Metering units, metering groups and aquariums

Abstract

A dosing unit for supplying a substance in a controlled manner to the interior of an aquarium tank comprises a holding tank and a dosing pump actuated by an electric motor, both of which are associated with the holding tank. The holding tank has at least a first connecting element and at least a second connecting element, the second connecting element being adapted to be connected to a corresponding first connecting element of an additional similar dosing unit. Furthermore, the present application provides a dosing set and an aquarium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dosing unit for supplying a substance in a controlled manner, in particular a dosing unit for an aquarium. The invention also relates to a dosing unit comprising a dosing pump and which can be used alone or can be connected to other dosing units. Background Art

[0002] Different types of substances, for example substances that inhibit algae growth or fertilizers for aquatic plants, can be supplied via dosing pumps for aquariums.

[0003] It is known that it is necessary to introduce substances into aquarium tanks in controlled doses and at regular intervals.

[0004] To meet this need, programmable dosing units have been introduced on the market, which allow automation of the supply of substances to aquarium tanks over time.

[0005] In addition to the dosing pump itself, the dosing unit comprises a housing housing the electric motor and the electronic control unit. The unit is also connected to a power transformer which allows it to be connected to the electricity network.

[0006] Similar devices are also used in other technical fields, such as medicine.

[0007] An example of a dosing pump for use in the above-mentioned unit is described in, for example, US4631008A.

[0008] The metering units currently available on the market have a number of disadvantages.

[0009] Typically, the method used to connect multiple metering units is to provide a method of connection with an electrical wire or a master / slave system.

[0010] Most dosing units are commercially available which combine a plurality of dosing pumps, as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,213,739 B1.

[0011] Therefore, the user must decide in advance how many pumps he / she will set in the metering unit, and this number cannot be modified later.

[0012] Metering units sold separately do not actually offer a configuration that can be easily connected to other metering units. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem addressed by the present invention is therefore to provide a metering unit which is structurally and functionally configured to at least partially overcome one or more of the disadvantages set out in the prior art cited with reference.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a dosing unit which can be particularly versatile during use while maintaining an overall simple structure.

[0015] This problem is solved by the metering unit according to the invention.

[0016] It will be understood that the present invention relates to a dosing unit comprising a housing and a dosing pump actuated by an electric motor. The housing, associated with the dosing pump and the electric motor, comprises at least a first connecting element and at least a second connecting element adapted to be connected to the first connecting element, so that the dosing unit can be connected to similar dosing units in a modular manner.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the term "modular connection" is intended to be understood as a connection formed by metering units which are substantially identical or have substantially the same dimensions as one another.

[0018] The modularity of the connections allows the dosing unit to be easily adapted to the different configurations required to feed substances into the aquarium tank in a controlled manner, making it extremely versatile and easy to use. The greater the number of connected dosing units, the greater the amount of substance that can be introduced into the aquarium tank.

[0019] The metering unit preferably comprises a printed circuit board positioned in the receiving box, the printed circuit board comprising at least one electrical contact facing at least one opening present in the receiving box such that at least one electrical contact of the metering unit is associated with a corresponding electrical contact of a similar metering unit.

[0020] Thus, the connection between the electrical contacts is achieved in a simple manner without the use of wires or other external devices.

[0021] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a metering set comprising a plurality of metering units, wherein each metering unit in the metering set is configured to supply a corresponding substance to an aquarium tank.

[0022] Preferably, the supply of the substance is carried out via a respective flexible tube of each metering unit, the ends of which are connected to respective extensions intended to be inserted respectively into the aquarium tank and into the respective container containing the substance to be supplied, so that each metering unit is supplied with the substance independently of the other metering units. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by describing in detail several embodiments thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the measurement unit;

[0025] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the metering unit with the side cover removed;

[0026] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of the unit of measurement;

[0027] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A possible connection between two metering units is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematic illustration of the "smart" functions connected to the metering unit;

[0029] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the use of a metering unit in an aquarium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the drawings, a dosing unit is generally indicated by 100, which allows a substance to be supplied in a controlled manner into an aquarium tank 10. As will be better understood below, the dosing unit 100 of the present invention can be connected in a modular manner to similar dosing units.

