ornamental aquarium

Abstract

To provide an aquarium suitable for viewing aquatic organisms through the fluctuation of the water surface while stabilizing the growing environment near the water surface. [Solution] The present invention is an ornamental aquarium for viewing aquatic organisms, comprising an aquarium container for storing breeding water for the aquatic organisms, a waterway unit that is shallower than the aquarium container and forms a waterway that exposes the water surface, and an opening that partially opens the upper part of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container at a height corresponding to the upper layer of the breeding water and to which the waterway unit is connected. In this ornamental aquarium, the upper layer of the breeding water is expanded by the waterway unit connected to the opening, thereby adding an environment in which the aquatic organisms live at shallow depths to the aquarium container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aquarium for displaying aquatic organisms. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, rectangular aquariums with transparent walls made of glass, acrylic, etc. on the sides are known as ornamental aquariums that are installed indoors or on balconies, etc. In such rectangular aquariums, the underwater growth of aquatic organisms can be viewed through the transparent walls on the sides.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses "a connected aquarium device in which two aquariums are connected by a connecting pipe below the water surface, allowing the viewer to watch fish passing through the connecting pipe, which serves as a water pipe."

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses "an observation device in which an inverted U-shaped transparent pipe is erected on the surface of the water in an aquarium, and water is drawn in from both ends by evacuating the inside of the transparent pipe, making it possible to observe fish passing through the transparent pipe, which has become a water pipe."

[0005] Shallow water basins have also been known for some time. By filling such basins with water, it is possible to observe small fish swimming in shallow areas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-183006 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-137280 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The inventors thought that by observing aquatic organisms (such as small fish) living in shallow water through the rippling water surface, as if observing a natural waterway such as a stream or irrigation canal, it would be possible to have a more natural viewing experience.

[0008] However, in conventional rectangular aquariums, the bottom is deep relative to the water surface, so small fish also move up and down, making rectangular aquariums unsuitable for viewing small fish swimming in shallow water near the surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the water pipes of the types described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 require viewing through the water pipe, so they are not suitable for viewing aquatic organisms through the rippling water surface.

[0010] The above-mentioned water basin is suitable for viewing aquatic organisms that live in shallow water. However, because the water depth of the water basin is shallow overall, it is extremely susceptible to the influence of outside air temperature, resulting in large fluctuations in water temperature. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain a stable temperature near the water surface for the growth of aquatic organisms in the water basin.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ornamental aquarium that stabilizes the growth environment near the water surface and is suitable for viewing aquatic organisms through the rippling water surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is an aquarium for viewing aquatic organisms, and comprises the following components (aquarium container, a waterway unit, and an opening).

[0013] The aquarium container is a container for storing water for raising the aquatic organisms. The water channel unit has a water channel formed therein that is shallower than the water tank container and exposes the water surface.

[0014] The opening is formed by partially opening the upper part of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container at a height corresponding to the upper layer of the breeding water, and the waterway unit is connected to this opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The solution described above allows for extra water to be stored in an aquarium container that is deeper than the waterway unit. This increases the overall heat capacity of the water, reducing extreme temperature fluctuations. This allows for a more stable temperature for aquatic organisms to grow compared to conventional water basins.

[0016] At the same time, by expanding the upper layer of the breeding water with a waterway unit connected to the opening, an environment in which aquatic organisms can live at shallow depths can be realized. Because this waterway unit exposes the water surface, it is suitable for viewing aquatic organisms near the water surface by looking through the ripples on the water surface.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention "stabilizes the growth environment near the water surface" using the aquarium container, while at the same time enabling "the experience of viewing aquatic life through the rippling of the water surface" using the waterway unit.

[0018] The details of the problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be explained in the embodiments described later. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an aquarium 100 seen obliquely from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the aquarium 100 as seen from above and to the side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the aquarium 100 seen from diagonally below. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the growth of aquatic organisms in the aquarium 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the aquarium 200 seen obliquely from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view showing an example of attachment and detachment of water tank container 310 and water channel unit 320. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a table function is added to the aquarium 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0021] Basic Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an aquarium 100 seen obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the aquarium 100 as seen from above and to the side. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the aquarium 100 seen from diagonally below. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the growth of aquatic organisms in the aquarium 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the ornamental aquarium 100 includes an aquarium container 110, a waterway unit 120, and an opening .

[0022] The aquarium container 110 is deeper than the waterway unit 120 and is a container for storing extra water for breeding aquatic organisms. The volume of the aquarium container 110 contributes to the overall heat capacity of the breeding water and determines how the water temperature of the waterway unit 120 changes with the outside air temperature. Therefore, it is preferable to design the volume of the aquarium container 110 according to the rate of water temperature change that is allowed for the waterway unit 120.

