Device for removing loose sediment in a fluid

Abstract

Device (1) for removing loose sediment in a fluid; comprising a first tube (10), a second tube (20) and a deformable element (30), wherein the deformable element (30) is connectable to the first tube (10) in such a way that a fluid flow can be generated by deformation of the deformable element (30); wherein the second tube (20) is connectable to a hose element (40) via a connection (22); wherein the fluid can be sucked out through the second pipe (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing loose sediment in a fluid, in particular in a liquid such as water.

[0002] Loose sediment, such as organic matter from plants and animals, accumulates in aquariums. For aesthetic and hygienic reasons, this "sludge" should be removed regularly by vacuuming the loose sediment along with the water.

[0003] Commonly used are sludge bells, which are attached to a hose as an extension. To extract the sludge, these sludge bells first stir up the particles to be removed by mechanically stirring up the substrate. This requires direct contact between the sludge bell and the substrate of an aquarium, which is harmful to the substrate and the elements placed on it, for example, by uprooting plants.

[0004] Due to the diameter of known sludge bells, they cannot be placed in corners and small spaces in an aquarium, so that small particles, such as loose sediment, cannot be removed from these areas directly via the sludge bell.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a device for removing loose sediment in a fluid, which avoids the described disadvantages and implements a solution to the known problems in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for removing loose sediment in a fluid having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] According to this, the object is achieved by a device for removing loose sediment in a fluid, comprising a first tube, a second tube, and a deformable element. The deformable element can be connected to the first tube in such a way that a fluid flow can be generated by deformation of the deformable element. The second tube can be connected to a hose element via a connection, whereby the fluid can be sucked off through the second tube.

[0008] The first or second tube can be a cylindrical element with an outer diameter and an inner diameter, each tube having a beginning and an end, each of which has an opening to the environment. The tube can be straight or curved, and it can also have a plurality of sections arranged at an angle to one another.

[0009] A tube can have a rigidity that allows it to withstand ambient pressure in a fluid and maintain its geometric shape. A tube can be transparent. The material can be plastic and / or a composite.

[0010] The device comprises a first and a second tube, wherein the stiffnesses of the tubes can differ. In particular, the first tube can have a lower stiffness than the second tube, and furthermore, the second tube can have a lower stiffness than the first tube.

[0011] The second tube may have a connector for a hose element, whereby the second tube can be connected directly or indirectly to a hose element via the connector. An indirect connection can be made via an adapter element. A direct connection, however, can be made via a connector integrated into the second tube.

[0012] The connection of the hose element to the connection is effected in particular in such a way that the connection is maintained when a fluid is conveyed through the second pipe via the hose element, wherein the connection in particular seals against the escape of the conveyed fluid.

[0013] In particular, the connection of the hose element to the connector is a detachable connection, whereby the connection can be, for example, a plug connection or a screw connection.

[0014] A connector can be shaped like a hollow cylinder. The outer diameter of the connector can be matched to the inner diameter of the hose element. The outer diameter of the connector can be larger than the inner diameter of the hose element. For example, the outer diameter of the connector is 2% to 5% larger than the inner diameter of the hose element.

[0015] In particular, the connector may have several thickened portions arranged in series and distributed along the outer surface, wherein the thickened portions may, in particular, be sawtooth-shaped. For example, the connector may be made of plastic.

[0016] A hose element can, in particular, be a flexible hollow cylinder element, wherein the hose element is designed to conduct fluids. For example, the hose element is made of plastic, more particularly of transparent plastic.

[0017] The flow direction in the second pipe can correspond to a suction of the fluid. For example, this can be used to drain water from an aquarium.

[0018] The deformable element can change its appearance under the influence of an external force, with the change being particularly reversible, such as in the case of elastic deformation. The deformable element can preferably have a cavity, which can in particular be filled with a fluid from the environment.

[0019] The deformation may be associated with a change in the volume of the element. Furthermore, the deformation may lead to a change in the volume of the filling state inside the deformable element.

[0020] The filling state can preferably correspond to the volume of a working chamber of the deformable element. The deformable element can be a manual pump, for example, with a piston and a cylinder element, wherein the movement of the piston in the cylinder brings about the volume change of the filling state.