[0031] The metering unit 100 includes a housing 110. Preferably, the housing 110 includes an upper housing 120 and a lower housing 130, or more generally, the housing 110 includes a first housing and a second housing. Preferably, both housings have a box-like shape. In some embodiments, one or both housings have tapered ends.

[0032] In other aspects, the upper housing 120 may have a plurality of protrusions 117 adapted to be inserted into corresponding slots 135 present in the lower housing 130. In some embodiments, the protrusions 117 and the slots 135 into which the protrusions are inserted may be distributed differently on the upper housing 120 and the lower housing 130. The connection between the two housings 120, 130 is preferably achieved by a threaded connection. To this end, a cylindrical member 119 may be provided, preferably constructed on the lower housing 130, into which a corresponding screw (not shown) engages, and the head of the screw engages in the other housing at a threaded seat.

[0033] The container 110 preferably includes at least one lateral exterior surface 161, 162, and more preferably, two lateral exterior surfaces 161, 162. In some embodiments, at least one lateral cover 190 is provided, which can be removably applied to the container 110. Preferably, the lateral cover 190 is removably applied to each lateral exterior surface 161, 162 of the container 110.

[0034] This connection can be performed by means of protrusions 191 present on the lateral cover 190, which can be inserted into corresponding grooves 116 present in the lateral outer surfaces 161, 162 of the housing box 110. In other embodiments, the protrusions 191 and the associated grooves 116 into which the protrusions 191 are to be inserted can be distributed differently on the housing box 110 and on the lateral cover 190.

[0035] The containment box 110 preferably includes a support base 160. The base 160 allows the metering unit 100 to be balanced on a substantially flat surface.

[0036] The housing box has at least one first connecting element 111 and at least one second connecting element 112, the second connecting element 112 being adapted to be connected to the first connecting element 111 in such a manner that the metering unit 100 can be connected to similar metering units in a modular manner. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, each metering unit 100 has two first connecting elements 111 and two second connecting elements 112, the two first connecting elements 111 being configured on a first lateral surface 131 of the lower housing 130 of the housing box 110, and the two second connecting elements 112 being configured on a second lateral surface 132 of the lower housing 130 of the housing box 110.

[0037] Preferably, the first connection element 111 is a male connection element to be inserted in the second connection element 112 , which in this case is a female element.

[0038] For example, the male element 111 may include a protrusion that engages with the female element 112, which includes a channel. In some embodiments, as depicted by way of example in the figures, there are two male elements 111, which are adapted to connect to two corresponding female elements 112 present on a similar metering unit. It should be noted that this type of connection is conceptually similar to a "dovetail" type connection and will be defined as such below, while the male elements 111 deviate from a precise trapezoidal form.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the first connecting element 111 and the second connecting element 112 form a sliding connection, thereby allowing a quick engagement between the metering units. In addition, this connection allows a continuity to be created between the two modules, which are actually completely adjacent to each other.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first connecting element 111 and the second connecting element 112 are configured to define a connection direction between the two units. In the example shown in the figures, the connection direction corresponds to movement of one unit in a downward direction relative to the other unit. In some examples, such as the example shown in the figures, the protrusion of the male element 111 and the channel of the female element 112 can extend in the above-mentioned connection direction.

[0041] In other embodiments, the connection may be achieved using different methods, such as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0042] Preferably, the connection between the first connecting element 111 and the second connecting element 112 is reversible, that is, the connection between the first connecting element 111 and the second connecting element 112 is configured to allow two receiving boxes to be coupled and subsequently separated.

[0043] The metering unit storage boxes preferably have corresponding dimensions so that when the metering unit storage boxes are connected in series, the metering unit storage boxes connected in series form a substantially continuous component. For example, multiple metering units can be combined, and up to 256 metering units can be combined.

