Rat trap in a sewer pipe and method of killing rats in the sewer pipe

Abstract

The invention relates to a rat trap (1) for a sewer nozzle, wherein the lower base (3) of the has two lower legs (21, 22) for contact with a raft, the spikes (4) are carried projecting downwards by a support (6) for blocking the rat in a position in which the support (6) is extended downwards, the support (6) being electrically insulating and vertically movable under the base (3), the spikes (4) are connected to a circuit for electrocuting the rat, the support (6) being movable by the moving device (5) between a high waiting position and the downwardly extended position, in which the electrocution circuit applies an electrocution voltage between the spikes (4) for killing the rat. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Rat trap in a sewer pipe and method of killing the rat in the sewer pipe

[0001] The invention relates to a rat trap for use in a sewer culvert, and to a method of killing a rat in a sewer culvert using the trap.

[0002] The field of the invention relates to rodent control devices.

[0003] A sewer rat trap is known, which has spikes that pierce the rat through a system having a spring that relaxes to lower the spikes through the rat for killing and a motor that raises the spikes to a retracted position to compress the spring.

[0004] This known trap has many drawbacks.

[0005] A first disadvantage is that this known trap tends to crush the rat, which not only pollutes the sewer water with liquid waste, in particular with the blood ejected from the rat, but also tends to block the trap in the case where a killed rat remains stuck to the spikes.

[0006] A second disadvantage is that the motor of the known trap is very slow to raise the spikes and unhook the rat that has been killed. Thus, the yield in terms of the number of rats that can be killed by this known trap in a given time is limited by the excessively long rise time of the spikes, during which the known trap cannot kill rats even if they have been detected.

[0007] A third disadvantage is that the known trap has a high breakage rate, due to the violence of the lowering of the points to pierce the rat.

