Hydrodynamic pump for aquariums

Abstract

A fluid-dynamic pump (1; 100) suitable for circulating the water in an aquarium (90) comprises: - rotating means (3; 300); - an electric motor suitable for moving the rotating means; - a pump body (2; 200) inside which there is a printed circuit board (4) suitable for controlling the electric motor; and - a temperature sensor (5; 500) suitable for detecting the temperature of the water of the aquarium, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned in the pump body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid dynamic pump, also known as a hydraulic pump, particularly for use in aquariums. The invention also relates to a fluid dynamic pump of the type comprising: a rotating device; an electric motor adapted to move the rotating device; and a pump body containing a printed circuit board adapted to control the electric motor. Background Technology

[0002] Aquarium fluid dynamic pumps—hereinafter referred to as "fluid dynamic pumps" or "pumps"—are primarily used to promote the circulation and movement of water within an aquarium, pushing water toward the filter and preventing stagnation, thereby helping to maintain the aquarium in a healthy state.

[0003] There are two main types of fluid power pumps: centrifugal pumps and axial flow pumps.

[0004] Centrifugal pumps use the centrifugal force of the impeller to move liquids, thereby initially converting the mechanical energy from the pump motor into kinetic energy, and subsequently into pressure energy that causes the liquid to rise.

[0005] The main function of a centrifugal pump is to facilitate the recirculation of water taken from the aquarium's service tank, also known as the water tank.

[0006] Centrifugal pumps used in aquariums can be of two main types: submersible centrifugal pumps, which are installed primarily inside the service tank; and dry (also known as inline) centrifugal pumps, which are installed outside the tank and are typically connected via a watertight connection.

[0007] In axial flow pumps or screw pumps, the movement of fluid is ensured by a duct impeller, which acts as a marine impeller to propel the fluid itself: the impeller's inclined blades rotate and push the fluid in the desired direction.

[0008] Unlike centrifugal pumps, this type of pump can only be used in submersible applications.

[0009] Modern fluid power pumps increasingly utilize "smart" features, allowing users to monitor and control various aquarium-related parameters, for example, using a smartphone or computer.

[0010] The term "smart" is intended to be understood as equipment that connects to the Internet via WiFi and can be remotely accessed and controlled by any computer or mobile device connected to the Internet.

[0011] To monitor the temperature of the water contained in the aquarium, the fluid power pump is configured to be connected to a temperature sensor.

[0012] Commercially available fluid dynamic pumps today offer the use of sensors located externally to the pump body and with separate cables. This solution involves finding suitable space for the temperature sensor, which must be positioned and secured within the aquarium, resulting in additional space requirements. The cable housing the temperature sensor also requires additional space, which can present different positioning challenges in confined environments such as aquariums. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the problem solved by the present invention is to provide a fluid dynamic pump that is structurally and functionally configured to at least partially overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art as described in the referenced invention.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid power pump that is particularly versatile during use while maintaining an overall simple structure.

[0015] By constructing a fluid dynamic pump according to embodiments of this application, the present invention solves this problem and achieves one or more of these objectives.

[0016] It is understood that the pump according to the invention is a fluid dynamic pump suitable for circulating water in an aquarium, and the fluid dynamic pump includes: a rotating device; an electric motor adapted to move the rotating device; a pump body, in which a printed circuit board adapted to control the electric motor is disposed; and a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the water in the aquarium. The temperature sensor is positioned on the pump body, thereby limiting the space requirements occupied within the aquarium. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the fluid power pump;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the fluid power pump;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a possible schematic diagram of an aquarium and its "smart" functionality connected to a fluid power pump. Detailed Implementation

[0021] According to what can be Figure 1In the first embodiment seen in the diagram, the fluid power pump 1 is an axial flow type. This type of pump can only operate under immersion conditions and is preferably placed in the main tank 91 of the aquarium 90, which allows for... Figure 3 I saw it in the middle.

