Ecological tank cabinet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cabinet (2) for an ecosphere, particularly an aquarium, the cabinet having side walls (4), wherein at least one side wall (4) has a groove (6) and at least one first magnetic closure element (10) arranged adjacent to the groove (6), wherein the cabinet (2) includes at least one shielding element (8) which can be introduced into the groove (6) and at least partially closes the groove (6) in an installed position, the shielding element having at least one second magnetic closure element (12), wherein the second magnetic closure element (12) is arranged in the installed position in a manner corresponding to the first magnetic closure element (10), such that the shielding element (8) can be fixed in the groove (6) by means of magnetic force acting between the first magnetic closure element (10) and the second magnetic closure element (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cabinet for use in ecological tanks, particularly aquariums. Background Technology

[0002] The cabinet for an ecosphere houses the technical equipment required for operating the ecosphere, such as devices for lighting control and / or temperature control. Furthermore, particularly when used as a cabinet for an aquarium, the cabinet may also house an external filter for filtering the aquarium water. Regarding the aquarium technology, especially the external filter, arranged inside the cabinet, power cords and inlet and outlet lines for water being removed from or returned to the aquarium are provided. The object of the present invention is to provide a cabinet that allows these lines to be visually appealing while also being particularly easy to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective lies in a cabinet with side walls, wherein at least one side wall has a groove and at least one first magnetic closure element arranged adjacent to the groove. Furthermore, the cabinet has at least one shielding element that can be inserted into the groove and at least partially closes the groove in an installed position. The shielding element has a second magnetic closure element, wherein the second magnetic closure element is arranged in the groove in the installed position of the shielding element in a manner corresponding to the first magnetic closure element. In this installed position, the shielding element is held solely by magnetic force acting between the first and second magnetic closure elements. No other fittings, such as hinges, are provided or not provided. A limiting stop for the shielding element is not necessary, but can be used to simplify the insertion of the shielding element into the groove. The groove can be designed in a simple manner, and when removing the shielding element from the groove, the groove does not have fittings that could obstruct cables from passing through it. The shielding element can be easily inserted into and removed from the groove without the use of tools. Because it eliminates the need for other accessories, this cabinet is easy to manufacture and achieves a clean, visually appealing appearance, whether or not it has concealing elements introduced into the recesses.

[0004] In this invention, the arrangement adjacent to the groove indicates that the first magnetic sealing element is arranged such that it can magnetically interact with the second magnetic sealing element of the shielding element in the mounting position, wherein the magnetic force between the first and second magnetic sealing elements is sufficiently large to secure the shielding element in the groove. In this case, the first and / or second magnetic sealing elements are constructed as magnetic elements, particularly as permanent magnets. The corresponding other magnetic sealing element can also be designed as a magnetic element, particularly as a permanent magnet. However, the corresponding other magnetic sealing element is preferably made of a non-magnetic but magnetizable ferromagnetic element, particularly of magnetizable steel.

[0005] The second magnetic enclosure element is preferably constructed as a non-magnetic but magnetizable element. Therefore, this enclosure element is non-magnetic and thus easier to store. In particular, the enclosure element can be arranged inside a cabinet when not in use without magnetically interacting with, for example, ecosphere technologies arranged in the cabinet, such as lighting controls, temperature controls, or (where applicable) filtration devices. This enclosure element is particularly easy to operate.

[0006] Advantageously, the first magnetic sealing element is embedded in the end face of the limiting groove of the sidewall. This allows the first magnetic element to be arranged adjacent to the groove. Simultaneously, it enables the shielding element to be easily centered by the magnetic force within the groove. Furthermore, this arrangement of the first magnetic element allows for a visually clear and thus attractive design of the cabinet.

[0007] Particularly preferably, the second magnetic closure element is embedded in one side of the shielding element, its end face facing the sidewall and limiting the groove when the shielding element is installed. This arrangement of the first and second magnetic closure elements allows the shielding element to be automatically centered in the groove relative to the oriented surface of the sidewall. The shielding element can be simply inserted into the groove. Furthermore, this arrangement enables a clean and visually appealing design for both the shielding element and the cabinet.

