side (13), wherein the first outer side (13) extends along a first axis (A1),

   — a second arm (20) with a second outer side (23), wherein the second outer side (23) extends along a second axis (A2),

   wherein the first arm (10) has a first hook (11) which projects from the first arm (10) substantially transversely to the first axis (A1),

   wherein the second arm (20) has a second hook (21) which projects from the second arm (20) substantially transversely to the second axis (A2),

   wherein the first outer side (13) and the second outer side (23) are connected to one another by means of a rotary joint (30, 32) with a joint axis (A3),

   characterized in that

   the dismounting tool (1) is produced in one piece, wherein the rotary joint (30) is in the form of a film joint (32) or in the form of a hinge.
2. Dismounting tool according to Claim 1,
   wherein the joint axis (A3) of the rotary joint (30, 32) extends parallel to the first axis (A1).
3. Dismounting tool according to either of the preceding claims,

   wherein the dismounting tool (1) is settable into an insertion state (50) and into a dismounting state (52) by way of rotation of the arms (10, 20) relative to one another about the joint axis (30),

   wherein, in the insertion state (50), the first hook (11) and the second hook (21) point substantially in the same direction,

   wherein, in the insertion state (50), the first hook (11) is at a first distance (D1.1) from the axis of rotation (30, 32),

   wherein, in the dismounting state (52), the first hook (11) and the second hook (21) are at a second distance (D2) from one another,

   wherein the first distance (D1.1) is smaller than the second distance (D2), wherein in particular the first distance (D1.1) is smaller than a first diameter (D3) of the first opening (73) of the first end cap (71) of the filter insert (70), and

   wherein in particular the second distance (D2) is greater than the first diameter (D3) of the first opening (73) of the first end cap (71) of the filter insert (70).
4. Dismounting tool according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the first arm (10) or the second arm (20) has at least one stop (40) for the other arm (20, 10), such that a rotation of the two arms (10, 20) relative to one another about the rotary joint (30, 32) through more than 100° is prevented.
5. Dismounting tool according to one of the preceding claims,

   wherein the first operating end (12) of the first arm (10) has a channel-like first operating opening (15),
   and/or

   wherein the second operating end (22) of the second arm (20) has a channel-like second operating opening (25) .
6. Dismounting tool according to one of the preceding claims,

   wherein, at an end situated opposite the first hook (11), the first arm (10) has a third hook (14) which projects from the first arm (10) substantially transversely to the first axis (A1),

   wherein, an end situated opposite the second hook (21), the second arm (20) has a fourth hook (24) which projects from the second arm (20) substantially transversely to the second axis (A1),

   wherein the third hook (14), as viewed transversely to the first axis (A1), has a greater length than the first hook (11),
   and/or

   wherein the fourth hook (24), as viewed transversely to the second axis (A2), has a greater length than the second hook (21).
7. Dismounting tool according to Claim 3,

   wherein a securing element (18) is arranged on the first arm (10),

   wherein a counterpart element (28), which is complementary to the securing element (18), is arranged on the second arm (20),

   wherein, in the dismounting state (52), the securing element (18) is coupled to the counterpart element (28) .
8. Dismounting tool according to Claim 7,

   wherein the securing element (18) is in the form of a peg (18a), and the counterpart element (28) is in the form of a groove (28a) into which the peg is received in the dismounting state (52),
   or

   wherein the counterpart element (28) is in the form of a peg, and the securing element (18) is in the form of a groove into which the peg is received in the dismounting state (52).
9. Method for dismounting a filter insert of a liquid filter,

   wherein, in the mounted state, the liquid filter (90) comprises a housing (93), at least one liquid inflow (91), at least one liquid outflow (92) and the filter insert (70),

   wherein the filter insert (70) comprises a filter element (78) which extends along a longitudinal axis (A), a first end cap (71) and a second end cap (72), wherein the filter element (78), as viewed along the longitudinal axis (A), is arranged between the first end cap (71) and the second end cap (72),

   wherein the first end cap (71) has a first channel-like opening (73),

   wherein the second end cap (72) has a second channel-like opening (74),

   wherein the method comprises the following steps:

   — a first step (100): providing a dismounting tool (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8;

   — a second step (200): setting the dismounting tool into an insertion state (50), wherein, in the insertion state (50), the first hook (11) and the second hook (21) are at a first distance (D1.1, D1.2) from the rotary joint (30, 32), which is smaller than a first diameter (D3) of the first opening (73) and smaller than a second diameter (D4) of the second opening (74);

   — a third step (300): inserting the dismounting tool (1) into the filter insert (70) along an insertion direction (80) in such a way that the hooks (11, 21) of the dismounting tool (1) are guided completely through the second opening (74) and the first opening (72);

   — a fourth step (400): setting the dismounting tool (1) into a dismounting state (52) by way of rotation of the two arms (10, 20) of the dismounting tool (1) relative to one another about the rotary joint (30, 32),

   wherein, in the dismounting state (52), the first hook (11) and the second hook (21) engage behind an edge (75) of the first opening (72) of the first end cap (71) ;

   — a fifth step (500) : displacing the dismounting tool (1) counter to the insertion direction (80) such that the filter insert (70) is dismounted from the housing (93) together with the dismounting tool (1) .

Images