[0022] Figure 1 The pump 1 includes a pump body 2, which has a generally box-shaped form. The pump 1 includes a rotating device 3 adapted to move the water in the aquarium 90, and the features of the rotating device 3 will be described in more detail below.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating device 3 preferably includes: an impeller 31, which preferably has a helical extension; a sealing plate 32 adapted to connect the rotating device 3 to the pump body 2; a rotor 33; a shaft 89, to which a bearing 34 may be associated; and a grille 35 preferably adapted to protect the impeller 31.

[0024] The pump body 2 has an opening 22 adapted to receive the rotor 33, shaft 36 and bearing 34, such that the rotor 33 faces the electric motor (not shown) inside the pump body 2.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the pump 1 may include a rotating support member provided with a bearing 41, a magnetic support member 42, and a housing 43 preferably made of vibration-resistant rubber.

[0026] Pump 1 also includes a temperature sensor 5, which is, for example, a thermocouple.

[0027] Temperature sensor 5 is suitable for detecting the temperature of the water in aquarium 90.

[0028] As shown in the figure, in the pump of the present invention, the sensor 5 is directly positioned on the pump body 2. Preferably, the temperature sensor 5 is positioned in a groove 21 formed in the pump body 2. In some embodiments, the groove 21 extends generally along the axial direction of the pump. It should be understood that, in the context of the present invention, the term axial direction is intended to be understood as a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating device 3 and therefore parallel to the shaft 89.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the groove 21 is formed in the side of the pump body 2.

[0030] On another note, the temperature sensor 5 is arranged along the axial direction defined by the shaft 89 near the end of the pump body 2 opposite to the impeller 31.

[0031] These features help ensure that liquid flows correctly onto sensor 5 during pump operation so that temperature can be detected.

[0032] exist Figure 2In the second embodiment, the fluid power pump 100 is centrifugal.

[0033] This type of pump can be submersible, meaning it is positioned inside the auxiliary housing 92, such as... Figure 3 As illustrated, this type of pump can be dry (also known as inline), meaning it is located outside the auxiliary housing 92. Figure 3 The diagram shows an immersion configuration of pump 100, but in other embodiments, pump 100 can be dry-type. If the auxiliary housing 92 is not present, the centrifugal pump 100 can be positioned on the main housing 91 as either immersion or dry-type.

[0034] Figure 2 The pump 100 includes a pump body 200 having a generally box-shaped shape.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, the pump body 200 preferably includes a plurality of support elements 71 configured to receive a corresponding number of anti-vibration feet 72 in suitable openings. This allows the pump 100—when positioned at the bottom of the tank—not to transmit force and vibration to the tank during use, thereby improving the pump's quiet operation. Preferably, there are four support elements 71, each of which incorporates an anti-vibration foot 72.

[0036] Pump 100 includes a rotating device 300 adapted to move water in aquarium 90. The rotating device 300 preferably includes an impeller 310, a closure plate 320 adapted to connect the rotating device 300 to pump body 200, rotor 330 and shaft 890, which may be associated with bearing 340.

[0037] The pump body 200 includes an operating surface 24 having an opening 220 adapted to receive a rotor 330, a shaft 890 and a bearing 340, such that the rotor 330 faces an electric motor (not shown) within the pump body 200.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, a protrusion 25 is provided on the operating surface 24, which is adapted to engage with the closing plate 320 of the rotating device 300. Preferably, the protrusion 25 has an annular shape and a groove 27 adapted to receive a protrusion 37 of the closing plate 320. Even more preferably, an O-ring 36 is positioned between the operating surface 24 and the conveying device 50 to prevent water from potentially leaking to the outside of the chamber 23 of the rotating device 300. The protrusion 24 has an external groove adapted to be combined with the conveying device 50, which will be described below.

[0039] More specifically, the conveying device 50 is adapted to accommodate the rotating device 300. Preferably, the conveying device 50 includes a conveying member 51, an inlet pipe 52, and an outlet pipe 53. The conveying member 51 is generally cylindrical, and its diameter is slightly larger than that of the impeller 310 to accommodate the impeller 310 within it. The inlet pipe 52 and outlet pipe 53 are adapted to introduce water into / discharge water from the pump 100. The conveying device 50 is connected to the pump body 200.

