DE102020100873A1 - AQUARIUM CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD OF CLEANING AQUARIUM - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aquarium filter device (10) and a cleaning method for aquariums (12) with which cleaning for aquariums (12) is provided which can also be used for small aquariums (12). No substructure for the aquarium (12) is required for cleaning. In addition, the cleaning does not affect the overall impression of the aquarium (12), because the aquarium cleaning device (10) can be removed again after cleaning and, if necessary, can be used for cleaning other aquariums (12). As a result, only one aquarium filter device (10) is required for a large number of aquariums (12), which overall significantly reduces the cleaning costs.

Description

The present invention relates to an aquarium cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cleaning aquariums according to the preamble of claim 12.

In aquariums mostly fish, crustaceans, invertebrates are kept in an environment of aquatic plants and soil materials in the water. Such aquariums are mostly containers made of glass or at least partially transparent plastic that are open on one side. An upper opening is used to maintain the aquariums and to supply the animals and plants contained therein.

With regard to the water used, a distinction is made between seawater (salt content is around 34 g / l) and freshwater aquariums (salt content is less than 6 g / l), whereby habitats in the sea or ocean or in rivers or lakes are imitated. In addition, brackish water aquariums are known that imitate the living conditions of the estuaries of large rivers or mangrove coasts.

With regard to the temperature, a distinction is made between tropical aquariums, in which a temperature between 22 ° C and 28 ° is kept constant by means of temperature control devices, and cold water aquariums, which have no water heating and possibly only water cooling, so that temperatures of less than or equal to room temperature are set.

In order to guarantee constant living conditions in the aquarium, but also to ensure good visibility of living beings and plants as well as a high level of attractiveness of the aquarium for viewers, water filters are used to clean these aquariums. Such filters have the function of removing suspended particles, food and plant residues as well as dissolved compounds from the water or converting them into non-toxic substances. This makes the water clear and fresh again, although a regular supply of fresh water is recommended as a replacement for old water.

Corresponding filters can be designed as internal filters. For example, describes the U.S. 5,626,747 A an internal filter, which is arranged in a corner area of an aquarium, with a filter element behind a permeable partition wall, through which water is sucked in by means of a pump and fed back to the aquarium via the filtered water via a return line. The pump is arranged below the aquarium, so that appropriate water ducts must be provided in the bottom of the corner area. This means that this filter can only be used for aquariums with a substructure.

If the partition itself is designed as a filter element and the pump is located in the corner area, it is called a "Hamburg mat filter". This means that the filter can also be used in aquariums without a substructure, but the filter is always visible in the aquarium and also takes up space for living beings. This means that this filter cannot be used for small aquariums.

External filters are also known in which only the suction and the air outlet of the filter are located in the aquarium itself, while the actual filter area is arranged outside the aquarium, namely next to, behind or under the aquarium.

For example, describes the CA 1 231 871 A an external filter with a suction, which consists of several pipes connected in parallel, which are arranged at the bottom of the aquarium. The filter is located outside the aquarium together with the water pump and the air outlet is designed as a waterfall that extends into the aquarium via a wall of the aquarium. The disadvantage here is the space that has to be kept available outside the aquarium for filters and pumps. In addition, elements of the cleaning device are clearly visible here too, so that the overall impression of the aquarium is impaired.

In addition, sump filter devices are also, for example, from the US 2009/0200218 A1 and the KR 10 2010 0099 400 A known, in which the aquarium has an outlet in the bottom area so that the water can reach the sump underneath due to gravity, is filtered there and then transferred back into the aquarium via the air outlet by means of a water pump. However, this training is again reserved for aquariums with a relatively large substructure.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a cleaning system for aquariums which can also be used for small aquariums. Preferably, no substructure for the aquarium should be required for cleaning. In particular, cleaning should not affect the overall impression of the aquarium.

This object is achieved with the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention according to claim 1 and the method according to the invention for cleaning aquariums according to claim 12. Advantageous developments are given in the subclaims and in the following description together with the figures.

On the part of the invention, it was recognized that this object can be achieved in a surprising manner if mobile cleaning is provided. The cleaning can then be carried out as required and, outside of this cleaning, the cleaning device can be kept away from the aquarium or used in another aquarium. This means that no parking space is required below the aquarium, nor does the cleaning device impair the overall impression of the aquarium outside of the cleaning times. The cleaning device according to the invention is therefore a mobile cleaning filter which, like a vacuum cleaner, is only used selectively and is in contact with the aquarium when its cleaning is desired.

The aquarium cleaning device according to the invention with a water duct, a water filter and a water pump, the water filter having a filter area which is arranged in the water duct, with water from the aquarium to be cleaned being filtered in the filter area through the water duct, is characterized in that the aquarium cleaning device is mobile trained.

