Patent Description:
The changing of filters in a vehicle, for example oil filters and air filters, is a process that may need to be carried out regularly. In some cases, filters are required to be changed every year, or perhaps even more often in the case of heavy use of a vehicle.

The filter changing process as of today may be a labour-intensive process and a physically demanding process for a technician in the workshop. For example, in the case of the change of an oil filter, this service involves tasks with uncomfortable postures/forced postures where a technician has to get under the truck to punch a hole into the oil filter with a handheld tool and a hammer. Once the hole has been punched, oil may start pouring from the hole and some amount of the oil may sticks to the technician themself. Once the oil is drained from the filter, the technician may then unmount the old filter and mount a new filter. This may be achieved by unscrewing the oil filter. Similarly, other vehicle filters may be located in difficult-to-reach places, and may require a complex process for their removal. Such complex processes may entail risks to the personnel involved in vehicle filter removal. Due to the complexity of these processes, a large number of steps may be required. Completing such processes may require a high degree of skill from a technician, and their complexity can increase the work time involved, and increase the likelihood that a technician may be injured during the process.

There is therefore a need for a tool that reduces the complexity of these processes as well as increases the safety of a technician during the completion of such processes.

<CIT> discloses a filter wrench including a cylindrical housing with internal lugs and a centrally positioned punch for draining and removing a screw-on filter with an outer canister and an inner filter element.

<CIT> discloses a package for packaging a filter can used in automotive engine oil systems. The invention features an elongated support shell that includes an oil retention cup and a piercing unit.

<CIT> discloses an oil filter cover with a housing featuring a cylindrical sidewall, an open end, and a closed end. A cavity extending from the open end houses an oil filter canister. A piercing member, attached to a plate abutting the closed end, extends into the cavity to puncture the canister.

<CIT> discloses an oil filter removing tool with a base portion, a projecting portion that pierces the oil filter, and an engaging portion for tool attachment to rotate the base. As the projecting portion pierces the filter, the tool attached to the engaging portion rotates the base, thus removing the filter from the engine.

It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above mentioned problem. According to a first aspect there is provided a tool for draining and removing a vehicle filter from a vehicle, comprising: a perforator for providing a perforation in.

a vehicle filter; characterised in that the tool comprises; a housing comprising a cavity and an opening therein for receiving a fluid from a perforation in a vehicle filter into the cavity, the perforator at least partially located in the cavity, and the opening being configured such that least one of the perforator and a vehicle filter are positionable therethrough; and a gripper connected to the housing and comprising a gripping surface for engaging and gripping a vehicle filter to restrict relative rotation between the gripper and the vehicle filter to permit rotation of an oil filter by rotation of the tool. The perforator is rotatably connected to the housing via an annular bearing to permit rotational movement therebetween. As such, the perforator may be operated to cleanly and easily provide a perforation in a surface of a filter. The perforator may be moveable from a retracted configuration in which the perforator is disengaged with an engaged filter in a direction towards the opening of the housing so as to perforate an engaged filter.

The perforator may be moveable relative to the housing in the direction of a central axis of the opening. The perforator may be moveable to a locked configuration in which rotational movement of the perforator relative to the housing is restricted. The perforator may therefore be selectively actuated to provide a perforation in a filter, and to remove a filter, thereby improving the safety and usability of the device.

The perforator may comprise a biasing member for biasing the perforator to the retracted configuration. The biasing member may comprise at least one of a spring and a pneumatic piston. The biasing member may improve the safety of the device, by providing a default position in which the perforator is located in the housing.

The housing may comprise a locking member a corresponding locking profile for engagement with the locking member, thereby restricting or preventing rotational movement between the perforator and the housing.

The perforator may comprise a connection profile for connection of a robotic control device thereto.

The opening may be configured to permit a vehicle filter to be positioned therethrough and the housing may comprise a stopper configured to abut against an engaged filter to limit movement of an engaged filter through the opening. As such, a filter may be able to be easily positioned so as to permit perforation and drainage thereof.

The gripper may be located in the cavity of the housing. The gripper may comprise a rubber gripping surface. The gripper may comprise a clamp mechanism. The gripper may be directly connected to the housing. The gripper may therefore be used to simply and effectively grip and/or hold a filter, and permit rotational movement of the filter when necessary.

The housing may comprise a fluid outlet for expelling a fluid from the cavity, thereby permitting a fluid to be drained from a filter in a safe way that is controllable by a user.

The opening in the housing may be configured to permit a filter to be partially inserted into the cavity through the opening. This may permit the perforation to be made inside the cavity, which may assist in the drainage process by more easily containing a fluid from the filter inside the tool (e.g. the housing).

The tool may comprise a sensor arrangement for sensing the position of the tool relative to a filter.

The tool may comprise an outer receptacle, the housing being located at least partially within and rotatably connected to the outer receptacle to permit rotation between the housing and outer receptacle. This may facilitate usability of the tool by permitting a conduit for receiving a fluid from the tool (e.g. the housing of the tool) to be used without having to be rotated.

The tool may be configured to remove at least one of an oil filter, an air filter, a coolant filter and a fuel filter.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method for removing a vehicle filter from a vehicle, comprising: engaging a gripper of a tool for removing and optionally draining a vehicle filter such that relative rotation between the gripper and the vehicle filter is restricted; perforating the vehicle filter to form a perforation; receiving a flow of fluid from the perforation in the filter into a cavity in a tool housing through an opening therein; rotating the tool to rotate the vehicle filter and remove the vehicle filter from a vehicle.