[0008] The first magnetic sealing element and the second magnetic sealing element, arranged on the shielding element in a manner corresponding to the first magnetic sealing element, preferably have surfaces that are opposite each other and include substantially the same spatial extension in the installation case. If the first and second magnetic sealing elements have surfaces, in particular cross-sections, that are opposite each other and include substantially the same spatial extension, then centering of the shielding element is achieved particularly easily in the installation position relative to the outer surface of the sidewall and in a direction parallel to this outer surface. If the first and second magnetic sealing elements, for example, have circular or rectangular cross-sections including the same area, then the first and second magnetic sealing elements tend to overlap each other exactly in the installation case. This allows the installation position of the shielding element in the recess to be given precisely in a simple manner.

[0009] Alternatively, either the first or second magnetic sealing element can be designed as a planar extending element. This planar extending element is particularly preferably made of a non-magnetic but magnetizable material. In this alternative approach, shielding elements that only partially close the groove can be arranged at different positions within the groove, extending along the plane of the respective magnetic sealing element.

[0010] The at least one shielding element is preferably fixed in the groove flush with the outer surface of the cabinet. This achieves a particularly clear and visually appealing design for the cabinet. Known shielding elements that can be inserted into and mechanically fixed in a groove for a cable conduit typically have stop areas extending out of the groove, by which the shielding element rests against the outer surface of the sidewall. Therefore, such shielding elements protrude relative to the surface of the sidewall and are necessarily larger than the groove. In contrast, the solution according to the invention achieves a flush arrangement of the corresponding outer surface of the sidewall with the shielding element by eliminating the stop surface, thereby achieving a particularly visually appealing appearance for the cabinet.

[0011] The recess advantageously has a rectangular profile and extends horizontally across the entire sidewall of the cabinet. Aquarium cabinets are designed in a particularly stable manner to absorb the substantial weight of a water-filled aquarium and transfer it to the ground. For this purpose, the corresponding cabinet for an ecosphere designed as an aquarium has a frame, preferably arranged in a built-in manner, such as a steel tubular frame. In this case, the load of the aquarium placed on the cabinet is absorbed by this frame. Compared to conventional cabinets, the sidewall of this cabinet does not concern the cabinet's statics but rather represents a decorative element. Therefore, a recess can be simply formed in the sidewall, extending horizontally across the entire sidewall. The rectangular profile of this recess enables a particularly attractive appearance for the cabinet. This recess, or the concealing element to be inserted into it, can be embedded into the cabinet with clean, flowing lines.

[0012] The at least one shielding element is preferably fixed in the groove by rotating it 180° around a main axis. For this purpose, the shielding element may have a second magnetic closure element extending through the shielding element or multiple second magnetic closure elements located on opposite sides of the shielding element. This achieves particularly simple operability because there is no need to ensure that the shielding element is introduced into the groove in a specific orientation. In the case of a square shielding element, it can be inserted into the groove by rotating it 180° around each of the three main axes of the cube. This improves the operability of the cabinet. Therefore, the back of the shielding element can also be designed in an optically offset manner, allowing the user to create different optical variations of the cabinet.

[0013] The base cabinet preferably has a first magnetic sealing element on the opposite side of the recess, particularly above and below the recess. In this way, a particularly good fit can be achieved between the shielding element and the recess.

[0014] The cabinet preferably includes at least one set of at least two operating elements of different sizes, which can optionally be introduced into the recess. In this case, the shielding element of this set is constructed in such a way that it completely closes the recess when installed. At least another shielding element of this set is constructed in such a way that it only partially closes the recess. When this additional shielding element is used, the cabinet forms a cable sleeve in the sidewall. Recesses without shielding elements also form cable sleeves. However, for the sake of easy cable introduction, the cable sleeve is usually larger than the size required for the actual cable in operation. Therefore, cable connectors such as plugs are usually much larger than the actual cable. The additional shielding element can close the recess after the cable is installed and achieve a visually appealing appearance for the cabinet. The set of shielding elements particularly preferably has two shielding elements preferably having the same structure, which only partially close the recess when installed. In this case, the first and second magnetic sealing elements are arranged in such a way that the two additional shielding elements can be fixed in the recess in such a way that the two additional shielding elements form a cable sleeve therebetween. This allows the size of the cable sleeve and the position of the cable sleeve in the sidewall to be determined. Therefore, for example, the cable sleeve can be centered in the groove or moved toward the rear wall as needed.