[0040] Preferably, a closing ring 54 is used to connect the conveying body 51 to the protrusion 25 of the operating surface 24 of the pump body 200: the space defined by this connection is the chamber 23 of the rotating device 300, since the rotating device 300 is contained within this chamber 23. In other words, the chamber 23 of the rotating device 300 is preferably defined by the pump body 200 and the conveying device 50. Even more preferably, the chamber 23 of the rotating device 300 is defined by the operating surface 24 of the pump body 200 and the conveying body 51.

[0041] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 500 is also located in the pump body 200, preferably in the chamber 23 of the rotating device 300.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as the one shown, the temperature sensor 500 is positioned on the operating surface 24 of the pump body 200.

[0043] Preferably, the operating surface 24 has a notch 26, in which the temperature sensor 500 is positioned in a protruding state.

[0044] In other embodiments not shown, the temperature sensor 500 may be positioned within the pump body 200 of the centrifugal pump 100, but outside the chamber 23 of the rotating device 300. The temperature sensor 500 may, for example, be positioned in a recess similar to that of the axial-flow pump 1 seen above. This configuration is relative to... Figure 2 The situation shown is not preferred because the centrifugal pump 100 can only operate when submerged and not in a dry state.

[0045] Within the pump body, there is a printed circuit board 4 for all types of fluid power pumps involved in this invention. The printed circuit board 4 is located within... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The circuit board 4 is schematically shown. The printed circuit board 4 is adapted to control the electric motor, and the printed circuit board 4 can enable or disable the electric motor as needed.

[0046] Printed circuit board 4 receives the value detected by the temperature sensor and sends it to an external controller, which is identified as 73 in the first embodiment and 730 in the second embodiment. Therefore, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Two different types of controllers are shown, the form of which varies depending on the type of pump; in all cases, the function of the controller is the same, regardless of its form. Preferably, the external controller is connected to the fluid power pump via wires, such as... Figure 3 As can be seen in the diagram. In other embodiments, the connection can be implemented wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth or infrared, or typically using a remote control.

[0047] External controller can be via Figure 3 The network access device 70 shown schematically is connected to the Internet. The network access device 70 can be, for example, a WiFi router.

[0048] When connected to the internet, the external controller can transmit data measured by the temperature sensor to the cloud.

[0049] The term “cloud” is intended to be understood as referring to technologies that allow data to be processed and archived over a network, and that allow access via the Internet to applications and data stored on remote hardware projects rather than on local workstations.

[0050] Once the data measured by the temperature sensor is transmitted to the cloud, it can be accessed by a control device 80 connected to the internet, such as a computer or smartphone. Preferably, the control device 80 is able to connect to the internet and thus to the cloud using a network access device 70. Alternatively, the control device 80 can connect to the internet and thus to the cloud via a data network, such as a mobile phone SIM card.

[0051] According to another aspect of the invention, the control device 80 is provided with software that includes an application that allows users to display values ​​detected by a temperature sensor on the screen 81 of the control device 80.

[0052] Preferably, if the temperature sensor measures a value outside a predetermined range, the application provides a warning message to the user. This range can be set by the user, for example, via control device 80 or via controller; alternatively, the range can be provided by a server, which, for example, stores ideal values ​​for the water temperature of aquarium 90 under different conditions.

[0053] Figure 3 A possible diagram shows the aquarium 90 and the "smart" function connected to the fluid power pump. Figure 3 The embodiments shown are merely examples; in fact, the same diagrams are provided for all types of fluid power pumps involved in this invention.

[0054] Figure 3The main tank 91 and service tank (or basin) 92 of the aquarium 90 are schematically shown. Figure 3 The fluid power pump 100 shown is an immersion centrifugal type and is positioned within the service tank 92. Water from the main tank 91 is introduced into the service tank 92 through a first pipe 94. The pump 100 receives water from an inlet pipe 52 and pushes the water upward from an outlet pipe 53, which is connected to a second pipe 95 that carries the water discharged from the pump 100 back to the main tank 91.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, an actuating device 60 is provided. This device is adapted to change the temperature of the water in the aquarium 90.

