Separation tool and method for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separation tool (100) for separating a drive unit (11) from a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10). The tool (100) comprises a first bracket (102) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20), and a second bracket (152) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20). The first bracket (102) is movably connected to the second bracket (152). The tool (100) comprises a longitudinal gear assembly (120) configured to, when actuated, move the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of a connection shaft (104) movably connecting the first and second brackets (102, 152). The tool comprises a rotational gear assembly (130) configured to, when actuated, rotate the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) about the longitudinal axis (LA).

Description

[0001] SEPARATION TOOL AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING A DRIVE UNIT FROM A ROTARY SHAFT ASSEMBLY OF AN AGITATOR SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to the field of agitators. More particularly, it is related to a tool for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system, and a method of separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system using a tool.

[0004] The separation tool has a first bracket and a second bracket. The first attachment bracket is movably connected to the second attachment bracket via a connection shaft.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Agitators are used in numerous applications. In for example, the food industry, the pharma industry, and the chemical industry, mixing tanks including agitators are used in various processing operations where a product or similar held in a mixing tank is to be mixed or agitated. Agitators are commonly used where two or more constituents are to be mixed. Further, agitators are commonly used for preventing solids or particles dispersed in a liquid from floating to the surface or from sinking to the bottom.

[0007] Agitators for tanks typically include a rotatable shaft which is provided with one or more impellers or agitator blades used to agitate a product held in a tank. The rotatable shaft is typically rotated by a motor located in a so-called drive unit outside the tank. During service and maintenance of the agitator the drive unit, and hence the motor, must typically be removed from the rotatable shaft in order to access wear parts, such as bearings and seals, that are to be replaced or serviced.

[0008] The drive unit typically has a significant weight meaning that the removal of the drive unit is not only heavy but can also involve safety risks for personnel if the drive unit is not adequately secured while being removed.

[0009] It is common practice to lift the drive unit with an overhead crane and thereafter move the drive unit out of the way such that the wear parts can be accessed. Followingly, the drive unit is put back in position and reattached to the rotatable shaft. However, to install an overhead crane is not only costly, but sometimes not even possible, for instance due to lack of space above the tank.

[0010] Given the above limitations, it has been suggested to use a dedicated jack which is attached to the drive unit and used to fold away the drive unit from the rotatable shaft during service. However, particularly when the rotatable shaft extends in a direction other than vertical, it is tricky to remove and reassemble the drive unit using such jack. Moreover, there is an outspoken risk of damaging the interface between the drive unit and the rotatable shaft during removal and reassembly.

[0011] Hence, there is room for improvement when it comes to removing the drive unit from the rotary shaft of an agitator system.

[0012] With the above in mind, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a separation tool for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system as well as a method of separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system using a tool.

[0013] Another objective is to provide such a separation tool which may be used irrespective of an orientation of the rotary shaft assembly.

[0014] Another objective is to provide such a separation tool which is safe to use.

[0015] Another objective is to provide such a separation tool which is easy to use.

[0016] Another objective is to provide such a separation tool which requires less force during use.

[0017] Another objective is to provide such a separation tool which is more cost- effective.

[0018] To achieve at least one of the above objects and also other objects that will be evident from the following description, a separation tool for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system, having the features defined in claim 1 is provided according to the present inventive concept. A method of separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system using a separation tool is provided according to claim 15.

[0019] More specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided a separation tool for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system, the tool comprising: a first bracket configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, and a second bracket configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, wherein the first bracket is movably connected to the second bracket via a connection shaft configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis of the rotary shaft assembly, wherein the tool comprises a longitudinal gear assembly configured to, when actuated, move the first bracket in relation to the second bracket along a longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, such that the drive unit is separated from the rotary shaft assembly along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, and wherein the tool comprises a rotational gear assembly configured to, when actuated, rotate the first bracket in relation to the second bracket about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, such that the drive unit is swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft.

[0020] Hereby an improved separation tool for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system is provided.

[0021] The separation tool is designed for and hence suitable for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system.

[0022] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term “dive unit” may mean any unit or assembly which is configured to rotate a rotary shaft of an agitator system.

[0023] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term “rotary shaft assembly” may mean any unit or assembly which is configured to support or include a rotary shaft of an agitator system. The rotary saft assembly may typically rotationally support a rotary shaft.

[0024] The present invention is based on the realization that by combining a longitudinal gear assembly with a rotational gear assembly, an overall controlled and safe separation of the drive unit from the rotary shaft assembly may be achieved. More specifically, the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be separated in a controlled and safe fashion by being moved away from each other along the connection shaft by the longitudinal gear assembly. Furthermore, the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be separated in a controlled and safe fashion by being swiveled in relation to each other by the longitudinal gear assembly.

[0025] By utilizing a longitudinal gear assembly, the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted from moving towards each other or away from each other when the longitudinal gear assembly is not actuated. Thus, the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be held still in relation to each other along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft when the longitudinal gear assembly is not actuated. This means that the longitudinal gear assembly may act as a break counteracting uncontrolled movements of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly relation to each other along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft. This is advantageous in that the drive unit may be counteracted from falling or sliding down towards a lowermost position within a movement range allowed by the septation tool. Such falling or sliding down may otherwise risk damaging the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly. Moreover, such falling or sliding down may otherwise risk injuring personnel working on the agitator system, e.g. by crushing or hitting an arm or hand of the personnel.

