ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DEVICE FOR AQUARIUMS, PONDS OR TERRARIUMS AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

An environmental control device for aquariums, ponds, or terrariums includes: a casing; an environmental control device, adapted to control an environmental condition of the aquarium, pond, or terrarium; and an NFC communication device configured to communicate with an external unit. The external unit is configured to exchange data with the NFC communication device so as to monitor and/or control an operating parameter of the environmental control device or an operating condition of the environmental control device or environmental condition of the aquarium, pond or terrarium.

Claims

1. Heating device (20) for aquariums (6) comprising: a casing (5) completely sealed; a heat-emitting means (2) configured to control the temperature of the water in the aquarium (6), pond or terrarium; and an NFC communication device (3) placed inside the casing (5) and configured to communicate with an external unit (4), said external unit (4) being configured to exchange data with the NFC communication device (3) so as to monitor and/or control an operating parameter of the heat-emitting means (2) and/or an operating condition of the heat-emitting means (2) so as to control a temperature of the water contained in the aquarium (6).

2. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein said casing (5) comprises a first portion (51) and a second portion (52), wherein said first portion (51) has an elongated shape and said second portion (52) is configured so as to close said first portion (51) at an open end (51A) of said first portion (51).

3. The heating device (20) according to claim 2, wherein said first portion (51), comprises therein, in sequence, said heat-emitting means (2) and a control unit including a microprocessor and said NFC communication device (3), said NFC communication device (3) being located at said open end of said first portion (51).

4. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein said operating parameter associated with said heating device (20) comprises a power output or a heat intensity provided by the heating device.

5. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein said operating condition of the heating device (20) comprises an on or off condition thereof.

6. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor adapted to measure a temperature of the aquarium (6).

7. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a timer adapted to indicate and/or control how long said heating device (20) remains on and how long said heating device remains off.

8. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the heat-emitting means (2) comprises an electrical resistance (21).

9. The heating device (20) according to claim 8, wherein the NFC communication device (3) comprises an antenna that allows to pick up energy from the external unit (4) and use that energy to supply the NFC communication device (3), enabling communication and data exchange between the NFC communication device (3) and the external unit (4) even when the heating device (20) is not supplied by an electrical grid or by a power supply or by a battery.

10. The heating device (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a feedback device (7).

11. The heating device (20) according to claim 2, further comprising a support element (52A), preferably connected to said first portion (51), configured to attach at least one suction cup (55) adapted to connect the heating device (20) to a wall of the aquarium (6).

12. Temperature control system (100) for aquariums (6) comprising a heating device (20) according to claim 1, and an external unit (4) comprising a video interface (11) and an NFC unit (13) adapted to communicate with the NFC communication device (3) of the heating device (20) so as to exchange data between said external unit (4) and said heating device (20) so as to monitor and/or control an operating parameter of the heat-emitting means (2) and/or an operating condition of the heat-emitting means (2) so as to control the temperature of the water contained in the aquarium (6), said video interface (11) comprising input commands configured so as to change said operating parameter, said operating condition or said environmental condition by setting a desired value thereof.

13. The temperature control system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the external unit (4) comprises an operating system on which an application is installed which includes the video interface.

14. The temperature control system (100) according to claim 13, wherein the external unit (4) further comprises a screen (14), said application being configured to display on said screen (14) said operating parameter or said operating condition or said environmental condition.

15. The temperature control system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the external unit (4) is configured as a mobile device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of its preferred embodiments, shown by way of exemplary and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0107] FIG. 1 represents an environmental control device configured as a heating device;

[0108] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the environmental control system that is the object of the invention;

[0109] FIG. 3 represents an environmental control device configured as a lighting device;

[0110] FIG. 4 represents an environmental control device configured as a pump;

[0111] FIGS. 5 and 6 represent screens of the video interface that can be viewed on an external unit communicating with the control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0112] With reference to the Figures, an environmental control device for aquariums 6, ponds or terrariums is globally referred to by reference number 1.

[0113] The environmental control device 1 for aquariums 6, ponds or terrariums comprises: a casing 5, an environmental control means 2 and an NFC communication device 3.

[0114] Preferably, the casing 5 is configured so as to protect the control device 1. Specifically, said casing 5 has the function of protecting the control device 1 from shocks and/or certain environmental conditions of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium, and so on. Advantageously, the environmental control means 2 is adapted to control an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium.

