HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLE FOR SMALL MAMMAL DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE WITH SUCH HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLE

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a high-voltage cable for emitting high-voltage pulses that repel small mammals. The invention further relates to a small mammal repellent device, particularly for use in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle or in buildings, comprising one or more such high-voltage cables. The invention also relates to a method for operating a small mammal repellent device installed in a motor vehicle, comprising high-voltage cables for emitting high-voltage pulses that repel small mammals. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Small mammals, especially martens, can cause significant damage by chewing on cables and hoses, particularly in the engine compartment of a vehicle. For example, if a marten enters the engine compartment of a parked vehicle, it can damage electrical cables, such as the ignition cable, and other rubber hoses, potentially impairing the vehicle's roadworthiness and safety.

[0003] Defense systems for small mammals are widely available, employing various mechanisms to repel them. These mechanisms include actuators designed to deter small mammals entering the engine compartment. Conventional systems generate acoustic and / or visual signals that disturb the intruding mammal, causing it to leave the vehicle's engine compartment. For example, some systems use ultrasonic generators that emit ultrasonic signals to drive the small mammal out of the engine compartment. Alternatively, or additionally, conventional systems can be equipped with high-voltage actuators that deliver an electric shock to the small mammal upon contact, thus expelling it.Other defense systems use flashes of light to blind, irritate, and ultimately scare away the nocturnal martens.

[0004] In both cases, a power source is required to generate the ultrasound signals or the high-voltage electrical signal, supplying the respective generators or actuator units with electrical energy. There are two main possibilities: either the generators or actuator units can be connected to an external power source, such as a vehicle battery, via separate power lines (centralized power supply); the generators or actuator units can each have their own locally assigned power sources, such as batteries or accumulators (decentralized power supply); or the actuator units themselves can have their own power sources (cellular power supply).

[0005] In the case of centralized and decentralized power supplies, several actuator units are typically connected to a power source via one or more cables. Installing a small mammal deterrent device in the engine compartment of vehicles, particularly in modern vehicles with limited space and encapsulated engine components, presents considerable challenges. Furthermore, the constraints imposed by the wiring (such as predetermined cable lengths, the need to route cables away from rotating or hot engine components, etc.) limit the possible mounting locations for the actuator units. Often, due to these limitations, strategically important points in the engine compartment for effective small mammal deterrents (e.g., the small mammals' paths and / or entry points) cannot be equipped with actuator units, or only with increased installation effort.

[0006] For example, publications EP 4 122 320 A1 and EP 3 031 321 A1 disclose defense systems for repelling small mammals, comprising at least one high-voltage actuator unit. This unit acts upon a small mammal entering a monitored space, particularly an engine compartment, in such a way that the small mammal leaves the space. The high-voltage actuator unit has electrodes that, upon contact with a small mammal, deliver a high voltage to that small mammal.

[0007] The publication EP 3 031 321 A1 shows a high-voltage cable 3 comprising a base body made of an electrically insulating material, with a first and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line which run completely within the base body along a longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One of the objects of the invention is therefore to find solutions for the design of high-voltage actuator units for small mammal deterrent devices that are space-saving and can be flexibly mounted at strategically important locations in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, another object of the invention can be seen as increasing the possible effective area for small mammal deterrents with less installation effort.

[0009] These and other problems are solved by a high-voltage cable for emitting high-voltage pulses to repel small mammals, having the features of claim 1, by a small mammal repellent device having the features of claim 8, and by a method for operating a small mammal repellent device installed in a motor vehicle having the features of claim 16.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a high-voltage cable comprises a base body made of an electrically insulating material, a first electrically conductive high-voltage line which runs essentially along a longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable at least partially completely within the base body, and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line which runs essentially parallel to the first high-voltage line at a distance of one line length and at least partially completely within the base body. The first high-voltage line and the second high-voltage line project out at a plurality of points along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable through a surface of the base body which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable.In some embodiments, such high-voltage cables can be arranged as high-voltage actuator units of a small mammal defense device in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, a small mammal deterrent device comprises at least one high-voltage cable according to the first aspect of the invention and a high-voltage generator designed to supply at least one of the high-voltage conductors of the high-voltage cable with high voltage for its operation. Electric shocks are an effective method of preventing small mammals from entering the engine compartment of a vehicle. Upon contact with at least one of the high-voltage conductors located in the engine compartment and charged by the high-voltage generator, as well as with the other high-voltage conductor and / or a grounded component, an electrical circuit is closed for a short time, and the small mammal receives a typically non-lethal electric shock (electric fence principle).

