Small animal trap and small animal trap system, method for operating a small animal trap

Abstract

Small animal trap (100) comprising a first trap (111) and a second trap (112); a trap housing (120) wherein the first and the second trap (111, 112) are arranged on the trap housing (120), in particular on opposite end sections (120a) of the trap housing (120); at least one identification device (130) for providing a small animal identification signal based on an identification parameter; a power source compartment (140) arranged on the trap housing (120), in particular in a central section (120b) of the housing (120), between the first and the second trap (111, 112); a control unit (150) configured to process the small animal identification signal and to determine whether the first and / or the second trap (111, 112) has caught a small animal, and to provide a trap status signal based on this determination; a base plate (122) which is attached to an underside of the trap housing (120);wherein the control unit (140) and / or the at least one identification device (130) are provided in a space between the base plate (122) and the underside of the housing (120); and a cover (121) coupled to a top of the trap housing (120).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a small animal trap and a small animal trap system for monitoring a plurality of small animal traps. It further relates to a method for operating a small animal trap. State of the art

[0002] Small animal traps are generally known and are used, for example, to keep warehouses, shops, cellars, factories, restaurants, stores, logistics centers, etc., free of pests or unwanted small animals. Such protection against pests or unwanted small animals is, or may be, legally required for hygienic reasons and / or to contain and prevent the spread of pathogens.

[0003] There are conventional small animal traps and conventional smart small animal traps. The smart traps determine whether an animal has been caught and / or whether the trigger has been activated, and report the status to a remote location.

[0004] Conventional smart small animal traps provide sufficient protection against pests or unwanted small animals, but these conventional smart small animal traps are prone to false triggering and misidentification of trapped small animals.

[0005] Therefore, conventional and smart small animal traps require frequent monitoring and checking, resulting in a significant amount of labor and time spent simply to maintain protection against pests or unwanted small animals. Furthermore, regulations dictate when small animals should be removed for hygienic reasons (decaying dead animals).

[0006] Small animal traps and smart small animal traps are positioned / placed in harsh environments, i.e., environments with many people. Therefore, these traps are heavily influenced by external factors such as collisions / impacts / bumpers / shaking and / or temperature fluctuations or watering induced by cleaning, leading to unwanted false triggering of the traps.

[0007] Therefore, the goal is to provide an intelligent small animal trap that reliably reports whether a small animal has been caught and / or significantly reduces the number of false triggers and / or incorrect identification of caught small animals in order to reduce the manpower and working time required to maintain protection against pests or unwanted small animals, and which can have a longer lifespan.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aspect of the invention presents a small animal trap. The small animal trap comprises a first trap and a second trap, which are installed in a trap housing.

[0010] The first and second traps are arranged on the trap housing, in particular on opposite end sections of the trap housing.

[0011] Furthermore, the small animal trap includes at least one identification device for providing a small animal identification signal based on an identification parameter.

[0012] A control unit is provided and connected to at least one identification device. Specifically, the control unit is located in a central section of the housing between the first and second traps.

[0013] The control unit is designed to process the small animal identification signal and determine whether the first and / or second trap has caught a small animal, and to provide a trap status signal based on this determination.

[0014] In a further aspect of the invention, a small animal trap is presented. The small animal trap comprises a first trap and a second trap; a trap housing, wherein the first and the second trap are arranged on the trap housing, in particular on opposite end sections of the trap housing; a control unit compartment comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit compartment is arranged on the trap housing, in particular in a central section, between the first and the second trap; and a base plate attached to a bottom of the trap housing.

[0015] A circuit board can be positioned between the base plate and the trap housing.

[0016] A cover that is coupled to the top of the trap housing.

[0017] The control unit and / or at least one identification device can be located in a space between the underside of the housing and the base plate.

[0018] Preferably, the control unit and / or at least one identification device can be provided on the circuit board.

[0019] In a further aspect of the invention, a small animal trap is presented. The small animal trap comprises a first trap and a second trap; a trap housing, wherein the first and the second trap are arranged on the trap housing, in particular on opposite end sections of the trap housing; at least one identification device for providing a small animal identification signal based on an identification parameter; a power source compartment arranged on the trap housing, in particular in a central section of the trap housing, between the first and the second trap; a control unit configured to process the small animal identification signal and to determine whether the first and / or the second trap has captured a small animal, and to provide a trap status signal based on this determination; and a base plate attached to a bottom of the trap housing.wherein the control unit and / or at least one identification device are provided in a space between the underside of the trap housing and the base plate, and a cover coupled to a top of the trap housing.

[0020] Preferably, a printed circuit board (PCB) can be arranged between the base plate and the trap housing, wherein the control unit and / or the at least one identification device are provided on the PCB.

[0021] Preferably, the control unit and the at least one identification device are provided on the same circuit board.

[0022] Small animals represent any animal, particularly mammals, that are identified by the public as pests. For example, a small animal can be a mouse, a rat, or a rodent, but is not limited to these.

[0023] A small animal trap can be any trap or catching device used to catch and / or neutralize small animals. For example, a small animal trap can be a mousetrap or rat trap, but is not limited to these. A small animal trap can be any mechanical, electronic, and / or biological trap, but is not limited to these.

[0024] The small animal trap comprises, but is not limited to, a first trap, a second trap, a trap housing, at least one identification device, a power source compartment, a control unit, a base plate and a cover.

[0025] The small animal trap may include at least one energy source, one first trigger sensor, one second trigger sensor, at least one display, one communication device and / or at least one monitoring sensor, but is not limited to these.

[0026] The trap housing can be any enclosure or housing of the small animal trap on or in which the first and second traps are arranged, mounted or provided.

[0027] The trap housing can be elongated and may include a middle section positioned between two opposing end sections.

[0028] The trap housing may be provided or manufactured from plastic or metal, but is not limited to either.

[0029] The plastic can be opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent. For example, the trap housing can be made of plastic or aluminum, or a combination thereof, but is not limited to these materials. The trap housing can be rectangular, square, triangular, or polygonal, but is not limited to these shapes. The trap housing can be a single piece. Alternatively, the trap housing can be a multi-piece housing. If the trap housing is a multi-piece housing, the sub-elements can be detachable, e.g., by a bolt, or permanently attached to one another, snap-fit, etc.

[0030] The trap housing can comprise a top / upper surface, a bottom / lower surface, and at least three, preferably four, side walls. At least two of the four side walls can be arranged opposite each other. The trap housing can comprise a trap housing base plate and trap housing side walls that can extend vertically from the trap housing base plate, in particular perpendicularly, from the top / upper surface, such that the two opposite side walls are vertically elongated or elongated.

[0031] The trap housing sidewalls can also be referred to as housing sidewalls and can have the same height. The height of the trap housing can be in the range of 25% to 40%, preferably 30% to 35%, of the total height of the small animal trap. The height of the trap housing base can be in the range of 1% to 15% of the total height of the small animal trap. The height of the trap housing sidewalls can be in the range of 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 25%, of the total height of the small animal trap. The height of the trap housing sidewalls can be in the range of 50% to 70%, preferably 60% to 70%, of the height, in particular the total height, of the trap housing. The height of the cover can be in the range of 30% to 50%, preferably 30% to 40%, of the total height of the trap. The length of the middle section of the trap housing can be 20% to 40%, preferably 30%, of the total length of the trap housing.The length of each end section of the trap housing can be 30% to 40%, preferably 35%, of the total length of the trap housing. The trap housing can have a uniform width along its length. Alternatively, the width of the trap housing can vary in steps or continuously. The width of the trap housing base can be in the range of 90% to 98% of the total width of the trap housing.