[0021] The change in volume of the deformable element and / or the change in the filling state inside the deformable element can preferably generate a fluid flow, wherein a fluid flow can be an expulsion of a contained fluid from the deformable element. The fluid flow can be generated by the change in volume of the deformable element. In particular, fluid is expelled through the first tube, wherein the fluid can be accelerated in the process.

[0022] The deformable element can be connected to the first tube. The connection between the first tube and the deformable element can seal an opening of the first tube from the environment. The connection between the first tube and the deformable element can comprise, for example, a combination of a groove and a bulge, a screw connection, an adhesive connection, a plug connection, or a combination thereof.

[0023] A fluid can be, in particular, water and / or air. The device is particularly designed to suck sludge from an aquarium.

[0024] According to the invention, the device can be used to stir up and suck in particles to be removed, for example loose sediment or sludge, for example on the bottom of an aquarium.

[0025] This is achieved in a particularly gentle manner by expelling a fluid stream from the first tube, eliminating the need for direct contact with the substrate, for example. Furthermore, the device can combine the stirring of particles to be removed, such as loose sediment or sludge, with the suction and removal of a fluid from a container, such as water from an aquarium. This allows two processes required for cleaning a container, such as an aquarium, to be performed using the same device.

[0026] In particular, the first and second tubes each have an open end, with the open ends being arranged on the same side. At the other ends, the tubes can be connected to the deformable element or to the hose element, respectively.

[0027] It may be advantageous if a first fluid flow can be generated in the first tube and a second fluid flow in the second tube. The first and second fluid flows can be generated independently of one another, in particular with different flow velocities and / or directions.

[0028] A first and a second fluid flow can be generated independently of one another, for example, by decoupling the cavities of the first and second tubes. A first fluid flow is generated in the first tube and a second fluid flow is generated in the second tube, with the flow directions of the first and second fluid flows preferably being independent of one another. The flow direction in one tube can, in particular, correspond to a suction or expulsion of the fluid.

[0029] A fluid is preferably sucked in from the vicinity of a pipe opening. A fluid is expelled, for example, through the opening of a pipe into the vicinity of the device.

[0030] Preferably, the flow direction in the first tube depends on the change in volume of the deformable element and / or the change in the fluid volume contained therein, wherein in particular a reduction in volume produces the ejection of a fluid and an increase in volume produces the suction of the fluid.

[0031] The flow direction in the second tube can be formed depending on the flow direction in the hose element.

[0032] According to the invention, by decoupling the pipes and thus the flow directions, it can be achieved particularly easily that the ejection of a fluid flow and the suction of a fluid are combined in one device.

[0033] It may be advantageous if the first tube with the deformable element is designed to generate a directed fluid flow upon manual deformation of the deformable element.

[0034] A directed fluid flow is preferred if it can be directed at a target, such as a surface, whereby the directed fluid flow creates turbulence at the point of impact with the target. This turbulence can then dislodge and stir up particles to be removed, such as loose sediment, from the environment, especially sand or stones, for example, in an aquarium.

[0035] The alignment can be performed manually by a user, and the ejection of the fluid flow can be triggered by a user actuating the deformable element.

[0036] According to the invention, a targeted discharge of a fluid stream allows particles to be removed particularly gently, such as loose sediment, to be stirred up without the need to manually process the surrounding area, such as sand or stones. The directed fluid stream is particularly advantageous for reaching particles to be removed, such as loose sediment, from hard-to-reach areas, such as corners, of a container, such as an aquarium.

[0037] It may be advantageous if the deformable element is a pump bellows.

[0038] A pump bellows can preferably be designed in such a way that an external force causes a change in volume, wherein the volume change is in particular completely reversible when the external force is removed.

[0039] A pump bellows can comprise an elastically deformable material and / or an elastically deformable shape, wherein the outer wall of the pump bellows can have a smooth surface. The pump bellows can have a shape that can be folded together by means of preformed folds, wherein the pump bellows can, for example, be a folding pump bellows.