[0044] Preferably, the dosing pump 200 and the electric motor 300 for actuating the dosing pump 200 and associated with the printed circuit board 400 are accommodated in the housing box 110 .

[0045] Preferably, the dosing pump 200 is a peristaltic pump.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in the figures, printed circuit board 400 has a substantially rectangular shape and has a plurality of electrical contacts 401, which are distributed opposite each other at a first end 411 and a second end 412 of printed circuit board 400. Preferably, there are four electrical contacts 401 at each end of printed circuit board 400. Printed circuit board 400 is advantageously received in the receiving box in such a manner that the two ends with the electrical contacts face the lateral surfaces with connection elements 111 and 112.

[0047] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 400 is connected to the lower housing 130 via a threaded connection. Preferably, the printed circuit board 400 is connected to the power grid via a power socket 409. This power socket 409 can advantageously face the outside of the container 110 through the rear opening 118. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear opening 118 is formed in the lower housing 130.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, each electrical contact 401 faces at least one opening 115 present on the containment box 110. This allows the contact 401 to protrude from the containment box 110 and be able to associate with a corresponding electrical contact of a similar metering unit to be connected.

[0049] Preferably, the electrical contacts 401 and the connecting elements 111 , 112 are configured such that when two metering units are linked together via the interconnecting element, the electrical contacts of one metering unit will come into contact with the electrical contacts of the other metering unit.

[0050] In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 401 can be elastically deformed toward the interior of the housing 110, so that when the two units are connected, the corresponding contacts are pushed against each other. Preferably, the contact 401 also has an end 401A that is rounded toward the interior of the housing 110 to avoid obstructing the connection between the two units, particularly when a sliding connection is involved. The opposite end 401B of the contact, i.e., the end closest to the corresponding end of the plate 400, can also be curved so that initial contact between the electrical contacts occurs at a portion that protrudes less than the portion where effective contact occurs.

[0051] Generally, the contact portion 401 can be configured to vary the distance by which the contact portion 401 protrudes from the opening 115 in the connection direction defined by the connection elements 111, 112. Preferably, the central portion of the contact portion protrudes to a greater extent than the end portions, thereby making the connection between the two units smoother without affecting the electrical contact efficiency.

[0052] The openings 115 are preferably formed on the lateral surfaces 131 and 132 of the lower housing 130. These openings 115 preferably have a vertical extent and a generally rectangular slot-like shape. In the illustrated embodiment, four openings 115 are provided in the first lateral surface 131 of the lower housing 130, and four openings 115 are provided in the second lateral surface 132 of the lower housing 130. In other embodiments, the openings may also be formed on the upper housing 120 and / or may have different shapes.

[0053] Preferably, the printed circuit board 400 is connected to a secondary printed circuit board 500. This connection can be performed, for example, by a flat wiring harness (not shown). The secondary printed circuit board 500 preferably includes at least one LED 501 and at least one button 502. In the embodiment shown, there are two LEDs 501 and two buttons 502.

[0054] In some embodiments, the secondary printed circuit board 500 has a generally trapezoidal shape. Preferably, the secondary printed circuit board 500 is received within the upper housing 120 , and even more preferably, the secondary printed circuit board 500 is received in a tapered portion of the upper housing 120 .

[0055] For example, the secondary printed circuit board 500 may be connected to the upper housing 120 by screwing.

[0056] In the outer surface of the upper housing 120, there are holes 170 at the LED 501 and keys 180 at the button 502. In the embodiment shown, there are two holes 170 and two keys 180.

[0057] The electric motor 300 is connected to a printed circuit board 400 which manages the actuation of the electric motor 300 based on various parameters. The electric motor preferably comprises a shaft 301 .

[0058] In some embodiments, the electric motor 300 is connected to the front surface 125 of the upper housing 120 of the receiving box 110 by screw connection. Preferably, the shaft 301 extends through the channel 126 existing on the front surface 125 of the upper housing 120 to protrude outward.