[0026] By utilizing a rotational gear assembly, the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be counteracted from swiveling in relation to each other when the rotational gear assembly is not actuated. Thus, the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be held still in relation to each other about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft when the rotational gear assembly is not actuated. This means that the rotational gear assembly may act as a break counteracting uncontrolled movements of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly relation to each other about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft. This is advantageous in that the drive unit may be counteracted from swiveling or rotating down towards a lowermost position within a movement range allowed by the septation tool. Such swiveling or rotating down may otherwise risk damaging the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly. Moreover, such swiveling or rotating down may otherwise risk injuring personnel working on the agitator system, e.g. by crushing or hitting an arm or hand of the personnel.

[0027] By the separation tool comprising a first bracket configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, the separation tool may either be removable from or fixed to the drive unit or the rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system. To this end, the first backet may be a separate detail which may be attached to one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, or the first backet may be integrally formed with the drive unit or the rotary shaft assembly.

[0028] By the separation tool comprising a second bracket configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, the separation tool may either be removable from or fixed to the drive unit or the rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system. To this end, the second backet may be a separate detail which may be attached to one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, or the second backet may be integrally formed with the drive unit or the rotary shaft assembly.

[0029] The first bracket may be configured to be attached to the drive unit.

[0030] The first bracket may be configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly. The second bracket may be configured to be attached to the drive unit. The second bracket may be configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly.

[0031] The first bracket may be integrally formed with the drive unit.

[0032] The first bracket may be integrally formed with rotary shaft assembly.

[0033] The second bracket may be integrally formed with the drive unit.

[0034] The second bracket may be integrally formed with rotary shaft assembly.

[0035] By first bracket being movably connected to the second bracket via a connection shaft configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis of the rotary shaft assembly, the drive unit may be separated from the rotatory shaft assembly along the longitudinal direction of the connection shaft. Moreover, the drive unit may be swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft. In this way, the drive unit may be swiveled away from the rotary shaft assembly about the central axis of the connection shaft or vice versa.

[0036] It should be noted that within the context of this application the term “connection shaft” may mean any type of shaft or element capable of connecting the first bracket to the second bracket. The connection shaft may for instance be a cylindrical shaft. The connection shaft may for instance be an elongated element or rod of arbitrary crosssection to give a few non-limiting examples.

[0037] The longitudinal gear assembly may comprise a threaded member extending along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the threaded member being threadedly connected to the first or the second bracket, wherein an end portion of the threaded member is rotationally connected to an end portion of the connection shaft via a socket joint, such that the connection shaft is moved in relation to the associated one of the first and second bracket along a longitudinal axis of the connection shaft by rotating the threaded member, which is advantageous in that the first bracket may be moved in relation to the second bracket along a longitudinal axis of the connection shaft in a controlled manner. Moreover, the rate at which the first bracket may be moved in relation to the second bracket along a longitudinal axis of the connection shaft may be adjusted by selecting the pitch of the threaded member. A small pitch of the threaded member will result in relatively speaking small longitudinal movement per turn of the threaded member, whereas a large pitch will result in a in relatively speaking large longitudinal movement per turn of the threaded member. Thus, a small pitch of the threaded member will result in a more pronounced breaking effect as compared to a large pitch. The threaded member may be directly threadedly connected to the first or the second bracket. The threaded member be may be indirectly threadedly connected to the first or the second bracket, e.g. via an intermediate member or element.

[0038] The longitudinal gear assembly may comprise a sleeve extending along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the sleeve being fixedly connected to said associated one of the first and the second bracket along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft and being configured to receive and radially support the end portion of the connection shaft, which is advantageous in that the connection shaft may be firmly supported by the sleeve in any radial direction while being movable along the sleeve. Thus, the sleeve may be connected to the associated one of the first and the second bracket such that it is prevented from being moved along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft.

[0039] The sleeve may be rotationally fixed in relation to the connection shaft, which is advantageous in that the connection shaft may be slid along the sleeve without being rotated in relation to the sleeve.

[0040] The threaded member may be being threadedly connected to the first or the second bracket via the sleeve.

[0041] The sleeve may be rotationally connected to the associated one of the first bracket and the second bracket, which is advantageous in that the associated one of the first bracket and the second bracket may be swiveled in relation to the connection shaft, and hence the other bracket, while being firmly supported in any radial direction.

[0042] The rotational gear assembly may comprise a worm drive configured to rotate the first bracket in relation to the second bracket about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, which is advantageous in that the first bracket may be rotated in relation to the second bracket in a secure and reliable way.

[0043] The rotational gear assembly may be actuated by rotating a worm of the worm drive about a longitudinal axis thereof.

[0044] The separation tool may further comprise a spring member biasing the rotational gear assembly towards a state in which the first bracket is substantially aligned with the second bracket as seen along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, which is advantageous in that the spring member may act as a break counteracting uncontrolled movements of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly relation to each other about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft. Thus, this is advantageous in that the drive unit may be further counteracted from swiveling or rotating down towards a lowermost position within a movement range allowed by the separation tool. It is further advantageous in that alignment of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly may be facilitated when reassembling the drive unit to the rotary shaft assembly.

[0045] The spring member may bias the rotational gear assembly towards a state in which the first bracket is aligned with the second bracket as seen along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft.

[0046] The spring member may comprise a helical torsion spring circumscribing the connection shaft, wherein a first end of the helical torsion spring is connected to the first bracket or the second bracket, and wherein a second end of the helical torsion spring is connected to the connection shaft, which is advantageous in that the helical torsion spring is firmly supported by the connection shaft.

[0047] The first end of the helical torsion spring may be directly or indirectly connected to the first bracket or the second bracket.

