Hook device and method for replacing a filter module

Abstract

comprising a hook device (100, 200, 300, 400) for replacing a filter module (140), in particular a cardboard filter module, of a filter system (150): a rod (101) with a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one web (102) arranged on the rod (101); wherein the web (102) extends from the rod (101) in such a way that when the rod (101) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (A) the web (102) can penetrate into a housing wall (141) of the filter module (140).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hook device for replacing a filter module. In particular, the present invention relates to a hook device for replacing a filter module, especially a cardboard filter module, of a filter system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for replacing a filter module. Background of the invention

[0002] The modular arrangement of cardboard filter modules in the openings of filter systems is known from WO 03 / 084638 A2. They serve to separate paint particles or paint mist (overspray) from the exhaust air of a spray booth in which, for example, parts for a motor vehicle are painted.

[0003] When the filter module is used up, it must be removed from the filter system and replaced with a new, unused filter module.

[0004] Currently, removing the filter module requires direct intervention by the user of the filter system. This makes the process time-consuming and costly, and also poses a certain health risk to the user, particularly through skin contact with pollutants captured by the filter module or through inhalation of these pollutants.

[0005] US 5,487,576 A discloses a telescopic hand tool for removing filters or metallic contaminants in the ductwork of air management systems, wherein the tool is made of non-metallic materials and uses a hook designed to remove a filter without substantially damaging the filter frame, and alternatively a magnet designed to slide along the ductwork and collect metallic contaminants.

[0006] US patent 2009 / 0199526A1 discloses an easily accessible air filter housing and cover assembly for homes with high ceilings, allowing the user to replace the air filter without having to stand on a ladder. A kit with special tools and a conventional extendable pole is provided so that the user can replace the filter using a novel procedure.

[0007] US 2010 / 0207407A1 discloses a filter removal system for air conditioning systems for air filters located in elevated return air vents, such as a return air vent mounted in a ceiling or upper wall. The device consists of a filter gripping mechanism that can be mounted on an extension pole. The filter gripping mechanism has teeth protruding from it to grasp an air filter and a retaining plate on which the filter is balanced once it is gripped by the teeth. Description of the invention

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device and a method for exchanging, in particular for removing, a filter module from a receiving opening of a filter system.

[0009] This problem is solved by a hook device and a method according to the independent claims.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hook device is provided. The hook device comprises a rod with a longitudinal axis and at least one web arranged on the rod.

[0012] The bridge protrudes from the rod in such a way that when the rod is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the bridge can penetrate into a housing wall of the filter module.

[0013] For example, a filter module replacement kit can be assembled. This kit comprises a filter module that can be inserted into a receiving opening of a filter system and a hook device according to the first aspect of the present invention. The hook device can be inserted into a space between the filter module and the receiving opening, and the shank extends from the rod such that, when the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the hook device engages a housing wall of the filter module when it is inserted into the space.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for replacing a filter module is provided. The method comprises a first step in which a hook device according to the first aspect of the present invention is inserted into a space between a receiving opening of the filter system and the filter module. In a second step, the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis such that the shank penetrates a housing wall of the filter module. In a third and final step, the filter module is removed from the filter system or from the receiving opening of the filter system by pulling on the rod.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to remove filter modules, in particular cardboard filter modules, easily, safely and quickly from the receiving opening of a filter system.

[0016] The user of the filter system no longer comes into contact with the filter module and, potentially, with harmful substances such as paint. Furthermore, the distance provided by the hook device minimizes the risk of the user inhaling harmful substances.

[0017] Furthermore, removal can be carried out with just a few simple steps by inserting the rod into the space between the receiving opening and the filter module and then rotating it around its longitudinal axis. This causes the bar to penetrate the housing wall of the filter module and engage inside the module. Once the bar is engaged with the filter module, it is then possible to remove the filter module from the receiving opening of the filter system.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, a rod is an elongated element having a longitudinal axis about which it is rotatable. The rod can have a circular, oval, triangular, or quadrilateral (square or rectangular) cross-section. The rod can be made of various materials, in particular steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, a web is an elongated element having a longitudinal axis. The web can have the same or a different cross-section as the rod. The web can have a circular, oval, triangular, or quadrilateral (square or rectangular) cross-section and can be made of various materials, in particular steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic.

