An automatic fish tank feeder

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of aquarium technology, specifically to an automatic aquarium feeder, comprising a shell, a storage chamber, a delivery pipe, a delivery pump, valve one, valve two, and valve three; the shell includes a fixed cylinder and a sealing plate detachably connected to the upper opening of the fixed cylinder; the storage chamber is arranged inside the fixed cylinder for storing fish food; the delivery pipe connects the shell and the storage chamber, with the outlet at the first end of the delivery pipe passing through the shell and connecting to valve one, the outlet being inclined upwards; the inlet at the upper side of the second end of the delivery pipe passing through the lower side of the storage chamber and connecting to valve two; and the outlet at the lower side of the second end of the delivery pipe connecting to valve three; the delivery pump is arranged outside the fixed cylinder and in contact with the water in the aquarium, the output end of the delivery pump being connected to the delivery pipe for pumping water from the aquarium into the delivery pipe, so that the fish food in the delivery pipe is transported into the aquarium in a parabolic manner under the action of water flow, prolonging the slow sinking time of the fish food in the water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquarium technology, and more specifically to an automatic aquarium feeder. Background Technology

[0002] In aquariums and other aquatic environments, food is typically spread evenly during feeding to prevent fish from fighting over it or some individuals from missing out. Fish food can be categorized as sinking or floating based on its buoyancy. Lionhead and Red-crowned Crane fish, for example, primarily inhabit the mid-water layer and hunt slow-sinking granular food. However, when these fish are sick, their ability to distinguish between food and excrement decreases, leading to accidental ingestion and further exacerbating their condition. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic aquarium feeder that can prolong the time it takes for fish food to sink slowly in the water.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] An automatic fish tank feeder includes a housing, a storage chamber, a delivery pipe, a delivery pump, valve one, valve two, and valve three. The housing includes a fixed cylinder and a sealing plate detachably connected to the upper opening of the fixed cylinder. The storage chamber is arranged inside the fixed cylinder and is used to store fish food. The delivery pipe connects the housing and the storage chamber. The outlet at the first end of the delivery pipe passes through the housing and connects to valve one. The outlet is inclined upward. The inlet at the upper side of the second end of the delivery pipe passes through the lower side of the storage chamber and connects to valve two. The outlet at the lower side of the second end of the delivery pipe connects to valve three. The delivery pump is arranged outside the fixed cylinder and in contact with the water in the fish tank. The output end of the delivery pump is connected to the delivery pipe and is used to pump water from the fish tank into the delivery pipe, so that the fish food in the delivery pipe is transported into the fish tank in a parabolic manner under the action of water flow, prolonging the slow sinking time of the fish food in the water.

[0006] Furthermore, it also includes a rotary motor and a rotating cylinder. The rotary motor is fixed to the sealing plate, and the output end of the rotary motor is connected to the rotating cylinder for transmission. The rotating cylinder is rotatably connected to the upper part of the fixed cylinder, and the inner wall of the rotating cylinder is in contact with the outer wall of the fixed cylinder. An extension is provided at the lower end of the rotating cylinder at a position corresponding to the discharge port of the conveying pipe. The extension serves as a valve. The rotary motor drives the rotating cylinder to rotate around the axis of the fixed cylinder, so that the extension blocks the discharge port or rotates to a clearance position to open the discharge port.

[0007] Furthermore, the second valve is flat and slidably connected to the bottom surface of the storage tank at a position corresponding to the inlet of the conveying pipe; multiple first electromagnets are fixed on the inner side wall of the lower part of the storage tank, and a first permanent magnet corresponding to and cooperating with the first electromagnets is fixed on the outer edge of the flat valve. By controlling the energizing parameters of the multiple first electromagnets, the second valve can block the inlet or move to an avoidance position to open the inlet under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the storage compartment is provided with a guide rail extending along a preset trajectory, and the bottom surface of the valve is provided with a sliding groove adapted to the guide rail.

[0009] Furthermore, the two sides of the valve facing upwards are inclined surfaces.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve three is flat and slidably connected between the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder and the outlet of the conveying pipe; a second electromagnet is fixed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder, and a second permanent magnet corresponding to the second electromagnet is fixed on the bottom surface of the flat valve three, and a return spring is connected between the fixed cylinder and the valve three; by controlling the energizing parameters of the second electromagnet, the valve three can block the outlet or move to an avoidance position to open the outlet under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0011] Furthermore, a tapered guide with a gradually increasing diameter from top to bottom is fixed in the middle of the bottom surface of the storage tank, which is used to guide the fish food in the storage tank into the conveying pipe through the feed inlet when valve two is opened.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower end of the fixed cylinder is provided with several openings that connect the input end of the delivery pump and the water in the fish tank.