[0048] The second end of the helical torsion spring may be directly or indirectly connected to the connection shaft.

[0049] The helical torsion spring may be housed within the associated one of the first and second bracket to which the first end of the helical torsion spring is connected, which is advantageous in that a compact design of the separation tool may be achieved.

[0050] The first bracket may comprise the longitudinal gear assembly and the rotational gear assembly, which is advantageous in that that the longitudinal gear assembly and the rotational gear assembly may be located in proximity to each other and hence may be actuated from positions close to each other. Thus, service personnel may actuate the longitudinal gear assembly and the rotational gear assembly without having to move themselves. Thus, service personnel may actuate the longitudinal gear assembly and the rotational gear assembly while only having to move the tool or tools used a small distance.

[0051] The second bracket may be fixedly attached to the connection shaft, which is advantageous in that a strong and reliable connection between the connection shaft and the second bracket may be realized.

[0052] When the first bracket is configured to be attached to the drive unit, the first bracket may comprise a first opening extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the first opening being configured to align with a drive unit opening of the drive unit, such that a first pin is receivable through the first opening and the drive unit opening to attach the first bracket to the drive unit, which is advantageous in that the first bracket may be securely connected to the drive unit by means of a first pin. The first bracket may comprise a respective first abutment surface provided on opposite sides of the first opening as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the first abutment surfaces being configured to abut the drive unit, such that a rotation of the drive unit in relation to the first bracket about the first pin is counteracted when the first pin is received through the first opening and the drive unit opening, which is advantageous in that the first bracket may be fixedly connected to the drive unit by means of a single pin, the first pin.

[0053] When the second bracket is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly, the second bracket may comprise a second opening extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the second opening being configured to align with a rotary shaft assembly opening of the rotary shaft assembly, such that a second pin is receivable through the second opening and the rotary shaft assembly opening to attach the second bracket to the rotary shaft assembly, which is advantageous in that the second bracket may be securely connected to the rotary shaft assembly by means of a second pin.

[0054] The second bracket may comprise a respective second abutment surface provided on opposite sides of the second opening as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the second abutment surfaces being configured to abut the rotary shaft assembly, such that a rotation of the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the second bracket about the second pin is counteracted when the second pin is received through the second opening and the rotary shaft assembly opening, which is advantageous in that the second bracket may be fixedly connected to the rotary shaft assembly by means of a single pin, the second pin.

[0055] It is to be noted that the separation tool of the first aspect may be used in reverse to attach the drive unit to the rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system using a separation tool comprising a first bracket configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, and a second bracket configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit and the rotary shaft assembly, wherein the first bracket is movably connected to the second bracket via a connection shaft configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis of the rotary shaft assembly, the method comprising: actuating a longitudinal gear assembly of the tool to move the first bracket in relation to the second bracket along a longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, such that the drive unit is separated from the rotary shaft assembly along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, and actuating a rotational gear assembly of the tool to rotate the first bracket in relation to the second bracket about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, such that the drive unit is swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft.

[0057] In general, features of this aspect provide similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the first aspect. Consequently, said advantages will not be repeated in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0058] When the first bracket is configured to be attached to the drive unit, the method may further comprise: attaching, prior to actuating the longitudinal gear assembly and the rotational gear assembly, the first bracket to the drive unit.

[0059] When the second bracket is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly, the method may further comprise: attaching, prior to actuating the longitudinal gear assembly and the rotational gear assembly, the second bracket to the rotary shaft assembly.

[0060] A further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0061] Hence, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described as such device may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0062] Thus, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0063] The above and other aspects of the present inventive concept will now be described in more detail, with reference to appended figures showing variants. The figures should not be considered limiting, instead, they are used for explaining and understanding.

[0064] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of variants. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0065] Fig. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of mixing arrangement having a top mounted agitator system attached to a vessel.

[0066] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a separation tool for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system.

[0067] Fig. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the separation tool of Fig. 2.

[0068] Fig. 4 is an image sequence showing the separation tool of Fig. 2 in different operational states used for separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system.

[0069] Fig. 5 is an image sequence showing the separation tool of Fig. 2 in different operational states when separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a separation tool having an alternative exemplifying design.

[0071] Fig. 7 is s schematic perspective view of a separation tool having another alternative exemplifying design.

[0072] Fig. 8 is a flow chart of a method of separating a drive unit from a rotary shaft assembly of an agitator system using a separation tool.

[0073] Detailed

[0074] The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred variants or embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variants set forth herein; rather, these variants are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to the skilled person. Initially a mixing arrangement 1 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 1. The mixing arrangement 1 comprises an agitator system 10 and a vessel 50.

[0075] Agitator systems 10 is, as known in the art, used to mix, agitate or blend a product 2 or similar held in the vessel 50. Thus, the general function of the mixing arrangement 1 and its agitator system 10 will not be described in detail hereinafter. The agitator system 10 has a rotary shaft 12 which extends into the vessel 50, such as a stainless tank or similar, through an opening 52 in the vessel 50.

[0076] The rotary shaft 12 of the agitator system 10 is provided with one impeller 14 configured to agitate, mix or blend a product 2, such as a liquid product 2, held in the vessel 50.

[0077] The agitator system 10 has a drive unit 11 including an electrical motor 11a that transmits the energy required for agitating, mixing, and blending the product 2, either directly or via a gearbox, to the rotary shaft 12 shaft. As the rotary shaft 12 rotates, the impeller 14 is turned. The impeller movement typically creates a high flow of the product 2 with low shear due to a highly effective axial pumping effect on the product 2 in the vessel 50. This results in effective agitating, mixing or blending of the entire contents, i.e. the product 2 of the vessel 50.