The method may comprise expelling a fluid from the cavity via a fluid outlet in the housing. Thereby removing a fluid from the tool in a quick manner, and improving the safety of the tool by reducing the likelihood that a fluid will leak from the tool.

The method may comprise engaging the gripper of the tool and rotating the tool by a robotic control device. This removes the need for a user to directly access a filter, which may require a user to be located under a vehicle, and/or access a difficult-to-reach location.

The method may comprise rotating the tool housing within an outer receptacle, the outer receptacle remaining static relative to a user. The method may comprise rotating the tool to remove a vehicle filter such as a vehicle oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, coolant filter, or the like.

Effects and features of the second aspect are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Examples mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second aspect.

The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

The first aspect of this disclosure shows a tool for draining and removing a vehicle filter from a vehicle, comprising: a perforator for providing a perforation in a vehicle filter; characterised in that the tool comprises; a housing comprising a cavity and an opening therein for receiving a fluid from a perforation in a vehicle filter into the cavity, the perforator at least partially located in the cavity, and the opening being configured such that least one of the perforator and a vehicle filter are positionable therethrough; and a gripper connected to the housing and comprising a gripping surface for engaging and gripping a vehicle filter to restrict relative rotation between the gripper and the vehicle filter to permit rotation of an vehicle filter by rotation of the tool.

In use, the gripper of the tool may engage with a vehicle filter (e.g. an oil filter, an air filter, a coolant filter, a fuel filter, or the like) so as to engage the tool with the vehicle filter and prevent rotation therebetween. The perforator may then be configured to engage and perforate a surface of the vehicle filter, for example by movement of the perforator inside the housing in the direction of the opening to contact and perforate a surface of a vehicle (e.g. oil, air, fuel, coolant) filter, or may also be possible by movement of the housing itself with the perforator therein. The vehicle filter may then be drained by permitting a fluid to flow from the perforation and into the housing through the opening therein. The housing may additionally comprise an outlet to enable fluid to be expelled therefrom. Once the fluid has been drained from the vehicle filter the tool may be rotated, thereby resulting in rotation of the vehicle filter, unscrewing it from the vehicle. The described tool may be able to be used to both drain and remove the vehicle filter, which may provide safety benefits to a user by removing the need to use a separate tool, or for a technician to engage in a manual perforation and draining procedure (e.g. with a manual perforation tool), which may increase the complexity of the process, require direct perforation of a filter by a technician, and introduce an opportunity for fluid spillage or other accidents. Further, having a single tool that may be engaged with a filter to both drain and remove the filter may allow the process to be more easily automated, as no process is required for switching between tools. As will be described, in some examples the tool may be used simply to remove the vehicle filter, and no draining may be required, for example in cases where the vehicle filter is an air filter.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a tool <NUM> for draining and removing a vehicle filter from a vehicle, while <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of the tool <NUM>. In <FIG>, the parts of the tool <NUM> are illustrated as having been disassembled for clarity.

In the example of <FIG>, the tool <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may have an extruded shape and/or an elongate shape. The housing may have a prismatic shape. Although not illustrated in this example, it may be possible that the sides of the housing <NUM> are tapered, such that one end has a greater surface area than the other, for example in the case that the housing <NUM> has the shape of a truncated cone. As is illustrated in this example, the housing <NUM> has the shape of an extruded circle, or cylinder. In other examples, the housing <NUM> may have an alternative shape, such as a cuboid or triangular prism.

Here, the housing <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is located at one end of the housing <NUM> in this example. The opening <NUM> is located on a flat surface of the housing <NUM>. The opening has a circular shape, although it should be noted that other shapes of opening may be possible, such as an oval or square shape. The housing <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the opening <NUM> may permit access to the cavity <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may comprise an internal surface that defines the cavity <NUM>. An internal surface <NUM> adjacent to the opening <NUM> may be tapered, as in this example, such that the diameter of the opening <NUM> is non-constant with the depth of the opening. The opening <NUM> may have a smaller diameter adjacent the cavity <NUM>, and a larger diameter adjacent an outer surface of the housing <NUM>. The opening may also comprise an uneven e.g. an undulating surface, for example a ridged and/or toothed surface, as is illustrated. Having a tapered opening may assist to permit an object (such as a filter e.g. an oil filter) to be placed through the opening, for example into the cavity <NUM>, and the undulating surface may permit the opening to grip the object placed therethrough when the object comes into contact with the sides of the opening <NUM>. As will be described in the following paragraphs, the opening may function as a gripper.

The opening <NUM> may comprise a deformable material, such as an elastic material. The deformable material may be positioned on the surface of the opening, and may be uneven, undulated, toothed, ribbed, or the like. The deformable material may be, for example, rubber, a deformable plastic or the like. The deformable material may assist to permit the opening to grip an object therein.

Also illustrated in <FIG> is a perforator <NUM>. In this example, the perforator <NUM> is located partially within the housing <NUM>, although it should be noted that in some examples, the perforator may be located fully within the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may therefore comprise an aperture <NUM> through which the perforator <NUM> extends and in which the perforator <NUM> is positioned. In such examples, the housing <NUM> may not comprise aperture <NUM>, may be controlled remotely, etc. The aperture <NUM> is positioned at an end of the housing <NUM> opposite the opening <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> comprises a spindle <NUM> and a base <NUM>. In this example, the spindle <NUM> is a shaft that comprises flutes therein and also comprises a tip 20a and a shank 20b. The tip 20a comprises a point or a sharpened edge, which may assist the perforator <NUM> in perforating a filter. The shank 20b is a solid shaft and is unfluted, and engages with the base <NUM> to secure the spindle <NUM> to the base <NUM>. Here, the shank 20b fits into an aperture in the base <NUM>, and may be threaded or held in place by an interference fit, for example. Having a pointed or sharpened edge at the tip 20a and a fluted spindle <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may be or comprise a drill bit.