[0008] An object of the invention is to obtain a rat trap for use in a sewer pipe, as well as a method of killing a rat in a sewer pipe using the trap, which overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] For this purpose, a first object of the invention is a rat trap intended to be used in a sewer nozzle, the trap comprising a first housing, having a fixed lower base, rat killing spikes and a device for moving the killing spikes in the lower base, characterized in that the lower base of the first housing comprises two lower legs for contact with a base of the sewer nozzle, the spikes are electrically conductive and are carried projecting downwards by a support, which serves to block the rat in a position of extension of the support downwards, the support being electrically insulating and being mounted vertically movable under the lower base of the first housing, the spikes are connected to a circuit for electrocuting the rat, the support is adapted to be moved relative to the lower base of the first housing by the moving device between a high waiting position, in which the support is at a first vertical distance from the legs, and the downward extension position, in which the support is at a second vertical distance, smaller than the first vertical distance, from the legs and the electrocution circuit applies an electrocution voltage between the spikes for killing the rat.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, the trap manages to kill the rat without crushing it, by blocking it under the support and electrocuting it by contact of the spikes against the rat. At least two of the spikes penetrating the rat over a small thickness without piercing it completely are enough to generate a strong electric discharge in it, causing its death. The trap according to the invention thus requires less energy to lower the spikes until they are in contact with the rat and to raise them, and thus avoids having to devote a large amount of energy and a lot of time to bring out the spikes of the rat that has been killed. The yield in number of rats that can be killed by the trap according to the invention in a given time is increased compared to the known trap mentioned above.Because of the lower amount of energy used to lower the spikes until they contact the rat, the mechanical shock of the support against the rat is less violent than with the known trap and causes less damage to both the trap and the invert of the sewer pipe compared to the known trap.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rat trap comprises a rat passage conduit, which is delimited by the lower base, the lower legs, the support and the base when the lower legs are placed on the base, the tips being in the rat's passageway at least in the downwardly extended position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement device is configured to exert a downward force on the support over at least one stroke going from the high waiting position to an extreme downward extension position, in which the points are in the rat's passageway at a third zero vertical distance from the legs.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement device comprises in the first housing a pneumatic cylinder for actuating the support between one and the other of the high waiting position and the downward extension position and a compressed air reservoir, which is capable of being connected to the pneumatic cylinder to cause the displacement of the cylinder between one and the other of the high waiting position and the downward extension position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement device comprises in the first housing an electrodistributor comprising - a compressed air inlet, which is connected to the compressed air tank, - a first outlet, which is connected to a first side of the pneumatic cylinder, - a second outlet, which is connected to a second side of the pneumatic cylinder, - an electrical control input for controlling the sending of compressed air from the compressed air inlet — either in the first output so as to cause the movement of a rod of the cylinder, to which the support is fixed, relative to a barrel of the cylinder from the high waiting position to the downward extension position, when a first control signal is present on the electrical control input, — either in the second output, so as to cause the cylinder rod to move relative to the cylinder barrel from the downward extension position to the high standby position, when a second control signal is present on the electrical control input.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trap comprises a control unit, which is used to control the electrocution circuit and the movement device and which is located in a second housing separate from the first housing.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trap comprises a first air pipe, which is connected on the one hand to the compressed air tank and which is connected on the other hand to a nozzle of the second housing, the nozzle being used for filling the compressed air tank.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit comprises an electric battery located in the second housing.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit comprises a high-voltage transformer circuit, which is connected on the one hand to the tips and on the other hand to the electric battery, which is located in the first housing and which is configured to generate, from the electric battery, the electrocution voltage present between the tips in the downwardly extended position, the electrocution voltage being greater than a nominal voltage of the electric battery.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit comprises at least one high-voltage coil, which is connected in series between at least one of the points and the high-voltage transformation circuit.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the high voltage transformation circuit is connected to the tips at least by electric wires wound on themselves in an extensible manner.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the trap further comprises an extensible protective bellows, which connects the support to an upper opening of the base. lower, which is located above the support.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement device comprises a rat presence detection sensor, arranged to assume a rat detection state when the presence of at least one rat is detected below the support and to assume a rat absence detection state otherwise, the rat presence detection sensor being fixed to the lower base, the moving device comprising a control unit, which is connected to the detection sensor and which controls the electrocution circuit and the moving device from the high standby position to the downward extension position when the detection sensor is in the rat detection state.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit comprises a timing device for making the downward extension position last for a prescribed duration, which is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to one minute, the control unit being configured to control the electrocution circuit and the device for moving from the downward extension position to the upper waiting position after the prescribed time has elapsed.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support has a lower surface, which has a convexity facing downwards in the width direction extending between the lower legs and from which the tips protrude, the tips comprise at least a first lower tip, at least a second tip, which is located forward in the width direction and further up in relation to the first lower tip, and at least a third tip, which is located rearward in the width direction and further up in relation to the first lower tip.

[0025] A second subject of the invention is a method for killing at least one rat in a sewer pipe, using the rat trap as described above, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: detecting the presence of a rat under the support by a sensor in the high waiting position, in which the support is at a first vertical distance from the legs, in response to the sensor having detected the presence of the rat below the support, controlling the electrocution circuit and the moving device by a control unit to move the support relative to the lower base of the first housing from the high waiting position to the downwardly extended position, in which on the one hand the support is at a second vertical distance, smaller than the first vertical distance from the legs to block the rat against the support and apply the spikes against the rat,and on the other hand the electrocution circuit applies the voltage, electrocution between the tips for a prescribed time, which is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to one minute, for killing the rat, in response to the prescribed time having elapsed, controls the electrocution means and the moving device by the control unit to move the support relative to the lower base of the first housing from the downward extension position to the upper standby position.

[0026] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the figures below of the attached drawings.

[0027] [Fig-1] represents a schematic front view of a sewer rat trap according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.2] represents a schematic view in vertical section of the profile of the rat trap in a high position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.3] represents a schematic front view of the rat trap according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.4] represents a schematic side view of the rat trap in a position high according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.5] represents a schematic view in vertical section of the profile of the rat trap in a low rat extermination position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.6] represents a schematic profile view of the rat trap in the low rat extermination position according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] [Fig.7] represents a schematic view of the rat trap according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig.8] represents a schematic view of the rat trap according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.9] represents an exploded schematic view of the rat trap according to a method of rea lization of the invention.

