Kit for a 3-chamber internal aquarium filter

Abstract

Kit (1-5) for a 3-chamber internal filter (0) of an aquarium with at least, preferably exactly, the following components (1-5): • a first component (1) of the kit (1-5) with an intake opening (1a) and a return (1b) as the front (1) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), • a second component (2) of the kit (1-5) as the back wall (2) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), • a third component (3) of the kit (1-5) as the base (3) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), • two fourth components (4) of the kit (1-5) as side parts (4) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0) and • two fifth components (5) of the kit (1-5) with passages (5a) as internal parts (5) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), wherein the components (1-5) are designed to form a first chamber (AA), a second chamber (BB) and a third chamber (CC) in the assembled state, such that • the second chamber (BB) is arranged between the first chamber (AA) and the third chamber (CC), • the first chamber (AA) and the second chamber (BB) are separated by means of the first inner part (5) and are fluid-carrying connected by means of the passage (5a) of the first inner part (5) and • the second chamber (BB) and the third chamber (CC) are separated by means of the second inner part (5) and are fluid-carrying connected by means of the passage (5a) of the second inner part (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit for a 3-chamber internal filter for an aquarium.

[0002] Aquariums are the hobby of keeping an aquarium and caring for the creatures within it, such as fish and invertebrates like mollusks or crustaceans. An aquarium also contains aquatic plants and substrate materials like gravel or sand. Furthermore, the aquarium is filled with water, which can be freshwater or saltwater depending on the type of animals and plants. The aquarium itself is a water container made of glass or transparent plastic, which can be of virtually any shape, although rectangular aquariums are particularly common. The interior of the aquarium can be referred to as the tank.

[0003] An aquarium always needs a water filter to remove solid waste from the water. For this purpose, water is drawn from the aquarium tank into the filter, usually by an electric pump, and then returned to the tank after filtration. If the water filter is located inside the tank, it can be called an internal filter.

[0004] A well-known type of internal filter is the so-called 3-chamber internal filter, which can purify the aquarium water in a multi-stage process. This filtration process combines mechanical and biological filtration, with the option of adding chemical filtration. The filtered water flows through the three chambers sequentially, with each chamber containing a specific type of filter material. The pump is typically located in the third and final chamber to generate the flow of the water being purified.

[0005] Accordingly, the water to be cleaned enters the first chamber from the tank through at least one intake opening, usually at the top or on one side of the filter. Mechanical filtration takes place there, as the first chamber contains coarse filter materials, typically coarse filter sponges or filter wool. In this way, large dirt particles and suspended solids such as leftover food, plant debris, excrement, and the like are retained from the water flow in the first chamber, thus protecting the subsequent chambers, which contain finer materials, from rapid clogging.

[0006] After passing through an initial flow-through, the water enters the second chamber, where biological filtration takes place. This second chamber contains materials with a large surface area for the colonization of beneficial filter bacteria. These bacteria can break down toxic nitrogen compounds such as ammonia / ammonium and nitrite. Fine filter sponges, ceramic tubes (Siporax), bio-balls, or special biological filter media are commonly used for this purpose.

[0007] The water then flows through a second opening into the third chamber, where, as mentioned earlier, the pump for circulating the water is usually located. The third chamber can also provide further biological filtration or, optionally, contain chemical filter media such as activated carbon for removing medications, odors, or discoloration. A heating element may also be placed there to warm the water during the filtration process.

[0008] The filtered water is then returned to the basin via a recirculation system. The chambers are separated from each other and from the basin by partitions, which are connected to each other and to the basin via the previously described intake opening, passages, and recirculation system.

[0009] Regarding the arrangement of the intake opening and the return as connections between the first and third chambers of the water filter and the aquarium basin, as well as regarding the two passages between the first and second chambers and between the second and third chambers, it should be noted that these can influence the flow of the water to be cleaned through the water filter.

[0010] It is common practice to stagger the two openings between the first and second chambers, or between the second and third chambers, with one opening at the bottom and the other at the top, to ensure that the water flows through the entire volume of the filter materials in the second chamber. A similar principle applies to the intake opening of the first chamber and its first opening to the second chamber.