“Mobile” in this context means that the aquarium cleaning device can be quickly and completely arranged on the aquarium and removed again.

The water filter is preferably arranged in a housing of the aquarium cleaning device.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a storage surface which is designed so that the aquarium cleaning device can be set up at least in some areas on the upper edge of an aquarium to be cleaned. Then no additional space is required around the aquarium during cleaning.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the storage surface is designed to be variable, in particular telescopic, in a lateral dimension. Then an adjustment to different aquariums can be done easily and quickly without having to keep additional components.

The “storage area” can be permanently connected to the aquarium cleaning device, but the storage area can also be detached from the aquarium cleaning device and, for example, permanently connected to the aquarium. In particular, in this context it could be rods or boards attached or otherwise fastened to the edges of opposite sides of the aquarium, between which an area for maintenance and feeding is left free.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the storage surface has at least one opening for the passage of the water flow. This means that the shelf does not obstruct the water flow.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that there are fastening means which are designed such that the aquarium cleaning device can be fastened to the upper edge of an aquarium to be cleaned. The aquarium cleaning device is then connected to the aquarium particularly securely during cleaning.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a water inlet with a water outlet opening, the water outlet opening (outflow) being arranged below the storage area. As a result, a housing of the aquarium cleaning device, in which in particular the water filter is arranged, does not have to be immersed in the water. This minimizes the risk of back-contamination from filtrate. The water pump can also be arranged in the housing of the aquarium cleaning device, but does not have to be. For example, the water pump can also be arranged in the suction line.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the water outlet opening is inclined relative to the vertical, preferably inclined at a 90 ° angle. Then the return water enters the aquarium particularly gently and without turbulence through the air outlet.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the water outlet opening is designed to be rotatable about the vertical. Then the air outlet can be adjusted specifically in the aquarium regardless of the exact alignment of the entire aquarium cleaning device.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the water outlet opening is designed to be pivotable in its inclination with respect to the vertical. The effect of the water fed in through the air outlet can then be adjusted in a targeted manner in the aquarium.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a water drain with a water inlet opening (suction), the length of the water drain being selectively adjustable at least in some areas, the water drain preferably being telescopic in this area. Then the aquarium cleaning device can be easily and quickly adapted to the specific aquarium size adapt without the need for additional components.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a water drain with a water inlet opening (suction), the water inlet opening being arranged below the water outlet opening with respect to the vertical. Then a “short circuit” in the watercourse is avoided, with cleaning being particularly effective because the water can be drawn in the lower area of the aquarium, where most of the impurities are located.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a water drain with a water inlet opening (suction), the water drain being rotatably arranged on the aquarium cleaning device. Then the aquarium cleaning device can be specifically adapted to the dimensions of the aquarium to be cleaned easily and simply without changing the position of the aquarium cleaning device in relation to the aquarium.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a water drain with a water inlet opening (suction), the water drain having a lifting section that can be arranged in the water of the aquarium to be cleaned, and a sinka b-section through which the water can be fed to the aquarium cleaning device . This means that the water can be fed to the filter area by means of the water pump and is returned to the aquarium very gently and only due to gravity via the air outlet.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a water drain with a water inlet opening (suction), the water drain being designed to supply water from the aquarium to be cleaned to the aquarium cleaning device from above. This also allows the water to be returned to the aquarium very gently due to gravity.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is an emergency drain which is designed to make excess water in the water filter, preferably excess water in the filter area, a container or a water drain, the emergency drain being designed to be coupled in particular to a water hose. This prevents filter residues from entering the aquarium as a result of an overflow of unfiltered water in the event of the filter becoming clogged.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the emergency outlet is designed to be pivotable with respect to a housing of the aquarium cleaning device. This enables rapid adaptation to local conditions.

In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the water filter has a belt filter element which is guided from an unwinding roller to a winding roller through a filter area, the filter area having a filter passage area which is covered by the belt filter material of the belt filter element, a water level indicator preferably being provided in the filter area which in particular has a float switch which has a maximum position which, when reached or exceeded, activates the unwinding roller and / or winding roller in order to feed fresh band filter material to the filter passage area. This results in particularly efficient filtering, with an endless filter that can be used for a very long time. This filter is also very easy to handle, since the built-in filters do not need to be cleaned. If it is a biodegradable filter material, then no cleaning of the endless filter material is necessary, but this can simply be disposed of. If the take-up roll is outside the water supply, this prevents highly concentrated filtrate from getting back into the aquarium.