[0115] Preferably, the NFC communication device 3 is configured to communicate with an external unit 4 and said external unit 4 is configured to exchange data with the NFC communication device 3 so as to monitor and/or control an operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 or an operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. Advantageously, the NFC communication device 3 and the external unit 4 communicate with each other in such a way that the external unit 4 may receive information related to an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or related to an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. Preferably, the external unit 4 provides the NFC communication device 3 with information adapted to vary said operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 or said operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or said environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. Preferably, by varying an operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 it is possible to change a relative operating condition of said environmental control means 2 so as to control a relative environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium.

[0116] Advantageously, the external unit 4 is configured as a mobile device, such as the smartphone shown in FIG. 2.

[0117] Advantageously, the external unit 4 comprises an NFC unit 13 adapted to communicate with the NFC communication device 3 of the control device 1.

[0118] Advantageously, the NFC communication device comprises a microchip and an antenna. Preferably, the NFC communication device 3 can interface with the NFC unit 13 of the external unit 4 so that the control device 1 and external unit 4 can send and receive information to each other.

[0119] Preferably, the NFC communication device 3 acts as an intermediary between the external unit 4 and the control device 1. For example, a user may advantageously set a value of the operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or a value of an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium by means of an application installed on the external unit 4. Then, the user may advantageously bring said external unit 4 closer to the control device 1 so as to fall within the range of the NFC communication device 3 and transmit the information about said desired value to it.

[0120] Preferably, said information may contain a single command or a package of commands. Such a range may advantageously be extended to about 10 cm.

[0121] Preferably, the control device 1 comprises a sensor adapted to measure an operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 or to measure an operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or to measure an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium.

[0122] In a first embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the environmental control device 1 is configured as a heating device 20 in particular as an immersion heater for an aquarium 6.

[0123] In this case, the environmental control means 2 may advantageously be configured as an electrical resistance 21.

[0124] Advantageously, the heating device 20 comprises a temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium. Preferably, an operating parameter associated with said heating device 20 may be the power output or the heat intensity provided by the latter.

[0125] An operating condition of the heating device 20 may be in this case an indication of the temperature at which said heating device 20 is. Said operating condition may advantageously affect the temperature of the water contained in a tank 61 of the aquarium 6. In fact, the higher the heating device temperature 20, the higher the temperature of the water contained in the tank 61 of the aquarium 6 will be, and vice versa. Preferably, the heating device 20 may comprise a thermostat adapted to maintain constant the temperature of said heating device 20 or of the water contained in the tank 61 of the aquarium 6.

[0126] Preferably, another operating parameter associated with said heating device 20 may be to provide or not provide power supply to said heating device 20.

[0127] An operating condition of the heating device 20 may in this case be advantageously its on or off condition. Said operating condition may advantageously affect the temperature of the water contained in the tank 61 of the aquarium 6. In fact, the longer the heating device 20 remains on, the higher the temperature of the water contained in the tank 61 of the aquarium 6 will be, and vice versa. Preferably, the heating device 20 comprises a timer adapted to indicate and/or control how long said heating device 20 remains on and how long it remains off.

[0128] The heating device 20 preferably has the casing 5 completely sealed. Advantageously, the heating device 20 may be fully immersed in the water of the tank 61 of the aquarium 6.

[0129] Preferably, the casing 5 of the heating device 20 comprises a first portion 51 and a second portion 52. Preferably, said portions 51, 52 may be connected together by coupling, interlocking and/or gluing.

[0130] Advantageously, said first portion 51 is configured as a test tube adapted to contain the environmental control means 2. Preferably, the test tube is made of glass or polymeric material. Advantageously, the test tube is transparent. Preferably, the test tube has a tubular shape, even more preferably with a circular cross-section. More generally, the first portion 51 may have an elongated shape.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second portion 52 is configured so as to close said first portion 51 at one of its open ends 51A. Preferably, said second portion 52 comprises a closing element adapted to close one end of said test tube.