[0040] According to the invention, the design of the deformable element as a pump bellows makes it particularly easy to generate a directed fluid flow; in particular, the pump bellows can be operated and the device can be held with one hand.

[0041] It may be advantageous if a holder positions the first tube and the second tube relative to each other. The holder can also position the deformable element relative to the first tube. The holder can also have a connection for a hose element.

[0042] A bracket can be designed as a single piece or in multiple pieces. The bracket can, in particular, have a receptacle for the first and second tubes. The first and second tubes can, in particular, be attached to the bracket.

[0043] The holder can position the first and second tubes relative to each other by aligning the first and second tubes relative to each other. In particular, the first and second tubes can be positioned next to each other. The longitudinal axes of the tubes can be aligned parallel to each other. In particular, the first and second tubes can be connected to the holder.

[0044] The holder can position the deformable element relative to the first tube, wherein the holder can, in particular, have a receptacle for the deformable element. In this case, the holder can, in particular, establish the connection of the deformable element to an opening in the first tube.

[0045] The connections of the holder to the first tube, the second tube and the deformable element can in particular be detachable, wherein the connections can be designed as a plug connection, a screw connection or a combination thereof.

[0046] The holder can have a connection for a hose element. The connection can connect the hose element to the second tube. Via the connection, a fluid can be conveyed through the second tube to the hose element.

[0047] According to the invention, the holder allows the decoupling of the cavities of the first and second tubes, the positioning and alignment of the two tubes relative to each other, and the connection of the deformable element and the hose element to be carried out by a single component. This allows readily available components, such as tubes, a deformable element, and a hose element, to be combined particularly easily and cost-effectively into a more complex device.

[0048] It may be advantageous if the first and second tubes are positioned one inside the other, wherein in particular the first tube is arranged on the inside and the second tube on the outside.

[0049] In particular, two tubes are positioned one inside the other when an outer tube completely or partially surrounds an inner tube, wherein preferably the first tube is positioned in the second tube. Conversely, the second tube can be positioned in the first tube.

[0050] According to the invention, the positioning of the tubes inside each other results in a particularly compact and easy-to-use design.

[0051] It may be advantageous if the first tube and the second tube have an inner diameter ratio of 2 / 3 to 1 / 6.

[0052] The first tube and the second tube preferably have different diameters, with the diameter of both tubes preferably depending on the capacity of the container in which the device is used. The diameters can be adapted, in particular, to the amount of fluid to be conveyed, with the diameters being larger, in particular, the larger the capacity of the container, and vice versa.

[0053] In particular, the inner tube has a smaller diameter than the outer tube. For example, the first tube has a smaller diameter than the second tube. The ratio of the inner diameters of the first tube and the second tube can be between 2 / 3 and 1 / 6, preferably between 1 / 2 and 1 / 5.

[0054] According to the invention, different diameters allow the device to be adapted to the needs during use. This is particularly advantageous because it makes it particularly easy to customize the device for different containers and container sizes.

[0055] It may be advantageous if the first and second tubes are centered along their longitudinal axes. This alignment can be achieved, in particular, via a centering element, such as a centering ring.

[0056] The first and second tubes are centered along their longitudinal axes, particularly when the longitudinal axes of both tubes are collinear. A centering element can position the tubes relative to one another, with the centering element being arranged at one end of the first and second tubes. The alignment of the tubes relative to one another at the other end can preferably be achieved via a holder.

[0057] A centering element can be connected to the first and second tubes. The connection can be detachable, in particular by a plug connection, a screw connection, or a combination thereof, whereby the centering element can be, for example, a centering ring.

[0058] According to the invention, a simple component, such as the centering element, supports the arrangement and alignment of the two tubes to each other and the stability of the device is improved in a particularly simple manner.

[0059] In a method for suctioning small particles, such as loose sediment or sludge, particularly with the device described here, the device can be connected to a hose element and placed in a container, such as an aquarium. The free end of the hose element is guided outside the container. The device can, in particular, be held and operated in one hand.