[0059] As can be seen in the figures, the electric motor 300 may be connected to the upper housing 120 by a threaded connection.

[0060] According to other aspects of the present invention, the dosage pump 200 comprises a head 201 and a support 202. Preferably, the head 201 and the support 202 have a specific coupling and are thus integral.

[0061] In some embodiments, there is a flexible tube 204 inside the head 201 of the dosage pump 200, the flexible tube 204 is bent into a U-shape and the end of the flexible tube 204 protrudes toward the outside of the head 201. Figure 5 As can be seen, the ends of the flexible tube 204 are preferably connected to respective extensions 204A, 204B for insertion respectively into the aquarium tank 10 in which the dosing pump 200 is used and into the container 11 containing the substance to be supplied.

[0062] Preferably, the shaft 301 is suitable for being connected to the dosing pump 200, thereby allowing the dosing pump 200 to be actuated. Preferably, the end of the shaft 301 that protrudes from the hole 126 allows actuation of a rotor, not shown, present inside the dosing pump 200. Preferably, the rotor is associated with rollers that throttle portions of the flexible tube 204 bent into a U-shape inside the pump 200, thereby allowing the circulation of the substance to be introduced into the aquarium tank.

[0063] According to aspects of the present invention, when two or more metering units 200 are connected to each other to form a Figure 3B and Figure 5 When the metering groups shown in FIG are similar to the metering groups shown in FIG, it is advantageously achieved that each unit is supplied with substances independently of the other units.

[0064] To this end, according to a preferred embodiment, for each metering unit 200, the supply of the substance can be carried out via a respective flexible tube 204. Preferably, the ends of each tube 204 are connected to a respective extension 204A, 204B intended to be inserted respectively into the aquarium tank 10 and into the respective container 11 containing the substance to be supplied.

[0065] According to a further aspect, the support 202 allows the dosing pump 200 to be connected to the housing box 110. Advantageously, this connection can be implemented in different positions so that the head 201, which is fixedly connected to the support 202, can rotate relative to the housing box 110. Preferably, the head 201 can rotate relative to the upper housing 120, and even more preferably, the head 201 can rotate relative to the front surface 125 of the upper housing 120.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 202 includes a protrusion 203 adapted to connect to a groove 127 present in the housing box 110. Preferably, the groove 127 is formed in the upper housing 120, and even more preferably, in the front surface 125 of the upper housing 120. Advantageously, the number of these grooves 127 is greater than the number of protrusions 203, so that the support 202 can be connected in various positions. Thus, the head 201, which is fixedly coupled to the support 202, can rotate relative to the upper housing 120 based on how the protrusions 203 are connected to the groove 127.

[0067] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is shown that the user can easily connect two metering units 100. In order to assemble two or more units, only the lateral covers 190 need to be removed in order to be able to make the corresponding connecting elements 111, 112 accessible. Figure 3A It is shown that the metering unit on the left is provided with two male connecting elements 111 which are connected to corresponding female connecting elements of the metering unit on the right, so that the metering unit on the right slides in a downward direction. Figure 3B The two units are shown connected and aligned. The electrical contacts 401 of the left unit protruding from the opening 115 are connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the right unit.

[0068] The dosing unit according to the invention thus allows easy adaptation to different configurations required for supplying substances to an aquarium tank in a controlled manner, thus finding versatility and ease of use due to its modularity.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present invention, Figure 4The "smart" functions connected to the metering unit are schematically shown. These "smart" functions allow the user to monitor and control different parameters related to the substance to be supplied to the aquarium, for example using a smartphone or a computer.

[0070] The term "smart" is intended to be understood to refer to an item of equipment that is connected to the Internet via a WiFi connection and can be remotely accessed and controlled by any computer or mobile device connected to the Internet.