[0078] The agitator system 10 is top-mounted meaning that the rotary shaft 12 of the agitator system 10 extends into the vessel in a downwards vertical direction. However, in so-called side mounted agitator systems, the rotary shaft of the agitator system extends into the vessel in a downwards oblique direction via an opening in a sidewall of the vessel.

[0079] The agitator system 10 has a rotary shaft assembly 20 arranged between the vessel 50 and the drive unit 11. The rotary shaft assembly 20 includes a bearing housing 20a which supports the drive unit 11. Thus, the bearing housing 20a holds or fixes the drive unit 11 in relation to the vessel 50. To this end, the bearing housing 20a is provided at the interface between the opening 52 in the vessel 50 and the rotary shaft 12. The rotary shaft assembly 20 further has the purpose of receiving and rotationally supporting the rotary shaft 12 at the interface between the opening 52 and the rotary shaft 12. To this end, the rotary shaft assembly 20 may typically include one or more bearings used to radially support the rotary shaft 12 in a rotational manner. In order to seal the interface between the opening 52 in the vessel 50 and the rotary shaft 12 a seal cartridge is typically included in the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0080] During service and maintenance of the agitator system 10 the drive unit 11 , and hence the electrical motor 11a, is generally removed from the rotary shaft assembly 20 in order to e.g. access the components of the rotary shaft assembly 20. During such service and maintenance for instance bearings and seals of are generally serviced or replaced. Since the drive unit 11 typically has a significant weight the removal of the drive unit 11 may be troublesome and involve safety risks. As already indicated, the present inventive concept addresses these issues by providing a separation tool 100 for separating the drive unit 11 from the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10.

[0081] Now turning to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplifying embodiment of a separation tool 100 or tool 100. The separation tool 100 is designed for separating the drive unit 11 from the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10, like the agitator system 10 of Fig. 10. Likewise, the separation tool 100 is designed for separating the drive unit 11 from the rotary shaft assembly 20 of a side mounted agitator system.

[0082] The depicted tool 100 comprises a first bracket 102. The first bracket 102 is configured to be attached to one of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20. Hereinafter, the first bracket 102 will be described in a context where the first bracket 102 is configured to be attached to the drive unit 11. It is however to be noted that the first bracket 102 could equally well be configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0083] The depicted tool 100 comprises a second bracket 152. The second bracket 152 is configured to be attached to the other one of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20. Hereinafter, the second bracket 152 will be described in a context where the second bracket 152 is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20. It is however to be noted that the second bracket 152 could equally well be configured to be attached to the drive unit 11.

[0084] The first bracket 102 is movably connected to the second bracket 152 via a connection shaft 104. The connection shaft 104 is configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis CA of the rotary shaft assembly 20, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The depicted connection shaft 104 is a shaft of circular cross section. However, any type of shaft of connection arrangement movably connecting the first bracket 102 and the second bracket 152 may be used to advantage.

[0085] The depicted tool 100 comprises a longitudinal gear assembly 120. The longitudinal gear assembly 120 is configured to move the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 along a longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 when the longitudinal gear assembly 120 is actuated. The movement of the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 is generally indicated by a vertical double arrow in Fig. 2. Thus, when the longitudinal gear assembly 120 is actuated, the drive unit 11 may be separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 given that the first bracket 102 has been attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20 and that the second bracket 152 has been attached to the drive unit 11. In this way, the drive unit 11 may be separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 in a controlled and secure manner by actuating the longitudinal gear assembly 120.

[0086] By utilizing a longitudinal gear assembly 120, the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be counteracted from moving towards each other or away from each other when the longitudinal gear assembly 120 is not actuated. Thus, the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be held still in relation to each other along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 when the longitudinal gear assembly 120 is not actuated. This means that the longitudinal gear assembly 120 may act as a break counteracting uncontrolled movements of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 relation to each other along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. The longitudinal gear assembly 120 and its function will be described in greater detail further below.

[0087] The depicted tool 100 comprises a rotational gear assembly 130. The rotational gear assembly is configured to rotate the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 when the rotational gear assembly 130 is actuated. In this way, the drive unit 11 may be swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. The rotation of the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 is generally indicated by a curved double arrow in Fig. 2. Thus, when the rotational gear assembly 130 is actuated, the drive unit 11 may be swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 given that the first bracket 102 has been attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20 and that the second bracket 152 has been attached to the drive unit 11. In this way, the drive unit 11 may be swiveled away from the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 in a controlled and secure manner by actuating the rotational gear assembly 130.

[0088] By utilizing a rotational gear assembly 130, the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be counteracted from swiveling in relation to each other when the rotational gear assembly 130 is not actuated. Thus, the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be held still in relation to each other about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 when the rotational gear assembly 130 is not actuated. This means that the rotational gear assembly 130 may act as a break counteracting uncontrolled movements of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 relation to each other about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. The rotational gear assembly 130 and its function will be described in greater detail further below.

[0089] In Fig. 2, the longitudinal gear assembly 120 and the rotational gear assembly 130 are covered by a common cover 106.

[0090] Now turning also to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the upper portion of the tool 100 through the connection shaft 104 at the location of the first bracket 102. Further, in Fig. 3, the common cover 106 has been removed to reveal the design of the longitudinal gear assembly 120 and the rotational gear assembly 130 more clearly.