In some examples, the perforator <NUM> need not be fluted, and the spindle <NUM> may be a shaft with a pointed tip 20a or sharpened edge located at the tip 20a. In other examples, the perforator <NUM> may simply be an object that is capable of providing a perforation in a vehicle filter, and need not necessarily comprise a shaft.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the spindle <NUM> may be configurable to be entirely located in the housing <NUM>. In some other examples, the spindle <NUM> may be partially located within the housing <NUM>. For example the tip 20a of the spindle <NUM> may be located in the housing, and the shank 20b outside the housing, and as such the spindle <NUM> may be positioned in the aperture <NUM>. In some other examples, the tip 20a of the spindle may be positioned outside the housing <NUM>, and the shank 20b inside the housing <NUM>, and as such the spindle <NUM> may be positioned in the opening <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the housing <NUM>, for example rotatably coupled to the housing <NUM>. The perforator <NUM> may be coupled to the housing via a bearing <NUM>, thereby enabling a rotatable coupling therewith. In this example the perforator <NUM> is rotatably connected to the housing via an annular bearing <NUM>. The annular bearing <NUM> may be mounted to the housing <NUM> and to the perforator <NUM>, in this example the base <NUM> of the perforator <NUM>. For example, the annular bearing <NUM> may be mounted in, or around the periphery of, the aperture <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The rotatable connection between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may permit rotation of the perforator <NUM> within the housing <NUM>, and therefore rotation of the spindle 20a within the housing. Rotation of the spindle 20b may assist the perforator to provide a perforation in a vehicle filter, for example by providing a rotation to the spindle 20a which may provide a better ability to penetrate a surface.

The perforator <NUM> may be slidably connected to the housing <NUM>, for example slidably connected to the housing <NUM> via the bearing <NUM>. The slidable connection between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may permit translational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. The perforator <NUM> may be slidably moveable in the direction of the opening <NUM>, for example in the direction to and from the opening <NUM>. The perforator <NUM> may be slidably moveable between a retracted configuration (as shown in <FIG>) in which the perforator <NUM> is configurable to be disengaged with an engaged vehicle filter and moveable towards the opening <NUM> in order to provide a perforation in an engaged vehicle filter (as will be described in more detail in the following paragraphs). To permit slideable movement between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, a gap <NUM> may exist between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). For example the diameter of the perforator <NUM> may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the aperture <NUM>, so as to provide a gap <NUM> therebetween. The gap <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the perforator <NUM> may be a small gap, for example having a width in the order of tenths of a millimetre, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, or the like.

The tool <NUM> may comprise a sealing arrangement, for example as is illustrated in <FIG>. The sealing arrangement may comprise a seal <NUM> (such as a dynamic seal) positioned between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM> (for example in or around the periphery of the aperture <NUM>) so as to prevent fluid leakage from the cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> though the aperture <NUM>. The sealing arrangement may be or comprise a seal such as a dynamic seal located in the gap <NUM> between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, as is illustrated. In this example, the seal <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM>, and in particular in a slot in the housing <NUM>. In other examples, the sealing arrangement may comprise additionally or alternatively a seal that is connected to the bearing <NUM>. The sealing arrangement may permit translational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the bearing <NUM>. Rotational movement of the bearing <NUM> relative to the perforator <NUM> may be restricted, such that rotational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing requires rotation of the bearing <NUM>. In some examples, the perforator <NUM> may comprise a protrusion, rib, ridge, or the like thereon (e.g. extending longitudinally therealong) for engaging a corresponding notch therein to enable translational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the bearing <NUM>, while reducing the likelihood of, or preventing, rotational slip between the bearing <NUM> and perforator <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may be indirectly connected to the housing <NUM>, for example indirectly connected to the housing via the bearing <NUM>. Indirect connection of the perforator <NUM> to the housing <NUM> via the bearing <NUM> may permit both relative translational and rotational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> as previously described, allowing a user to rotate and move the perforator <NUM> towards a vehicle filter without requiring rotation of the housing <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may additionally comprise a biasing member <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may bias the perforator <NUM> towards the retracted configuration (e.g. may urge the perforator to move in a direction away from the opening <NUM>). The biasing member <NUM> may improve the safety of the tool <NUM> by urging the spindle 20a into the retracted configuration in which it is located entirely within the housing <NUM> and away from the opening <NUM>, thereby reducing the likelihood of the spindle 20a coming into contact with a user accidentally when not in use. The biasing member <NUM> may be a spring, such as a helical as in this example. In some examples, the biasing member <NUM> may be pneumatic biasing member <NUM>, for example a pneumatic annular piston, or a series of pneumatic annular pistons. The biasing member <NUM> may circumscribe the perforator <NUM>, e.g. the base <NUM> of the perforator. The biasing member <NUM> may be located outside of the housing <NUM>, as in this example. It should be noted that in some examples, the biasing member <NUM> could be located inside the housing, while still providing a desired biasing force on the perforator <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may abut the housing <NUM>, for example an external surface of the housing <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may abut the base <NUM>, for example a flange, shoulder, tooth etc. extending from the base <NUM>, or connected to the base <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may abut or engage the bearing <NUM> at a first end thereof. The biasing member <NUM> may abut a component connected to the base <NUM>, for example a connection component <NUM> (described in more detail in the following paragraphs) located at a second end thereof, that may be connected, coupled, fastened or the like to the base <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may have a larger diameter than the spindle <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be partially located in the housing <NUM>, as described in this example. In some other examples, the base <NUM> may be entirely located outside of the housing <NUM> (e.g. outside of the cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM>). In such examples, the spindle <NUM> may be located in the aperture <NUM>. The base <NUM> may assist to manoeuvre the perforator <NUM>. Having a base <NUM> with a wider diameter than the spindle <NUM> may assist in the manoeuvrability of the perforator <NUM>, and for example may permit the perforator <NUM> to be rotated at high speed without damaging the perforator <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may comprise a connection profile for permitting connection of a control tool thereto. The connection profile may be located on a connection component <NUM> as is illustrated in <FIG>, for example, or may be formed with or into the perforator <NUM>, for example on the base <NUM> of the perforator <NUM>. In some examples, the connection profile may be defined by the perforator <NUM>, such as by the base <NUM> of the perforator. The control tool may be a robotic control device. The connection profile may be located on the base <NUM>. The connection profile may be in the form of a protrusion or flange that extends from the perforator <NUM>. The connection profile may comprise a rib, lip, aperture, groove or the like to mate with a corresponding profile of a control tool. The connection profile may be integrally formed with the perforator, although in some examples (such as the one illustrated in <FIG>), the connection profile may be on a connection component <NUM> that is attached to the perforator <NUM>, in this example to the base <NUM> of the perforator <NUM>.