[0013] Furthermore, there are multiple conveying pipes, which are evenly arranged around the circumference of the storage silo.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a diverter pipe, the inlet of which is connected to the output end of the delivery pump, and the multiple outlets of which are respectively connected to multiple delivery pipes.

[0015] The present invention has the following unexpected beneficial effects: the fish food is first stored in the storage tank. When feeding is required, the fish food falls into the conveying pipe under the action of gravity. Then, under the action of the conveying pump, it is sprayed out of the feeder along the conveying pipe. Since the outlet of the conveying pipe is arranged at an upward angle, the sprayed fish food rises in the fish tank first and then falls. The parabolic motion prolongs the slow sinking time of the fish food in the fish tank, so that fish such as lionhead and red cap orangutan can finish eating before the fish food completely sinks to the bottom. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of the automatic fish tank feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is one of the half-section assembly schematic diagrams of the automatic fish tank feeder described in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is the second half-section assembly schematic diagram of the automatic fish tank feeder described in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the bottom drive module in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the conveying pipe described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of valve two described in this embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the storage silo described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing plate described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base plate described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed cylinder described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of valve three in this embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1—Shell, 2—Storage bin, 21—Third through hole, 22—Fourth through hole, 3—Conveying pipe, 31—Outlet, 32—Inlet, 33—Water outlet, 4—Conveying pump, 5—Valve one, 6—Valve two, 61—Inclined surface, 62—Slide groove, 7—Valve three, 71—Second mounting groove, 72—Fifth through hole, 8—Fish tank, 9—Rotating motor, 10—Rotating cylinder, 11—Fixed cylinder, 111—Notch, 112—First mounting groove, 113—First through hole, 114—Second through hole, 115—Third mounting groove, 12—Sealing plate, 121—Mounting hole, 13—First electromagnet, 14—First permanent magnet, 15—Second electromagnet, 16—Second permanent magnet, 17—Reset spring, 18—Conical guide, 19—Diverter pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the shape, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0032] In one embodiment, see Figures 1 to 11 As shown, this invention provides an automatic fish tank feeder, including a housing 1, a storage chamber 2, a delivery pipe 3, a delivery pump 4, a first valve 5, a second valve 6, and a third valve 7. The housing 1 includes a fixed cylinder 11 and a sealing plate 12 detachably connected to the upper opening of the fixed cylinder 11. The storage chamber 2 is arranged inside the fixed cylinder 11 and is used to store fish food. The delivery pipe 3 connects the housing 1 and the storage chamber 2. The outlet 31 at the first end of the delivery pipe 3 passes through the housing 1 and connects to the first valve 5. The outlet 31 is arranged at an upward angle. The inlet 32 ​​at the upper side of the second end of the delivery pipe 3 passes through the lower side of the storage chamber 2 and connects to the second valve 6. The outlet 33 at the lower side of the second end of the delivery pipe 3 connects to the third valve 7. The delivery pump 4 is arranged outside the fixed cylinder 11 and in contact with the water in the fish tank. The output end of the delivery pump 4 is connected to the delivery pipe 3 and is used to pump water in the fish tank into the delivery pipe 3, so that the fish food in the delivery pipe 3 is transported into the fish tank in a parabolic form under the action of water flow, thus prolonging the time for the fish food to sink slowly in the water.

[0033] In practice, the sealing plate 12, installed on top of the fixed cylinder 11 to prevent water from flowing into the fish tank, is opened, and fish food is placed into the storage compartment 2. At this time, the feed inlet 32 ​​is closed by valve 6 to ensure that the fish food does not enter other cavities. After feeding, the discharge outlet is opened by valve 5, and the automatic fish tank feeder is placed at the bottom of the fish tank 8. Water will flow from the discharge outlet 31 into the delivery pipe 3. However, because valve 6 closes the feed inlet 32, and the bottom valve 7 closes the outlet 33, the water in the fish tank will only enter the delivery pipe 3 and will not enter other cavities.