[0060] First, the device is aimed at the area in a container, such as an aquarium, that needs to be cleaned. A suction effect can then be created in the hose element. This draws the fluid in the container into the second tube and sucks it out of the container. By compressing the deformable element, a directed fluid flow can be generated, which stirs up smaller particles, such as loose sediment on the substrate. The stirred-up particles can be sucked in and removed via the second tube of the device.

[0061] Furthermore, when using the device described here, the cleaning of a container, for example an aquarium, can be carried out, wherein the device can be held and operated in particular with one hand.

[0062] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0063] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the device for removing loose sediment in a fluid; and Fig. 2 a further embodiment of the device with a pump bellows, a holder and a centering ring.

[0064] With reference to Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 for removing loose sediment in a fluid.

[0065] The device 1 comprises a first tube 10, a second tube 20 and a deformable element 30.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the first tube 10 is designed as an internal tube and is arranged within the second tube 20. It has an opening at both ends, in particular at a "lower end."

[0067] The first tube 10 is connected to the deformable element 30 at an upper end.

[0068] Two arrows 11, 12 indicate the possible flow directions of a fluid in the first tube 10. The arrow 11 pointing toward the lower opening of the first tube 10 indicates the flow direction in the first tube 10 when a fluid is expelled. The arrow 12 pointing toward the deformable element 30 indicates the flow direction of a fluid being sucked into the first tube 10.

[0069] The second pipe 20 is shown as an external pipe.

[0070] It has a connection 22 for a hose element, the latter being in Fig. 1 is not shown.

[0071] The second tube 20 completely surrounds the first tube 10 in the radial direction, with the first tube protruding from the second tube. The arrows 24 within the second tube 20 indicate the flow direction of a fluid that is sucked into the second tube 20.

[0072] If the deformable element 30 is compressed by external force, a fluid located in the first tube 10 receives the flow direction 11 and is ejected.

[0073] If the external force is removed, the deformable element 30 relaxes back to its original state before compression and a negative pressure is created in the first tube 10. As a result of this negative pressure, a fluid from the environment in which the device 1 is located is sucked 12 into the first tube 10. The suction 12 into the first tube 10 continues until the deformable element 30 is completely relaxed and has reached its original state.

[0074] Simultaneously with the pumping through the first tube 10 and independently thereof, a fluid can be sucked 24 from the surroundings of the device 1 via a hose element connected to the connection 22 of the second tube 20. For this purpose, a suction effect is generated via a hose element, which sucks in a fluid, in particular water, from an area around the opening of the second tube 20.

[0075] The fluid can be sucked out 24 via the second pipe 20 and a hose element which is connected to the second pipe 20 at the connection 22.

[0076] The suction process can be constant, while simultaneously and independently of this, a suction 12 or expulsion 11 of a fluid can take place through the first tube 10 with the deformable element 30.

[0077] When a fluid is expelled 12 from the first tube 10, a fluid flow is created that can be directed to a specific location. For example, loose sediment at the bottom of an aquarium, for example, between sand and stones or in a planted area, can be stirred up by the directed fluid flow from the first tube 10 and sucked away through the second tube 20. The directed fluid flow from the first tube 10 can also stir up and suck away loose sediment in hard-to-reach areas of an aquarium.

[0078] With reference to Fig. 2, a further embodiment of the device 1 is explained. This also comprises a pump bellows 31, a holder 21 and a centering ring 23. The embodiment shown above is used as a basis, in particular the same reference numerals are used for elements with the same function as in Fig. 1.

[0079] The Fig. The device 1 shown in Fig. 2 for removing loose sediment in a fluid comprises a first tube 10, a second tube 20 and a deformable element, wherein the deformable element is designed as a pump bellows 31.

[0080] Deviating from the Fig. 1, a holder 21, a centering ring 23 and a hose element 40 are also provided. The flow directions are again illustrated by the arrows 11, 12 and 24 and correspond to the illustration in Fig. 1.

[0081] The holder 21 connects the first tube 10 to the pump bellows 31 and the second tube 20 via a connection 22 to the hose element 40.

[0082] In addition, the holder 21 aligns the first 10 and the second tube 20 to each other so that the longitudinal axes of both tubes are collinear.