[0036] [Fig. 10] represents a flowchart of a method of killing a rat in a sewer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Embodiments of a rat trap and a method of killing a rat using this trap 1 are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. The rat can also be any rodent.

[0038] In Figures 1 to 6, the rat trap 1 comprises a first housing 2, having a fixed lower base 3, intended to be placed on the raft 102 located at the bottom of a nozzle 101 of a sewer 100. The housing 2 comprises spikes 4 for electrocuting the rat R and a displacement device 5 for moving the spikes 4 in the lower base 3. The lower base 3 of the first housing 2 ends downwards with a first lower leg 21 and with a second lower leg 22, which is distant from the first leg in lower 21 along the horizontal Y direction of the width. The legs 21, 22 are the parts by which the first housing 2 is placed and is in contact on the invert 102 in the nozzle 101 of the sewer 100. On the invert 102 there may be a lower channel 103 for the flow of water, which extends a lower water pipe 104 of the sewer 100, communicating with the interior of the nozzle 101. The water pipe 104 and the channel 103 extend along the horizontal X direction of the length, perpendicular to the horizontal Y direction of the width. The vertical direction of the height is perpendicular to the horizontal X direction of the length and to the horizontal Y direction of the width. The legs 21, 22 are for example located on either side of the channel 103 and extend along a certain length of the base 3. The housing 2 may comprise a matrix of points 4.

[0039] The lower base 3 has a surface 32, which connects the lower legs 21 and 22 to each other, above and between the legs 21 and 22. The surface 32 may be curved (for example semi-cylindrical or semi-circular) and turn its concavity downwards, above and between the legs 21 and 22 in the Y direction of the width. The surface 32 of the base 3 thus spans the channel 103 of the base 102 of the nozzle 101.

[0040] A support 6 is mounted vertically movable under the surface 32. The surface 32 has an upper opening 31 above the support 6.

[0041] The support 6 serves both to block the rat R, when the support 6 is in a downwardly extended position, shown as a non-limiting example in Figures 5 and 6, and to carry the spikes 4 used for electrocuting the rat R thus blocked.

[0042] The rat trap 1 may comprise a conduit 30 for the passage of the rat R, which is delimited by the surface 32, the lower legs 21, 22, the support 6 and the base 102, when the lower legs 21, 22 are placed on the base 102. The lower base 31 (the surface 32) has a certain extent along the horizontal direction X of the length beyond an upper part 23 of the housing 2, for example both to the right and to the left as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The upper part 23 of the housing 2 is fixed to the lower base 3, the upper opening 31 being located between the lower base 3 and the upper part 23 of the housing 2. The spikes 4 are therefore located in the conduit 30 for the passage of the rat R at least in the position of extension of the support 6 downwards. The housing 2 may form a sealed enclosure. The base 3 and the upper part 23 of the housing 3 may be made of an electrically insulating material, for example PVC or other.The upper part 23 of the housing 2 may be tubular around the vertical direction Z, and may for example be cylindrical, in particular circular, with a vent 24 at the top.

[0043] The surface 32 of the lower base 3 ends in the horizontal X direction of the length by a lateral opening 33 on the right and by another lateral opening 34 on the left, as shown in [Fig. 3]. These lateral openings 33 and 34 serve entrance of conduit 30 for the passage of rat R inside.

[0044] The tips 4 are electrically conductive and may be metallic, for example. The tips 4 protrude downwards under the support 6. The tips 4 are spaced apart from each other under the support 6. The support 6 is movable in the first housing 2 and in the base 3 and serves to block the rat R against the raft 102 or the channel 103 in the downwardly extended position of the support 6, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0045] The points 4 are connected in parallel to a circuit 40 for electrocuting the rat R, shown as an example in Figures 7 and 8.