[0034] When the set feeding time arrives, valve 5 closes the feed outlet 31, and valve 7 opens the water outlet 33. Water stored in the delivery pipe 3 flows out under gravity and enters the bottom of the inner cavity of the fixed cylinder 11, while air inside the fixed cylinder 11 enters the delivery pipe 3. After all the water in the delivery pipe 3 has been drained, valve 7 closes the water outlet 33. Then, valve 6 opens the feed inlet 32, and fish food from the storage tank 2 falls into the delivery pipe 3 under gravity. Valve 6 then closes the feed inlet 32.

[0035] Then, by opening the outlet 31 through valve 5, the gas in the conveying pipe 3 enters the fish tank 8, and the water in the fish tank 8 enters the conveying pipe 3. Subsequently, the conveying pump 4 draws water from the bottom of the fish tank 8 and conveys it to the conveying pipe 3. Under the action of the water flow, the fish food is conveyed to the fish tank 8 in a parabolic manner, thereby prolonging the slow sinking time of the fish food in the water.

[0036] This invention uses a combination of pumping water with a delivery pump 4 and parabolic delivery to allow fish food to enter the aquarium 8 in a parabolic manner under the action of water flow. This increases the retention time of fish food in the water and perfectly matches the feeding habits of mid-water fish such as lionhead and red-crowned crane.

[0037] This invention includes a valve 5 controlling the discharge port 31, a valve 6 controlling the inlet port 32, and a valve 7 controlling the outlet port 33. Through the coordinated switching of these valves at different stages, physical isolation is achieved between the storage chamber 2 and the delivery pipe 3. When feeding, valve 6 is closed to prevent water from entering the storage chamber 2. When feeding, switching the valves prevents water from flowing back into the storage chamber 2 or other cavities of the fixed cylinder 11, fundamentally preventing fish food from becoming damp, clumping, or spoiling due to contact with water, thus ensuring the freshness of the fish food.

[0038] The automatic fish tank feeder of this invention combines automation with convenient operation, lowering the barrier to daily use. On one hand, the automatic fish tank feeder supports automatic feeding at set times, eliminating the need for manual timer operation, making it especially suitable for users when they are away or busy, reducing the time cost of fishkeeping management. On the other hand, the feeding process only requires removing the sealing plate 12 at the top of the fixed cylinder 11 to add fish food; the operation steps are simple, and the logic switching of each valve revolves around feeding, humidity control, and leak prevention, requiring no complex adjustments, making it easy for ordinary users to learn.

[0039] The housing 1 of this invention is divided into a fixed cylinder 11 and a detachable sealing plate 12. The storage chamber 2, the delivery pipe 3, and the inner cavity of the fixed cylinder 11 are all independent, and the sealing plate 12 can prevent aquarium water from flowing into the equipment. With the precise control of the valve, water can be prevented from flowing back into the storage chamber 2 or the internal area of ​​the equipment during feeding, which not only protects the internal components of the equipment from water damage, but also prevents the accumulation of water inside the equipment from breeding bacteria, thus indirectly ensuring the cleanliness of the aquarium water.

[0040] It should be noted that, because the automatic fish tank feeder contains heavy components such as a water pump and motor, it can be placed stably at the bottom of the fish tank through parameter matching, and there will be no floating or shaking.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the automatic fish tank feeder also includes a rotary motor 9 and a rotating cylinder 10. The rotary motor 9 is fixed to the mounting hole 121 of the sealing plate 12, and the output end of the rotary motor 9 is connected to the rotating cylinder 10. The rotating cylinder 10 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the fixed cylinder 11, and the inner wall of the rotating cylinder 10 is in contact with the outer wall of the fixed cylinder 11. An extension is provided at the lower end of the rotating cylinder 10 corresponding to the discharge port 31 of the conveying pipe 3. The extension acts as a valve 5. The rotary motor 9 drives the rotating cylinder 10 to rotate around the axis of the fixed cylinder 11, so that the extension blocks the discharge port 31 or rotates to a clearance position to open the discharge port 31.