[0091] As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the longitudinal gear assembly 120 may comprise a threaded member 122. The depicted longitudinal gear assembly 120 is actuated by rotating the threaded member 122. The treaded member may, as in the depicted tool 100, be a purpose designed screw 122. The threaded member 122 of the depicted tool 100 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Further, the depicted threaded member 122 is threadedly connected to the first bracket 102 via a sleeve 124 forming part of the longitudinal gear assembly 120. To this end, a respective thread 123 is provided at the interface between the threaded member 122 and the sleeve 124. It is however to be understood that the threaded member 122 may be threadedly connected to the first bracket 102 directly or indirectly via one or more coupling details other than the sleeve 124.

[0092] The sleeve 124 of the depicted tool 100 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Further, the depicted sleeve 124 is fixedly connected to the first bracket 102 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. However, the depicted sleeve 124 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 102 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft. Thus, the sleeve 124 may be rotated in relation to the first bracket 102 but will co-rotate with connection shaft 104. To this end, the sleeve 124 and the connection shaft 104 are provided with a longitudinal slit and protrusion (not shown) respectively.

[0093] Further, the depicted sleeve 124 is configured to receive and radially support an end portion 104a of the connection shaft 104. The depicted sleeve 124 is in turn rotationally supported by the first bracket 102.

[0094] As illustrated in Fig. 3, an end portion 122a of the threaded member 122 may be rotationally connected to the end portion 104a of the connection shaft 104 via a socket joint 108. In this way, the connection shaft 104 may be moved in relation to the first bracket 102 along a longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 by rotating the threaded member 122. Hence, since the sleeve 124 is fixedly connected to the first bracket 102 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104, the connection shaft 104 will move along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 in response to rotating the threaded member 122.

[0095] The rate at which the first bracket 102 may be moved along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 may be adjusted by adjusting the pitch of the threaded member 122. A small pitch of the threaded member 122 will result in relatively speaking small longitudinal movement per turn of the threaded member 122, whereas a large pitch will result in a in relatively speaking large longitudinal movement per turn of the threaded member 122. Thus, a small pitch of the threaded member 122 will result in a more pronounced breaking effect as compared to a large pitch.

[0096] As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the rotational gear assembly 130 may comprise a worm drive 132. The depicted worm drive 132 comprises a worm wheel 134 and a worm 136 which are meshed to each other via a respective thread 135 at the interface between the worm wheel 134 and the worm 136. Thus, the depicted rotational gear assembly 130 may by actuated by rotating the worm 136 about the longitudinal axis thereof. The worm wheel 134 of the depicted rotational gear assembly 130 is fixedly attached to the sleeve 124. This means that the sleeve 124 and the connection shaft 104 are both co-rotated with the worm wheel 134 when the worm wheel 134 is rotated in response to rotating the worm 136. Thus, the connection shaft 104 of the depicted tool 100 is rotated in relation to the first bracket 102 by actuating the rotational gear assembly 130. The second bracket 152 of the depicted tool 100 is fixedly attached to the connection shaft 104 in any direction. This means that the first bracket 102 is rotated in relation to the second bracket 152 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 in response to actuating the rotational gear assembly 130.

[0097] The rate at which the first bracket 102 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 may be adjusted by adjusting the pitch of the worm wheel 134 and the worm 136. A small pitch of the worm wheel 134 and the worm 136 will result in relatively speaking small rotation per turn of the worm 136, whereas a large pitch will result in a in relatively speaking large rotation per turn of the worm 136. Thus, a small pitch of the worm wheel 134 and the worm 136 will result in a more pronounced breaking effect as compared to a large pitch.

[0098] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the separation tool 110 may comprise a spring member 110. The spring member 110 may be provided such that the rotational gear assembly 130 is biased towards a state in which the first bracket 102 is substantially aligned with the second bracket 152 as seen along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. To this end, the spring member 110 may comprise a helical torsion spring 110 as illustrated in Fig. 3. The depicted spring member 110 in form of the helical torsion spring 110 circumscribes the connection shaft 104. Further, a first end 110a of the helical torsion spring 110 is connected to the first bracket 102, and a second end 110b of the helical torsion spring 110 is connected to the connection shaft 104 via the sleeve 124.

[0099] In this way, the spring member 110 in form of the helical torsion spring 110 may assist in preventing uncontrolled movements of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to each other about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 given that the first bracket 102 has been attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20 and that the second bracket 152 has been attached to the drive unit 11. In practice, the helical torsion spring 110 may to advantage assist in preventing uncontrolled movements of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 relation to each other about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104 when the rotary shaft 12 of the agitator system 10 extends in another direction than the vertical direction, such as in a side mounted agitator system. In the case of a side mounted agitator system, the drive unit 11 will due to gravity fall towards and swivel to a lowermost position allowed by the actual movement path of the tool 100. In such a case, the break effect of the rotational gear assembly 130 in combination with the effect of the spring member 110 may allow for a controlled and safe swiveling of the drive unit 11 in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0100] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the helical torsion spring 110 may be housed within the first bracket 102. In this way, a compact and safe tool 100 may be realized.