In an advantageous development it is provided that the belt filter element is arranged to be exchangeable. Then not only can the aquarium cleaning device be easily serviced, but different filter materials with different filter effects can be used in a targeted manner depending on the cleaning requirements and the aquarium.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a control which is designed to renew at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, in particular at least 50% of the band filter material over the filter passage area. As a result, sufficient band filter material is renewed over the filter passage area, so that the water level in the filter area drops permanently. This prevents the actuation of the unwinding roller or the winding-up roller from being activated too often, which significantly reduces their wear.

This control can be designed mechanically and / or electrically or electronically. However, a purely mechanical solution is preferred because it is more cost-effective and also more convenient for the user to handle.

Independent protection is claimed for the control of the actuation of the belt filter element according to the invention because this control is advantageous can also be used for ordinary aquarium cleaning devices.

Independent protection is thus claimed for an aquarium cleaning device with a water duct, a water filter and a water pump, the water filter having a filter area which is arranged in the water duct, with water from the aquarium to be cleaned being filtered in the filter area through the water duct, whereby The water filter has a belt filter element, which is guided from an unwinding roll to a winding roll through a filter area, the filter area having a filter passage area which is covered by the belt filter material of the belt filter element, there being a control that is designed, at least 30%, preferably at least 40% %, in particular at least 50%, of the band filter material over the filter passage area to be renewed, the control preferably being designed mechanically and / or electrically or electronically. This independent protection is claimed regardless of whether the aquarium cleaning device is mobile or not.

In an advantageous development it is provided that a container is arranged in the filter area, which is designed to be watertight at least over a certain vertical section in the horizontal direction, the container at least one upper opening above the vertical section and at least one opening below the vertical section Float valve has closable lower opening, wherein the water level indicator is arranged in the container between the upper and lower opening. In this way, a mechanically very simple mechanical control can be implemented. However, this design does not necessarily have to be used for the mechanical control of the aforementioned area exchange values; other values can also be implemented which the user can set himself.

There can be one or more upper openings. These openings can be arranged vertically, horizontally or at an angle. It is preferably a single top opening that is oriented horizontally.

There can also be one or more lower openings. These openings can be arranged vertically, horizontally or at an angle. It is preferably a single lower opening that is oriented horizontally. If there are several lower openings, each lower opening can have its own float valve, but at least one float valve could also be provided for closing at least two lower openings.

• Der vertikale Abstand zwischen unterer Öffnung und Wasserstandsanzeiger ist einstellbar, weil dadurch die Verzögerung zwischen der Betätigung des Wasserstandsanzeigers beim Erreichend der Maximalstellung und dem Betätigung des Wasserstandsanzeigers beim Unterschreiten der Maximalstellung und damit die Fläche des ausgetauschten Bandfiltermaterials über der Filterdurchgangsfläche gezielt eingestellt werden kann.

The following setting options have proven themselves for manual setup, in particular by the user, with only one of these setting options or at least two or more of these setting options being available:

• The vertical distance between the lower opening and the water level indicator is adjustable, because it allows the delay between the actuation of the water level indicator when the maximum position is reached and the actuation of the water level indicator when it falls below the maximum position and thus the area of the replaced band filter material above the filter passage area to be set in a targeted manner.

The vertical distance between the lower opening and the filter passage area can be adjusted because this allows the maximum position to be changed in a targeted manner.

The vertical distance between the water level indicator and the filter passage area is designed to be adjustable, because this allows the maximum position to be changed in a targeted manner.

The vertical distance between the upper opening and the filter passage area can be adjusted because this allows the maximum position to be changed in a targeted manner.

The vertical distance between the upper opening and the water level indicator can be adjusted because this allows the maximum position to be changed in a targeted manner.

The water level indicator can in turn be a float switch.

The change in the vertical distance can be realized, for example, by a container which has a container body, the lower openings and / or the upper opening are arranged on a container section which is arranged telescopically with respect to the container body.

Alternatively or additionally, the vertical position of the water level indicator can be arranged within the container so that it can be changed, preferably displaced.

The float valve can be implemented, for example, by a rubber ball which is mounted so that it can move vertically below the lower opening and which floats on the water and thereby closes the lower opening from a certain water level.

In addition, the float valve can also be designed with a pivotable valve flap, the valve flap being designed such that it can be pressed against the lower opening in order to close it. Either the valve flap itself can be designed as a float or the valve flap is connected to a separate float, the float closing the valve flap when a certain water level is reached.

Independent protection is also claimed for this inventive solution for actuating the belt filter element, because this actuation can advantageously also be used for conventional aquarium cleaning devices.