[0042] In this preferred embodiment, the extension of the rotating cylinder 10 is used directly as valve 5, eliminating the need for an additional independent valve assembly. This reduces the number of parts in the equipment and simplifies the overall assembly process. Furthermore, it avoids the malfunctions of traditional valves caused by friction between components, jamming, or aging of seals, indirectly improving the long-term stability of the equipment. Moreover, the opening and closing of valve 5 is achieved by the rotating cylinder 10 being driven to rotate by the rotary motor 9. Compared to manual or simple mechanical drives, motor transmission can precisely control the rotation angle and speed of the rotating cylinder. This not only allows for precise switching between complete concealment and complete openness but also seamlessly integrates with the equipment's timed feeding system, ensuring rapid response at the set feeding time and preventing feeding delays or water / gas leaks caused by untimely opening and closing of valve 5.

[0043] Meanwhile, this preferred embodiment ensures that the inner wall of the rotating cylinder 10 is in contact with the outer wall of the fixed cylinder 11. When the extension (valve one) covers the outlet 31, the contacting cylinder walls can form an annular sealing surface. Compared with the point / line sealing of traditional valves, the sealing area is larger and the sealing performance is stronger. This design effectively prevents aquarium water from flowing back from the outlet 31 into the delivery pipe 3 when the feeding is not in operation, or prevents gas / fish food residue from leaking from the delivery pipe 3. It further ensures the cavity isolation effect between the storage chamber 2 and the delivery pipe 3, avoiding the fish food from getting damp or the water from becoming polluted.

[0044] For example, the side wall of the fixed cylinder 11 is provided with a first through hole 113 corresponding to the position of the outlet 31 of the conveying pipe 3. The outlet 31 of the conveying pipe 3 is flush with the outer end of the first through hole 113. The first through hole 113 can be covered or opened by rotating the extension of the cylinder 10.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the second valve 6 is flat and is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the storage tank 2 at a position corresponding to the inlet 32 ​​of the conveying pipe 3. For example, the bottom surface of the storage tank 2 is provided with a third through hole 21 at a position corresponding to the inlet 32 ​​of the conveying pipe 3, and the flat valve 6 is horizontally slidably connected to the position of the third through hole 21.

[0046] Because the valve 6 adopts a flat plate structure, it is directly slidably connected to the third through hole 21 on the bottom surface of the storage tank 2, eliminating the need for additional complex valve body chambers or rotating shaft systems. On one hand, the flat plate structure reduces the difficulty and cost of component processing, and it forms a flat, flush surface with the bottom surface of the storage tank 2 and the inlet 32 ​​of the conveying pipe 3, reducing alignment errors during assembly. On the other hand, the sliding connection only requires matching the guide rail on the bottom surface of the storage tank 2, offering strong adaptability and eliminating the need for significant structural adjustments for storage tanks 2 or inlets 32 of different sizes, thus improving the versatility of the solution.

[0047] Multiple first electromagnets 13 are fixed on the lower inner wall of the storage hopper 2. A first permanent magnet 14, corresponding to and cooperating with the first electromagnets 13, is fixed on the outer edge of the flat valve 6. By controlling the energizing parameters of the multiple first electromagnets 13, the valve 6 can block the inlet 32 ​​or move to an avoidance position to open the inlet 32 ​​under the action of electromagnetic force. The energizing parameters include the energizing state and the magnitude of the energizing current.

[0048] This preferred embodiment drives valve 6 via an electromagnetic combination of the first electromagnet 13 and the first permanent magnet 14. Compared to mechanical drive methods such as manual levers and motor gears, this method offers a faster response, with electromagnetic force generated or eliminated instantaneously. The opening and closing of valve 6 is lag-free, allowing for rapid coordination with other valves during feeding to prevent food residue or leakage. Furthermore, it has a lower failure rate, eliminating mechanical wear issues such as gear meshing and connecting rod wear, reducing the risk of jamming and failure due to component aging, extending the lifespan of valve 6, and lowering equipment maintenance frequency.

[0049] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 6 As shown, the bottom surface of the storage hopper 2 is provided with a guide rail extending along a preset trajectory, and the bottom surface of the valve 6 is provided with a sliding groove 62 that is adapted to the guide rail.

[0050] In this preferred embodiment, the slide groove 62 is fully adapted to the guide rail, which can force the valve 6 to slide only along the guide rail direction, avoiding deviation, tilting or misalignment when it moves horizontally. This ensures that the valve 6 can accurately align with the inlet 32 ​​every time it slides. Whether it completely covers the inlet 32 ​​when closed or completely avoids it when open, there will be no problem with sealing or feeding due to trajectory deviation, thus improving the reliability of the on / off control of the inlet 32.