[0032] The small animal trap, in particular the trap housing, may comprise a first and a second opening, formed at opposite ends of the trap housing, especially in the end sections of the trap housing, and covered by the cover. The opening may be any opening in the trap housing that is dimensioned such that at least the small animal can enter the opening. For example, the opening has an area of ​​15 to 100 cm². 2 , preferably 50 cm 2The opening can be oval, round, square, rectangular, or polygonal, but is not limited to these shapes. The opening can be located in at least one side wall of the trap housing, but is not limited to these. The opening may have elements that protrude into the opening to prevent the animal from exiting the housing after entering it partially.

[0033] A base plate may be attached to the underside / surface of the trap housing, in particular to the underside / surface of the trap housing bottom.

[0034] A space can be formed between the underside / surface of the trap housing bottom.

[0035] A cover may be attached, mounted and / or coupled to the top / surface of the trap housing, especially to the trap housing side walls.

[0036] The base plate can represent any plate that is arranged, mounted, attached or coupled to the underside / surface of the trap housing, in particular the underside / surface of the trap housing base.

[0037] The base plate may have the same shape or dimensions, form or horizontal shape as the base of the trap housing, but is not limited to this.

[0038] The base plate may be made of the same material as the trap housing and / or the cover, or be made of the same material.

[0039] Preferably, the base plate can be made at least partially from a semi-transparent, light-conducting or transparent material.

[0040] Alternatively, the base plate can be made of a non-transparent and non-light-conducting material, but must include at least one light-guiding element made of a light-conducting material. The base plate can have the same shape, in particular its shape or horizontal shape / width, as the trap housing, but is not limited to this.

[0041] The base plate can protrude completely or at least partially horizontally from the trap housing. In other words, the base plate can be wider than the trap housing and / or the cover, so that the base plate extends at least partially over the side walls of the trap housing.

[0042] Alternatively, the base plate may be fully or at least partially embedded or arranged in a cavity provided in the underside / surface of the trap housing, such that the underside / surface of the trap housing, in particular the trap housing bottom, and the base plate are planar, flat, even, smooth, or provide an equal plane.

[0043] In other words, the base plate can be narrower than the trap housing and / or the cover. If the base plate is at least partially embedded or arranged within the cavity, the cavity can include at least one opening, in particular an opening in the side wall of the trap housing, through which the base plate, in particular a light-conducting material or element, can extend horizontally. Alternatively, the base plate can extend vertically from the cavity on the underside / surface of the trap housing, such that the underside / surface of the trap housing, in particular the bottom of the trap housing, and the base plate are not planar, uneven, smooth, or provide different planes.

[0044] The base plate can be detachably arranged, mounted, attached, or coupled to the trap housing, e.g., by screws, clamps, or clips, but is not limited to this.

[0045] A sealing element can be provided between the base plate and the underside / surface of the trap housing. The sealing element could be an additional component that fits into a groove in the base plate and / or the underside of the housing. Alternatively, the seal could be provided by an adhesive material that bonds the base plate and the housing together.

[0046] The seal provides a waterproof encapsulation of the space to protect the control unit and / or at least one identification device from contact with water.

[0047] At least one sealing element can be arranged within a sealing element receiving cavity, but is not limited to this.

[0048] One aspect of the invention is to provide a watertight space that encapsulates the trap's electronics. This space is formed by the base plate, the underside of the housing, the power source compartment, and the compartment cover. The base plate and the compartment cover are watertight and connected to the one-piece housing.

[0049] Thus, the circuit board, which carries all the electronic components and the power source, could easily be mounted between the housing and the base plate.

[0050] Alternatively, the base plate can be permanently attached, arranged, coupled, or mounted to the trap housing, particularly its underside / surface, by means of a waterproof adhesive and / or sealing material or by welding, but is not limited to this. The base plate can encompass or form a space or circuit board cavity in which the circuit board could be fully embedded, arranged, provided, or contained.

[0051] The cover can be any element that is attached to the top / surface of the trap housing, particularly to the trap housing side walls. Preferably, but not limited to, the cover can have a curved shape that forms a tunnel on the top surface. The cover can be made of the same material as the trap housing and / or the base plate. The height of the cover can be in the range of 60% to 75% of the total height of the small animal trap.

[0052] The printed circuit board (PCB) can be any board containing at least one electrically insulating layer and at least one electrically conductive layer. The PCB can be arranged between the base plate and the housing, particularly within the space or PCB cavity of the base plate. The control unit, which may include at least one identification device, at least one indicator, the communication device, at least one monitoring sensor, the reed switch, and / or Hall sensor, can be provided on, and in particular directly on, the PCB or connected to it.

[0053] The trap or trap element can be any part of the animal trap configured to catch, capture, bind, or neutralize (i.e., control / kill) a small animal. For example, the trap element includes a small animal neutralization device for catching, binding, and / or neutralizing a small animal, and a triggering device for triggering the small animal neutralization device. For example, the small animal neutralization device can be a clamp, such as those used in conventional mousetraps. The clamp can be spring-loaded from a rest position to a trigger position. The clamp can be manually pre-tensioned by the user of the small animal trap or automatically by an electronic or mechanical clamp pre-tensioning device. The clamp can be held in a trigger position by the triggering device. The clamp can be made of metal, such as...a plastic cover. Alternatively, the small animal neutralization device may be, but is not limited to, a cage, a gas chamber, a poison injection chamber, an electric shock delivery unit, a captive bolt gun. The triggering device may be designed or configured to be a weight sensor that triggers when a weight is exceeded, or a photoelectric sensor that triggers when a photoelectric barrier is broken, or a temperature sensor that triggers when a threshold temperature is exceeded, or a motion sensor that triggers when movement occurs, or a touch sensor that triggers when mechanical contact occurs, or a photosensitive element that triggers when the light changes, or a combination thereof.In other words, the release mechanism prevents movement, particularly rapid movement, of the clamp from the release position to a rest position, and when the release mechanism is triggered, the clamp's movement is released. The rest position can be the position where the spring force is at its minimum, and the release position can be the position where the spring force is at its maximum. The release position and the rest position can differ by at least 45 degrees, preferably 90 degrees, of clamp rotation, but are not limited to this. The trap element can be arranged wholly or at least partially in or on the trap housing, with the at least one trap opening providing access to the trap element. The trap element can further comprise a bait device in which bait is provided or arranged.The bait device can be located on or near the triggering device, but is not limited to this.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, where the small animal trap comprises two traps, one trap may be accessible through the first opening and the second trap may be accessible through the second opening. A trap may be arranged, positioned, or mounted on the trap housing, in particular on a top surface of the trap housing base. The trap may be located wholly or at least partially within the end section of the trap housing. If the small animal trap is a multiple trap, a trap or a separate trap may be arranged in each of the opposing end sections. The trap may be interchangeably and / or detachably mounted or attached to the trap housing by at least one trap mounting component. The trap mounting component may be, but is not limited to, a screw or a clamp. If the small animal trap comprises a plurality of traps, the sizes of the traps may differ.