[0023] The water channel unit 120 is shallower than the water tank container 110. A water channel 121 that exposes the water surface is formed in this water channel unit 120. Landscape materials such as aquatic plants, moss stones, rocks, and trees are placed in the water channel 121 as needed.

[0024] The opening 130 is formed at a height corresponding to the upper layer of the breeding water by partially opening the upper part of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container 110. The waterway unit 120 is integrally connected to this opening 130.

[0025] With this basic configuration, the upper layer of the breeding water is expanded by the waterway unit 120 connected to the opening 130 of the aquarium container 110, thereby creating an environment in which aquatic organisms can live at shallow depths.

[0026] Design of Example 1 Next, the design features of the first embodiment will be described. The approximate rectangle SQ shown in FIG. 1 represents the shape of the aquarium 100 projected onto the placement surface when viewed from above.

[0027] Two aquarium containers 110 are placed at diagonal positions of this approximate rectangle SQ, spaced apart. Each aquarium container 110 has two openings 130 that open toward the sides of the approximate rectangle SQ. These openings 130 are formed by partially opening the upper part of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container 110 so that the two aquarium containers 110 are at the same height when placed on the placement surface.

[0028] Two waterway units 120 extend horizontally from these openings 130, bending along the four sides of the roughly rectangular shape SQ, to form a circular route. These waterway units 120 and waterways 121 may be camouflaged in the shape of landscaping materials or may have a pattern of landscaping materials printed on them to make them look natural.

[0029] The ornamental aquarium 100 designed in this way is surrounded by a circular route (the aquarium container 110 and the waterway unit 120) and has an open space S in the center. Landscape materials such as plants, rocks, satoyama (woodland), and trees can be freely arranged in this open space S.

[0030] Effect of Example 1 The effects of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0031] (1) In Example 1, by storing extra rearing water in the aquarium container 110, which is deeper than the waterway unit 120, the overall heat capacity of the rearing water can be kept large. Therefore, unlike conventional water basins, the temperature of the rearing water does not change drastically due to the influence of the outside air temperature. Therefore, Example 1 is superior to conventional water basins in that it can maintain a stable growth environment for aquatic organisms.

[0032] (2) By connecting the waterway unit 120 to the opening 130 of the aquarium container 110, aquatic organisms such as killifish and goldfish migrate from the aquarium container 110 to the shallower waterway unit 120. This makes it possible to view the aquatic organisms growing in shallow water through the rippling of the water surface, just like observing a natural waterway such as a stream or irrigation channel. Therefore, Example 1 is superior in that it realizes a growth environment reminiscent of a natural environment or a Japanese garden, making it even more interesting.

[0033] (3) Furthermore, the shallow water channel unit 120 has an exposed water surface in the water channel 121. This makes it suitable for placing amphibious landscape materials that are exposed above the water surface. Therefore, Example 1 is superior in that it can realize a shallow water growth environment that could only be realized with conventional water basins, further increasing the interest.

[0034] (4) Furthermore, the two aquarium containers 110 are placed at a distance from each other. A circular route is formed by connecting these two aquarium containers 110 with two waterway units 120. An empty space S is provided in the central area of ​​this circular route. Landscape materials can be placed in this empty space S. Therefore, Example 1 is superior in that by placing landscape materials in the central empty space S, a landscape can be created behind the waterway units 120, further increasing the interest of the ornamental aquarium 100. [Example]

[0035] Next, an aquarium 200 according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0036] <<Basic Configuration of Example 2>> FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the aquarium 200 seen obliquely from above. 5, a water channel unit 220 is connected to an opening 230 of the water tank container 210. The water channel unit 220 is formed with a maze-like water channel 221 in which separate water channel portions are arranged in an intricate manner.

[0037] Such a maze-like waterway 221 may have, for example, dead-end routes, detour routes, branching routes, and resting spaces for aquatic organisms.

[0038] An aquatic organism that enters the waterway unit 220 through the opening 230 of the aquarium container 210 cannot simply swim in one direction through the maze-like waterway 221, and so will have to make complex movements, such as turning corners many times and changing direction.

[0039] This makes it possible to observe the diverse movements of aquatic organisms in the maze-like waterway 221.

[0040] Furthermore, a desired location in the aquarium container 210 or the maze-like waterway 221 may be set as the goal of the escape game. In this case, it is possible to place food for aquatic creatures at the goal to attract them, and then compete in the escape game to see who can swim the longest or the shortest time to reach the goal.

[0041] Furthermore, if the aquatic creatures are accustomed to the user, they will be attracted by the user's finger movements, etc. Therefore, the user can guide the aquatic creatures to the goal by waving from above the maze-like waterway 221. This method of attraction makes it possible to play an escape game in which participants compete to swim the longest or fastest time to reach the goal.