[0051] The working mechanism of valve 6 is as follows: When valve 6 is in the closed state, it covers the entire inlet 32 ​​of the conveying pipe 3. At this time, the first electromagnet 13 (denoted as EM_close) near the closed limit position can remain energized. The magnetic field generated by it interacts with the first permanent magnet 14 to form an attractive or repulsive force, which keeps valve 6 stably in the closed position.

[0052] When the feed inlet 32 ​​needs to be opened, the control system first de-energizes EM_close to eliminate the constraint on valve 6. Then, it sequentially energizes one or more first electromagnets located in the opening direction according to a predetermined sequence, denoted as EM_open1, EM_open2, etc. Each energized electromagnet generates a magnetic field with controllable polarity on its working surface: if the outer magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet 14 is the N pole, the direction of the current in the electromagnet winding is controlled to make its working surface present an S pole to generate an attractive force, or an N pole to generate a repulsive force. Regardless of whether attraction or repulsion is used, as long as the resultant magnetic force points towards the opening side, valve 6 can be driven to slide along the guide rail in the opening direction. Sequential energization means: EM_open1 is energized first, providing initial driving force to start valve 6 from a stationary state; when valve 6 slides to near the end of the effective working area of ​​EM_open1, EM_open2 is immediately energized to continue providing driving force; subsequent first electromagnets 13 follow the same pattern, forming a magnetic relay effect. This method effectively overcomes the problems of limited operating distance of a single electromagnet and rapid attenuation of magnetic force with distance, ensuring that valve 6 slides smoothly and reliably to the opening limit position, fully exposing the feed inlet 32. At this time, the fish food in the storage bin 2 falls evenly into each conveying pipe 3 under the action of gravity and guided by the conical guide 18.

[0053] After feeding is completed, the control system de-energizes all EM_open series electromagnets and energizes the first electromagnet 13 on the closed side in reverse order. The magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet 13 on the closed side acts on the same first permanent magnet 14 again, but the resultant force points to the closed side, thereby driving the valve 2 6 to slide in the opposite direction along the guide rail until it covers all feed ports 32 again, completing the closing action.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circumferential side of the valve 2 6 is an inclined surface 61. With this configuration, when the valve 2 6 slides along the bottom surface of the storage chamber 2, if fish food particles are located in the path of the valve 2 6, the particles will come into contact with the inclined surface 61. The inclined structure of the inclined surface 61 generates a guiding force, guiding the fish food particles towards the top surface of the valve 2 6, rather than getting stuck in the gap between the side of the valve 2 6 and the inner wall of the storage chamber 2 or the feed inlet 32 ​​(right-angled sides easily form dead angles for jamming). This active avoidance design eliminates the risk of fish food getting stuck in the valve 2 6 at the source, ensuring that the valve 2 6 can smoothly slide to the closed or open position.

[0055] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 11As shown, the valve 3 7 is flat and slidably connected between the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder 11 and the outlet 33 of the conveying pipe 3; a second electromagnet 15 is fixed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder 11, and a second permanent magnet 16 corresponding to and cooperating with the second electromagnet 15 is fixed on the bottom surface of the flat valve 3 7, and a return spring 17 is connected between the fixed cylinder 11 and the valve 3 7; by controlling the energizing parameters of the second electromagnet 15, the valve 3 7 can block the outlet 33 or move to an avoidance position to open the outlet 33 under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0056] In this preferred embodiment, the valve 3 7 is driven by the electromagnetic force between the second electromagnet 15 and the second permanent magnet 16, while its reset relies on the elastic force of the reset spring 17, forming a complementary and synergistic effect. When the second electromagnet 15 is energized, the electromagnetic force can quickly overcome the elastic force of the reset spring 17, driving the valve 3 7 to slide to the open outlet 33 position. This fast response allows for precise matching of the drainage-venting time points in the feeding process. When the second electromagnet 15 is de-energized, the electromagnetic force disappears, and the reset spring 17 automatically pulls the valve 3 7 back to the closed position. No additional drive components are required, preventing water backflow (such as water accumulation inside the fixed cylinder) or gas leakage due to forgetting to close the valve, significantly improving the safety and reliability of valve operation.