[0132] Advantageously, the second portion is connected to a cable 53 that provides power supply to the control device 1. Preferably, the first portion 51 contains a microprocessor that communicates with the NFC communication device 3. Advantageously, said microprocessor receives instructions from the NFC communication device 3 and acts on the environmental control means 2 so as to implement said received instructions. Advantageously, a support element 52A may be provided, e.g., attachable to said first portion 51, configured so as to attach at least one suction cup 55 adapted to connect the heating device 20 to a wall of the tank 61 of the aquarium 6. Preferably, the support element 52A comprises at least two suction cups 55.

[0133] The NFC communication device 3 is advantageously placed inside the casing 5 of the heating device 20.

[0134] Advantageously, the first portion 51, in case it has an elongated shape, comprises therein, in sequence, the electrical resistance 21, and a control unit including the microprocessor and the NFC communication device 3. In preferred embodiments, the NFC communication device 3 is placed at one end of the test tube, preferably of the open end. It is thereby possible to place the NFC communication device 3 close to the free water surface of the aquarium, thus making it easier to bring the external unit closer to the NFC communication device 3.

[0135] Preferably, the NFC communication device 3 is placed in the second portion 52 of the casing 5.

[0136] In a second embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the environmental control device 1 may be configured as a lighting device 30 specifically as a ceiling light.

[0137] In this case, the environmental control means 2 may advantageously be configured as a LED, preferably a plurality of LEDs.

[0138] Advantageously, the lighting device 30 comprises a sensor adapted to measure the power provided to said lighting device 30.

[0139] Preferably, an operating parameter associated with said lighting device 30 may be the power provided to the lighting device 30. Advantageously, the power provided may be metered as a percentage of a maximum power that may be provided to said lighting device 30.

[0140] An operating condition of the lighting device 30 may be an indication of the color temperature of said lighting device 30. Said operating condition may advantageously affect the brightness of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. In fact, depending on the color temperature of the lighting device 30, the brightness and/or temperature of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium may change.

[0141] Preferably, another operating parameter associated with said lighting device 30 may be to provide or not provide power supply to said lighting device 30.

[0142] An operating condition of the lighting device 30, in this case, may advantageously be its on or off condition. Said operating condition may advantageously affect the brightness of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. In fact, when the lighting device 30 is on, the aquarium 6, the pond or terrarium is lit, and vice versa. Preferably, the lighting device 30 comprises a timer adapted to indicate and/or control how long said lighting device 30 remains on and how long it remains off.

[0143] The lighting device 30 advantageously has the casing 5 fully sealed.

[0144] The NFC communication device 3 is advantageously placed inside the casing 5 of the lighting device 30.

[0145] Preferably, the casing 5 of the lighting device 30 comprises a support 21, a plate 22 and support elements 23.

[0146] Advantageously, the LEDs 2 are mounted on the support 21. Preferably, the support 21 is configured as a cooling fin. Advantageously, said fin is made of metal, even more preferably of aluminum.

[0147] Preferably, the support 21 is embedded in the plate 22. Advantageously, the plate 22 is made of polymeric material, even more advantageously of plexiglass. Preferably, the plate 22 is used to protect the LEDs. Advantageously, the plate 22 is for operating passive cooling channels, particularly in case the lighting device 30 does not have any type of fan or other types of active cooling devices.

[0148] Preferably, the support elements 23 are connected to opposite ends of the plate 22. Advantageously, said support elements 23 rest on an upper portion of the tank 61 of the aquarium 6. The lighting device 30 is thereby placed above said tank 61.

[0149] In alternative embodiments, the lighting device 30 may also be hung via cables, ropes and/or cords, above the tank 61 of the aquarium 6. In a third embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the environmental control device 1 may be configured as a delivery pump 40 (hereinafter abbreviated as pump 40) for aquariums 6. In this case, the environmental control means 2 may advantageously be the impeller of the pump 40.

[0150] Preferably, an operating parameter associated with the pump 40 may be the power provided to an electric motor associated with the impeller of the pump 40.

[0151] An operating condition of the pump 40 in this case may be an indication of the angular speed of the impeller. Said operating condition may advantageously affect a flow rate of water that is moved into the aquarium 6. In fact, the higher the angular speed of the pump impeller 40, the greater the flow rate of water that is moved into the aquarium 6 will be, and vice versa.

[0152] Preferably, another operating parameter associated with the pump 40 may be to provide or not provide power supply to said pump 40.