Independent protection is thus claimed for an aquarium cleaning device with a water duct, a water filter and a water pump, the water filter having a filter area which is arranged in the water duct, with water from the aquarium to be cleaned being filtered in the filter area through the water duct, whereby The water filter has a belt filter element, which is guided from an unwinding roll to a winding roll through a filter area, the filter area having a filter passage area which is covered by the belt filter material of the belt filter element, with a water level indicator in the filter area which has a maximum position when it is reached or if an actuation of the unwinding roller and / or winding-up roller is exceeded, in order to supply fresh band filter material to the filter area, a container is arranged in the filter area which is at least over a certain v The vertical section is watertight in the horizontal direction, the container having an upper opening above the vertical section and a lower opening which can be closed by a float valve below the vertical section, the water level indicator being arranged in the container between the upper and lower opening. This independent protection is claimed regardless of whether the aquarium cleaning device is mobile or not.

In addition, this principle of control by means of a container in which a water level indicator is arranged can also be used to control water pumps, for example water pumps that are used to regulate a certain liquid level in a liquid container, such as an aquarium. Independent protection is also claimed for this solution of the pump control according to the invention, because this pump control can also be used for ordinary aquariums and other liquid containers independently of the use of an aquarium cleaning device. This can advantageously prevent the liquid level from falling below a predetermined level without the pump having to be actuated frequently for this purpose. The liquid can be water, but it doesn't have to be.

Independent protection is thus claimed for a pump control, whereby there is a liquid level indicator which has a minimum position which, when it is reached or undershot, actuation of a pump can be activated in order to pump liquid into a liquid container, a container which is arranged in the liquid container is liquid-tight at least over a certain vertical section in the horizontal direction, the container having an upper opening above the vertical section and a lower opening closable by a float valve below the vertical section, the liquid level indicator being arranged in the container between the upper and lower opening . This independent protection is claimed regardless of whether the aquarium cleaning device is designed to be mobile or not and also regardless of what type of liquid container is used and whether an aquarium cleaning device is used. Here, too, the liquid level indicator can again have a float switch.

By defining the vertical position of the upper opening in the liquid container, the desired minimum level of the liquid level can be defined, and by setting the vertical position of the upper opening, the maximum level of the liquid level in the liquid container can be defined. The difference, i.e. the vertical distance between the upper opening and the lower opening, defines the excess liquid that must be removed, for example must evaporate before the pump is switched on and the liquid is refilled to the maximum level.

In an advantageous development it is provided that there is a UV light source which is arranged so that the water can be irradiated with UV light at least in some areas in the water conduit, the UV light source preferably being arranged so that the water in the filter area can be irradiated is. This improves the filter effect even more.

Independent protection is claimed for the method according to the invention for cleaning aquariums, where water from the aquarium to be cleaned is fed and filtered by means of a water pump via a water duct to a filter area of a water filter, an aquarium cleaning device with a water duct, a water filter and a water pump, the water filter has a filter area which is in the Water guide is arranged, wherein in the filter area guided by the water guide water of the aquarium to be cleaned is filtered, is used, which is characterized in that an aquarium cleaning device is used, which is designed to be mobile.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention is used.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the aquarium cleaning device is arranged on the aquarium before cleaning and is removed from the aquarium again after cleaning has taken place. Then the aquarium cleaning device does not disturb the overall impression of the aquarium outside of the cleaning process.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the aquarium cleaning device is arranged after cleaning on another aquarium for its cleaning. This allows a number of aquariums to be cleaned very efficiently and inexpensively, because not every aquarium needs its own aquarium cleaning device.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the arrangement and / or the alignment of the water outlet opening and / or the water inlet opening is set before cleaning. This can improve the cleaning effect.

• 1 die erfindungsgemäße Aquarienreinigungsvorrichtung in einer Draufsicht,
• 2 die erfindungsgemäße Aquarienreinigungsvorrichtung nach 1 in einer Schnittdarstellung,
• 3 die erfindungsgemäße Aquarienreinigungsvorrichtung nach 1 in einer Anwendungssituation in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und
• 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d die erfindungsgemäße Steuerung der Betätigung des Bandfilterelements der erfindungsgemäße Aquarienreinigungsvorrichtung nach 1 in verschiedenen Betriebszuständen.

The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear in the following on the basis of the description of a preferred exemplary embodiment in connection with the figures. Purely schematically show:

• 1 the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention in a top view,
• 2 the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention 1 in a sectional view,
• 3 the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention 1 in an application situation in a perspective view and
• 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d the inventive control of the actuation of the belt filter element of the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention 1 in different operating states.

In the 1 and 2 is the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention 10 shown in two different views. In 3 is the aquarium cleaning device according to the invention 10 in an operational situation in an aquarium 12th shown.

It can be seen that the aquarium cleaning device 10 a housing 14th has, through which a water flow 16 runs. The water flow 16 includes an intake 18th , which is designed as a water inlet opening, a water drain 20th (in relation to the aquarium 12th considered), which has a rising section 22nd , which is designed as a telescopic tube (not shown), a deflection section 24 and a fall section 26th has a filter area 28 , a drainage area 30th and a water inlet 32 (in relation to the aquarium 12th considered) with an air vent 34 , which is designed as a water outlet opening. The water inlet points 32 a vertical V section 36 and a horizontal H section 38 where the water outlet 34 is arranged. The vertical section 36 could also again be designed as a telescopic tube (not shown).