[0057] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a second through hole 114 is provided on the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder 11, and a fifth through hole 72 coaxial with the second through hole 114 is provided on the valve 3 7. The output end of the delivery pump 4 passes through the second through hole 114 and the fifth through hole 72 and is connected to the delivery pipe 3.

[0058] See Figure 9 As shown, in order to facilitate the assembly of the second electromagnet 15, a third mounting groove 115 is provided on the top surface of the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder 11.

[0059] See Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, in order to facilitate the assembly of the reset spring 17, a first mounting groove 112 is provided on the top surface of the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder 11, and a second mounting groove 71 is provided on the bottom surface of the valve 7.

[0060] The working mechanism of valve 3 (7) is as follows: When the second electromagnet 15 is not energized, the spring force of the return spring 17 keeps valve 3 (7) in the closed position, covering the outlet 33 to prevent liquid leakage. When it is necessary to open the outlet 33, the control system applies current to the second electromagnet 15, causing it to generate a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the second permanent magnet 16, generating an electromagnetic force along the sliding direction. When this electromagnetic force is greater than the tension of the return spring 17, valve 3 (7) overcomes the spring force and slides along the fixed direction to the avoidance position, thereby opening the outlet 33. After feeding or cleaning is completed, the second electromagnet 15 is de-energized, the electromagnetic force disappears, and the return spring 17 automatically pulls valve 3 (7) back to its initial position, re-covering the outlet 33, completing the closing action.

[0061] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a tapered guide 18 with a gradually increasing diameter from top to bottom is fixed in the middle of the bottom surface of the storage tank 2. It is used to guide the fish food in the storage tank 2 into the conveying pipe 3 through the feed inlet 32 ​​when the valve 2 6 is opened.

[0062] In this preferred embodiment, the conical guide 18, with its diameter gradually increasing from top to bottom, disperses the fish food in the center of the storage tank 2 outwards. If the bottom surface of the storage tank 2 is designed with multiple feed inlets 32 or a single wide feed inlet 32, this structure allows the fish food to slide evenly along the slopes in different directions to each feed inlet 32 ​​or cover the entire area of ​​the wide feed inlet 32, avoiding local overload caused by the fish food concentrating in a single location, ensuring a balanced distribution of fish food at each feed inlet 32 ​​or in each area of ​​the feed inlet 32, and adapting to the stable receiving requirements of the conveying pipe 3 for fish food.

[0063] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the lower end of the fixed cylinder 11 is provided with several inlets 111 that connect the input end of the conveying pump 4 and the water in the fish tank 8.

[0064] In this preferred embodiment, the notch 111 is directly formed at the lower end of the fixed cylinder 11, eliminating the need for additional independent components such as inlet pipes and filter supports, thus integrating the supporting function of the fixed cylinder with the function of the inlet channel. On the one hand, this reduces the number of parts, lowering the complexity and cost of production and assembly; on the other hand, it eliminates the space occupied by redundant pipelines, making the overall structure of the equipment more compact, especially suitable for small aquariums or complex aquascaping environments, avoiding the impact of messy pipelines on fish activity or the aesthetics of the aquarium.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple conveying pipes 3, which are evenly arranged around the storage silo 2.

[0066] In this preferred embodiment, multiple delivery pipes 3 are evenly arranged around the storage compartment 2, allowing fish food to be delivered into the aquarium 8 from different directions. Each delivery pipe 3 can throw the fish food in a parabolic shape through water flow, ultimately creating a multi-area, dispersed distribution of fish food within the aquarium 8. This multi-directional diffusion method can cover a larger water area, avoiding fish gathering and competing for food due to concentration in a single area. It is especially suitable for fish such as lionhead and red-crowned cranes that live in mid-water environments, allowing more individuals to easily access food and reducing situations where they cannot get food, thus meeting the core requirement of uniform feeding.

[0067] Furthermore, if a single conveying pipe 3 bears the entire task of conveying fish food, it is prone to blockage due to excessive single conveying volume (such as fish food particles clumping together), affecting the feeding process. Multiple conveying pipes 3 can share the amount of fish food discharged from the storage bin 2, reducing the single feeding volume of each conveying pipe 3 and lowering the probability of particle compression and jamming. At the same time, the evenly arranged structure can work with the conical guide 18 at the bottom of the storage bin 2 to distribute the fish food more evenly to each conveying pipe 3, preventing any one conveying pipe 3 from becoming blocked due to overload, and improving the overall stability of the equipment operation.