[0083] The holder has a radial guide for the outer wall of the first tube 10 and the second tube 20, as well as a stop for the axial positioning of the first tube 10 and the second tube 20. As soon as a tube rests against its stop, this limits further insertion of the respective tube end into the holder 21.

[0084] Additionally, the lower openings of the first tube 10 and the second tube 20 are aligned via a centering ring 23. This is guided over the outer wall of the first tube 10 and prevented from any additional axial displacement toward the holder 21 by a limiter dimensioned for the diameter of the second tube 20.

[0085] In the example, the connection of the centering ring 23 is designed as a plug connection.

[0086] The connection of the holder 21 to the first tube 10 and the pump bellows 31 is made via a plug connection in each case such that the opening of the pump bellows 31 and the upper opening of the first tube 10 are aligned and connected to one another in such a way that a seal against the environment is achieved.

[0087] The connection of the bracket 21 to the second tube 20 is also designed as a plug connection.

[0088] In the example, the connection 22 of the holder 21 is designed as a connector with sawtooth protrusions, onto which the hose element 40 is pushed, so that the inner wall of the hose element 40 rests against the connection 22. Furthermore, a hose nozzle or a section formed as a hose nozzle can be provided.

[0089] The principle of action of the Fig. 2 corresponds to the embodiment shown under Fig. 1, therefore only individual aspects will be highlighted below.

[0090] If the pump bellows 31 is compressed by an external force, it folds together at the designated folding points. The reduction in volume leads to the Fig. 1. After removing the external force, the pump bellows 31 unfolds and returns to its original state. The increase in volume leads to a suction effect in the first pipe 10, so that, as Fig. 1, a fluid is sucked in.

[0091] After connecting to the first tube 10 and the second tube 20, the holder 21 creates two hollow chambers that are separated from each other. Due to this decoupling, the fluid flows in the first tube 10 and the second tube 20 can be generated independently of each other.

[0092] The design of all connections as plug-in connections enables particularly simple assembly and disassembly of all components of device 1.

[0093] Furthermore, the purpose and advantages of the Fig. 2 shown embodiment to those as they are to Fig. 1 were described.

[0094] With the device according to the invention, particles to be removed, such as loose sediment, can be both swirled up in a fluid and then sucked away. The swirling and suctioning are carried out using a single compact device. Furthermore, the swirling of the particles to be removed, such as loose sediment, can be carried out using a fluid stream even in hard-to-reach places. List of reference symbols 1 device 10 first pipe 11 Flow direction first pipe (discharge) 12 Flow direction first pipe (suction) 20 second pipe 21 Bracket 22 connection 23 Centering ring 24 Flow direction second pipe (suction) 30 deformable element 31 Pump bellows 40 hose element

Claims

[1] Device (1) for removing loose sediment in a fluid; comprising a first tube (10), a second tube (20) and a deformable element (30), wherein the deformable element (30) is connectable to the first tube (10) in such a way that a fluid flow can be generated by deformation of the deformable element (30); wherein the second tube (20) is connectable to a hose element (40) via a connection (22); wherein the fluid can be sucked out through the second pipe (20). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein a first fluid flow can be generated in the first tube (10); wherein a second fluid flow can be generated in the second tube (20); and wherein the first and second fluid streams can be generated independently of one another. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tube (10) with the deformable element (30) is adapted to generate a directed fluid flow upon manual deformation of the deformable element (30). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable element (30) is a pump bellows (31). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a holder (21) positions the first tube (10) and the second tube (20) relative to each other; wherein the holder in particular also positions the deformable element (30) relative to the first tube (10); wherein the holder (21) in particular has a connection for the hose element (40). [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (10) and the second tube (20) are positioned one inside the other; wherein in particular the first tube (10) is arranged internally and the second tube (20) is arranged externally. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tube (10) and the second tube (20) have an inner diameter ratio of 2 / 3 to 1 / 6. [8] Device according to claim 6, wherein the first (10) and the second tube (20) are aligned centered along their longitudinal axes; wherein the alignment is carried out in particular via a centering element, for example a centering ring (23).

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