[0046] The support 6 can occupy a high waiting position, shown by way of example in Figures 2 and 4, in which the support 6 carrying the electrocution tips 4 is at a first vertical distance DI with respect to the legs 21, 22 along the direction Z. The displacement device 5 is able to lower the support 6 carrying the electrocution tips 4 to the downward extension and blocking position of the rat R, shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which the support 6 is at a second vertical distance D2, smaller than the first vertical distance D1, with respect to the legs 21, 22, the legs 21, 22 remaining placed on the base 102. In the downward extension position, the electrocution circuit 40 applies an electrocution voltage between the tips 4 causing the killing of the rat R. The downward extension position is therefore a low position of rodent control.

[0047] The trap according to the invention thus advantageously makes it possible to have a limited travel of movement of the spikes 4 used to kill the rat R from the high waiting position to the downward extension position and to limit the energy necessary for the movement of the spikes 4 and the electrocution of the rat R. The fact that the travel of the support 6 is limited by the rat R blocked under it in the downward extension position makes it possible to a certain extent to prevent the support 6 and the spikes 4 from touching the raft 102 and the channel 104 and being damaged by the latter.

[0048] Depending on the size of the rat R (or rodent R), the displacement device 5 is configured to exert a downward force on the support 6 on the rat R, whatever its size, to block it under the support 6 and to press at least two of the points 4 against the skin of the rat R or in a small thickness thereof without piercing it. The support 6 can therefore occupy different downward extension positions, corresponding to different distances D2 relative to the legs 21, 22, depending on the height of the rat. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement device 5 is configured to exert a downward force on the support 6 over at least one stroke going from the high waiting position to an extreme downward extension position, in which the points 4 are in the passageway 30 of the rat R at a third zero vertical distance relative to the legs 21, 22.Furthermore, for this purpose, the tips can protrude under the support 6 at a height not . zero and less than or equal to 1 cm, or less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit 40 does not apply the electrocution voltage between the points 4 in the high standby position.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution voltage may be greater than 1000V, in particular greater than 10000V. This makes it possible to have a strong electric discharge current in the rat between the points 4 in the downward extension position. For example, the electrocution voltage may be approximately 15000V.

[0051] Embodiments of the displacement device 5 are described below with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

[0052] The displacement device 5 may be located at least partly in the upper part 23 of the housing 2.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement device 5 comprises in the upper part 23 of the housing 2 a pneumatic cylinder 51 for actuating the support 6 between one and the other of the high waiting position and the downward extension position. The displacement device 5 comprises in the upper part 23 of the housing 2 a compressed air reservoir 52, which is capable of being connected to the pneumatic cylinder 51 to cause the displacement of the cylinder 51 between one and the other of the high waiting position and the downward extension position. The pneumatic cylinder 51 comprises a rod 511 and a barrel 510, which is fixed in the upper part 23 of the housing 2 and in which the rod 511 protruding from the barrel 510 downwards is guided in translation in the vertical direction Z. The support 6 is fixed to one end 5110 of the rod 511, located outside the barrel 510.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement device 5 comprises in the upper part 23 of the housing 2 an electrodistributor 53. The electrodistributor 53 comprises: - a compressed air inlet 531, which is connected to an outlet 522 of the compressed air tank 52 by a second air pipe 521, - a first outlet 532, which is connected to a first side 512 (lower) of the pneumatic cylinder 51 by a third air pipe 535, - a second outlet 533, which is connected to a second side 513 (upper) of the pneumatic cylinder 51 by a fourth air pipe 536.

[0055] A piston secured to the rod 511 in the barrel 510 separates the first side 512 of the pneumatic cylinder 51 from the second side 513 of the pneumatic cylinder 51.

[0056] The electrodistributor 53 comprises one (or more) electrical control inputs 534 for controlling the sending of compressed air from the compressed air inlet 531 either into the first output 532 or into the second output 533.