[0068] For example, the number of the delivery pipes 3 is five.

[0069] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a diversion pipe 19, the inlet of which is connected to the output end of the delivery pump 4, and the multiple outlets of the diversion pipe 19 are respectively connected to multiple delivery pipes 3.

[0070] See Figure 7 As shown, a fourth through hole 22 communicating with the diversion pipe 19 is provided on the storage tank 2.

[0071] In this preferred embodiment, the diversion pipe 19 can centrally receive the water output from the delivery pump 4 and evenly distribute it to each delivery pipe 3. Without needing to configure a separate delivery pump 4 for each delivery pipe 3, all delivery pipes 3 can obtain stable and consistent water pressure and flow velocity. This ensures that the fish food in each delivery pipe 3 enters the aquarium with a similar parabolic trajectory and projection distance under the action of water flow. This avoids insufficient water pressure in some delivery pipes causing the fish food to be projected too close, or excessive water pressure causing it to be projected too far, ultimately achieving uniform distribution of fish food within the aquarium 8, meeting the feeding needs of mid-level fish.

[0072] The following analysis and explanation will be based on specific work examples.

[0073] In actual operation, remove the rotating cylinder 10 on top of the feeder and open the sealing plate 12 installed on top of the fixed cylinder 11 to prevent water from flowing into the fish tank. Put the fish food into the storage chamber 2. At this time, valve 2 6 blocks the feed inlet 32 ​​of the delivery pipe 3, that is, closes the feed inlet 32 ​​to ensure that the fish food will not enter other chambers.

[0074] After feeding is completed, the sealing plate 12 at the top of the fixed cylinder 11 and the rotating cylinder 10 are reset in sequence, and at this time, valve 5 is in the clearance position, opening the outlet 31 of the conveying pipe 3. Then, when the automatic fish tank feeder is placed at the bottom of the fish tank 8, water will flow into the conveying pipe 3 from the outlet 31. However, since valve 6 closes the inlet 32 ​​and bottom valve 7 closes the outlet 33, the water in the fish tank 8 will only enter the conveying pipe 3 and will not enter other cavities.

[0075] When the set feeding time arrives, the rotary motor 9 mounted on the sealing plate 12 drives the top rotating cylinder 10 to rotate around the axis of the fixed cylinder 11, causing valve 5 to block the discharge port 31, i.e., closing the discharge port 31. Subsequently, the second electromagnet 15, installed in the third mounting groove 115, is energized to generate a magnetic field, which in turn provides magnetic force to the second permanent magnet 16 on the bottom surface of valve 7, causing it to slide along the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder 11, compressing the return spring 17, causing valve 7 to open the water outlet 33 at the bottom of the conveying pipe 3. The water stored in the conveying pipe 3 flows out under the action of gravity and enters the bottom of the inner cavity of the fixed cylinder 11, while the air in the inner cavity of the fixed cylinder 11 enters the conveying pipe 3. Subsequently, the second electromagnet 15 is de-energized, the return spring 17 releases its elastic force, causing the bottom valve 7 to reset and close the water outlet 33. Then, the first electromagnet 13 fixed to the inner wall side of the storage tank 2 is energized in sequence to generate a magnetic field, which acts on the first permanent magnet 14 on the side of the valve 2, causing the valve 2 to move along the guide rail under the action of magnetic force, so as to open the feed inlet 32 ​​of the conveying pipe 3. Under the guidance of gravity and the conical guide 18, the fish food falls into multiple conveying pipes 3. Then, the valve 2 moves in the opposite direction under the action of magnetic force to close the feed inlet 32.

[0076] The rotating cylinder 10 is driven by the rotating motor 9 to rotate around the axis of the fixed cylinder 11, which drives the extension part, namely valve 5, to rotate to the avoidance position to open the discharge port 31, so that the gas in the conveying pipe 3 enters the fish tank 8 and the water in the fish tank 8 enters the conveying pipe 3. Then the conveying pump 4 is started to draw water from the bottom of the fish tank 8 and divide it into five parts through the diversion pipe 19, which are then conveyed to the five conveying pipes 3 respectively. Under the action of the water flow, the fish food is conveyed into the fish tank 8 in a parabolic form, thereby prolonging the slow sinking time of the fish food in the water.