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for operating a small mammal deterrent device installed in a motor vehicle comprises the steps of connecting a housing of a small mammal deterrent device having a high-voltage generator to at least one high-voltage cable, which has a base body made of an electrically insulating material, a first electrically conductive high-voltage line which runs essentially along a longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable at least partially completely within the base body, and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line which runs essentially parallel to the first high-voltage line at a distance of at least a section completely within the base body.wherein the high-voltage lines protrude at a multitude of points along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable through a surface of the base body that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable; and the application of a high voltage by the high-voltage generator to at least one of the first and second high-voltage lines.

[0013] One of the advantages of the high-voltage cable according to the invention is that the conductive traces of the high-voltage cable, which can be energized, simultaneously serve as the actuator electrodes that come into contact with a small mammal and deliver the high-voltage pulses that deter the small mammal. This eliminates the need for separate high-voltage actuator units, which are complex to assemble and whose use limits the possible effective deterrent area – that is, the total number of points at which high-voltage pulses can be delivered to a small mammal.

[0014] Particularly when using a high-voltage cable according to the invention as a high-voltage actuator unit for a small mammal deterrent device in a motor vehicle, the spatial independence of the small mammal deterrent device and the flexible routing options of the high-voltage cable according to the invention offer a considerable advantage in the installation of the small mammal deterrent device in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle, as well as a significant increase in the effective deterrent area. Furthermore, virtually any location in the engine compartment can be reached with the high-voltage cable acting as a high-voltage actuator unit, without having to rely solely on separate high-voltage actuator units at suitable mounting locations, which are therefore available in limited numbers.

[0015] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the additional sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the high-voltage cable, the first and second high-voltage conductors can be made of stainless steel or gold wire. Stainless steel and gold are metals that are highly resistant to corrosion or other weathering caused by contact with water, dirt, or operating fluids such as oil or windshield washer fluid in motor vehicles. This significantly increases the reliability and operational effectiveness of a small mammal deterrent device equipped with the high-voltage cable.

[0017] According to some further embodiments of the high-voltage cable, the sections of the first high-voltage line and the second high-voltage line projecting through the surface of the base body, which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable, can form a triangular, an arc-shaped, a rectangular or a pin-shaped contour.

[0018] According to some further embodiments of the high-voltage cable, the sections of the first and second high-voltage conductors projecting from the surface of the base body, which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable, can have a height between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, particularly between 0.2 mm and 10 mm, above the surface of the base body. This height is particularly well suited to establishing sufficient contact not only with body parts such as paws, but also, due to the good penetration of fur, with the skin of a small mammal to be deterred, so that the deterrent high-voltage pulse can be reliably delivered to the small mammal and the effective deterrent area is thereby further increased.

[0019] According to some further embodiments of the high-voltage cable, adjacent sections of the first and second high-voltage lines, projecting from the surface of the base body (which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable), can be spaced between 1 cm and 5 cm apart. This spacing ensures sufficient protection against unintentional short circuits caused by oppositely charged high-voltage lines accidentally coming into contact. Furthermore, the small distance guarantees the most uniform possible coverage of an engine compartment in a motor vehicle, so that a small mammal walking over the high-voltage cable is highly likely to receive a deterrent high-voltage pulse.

[0020] According to some further embodiments of the high-voltage cable, the first and second high-voltage conductors can run parallel within the base body at a distance of between 2 mm and 2 cm, particularly between 4 mm and 10 mm. This allows the cable to remain narrow and flexible enough to be routed around curves or corners in the engine compartment without the risk of a short circuit caused by unintentional contact between the two oppositely charged high-voltage conductors.

[0021] According to some further embodiments of the high-voltage cable, the electrically insulating material of the base body can be polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, or a combination of these materials. These plastic materials offer sufficient electrical insulation, good flexibility, and adequate durability against external weather conditions.

[0022] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the small mammal deterrent device may further include an actuator unit designed to generate an (additional) deterrent effect to drive away a small mammal.