[0055] The identification device can be any electrical or electronic device capable of, or configured to, identify or measure an identification parameter indicating the presence of a small animal in the trap, either electronically or using electronic means. For example, the identification of small animals in the trap can be provided by, but is not limited to, at least one capacitive sensor. Therefore, the identification parameter can be, but is not limited to, a change in capacitance due to the presence of a small animal. The identification device can be configured to be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to the control unit, for example, via a circuit board, either wired or wirelessly.

[0056] The identification device can be provided directly on or attached to the circuit board. Each trap can have its own identification device. In other words, the identification device can be located under, and in particular directly under, the trap, but is not limited to this. If the small animal trap comprises multiple traps, each multiple of traps is provided with its own identification device, so that each trap has its own identification device. Each multiple of identification devices can be identical or different. The identification device can also be capable of or configured to provide / generate a small animal identification signal. The small animal identification signal can represent any signal or data indicating that a small animal has been identified in the small animal trap.For example, the small animal identification signal can be “YES” or “NO”, “1” or “0”, “small animal captured” or “small animal not captured”, “blocked” or “not blocked”, e.g. it could be 0 V or 3.3 V, but is not limited to that.

[0057] The energy source compartment can be any chamber or compartment arranged on the trap housing, in particular on a top or side of the trap housing base. The energy source compartment can be located in the central section of the trap housing.

[0058] The power source compartment can be the same height as the trap housing sidewalls. Alternatively, the height of the power source compartment can be lower or higher than the trap housing sidewalls. The power source compartment can be the same width as the trap housing base or it can be narrower. The power source compartment can include at least one trigger sensor retainer configured to hold or secure the trigger sensor against vertical and horizontal displacement. The power source compartment can be, but is not limited to, a rectangular, square, triangular, or polygonal shape. The power source compartment can be integral with the trap housing.

[0059] The power source compartment can have an opening on its upper side. In a first embodiment, the power source compartment can be open on its lower side. The retaining elements for the power sources are mounted on the circuit board.

[0060] At least one energy source can be located within the energy source compartment. If the at least one energy source is located on the printed circuit board, it can extend from the circuit board into the energy source compartment.

[0061] The upper opening of the power source compartment can be covered by a removable or detachable lid. This opening is for replacing the power source.

[0062] The compartment cover can be configured to close the opening and may, but is not limited to, be made of the same material as the power source compartment, the trap housing, the base plate, and / or the cover. For example, the compartment cover may, but is not limited to, be fixed or mounted to the opening by screws or clamps. Additionally, the compartment cover may be movably coupled to the power source compartment, so that the compartment cover may be a flap, but is not limited to this. The compartment cover may include a sealing element provided between the compartment cover and the power source compartment for insulating, in particular waterproofing or hermetic, the power source compartment. The compartment cover may include a groove for receiving the sealing element in which the sealing element is positioned or arranged.The sealing element may have a higher coefficient of elasticity than the trap housing, cover, and / or base plate. The sealing element may be made of silicone, but is not limited to this. The compartment cover may include at least one power source retention element. The at least one power source retention element may be configured to depress the at least one power source. The power source retention element may be part of the compartment cover or a separate structure attached to the compartment cover. The power source retention element may be configured as a rib or projection to hold / fix the power source within the power source compartment. The power source retention element may be made of the same material as the compartment cover or be constructed from the same material.The compartment cover may include at least one trigger sensor retaining element configured to hold or secure the trigger sensor against vertical and horizontal displacement.

[0063] The power source can be any unit configured to receive or supply energy, in particular electrical energy, power, or current, to which at least one identification device, the control unit, and / or the first and second trigger sensors, etc., are connected. The power source can be configured to be controlled by the control unit and / or a power management unit. For example, the power source can be, but is not limited to, a socket for receiving a plug, a power cable with a plug, at least one battery, a wireless charging element, an accumulator, and / or a photovoltaic power supply unit. If the power source is at least one battery or accumulator, the power source can be located within a power source holder. The power source itself or the power source holder can be mounted directly on the printed circuit board.In one embodiment, the at least one energy source can be a replaceable and / or rechargeable energy source.

[0064] The trigger sensor and / or trap element trigger status identification device can be any device configured to identify a trigger status of each of the one or more trap elements. The trigger status can be, but is not limited to, "blocked" or "unblocked," "1" or "0," or 0 V or 3.3 V. The trigger sensor can further be configured to provide a trigger status signal. For example, the trigger status signal can be, but is not limited to, "YES" or "NO," "1" or "0," "small animal caught" or "small animal not caught," "blocked" or "unblocked." The trigger sensor can be directly or indirectly wired or wirelessly coupled to the control unit and the power source. The trigger sensor can be directly or indirectly wired or wirelessly coupled to the circuit board.The trigger sensor can be, but is not limited to, a push button or a pressure switch. The trigger sensor can be located in or provided within a trigger sensor holder. The trigger sensor holder can be made of, but is not limited to, plastic or metal. For example, the trigger sensor holder can be made of, but is not limited to, aluminum. The trigger sensor holder can be made of the same material as the trap body, base plate, cover, and / or energy source compartment. The trigger sensor can be detachably attached to the trigger sensor holder, for example, by a bolt, or snap-in. In a multi-trap small animal trap, each trap in the set can have its own trigger sensor. The trigger sensor can be attached to the trap body and / or the energy source compartment.

[0065] The control unit can be any unit configured to identify / determine, at least by means of the small animal identification signal, whether the first and / or second trap has captured a small animal. The control unit can include a first receiving unit for receiving the small animal identification signal. The control unit can be configured to provide a trap status signal based on the small animal identification signal. The control unit can be located directly on the printed circuit board. The control unit can include a second receiving unit configured to receive the first trap trigger signal and / or a second trap trigger signal. The second receiving unit can, for example, comprise two subunits, with each subunit receiving one of the trap trigger signals.In this context, the control unit can be configured to determine whether the first and / or second trap has captured a small animal and to provide a trap status signal based on the small animal identification signal and the first and / or second trap trigger signal. In a multi-trap small animal trap, the control unit can receive a separate trap trigger signal from each trigger sensor. Furthermore, the control unit can include a processor or microcontroller unit (MCU) to process the received signals and provide / determine a trap status signal. The trap status signal can be any signal or data indicating the status of the small animal trap, i.e., whether or not the at least one trap element has captured a small animal.For example, the trap status signal can be “full” or “empty”, “YES” or “NO”, “1” or “0”, “small animal caught” or “small animal not caught”, “blocked” or “not blocked”, but is not limited to these.