[0101] Further, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the first bracket 102 may comprise one or more first openings 112 extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. In the depicted tool 100, the first bracket 102 comprises a pair of first openings 112, each extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Further both first openings 112 of the depicted tool 100 are aligned so as to be able to receive a first pin 113 therethrough. It is to be understood that any number of first openings 112 may be used in the first bracket 102, such as one, two, three or four openings 112 to give a few non-limiting examples. Further, the one or more first openings 112 are configured to align with a drive unit opening 11b of the drive unit 11 , see Fig. 1. Thus, the one or more first openings 112 are positioned in a way such that the one or more first openings 112 may align an opening, the drive unit opening 11b, when the tool 100 is brought into contact with or in proximity to the drive unit 11. In this way, a first pin 113 may be received through the one or more first openings 112 and the drive unit opening 11b to attach the first bracket 102 to the drive unit 11 , as illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0102] Correspondingly, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the second bracket 152 may comprise one or more second openings 154 extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. In the depicted tool 100, the second bracket 152 comprises a pair of second openings 154, each extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Further both second openings 154 of the depicted tool 100 are aligned so as to be able to receive a second pin 153 therethrough. It is to be understood that any number of second openings 154 may be used in the second bracket 102, such as one, two, three or four openings 154 to give a few non-limiting examples. Further, the one or more second openings 154 are configured to align with a rotary shaft assembly opening 20b of the rotary shaft assembly 20, see Fig. 1. Thus, the one or more second openings 154 are positioned in a way such that the one or more second openings 154 may align an opening, the rotary shaft assembly opening 20b, when the tool 100 is brought into contact with or in proximity to the rotary shaft assembly 20. In this way, a second pin 153 may be received through the one or more second openings 154 and the rotary shaft assembly opening 20b to attach the second bracket 152 to the rotary shaft assembly 20, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0103] Further, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the first bracket 102 may comprise a respective first abutment surface 116a, 116b. The respective first abutment surface 116a, 116b may as illustrated be provided on opposite sides of the first opening 112 or openings 112 as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 2, an abutment surface 116a, of the first abutment surfaces 116a, 116b, may be provided above the one or more first openings 112 and another abutment surface 116b, of the first abutment surfaces 116a, 116b, may be provided below the one or more first openings 112. In the depicted tool 100, the first abutment surface 116a is formed by a pair of surface portions 116a. Correspondingly, the first abutment surface 116b is formed by a pair of surface portions 116b. The first abutment surfaces 116a, 116b are configured to abut the drive unit 11. In practice the first abutment surfaces 116a, 116b are configured to abut the drive unit 11 when the first bracket 102 is attached to the drive unit 11. In this way, a rotation of the drive unit 11 in relation to the first bracket 102 about the first pin 113 may be counteracted. Thus, a rotation of the drive unit 11 in relation to the first bracket 102 about the first pin 113 may be counteracted when the first pin 113 is received through the first opening 112 and the drive unit opening 11b.

[0104] Correspondingly, as best illustrated in Fig. 2, the second bracket 152 may comprise a respective second abutment surface 156a, 156b. The respective second abutment surface 156a, 156b may as illustrated be provided on opposite sides of the second opening 154 or openings 154 as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 2, an abutment surface 156a, of the second abutment surfaces 156a, 156b, may be provided above the one or more second openings 154 and another abutment surface 156b, of the second abutment surfaces 156a, 156b, may be provided below the one or more second openings 154. In the depicted tool 100, the second abutment surface 156a is formed by a pair of surface portions 156a. Correspondingly, the second abutment surface 156b is formed by a pair of surface portions 156b. The second abutment surfaces 156a, 156b are configured to abut the rotary shaft assembly 20. In practice the second abutment surfaces 156a, 156b are configured to abut the rotary shaft assembly 20 when the second bracket 152 is attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20. In this way, a rotation of the rotary shaft assembly 20 in relation to the second bracket 152 about the second pin 153 may by counteracted. Thus, a rotation of the drive unit 11 in relation to the first bracket 102 about the second pin 153 may be counteracted when the second pin 153 is received through the second opening 154 and the rotary shaft assembly opening 20b.

[0105] Now turning to Figs. 4 and 5. In the following, it will be described how the drive unit 11 may be separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10 in a secure and controlled manner, by means of the above described separation tool 100. More specifically it will be described how the drive unit 11 is separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104, and then swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104.

[0106] Correspondingly, it will be described how an already separated drive unit 11 may be brought back to the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10 in a secure and controlled manner, by means of the above described separation tool 100. More specifically it will be described how the drive unit 11 is swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104, and then brought back onto the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Fig. 4 illustrates an image sequence of the tool 100 during separation of the drive unit 11 from the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10, while following the sequence indicated by the solid line arrows. In Fig. 4, the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 has been omitted to more clearly indicate the function of the tool 100. Correspondingly, Fig. 5 illustrates an image sequence of the tool 100 during separation of the drive unit 11 from the rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10, while following the sequence indicated by the solid line arrows. In Fig. 5 the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 are both illustrated. The respective images of the image sequences of Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate the tool 100 in corresponding states with and without the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20. In the following, Figs. 4 and 5 will be described jointly as if the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20 was present also in Fig. 4, although not depicted in Fig. 4.

[0107] In the upper left hand side image of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 respectively, the drive unit 11 is attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20. Further, the tool 100 has been attached to the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20. More specifically, the first bracket 102 of the tool 100 has been attached to the drive unit 11 by the first pin 113, i.e. as described above. Correspondingly, the second bracket 152 of the tool 100 has been attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20 by the second pin 153, i.e. as described above.

[0108] When the tool 100 has been attached, the drive unit 11 may be released from the rotary shaft assembly 20 such that the drive unit 11 is held in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 by the tool 100.

[0109] In the right hand side image of Figs. 4 and 5, the drive unit has been separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104, by actuating the longitudinal gear assembly 120, as have been described above. In practice, the drive unit 11 has been lifted about 30 mm from the rotary shaft assembly 20. In this way, the drive unit 11 is de-coupled from the rotary shaft assembly 20 such that it may be swiveled away.