[0011] Typically, the water to be purified flows into the first chamber from above, flows downwards through the filter material in that chamber, and then passes through the first opening at the bottom of the first chamber into the second chamber. In the second chamber, the water can then rise through the filter material there and pass through the second opening at the top into the third chamber. In the third chamber, the water flows downwards again to the pump, which then pumps the purified water back into the aquarium tank via the aforementioned outlet.

[0012] This "top-bottom-top" flow pattern ensures maximum flow through the filter media and thus efficient water purification. In particular, this avoids areas within the chambers where there is no or only a weak water flow, which would lead to a correspondingly reduced purification effect.

[0013] Nevertheless, a different type of flow direction within a 3-chamber internal filter of an aquarium can still bring advantages that can outweigh the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0014] For example, a "bottom-top-bottom" flow pattern could cause the water to flow from bottom to top, thus pushing dirt particles upwards in the first chamber. This would allow coarser particles to settle more readily at the bottom of the first chamber. This could facilitate the removal of the coarse filter media for cleaning, as the dirt would not have to be flushed down through the entire material. Vertical water mixing could also be promoted in this way, which could lead to a more even distribution of heat, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the entire water volume.

[0015] A disadvantage is that currently available commercially available 3-chamber internal filters are fixed with regard to the arrangement of the intake and return openings, as well as the two passages between the first and second chambers and between the second and third chambers. Furthermore, the arrangement of the intake, passages, and return in commercially available 3-chamber internal filters is typically a top-bottom-top flow pattern. This limits the buyer to using a flow pattern offered by the various manufacturers.

[0016] One object of the present invention is therefore to improve the possibilities for the individual design of 3-chamber internal filters for aquariums. In particular, the flow direction of the water to be filtered in the 3-chamber internal filter should be able to be changed or determined by the user more flexibly than previously known, or even at all. In any case, this should be as simple, flexible, intuitive, and / or cost-effective as possible. At the very least, an alternative to the known 3-chamber internal filters for aquariums should be created.

[0017] The problem is solved according to the invention by a kit for a 3-chamber internal filter for an aquarium with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0018] The present invention therefore relates to a kit for a 3-chamber internal filter for an aquarium comprising at least, preferably exactly, the following components: • a first component of the kit with an intake opening and a return line as the front of the 3-chamber internal filter, • a second component of the kit as the back wall of the 3-chamber internal filter, • a third component of the kit as the base of the 3-chamber internal filter, • two fourth components of the kit as side parts of the 3-chamber internal filter and • Two fifth components of the kit with passages as inner parts of the 3-chamber internal filter, wherein the components are designed to form a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber when assembled, so that • the second chamber is arranged between the first chamber and the third chamber, • the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by means of the first inner part and are fluid-carrying connected by means of the passage of the first inner part and • the second chamber and the third chamber are separated by means of the second inner part and fluid-carrying connected by means of the passage of the second inner part.

[0019] The present invention is based on the realization that, until now, 3-chamber internal filters for aquariums have only been available fully assembled. Consequently, a person can only purchase and use a 3-chamber internal filter in the configuration in which it was manufactured and offered. And since "top-bottom-top" flow patterns are common, the person is typically limited to operating the 3-chamber internal filter with this "top-bottom-top" flow pattern.

[0020] According to the invention, a kit is provided to allow the aquarium user to assemble a 3-chamber internal filter themselves, thus increasing the design options available to the individual. The individual components can be assembled differently than is typical for, for example, a "top-bottom-top" flow pattern, further expanding the design possibilities of the 3-chamber internal filter. This will be described in more detail below.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the individual components can be more easily or even completely modified by the person before assembly or before joining them, for example by drilling or cutting additional openings and the like, than would be the case in the assembled state of the 3-chamber internal filter or with a ready-made 3-chamber internal filter.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the front is formed in the assembled state of the components. • to connect the first chamber to a basin of the aquarium via the intake opening at the front, thus ensuring fluid flow and • to connect the third chamber to the aquarium basin by means of the return of the front, or vice versa.

[0023] This can represent a concrete possibility for the person as user of the 3-chamber internal filter to influence the design or function of the 3-chamber internal filter during the assembly or installation of the 3-chamber internal filter by arranging its openings differently through different use of the front.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the inner parts are designed to be arranged with the passage facing upwards or downwards along the vertical axis.