[0153] An operating condition of the pump 40 in this case may advantageously be its on or off condition. Said operating condition may advantageously affect the flow rate of the water that is moved into the aquarium 6. In fact, when the pump 40 is turned on it moves a certain amount of water into the aquarium 6, and vice versa. Preferably, the pump 40 comprises a timer adapted to indicate and/or control how long the pump 40 remains on and how long it remains off.

[0154] For example, it is possible to set a lower number of revolutions of the impeller during night hours to achieve a particularly quiet operation of the pump 40.

[0155] Preferably, the casing 5 of the pump 40 comprises a first element 41 and a second element 42. Preferably, said elements 41, 42 are connected to each other by a connecting element 43.

[0156] Advantageously, the first element 41 is configured as a pump body. Advantageously, the pump body is substantially box-shaped. Preferably, the pump body is adapted to contain an electric motor connected to a shaft which is in turn connected to the impeller of the pump 40. Preferably, the pump body comprises support elements 44 adapted to hold the pump 40 in place within the aquarium 6.

[0157] Preferably, the second element 42 is configured as a conveying element. Advantageously, said conveying element is adapted to contain the impeller of the pump 40. Preferably, the conveying element comprises an inlet conduit 46 and an outlet conduit 47, which are adapted to let water into and let water out of the pump 40, respectively. Advantageously, the connecting element 43 is configured as a locking ring. Advantageously, said locking ring makes it possible to connect a protuberance of the pump body to the conveying element.

[0158] The pump 40 advantageously has the casing 5 fully sealed. Preferably, a gasket element is present between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 of the casing 5 of the pump 40.

[0159] The NFC communication device 3 is advantageously placed inside the casing 5 of the pump 40. Preferably, the NFC communication device 3 is placed inside the first element 41 of the casing 5.

[0160] Preferably, the environmental control device 1 comprises a feedback device 7. Preferably, the feedback device 7 is positioned on the casing 5 of the control device 1. The feedback device 7 is particularly useful in alerting the user of a change occurred in an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium.

[0161] Advantageously, the feedback device 7 provides feedback of a change occurred in an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium.

[0162] Advantageously, said change occurs after the NFC communication device has received instructions from the external unit 4.

[0163] The feedback device 7 may comprise a lighting element, as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the feedback may advantageously be a light signal, such as a flashing light that ends when the operating parameter is varied. Advantageously, the lighting element may be placed on the second portion 52 of the control device 1 when the latter is configured as a heating device 20.

[0164] According to another aspect of the invention, an environmental control system 100 for aquariums 6, ponds or terrariums is provided comprising the environmental control device 1 and the external unit 4.

[0165] Advantageously, said external unit 4 comprises a video interface 11 configured to allow monitoring and/or controlling an operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 or an operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium.

[0166] Advantageously, the NFC communication device 3 and the external unit 4 communicate with each other in such a way that the external unit 4 may receive information related to an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or related to an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. Preferably, the external unit 4 provides the NFC communication device 3 with information adapted to vary said operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 or said operating condition of the environmental control means 2 or said environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. Preferably, by varying an operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 it is possible to change a relative operating condition of said environmental control means 2 so as to control a relative environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium.

[0167] Preferably, the external unit 4 is configured as a mobile device. For example, said external unit 4 may be configured as a smartphone, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0168] Advantageously, the external unit 4 comprises an NFC unit 13 adapted to communicate with the NFC communication device 3 of the control device 1.

[0169] Advantageously, the external unit 4 comprises a screen 14, a microprocessor 15 and an operating system. Preferably, the operating system may, for example, be iOS, Android, Windows, and so on. An application comprising the video interface 11 is advantageously installed on the operating system.

[0170] Preferably, the application comprises an identification function that identifies the control devices 1 within the range of the NFC communication device 3 installed thereon.

[0171] Once a control device 1 has been identified, the user can advantageously monitor and/or control via a video interface 11 an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 of the identified control device 1 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6 or terrarium.

[0172] Preferably, when the user selects an identified control device 1, the application allows the user to choose between two main options, namely read and modify.

[0173] Advantageously, the read option allows to detect an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 of the identified environmental control device 1 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium. This information is advantageously forwarded to the external unit 4 where it can be viewed on the screen 14 through the application.