[0020] The bridge is attached to the pole either directly or indirectly. The arrangement can be reversible or irreversible.

[0021] A reversible arrangement can be achieved, for example, by having the web have an external threaded profile at its root, which can engage with a bore with an internal threaded profile. This allows the web to be replaced without having to replace the entire hook assembly. Another reversible arrangement of the web on the rod can be achieved using a rivet connection.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the root of the bridge is the end of the bridge along its longitudinal axis, which is arranged on the rod.

[0023] An irreversible arrangement can be achieved, for example, by welding. This allows for a more stable connection between the bridge and the rod.

[0024] The rod and the bridge can also be manufactured in one piece, for example in a casting process, to simplify the manufacturing process of the hook device.

[0025] The rib can be straight or curved. For example, the rib can have a first, straight section and a second, curved section, the latter being located at a free end of the rib. This allows for better engagement or penetration of the rib into the filter module. In particular, the second section can have a barb whose free end is bent towards the rod.

[0026] A free end of the bridge in the sense of the present invention is the end of the bridge along its longitudinal axis which is not connected to the rod.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the bridge has a hook element that projects from the bridge and is spaced apart from the rod. This allows the hook device to engage the filter module more effectively. The hook element can be straight or curved and may, for example, have a barb.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the hook element is arranged at a free end of the bridge.

[0029] It is also possible to provide for at least two hook elements, with a first hook element located at the free end of the web and a second hook element positioned between the first hook element and the root of the web. Alternatively, the two hook elements may be arranged at different positions on the web, spaced apart along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the two hook elements may be located at the same position along the longitudinal axis of the web.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the bridge has a cutting area located at a free end of the bridge. The cutting area facilitates the penetration of the bridge into the housing wall of the filter module, thus simplifying the replacement of the filter module. The cutting area can be made of the same material as the bridge or of a different material. For example, the bridge can be made of plastic and the cutting area of ​​steel, particularly stainless steel. In this case, the cutting area is attached to the bridge by means of a reversible connection (for example, screws) to simplify the replacement of the cutting area. The cutting area can, for example, include a blade.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the bridge has a pointed free end opposite the rod. The pointed free end simplifies and improves the penetration of the bridge into the housing wall of the filter module. Accordingly, the cutting area has a cross-section that tapers towards the free end, or a tapered free end, with a blade-like edge forming at this end. The edge can be orthogonal to an axis of extension of the bridge area or have an angle between 60° and 89° between the axis of extension of the bridge area and the blade-like edge.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the bridge is arranged at a free end of the rod. This allows the filter module to be gripped to a greater depth.

[0033] According to the present invention, a free end of the rod is an end region or an end of the rod along the longitudinal axis.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the bridge is positioned at a distance from a free end of the rod. The free end of the rod can thus abut against an inner wall of the receiving opening and serve as a spacer to prevent the bridge from being inserted too deeply into the receiving opening before the rod is rotated and the bridge engages with the housing wall of the filter module. In this case, the free end of the rod can be made of or contain a soft material, such as rubber, to minimize the risk of damaging the inner wall of the receiving opening.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the bridge is arranged perpendicular to the rod. This allows the bridge to penetrate the housing wall of the filter module more effectively.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the hook device further comprises an additional rib arranged on the rod, the rib projecting from the rod in such a way that, when the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the rib can penetrate a housing wall of the filter module. This ensures a better grip on the filter module, making its removal from the receiving opening safer and easier.

[0037] It may also be provided that the hook device has three or more webs spaced apart from each other at regular or irregular intervals along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the hook device further comprises a gripping area which is arranged on the rod at a distance from the bridge. A gripping area is a section of the rod where a user of the hook device can grasp the rod with their hand. This makes it easier for the user to operate the hook device.