[0015] The cabinet may have at least one other magnetic element as a practical device, embedded in the wall of the cabinet, but preferably located inside the closed cabinet door. Tools typically needed for maintaining the aquarium, such as scissors, can be easily arranged on this magnetic element. Tools made of magnetizable materials can be easily placed on this embedded magnetic element and are readily accessible. Tools made of non-magnetizable materials can be fitted with corresponding elements made of magnetizable or magnetic materials so that they can be tucked away on this magnetic element, particularly inside the cabinet door. Unnecessary concealing elements can also be securely supported inside the cabinet at this location. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other advantages and details can be found in the following accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate:

[0017] Figure 1 A cabinet for an aquarium according to the present invention has an aquarium arranged thereon and a cable conduit located on the left side when viewed from the front.

[0018] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 A left-side side view of the cabinet for an aquarium according to the invention, wherein the recess is closed by a shielding element that completely closes the recess;

[0019] Figure 3According to Figure 2 Detailed drawing of the cabinet for an aquarium, showing the first and second magnetic closure elements;

[0020] Figure 4 According to Figure 1 The cabinet according to the invention, wherein the recess is closed by two shielding elements that only partially close the recess, the two shielding elements forming a cable sleeve therebetween;

[0021] Figure 5 According to Figure 4 Detailed diagrams showing the first and second magnetic closure elements. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Components that have the same or similar function shall use the same reference numerals as appropriate.

[0023] Figure 1 A cabinet 2 for an ecosphere according to the invention is shown, which is in the form of a cabinet 2 for an aquarium, the cabinet having an aquarium arranged thereon. A cable leading to the cabinet 2 for the ecosphere is shown on the left side of this view.

[0024] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 A side view of the cabinet 2 for the ecosphere. The cabinet 2 has a side wall 4, in which a recess 6 is arranged. According to... Figure 2 The groove 6 has a rectangular outline and extends completely through the sidewall 4. According to... Figure 2 In the illustration, the groove 6 is closed by the shielding element 8. The shielding element 8 is constructed in such a way that it completely closes the groove 6 when installed. The shielding element 8 is held in the groove 6 by a first magnetic sealing element 10 and a second magnetic sealing element 12.

[0025] Figure 3The arrangement of the first magnetic sealing element 10 and the second magnetic sealing element 12 is shown. Four first magnetic sealing elements 10 are arranged below the groove 6 in the sidewall 4. The first magnetic sealing elements 10 are located adjacent to the groove 6 at the lower end face of the sidewall 4. The shielding element 8 has two second magnetic sealing elements 12. The first magnetic sealing elements 10 are constructed as permanent magnets. The second magnetic sealing elements 12 are constructed as non-magnetic but magnetizable steel pins, which are embedded in the shielding element 8. In this case, the second magnetic sealing elements 12 are positioned in the shielding element 8 in a certain way such that when the shielding element 8 is installed in the groove 6, these second magnetic sealing elements are respectively opposite one of the first magnetic sealing elements 10. The first magnetic sealing elements 10 and the second magnetic sealing elements 12 work together in a certain way such that the shielding element 8 automatically occupies a specific predefined position in the groove 6. In this position, the first magnetic sealing elements 10 and the second magnetic sealing elements 12 are coaxially overlapped and aligned with each other. The shielding element 8 can be inserted into the recess 6 without tools, and can be extruded from the recess 6 outwards from the interior space of the cabinet 2. If no stop is provided for the shielding element 8, it can also be extruded from the outside towards the interior space of the cabinet 2. In the installed position, the shielding element 8 is flush with the outer surface of the side wall 4. The shielding element 8 can be placed into the recess 6 by rotating it 180° around each of its three main axes. Therefore, operability is significantly improved because it is not necessary to ensure precise alignment of the shielding element 8 when inserting it into the recess 6.

[0026] Figure 4 According to Figure 2 The view shows cabinet 2. Figure 4 In this configuration, instead of the completely enclosing shielding element 8, the groove 6 is enclosed by two additional shielding elements 8 that only partially enclose it. These additional shielding elements 8 form a cable sheath therebetween. Figure 4 The image shows five cables arranged in a cable conduit.