[0025] This can represent an additional or alternative concrete possibility for the person as user of the 3-chamber internal filter to influence the design or function of the 3-chamber internal filter during the assembly or installation of the 3-chamber internal filter by arranging its passages differently through a different orientation of the internal parts.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the openings in the inner parts are formed by a plurality of slots and / or holes. This could represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the intake opening and / or the return of the front are formed by a large-area, preferably rectangular, recess or by a cylindrical opening. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the components are made of glass or food-grade plastic. This could represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the components are designed to be permanently joined to one another by means of a material bond, preferably by adhesive bonding. This can represent a concrete possibility for implementation.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the components are designed to be positively connected to one another using a tongue-and-groove joint. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a 3-chamber internal filter based on a kit as described above. Thus, a 3-chamber internal filter can be created which can exhibit the properties and advantages of the kit according to the invention.

[0032] The present invention further relates to an aquarium with a 3-chamber internal filter as described above. Thus, an aquarium can be created which can exhibit the properties and advantages of the inventive kit or the inventive 3-chamber internal filter.

[0033] An exemplary embodiment and further advantages of the invention are presented and explained in more detail below in purely schematic terms in connection with the following figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a top view of all components of a kit of a 3-chamber internal filter according to the invention, spread out horizontally; Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of the 3-chamber internal filter according to the kit according to the invention; Fig. 3 an exploded view of the 3-chamber internal filter according to the kit according to the invention from above; and Fig. 4 a perspective view of the 3-chamber internal filter according to the kit according to the invention.

[0034] The figures above are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends, which can also be called depth X or length X. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X extends a transverse axis Y, which can also be called width Y. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y extends a vertical axis Z, which can also be called height Z and corresponds to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y together form the horizontal X,Y, which can also be called the horizontal plane X,Y.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 relates to a top view of all components 1-5 of a kit 1-5 according to the invention of a 3-chamber internal filter 0, spread out in the horizontal X, Y. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 according to the inventive kit 1-5. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 according to the inventive kit 1-5 from above. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 according to the inventive kit 1-5.

[0036] Considered is a kit 1-5 according to the invention for an aquarium filter in the form of a 3-chamber internal filter 0 made of glass or comparable food-grade plastic such as Plexiglas, whether transparent or colored, which functions according to the principle of after-flow. The material thickness of the starting material is determined by the size of the end product and can vary between 2 mm and 80 mm.

[0037] Kit 1-5 always consists of seven parts: • 1 × Front 1 as first component 1 • 1 × back panel 2 as second component 2 • 1 × floor 3 as the third component 3 • 2 × side panel 4 or side wall 4 as the fourth component 4 • 2 × inner part 5, inner part 5 or partition 5 with opening 5a

[0038] Milling grooves D and milling profiles C in or on the second, third, and fourth components 2, 3, 4—that is, on the back wall 2, the base 3, and the two side panels 4—create edges or grooves that serve as templates for gluing and thus ensure that components 1–5 interlock using tongue-and-groove connections. This results in a 3-chamber internal filter 0 with a first chamber AA, a second chamber BB, and a third chamber CC. The first chamber AA and the third chamber CC are the same size due to the arrangement of the milling grooves D in the base 3 and the back wall 2. Depending on the arrangement of the two internal parts 5, the first chamber AA and the third chamber CC are used either to hold a filter sponge (not shown) or an object (not shown) that serves to return water from a filter (not shown) to an aquarium (not shown), such as an air lift or powerhead.The second, middle chamber BB is designed to hold a filter medium (not shown) such as soil, lava granules, and the like. Of course, the second chamber BB can also be filled with various other filter media. The choice is entirely up to the user.

[0039] The ability to arrange the two inner parts 5 differently, such that the opening 5a is at the top or bottom, allows the user of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 to choose on which side (right or left) the intake opening 1a of the front 1 is located as a water inlet in the form of a large rectangular cutout, which could also be a hole. A perforated hole 1b is located in the front 1 of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 for water return.

[0040] For example (not shown) a first inner part 5 can be placed in the first milling groove D from the right in the base 3 with the opening 5a facing upwards and the second inner part 5 can be placed in the first milling groove D from the left in the base 3 with the opening 5a facing downwards, so that the front 1 is positioned so that the filter sponge comes into the right, first chamber AA and the water return from the filter into the aquarium takes place through the outlet opening 1b as a hole in the front 1 from the left, third chamber CC.