[0039] The handle area can, in particular, feature an ergonomic grip, which further facilitates the operation of the hook device. For example, the handle area can have a curved profile to make gripping easier.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the handle area is arranged at a free end of the rod. This allows the user of the hook device to minimize the risk of coming into contact with hazardous substances that have been filtered by the filter module.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the handle area has a grip bar. A grip bar is a ridge, i.e., an elongated element that projects from the rod. The grip bar facilitates the rotation of the rod by the user.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the handle is arranged perpendicular to the rod. This makes the user-guided rotation of the rod particularly easy.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the handle is arranged perpendicular to the bridge. This makes it easier to remove the filter module from the receiving opening, since in this case the handle is located in the same plane of the housing wall into which the bridge engages.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the handle area has a ball grip. This provides an easy gripping option for the user of the hook device.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the hook device further comprises a stop arranged on the rod between the handle area and the web, configured to abut against a stop surface of the filter module. This allows the hook device to be inserted into the space between the receiving opening of the filter system and the filter module until the stop rests against and is supported by the stop surface. This ensures that the hook device is inserted deeply enough into the space before the rod is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The stop also prevents the hook device from engaging too deeply in the space and, for example, striking and damaging an inner wall of the receiving opening.

[0046] The filter module of the filter module replacement set can be a cardboard filter module. Cardboard filter modules are known from the prior art as simple and inexpensive ways to separate pollutants, especially from the exhaust air of a spray booth for painting.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the filter module replacement set, the housing wall has a perforation arranged such that the bridge penetrates the perforation when the rod is rotated. The perforation can therefore be positioned to facilitate and simplify the penetration of the bridge into the housing wall.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the filter module replacement set, the hook device has a stop and the filter module has a stop surface, with the rib resting against the perforation when the stop rests against the stop surface. This allows the perforation to be aligned with the position of the rib to further facilitate its penetration into the housing wall.

[0049] A filter module replacement kit may have two hook devices to simplify the removal of the filter module from the receiving opening of the filter system.

[0050] The features of the first aspect of the present invention (hook device) are transferable to a filter module replacement set and to the further aspect (method) of the present invention.

[0051] It should be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments are considered to be obviously disclosed to the person skilled in the art with regard to the embodiments explicitly described here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described by apparatus claims and other embodiments by method claims. However, it will become immediately clear to the person skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter is also possible. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] Further advantages and details of the invention are evident from the figures and the accompanying figure description. These show: Fig. 1 a hook device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 a hook device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 a hook device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 a filter module replacement set. Fig. 5-8 a method for replacing a filter module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0053] Identical or similar components in different figures are identified by the same reference numbers. The representations in the figures are schematic.

[0054] It should be noted that in the following detailed description, features or components of different embodiments that are identical or at least functionally equivalent to the corresponding features or components of another embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals or with reference numerals whose last two digits are identical to the reference numerals of corresponding identical or at least functionally equivalent features or components. To avoid unnecessary repetition, features or components already explained with reference to a previously described embodiment will not be explained in detail again later.

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments described below represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. In particular, it is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments are to be considered obviously disclosed to the person skilled in the art with the embodiments explicitly presented here.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that spatial terms, such as "front" and "back," "top" and "bottom," "left" and "right," etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element to another element or elements, as illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, these spatial terms may apply to orientations that differ from those depicted in the figures. However, it goes without saying that, for the sake of simplicity, all such spatial terms refer to the orientations shown in the drawings and are not necessarily restrictive, since the device, component, etc., depicted, when in use, may assume orientations that differ from those shown in the drawing.

[0057] Fig. Figure 1 shows a hook device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The hook device 100 of Fig. Figure 1 features a rod 101 with a square cross-section. The rod 101 has a longitudinal axis A around which the hook device can be rotated. However, the cross-section of the rod 101 can also be triangular, oval, or circular.

[0058] Several webs 102, 102' (web 102 and further webs 102') are arranged on the rod 101, each having a square cross-section. The webs 102, 102' are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis A and are arranged perpendicular to the rod 101. However, it is also possible that the webs 102, 102' are not spaced apart at regular intervals. Each web 102, 102' has a pointed free end 103, to which a cutting area 104, which may, for example, comprise a blade, is attached.