The connection profile may permit the perforator <NUM> to attach to a robotic connection, such as a robotic arm. The connection profile may be shaped so as to alert a robotic connection that is has successfully connected to the connection profile. The connection profile may therefore be for permitting the tool <NUM> to be operated by a robot, or robotic control device.

Here, the connection component <NUM> is in the form of a cap that may connect to the base <NUM> of the perforator <NUM>. Here, the connection component <NUM> is held in place by a locking pin <NUM>. Such a connection may permit the connection component <NUM> to be easily replaced, for example if damaged, or if required to be operated by a different (e.g. an updated or more advanced) robotic control system.

The tool <NUM> may further comprise a stopper <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may function to limit or restrict movement of a vehicle filter relative to the housing <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may prevent contact between a filter and the perforator <NUM> when the perforator is in the retracted configuration. The stopper <NUM> may assist to prevent premature perforation of a filter, thereby improving the safety of the device, for example by preventing a fluid from flowing from a perforation in a filter before a user is ready, e.g. before a filter is correctly engaged with the filter, such as before a gripper of the tool has engaged the filter.

The stopper may define or comprise an abutment surface <NUM> against which a vehicle filter may abut to limit or restrict movement of a vehicle filter relative to the housing <NUM>. The abutment surface <NUM> may be located inside the housing <NUM>, e.g. in the cavity <NUM>, or may be located on or around the periphery of the opening <NUM>. The abutment surface <NUM> may be located proximate the opening <NUM>, for example inside the cavity <NUM> and proximate the opening <NUM>. The abutment surface may be located closer to the opening <NUM> than the perforator <NUM> in the retracted configuration.

The stopper <NUM> may be located inside the housing <NUM>, for example at least partially or entirely located inside the housing <NUM>, such as inside the cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be fully or at least partially located proximate the opening <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be fully or at least partially located closer to the opening <NUM> than the perforator <NUM> in the retracted configuration. In this example, the stopper <NUM> is located entirely inside the housing <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be connected to the internal surface of the housing <NUM>, and may be connected in any appropriate way such as by chemical bonding, welding, interference fitting, or the like. In some examples, the stopper <NUM> may be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be defined by the housing <NUM>, e.g. by a protrusion (e.g. a rib, lip, tooth, etc.) or protrusions on the internal surface of the housing <NUM>. Where the stopper <NUM> is or comprises a protrusion or protrusions, the protrusion or protrusions may comprise or define the abutment surface <NUM>. The protrusion or protrusions may be located proximate the opening <NUM>, e.g. in the cavity <NUM> and closer to the opening <NUM> than the perforator <NUM> in the retracted configuration. The stopper <NUM> may have a shape of a full or partial annulus. The stopper <NUM> may comprise be or comprise a collar. The collar may be a continuous collar or a discontinuous collar, comprising a plurality of sections. The collar may comprise the abutment surface <NUM> (e.g. all or part thereof). The collar may be located proximate the opening <NUM>, e.g. inside cavity <NUM> and proximate the opening <NUM>. The collar may be located closer to the opening <NUM> than the perforator <NUM> in the retracted configuration.

Alternatively and as illustrated in <FIG>, the collar may form a stopper base 34a for example. From the stopper base 34a may extend one or a plurality of protrusions 34b. A protrusion 34b may define or comprise the abutment surface <NUM> to prevent or restrict movement of the filter, for example to prevent or restrict movement of the filter through the opening <NUM>. The protrusion 34b, or the plurality thereof, may comprise the abutment surface <NUM> at the tip thereof. The protrusion 34b may be elongate in shape, and may have an extruded shape such as a prismatic shape such as a cylinder, cuboid, triangular prism, or the like. Having an elongate shape of protrusion 34b may assist to reduce the weight of the tool <NUM>. Each protrusion may be the same length, although it should be noted that it may be possible to have protrusions of different lengths.