The water drain 20th is on the housing 14th by means of a rotatable connection 40 attached so that the water drainage 20th compared to the vertical V. by the angle 0 ° ≤ α ≤ 360 ° freely rotated, i.e. in any position relative to the housing 14th can be pivoted.

Also the water inlet 32 is on the housing 14th by means of a rotatable connection 44 attached so that the water inlet 32 compared to the vertical V. by the angle 0 ° ≤ β ≤ 360 ° freely rotated, i.e. in any position relative to the housing 14th can be pivoted.

At the water drain 20th there is an electrically by means of a power supply cable 46 fed water pump 48 .

The filter area 28 and the drainage area 30th are shared by one inside the case 14th located line section 50 , the one side wall 52 owns, formed, with between filter area 28 and drainage area 30th in the wall 52 Slit valves 54 consist of a filter fleece 56 sealed can be passed through and thereby the filter area 28 from the drainage area 30th separates. The slit valves 54 are designed as passage openings that the filter fleece 56 Seal all around so that no water from the pipe section 50 can escape, but from the filter area 28 into the drainage area 30th through the filter fleece 56 must pass through.

The filter fleece 56 is a continuous filter material that comes from a supply reel 58 unwound and on a take-up roll 60 is wound up. The take-up roll 60 is driven by a motor (not shown). Both the supply reel 58 as well as the take-up roll 60 are in the housing 14th rotatably mounted.

In the filter area 28 is also a float switch 61 arranged that the motor of the take-up roll 60 activated.

In the area of the filter area 28 has the line section 50 an opening (not shown) with a rotatable connector 62 on the housing 14th connected to what an emergency drain 64 with a hose connection 66 is arranged. Due to the rotatable connection 62 can the emergency drain on the housing 14th in a vertical plane around the angle 0 ° ≤ δ ≤ 360 ° freely rotated, i.e. in any position relative to the housing 14th be pivoted.

Finally is at the bottom of the case 14th a shelf 68 arranged, which runs in a horizontal plane. The shelf 68 has a central, fixed to the housing 14th connected plate 70 on, the hollow receiving sections 72 for side panels that can be telescoped out of it 74 owns. For the purpose of inserting the side walls 74 into the plate 70 , show the side cheeks 74 Inserts 76 on that with the receiving sections 72 form a clearance fit.

In connection with 3 should now use the aquarium cleaning device 10 in connection with an aquarium to be cleaned 12th to be discribed.

It can be seen that the aquarium cleaning device 10 on the upper edges 78 of the sides 80 of the aquarium 12th is launched. Preferably the aquarium cleaning device 10 on opposite edges 78 with the shelf 68 stored, but it could also be stored at a corner. This is the storage area 68 by means of the sidewalls 74 so laterally dimensioned that the storage area 68 safe on the edges 78 rests.

If necessary, fixation means, for example in the form of screw clamps or the like (not shown), could also be used, with the help of which the storage area 68 at the edges 78 is fixed.

It becomes the water drain 20th opposite the housing 14th so rotated α and the length of the telescopic riser section 22nd adjusted so that the position of the water inlet opening (suction) is optimal in the aquarium 12th is set.

The water inlet 32 is made by twisting β opposite the housing 14th adjusted so that the water outlet opening 34 if possible from the water inlet opening 18th points away. If additionally by positioning the water outlet opening 34 near the surface of the aquarium 12th located water (not shown) and positioning of the water inlet opening 18th as close to the ground as possible 82 of the aquarium 12th the greatest possible distance between suction 18th and vents 34 If this is ensured, short circuits in the water supply can be avoided, resulting in the most complete possible cleaning of the aquarium 12th contained water is achievable.

At the hose connection 66 of the emergency drain 64 is a hose 84 connected to a bucket or water drain (not shown) to possibly absorb excess water from the filter area so that it does not get into the aquarium unfiltered 12th can run.

The water pump 48 is by means of the power connection 46 activated and the motor of the take-up roll is activated 60 powered. This will get water through the suction 18th via the water inlet 20th the filter area 28 and passes through the filter fleece 56 due to gravity in the drainage area 30th . If after a certain time in the line section 50 If the filter fleece is added, its permeability for water decreases, so that the water in the filter area 28 increases. The float switch activates after a predetermined water level has been exceeded 61 the motor of the take-up roll 60 for a fixed time so that the take-up roll 60 is rotated just so much that all of the used filtervile material 56 from the pipe section 50 is removed and fresh filter fleece material 56 is available.