[0059] The rod 101 according to the Fig. 1 further has a first free end 105, which is pointed and which is made of or contains, for example, a soft material such as rubber, in order to avoid the first free end 105 of the rod damaging an inner wall of the receiving opening in which the filter module is received.

[0060] In the embodiment according to the Fig. Furthermore, the webs 102, 102' are spaced apart from the first free end 105 of the rod 101 and from the opposite second free end 106 of the rod 101.

[0061] At the second free end 106, a grip area 107 is arranged, which has a grip rib 108. The grip rib 108 is arranged perpendicular to the rod 101 and can, even if in the Fig. 1 not shown, arranged perpendicular to the ribs 102. The handle rib 108 serves to improve the handling of the hook device 100 by a user.

[0062] In the embodiment according to the Fig. The rod 101, the webs 102 and the handle area 107 are manufactured as a single piece. However, they can also be manufactured as separate parts and then joined together by, for example, welds, screws or rivets.

[0063] Preferably the hook device 100 is designed according to the Fig. 1. Made of metal, especially stainless steel, to make the hook device more durable.

[0064] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a hook device 200 according to the present invention.

[0065] In contrast to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1, the webs 202 of the hook device 200 each have hook elements 209, 210, which are arranged on each of the webs 202 and are spaced apart from the rod 201.

[0066] The hook element 209 is arranged at the free end 203 of the bridge 202, while the hook element 210 is arranged between the free end 203 of the bridge 202 and the rod 201. Both hook elements 209 and 210 are designed as barbs to ensure a better grip on the filter module.

[0067] Also in the Fig. 2 A bridge is arranged at the first free end 205 of the rod 201. This makes it possible to grip the filter module deeper in the receiving opening of the filter system.

[0068] Furthermore, the grip area 207 of the hook device exhibits according to the Fig. 2 a ball handle 212, which allows a better grip by a user of the hook device.

[0069] Furthermore, the hook device 200 of the Fig. 2. A stop 211 is provided, which is designed to be placed against a stop surface of the filter module in order to prevent the first free end 205 of the rod 201 from striking an inner wall of the receiving opening of the filter system and damaging it. The stop 211 in the Fig. 2 is circular, but can also have other shapes.

[0070] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a hook device 300. In contrast to the hook device 100 according to the Fig. 1, the hook device 300 of the Fig. 3 a grip area with a T-shaped grip bar 308, which provides a wider gripping surface for a user of the hook device, making the use of the hook device 300 more ergonomic.

[0071] The filter module 140 has a housing wall 141 with perforations 142 (only one in the Fig. 4 shown).

[0072] Fig. Figure 4 shows a filter module replacement set. The filter module replacement set includes a filter module 140, which is received in a receiving opening 152 of a filter system 150. The receiving opening 152 is defined by the inner walls 151 (in the Fig. (4 only two shown) defined. The filter module 140 according to Fig. 4 is a cardboard filter module, as is known from the prior art.

[0073] Furthermore, the filter module replacement set according to Fig. 4 two hook devices 400, which are essentially connected to the hook device 100 of the Fig. 1 are equal, with the hook devices 400 of the Fig. 4 each have a stop 411 which is configured to strike against a stop surface 143 of the filter module 140 when the hook device 400 is inserted into a gap 153 between the receiving opening 152 and the housing wall 141 of the filter module 140. Another gap 153 is also present on the lower side of the filter module 140, although in Fig. 4 not shown.

[0074] When the hook device 400 is inserted into the space 153 and the stop 411 rests against the stop surface 143, the user of the hook device 400 can rotate it about the longitudinal axis A of the rod 401. This rotation causes the webs 402 to penetrate the housing wall 141, the penetration being facilitated by the perforations 142 in the housing wall 141.