[0066] As an example, the trap status signal can be set to "1" if the identification device has identified a small animal and the trigger sensor has detected a change in the trap element's trigger status. Otherwise, the trap status signal can be set to "0". Alternatively, the trap status signal can be any signal or data indicating the status of the small animal trap, i.e., whether the first and / or second trap has captured a small animal, by separately representing, encompassing, or providing the small animal identification signal, the first trap trigger signal, and / or the second trap trigger signal. For example, the trap status signal can be [small animal identification signal, first trap trigger signal, second trap trigger signal]. Therefore, if the first trap of the small animal trap has captured a small animal, the trap status signal can be [1, 1, 0], but is not limited to this.The control unit may further include a storage unit for storing the received signals. The control unit may be directly or indirectly coupled, via wired or wireless communication or electrical connections, to at least one indicator, a communication device, and / or at least one monitoring sensor. The control unit may be configured to provide the trap status signal to the communication device. The control unit may receive at least one monitoring signal. The control unit may be configured to forward the monitoring signal to the communication device without processing it, or it may be configured to process the monitoring signal, but is not limited to doing so.The control unit can be configured to identify whether the monitoring signal includes information exceeding a predefined threshold indicating a threatening and / or dangerous condition in / within the small animal trap.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to control at least one power source. To control the power source, the control unit can include a power management unit. For example, the control unit can be configured to control the power source so that the power source temporarily supplies power to the identification device and / or the trigger sensor, e.g., once or twice a day. In other words, the control unit can be configured to control the power source so that the small animal trap can be in an active mode and in a power-saving mode (deep sleep). In active mode, the identification device, the trigger sensor, and the control unit are powered. In power-saving mode, the control unit and, for example, one of the identification devices or the trigger sensor may not be powered.In this case, the control unit can receive a signal / data from a single active device or sensor, and then control the power source to activate or supply power to the remaining devices of the small animal trap. For example, if the identification device receives a change in capacitance caused by a small animal in the trap, the control unit activates the trigger sensor to identify whether the trap has been triggered. The power-saving mode can be provided by, but is not limited to, a deep sleep mode. Furthermore, based on the received signal / data, and in particular its characteristics, the control unit can determine the type of small animal caught, but is not limited to this.

[0068] Alternatively, the power source can control the control unit by supplying it with power. In this case, the small animal trap can remain in a power-saving mode until the trigger sensor indicates that the trap has been triggered. The detection of the triggering can then cause the power source to supply power to the control unit, thus waking the small animal trap into active mode.

[0069] The indicator can be any element configured to visually provide or display the trap status signal to a user of the small animal trap. For example, the indicator can be a light-emitting device, LED, or multiple LEDs. The indicator can face the base plate or be directed towards it. The indicator can be configured to receive the trap status signal or any equivalent signal from the control unit. For example, the LED color can be, but is not limited to, red, green, and / or orange or yellow. The number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can correspond to the number of traps, specifically the number of different small animal identification signals and trap trigger signals processed by the control unit to determine whether the at least one trap element has captured a small animal and to provide a trap status signal based on this determination.For example, the indicator can include three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) – one green, one red, and one yellow. The green LED can be illuminated when the trap status signal is [0, 0, 0], meaning that none of the signals indicate a small animal has been caught. Therefore, the green LED can indicate that the small animal trap is ready for use. The orange / yellow LED can be illuminated when the trap status signal is [1, 0, 0], meaning that at least one small animal identification signal indicates a small animal has been caught, but no trap trigger signal indicates a small animal has been caught. Therefore, the orange LED can indicate that the small animal trap needs to be controlled or checked by the user. The red LED can be illuminated when the trap status signal is [1, 1, 0], meaning that one small animal identification signal indicates a small animal has been caught and the trap trigger signal also indicates a small animal has been caught.Therefore, the red LED can indicate or show that the small animal trap has caught a small animal.

[0070] Alternatively, there can be only one LED, which indicates different statuses of the trap through different flashing periods.

[0071] The monitoring sensor can be any sensor configured to measure at least one parameter in / within the small animal trap, particularly in the power source compartment and / or the circuit board cavity. The monitoring sensor can be provided or located in the power source compartment and / or on the circuit board. The monitoring sensor can be directly or indirectly connected to the control unit via wired or wireless communication or electrical connections. The at least one parameter can be, but is not limited to, temperature and / or humidity. The monitoring sensor can further be configured to provide a monitoring signal that includes monitoring information. The monitoring information can be based on, but is not limited to, the measured parameter.For example, the monitoring information can display, but is not limited to, temperature, humidity, temperature increases, and humidity increases. The monitoring sensor can be configured to measure the parameter continuously or to measure it at a predefined interval. The monitoring sensor can be configured to provide monitoring information and a monitoring signal continuously, or to provide monitoring information and a monitoring signal at a predefined interval, or only when a predefined threshold is exceeded. The monitoring signal can be transmitted via the communication device to at least one external unit, in particular at least one small animal trap monitoring device.

[0072] The communication device can be any device configured to provide the trap status signal to an external unit, in particular a small animal trap monitoring device, but is not limited to such devices. The external unit can be a small animal trap monitoring device or a mobile device such as a mobile phone, but is not limited to such devices. The communication device can be configured to provide the trap status signal to multiple external units, in particular multiple small animal trap monitoring devices or multiple receiver units of multiple small animal trap monitoring devices. The communication device can use, but is not limited to, LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi, NF, NB-IoT, or radio to communicate with the external unit, in particular a small animal trap monitoring device.In addition to the trap status signal, the communication device can be configured to transmit small animal trap information to a small animal trap monitoring unit and / or an external device. For example, the small animal trap information can include, but is not limited to, the status, particularly the charge level, of the power source. Additionally or alternatively, the communication device can be configured, alongside the trap status signal, to transmit a monitoring signal containing monitoring information to a small animal trap monitoring unit and / or an external device.

[0073] The reed switch and / or Hall sensor can represent any switch configured to activate or deactivate the control unit or to switch it into mode.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the reed switch can be configured only to activate the control unit. The reed switch can be an electromechanical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. The reed switch can comprise a pair of ferromagnetic flexible metal contacts within a hermetically sealed glass enclosure. The contacts are normally open and close when a magnetic field is present, or they can be normally closed and open when a magnetic field is applied. The switch can be actuated by an electromagnetic coil, thus creating a reed relay, or by bringing a permanent magnet close to it. When the magnetic field is removed, the contacts in the reed switch return to their original position.Alternatively, when the magnetic field is removed, the contacts in the reed switch remain in the connected position and only return to their original position when another magnetic field is applied. The reed switch can be mounted on or attached to the circuit board or can be directly or indirectly wired or wirelessly connected to the control unit.

[0075] There might be a reed switch to activate the trap from a transport mode.

[0076] Furthermore, a Hall sensor might be present, positioned at a different location on the circuit board than the reed switch. The Hall sensor is used to activate different operating modes of the trap.

[0077] By including at least one identification device and one energy source compartment in the small animal trap, the number of false triggers and false identifications of trapped small animals can be significantly reduced, thus significantly reducing the manpower and working time required to maintain protection against pests or unwanted small animals and significantly increasing the lifespan of the small animal trap.

[0078] In one embodiment, the small animal trap further comprises at least one energy source for providing energy to the at least one identification device and the control unit, wherein the at least one energy source is arranged within the energy source compartment, preferably the at least one energy source is a replaceable and / or rechargeable energy source.

[0079] By placing the energy source in the energy source compartment, it is reliably prevented that the energy source is exposed to external influences, such as impacts. Therefore, the lifespan of both the energy source and the small animal trap can be significantly increased.

[0080] In one embodiment, the small animal trap further comprises a first trigger sensor for identifying a trigger status of the first trap and for providing a first trap trigger signal, and a second trigger sensor for identifying a trigger status of the second trap and for providing a second trap trigger signal, wherein the control unit is configured to receive the first trap trigger signal and / or the second trap trigger signal and / or at least one small animal identification signal to determine whether the first and / or the second trap has caught a small animal, and to provide a trap status signal.

[0081] By using trigger sensors, a trigger status and a trap trigger signal can be provided, indicating whether the trap has been triggered. Therefore, the reliability of identifying a small animal caught in a small animal trap can be increased.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first and second trigger sensors can be attached to the trap housing and / or to the power source compartment.

[0083] In one embodiment, the at least one identification device can be a capacitive sensor for measuring a capacitive change in the small animal trap due to the presence of a small animal.