If the water cannot pass through the water at a sufficiently high speed due to particularly heavy pollution, excess water is drained through the emergency drain 64 discharged.

The filter fleece 56 can by removing the take-up roll 60 and / or the supply reel 58 removed and replaced by a new filter fleece 56 or a different type of filter fleece 56 can be replaced, whereby an adaptation to the specific requirements of the aquarium 12th can be done.

Instead of the submersible pump shown 48 A water pump could also be used which is dry, for example at the top of the fall section 26th is arranged (not shown).

The rising section 22nd and the fall section 26th as well as the vertical section 36 do not have to be arranged exactly vertically, they can also be at an angle run away. The deflection section 24 and the horizontal section 38 do not have to run horizontally, they can also run diagonally. In addition, there is also no need for a deflection section 24 exist when the riser section 22nd directly to the case section 26th is connected at a turning point (not shown). Furthermore, the water inlet 32 can also be designed as a tube without a separation in vertical section 36 and horizontal section 38 is present.

In addition, there is UV radiation in the water flow 16 by having a UV lamp 86 at the riser 22nd is arranged, wherein the riser section 22nd a UV-transparent section in this area 88 shows. Bacteria or the like can be effectively combated by. This UV irradiation could also, for example, in the housing 14th be arranged so that they cover the filter area 28 irradiated. Or it could also be at the water inlet 32 be arranged.

In the 4a to 4d is the control used in the present invention 100 to operate the motor of the take-up roll 60 shown in different operating states.

It is in 4a to realize that this control 100 the water level indicator 61 includes, which is designed as a float switch. This float switch 61 has one on a stick 102 arranged float 104 on that in a container 106 is arranged vertically displaceable. More precisely is the staff 102 in two plain bearings 108 led that over boom 110 with a container body 112 are firmly connected.

The rod 102 is about a joint 114 with a lever 116 connected to the one switch 118 actuated, the one on the side wall 52 of the line section 50 of the filter area is fixed. This switch 118 switches the motor of the take-up roll 60 on (cf. 4d ) or from (cf. 4a to 4c ).

The container 106 has telescopic container sections on the container body 120 , 122 on, wherein the container body by means of suitable means, which are exemplified here as struts 123 are formed, is fixedly arranged on the side wall 53. On the upper container section 120 there is an upper opening 124 and on the lower container section 122 there is a lower opening 126 .

The top opening 124 is always open and the lower opening 126 is with a float valve 127 trained lockable. The lower opening points to this 126 a valve seat 128 on and one on a joint 130 pivotable at the lower opening 126 hinged valve body 132 .

Within the filter area 28 becomes the corresponding filter passage area 134 between the slit valves 54 through material 136 of the filter fleece 56 covered.

In 4a is the water level 138 des in the filter area 28 inside the filter passage opening 134 on the material 136 of the filter fleece 56 standing water 140 so small that the valve body 132 not yet fully raised and against the valve seat 128 is pressed.

When the water 140 by having the material 136 slowly loses its filter effect as a result of it clogging, higher 142 increases, the valve body becomes 132 by its buoyancy against the valve seat 128 pressed and thus seals the lower openings 126 of the container 106 off so no water 140 into the container 106 can reach (cf. 4b) .

After the water level 144 of the water 140 in the filter area 28 higher than the level of the upper openings 124 running water 140 into the container 106 (see. 4c ) and lifts the float 104 which makes it the lever 116 pivoted and thereby the switch 118 turns on. This turns the motor on the take-up reel 60 for the filter fleece 56 activated so that new material 146 into the filter passage area 134 is brought.

This sets the filter effect in the filter area 28 again improved so that more water 140 can be filtered at the same time. This causes the water level to drop 144 again continuously.

After the water 140 a water level 138 has reached below the vertical level of the lower opening 126 the valve body opens 132 so that the water is out of the container 106 can expire. This causes the float to sink 104 again and over the lever 116 becomes the switch 118 turned off, causing the motor of the take-up roll 60 of the filter fleece 56 stopped and no more new material 146 into the filter area 28 is pulled.

By adjusting the vertical levels of the lower openings 126 or upper openings 124 opposite the container body 112 can set the activation time of the take-up reel motor 60 of the filter fleece 56 , ie the transport time for new material 146 of the filter fleece 56 , or the water level 144 which is used to activate the switch 118 is required, specifically adjusted and thereby to the requirements of the specific aquarium cleaning device 10 in connection with the specific aquarium 12th be adjusted. The setting is preferably carried out in such a way that at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, in particular 100% of the filter passage opening 134 overlapping Filter fleece material 136 after activating the switch 118 through new filter fleece material 146 is replaced.

Then it takes a long time to get new filter fleece material 144 in the filter area 28 is required.