[0075] Fig. Figures 5-8 show a method for replacing a used filter module 140 from a filter system 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] In a first step ( Fig. 5) The hook devices 100 are inserted into each of the spaces 153 between the receiving opening 152 and the housing wall 141 of the filter module 140 until the hook devices 100 are completely inserted into the spaces 153 ( Fig. 6) The insertion depth can be determined, for example, by means of the [missing information]. Fig. The length of the rod section between the free end 105 of the rod 101 and the web 102 closest to the free end 105 can be adjusted by positioning the web 102 relative to the filter module 140 by placing the free end 105 of the rod 101 against a rear wall of the filter system 150.

[0077] In a second step ( Fig. 7) The hook devices 100 are rotated counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis A of the rod 101. This causes the ribs 102 of the respective hook device 100 to penetrate into the respective housing wall 141 of the filter module 140. The rotational movement is facilitated by the grip ribs 108 of the grip areas 107.

[0078] In a third and final step ( Fig. 8) The used filter module 140 is removed from the receiving opening 152 of the filter system 150 by pulling on the handles 108 of the handle areas 107. Reference symbol list 100 hook devices 101 bars 102 Bridge 102' further jetty 103 pointed free ending 104 cutting area 105 first free end 106 second free ending 107 Grip area 108 Grip bridge 140 filter module 141 Housing wall 142 Perforations 143 Stop surface 150 filter system 151 inner wall 152 Intake opening 153 space 200 hook device 201 poles 202 Bridge 203 free ending 205 first free end 206 second free ending 207 Grip area 209 Hook element 210 hook element 211 attack 212 Ball handle 300 hook device 301 bar 302 Bridge 303 pointed free ending 304 cutting area 305 first free end 306 second free ending 307 Grip area 308 Grip bridge 400 hook device 401 bar 402 Steg 403 pointed free ending 404 Cutting area 406 second free end 407 Grip area 408 Grip bridge 411 attack A Longitudinal axis rod

Claims

[1] A hook device (100, 200, 300, 400) for replacing a filter module (140), in particular a cardboard filter module, of a filter system (150) comprising: a rod (101) with a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one web (102) arranged on the rod (101); wherein the web (102) extends from the rod (101) in such a way that when the rod (101) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (A) the web (102) can penetrate into a housing wall (141) of the filter module (140). [2] Hook device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the web (202) has a hook element (209, 210) which extends from the web (202) and is spaced apart from the rod (201). [3] Hook device (200) according to claim 2, wherein the hook element (210) is arranged at a free end (203) of the web (202). [4] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the web (102) has a cutting area (104, 204, 404) which is arranged at a free end (103) of the web (102). [5] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the web (102) has a pointed free end (103) opposite the rod (101). [6] Hook device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the web (202) is arranged at a free end (205) of the rod (201). [7] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the web (102) is arranged on the rod (101) spaced apart from a free end (105, 106) of the rod (101). [8] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the web (102) is arranged perpendicular to the rod (101). [9] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising a further web (102') which is arranged on the rod (101), wherein the further web (102') extends from the rod (101) in such a way that when the rod (101) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (A) the web (102) can penetrate into a housing wall (141) of the filter module (140). [10] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a grip area (107) which is arranged on the rod (101) spaced apart from the web (102). [11] Hook device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the grip area (107) is arranged at a free end (106) of the rod (101). [12] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the grip area (107) has a grip rib (108). [13] Hook device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the handle (108) is arranged perpendicular to the rod (101). [14] Hook device (100) according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the handle (108) is arranged perpendicular to the bridge (102). [15] Hook device (200) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the handle area (207) has a ball handle (212). [16] Hook device (200) according to one of claims 10 to 15 further comprising a stop (211) which is arranged on the rod between the handle area (207) and the web (202) and is configured to strike against a stop surface (143) of the filter module (140). [17] Method for replacing a filter module (140), in particular a cardboard filter module, from a filter system (150), the method comprising the following steps: Inserting a hook device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of claims 1 to 16 into an intermediate space (153) between a receiving opening (152) of the filter system (150) and the filter module (140); Rotating the rod (101) about the longitudinal axis (A); Removing the filter module (140) from the filter system (150).

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