[0023] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the device may further comprise a monitoring unit coupled to its electrical components, designed to monitor the operating state of the device, and a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder coupled to the monitoring unit, designed to transmit an operating state signal representing the operating state of the device to an RFID reader via an RFID air interface. According to alternative embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the device may also be monitored by visual or machine reading of LEDs indicating the device's status.

[0024] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the device can further comprise an electrical energy storage device which is coupled to the high-voltage cable via the high-voltage generator and which is designed to supply the high-voltage lines of the cable with high electrical voltage for their operation. This allows the small mammal deterrent device to be operated advantageously autonomously, i.e., without necessarily being connected to an external energy source such as the vehicle battery.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the electrical energy storage device can be coupled to the actuator unit and designed to supply the actuator unit with electrical energy for its operation. According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the electrical energy storage device can comprise a battery or an accumulator. In particular, the electrical energy storage device can be rechargeable.

[0026] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the device can have a plurality of high-voltage cables, which are connected to each other in pairs via crimped, soldered, welded, screwed, clamped, or coupling connections such that the respective first and second high-voltage lines are electrically connected. In some of these embodiments, the plurality of high-voltage cables can form a cable network in a star topology or a ring topology. The different topology types can be advantageously adapted to the available installation space for the small mammal deterrent device. Furthermore, the number of sections at which small mammal-repelling high-voltage pulses are emitted can be variably adapted to the respective installation location and the relevant entry points for small mammals.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the monitoring device can be coupled to the electrical energy storage unit and designed to monitor the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit. In some embodiments, the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder can be designed to transmit an energy storage state signal, representing the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit monitored by the monitoring device, to the RFID reader via the RFID air interface. Since self-contained small mammal deterrent devices with accumulators or batteries inevitably require recharging or battery replacement during operation, continuous monitoring of the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit can identify the need for recharging or replacement in a timely manner and without high maintenance costs.A battery change can be detected externally via an RFID reading process. According to alternative embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the charge state of the electrical energy storage device can also be monitored via visual or machine reading of LEDs indicating the charge state of the electrical energy storage device.

[0028] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the actuator unit can include an ultrasonic generator designed to produce sound signals at frequencies above the range of human hearing. It is known that small mammals can perceive frequencies in the ultrasonic range above approximately 12 kHz. Ultrasonic generators repel small mammals such as martens by emitting shrill sound pulses of high frequencies.

[0029] According to some further embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the actuator unit can have at least one light signal generator designed to emit flashes of light at periodic or irregular intervals. Small mammals are, for example, disturbed by bright, intense flashes of light and their reflections off metallic parts in the engine compartment. Martens, in particular, as nocturnal, light-shy animals, feel uncomfortable under the influence of flashes of light and leave the engine compartment.

[0030] Each of the aforementioned types of actuator units is powered by electricity, which the respective active components of the actuator units can draw from the electrical energy storage device. It is, of course, also possible to integrate several actuator units of different types into a small mammal deterrent device, for example, to increase the probability of successfully deterring a small mammal through a combination of devices. For instance, in some versions, a small mammal deterrent device may include both a high-voltage generator and an ultrasonic generator. Similarly, in some versions, a small mammal deterrent device may include both a high-voltage generator and a light signal transmitter. It may also be possible in some versions to equip a small mammal deterrent device with both an ultrasonic generator and a light signal transmitter.In some versions, a small mammal deterrent device can include a high-voltage generator, an ultrasonic generator, and a light signal transmitter. It should be noted that several other types of actuator units suitable for repelling small mammals can also be used.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, a housing can be provided in which at least the electrical energy storage device, the monitoring unit, and the RFID transponder are integrated. LEDs indicating the status of elements of the small mammal deterrent device can also be integrated into the outside of the housing. This provides advantageous shielding of the small mammal deterrent device against adverse influences in the engine compartment, such as splashing water and dirt deposits. Furthermore, this ensures stable mechanical installation in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder can include a memory chip, an integrated circuit, and an RFID antenna. In some embodiments, the memory chip can be designed to temporarily store the most recent energy storage status signal. This allows the storage requirements of the RFID transponder to be kept low, and the necessary amount of data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently when reading the RFID transponder. This is particularly advantageous for passive or semi-passive RFID transponders, as it prevents the radiation power transmitted via the RFID interceptor from having to be too high for the temporary energizing of the RFID transponder.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the monitoring device can be integrated into a microprocessor of the device and designed to periodically detect the charge state of the electrical energy storage device and update the energy storage state signal stored in the memory chip of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder. Advantageously, the monitoring device can utilize electrical parameters that are already necessary for the operation of the actuator units and / or the high-voltage generator of the small mammal deterrent device and are therefore present in the processor.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the small mammal deterrent device, the monitoring device can be integrated into the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder and designed to detect the charge state of the electrical energy storage device as soon as the integrated circuit of the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder is energized by the magnetic or electromagnetic field of an RFID reader. This offers the advantage that the charge state can be determined in real time and detection only occurs when information about the charge state of the electrical energy storage device is actually requested, thus saving energy from the electrical energy storage device. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE CHARACTERS