With this control according to the invention 100 becomes a frequent turning on and off of the take-up reel motor 60 prevents, so that the service life of this motor and thus the maintenance-free time of the aquarium cleaning device 10 be extended significantly.

You can also do this in the 4a to 4d The principle shown is also used to regulate the water level in any liquid container, for example the aquarium 12th prevent the liquid level from falling below a certain level.

More specifically, the controller would 100 with the container 106 then installed in the area of the normal waterline (not shown) and the switch 118 would be switched in reverse.

The switch would be at the lowest point (cf. 4a , 4b and 4c ) are switched on in order to operate a water pump (not shown) which, for example, pumps back water that has been lost through evaporation from an equalization tank (not shown).

When the water level is now below the level of the lower opening 126 (normal waterline) falls, the valve body opens 132 , Water is running out of the container 106 off and the swimmer 104 goes down, causing the switch 118 is switched on. This activates a pump that feeds water from an expansion tank (not shown) into the aquarium 12th pumps to compensate for evaporation.

When the water rises again as a result, the valve body closes 132 and the water rises for so long (cf. 4b) until it is the level of the top opening 124 (maximum desired or permissible water level) reached (cf. c ). This causes water to flow into the container 106 one and the swimmer 104 rises and turns off switch 188, turning off the pump. Only when the water level drops to the minimum level of 4a switches the pump on again.

As a result, the pump is only operated very rarely, so that it is maintenance-free for significantly longer.

By adjusting the vertical position of the upper 124 and lower opening 126 opposite the container body 112 the excess water (maximum desired or permissible water level) or the minimum level can be set.

From the above illustration it has become clear that the present invention can be used to clean aquariums 12th is provided, even for small aquariums 12th is applicable. There is no substructure for the aquarium for cleaning 12th required. In addition, cleaning affects the overall impression of the aquarium 12th not because the aquarium cleaning device 10 removed again after cleaning and, if necessary, for cleaning other aquariums 12th can be used. This makes it suitable for a large number of aquariums 12th also just an aquarium filter device 10 necessary, which overall significantly reduces cleaning costs.

Unless stated otherwise, all of the features of the present invention can be freely combined with one another. Unless otherwise stated, the features described in the description of the figures can also be freely combined with the other features as features of the invention. A restriction of individual features of the exemplary embodiment to the combination with other features of the exemplary embodiment is expressly not intended. In addition, objective features, reformulated, can also be used as process features and process features, reformulated, as objective features. Such a reformulation is therefore automatically disclosed.

List of reference symbols

10

aquarium cleaning device according to the invention

12th

Aquarium

14th

casing

16

Water flow

18th

Suction, water inlet opening

20th

Drainage

22nd

Rising section of the water drain 20th , telescopic tube, lifting section

24

Deflection section of the water drainage 20

26th

Fall section of the water drain 20th , Sinking section

28

Filter area

30th

Drainage area

32

Water inlet

34

Air outlet, water outlet opening

36

vertically extending section of the water inlet 32

38

horizontally extending section of the water inlet 32

40

rotatable connection

44

rotatable connection

46

Power supply cable

48

water pump

50

Line section

52

Sidewall

54

Slit valves

56

Filter fleece

58

Unwinding roll

60

Take-up roll

61

Water level indicator, float switch

62

rotatable connection

64

Emergency drain

66

Hose connection

68

Storage space

70

plate

72

hollow receiving sections

74

from the plate 70 telescopic side panels

76

from the receiving sections 72 telescopic inserts

78

Margins

80

pages

82

ground

84

tube

86

UV lamp

88

transparent window in riser section 22

100

Control according to the invention for operating the motor of the take-up roll 60

102

Rod

104

swimmer

106

container

108

bearings

110

boom

112

Container body

114

joint

116

lever

118

counter

120, 122

Telescopic container sections

123

Striving

124

upper opening

126

lower opening

127

Float valve

128

Valve seat

130

joint

132

Valve body

134

Filter passage area

136

Filter fleece material

138

Water level

140

Water in the filter area

142

higher water level

144

maximum water level

146

new filter fleece material

α

Twist angle

β

Twist angle

δ

Twist angle

H

horizontal

V

vertical

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 5626747 A [0006]
• CA 1231871 A [0009]
• US 2009/0200218 A1 [0010]
• KR 1020100099400 A [0010]

Claims (13)