[0084] Using a capacitive sensor can significantly improve the effectiveness and / or reliability of identifying a small animal in the trap opening.

[0085] In one embodiment, the energy source compartment can be open to a top surface, forming an opening, wherein a compartment cover can be removablely closed to close the opening of the energy source compartment.

[0086] A sealing element is provided between the compartment cover and the control unit compartment to insulate the energy source compartment.

[0087] By providing the energy source compartment with an opening and a cover, the energy source can be replaced. This increases the lifespan of the small animal trap, as defective or faulty energy sources can be easily replaced.

[0088] By using a sealing element, the energy source compartment can be insulated, and in particular made waterproof, so that direct contact between the energy source and the environment, especially moisture and water, can be reliably prevented. This can increase the service life of both the energy source and the small animal trap.

[0089] In one embodiment, the compartment cover may include at least one energy source securing element configured to secure the at least one energy source.

[0090] Preferably, the energy source securing element is designed as a rib or projection to hold down the energy source within the energy source compartment.

[0091] By providing at least one energy source securing element, it is reliably possible to prevent the energy source from moving vertically and / or horizontally within the energy source compartment in an undesired manner. Therefore, the probability of the energy source sustaining damage from impacts can be significantly reduced.

[0092] In one embodiment, the at least one energy source is also provided on the circuit board.

[0093] By placing the energy source directly on the circuit board, the compactness of the small animal trap, especially the trap housing, can be increased.

[0094] In one embodiment, the small animal trap comprises a first opening and a second opening formed at opposite ends of the trap housing and covered by the cover, wherein the first trap is accessible via the first opening and the second trap is accessible via the second opening.

[0095] In one embodiment, the base plate is at least partially made of a semi-transparent, light-conducting or transparent material and / or the base plate is attached to the trap housing by a sealing material.

[0096] Using a semi-transparent, light-guiding or transparent material can allow for visual or optical inspection of the small animal trap.

[0097] By using a sealing material to attach the base plate to the trap housing, the control unit, preferably on the circuit board, can be made watertight. Therefore, the lifespan of the circuit board can be significantly increased.

[0098] Thus, the trap housing, on which the power source compartment is integrally manufactured and which is sealed at its underside by the base plate, provides a space that is waterproof and / or shockproof to accommodate the control unit and identification device, the power sources and other electrical components.

[0099] In one embodiment, the at least one identification device is electrically connected to the control unit and / or the at least one identification device comprises a first identification device and a second identification device, wherein the first identification device is provided for the first trap and a second identification device is provided for the second trap.

[0100] The first and second identification devices can be implemented as capacitive sensors. When an animal touches the surface of the housing at a point where the capacitive sensor is located, a fluctuation in capacitance is triggered, which is used to derive the first or second small animal identification signal.

[0101] By providing each trap with its own identification device, the reliability of the identification of a small animal catch by the small animal facility can be significantly increased.

[0102] In one embodiment, the small animal trap further comprises at least one display configured to show the trap status signal determined by the control unit, wherein the at least one display is a light-emitting device, LED, facing the base plate, and / or wherein the at least one display is electrically coupled to the control unit. By using a display, the trap status signal can be made visually available to a user.

[0103] In one embodiment, the base plate extends completely or at least partially horizontally beyond the trap housing.

[0104] By designing the base plate so that it extends fully or at least partially horizontally beyond the trap housing, the contact area can be increased, allowing the small animal trap to be positioned in a more stable manner. Additionally, by designing the base plate so that it extends fully or at least partially horizontally beyond the trap housing, the light provided by the indicator, which is transmitted via the light-conducting properties of the base plate, can be more easily identified or seen by a user of the small animal trap.

[0105] In one embodiment, the small animal trap further comprises at least one monitoring sensor, wherein the at least one monitoring sensor is provided on the circuit board and is electrically coupled to the control unit; and / or wherein the monitoring sensor is configured to measure at least one parameter in the small animal trap, preferably temperature and / or humidity of the energy source compartment, and to provide a monitoring signal based on the at least one parameter.

[0106] By using a monitoring sensor located inside the small animal trap, i.e., in the power source compartment and / or the circuit board cavity, it is possible to check, monitor, and verify whether the conditions inside the trap are ideal and remain constant, or whether they are changing to a critical condition, i.e., conditions that could damage the power source or the circuit board. Therefore, the interval for technical inspections of the small animal trap can be increased.

[0107] In one embodiment, the small animal trap further comprises a communication device for providing the trap status signal and / or the monitoring signal to an external unit.

[0108] By including a communication device in the small animal trap, it is possible to include a multiple small animal traps in a small animal trap system.

[0109] In one embodiment, the small animal trap further comprises a reed switch, wherein the reed switch is configured to activate or deactivate the control unit or to switch it into mode.

[0110] By using a reed switch, the small animal trap, and in particular its control unit, can be activated, deactivated, or switched into mode without having an exposed switch. Therefore, impacts and collisions with the small animal trap, especially the reed switch, cannot lead to unintended activation, deactivation, or mode changes. This significantly increases the reliability of the small animal trap's control system.

[0111] In one embodiment, the triggering device for the small animal neutralization device is a clamp that is spring-loaded from a rest position to a trigger position and is held in the trigger position by the triggering device and moves back to the rest position when the triggering device is triggered. Preferably, the triggering device is designed as a weight sensor and triggers when a weight is exceeded and / or movement is detected, or is designed as a light barrier and triggers when a light barrier is broken, or is designed as a temperature sensor and triggers when a threshold temperature is exceeded, or is designed as a motion sensor and triggers when movement occurs, or is designed as a touch sensor and triggers when mechanical contact occurs.or is designed as a light-sensitive element and triggers when the light changes, or a combination thereof.

[0112] In another aspect, a small animal trapping system is presented. The small animal trapping system comprises at least one small animal trap, as described above, a monitoring device that is communicatively coupled to at least one small animal trap and configured to receive one or more trap status signals, wherein the monitoring device includes a receiving unit configured to receive the trap status signal from a communication device, and a display unit configured to provide and / or display the received trap status signal to at least one user of the small animal trapping system.

[0113] The monitoring device, in particular the small animal trap monitoring device, can be any device configured to monitor at least one, and in particular multiple, small animal traps in the small animal trapping system. The monitoring device can include a receiver for receiving a trap status signal from a communication device. In addition to the trap status signal, the receiver can be configured to receive small animal trap information. For example, the small animal trap information can include, but is not limited to, the status, in particular the charge level, of the power source. Furthermore, the small animal trap monitoring device can also include a processor and a display unit for providing and / or displaying the received trap status signal to at least one user of the small animal trapping system.For example, the display unit can be, but is not limited to, a screen or touchscreen. Furthermore, the monitoring device can include a separate receiving unit and an alerting unit. The receiving unit can be configured to receive the monitoring signal. The alerting unit can be configured to provide a warning or alarm when the monitoring signal, particularly the monitoring information / data, exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, if the alerting unit identifies that the temperature in the energy source compartment is too high, it can provide / generate an alarm or warning and transmit this alarm or warning to at least one user of the small animal trap.

[0114] In one embodiment, the monitoring device further comprises another receiving unit configured to receive the monitoring signal and a warning delivery unit configured to provide a warning when the monitoring signal exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0115] The invention, or further embodiments and advantages thereof, are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, which only depict embodiments of the invention. Identical components in the drawings are identified by the same reference numerals. Elements drawn with dashed lines are considered optional.