[0035] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of a small mammal defense device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective representation of a cross-sectional view of a high-voltage cable for a small mammal deterrent device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 (A) bis (C) Schematic representations of different shape variants for high-voltage lines in the high-voltage cable of the Fig. 2 according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 4 (A) bis (C) Side views of the high-voltage cable of the Fig. 2 according to various embodiments of the invention; and Fig. 5 an abstracted flowchart of an exemplary method for operating a small mammal defense device installed in a motor vehicle according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Directional terminology such as "above," "below," "left," "right," "over," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," "back," and similar terms are used for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the general public to specific embodiments as shown in the figures.

[0037] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0038] RFID transponders according to the present invention comprise transmitter-side system components used for the contactless and automatic transmission of transmitter-side data using high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency radio waves. The RFID transponders are mobile transmitting interfaces that receive object-related information from electronic components of the objects to which they are attached and can transmit this information wirelessly to receiver-side system components. The respective RFID transponder, acting as a transmitter, and a reader, acting as a receiver, are coupled via short-range alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader or via high-frequency radio waves to enable data transmission from the RFID transponder to the reader.A passive RFID transponder can also be temporarily powered via this electromagnetic coupling, in particular with energy that is necessary to trigger and maintain the radio wave transmission.

[0039] RFID transponders according to the present invention are electronic modules that essentially comprise an electronic memory chip and an antenna coupled to and integrated into the module. RFID transponders can transmit and receive electromagnetic signals in various frequency bands, for example, in the 125 kHz ("low frequency", LF) and 5.8 GHz ("super-high frequency", SHF) ranges. The design of the integrated antenna is selected depending on the desired frequency band. Frequency bands around 13.56 MHz ("high frequency", HF) and between 860 MHz and 960 MHz ("ultra-high frequency", UHF) are of particular importance.

[0040] UHF frequency bands can be used, for example, whenever a greater access and read range is required on the communication channels than on HF channels. Frequency, antenna shape, and antenna size can be selected accordingly to ensure the desired access and read range, robustness against interference and environmental influences, and robustness against interference between RFID transponders. An air interface can be established via an electromagnetic field between a reader and the integrated antenna of the RFID transponder, enabling wireless data exchange between the RFID transponder's memory chip and a processor in the reader, using predefined data exchange protocols.

[0041] Fig. 1 Figure 10 shows a schematic block diagram of a small mammal deterrent device. The small mammal deterrent device 10 can be used, for example, to repel or scare away mammals of relatively small size, such as hedgehogs, shrews, rodents, bats, and lagomorphs. Small mammals can include, in particular, martens, mustelids, and rats. The small mammal deterrent device 10 can, for example, be installed in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle to prevent martens or rats from entering the engine compartment.

[0042] The small mammal deterrent device 10 is equipped with at least one high-voltage cable 20, which can be connected to a housing 7 of the small mammal deterrent device 10. The high-voltage cable 20 is described with reference to Fig. 2, 3 und 4 shown and explained in more detail.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cross-sectional view of a high-voltage cable 20 for a small mammal defense device. Fig. 3 (A) bis (C) schematic representations of different shape variants for high-voltage pulse-emitting sections of the high-voltage lines in the high-voltage cable of the Fig. 2. Fig. 4 (A) bis (C) side views of the high-voltage cable 20 are shown. Fig. 2 .

[0044] The high-voltage cable 20 has a base body 26 made of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material of the base body 26 can be, for example, polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, or a combination of these materials. In the example of the Fig. 2 a substantially rectangular cross-section with a height H and a width k. The height H can, for example, range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, while the width k can, for example, take a value between one centimeter and ten centimeters. Along a longitudinal extension of the base body (in the Fig. 2 (Represented in the plane of the drawing) the rectangular cross-section can remain essentially the same. The length of the high-voltage cable 20 can range from a few centimeters to several meters and can be adapted to the desired application.