[0042] The other basic configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0043] Design of Example 2 Next, the design features of the second embodiment will be described. Openings 230 are provided symmetrically on the left and right sides of each aquarium container 210. The left and right openings 230 are formed by partially opening the upper part of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container 210 so that they are at the same height when the aquarium container 210 is placed on a mounting surface.

[0044] Two waterway units 220 extend from the left and right openings 230 along the peripheral wall of the aquarium container 210. The left and right waterway units 220 are formed in a wide shape that is wide enough to provide the spatial space for the maze.

[0045] It is preferable to design the size and outer shape of the left and right water channel units 220 symmetrically so that the center of gravity of the decorative aquarium 200 is within the range of the bottom surface of the aquarium container 210 when the decorative aquarium 200 is filled with breeding water. Such a symmetrical balance of the center of gravity can improve the stability of the center of gravity of the decorative aquarium 200.

[0046] The waterway unit 220 and the maze-like waterway 221 may be camouflaged in the shape of a landscape material or may have a pattern of a landscape material printed on them so that they look natural.

[0047] Effect of Example 2 In addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the second embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0048] (1) In Example 2, the aquatic organisms make complex movements, such as turning around the corners of the maze-like waterway 221 and changing direction multiple times. Therefore, the maze-like waterway 221 increases the time that the aquatic organisms spend migrating around the waterway unit 220. Therefore, Example 2 is advantageous in that the provision of the maze-like waterway 221 allows the aquatic organisms to carefully watch the aquatic organisms migrating around.

[0049] (2) In Example 2, the maze-like waterway 221 allows aquatic creatures to compete in swimming style and time until they reach the goal of the maze-like waterway 221. Therefore, Example 2 is superior in that the maze-like waterway 221 makes the game even more interesting. [Example]

[0050] Next, a mechanism that enables disassembly / assembly of the water tank will be described as Example 3. The mechanism here can also be applied to the other Examples.

[0051] <<Structure of Example 3>> FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view showing an example of a mechanism for attaching and detaching water tank container 310 and water channel unit 320. As shown in FIG.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the ornamental aquarium 300 includes an aquarium container 310, a waterway unit 320, an opening 330, connecting portions 350A and 350B, and waterproof portions 360A and 360B.

[0053] The water tank container 310 and the water channel unit 320 are individually formed as independent parts, and each of the water tank container 310 and the water channel unit 320 has a required watertight structure when assembled.

[0054] A U-shaped gutter 331 is formed in the opening 330 by extending the opening portion. The U-shaped gutter 331 is designed to have a shape that fits into the connecting portion of the water channel unit 320.

[0055] The connecting portion 350A is disposed at the rear side of the U-shaped gutter 331, and has a shape that receives and locks the end portion of the water channel unit 320 in the connected state.

[0056] The connecting portion 350B is disposed on the lower surface of the water channel unit 320, and has a shape that receives and locks the end portion of the U-shaped gutter 331 when the water channel units 320 are connected.

[0057] Waterproof section 360A is a rubber packing or the like joined so as to cover the outside of the end portion of water channel unit 320. When water channel unit 320 and U-shaped gutter 331 are fitted together, waterproof section 360A is interposed in the gap between them and is crushed to form a watertight structure.

[0058] Waterproof portion 360B is a rubber packing or the like joined so as to cover the inside of the end portion of U-shaped gutter 331. When water channel unit 320 and U-shaped gutter 331 are fitted together, waterproof portion 360B is interposed in the gap between them and is crushed to form a watertight structure.

[0059] Effect of Example 3 The third embodiment provides the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, the third embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0060] (1) In Example 3, the aquarium container 310 and the water channel unit 320 can be separated and assembled. Therefore, by preparing a plurality of types of water channel units 320 with different water channel shapes, it is possible to replace them as needed. Therefore, Example 3 is advantageous in that it allows the user to enjoy growing environments with a variety of water channel shapes by replacing the water channel unit 320.

[0061] (2) In the third embodiment, the water tank container 310 and the water channel unit 320 can be separated, allowing for compact storage when not in use. Therefore, the third embodiment is excellent in terms of ease of storage when not in use. [Example]

[0062] Next, an example in which a table function is added to the ornamental aquarium 100 of Example 1 will be described as Example 4. Note that such a table function can be added to the other examples in the same way.

[0063] Table Function of Example 4 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an aquarium 100 with a table function added thereto. As shown in FIG. 7, a table 470 and support portions 480A and 480B are added to the aquarium 100 (see Example 1).