[0056] The actuation device 60 preferably includes a heater 61 and a cooling unit 62. In other embodiments, the actuation device 60 includes either a heater 61 or a cooling unit 62. The heater 61 is used to heat the water in the aquarium 90; the heater 61 preferably includes a resistor immersed in the main tank 91. The cooling unit 62 is used to cool the water in the aquarium 90; the cooling unit 62 preferably includes a dry (in-line) chiller located on the outer surface of the main tank 91 or the service tank 92.

[0057] According to another aspect of the invention, the actuation device 60 includes an electronic control unit 63 that communicates wirelessly via WiFi, thereby allowing the actuation device 60 to connect to the Internet via a network access device 70.

[0058] The application installed in the software of the control device 80 allows users to apply a desired temperature value to the water in the aquarium 90.

[0059] The control device 80 transmits the temperature value applied by the user to the cloud. The actuator 60 can connect to the cloud wirelessly via the electronic control unit 63 using WiFi installed on the electronic control unit 63, and can identify the temperature value applied by the user from the cloud. Once the user-applied temperature value is identified, the actuator 60 functions as a thermostat. If the user-applied temperature value is higher than the water temperature in the aquarium 90 measured by temperature sensors 5, 500, the actuator 60 will activate the heater 61 and / or deactivate the cooling unit 62. Conversely, the actuator 60 will activate the cooling unit 62 and / or deactivate the heater 61.

Claims

1. A fluid power pump, wherein the fluid power pump (1; 100) is adapted to circulate water in an aquarium (90), and the fluid power pump (1; 100) includes: • A rotating device (3; 300) that defines a rotation axis; • An electric motor adapted to move the rotating device (3; 300); • Pump body (2; 200), inside which is a printed circuit board (4) suitable for controlling the electric motor; • Temperature sensor (5; 500), the temperature sensor (5; 500) being adapted to detect the temperature of the water in the aquarium (90); The fluid power pump (1; 100) is characterized in that the temperature sensor (5; 500) is positioned on the pump body (2; 200). The printed circuit board (4) receives the value detected by the temperature sensor (5; 500) and sends the received value to an external controller (73; 730), which is connected to the Internet via a network access device (70) and transmits the value detected by the temperature sensor (5; 500) to the cloud. The control device (80) has access to the cloud and is equipped with a software project on which an application is installed. This application allows the user to display the values ​​detected by the temperature sensors (5; 500) on the screen (81) of the control device (80). The control device (80) is configured to allow a user to apply a desired temperature value for the water in the aquarium (90) by controlling an actuator (60) connected to the Internet via the network access device (70). The fluid power pump is centrifugal and includes a delivery device (50), wherein a chamber (23) is defined in the pump body, the temperature sensor is positioned inside the chamber (23), the rotating device is at least partially received in the chamber (23), the chamber (23) is defined by an operating surface (24) of the pump body and by the delivery device (50), the impeller (310) of the rotating device faces the operating surface (24) of the pump body, and a protrusion (25) is formed on the operating surface (24), the protrusion (25) being configured to engage with a closing plate (320) of the rotating device received in the chamber (23).

2. The fluid power pump according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion (25) has an annular shape and a groove (27) configured to receive the protrusion (37) of the closure plate (320).

3. The fluid power pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An O-ring (36) is positioned between the operating surface (24) and the conveying device (50) to seal the chamber (23) in a fluid-impermeable manner.

4. The fluid power pump according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid power pump is either submersible or dry.

5. The fluid power pump according to claim 1, wherein, The control device (80) is configured to provide a warning message when the value detected by the temperature sensor (5; 500) exceeds a predetermined range.

6. The fluid power pump according to claim 1, wherein, The actuation device (60) includes a heater (61) and / or a cooling unit (62), and the actuation device (60) functions as a thermostat to keep the temperature value applied by the user constant.

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