The protrusions 34b may extend in a longitudinal direction in the housing <NUM>. The protrusions 34b may comprise a first end proximate the opening <NUM> and a second end distal to the opening <NUM>. The proximal end of the protrusions 34b (or at least one of the protrusions) may be located closer to the opening than the perforator <NUM> (e.g. the spindle <NUM> of the perforator <NUM>) when the perforator <NUM> is in the retracted configuration.

The base 34a may assist to provide a secure attachment of the stopper <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. Although the base 34a has been described as a collar, in other examples the base 34a may comprise a different shape, such as a cube or cuboid. The stopper <NUM> may comprise more than one base 34a, each of which may be connected to the housing <NUM> in a way as previously described. Each base may comprise one or a plurality of protrusions 34b. Each base 34a may have the same longitudinal positioning in the housing, and/or each base 34b may be located equidistant from the opening <NUM>.

In some examples the stopper <NUM> may comprise only protrusions 34b without the requirement for a base 34a. In such examples the protrusions 34b may be connected to the housing <NUM> (e.g. directly to the internal surface of the housing). The protrusions 34b may be integrally formed with the housing. The protrusions 34b may be in the form of a rib, lip, ridge etc. extending from the internal wall of the housing <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may comprise a range limiter (in this example defined by protrusion <NUM>) for limiting the movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. The perforator <NUM> may comprise a locking profile which may engage with a corresponding locking member or members of the range limiter to prevent limit the movement thereof. In some examples, the range limiter may comprise a translational locking member to prevent translational movement of the perforator <NUM>, and a rotational locking member to prevent rotational movement of the perforator <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may comprise a protrusion <NUM> (see <FIG>, for example) that forms part of the range limiter. The protrusion may provide be or comprise a locking profile on the perforator <NUM>. In some examples the perforator <NUM> may comprise a plurality (e.g. two, three, four or more) protrusions <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> may be located on the base <NUM> of the perforator <NUM>. The range limiter may abut against the housing <NUM> (e.g. the internal surface of the housing <NUM>) to limit movement of the perforator <NUM>, for example to limit translational movement of the housing. In this example, the perforator <NUM> comprises a protrusion <NUM> that may abut against a base of the housing <NUM> to limit movement (e.g. translational movement) of the perforator <NUM> away from the opening <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may abut against an internal wall of the housing <NUM> to limit movement of the perforator <NUM> in the housing. The range limiter may abut against the housing <NUM> to oppose the force produced by the biasing member <NUM>. As such, the internal wall, e.g. the base of the housing <NUM>, may be considered to be a locking member (e.g. a translational locking member) that may engage with a locking profile on the perforator <NUM> (here, the protrusions <NUM>) to prevent translational movement of the perforator <NUM>. When the range limiter abuts against the housing <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may be considered to be in the retracted configuration. In this example, the range limiter comprises a protrusion <NUM> on the base <NUM>, where the base is located partially within the housing <NUM> and through the aperture <NUM>, and prevents the base from being forced out of the aperture <NUM> and housing <NUM> as a result of the biasing member <NUM>.

The range limiter may function to limit rotational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. The range limiter may comprise an abutment surface to prevent rotational movement of the perforator <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may comprise a protrusion, mass, object or the like therein comprising an abutment surface to prevent rotational movement of the perforator <NUM>, and which may function as a rotational locking member. The protrusion <NUM> on the perforator <NUM> may be configurable to abut against the abutment surface. The abutment surface may be located on the stopper <NUM>, for example on the base 34a of the stopper <NUM>, or in some examples may be on one or a plurality of protrusions 34b of the stopper <NUM>. The stopper <NUM>, or at least a portion thereof, may therefore also form part of the range limiter. The stopper <NUM>, or at least a portion thereof, may function as a rotational locking member.

To engage the locking profile of the perforator <NUM> with the rotational locking member (e.g. the stopper <NUM>), the perforator <NUM> may be configured (e.g. moved, rotated, slid, etc.) to a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the perforator <NUM> may be located closer to the opening <NUM> than in the retracted configuration. The rotational locking member may comprise a locking profile for engagement with the locking profile of the perforator <NUM>, such as a notch, groove, indent or the like. In the locked configuration, rotational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> may be prevented, and therefore rotational movement of the perforator <NUM> will also result in rotational movement of the housing <NUM>.

The perforator <NUM> may be configurable to engage both the rotational and the translational locking member. The perforator <NUM> may be configurable to engage either the rotational or translational locking member in any given configuration. For example, in the retracted configuration, the perforator <NUM> may engage the translational locking member, whereas in a locked configuration, the perforator <NUM> may engage the rotational locking member.

The range limiter may therefore function to assist a user in correct operation of the tool <NUM>, by permitting the perforator <NUM> to reach desirable configurations for use. However, it should be noted that the function of a range limiter may, in some examples, be performed by actions of a user without the need to have the range limiter exactly as described above.

As previously described, the tool <NUM> may comprise a gripper <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may function to grip and hold a vehicle filter relative to the tool <NUM> (e.g. the housing of the tool <NUM>) so as to prevent or restrict movement (e.g. rotational movement) of the filter relative to the tool <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may be or comprise a deformable material, such as rubber or a deformable plastic, configured to deform around a vehicle filter when in contact with the vehicle filter to grip the filter. The gripper <NUM> may therefore passively grip the vehicle filter, as a result of the vehicle filter coming into contact with the gripper <NUM>.

In some examples, the gripper <NUM> may actively grip a filter. For example, the gripper <NUM> may be or comprise a moveable part such as a jaw, pincer, clamp or the like, which may be actuated to grip a filter.