[0045] The base body incorporates two electrically conductive high-voltage lines 21 and 22, both of which run essentially along a longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20, at least in sections, completely within the base body 26. This means that the base body 26 completely encloses the electrically conductive high-voltage lines 21 and 22 in these sections and electrically insulates them from the environment and from each other. The electrically conductive high-voltage lines 21 and 22 can be made, for example, of stainless steel wire or gold wire. The high-voltage lines 21 and 22 run parallel to each other within the base body 26 and can have a distance D between them, which lies in a range between 2 mm and 2 cm, and in particular in a range between 4 mm and 10 mm.

[0046] The electrically conductive high-voltage lines 21 and 22 protrude along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20 at a multitude of points 23 through a surface 28 of the base body 26 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20. In other words, the wires of the electrically conductive high-voltage lines 21 and 22 penetrate the surface 28 of the base body 26 at predefined points, extend a certain length above the surface 28 of the base body 26, and are then completely enclosed by the base body 26 again. As a result, the high-voltage lines 21 and 22, together with the underlying surface 28, form loops of a predefined contour 24 and 25, respectively, at the predefined locations. For example, the sections 23 of the high-voltage lines 21 and 22 projecting through the surface 28 of the base body 26 can each form a triangular contour 24 and 25, respectively. Fig. 2, 3(A) und 4(A) ), an arc-shaped contour 24 or 25 ( Fig. 3 (B) ), a rectangular contour 24 or 25 or a pencil-shaped contour 24 or 25 ( Fig. 3 (C), Fig. 4(B) und Fig. 4(C) ) form. Of course, other contours are conceivable, and it is also possible that different sections 23 form different contours. The protruding sections 23 of the high-voltage lines 21 and 22, for example, can have a height h in a range between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 10 mm, above the surface 28 of the base body 26. Furthermore, adjacent sections 23 along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20 can have a distance d in a range between 1 cm and 5 cm.

[0047] The number of high-voltage lines 21 or 22 is only an example. Fig. 2 shown with two. For example, the high-voltage cable 20 can also have more than two high-voltage lines 21 or 22, for example four high-voltage lines 21 or 22, six high-voltage lines 21 or 22 or eight high-voltage lines 21 or 22.

[0048] The high-voltage cable 20 can further include a drainage channel 27, which is formed as a depression in the surface 28 of the base body 26. The drainage channel 27 can be located in the center of the base body 26, for example, midway between the high-voltage lines 21 and 22 along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20. The drainage channel 27 serves to drain moisture that collects on the surface 28 of the base body 26, in order to prevent, for example, a short circuit between the differently charged high-voltage lines 21 and 22. The cross-sectional shape of the drainage channel 27 can vary, for example, as a wide trough ( Fig. 4(B) ) or as an essentially triangular indentation ( Fig. 4(C) ).

[0049] The small mammal deterrent device 10 includes a high-voltage generator 8, which is designed to be coupled between the electrical energy storage device 3 and the high-voltage cable 20 and is designed to apply a high-voltage potential to at least one of the high-voltage lines of the high-voltage cable 20. For example, in the case of at least two high-voltage lines, the high-voltage generator can apply a high voltage between the at least two high-voltage lines of the high-voltage cable 20.

[0050] The small mammal deterrent device 10 may further comprise an electrical energy storage device 3. The electrical energy storage device 3 may, for example, be a battery or a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the actuator unit 2 and the monitoring device 4.

[0051] Referring again to Fig. 1 The small mammal deterrent device 10 may additionally include an actuator unit 2, a monitoring device 4, and / or an RFID transponder 5. Some or all of the components may be fully or partially integrated or built into the e3m housing 7. It may be provided that some parts or sections of certain components protrude from the housing 7 or form a wall section of the housing 7. For example, parts of the actuator unit 2, such as loudspeakers or light sources, may protrude from the housing 7 or be integrated into the wall of the housing 7.