[0110] Finally, in the lower left hand side image of Figs. 4 and 5, the drive unit 11 has been swiveled away in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. In this way, the interior of the rotary shaft assembly 20 becomes accessible such that the components of the rotary shaft assembly 20 may be serviced or replaced. Correspondingly, components of the drive unit 11 may become accessible for service or replacement.

[0111] After having conducted such service or replacement, the drive unit 11 may be brought back to its intended position, i.e. the position of the upper left hand side image of Figs. 4 and 5, by following the image sequences of Figs. 4 and 5 in the reverse order as indicated by the hatched arrows in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0112] Now turning to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 illustrates a separation tool 100. The separation tool 100 of Fig. 6 is similar to the separation tool 100 of Fig. 2. Given the similarities, only relevant differences will be described in conjunction with the tool 100 of Fig. 6 in order to avoid undue repetition. In the tool 100 of Fig. 6, the first bracket 102 is employed with a longitudinal gear assembly 120 configured to, when actuated, move the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 along a longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. However, the first bracket 102 is not employed with a rotational gear assembly 120 like the tool 100 of Fig. 2. Instead, in the tool 100 of Fig. 6, the second bracket 152 is employed with a rotational gear assembly 130 configured to, when actuated, rotate the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104.

[0113] It is to be noted that the second bracket 152 may equally well be employed with a longitudinal gear assembly 120.

[0114] It is to be noted that the second bracket 152 may equally well be employed with a longitudinal gear assembly 120 and a rotational gear assembly 130.

[0115] Now turning to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 illustrates a separation tool 100. The separation tool 100 of Fig. 7 is similar to the separation tool 100 of Fig. 2. Given the similarities, only relevant differences will be described in conjunction with the tool 100 of Fig. 7 in order to avoid undue repetition. In the tool 100 of Fig. 7, the first bracket 102 is integrally formed with the drive unit 11. Correspondingly, in the tool 100 of Fig. 7, the second bracket 152 is integrally formed with the rotary shaft assembly 20. Thus, the tool 100 of Fig. 7 may be said to be designed as an integral part of the agitator system 10 to which it is assigned.

[0116] It is to be noted that the one of the first bracket 102 and the second bracket 152 may be integrally formed with the drive unit 11 or the rotary shaft assembly 20, whereas the other one of the first bracket 102 and the second bracket 152 may be configured to be attached to the other one of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0117] Further, it is to be understood that the two or more first openings 112, as described above, may not be aligned with each other, such that more than one first pins 113 are receivable through different first openings 112 of the first openings 112. For instance, the first bracket 102 may comprise a set of first openings 112 configured to receive a pair of parallel first pins 113. By utilizing a pair of first pins 113, a rotation of the drive unit 11 in relation to the first bracket 102 about the first pins 113 may be counteracted owing to the fact that two first pins 113 are used.

[0118] Further, it is to be understood that the two or more second openings 154, as described above, may not be aligned with each other, such that more than one second pins 153 are receivable through different second openings 154 of the second openings 154. For instance, the second bracket 152 may comprise a set of second openings 152 configured to receive a pair of parallel second pins 153. By utilizing a pair of second pins 153, a rotation of the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the second bracket 152 about the second pins 153 may be counteracted owing to the fact that two second pins 153 are used.

[0119] Now turning to Fig. 8. Fig 8 is a flow chart of a method 200 of separating a drive unit 11 from a rotary shaft assembly 20 of an agitator system 10 using a separation tool 100. The separation tool 100 used comprises a first bracket 102 configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20, and a second bracket 152 configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit 11 and the rotary shaft assembly 20. The first bracket 102 of the tool 100 is movably connected to the second bracket 152 via a connection shaft 104 configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis CA of the rotary shaft assembly 20.

[0120] The method 200 comprises actuating 202 a longitudinal gear assembly 120 of the tool 100 to move the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 along a longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. In this way, the drive unit 11 is separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104.

[0121] The method 200 proceeds by actuating 204 a rotational gear assembly 130 of the tool 100 to rotate the first bracket 102 in relation to the second bracket 152 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. In this way, the drive unit 11 is swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104.

[0122] When the first bracket 102 is configured to be attached to the drive unit 11, the method 200 may further comprise attaching 206, prior to actuating 202, 204 the longitudinal gear assembly 120 and the rotational gear assembly 130, the first bracket 102 to the drive unit 11. Thus, when the first bracket 102 is configured to be attached to the drive unit 11 , the first bracket 102 is in practice attached to the drive unit 11 before the tool 100 is operated. When the second bracket 152 is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20, the method 200 may further comprise attaching 208, prior to actuating 202, 204 the longitudinal gear assembly 120 and the rotational gear assembly 130, the second bracket 152 to the rotary shaft assembly 20. Thus, when the second bracket 152 is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20, the second bracket 152 is in practice attached to the rotary shaft assembly 20 before the tool 100 is operated.

[0123] It is to be understood that the drive unit 11 , once separated from the rotary shaft assembly 20, may be brought back to the rotary shaft assembly 20 by conducting the method 200 in the reverse order. Thus, the drive unit 11 may be brought back to the rotary shaft assembly 20 by actuating the rotational gear assembly 130 of the tool 100 in the reverse direction, such that the drive unit 11 is swiveled back into position in relation to the rotary shaft assembly 20 about the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104. Followingly, the longitudinal gear assembly 120 of the tool 100 may be actuated in the reverse direction such that the drive unit 11 is brought back into contact with the rotary shaft assembly 20 along the longitudinal axis LA of the connection shaft 104.