[0041] If the user would prefer the water inlet to be on the right instead, see for example Fig. 4, he only needs to arrange the inner parts 5 accordingly, meaning: first inner part 5 in the first milling groove D from the right in the base 3 with the opening 5a as a water passage downwards and the second inner part 5 with the opening 5a as a water passage upwards in the first milling groove D from the left in the base 3 results in the proper assembly of the 3-chamber internal filter 0, the front 1 is positioned so that the rectangular recess as intake opening 1a is located in front of the left, first chamber AA.

[0042] Both food-safe plastic adhesives and silicone can be used for bonding.

[0043] It is advantageous that a 3-chamber internal filter 0 according to the inventive kit 1-5 is safe for all types of offspring in the aquarium, since the sponge prevents the offspring from entering the filter interior.

[0044] Easy cleaning and replacement of the filter media are also advantageous, as the 3-chamber internal filter is external and therefore easily removable. To clean the sponge, it is not necessary to remove the entire 3-chamber internal filter from the aquarium.

[0045] To clean the sponge, simply lower the water level to below the opening 5a in the inner part 5, then remove the sponge from the top of the chamber and, after cleaning, slide it back into the chamber. Afterwards, you can raise the water level again to allow the sponge to run through.

[0046] Water recirculation can take place through the borehole 1b in the front 1, either by an air lift or any other type of water conveying device (if suitable).

[0047] The aforementioned front 1 almost always has a rectangular shape due to its construction, but for rare aquarium dimensions it can also have a square shape.

[0048] In the upper left corner of Front 1, viewed, for example, from the Fig.4. From the inside, i.e., from the perspective of chambers AA, BB, CC, there is the previously mentioned milled hole 1b, which serves as a passage for the water return system from the filter (first chamber AA or third chamber CC) into the aquarium. On the right side is a rectangular recess 1a, which is large enough that only a thin ridge remains at the upper and lower right edges. This ridge, when glued, serves as a connection to the base 3 and, in this assembly variation, to the right side panel 4. The recess 1a is dimensioned so that it is always slightly smaller in height and width than the chambers AA, CC that are created behind it when glued. The long side A of the front panel 1 is always dimensioned so that, after gluing to the side panels 4 and the inner parts 5, it forms a flush finish with both short sides B and the front long side A of the base 3.

[0049] The back wall (back wall 2) almost always has a rectangular shape due to its construction. However, for rare aquarium dimensions, a square shape is also possible.

[0050] The back panel 2 has two milled grooves D, or milled recesses, running from top to bottom, parallel to the short side B. The distance from the outside to the inside is the same on both the left and right sides. These milled grooves D form the vertical guide groove for the inner parts 5 and serve as a receiving surface for the adhesive. The milled grooves D are always 0.2–0.5 mm wider than the base material. The back panel 2 is always dimensioned so that, after gluing to the side panels 4, it creates a flush finish on both short sides B and the rear long side A of the base 3. Due to the construction, the back panel 2 is the same height as the side panels 4, the inner parts 5, and the front panel 1.

[0051] The base 3 is always rectangular and features a single-sided milled profile or groove running along the entire length of both long sides A and the entire length of both short sides B. This groove begins at the outer edge and is dimensioned to the width of the base material. The milled profiles C and grooves, as described, create an edge on the base 3 that serves as a boundary when bonding it to the side panels 4 and back panel 2. The depth of the milled profiles C and grooves is determined by the thickness of the base material. This means that the thicker the base material, the wider and deeper the milled profiles C and grooves must be.

[0052] The base 3 is provided on one side with two milled grooves D, running from top to bottom parallel to the short sides B. The two milled grooves D are each equidistant from the short outer edge B to the inside and are always 0.2–0.5 mm wider than the base material. The depth of the milled grooves D is determined by the base material. This means that the thicker the base material, the deeper and wider the milled grooves D. The milled profiles C and grooves D form the surfaces for the adhesive. The grooves D in the base 3 serve as horizontal guides for the internal parts 5. The milled grooves D and the milled profiles C always have the same depth.

[0053] The two side panels 4 are identical or mirror-symmetrical and always rectangular. Each of the two long sides A has a milled profile C or groove extending along one side from the outer edge, the width of the base material. This groove runs the entire length of the long sides A. The depth is dimensioned so that, after bonding to the base 3, the front panel 1, and the back panel 2, it is flush with the respective outer sides (left or right) of the base 2. The milled profiles C or grooves serve as a receiving surface for the adhesive and as a vertical guide for the front panel 1 and the back panel 2.