[0071] Advantageously, a microprocessor 410 is housed on the printed circuit board 400, and the microprocessor 410 can be Figure 2 602 and is suitable for controlling the dosing unit 100, in particular by activating or deactivating the supply of substance to the aquarium tank. The microprocessor 410 receives values ​​measured by sensors (not shown) that preferably measure values ​​related to the substance to be supplied and dissolved in the aquarium tank, such as the concentration of the substance. Advantageously, the microprocessor 410 is connected to a transmission unit (not shown) that is suitable for interfacing with a network access device 602 and allowing the dosing unit 100, and in particular the microprocessor 410, to connect to the internet. The network access device 602 can be, for example, a WiFi router. Preferably, the transmission unit includes an electronic control unit for wireless communication via WiFi and is located within the housing box 110. Thanks to the internet connection, the microprocessor 410 is able to transmit the values ​​measured by the sensors to the cloud.

[0072] The term "cloud" is intended to be understood as referring to technologies that allow data to be processed and archived on a network and that allow applications and data stored on remote hardware items rather than on a local workstation to be accessed via the Internet.

[0073] After being transmitted to the cloud, the values ​​measured by the sensors can be accessed by an internet-connected control device 603, such as a computer or smartphone. Preferably, the control device can connect to the internet and, therefore, the cloud, using a network access device 602. Alternatively, the control device 603 can connect to the internet and, therefore, the cloud, via a data network, such as a mobile phone's SIM card.

[0074] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control device 603 is provided with a software program that includes an application program that allows for remote control of the metering unit 100. Preferably, the user can consult the application program with desired values ​​for parameters related to the substance to be supplied, such as quantity, time of day, number of repetitions, etc., in order to properly manage the substance in the aquarium. The desired values ​​may vary depending on the type of aquarium and the amount of water in the aquarium; advantageously, the user can set the type of aquarium and the amount of water in the aquarium via the application program. The desired values ​​are advantageously organized into ranges of desired values.

[0075] The ideal values ​​for the parameters of the substance to be supplied are preferably stored in a database. The database is advantageously stored in a server 604 that is connected to the cloud and is adapted to share the values ​​stored in the database on the cloud. The control device 603 can be connected to the Internet and thus to the cloud, where it can access the values ​​stored in the database.

[0076] Alternatively, the database may be pre-installed on the software of the control device 603 .

[0077] According to another aspect of the invention, the control device 603 includes a scanning device (not shown) adapted to identify the type of substance to be metered, for example, by means of a barcode or QR code. Once the substance to be metered has been identified, the control device 603 can access a database and provide the user with the desired values ​​of the parameters associated with the substance defined by the scanning device.

[0078] In some embodiments, the value of a parameter associated with the substance to be metered may be modified.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, parameter values ​​associated with the substance to be metered are automatically modified by a management algorithm within microprocessor 401. Preferably, the algorithm compares the values ​​measured by the sensors with ideal values ​​stored in a database. Advantageously, the algorithm is adapted to activate and deactivate the supply of the substance to be metered within predetermined time periods in order to bring the measured value within the ideal value range stored in the database. If the measured value is below the ideal value range, microprocessor 410 instructs metering unit 100 to supply the substance to the aquarium tank 1. If the measured value is above the ideal value range, microprocessor 410 instructs metering unit 100 to interrupt the supply of the substance to the aquarium tank. Thus, the algorithm allows metering unit 100 to initiate or interrupt the supply of the substance to the aquarium tank in order to keep the measured value within the ideal value range stored in the database. Even more preferably, the algorithm also considers the amount of water contained in the aquarium tank to further modify the ideal value: the greater the water volume, the greater the ideal value; the smaller the water volume, the smaller the ideal value.

[0080] In other embodiments, the control device 603 allows the user to manually set parameter values ​​related to the substance to be metered. The values ​​modified by the software of the application installed on the control device 603 are sent to the cloud and subsequently read by the microprocessor 410, which instructs the metering unit 100 based on the modified values. Preferably, if the modified values ​​are outside the range of ideal values ​​stored in the database, the application installed on the control device 603 provides an alert message to the user.