[0077] Before all the fish food is fed, the water level in the feeder will not exceed the position of the fixed cylinder 11. When replenishing the fish food, the user should remove the entire device and empty the water stored inside.

[0078] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic fish tank feeder, characterized in that: It includes a housing (1), a storage bin (2), a delivery pipe (3), a delivery pump (4), a valve one (5), a valve two (6), a valve three (7), a rotary motor (9), and a rotating cylinder (10); the housing (1) includes a fixed cylinder (11) and a sealing plate (12) detachably connected to the upper opening of the fixed cylinder (11). The storage compartment (2) is arranged inside the fixed cylinder (11) and is used to store fish food; The conveying pipe (3) is connected between the housing (1) and the storage silo (2). The discharge port (31) at the first end of the conveying pipe (3) passes through the housing (1) and is connected to valve one (5). The discharge port (31) is arranged at an angle upward. The inlet (32) on the upper side of the second end of the conveying pipe (3) passes through the lower side of the storage silo and is connected to valve two (6). The outlet (33) on the lower side of the second end of the conveying pipe (3) is connected to valve three (7). The delivery pump (4) is arranged outside the fixed cylinder (11) and in contact with the water in the fish tank (8). The output end of the delivery pump (4) is connected to the delivery pipe (3) to pump the water in the fish tank (8) into the delivery pipe (3), so that the fish food in the delivery pipe (3) is transported into the fish tank (8) in a parabolic form under the action of water flow, thus prolonging the slow sinking time of the fish food in the water. The rotary motor (9) is fixed on the sealing plate (12), and the output end of the rotary motor (9) is connected to the rotating cylinder (10) for transmission. The rotating cylinder (10) is rotatably connected to the upper part of the fixed cylinder (11), and the inner wall of the rotating cylinder (10) is in contact with the outer wall of the fixed cylinder (11). The lower end of the rotating cylinder (10) is provided with an extension at the position corresponding to the outlet of the conveying pipe (3). The extension is used as a valve (5). The rotating cylinder (10) is driven to rotate around the axis of the fixed cylinder (11) by the rotating motor (9), so that the extension covers the outlet (31) or rotates to a clearance position to open the outlet (31).

2. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve 2 (6) is flat and is slidably connected to the bottom surface of the storage tank (2) at the position corresponding to the inlet of the conveying pipe (3); Multiple first electromagnets (13) are fixed on the lower inner wall of the storage hopper (2), and a first permanent magnet (14) corresponding to and cooperating with the first electromagnets (13) is fixed on the outer edge of the flat valve (6). By controlling the energizing parameters of the multiple first electromagnets (13), the valve (6) can block the feed inlet (32) or move to a clearance position to open the feed inlet (32) under the action of electromagnetic force.

3. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the storage compartment (2) is provided with a guide rail extending along a preset trajectory, and the bottom surface of the valve (6) is provided with a sliding groove (62) that is adapted to the guide rail.

4. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circumferential side of the valve (6) is an inclined surface (61).

5. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve three (7) is flat and is slidably connected between the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder (11) and the outlet of the conveying pipe (3); A second electromagnet (15) is fixed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the fixed cylinder (11), and a second permanent magnet (16) corresponding to the second electromagnet (15) is fixed on the bottom surface of the flat valve three (7). A reset spring (17) is connected between the fixed cylinder (11) and the valve three (7). By controlling the energizing parameters of the second electromagnet (15), the valve three (7) can block the outlet (33) or move to a clearance position to open the outlet (33) under the action of electromagnetic force.

6. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage bin (2) has a tapered guide (18) with a gradually increasing diameter from top to bottom fixed in the middle of the bottom surface. When the valve (6) is opened, the fish food in the storage bin (2) is guided into the conveying pipe (3) through the feed inlet (32).

7. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the fixed cylinder (11) is provided with several inlets (111) that connect the input end of the conveying pump (4) and the water in the fish tank (8).

8. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of conveying pipes (3) is multiple, and the multiple conveying pipes (3) are evenly arranged around the circumference of the storage silo (2).

9. The automatic fish tank feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a diversion pipe (19), the inlet of which is connected to the output end of the delivery pump (4), and multiple outlets of the diversion pipe (19) are connected to multiple delivery pipes (3).

Images