[0027] Figure 5 According to Figure 4 The detailed drawing shows the first magnetic sealing element 10 and the second magnetic sealing element 12. Each of the other two shielding elements 8 has two second magnetic sealing elements 12, which interact with corresponding two first magnetic sealing elements 10 in the mounting position. These first magnetic sealing elements 10 are embedded in the sidewall 4 adjacent to the groove 6. The second magnetic sealing element 12 is constructed as a non-magnetic but magnetizable steel pin. The first magnetic sealing element 10 is also constructed according to... Figure 3 The first magnetic closure element 10 is shown in the diagram. According to... Figure 4 and Figure 5In the cabinet shown in the diagram, according to Figure 2 and 3 The shielding element 8 arranged in the groove 6 in the illustration is removed and is placed in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The two additional shorter shielding elements 8 shown in the figure replace the recess 6, which only partially close the groove 6.

[0028] Therefore, in the cabinet 2 for an ecosphere, particularly an aquarium, according to this embodiment, the groove 6 for cable conduits installed in the side wall 4 can be completely closed by the shielding element 8 when cable conduits are not required. Alternatively, the groove 6 can be partially closed in some way by two other shielding elements 8 used as alternatives, such that the area between these shielding elements in the groove 6 serves as a cable conduit if cable conduits are needed. In this case, the shielding elements 8 can be easily replaced without tools using magnetic retainers, and when inserted into the groove 6, these shielding elements can be automatically aligned by the first magnetic sealing element 10 and the second magnetic sealing element 12 based on this magnetic retainer.

[0029] Of course, the second magnetic enclosure element 12 can also be designed as a magnet, especially a permanent magnet. In this case, the first magnetic enclosure element 10 can be designed as a non-magnetic but magnetizable steel pin instead of a magnet. The base cabinet 2 may include several other sets of shielding elements 8 or include additional shielding elements in one set of shielding elements 8. An alternative set of shielding elements 8 may be designed in a different way, for example, with another decoration.

Claims

1. A cabinet (2) for an aquarium, the cabinet having side walls (4), the cabinet (2) having an internally arranged frame configured to absorb the load of the aquarium placed on the cabinet (2) and transfer the load to the ground, the side walls (4) being decorative elements arranged outside the frame and not bearing the load-bearing function of the cabinet (2), characterized in that, At least one sidewall (4) has a groove (6) that passes completely through the sidewall (4), and at least one sidewall (4) has at least one first magnetic closure element (10) arranged adjacent to the groove (6), the first magnetic closure element (10) being embedded in the end face of the sidewall (4) that restricts the groove (6); The cabinet (2) includes at least one shielding element (8) introduced into the groove (6) and at least partially closing the groove (6) in the installation position. The shielding element (8) has at least one second magnetic sealing element (12) embedded in the side of the shielding element (8) that restricts the end face of the groove (6) towards the sidewall (4) when the shielding element (8) is installed. The second magnetic sealing element (12) is arranged in the installation position in a manner corresponding to the first magnetic sealing element (10), such that the shielding element (8) is fixed in the groove (6) in a manner flush with the outer surface of the cabinet (2) and held only by magnetic force acting between the first magnetic sealing element (10) and the second magnetic sealing element (12). The sidewall (4) has no limiting stop for restricting the insertion of the shielding element (8) in the insertion direction. The cabinet (2) includes at least one set of sleeves, each set including at least two shielding elements (8) of different sizes, the shielding elements optionally introduced into the recess (6), wherein at least one shielding element (8) of the set is constructed to completely close the recess (6) in the installed condition, and at least another shielding element (8) of the set is constructed to only partially close the recess (6), wherein when the other shielding element that only partially closes the recess (6) is used, the cabinet (2) forms a cable sleeve in the side wall (4).

2. The cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first magnetic sealing element (10) and the second magnetic sealing element (12) arranged on the shielding element (8) in a manner corresponding to the first magnetic sealing element (10) have opposing surfaces with substantially the same spatial extension in the installation case.

3. The cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The groove (6) has a rectangular outline and extends horizontally over the entire sidewall (4) of the cabinet (2).

4. The cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The shielding element (8) is fixed in the groove (6) in such a way that it allows rotation of 180° around any one of the three main axes of the shielding element (8).

5. The cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The set of shielding elements (8) has two shielding elements (8) with the same structure, which partially close the groove (6) when installed, wherein the first and second magnetic sealing elements (10, 12) are arranged in such a way that the two shielding elements (8) of the set are fixed in the groove (6) in such a way that the two shielding elements form a cable sleeve therebetween.

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