Aquarium cleaning device (10) with a water duct (16), a water filter (28, 50, 56) and a water pump (48), the water filter (28, 50, 56) having a filter area (28) which is located in the water duct (16 ) is arranged, the water of the aquarium (12) to be cleaned being filtered in the filter area (28) through the water duct (16), characterized in that the aquarium cleaning device (10) is mobile. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that there is a storage surface (68) which is designed so that the aquarium cleaning device (10) can be set up at least in some areas on the upper edge (78) of an aquarium (12) to be cleaned, the storage surface (68) preferably in a lateral dimension is designed to be variable, in particular telescopic (72, 74), and / or that fastening means exist which are designed so that the aquarium cleaning device can be fastened to the upper edge of an aquarium to be cleaned. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that there is a water inlet (32) with a water outlet opening (34), the water outlet opening (34) being arranged below the storage surface (68). Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the water outlet opening (34) is inclined relative to the vertical (V), preferably inclined at a 90 ° angle, the water outlet opening (34) in particular a) rotatable about the vertical (V) and / or b) is designed to be pivotable in its inclination relative to the vertical. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a water drain (20) with a water inlet opening (18), wherein c) the length of the water drain (20) is at least partially selectively adjustable, the water drain (20) in this area is preferably designed to be telescopic, and / or d) the water inlet opening (18) with respect to the vertical (V) below the water outlet opening (34) according to one of the Claims 3 or 4th is arranged and / or e) the water drain (20) is rotatably (α) arranged on the aquarium cleaning device (10) and / or f) the water drain (20) has a lifting section (22) which is in the water of the aquarium to be cleaned (12 ) can be arranged, and a sink section (26) through which the water of the aquarium cleaning device (10) can be fed and / or g) the water drain (20) is formed, water of the aquarium to be cleaned (12) of the aquarium cleaning device (10) from above to feed. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is an emergency drain (64) which is designed to store excess water in the water filter (28, 50, 56), preferably excess water in the filter area (28) or to make it feedable to a water drain, the emergency drain (64) being designed to be coupled in particular to a water hose (84). Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water filter (28, 50, 56) has a belt filter element (56) which is guided from a winding roller (58) to a winding roller (60) through a filter area (28) The filter area (28) has a filter passage surface (134) which is covered by the band filter material (136, 144) of the band filter element (56), with a water level indicator (104), in particular a float switch, preferably being in the filter area (28) (61) which has a maximum position which, when reached or exceeded, actuation of the unwinding roller (58) and / or winding roller (60) can be activated in order to feed fresh band filter material (144) to the filter area (28), the band filter element ( 56) is preferably arranged to be exchangeable. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that there is a controller (100) which is designed to renew (146) at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, in particular at least 50% of the belt filter material (136) over the filter passage area (134), the controller ( 100) is preferably designed mechanically and / or electrically. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that a container (106) is arranged in the filter area (28) which is designed to be watertight in the horizontal direction at least over a certain vertical section (112), the container (106) having a has upper opening (124) and below the vertical section (112) a lower opening (126) which can be closed by a float valve (127), the water level indicator (61, 104) in the container (106) between the upper (124) and lower opening (126) is arranged, wherein preferably h) the vertical distance between the lower opening (126) and the water level indicator (61, 104) and / or i) the vertical distance between the lower opening (126) and the filter passage area (134) and / or j) the vertical distance between the water level indicator (61, 104) and the filter passage area (134) and / or k) the vertical distance between the upper opening ( 124) and water level indicator (61, 104) is adjustable. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a pump control, wherein there is a liquid level indicator which has a minimum position, upon reaching or below which an actuation of a pump can be activated in order to pump liquid into a liquid container, wherein in the liquid container is arranged a container which is liquid-tight at least over a certain vertical section in the horizontal direction, the container having an upper opening above the vertical section and a lower opening that can be closed by a float valve below the vertical section, the liquid level indicator in the Container is arranged between the upper and lower opening. Aquarium cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a UV light source (86) which is arranged so that the water can be irradiated with UV light at least in some areas in the water duct (16), wherein the UV light The light source is preferably arranged so that the water in the filter area can be irradiated. Method for cleaning aquariums (12), wherein water from the aquarium (12) to be cleaned is fed and filtered by means of a water pump (48) via a water duct (16) to a filter area (28) of a water filter (28, 50, 56), wherein an aquarium cleaning device (10) with a water duct (16), a water filter (28, 50, 56) and a water pump (48), the water filter (28, 50, 56) having a filter area (28) which is located in the water duct ( 16) is arranged, wherein in the filter area (28) through the water duct (16) water of the aquarium to be cleaned is filtered, is used, characterized in that an aquarium cleaning device (10) is used, which is designed to be mobile. Procedure according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 is used and / or that the aquarium cleaning device (10) is arranged on the aquarium (12) before cleaning and removed again from the aquarium (12) after cleaning, the aquarium cleaning device (10) preferably on another aquarium after cleaning ( 12) is arranged for its cleaning and / or that the arrangement and / or the alignment of the water outlet opening (34) and / or the water inlet opening (18) is set prior to cleaning.

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