[0116] The drawings are not to be considered to scale, and individual elements of the drawings may be shown in an exaggeratedly large or exaggeratedly simplified form. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 Components of a small animal trap of the invention in an unassembled manner. Fig. 2 an exterior view of the small animal trap of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 A detailed view of a trap housing of the small animal trap from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 4 a side view of the small animal trap according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 5 a component cover of the small animal trap as in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 shown. Fig. 6. an underside of the base plate as in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shown; Fig. 7 a top side of the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 circuit boards shown; Fig. 8 a bottom side of the circuit board according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7; Fig. 9 the functional connection of elements of the small animal trap; Fig. 10. the use of a magnet to actuate a reed switch of the small animal trap; Fig. 11 a remote magnet for the reed switch of the small animal trap; Fig. 12. A schematic overview of a small animal trapping system. Fig. 13 a monitoring device of the small animal trapping system of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 a flowchart for an energy-saving mode of the small animal trap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORM

[0118] Fig. Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a small animal trap of the invention in an unassembled state. The small animal trap 100 comprises, but is not limited to, a first trap 111 (not shown), a second trap 112 (not shown), a trap housing 120, at least one identification device 130, a power source compartment 140, a control unit 150 (not shown), a base plate 122, a printed circuit board 160, and a cover 121. The base plate 122 comprises or forms a space or a printed circuit board cavity 122a. The base plate 122 is made of a semi-transparent material that has light-guiding properties. A printed circuit board 160 is fully arranged or embedded within the printed circuit board cavity 122a. The printed circuit board 160 comprises at least one identification device 130, or the at least one identification device 130 is provided on the printed circuit board 160.Furthermore, the power source 170 is arranged on the circuit board 160 and / or electrically connected to it. The base plate 122 is arranged or attached to a lower (bottom) side / surface of the trap housing 120. The trap housing 120 comprises a central section 120b and two opposing end sections 120a, with the power source compartment 140 arranged in the central section. The power source compartment 140 may include an opening 141 extending vertically through the trap housing 120. The opening 141 may be covered or closed by the component cover 142, which is detachably mounted to the power source compartment 140 by screws 145 or other mounting elements. A sealing element 143 is arranged between the compartment cover 142 and the power source compartment 140.The cover 121 is detachably attached to a top surface of the trap housing 120 by cover mounting components 123, which are attached / mounted to cover mounting cavities on or in the trap housing 120. The cover 121 completely covers the two opposing end sections 120a and the middle section 120b of the trap housing.

[0119] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exterior view of the small animal trap. Fig. 1 in an assembled state. The trap housing 120 and the cover 121, in an assembled state, provide a tunnel, the tunnel terminating at the end and beginning at the opposite end sections 120a. The tunnel, in particular the cover 121 and the trap housing 120, may include a first opening 121a and a second opening 121b. The small animal trap has a length L1, which represents the total length of the tunnel or the sum of the lengths of the two opposite end sections 120a and the middle section 120b. Traps 111 and 112 are arranged within the tunnel, in particular within the end sections 120a of the trap housing 120. The openings 121a and 121b are dimensioned such that a small animal can enter them.

[0120] Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the trap housing 120 of the small animal trap from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The trap housing 120 comprises two opposing end sections 120a and a central section 120b. The central section 120b is completely covered by the power source compartment 140. The trap housing 120 comprises a trap base 120c and, on its upper surface, two upright trap side walls 120d. The trap side walls 120d extend perpendicularly from the trap base 120c. The first and second traps 111 and 112 are each provided at the end sections 120a on the trap base 120c. The first and second traps 111 and 112 each comprise a small animal neutralization device 113. The small animal neutralization device 113 comprises a clamp 1131, which is pre-tensioned by a spring 1132. The pre-tensioned clamp 1131 is held in a release position by a release device 114. The release device is a pressure sensor.Both traps 111 and 112 are mounted or snapped into receptacles on the trap housing base 120c by at least one trap mounting component 115. The trap mounting component 115 comprises a clamp and / or hooks and / or projections.

[0121] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the small animal trap according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. The size of the tunnel, i.e. the size of the cover 121, the size of the trap housing 120 and the size of the power source compartment 140, are designed such that the tunnel is continuous, i.e. it is possible to see through it from the first opening 121a to the second opening 121b. The height H1 of the trap housing 120 is in the range of 25% to 40%, preferably 30% to 35%, of the total height H1 plus H2 of the small animal trap 100. The height H2 of the cover 121 is in the range of 60% to 75%, preferably 65% ​​to 70%, of the total height H1 plus H2 of the small animal trap 100. The height of the trap housing base 120c is in the range of 1% to 15%, preferably 10%, of the total height H1 plus H2 of the small animal trap 100. The height of the trap housing side walls 120d is in the range of 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 25%, of the total height H1 plus H2 of the small animal trap 100.The height of the trap housing extensions 120d is in the range of 50% to 70%, preferably 60% to 70%, of the height H1 of the trap housing 120. The height of the trap housing base 120c is in the range of 30% to 50%, preferably 30% to 40%, of the height H1 of the trap housing 120. The length of the middle section 120b of the trap housing 120 is 20% to 40%, preferably 30%, of the total length L1 of the trap housing 120. The length of each of the end sections 120a of the trap housing 120 is 30% to 40%, preferably 35%, of the total length L1 of the trap housing 120. The width W1 of the trap housing 120 is uniform, i.e., it does not differ in steps or continuously. The width W2 of the trap housing base 120c lies in a range of 90% to 98% of the width W1, in particular the total width, of the trap housing 120.The width of each of the trap housing side walls 120d is between 2% and 5% of the width W1, in particular the total width, of the trap housing. The height H4 of the clamp 1131 is designed such that the clamp 1131 can move freely, without interruption, from the trigger position to the rest position within the tunnel. Additionally, the height H4 and the shape of the clamp 1131 are designed such that, in the trigger position, the clamp 1131 prevents a small animal from entering the central section 120b of the trap housing 120. The height H3 of the energy source compartment 140 is less than the height of the trap housing side walls 120d. The width of the energy source compartment 140 is identical to the width W2 of the trap housing base 120c.

[0122] Fig. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a component cover of the small animal trap according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. The component cover 142 is a one-piece cover that is mounted to the power source compartment by screws 145 extending through mounting holes 146. The compartment cover 142 can comprise an inner part and an outer part. The outer part surrounds the inner part of the compartment cover 142. The inner part and the outer part are separated from each other by a sealing element receiving cavity 147. The power source locking element 144 is located within the inner part of the compartment cover 142. The power source locking element 144 is an integral part of the compartment cover 142. The power source locking element 144 comprises a plurality of vertically and horizontally extending ribs. The mounting holes 146 are located in the outer part of the compartment cover 142. Additionally, the outer part of the compartment cover 142 includes a trip sensor retaining element 148. The sealing element 143, which, for example,The sealing element receiving cavity 147 is made of thermoplastic elastomer.

[0123] Fig. Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the underside of the base plate of the small animal trap according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. The base plate 122 comprises or is made of a non-transparent material. The base plate 122 comprises one or more horizontally extending sections 125 made of a light-guiding material, i.e., a light-guiding element. The horizontally extending section 125 is arranged on the base plate 122 such that a display 180, in particular a light-emitting diode (LED), faces or is directed toward the horizontally extending section 125. The display 180 may extend within the horizontally extending section 125, but is not limited to it. The horizontally extending section 125 projects from the outer edges of the housing 120 to allow a user to perceive portions of the horizontally extending section 125 that partially protrude from the perimeter of the housing.Thus, every optical signal emitted by the display 180 is received by the base plate 120 and directed therein to the outer edges of the base plate, in particular to the horizontally extending section 125, in order to enable a user to recognize the light signal.