The gripper <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>, for example directly or indirectly connected to the housing <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may be located (at least partially) on the housing <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may be located on the internal surface of the housing <NUM>. The gripper may be located on an external surface of the housing <NUM>, for example an external surface of the housing <NUM> adjacent the opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may be located in the cavity <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may be located adjacent the opening <NUM>, or in this example is located on the surface of the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be or at least partially or wholly define the gripper <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may be the surface of the opening <NUM>, which as previously described may be uneven, undulating, toothed, or the like, to improve grip between a filter and the gripper <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may comprise a coated surface to improve the grip thereof, for example a surface coated in a deformable material. The gripper <NUM> may comprise a rubbercoated surface.

The gripper <NUM> may additionally or alternatively comprise a clamp <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). The clamp may be, for example located around the periphery of the surface of the opening <NUM>, and may be operable by a user to provide grip to a filter, and hold the filter relative to the housing <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tool <NUM> may comprise a fluid outlet <NUM>, which may permit a fluid to flow from the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may therefore comprise a fluid outlet <NUM>. The fluid outlet <NUM> may permit a fluid to be expelled from the housing <NUM> (e.g. the cavity <NUM> of the housing), for example a fluid that has been drained from a filter. The fluid outlet <NUM> may be located at a base of the housing <NUM>. The fluid outlet <NUM> may be located at an opposite end of the housing <NUM> to the opening <NUM>. The fluid outlet may comprise a conduit attachment profile for the attachment of a conduit thereto, to receive a fluid expelled from the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example of steps involved in a method of removing, and in this case draining, a vehicle filter <NUM> from a vehicle (not illustrated). Here, the vehicle filter <NUM> may be an oil filter, although it should be noted that at least some, or all, of the described steps may be taken to equally remove other vehicle filters, such as an air filter, coolant filter or fuel filter.

Although not illustrated, the tool <NUM> may be mounted to a robot, such as a robotic control device, which may be used to operate the tool <NUM>. For example, the robotic control device may comprise a control unit that is able to remove a vehicle filter without intervention from a user. In some examples, the robotic control device may be remotely controlled by a user.

In <FIG>, the tool <NUM> may be brought into alignment with a vehicle filter <NUM> to be removed. The tool <NUM> may be connected to a robotic control device, for example the connection component <NUM> of the tool may be connected to a robotic control device. Schematically illustrated in <FIG>, the tool <NUM> may comprise and/or cooperate with a sensor arrangement to identify the position of the tool. A robotic control device may then receive a signal from the sensor arrangement in order to correctly align the tool <NUM> with the filter <NUM>. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor <NUM> or a plurality of sensors <NUM>. A sensor <NUM> may be located on the tool <NUM>, for example on the housing <NUM> of the tool <NUM>, inside the cavity <NUM> of the tool, on the filter <NUM>, or any other appropriate location. The sensor arrangement may comprise an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like.

The tool <NUM> may be aligned with, for example, a central (e.g. longitudinal) axis <NUM> of the filter <NUM>. The tool <NUM> may align the central axis <NUM> of the tool with a central axis extending through the centre of the opening <NUM>. The tool <NUM> may align the centre axis <NUM> of the filter <NUM> with a central axis of the perforator <NUM>. The central axis of the perforator <NUM> may be aligned with the central axis <NUM> of the opening.

As the tool <NUM> is aligned with the filter <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may be located in the retracted configuration, as is illustrated in <FIG>, such that the protrusions <NUM> of the perforator <NUM> abut against a base surface of the housing <NUM>, adjacent the periphery of the aperture <NUM>, and such that the stopper <NUM> (e.g. an extremity of the stopper) is located closer to the opening <NUM> than the perforator <NUM> (e.g. an extremity of the perforator).

Shown in <FIG>, the tool <NUM> is brought closer to the filter <NUM> such that the filter <NUM> is engaged by the tool <NUM>. In this example, the filter <NUM> is engaged by the gripper <NUM> of the tool <NUM>, and the filter <NUM> is located through the opening <NUM> such that a portion of the filter <NUM> is located in the cavity <NUM> and in the opening <NUM>. In this example, the gripper <NUM> is located on the surface of the opening <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> is dimensioned to be the same diameter or width, or of a larger diameter or width, than the diameter or width of the filter <NUM>. As such, in this example the filter <NUM> is able to fit inside the opening <NUM>. The gripper <NUM> may comprise a deformable material, which in this example is a rubber material located on the surface of the opening <NUM>, which may be of a thickness equal to or more than the difference in width or diameter between the filter <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. Upon engagement between the tool <NUM> and the filter <NUM> (e.g. engagement between the gripper <NUM> and the filter <NUM>), the gripper <NUM> may deform so as to grip the filter <NUM>, and may additionally provide a fluid seal between the gripper <NUM> and the filter <NUM>. As the gripper <NUM> is located around the periphery of the opening <NUM> (e.g. on or adjacent the opening <NUM>), the fluid seal provided by the gripper <NUM> may also mean that the cavity is sealed at the opening <NUM>.

In another example, for example where the filter <NUM> comprises a greater diameter or width than the opening <NUM>, the opening <NUM> may be positioned on a surface of the filter <NUM>, without the filter <NUM> extending through the opening <NUM>. In such examples, the gripper <NUM> be extend to, or be located on, the outer surface of the housing <NUM>, for example adjacent and around the periphery of the opening <NUM>.