[0064] The table 470 has a transparent material 471 placed on the waterway unit 120. Although an outer peripheral frame is provided on the transparent material 471 in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral frame may be omitted and the transparent material 471 may be used as the table 470. Also, one or more holes may be provided in the surface of the table 470, and the transparent material 471 may be placed in the holes. Furthermore, the table 470 may be fixed to the upper part of the outer peripheral wall of the ornamental aquarium 100 to form an integrated unit.

[0065] The load of this table 470 is distributed and supported by two water tank containers 110 (which also serve as supports).

[0066] Furthermore, in order to reinforce the support of table 470 and maintain the horizontal balance of table 470, support portions 480A and 480B are added as necessary.

[0067] Effect of Example 4 In addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments described above, the fourth embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0068] (1) In the fourth embodiment, the waterway unit 120 is located immediately below the table 470. Therefore, the fourth embodiment is advantageous in that the habitat of shallow aquatic life can be viewed up close through the table 470.

[0069] Supplementary Notes on Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, an example in which one or two water tank containers are provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is possible to provide as many water tank containers as necessary to deploy the waterway units with the desired course shape.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the aquarium is designed with straight lines to give a simple and sophisticated impression. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The aquarium container, the waterway unit, and the opening may be designed with curved surfaces.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a water flow driver (e.g., a pump) may be provided to move the breeding water between the aquarium container and the waterway unit. This water flow driver forces the breeding water in the aquarium container, which experiences relatively little temperature change, to convect into the waterway unit. This forced convection makes it possible to maintain a more stable growth temperature in the waterway unit.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the description of accessories for the aquarium is omitted. For example, accessories such as a water purifier, an air pump, a carbon dioxide gas supplier for growing aquatic plants and algae, a food supplier, a heater, and lighting can be attached to the aquarium as needed.

[0073] As shown in these examples, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0074] In particular, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail as a whole in order to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the described parts, configurations, functions, and shapes.

[0075] Furthermore, the individual elements of the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, other configurations and steps may be added, omitted, deleted, or substituted in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100...decorative aquarium, 110...aquarium container, 120...waterway unit, 121...waterway, 130...opening, 200...decorative aquarium, 210...aquarium container, 220...waterway unit, 221...maze-shaped waterway, 230...opening, 300...decorative aquarium, 310...aquarium container, 320...waterway unit, 330...opening, 331...U-shaped gutter, 350A...connecting part, 350B...connecting part, 360A...waterproof part, 360B...waterproof part, 470...table, 471...transparent material, 480A...supporting part, 480B...supporting part, S...empty space part, SQ...approximately rectangular

Claims

1. An aquarium for viewing aquatic organisms, Two aquarium containers for storing water for raising the aquatic organisms; Two water channel units that form a water channel that is shallower than the water tank container and exposes the water surface; an opening that partially opens an upper portion of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container at a height corresponding to an upper layer of the breeding water, and to which the waterway unit is connected; The two water tanks are spaced apart and diagonally offset from each other so as to inscribe a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above, the openings are provided at two corners of the water tank container so as to be inscribed in two adjacent sides of the substantially rectangular shape, The two waterway units extend from the corner and are deployed outward along a circular route surrounding the two aquarium containers; The upper layer of the breeding water is expanded into the circular route by the waterway unit connected to the opening, thereby providing an environment in which the aquatic organisms live in shallow water to the aquarium container. An ornamental aquarium that features:

2. The aquarium according to claim 1, A table having an outline surrounding the circular route when viewed from above and having a transparent material placed on the waterway unit; A support part for maintaining the horizontal balance of the table is provided, Through the transparent material, it is possible to view the rippling of the water surface in the waterway unit as well as the habitat of the aquatic organisms in the waterway unit. An ornamental aquarium that features:

3. The aquarium according to claim 1, a connecting portion that detachably connects the opening portion and the waterway unit; and a waterproof portion that forms a watertight structure between the opening and the waterway unit by connecting the connecting portion. An ornamental aquarium that features:

4. An aquarium for viewing aquatic organisms, an aquarium container for storing water for raising the aquatic organisms; a water channel unit that forms a water channel that is shallower than the water tank container and exposes the water surface; an opening that partially opens an upper portion of the peripheral wall of the aquarium container at a height corresponding to an upper layer of the breeding water, and to which the waterway unit is connected; The waterway unit has a labyrinth-like waterway in which waterway sections are divided into intricate sections, and has a wide shape sufficient to take up the space of the labyrinth, The waterway unit is deployed to the left and right with the aquarium container in the middle, and the size and outer shape of the wide waterway unit deployed to the left and right are symmetrical so that the center of gravity is within the bottom range of the aquarium container when the aquarium container is filled with breeding water. An ornamental aquarium that features:

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