[0124] Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of a top side of the circuit board according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. The first identification device 131 is arranged in a first end section of the printed circuit board 160, and the second identification device 132 is arranged in a second end section opposite the first end section of the printed circuit board 160. The power source holder 149, in particular a battery holder, is arranged in the central section of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board 160 and the power source holder 149 are electrically coupled to each other. Additionally, the reed switch 152 is arranged in the central section of the printed circuit board 160. The reed switch 152 is located adjacent to the power source holder 149. Furthermore, a plurality of recesses or openings 161 for connecting the trigger sensors 171 to the printed circuit board 160 are arranged in the central section of the printed circuit board 160.

[0125] Fig. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of a bottom side of the printed circuit board according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. The control unit 150, the indicator 180, the power management device 174, and the communication device 173 are arranged on the underside of the circuit board 160. The control unit 150, the indicator 180, the power management device 174, and the communication device 173 can be arranged over the entire circuit board 160 or only in a part of the circuit board 160.

[0126] Fig. Figure 9 shows an electrical connection of the elements on the circuit board according to Fig. 7 or Fig. 8. The control unit 150, at least one identification device 130, at least one monitoring sensor 151, the communication device 173, the indicator 180, the reed switch 152, and the power source 170 are arranged on the circuit board 160. The at least one monitoring sensor 151 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150. The at least one identification device 130 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150. The indicator 180 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150. The communication device 173 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150 and the power source 170. The communication device 173 includes at least one antenna 190. One or more antennas 190 can be placed above and / or below the circuit board. The energy source 170 is electrically coupled to the control unit 150 and the communication device 173. The energy source 170 includes an energy management unit 174.The reed switch 152 is connected only to the power source 170 or the power management unit 174. Therefore, the reed switch 152 is configured so that, when activated, it controls power to be supplied directly or indirectly from the power source 170 to the control unit 150, the indicator 180, the at least one monitoring sensor 151, and the at least one identification device 130.

[0127] Fig. Figure 10 shows the use of a magnet to provide a magnetic field for the reed switch 152. When the user positions the magnet 153 near the reed switch 152, the magnetic field of the magnet 153 activates and / or deactivates the reed switch 152. The reed switch 152 is arranged on the circuit board 160 such that it can be activated and / or deactivated when the magnet 153 is held against a side wall of the trap housing 120. The magnet 153 can approach the housing from the side (as shown), from below, or from any other suitable position.

[0128] Fig. Figure 11 shows a remote magnet for providing a magnetic field for a reed switch 152. When the magnet 153 is detached from the side wall of the trap housing 120, i.e., when the magnetic field of the magnet 153 no longer affects the reed switch 152, the reed switch 152 remains in the activation and / or deactivation position.

[0129] Fig. Figure 12 shows a small animal trapping system. The small animal trapping system 300 comprises a monitoring device 310 and a plurality, in particular four, small animal traps 100, as described above. Each of the four small animal traps is directly wirelessly connected to the monitoring device 310.

[0130] Fig. Figure 13 shows a monitoring device of the small animal trapping system of Fig. 12. The monitoring device 310 comprises a receiver unit 311 and a display unit 312. The receiver unit 311 is configured to receive the trap status signal from a communication device 190 from each of the small animal traps 100. The display unit 312 is configured to provide and / or display the received trap status signal to at least one user of the small animal trapping system 300. The display unit 312 is a screen.

[0131] Optionally, the monitoring device 310 also includes another receiving unit 313 and an alerting unit 314. The other receiving unit 313 is configured to receive the monitoring signal. The alerting unit 314 is configured to provide an alert when the monitoring signal exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0132] Fig.Figure 14 shows a flowchart for an energy-saving mode of the small animal trap. When the trap is operated in an energy-saving mode, it is a deep sleep mode. In the first state, the entire small animal trap 100, i.e., all components, is in a deep sleep mode in which all electronic components or units, i.e., the first identification device 131, the second identification device 132, the control unit 150, the first trigger sensor 171, the second trigger sensor 172, the display 189, the communication unit 173, and at least one monitoring sensor 151, the power management unit 174, are switched off or not supplied with power by the power source 170.If one of the first or second trigger sensors 171 and 172 identifies that one of the traps 111 and 112 has been triggered, when a timer has expired, or when the user has provided a magnetic field to the reed switch 152 or a Hall sensor, the power source 170 supplies power to the control unit 150, the first identification device 131, the second identification device 132, the indicator 180, the communication unit 173, and the at least one monitoring sensor 151. Alternatively, the power source 170 supplies power only to the control unit 150 if one of the first or second trigger sensors 171 and 172 identifies that one of the traps 111 and 112 has been triggered, when a timer has expired, or when the user has provided a magnetic field to the Hall sensor. When the control unit 150 receives energy, the control unit 150 executes a wake-up sequence to wake up the small animal trap 100.Activating the Hall sensor and triggering at least one trigger sensor 171 and 172 causes the power source 170, in particular the power management unit 174, to supply power, for example by closing a circuit. The timer can periodically wake up the small animal trap 100 or the control unit 150 by periodically supplying the control unit 150 with enough power to perform a wake-up sequence to periodically check the trap status and / or provide the trap status signal to the small animal trap monitoring device 300. When the Hall sensor is activated by applying a magnetic field, a mode changes after a predetermined time period, for example, more than 5 seconds. Additionally or alternatively, the Hall sensor can be deactivated by applying a magnetic field for more than 5 seconds.During the wake-up sequence, the control unit 150 can transmit energy to the first identification device 131, the second identification device 132, the indicator 180, the communication unit 173, and at least one monitoring sensor 151. After the control unit 150 has executed the wake-up sequence, it performs an execution sequence. During the execution sequence, the configurations are loaded from flash memory. The configurations can be, but are not limited to, DevEUI, AppEUI, or AppKey. Additionally, during the execution sequence, and for example, after loading the configurations via the communication unit 173, the control unit 150 attempts to establish a connection with at least one small animal trap monitoring device 310.If the control unit 150 is unable to establish a connection with the at least one small animal trap monitoring device 310 and / or if the connection between the control unit 150 and the at least one small animal trap monitoring device 310 is unstable, the control unit 150 continues to attempt until communication is available or stable. When a connection is established between the control unit 150 and the at least one small animal trap monitoring device 310, the control unit 150 transmits the trap status signal and the monitoring signal to the small animal trap monitoring device 310 via or through the communication device 173 and waits for an acknowledgment from the small animal trap monitoring device 310, the acknowledgment indicating that the small animal trap monitoring device 310 has received the transmitted / sent trap status signal and monitoring signal.If the control unit 150 does not receive an acknowledgment or a preset / predefined waiting period has elapsed, the control unit 150 attempts again, via the communication device 173, to establish a connection with at least one small animal trap monitoring device 310 and / or to re-send the trap status signal and monitoring signal to the small animal trap monitoring device 310. This is executed by the control unit 150 at a predefined interval or period, e.g., 1, 5, 15, and 60 minutes, and is then set to a regular 12-hour interval until the control unit 150 receives the acknowledgment. Once the control unit 150 has received the acknowledgment and has therefore completed the execution sequence, the control unit 150 enters a sleep sequence.During the sleep sequence, the control unit 150 stops communicating with at least one small animal trap monitoring device 310 and switches off the first identification device 131, the second identification device 132, the indicator 180, the communication device 173, and / or the at least one monitoring sensor 151 of the small animal trap 100 after a sleep timer has expired. After all units have been switched off, the power source no longer supplies energy / power to any components and units, so the small animal trap 100 is back in deep sleep mode. Reference sign 100 small animal traps 111 first trap 112 second trap 113 Small Animal Neutralization Facility 1131 Terminal 1132 spring 114 Triggering device 115 Trap mounting component 120 trap housings 120a End section 120b middle section 120c Trap housing base 120d Trap housing side wall 121 Coverage 121a first opening 121b second opening 122 Base plate Room 122a 123 Cover mounting component 124 Cover mounting cavity 125 horizontally extending section 130 Identification device 131 first identification device 132 second identification device 140 Energy Sources 141 Opening 142 compartment covers 143 Sealing element 144 Energy source safety element 145 screws 146 mounting holes 147 Sealing element receiving cavity 148 Trigger sensor holding element 149 Energy source holders 150 control unit 151 Monitoring sensor 152 Reed switches 153 Magnet 160 circuit boards 161 Opening or recess 170 Energy source 171 first trigger sensor 172 second trigger sensor 173 Communication device 174 Energy Management Unit 180 display 190 antenna 200 external units 300 small animal trap system 310 Monitoring device 311 Receiving unit 312 Display unit 313 Receiving unit 314 Warning Deployment Unit H1 Height of the trap housing H2 Height of cover H3 Height of the energy source compartment H4 Clamp height L1 Length of the small animal trap W1 Width of the trap housing W2 Width of the trap housing base