[0052] In addition to supplying the high-voltage generator 8, the electrical energy storage device 3 can also provide electrical energy for the actuator unit 2 and the monitoring device 4. The RFID transponder 5 is, in particular, a passive or semi-passive transponder, which is energized by a magnetic or electromagnetic radiation field from an RFID reader 20. Therefore, the RFID transponder 5 does not need to be coupled to the electrical energy storage device 3 and does not draw any electrical energy from it. In the case of a semi-passive RFID transponder 5, the RFID transponder 5 may have an additional (not explicitly shown) smaller battery that supplies electrical energy to components of the RFID transponder 5 in addition to the energy provided by the magnetic or electromagnetic radiation field of an RFID reader 20.This additional smaller battery allows the RFID transmission range of the RFID transponder 5 to be increased compared to a purely passive RFID transponder 5.

[0053] Furthermore, additional electrical components (not explicitly shown), such as voltage converters, on / off switches, or fuses, can be connected between the electrical energy storage device 3 and the respective energized components 3 and 4, depending on the voltage and current requirements of the components. For example, an optical indicator 6, such as a colored LED, can be embedded in a wall of the housing 7. This LED is coupled to the electrical energy storage device 3 and can display information about the charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3 externally. For example, the LED 6 can flash periodically when the charge level of the electrical energy storage device 3 falls below a certain threshold.

[0054] In other versions, it may be possible for the small mammal deterrent device 10 to be supplied with electrical energy externally. For this purpose, the small mammal deterrent device 10 may have a suitable power supply interface 9, via which the electrical components of the small mammal deterrent device 10 can be supplied with power for their operation by means of inductive energy transfer or via a wired power supply.

[0055] Actuator unit 2 is generally designed to generate a deterrent effect to drive away small mammals. This deterrent effect can be based on various principles, such as the emission of acoustic and / or visual signals. Alternatively or additionally, actuator unit 2 can include an ultrasonic generator designed to produce sound signals at frequencies above the range of human hearing. These sound signals are intended to deter and repel small mammals.

[0056] Finally, the actuator unit 2 can alternatively or additionally include at least one light signal generator designed to emit flashes of light at periodic or irregular intervals. These flashes of light can be particularly effective in dark environments, i.e., within an enclosed engine compartment and / or at night, at irritating, dazzling, and ultimately driving away small mammals such as martens.

[0057] In some versions, the small mammal deterrent device 10 can be designed to operate autonomously, meaning that no external input is necessary to maintain suitable deterrent operation of the actuator unit 2 and the high-voltage cable 20 once the device has been activated and sufficient electrical energy is present in the electrical energy storage device 3. In other versions, the small mammal deterrent device 10 can be supplied with electrical energy from an external source.

[0058] To ensure the continued operation of the defense system and to monitor the functionality of the small mammal defense device 10, the monitoring device 4 is designed to monitor electrical operating parameters of electrical components of the small mammal defense device 10. Such electrical operating parameters may include, for example, the current flow through the actuator unit 2 and / or the high-voltage cable(s) 20, or the voltage level and / or the voltage level profile in certain operating modes of the small mammal defense device 10. In particular, the monitoring device 4 may be able to monitor the charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3 as one of the electrical operating parameters.

[0059] The monitoring device can include 4 suitable electrical circuits, such as a voltmeter with measuring electronics, a series resistor, and / or a voltage divider. Furthermore, the monitoring device can include 4 suitable logic circuits capable of evaluating the measured electrical parameters and converting them into a measurement signal. These logic components can include, for example, a microprocessor, an FPGA, an ASIC, or other suitable digital or analog circuits.

[0060] The monitoring device 4 can forward measurement signals, operating status signals, and / or appropriately processed charge status signals to the RFID transponder 5. The RFID transponder 5 can, for example, include an RFID antenna, an integrated circuit, and a memory chip in which the respective measurement signals, operating status signals, and / or processed charge status signals from the monitoring device 4 can be stored as status signals. Depending on the memory capacity, it may be possible to store only the current value or multiple values ​​of the recorded and, if applicable, processed status signals in chronological order on the memory chip of the RFID transponder 5.When the passive or semi-passive RFID transponder 5 is read, one or more of the status signal values ​​currently stored in the memory chip can be read and transmitted as an operating status signal representing the operating state of the small mammal deterrent device 10 monitored by the monitoring device 4 via an air interface to an RFID interrogation device of an RFID reader using a data exchange protocol provided for in accordance with RFID. In particular, it may be possible to transmit an energy storage status signal E representing the detected charge state of the electrical energy storage device 3 via the air interface to the RFID interrogation device of the RFID reader.