The gripper <NUM> may comprise a clamp <NUM> (see <FIG>), which may be connected to the housing. The clamp <NUM> is schematically illustrated in <FIG>, surrounding the filter <NUM>. The clamp <NUM> may be located adjacent the opening <NUM>, and may be operable to clamp around the filter <NUM>, for example around the circumference of the filter <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, as the filter <NUM> is engaged with the tool <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may remain in the retracted configuration. In this example, the filter <NUM> is extended through the opening <NUM> until coming into contact with the stopper <NUM>, which may limit movement of the filter <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. For example, the stopper <NUM> may permit the filter <NUM> to be extended through the opening <NUM> such that no contact between the perforator <NUM> and the filter <NUM> is possible when the filter <NUM> is in the retracted configuration. The stopper <NUM> may increase the safety of use of the tool <NUM>, as it may significantly reduce the likelihood that the tool will be prematurely perforated, which may have the effect of inadvertently leaking oil or another fluid on a user. In addition to the stopper <NUM> illustrated, the tool <NUM> may comprise a sensor as part of the sensor arrangement that is configurable to sense the degree to which the filter <NUM> has been positioned through the opening <NUM>, and may prevent further movement of the filter <NUM> before the filter <NUM> reaches the perforator <NUM>, which may function as a further safety measure.

Once the filter <NUM> is engaged with the tool <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may be configured to provide a perforation in a surface of the filter <NUM>, as is illustrated in <FIG>. To do so, the perforator <NUM> may be moved from the retracted configuration as illustrated in <FIG> and b in a direction towards the opening <NUM> of the tool <NUM>. As the perforator <NUM> is moved, it contacts a lower surface <NUM> of the filter <NUM> and presses against that lower surface <NUM>, to perforate the lower surface <NUM>. In this example, the perforator <NUM> comprises a spindle <NUM> comprising flutes therein, and is also rotatably connected to the housing <NUM> via an annular bearing <NUM>, and therefore may be rotated relative to the housing <NUM> so as to improve the ability of the perforator <NUM> to perforate the filter <NUM>. In this example, the perforator <NUM> may function as a drill. In other examples, the perforator <NUM> may comprise a spindle <NUM> without flutes, and may not be supported by an annular bearing. As such, in some examples, the perforator may not need to rotate in order to provide a perforation in the filter <NUM>, and translational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the filter <NUM> may be enough to provide a perforation in the filter <NUM>.

In this example the perforator <NUM> perforates the filter <NUM> inside the cavity <NUM>, with the filter <NUM> extending through the opening <NUM> and the perforator <NUM> remaining inside the cavity. However, in examples where the opening <NUM> is placed on/adjacent a surface of the filter <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may extend through the opening <NUM>, and perforate the filter <NUM> outside of the cavity <NUM>.

Although in this example the perforator <NUM> is illustrated as moving from a retracted configuration, in some examples (e.g. where the perforator <NUM> is fixed relative to the housing <NUM>) the entire housing may be moved relative to the filter <NUM> to enable contact and perforation between the perforator <NUM> and the filter <NUM>. In such examples, the perforator <NUM> may not move relative to the housing <NUM>, and may be completely contained within the housing <NUM> (e.g. within the cavity <NUM>).

Once the perforator <NUM> has perforated the filter <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may be withdrawn from contact with the filter <NUM>, for example by configuring the perforator <NUM> to the retracted configuration once again (which may be done by simply allowing the biasing member <NUM> to pull the perforator <NUM> to the retracted configuration). Alternatively, the perforator <NUM> may be moved to the retracted configuration be moving the housing <NUM> relative to the filter <NUM>, having the effect of moving the filter <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. In such cases, the gripper <NUM> may be able to maintain a fluid seal, for example due to the deformable material on the gripper <NUM>.

Once the perforator <NUM> has made a perforation <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>, the perforator <NUM> may be removed from contact with the filter <NUM> to permit a fluid to flow from inside the filter <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>. A seal between the opening <NUM> and the filter <NUM> (which in this example is provided by the gripper <NUM>, although it should be noted that a separate seal may be provided for this purpose that is not part of the gripper <NUM>) assists to prevent leakage of fluid from the filter flowing through the opening <NUM>. The fluid flows from the filter <NUM> and into the cavity <NUM>. The fluid is then flowed from the cavity through outlet <NUM> via flowpath <NUM>, and is thereby expelled from the housing <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the outlet <NUM> may comprise a conduit attached thereto. The fluid may flow naturally through the outlet <NUM> (e.g. under gravity) or may be sucked or pumped out.

Once the filter <NUM> has been drained of fluid, the perforator <NUM> may be moved to a locked configuration as is illustrated in <FIG>. The locked configuration may require movement of the perforator <NUM> in a direction that positions the perforator <NUM> closer to the opening <NUM> than would be required to provide a perforation in the filter <NUM>, thereby avoiding the situation where the perforator <NUM> is moved to the locked configuration during perforation of a filter <NUM>. In the case where a sensor <NUM> or sensor arrangement is present, the sensor <NUM> may be able to identify when the perforator <NUM> has moved to the locked configuration, and may alert a user or controller. In the case where the tool <NUM> is connected to an operated by a robotic control device, the robotic control device may be programmed with predefined positions for the retracted configuration and locked configuration so as to position the perforator <NUM> in the desired configuration only when desired. In the locked configuration, the profile on the perforator <NUM> may engage with a locking profile or member in or on the housing <NUM>, such that rotational movement of the perforator <NUM> relative to the housing is prevented or restricted. In this example, the perforator <NUM> engages with a profile on the stopper <NUM> (and as such the stopper <NUM> functions as a locking member), the stopper <NUM> being connected to the housing <NUM>. To assist with the engagement between the perforator <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> comprises protrusions <NUM> which may engage with the stopper <NUM>. In this example, the stopper <NUM> comprises a notch therein, or a plurality of notches, with each notch corresponding to a protrusion <NUM> on the perforator <NUM>. Once the perforator <NUM> has been engaged with the stopper <NUM> and is in the locked configuration, the tool <NUM> may be rotated, resulting in corresponding rotation of the gripper <NUM> connected to the housing <NUM> and thereby the filter <NUM>, and disengagement and removal of the filter <NUM> from the tool. To rotate the tool <NUM>, the perforator <NUM> may be rotated, thereby also rotating the housing <NUM> and the gripper <NUM>. Rotating the gripper <NUM> may therefore rotate the engaged filter <NUM>.