Claims

1. A metering unit (100) for supplying a substance into an aquarium tank (10) in a controlled manner, the metering unit (100) comprising: A receiving box (110); a dosing pump (200) actuated by an electric motor (300), both of which are associated with the housing box (110); The container (110) has at least a first connecting element (111) and at least a second connecting element (112), the second connecting element (112) being adapted to be connected to a corresponding first connecting element (111) of an additional metering unit so that the metering unit (100) can be connected to the additional metering unit in a modular manner, and the dosage pump (200) comprises a support (202) and a head (201), the support (202) being adapted to be connected to the container (110) in different positions so that the head (201) can be rotated relative to the container (110).

2. The metering unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein The metering unit (100) comprises a printed circuit board (400) located in the housing box (110), the printed circuit board (400) comprising at least one electrical contact (401), the electrical contact (401) facing at least one opening (115) present in the housing box (110), so that at least one electrical contact (401) of the metering unit (100) is associated with a corresponding electrical contact of another metering unit.

3. The metering unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing box (110) includes an upper shell (120) and a lower shell (130). And wherein, at least one of the first connecting elements (111) is constructed on a first lateral surface (131) of the lower shell (130), and at least one of the second connecting elements (112) is constructed on a second lateral surface (132) of the lower shell (130).

4. The metering unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein: There are a plurality of electrical contacts (401) on a first end portion (411) of the printed circuit board (400), the electrical contacts (401) facing corresponding openings (115) in the receiving box (110), and the electrical contacts (401) on the first end portion correspond in number to the corresponding openings (115), and there are a plurality of electrical contacts (401) on a second end portion (412) of the printed circuit board (400) facing corresponding openings (115) in the receiving box (110), and the electrical contacts (401) on the second end portion correspond in number to the corresponding openings (115).

5. The metering unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein The printed circuit board (400) is connected to a secondary printed circuit board (500), which includes at least one LED (501) and at least one button (502).

6. The metering unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The electrical contact portion (401) is configured to protrude a variable distance from the corresponding opening (115) in a connection direction between the metering unit and an additional metering unit, the connection direction being defined by the extension of the first connecting element (111) and the second connecting element (112).

7. The metering unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The printed circuit board (400) comprises a microprocessor (410) adapted to receive values ​​from sensors relating to substances to be supplied in dissolved state to the aquarium tank and to transmit the received values ​​to a cloud where they can be accessed by a control device (603), and wherein the control device (603) is configured to access a database in which ideal values ​​of parameters related to the substance to be supplied are stored, And wherein the control device (603) includes a scanning device suitable for identifying the type of substance to be metered.

8. The metering unit (100) according to claim 7, wherein The value of a parameter related to the substance to be metered is automatically modified by means of a management algorithm of the microprocessor (410), wherein the management algorithm is suitable for activating or deactivating the supply of the substance to be metered within a predetermined time period in order to keep the value measured by the sensor within the range of ideal values ​​stored in the database.

9. The metering unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A flexible tube (204) is present inside the head (201), the flexible tube (204) is bent into a U-shape and an end portion of the flexible tube (204) protrudes toward the outside of the dosage pump (200).

10. The metering unit (100) according to claim 9, wherein The electric motor (300) comprises a shaft (301) connected to a rotor, with which there are rollers associated that throttle various portions of the flexible tube (204) allowing the circulation of the substance to be introduced into the aquarium tank.

11. The metering unit (100) according to claim 9, wherein The ends of the flexible tube (204) are connected to respective extensions (204A, 204B) to be inserted into the aquarium tank (10) and into respective containers (11) containing the substance to be supplied.

12. The metering unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The dosage pump (200) is a peristaltic pump.

13. The metering unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving box (110) has at least one removable lateral cover (190).

14. A metering group, wherein The metering group comprises a plurality of metering units (100) constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the plurality of metering units (100) are connected by means of the first connecting element (111) and the second connecting element (112), or the plurality of metering units (100) can be connected by means of the first connecting element (111) and the second connecting element (112).

15. An aquarium, wherein: The aquarium comprises an aquarium tank (10) and a plurality of metering units (100) constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images