[0061] Transmitting status signals from the components of the small mammal deterrent device 10 via RFID offers the advantage that no direct access to or line of sight to the device is required for data retrieval. Therefore, if the small mammal deterrent device 10 is installed, for example, in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, its operating status can be monitored without having to open the hood.

[0062] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the RFID transponder 5 can be integrated as a separate module into the small mammal deterrent device 10. For example, a passive RFID transponder 5 can be an adhesive label that can be affixed to the housing 7, in particular, for example, to a battery compartment of the electrical energy storage device 3. By integrating the RFID transponder 5 into the housing 7, it is protected against environmental influences such as moisture, dirt, or other factors that could potentially impair its functionality. Alternatively, the RFID transponder 5 can be integrated together with the monitoring device 4 into a single transponder module. In this case, the monitoring device 4 can also be activated during the external energizing of the RFID transponder 5.Whenever an RFID query device of an RFID reader wants to read the memory chip of the RFID transponder 5, the monitoring device 4 can record status signals - in particular the charge state of the electrical energy storage 3 - in real time and as required, so that the RFID transponder 5 can always transmit the most up-to-date operating status to the RFID query device of an RFID reader.

[0063] It may also be possible to implement the monitoring device 4 together with a processor 1 of the small mammal deterrent device 10 in a single electronic switching module. The monitoring device 4 can then be connected to a data interface of the processor 1 and monitor the operating status via electrical parameters of the electrical energy storage device 3 and / or other electrically operated components, such as the actuator unit 2 and / or the high-voltage cable(s) 20, as detected by the processor 1. For example, the processor 1 can detect faults or defects in the electrical energy storage device 3 or in other electrically operated components, such as excessive voltage drop, excessively rapid discharge, or a short circuit.Accordingly, the monitoring device 4 can also communicate such exceptional operating conditions to an RFID query device of an RFID reader via the RFID transponder 5.

[0064] The RFID reader can be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, laptop, notebook, or smartwatch. The RFID reader can also have its own electrical energy storage device, which supplies the RFID reader and other electronic components, such as a reader processor, input / output interfaces, or displays, with electrical energy. The operating status signals and / or energy storage status signals E retrieved by the RFID reader from an RFID transponder 5 can be transmitted to the other electronic components 1 for evaluation by a user and, if necessary, for transmission to third-party external devices, such as via a radio connection.For example, an application-specific software application (“app”) for a conventional smartphone can enable a user to monitor a small mammal repellent device 10 via his personal mobile device, which acts as an RFID reader, with regard to a potentially necessary battery change.

[0065] Fig. 5 shows an abstracted flowchart of a method M for operating a small mammal repellent device installed in a motor vehicle with high-voltage cables for emitting high-voltage pulses that repel small mammals, for example the small mammal repellent device 10 of the Fig. 1 The method M can be used in particular in connection with high-voltage cables acting as high-voltage actuator units, such as the one in connection with Fig. 2, 3 und 4 They explained that high-voltage cables 20 will be used.

[0066] In a first step M1, a housing 7 of a small mammal deterrent device 10, comprising a high-voltage generator 8, is connected to at least one high-voltage cable 20. The high-voltage cable 20 has a base body 26 made of an electrically insulating material, a first electrically conductive high-voltage line 21, which runs essentially along a longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20 at least partially completely within the base body 26, and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line 22, which runs essentially parallel to the first high-voltage line 21 at a distance D from the first line and at least partially completely within the base body 26.The high-voltage lines 21, 22 protrude along the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20 at numerous points 23 through a surface 28 of the base body 26 that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the high-voltage cable 20. In a second step M2, at least one of the first and second high-voltage lines 21, 22 is then subjected to a high voltage by the high-voltage generator 8.

[0067] In the preceding detailed description, various features have been summarized in one or more examples to improve the clarity of the presentation. However, it should be clear that the above description is merely illustrative and in no way limiting. It serves to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be immediately and directly clear to the person skilled in the art based on their technical knowledge, given the above description.