In this example, the perforator <NUM> is moved to a locked configuration, in which the perforator <NUM> is located closer to the opening <NUM> than in the retracted configuration. In the locked configuration, the perforator <NUM> may be once again in contact with the filter <NUM>, and in this example is illustrated as being inserted through the perforation <NUM>. This may provide extra grip between the tool <NUM> and the filter <NUM>. However, it should be noted that there is no need for the perforator <NUM> to directly contact the filter <NUM> in the locked configuration.

Although the steps illustrate the removal of a vehicle oil filter, it should be noted that such steps may also be applied for the engagement of the tool with another type of filter, such as an air filter, to remove the air filter from a vehicle. In some examples, the above steps may be modified as appropriate depending on the type of filter to be removed. For example, in the case of an air filter, the drainage of a fluid therefrom may not be necessary, and therefore the steps involving perforation of the filter may not need to be performed.

<FIG> illustrate the tool <NUM> in further detail, in particular the tool inside the cavity <NUM>.

Here, more detail of the stopper <NUM> is illustrated, including the base 34a and a protrusion 34b thereof. Here, the base 34a is illustrated comprising a component having the shape of a circular segment (e.g. a partial circle, or even a semi-circle may be possible) that is connected to the internal surface of the housing <NUM> inside the cavity <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the base 34a may comprise two of such circular segment components and may be symmetrically disposed in the cavity <NUM>. The protrusion 34b is in the form of a cylindrical rod protruding from a circular segment component of the base 34a. Where, two circular segment components exist, so too may two protrusions 34b. The base 34a additionally comprises a locking profile, and may therefore be a locking member. The protrusion <NUM> on the base <NUM> of the perforator <NUM> may be rotated and moved translationally relative to the stopper <NUM> to be engaged in the locking profile (e.g. the notch, as illustrated).

<FIG> illustrates the tool <NUM> comprising an outer receptacle <NUM>. The outer receptacle <NUM> may be a receptacle into which a fluid from the outlet <NUM> may be received. The housing <NUM> and the perforator <NUM> may be rotatably connected (e.g. rotatably coupled) to the outer receptacle <NUM>. Here, the housing <NUM> of the tool <NUM> is located inside the outer receptacle <NUM>, and may be fully or partially located in the outer receptacle <NUM>. The perforator <NUM> is also located inside the outer receptacle <NUM>. The outer receptacle <NUM> may permit the housing <NUM> and perforator <NUM> to be rotated to remove the tool, while the outer receptacle <NUM> remains stationary. As such, a fluid from the outlet <NUM> may be received in the outer receptacle <NUM>, and may be expelled from the outer receptacle <NUM> at an outer receptacle outlet <NUM>. The outer receptacle outlet <NUM> may comprise a conduit connected thereto, and may assist to avoid the situation whereby a conduit is twisted around the tool <NUM> when the housing <NUM> is rotated to remove a filter.

The outer receptacle <NUM> may comprise a sealing arrangement so as to provide a sealed cavity <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the outer receptacle <NUM> in which a fluid may be contained, and expelled from outlet <NUM>, for example in a similar way as has been described relative to outlet <NUM> above.

Illustrated in <FIG> is a representation of steps involved in the method for removing a vehicle filter <NUM> from a vehicle. Step <NUM> represents the step of engaging the gripper <NUM> of the tool <NUM> for draining and removing the filter <NUM>, such that relative rotation between the gripper <NUM> and the filter <NUM> is restricted.

Step <NUM> represents perforating the vehicle filter <NUM> to form a perforation <NUM>, while step <NUM> represents receiving a flow of fluid from the perforation <NUM> in the filter <NUM> into a cavity <NUM> of the tool housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM> therein.

Step <NUM> represents rotation of the tool <NUM>, so as to rotate the filter <NUM> and removal of the filter <NUM> from a vehicle is represented in step <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A tool (<NUM>) for draining and removing a vehicle filter from a vehicle, comprising:
a perforator (<NUM>) for providing a perforation in a vehicle filter (<NUM>);
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a cavity (<NUM>) and an opening (<NUM>) therein for receiving a fluid from a perforation in a vehicle filter into the cavity, the perforator at least partially located in the cavity, and the opening being configured such that at least one of the perforator and a vehicle filter are positionable therethrough; and
a gripper (<NUM>) connected to the housing and comprising a gripping surface for engaging and gripping a vehicle filter to restrict relative rotation between the gripper and the vehicle filter to permit rotation of a vehicle filter by rotation of the tool,
the tool (<NUM>) characterized in that
the perforator (<NUM>) is rotatably connected to the housing (<NUM>) via an annular bearing to permit rotational movement therebetween, and
the perforator (<NUM>) is further moveable from a retracted configuration in which the perforator is disengaged with an engaged vehicle filter in a direction towards the opening (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) so as to perforate an engaged filter.