[0124] It will be appreciated that the present inventive concept is not limited to the variants and examples shown. Several modifications and variations are thus conceivable within the scope of the invention which thus is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

23CLAIMS1. A separation tool (100) for separating a drive unit (11) from a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10), the tool (100) comprising: a first bracket (102) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20), and a second bracket (152) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20), wherein the first bracket (102) is movably connected to the second bracket (152) via a connection shaft (104) configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis (CA) of the rotary shaft assembly (20), wherein the tool (100) comprises a longitudinal gear assembly (120) configured to, when actuated, move the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), such that the drive unit (11) is separated from the rotary shaft assembly (20) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), and wherein the tool (100) comprises a rotational gear assembly (130) configured to, when actuated, rotate the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), such that the drive unit (11) is swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly (20) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104).

2. The separation tool (100) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal gear assembly (120) comprises a threaded member (122) extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), the threaded member (122) being threadedly connected to the first or the second bracket (102, 152), wherein an end portion (122a) of the threaded member (122) is rotationally connected to an end portion (104a) of the connection shaft (104) via a socket joint (108), such that the connection shaft (104) is moved in relation to the associated one of the first and second bracket (102, 152) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104) by rotating the threaded member (122).

3. The separation tool (100) according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal gear assembly (120) comprises a sleeve (124) extending along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), the sleeve (124) being fixedly connected to said associatedone of the first and the second bracket (102, 152) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104) and being configured to receive and radially support the end portion (104a) of the connection shaft (104).

4. The separation tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational gear assembly (130) comprises a worm drive (132) configured to rotate the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104).

5. The separation tool (100) according to claim 4, wherein the rotational gear assembly (130) is actuated by rotating a worm (136) of the worm drive (132) about a longitudinal axis thereof.

6. The separation tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation tool (100) further comprises a spring member (110) biasing the rotational gear assembly (130) towards a state in which the first bracket (102) is substantially aligned with the second bracket (152) as seen along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104).

7. The separation tool (100) according to claim 6, wherein the spring member (110) comprises a helical torsion spring (110) circumscribing the connection shaft(104), wherein a first end (110a) of the helical torsion spring (110) is connected to the first bracket (102) or the second bracket (152), and wherein a second end (110b) of the helical torsion spring (110) is connected to the connection shaft (104).

8. The separation tool (100) according to claim 7, wherein the helical torsion spring (110) is housed within the associated one of the first and second bracket (102, 152) to which the first end (110a) of the helical torsion spring (110) is connected.

9. The separation tool (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bracket (102) comprises the longitudinal gear assembly (120) and the rotational gear assembly (130).

10. The separation tool according to claim 9, wherein the second bracket is fixedly attached to the connection shaft.

11. The separation tool (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first bracket (102) is configured to be attached to the drive unit (11), and wherein the first bracket (102) comprises a first opening (112) extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), the first opening (112) being configured to align with a drive unit opening (11 b) of the drive unit (11), such that a first pin (113) is receivable through the first opening (112) and the drive unit opening (11b) to attach the first bracket (102) to the drive unit (11).

12. The separation tool (100) according to claim 11 , wherein the first bracket comprises a respective first abutment surface (116a, 116b) provided on opposite sides of the first opening (112) as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), the first abutment surfaces (116a, 116b) being configured to abut the drive unit (11), such that a rotation of the drive unit (11) in relation to the first bracket (102) about the first pin (113) is counteracted when the first pin (113) is received through the first opening (112) and the drive unit opening (11b).

13. The separation tool (100) according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein the second bracket (152) is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly (20), and wherein the second bracket (152) comprises a second opening (154) extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), the second opening (154) being configured to align with a rotary shaft assembly opening (20a) of the rotary shaft assembly (20), such that a second pin (153) is receivable through the second opening (154) and the rotary shaft assembly opening (20b) to attach the second bracket (152) to the rotary shaft assembly (20).

14. The separation tool according to claim 13, wherein the second bracket comprises a respective second abutment surface provided on opposite sides of the second opening as seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft, the second abutment surfaces being configured to abut the rotary shaft assembly, such that a rotation of the rotary shaft assembly in relation to the second bracket about the second pin is counteracted when the second pin is received through the second opening and the rotary shaft assembly opening.

15. A method (200) of separating a drive unit (11) from a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10) using a separation tool (100) comprising a first bracket (102) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit26(11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20), and a second bracket (152) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20), wherein the first bracket (102) is movably connected to the second bracket (152) via a connection shaft (104) configured to be arranged in parallel to and displaced from a central axis (CA) of the rotary shaft assembly (20), the method (200) comprising: actuating (202) a longitudinal gear assembly (120) of the tool (100) to move the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), such that the drive unit (11) is separated from the rotary shaft assembly (20) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), and actuating (204) a rotational gear assembly (130) of the tool (100) to rotate the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104), such that the drive unit (11) is swiveled in relation to the rotary shaft assembly (20) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of the connection shaft (104).

16. The method (200) according to claim 15, wherein the first bracket (102) is configured to be attached to the drive unit (11), the method (200) further comprising: attaching (206), prior to actuating (202, 204) the longitudinal gear assembly (120) and the rotational gear assembly (130), the first bracket (102) to the drive unit (11).

17. The method (200) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second bracket (152) is configured to be attached to the rotary shaft assembly (20), the method (200) further comprising: attaching (208), prior to actuating (202, 204) the longitudinal gear assembly (120) and the rotational gear assembly (130), the second bracket (152) to the rotary shaft assembly (20).

Images