[0054] The two inner parts 5 are identical or mirror-symmetrical and always have a rectangular shape. Each inner part 5 has openings (slots or holes) in its upper third, designated as passages 5a, which serve as channels for the water. The number of openings (slots or holes) depends on the filter size; that is, the larger the 3-chamber internal filter 0, the more or larger the openings (slots / holes). The passages 5a are arranged so that they are spaced further apart from the top than from the right or left. The inner parts 5 are dimensioned so that, after being glued to the base 3 and the back wall 2, they are flush with the milled grooves D in the base 3. Depending on their arrangement, the inner parts 5 determine the flow direction in the 3-chamber internal filter 0, i.e., through the filter medium(s). After being glued to the base 3 and the back wall 2, the thick sides of the base 3 and the back wall 2 serve as a guide for the water flow.The edges of the inner parts 5 serve as a receiving surface for the adhesive and form the inner boundaries of the three chambers AA, BB, CC. REFERENCE MARK LIST (Part of the description) X Longitudinal axis; Depth; Length Y transverse axis; width Z vertical axis; height X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane 0 3-chamber internal filter; Three-chamber filter 1-5 Kit 1 First component; front of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 1a Intake opening or inlet opening of the first component 1 or the front side 1 1b Return or outlet opening of the first component 1 or the front side 1 2 second component; back wall of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 3 third component; bottom of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 4 fourth components; side panels or side walls of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 5 fifth components; internal parts or partitions of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 5a Passages of the fifth components 5, the inner parts 5 or the partition walls 5 A long sides of components 1-5 B short sides of components 1-5 C Milling profiles of components 1-5 D Milling grooves of components 1-5 AA first chamber of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 BB second chamber of the 3-chamber internal filter 0 CC third chamber of the 3-chamber internal filter 0

Claims

[1] Kit (1-5) for a 3-chamber internal filter (0) of an aquarium with at least, preferably exactly, the following components (1-5): • a first component (1) of the kit (1-5) with an intake opening (1a) and a return (1b) as the front (1) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), • a second component (2) of the kit (1-5) as the back wall (2) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), • a third component (3) of the kit (1-5) as the base (3) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), • two fourth components (4) of the kit (1-5) as side parts (4) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0) and • two fifth components (5) of the kit (1-5) with passages (5a) as internal parts (5) of the 3-chamber internal filter (0), wherein the components (1-5) are designed to form a first chamber (AA), a second chamber (BB) and a third chamber (CC) in the assembled state, such that • the second chamber (BB) is arranged between the first chamber (AA) and the third chamber (CC), • the first chamber (AA) and the second chamber (BB) are separated by means of the first inner part (5) and are fluid-carrying connected by means of the passage (5a) of the first inner part (5) and • the second chamber (BB) and the third chamber (CC) are separated by means of the second inner part (5) and are fluid-carrying connected by means of the passage (5a) of the second inner part (5). [2] Kit (1-5) according to claim 1, wherein the front (1) is formed in the assembled state of the components (1-5) • to connect the first chamber (AA) to a basin of the aquarium via the intake opening (1a) of the front (1) in a fluid-carrying manner and • to connect the third chamber (CC) to the basin of the aquarium via the return (1b) of the front (1) in a fluid-carrying manner, or vice versa. [3] Kit (1-5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner parts (5) are designed to be arranged with the passage (5a) facing upwards or downwards along the vertical axis (Z). [4] Kit (1-5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the passages (5a) of the inner parts (5) are formed by a plurality of slots and / or holes. [5] Kit (1-5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intake opening (1a) and / or the return (1b) of the front (1) is formed by a large-area, preferably rectangular, recess or by a cylindrical opening. [6] Kit (1-5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the components (1-5) are made of glass or food-grade plastic. [7] Kit (1-5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the components (1-5) are designed to be joined together in a materially bonded manner, preferably by gluing, in a fixed position. [8] Kit (1-5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the components (1-5) are designed to be positively connected to each other by a tongue and groove joint. [9] 3-chamber internal filter (0) based on a kit (1-5) according to any of the preceding claims. [10] Aquarium with a 3-chamber internal filter (0) according to claim 9.

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