[0174] For example, in the case of FIG. 5, the user may select the “read temperature” option via the graphic interface 11. Advantageously, said temperature is that of the water contained in the tank 61 of the aquarium 6 and thus represents an environmental condition of the aquarium 6. Preferably, said temperature is measured by a sensor placed on the control device 1. The application will then provide an indication that the external unit 4 is ready to receive information about said temperature measurement when the external unit 4 is brought closer to the control device 1, i.e., when the NFC unit 13 of the external unit 4 is brought within the range of the NFC communication device 3 of the control device 1. Once the external unit 4 is brought within said range, the NFC communication device 3 and the external unit 4 communicate with each other in such a way that the latter receives the information about said temperature from the former. At this point, the application displays the value of said temperature on the screen 14. Preferably, the modify option allows to modify an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 of the identified environmental control device 1 or an environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium.

[0175] Advantageously, the NFC communication device 3 of the control device 1 receives a command from the external unit. Preferably, said command modifies an operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 of the control device 1 so as to obtain a desired value of the operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 of the control device 1 or a desired value of the environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond, or terrarium.

[0176] Preferably, the application displays on the screen 14 said operating parameter or said operating condition or said environmental condition. Subsequently, the user may advantageously modify said operating parameter, said operating condition or said environmental condition by setting a desired value via the video interface 11 of the external unit 4. Preferably, said video interface 11 comprises input commands. Advantageously, said input commands are touch.

[0177] For example, in the case in FIG. 6, the user may select the “modify temperature” option via the graphic interface 11. Advantageously, said temperature is that of the water contained in the tank 61 of the aquarium 6 and thus represents an environmental condition of the aquarium 6. Preferably, said temperature is measured by a sensor placed on the control device 1. The application will then provide an indication that the external unit 4 is ready to receive information about said temperature measurement when the external unit 4 is brought closer to the control device 1, i.e., when the NFC unit 13 of the external unit 4 is brought within the range of the NFC communication device 3 of the control device 1. Once the external unit 4 is brought within said range, the NFC communication device 3 and the external unit 4 communicate with each other in such a way that the latter receives the information about said temperature from the former. At this point, the application displays the value of said temperature on the screen 14. The user may then modify said temperature by means of input commands configured as touch commands on the screen 14 of the external unit 4. Once the desired temperature has been selected, the user may confirm it by an additional input command, such as a confirmation touch command. The application will then provide an indication that the external unit 4 is ready to send the desired temperature information when the external unit 4 is brought closer to the control device 1, i.e., when the NFC unit 13 of the external unit 4 is brought within the range of the NFC communication device 3 of the control device 1. Once the external unit 4 is brought within said range, the NFC communication device 3 and the external unit 4 communicate with each other in such a way that the latter provides the former with the information about said desired temperature. At this point, the application displays a message on the screen 14 confirming that the temperature has been modified.

[0178] Preferably, once the NFC communication device 3 receives the input of the desired value from the external unit 4, said NFC communication device 3 communicates with a microprocessor of the control device 1 so as to modify an operating parameter of the environmental control means 2 so as to obtain the desired value of the operating parameter or operating condition of the environmental control means 2 of the control device 1 or a desired value of the environmental condition of the aquarium 6, pond or terrarium.

[0179] Advantageously, once said desired value is reached, the control device 1 may advantageously provide a feedback to the user via its feedback device 7.

[0180] Preferably, it is possible to send a single command or a plurality of commands by the external unit 4.

[0181] Advantageously, it is possible to organize commands at certain time intervals. Preferably, the application of the external unit 4 may comprise a clock and calendar through which a user can set which commands to provide and at what time period. For example, in case the control device is a pump, timed commands may be provided adapted to turn off the pump or reduce the revolution number of the impeller during night hours to limit noise and/or reduce energy consumption.

[0182] Preferably, the environmental control system 100 that is the object of the invention allows to manage a plurality of control devices 1. For example, it is possible to monitor and/or control both a heating device 20 and a lighting device 30 and a pump 40 by means of a single external unit 4.

[0183] The invention thus solves the proposed problem while achieving a plurality of benefits. In particular, the environmental control device 1 for aquariums 6, ponds or terrariums turns out to be particularly simple and cost-effective, especially because of the NTC communication device 3 installed thereon. In addition, the associated environmental control system 100 for aquariums 6, ponds, or terrariums allows a quick and easy connection between the control device 1 and the external unit 4.