[0068] The exemplary embodiments were selected and described to best illustrate the principles underlying the invention and its practical applications. This enables those skilled in the art to optimally modify and utilize the invention and its various embodiments with regard to the intended purpose. In the claims and the description, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used as neutral language terms for the corresponding terms "comprehensive." Furthermore, the use of the terms "a," "a," and "an" is not intended to fundamentally exclude multiple features and components described in this way.

Claims

1. High-voltage cable (20), comprising : a base body (26) made from an electrically insulating material; a first electrically conductive high-voltage line (21), which runs substantially along a longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) at least in sections completely within the base body (26); and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line (22), which runs substantially parallel to the first high-voltage line (21) at a line spacing (D) at least in sections completely within the base body (26), wherein the first high-voltage line (21) and the second high-voltage line (22) protrude along the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) at a plurality of points (23) through a surface (28) of the base body (26) oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20).

2. High-voltage cable (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first high-voltage line (21) and the second high-voltage line (22) are made of stainless steel wire or gold wire.

3. High-voltage cable (20) according to either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sections of the first high-voltage line (21) and second high-voltage line (22) protruding through the surface (28) of the base body (26) oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) form a triangular, arcuate, rectangular or pin-shaped contour.

4. High-voltage cable (20) according to claim 3, wherein the sections of the first high-voltage line (21) and second high-voltage line (22) protruding through the surface (28) of the base body (26) oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) have a height in a range of between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 10 mm, above the surface (28) of the base body (26).

5. High-voltage cable (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein adjacent sections of the first high-voltage line (21) and second high-voltage line (22) protruding through the surface (28) of the base body (26) oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) have a spacing (d) along the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) in a range of between 1 cm and 5 cm.

6. High-voltage cable (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first high-voltage line (21) and the second high-voltage line (22) run parallel within the base body (26) with a spacing, which is in a range of between 2 mm and 2 cm, in particular in a range of between 4 mm and 10 mm.

7. High-voltage cable (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrically insulating material of the base body (26) has polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, silicone or a combination of these materials.

8. Small mammal deterrent device (10), comprising: at least one high-voltage cable (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7; and a high-voltage generator (8), which is designed to supply at least one of the high-voltage lines (21, 22) of the high-voltage cable (20) with high-voltage electricity for its operation.

9. Small mammal deterrent device (10) according to claim 8, further comprising: an actuator unit (2), which is designed to produce a deterrent effect to drive away a small mammal.

10. Small mammal deterrent device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: a monitoring device (4), which is coupled to electrical components of the small mammal deterrent device (10), and which is designed to monitor the operating state of the small mammal deterrent device (10); and a passive or semi-passive RFID transponder (5), which is coupled to the monitoring device (4), and which is designed to transmit an operating state signal representing the operating state of the small mammal deterrent device (10) to an RFID reader via an RFID air interface.

11. Small mammal deterrent device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, further having: an electrical energy storage device (3), which is coupled to the high-voltage cable (20) via the high-voltage generator (8), and which is designed to supply the high-voltage lines (21, 22) of the high-voltage cable (20) with high-voltage electricity for their operation.

12. Small mammal deterrent device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the electrical energy storage device (3) has a battery or an accumulator.

13. Small mammal deterrent device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 12, which has a plurality of high-voltage cables (20), which are respectively connected to one another in pairs via crimped, soldered, welded, screwed connections, clamping connections or coupling connections in such a way that the respective first and second high-voltage lines (21, 22) are electrically connected to one another.

14. Small mammal deterrent device (10) according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of high-voltage cables (20) forms a cable network in a star topology or a ring topology.

15. Motor vehicle having a small mammal deterrent device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 14, which is arranged in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle.

16. Method (M) for operating a small mammal deterrent device (10) installed in a motor vehicle, comprising: connecting (M1) a housing (7) of a small mammal deterrent device (10), having a high-voltage generator (8), with at least one high-voltage cable (20), which has a base body (26) made from an electrically insulating material, a first electrically conductive high-voltage line (21), which runs substantially along a longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) at least in sections completely within the base body (26), and a second electrically conductive high-voltage line (22), which runs substantially parallel to the first high-voltage line (21) at a line spacing (D) at least in sections completely within the base body (26), wherein the high-voltage lines (21, 22) protrude along the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20) at a plurality of points (23) through a surface (28) of the base body (26) oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the high-voltage cable (20); and supplying (M2) at least one of the first and second high-voltage lines (21, 22) with high voltage via the high-voltage generator (8).