Claims

[1] Small animal trap (100), comprising: a first trap (111) and a second trap (112); a trap housing (120), wherein the first and the second trap (111, 112) are arranged on the trap housing (120), in particular on opposite end sections (120a) of the trap housing (120); at least one identification device (130) for providing a small animal identification signal based on an identification parameter; an energy source compartment (140) which is arranged on the trap housing (120), in particular in a middle section (120b) of the housing (120), between the first and the second trap (111, 112); a control unit (150) designed to process the small animal identification signal and determine whether the first and / or the second trap (111, 112) has caught a small animal, and to provide a trap status signal based on the determination; a base plate (122) which is attached to an underside of the trap housing (120); wherein the control unit (150) and / or the at least one identification device (130) are provided in a space (122a) between the underside of the trap housing (120) and the base plate (122). [2] Small animal trap (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board, PCB, (160) arranged between the base plate (122) and the trap housing (120), wherein the control unit (150) and the at least one identification device (130) are provided on the printed circuit board (160). [3] Small animal trap (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one energy source (170) for providing energy to the at least one identification device (130) and the control unit (150), wherein the at least one energy source (170) is arranged within the energy source compartment (140), preferably the at least one energy source (170) is a replaceable and / or rechargeable energy source. [4] Small animal trap (100) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a first trigger sensor (171) for identifying a trigger status of the first trap (111) and for providing a first trap trigger signal and a second trigger sensor (172) for identifying a trigger status of the second trap (112) and for providing a second trap trigger signal, wherein the control unit (150) is configured to receive at least one of the following: the first trap trigger signal and / or the second trap trigger signal and / or at least one small animal identification signal to determine whether the first and / or the second trap (111, 112) has been triggered or whether a small animal has been detected. [5] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second trigger sensors (171, 172) are attached to the trap housing (120) and / or to the energy source compartment (140). [6] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one identification device (130) is a capacitive sensor for measuring a capacitive change in the small animal trap (100) due to the presence of a small animal. [7] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source compartment (140) has an opening (141) on its upper side, wherein a compartment cover (142) is configured to detachably close the opening (141) of the energy source compartment (140), and a sealing element (143) is provided between the compartment cover (142) and the energy source compartment (140) for insulating the energy source compartment (140), preferably the compartment cover (142) comprises at least one energy source securing element (144) configured to secure the at least one energy source (170), preferably the energy source securing element (144) is designed as a rib or projection to hold down the energy source (170) within the energy source compartment (140). [8] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one energy source (170) is also provided on the circuit board (160). [9] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the small animal trap (100) comprises a first opening (121a) and a second opening (121b) formed at opposite ends of the trap housing (120), wherein the first trap (111) is accessible via the first opening (121a) and the second trap (112) is accessible via the second opening (121b). [10] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (122) is made at least partially of a semi-transparent, light-conducting or transparent material and / or a sealing material is provided between the base plate (122) and the trap housing (120). [11] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one identification device (130) is electrically connected to the control unit (150) and / or wherein the at least one identification device (130) comprises a first identification device (131) and a second identification device (132), wherein the first identification device (131) is assigned to the first trap (111) and a second identification device (132) is assigned to the second trap (112). [12] Small animal trap (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one display (180) configured to show the trap status signal determined by the control unit (150), wherein the at least one display (180) is a light-emitting device, LED, which faces the base plate (122), and / or the at least one display (180) is electrically coupled to the control unit (150). [13] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (122) completely or at least partially extends horizontally beyond the trap housing (120). [14] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one monitoring sensor (151), wherein the at least one monitoring sensor (151) is electrically coupled to the control unit (150); and / or is configured to measure at least one parameter in the small animal trap (100), preferably temperature and / or humidity of the energy source compartment (140), and to provide a monitoring signal based on the at least one parameter. [15] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication device (173) for providing the trap status signal and / or the monitoring signal to an external unit (200). [16] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reed switch (152) and / or Hall sensor, wherein the reed switch (152) and / or Hall sensor is configured to activate or deactivate the control unit (150) or to switch it into mode. [17] Small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second trap (111, 112) both comprise a small animal neutralization device (113) for neutralizing a small animal; and a triggering device (114) for triggering the small animal neutralization device (113), preferably the small animal neutralization device (113) is a clamp (1131) which is biased by a spring (1132) from a rest position to a triggering position and which is held in the triggering position by the triggering device (114) and moves back to the rest position when the triggering device (114) is triggered, preferably the triggering device (114) is designed as a mechanical trigger or as a weight sensor and triggers when a weight is exceeded and / or movement is detected, or is designed as a photoelectric barrier and triggers when a photoelectric barrier is broken,or is designed as a temperature sensor and triggers when a threshold temperature is exceeded, or is designed as a motion sensor and triggers when movement occurs, or is designed as a touch sensor and triggers when mechanical contact occurs, or is designed as a light-sensitive element and triggers when the light changes, or a combination thereof. [18] Small animal trapping system (300), comprising: at least one small animal trap (100) according to one of the preceding claims; a monitoring device (310) that is communicatively coupled to at least one small animal trap (100) and is configured to receive one or more trap status signals; the monitoring device (310) comprises: a receiving unit (311) for receiving the trap status signal from the communication device (173), and / or a display unit (312) for providing and / or displaying the received trap status signal to at least one user of the small animal trapping system (300). [19] Small animal trapping system (300) according to claim 18, wherein the monitoring device (310) further comprises: another receiving unit (313) configured to receive the monitoring signal, and a warning provisioning unit (314) that is configured to provide a warning when the monitoring signal exceeds a predefined threshold.

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