[0057] Sending a first control signal SI to the electrical input 534 controls the sending of compressed air from the compressed air inlet 531 to the first outlet 532 and to the first side 512 of the pneumatic cylinder 51, to lower the rod 511 of the cylinder and the support 6 from the high waiting position to the downward extension position.

[0058] Sending a second control signal S2 to the electrical input 534 controls the sending of compressed air from the compressed air inlet 531 to the second outlet 533 and to the second side 513 of the pneumatic cylinder 51, so as to cause the rod 511 of the cylinder and the support 6 to rise from the downward extension position to the high standby position. The use of the pneumatic cylinder 51 makes it possible to quickly raise the support 6.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the trap 1 comprises a control unit 7, which is used to control the electrocution circuit 40 and the displacement device 5 and which is located in a second housing 8 separate from the first housing 2. The control unit 7 makes it possible in particular to send either the first control signal SI, or the second control signal S2 to the electrical control input 534. The control unit 7 is connected to the electrical control input 534 by electrical conductors 71, 72. The electrical conductors 71, 72 and 96 can pass through a sealed connector 74 fixed at the top of the upper part 23 of the housing 2. The second housing 8 can be fixed against the vertical wall of the nozzle 101 or against a rung (for example the highest) of a ladder (not shown) fixed against the wall of the nozzle 101.The control unit 7 may comprise a computer 77 and / or a calculation and processing unit 77 and / or one (or more) processors 77 and / or one (or more) microprocessors 77 and / or others. The housing 8 may comprise at the top a human-machine interface 78 (for example a screen and / or a keyboard and / or others), which is connected to the control unit 7 and which makes it possible to program and / or read the control unit 7.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, the trap 1 comprises a first air pipe 56, which is connected on the one hand to the compressed air reservoir 52 and which is connected on the other hand to a nozzle 54 of the second housing 8. The nozzle 54 is used for filling the compressed air reservoir 52. The nozzle 54 is accessible from the outside of the second housing 8, for example on an upper surface 81 thereof, and for example projects from the upper surface 81 of the second housing 8. The first air pipe 56 can pass into another sealed connector 75 fixed at the top of the upper part 23 of the housing 2.

[0061] Embodiments of the electrocution circuit 40 are described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit 40 comprises an electric battery 44 located in the second housing 8. The battery 44 is thus used to generate the electrocution voltage.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit 40 comprises a high-voltage transformer circuit 9, which is connected on the one hand to the tips 4 by electrical conductors 93 and on the other hand to the electric battery 44 by electrical conductors 94. The high-voltage transformer circuit 9 is for example located in the upper part 23 of the first housing 2. The high-voltage transformer circuit 9 is capable of being controlled in an active state to generate, from the nominal voltage (non-zero, continuous, which may be for example 12 V or 15 V or other) of the electric battery 44, the electrocution voltage, which is applied between at least two of the tips 4 in the downwardly extended position. The high-voltage transformer circuit 9 is a voltage booster circuit. The electrocution voltage is therefore greater than the nominal voltage of the electric battery 44.The high-voltage transformer circuit 9 thus makes it possible to quickly and repeatedly generate the electrocution voltage from the battery 44 storing the electrical energy for the operation of the circuit 40. The battery 44 can thus be separated from the parts subjected to the high voltage: high-voltage transformer circuit 9, tips 4. The control unit 7 is connected by electrical conductors 96 to a control input 95 of the high-voltage transformer circuit 9 and is configured to switch the high-voltage transformer circuit 9 to the active state in the downwardly extended position of the support 6. In the upper waiting position of the support 6, the control unit 7 is configured to switch the high-voltage transformer circuit 9 to an inactive state, in which the electrocution voltage is not generated between the tips 4.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit 40 comprises at least one high-voltage coil 91, which is connected in series between at least one of the tips 4 and the high-voltage transformation circuit 9. Several high-voltage coils 40 may be provided between the tips 4 and the high-voltage transformation circuit 9, respectively. The high-voltage coil(s) 40 makes it possible to increase over time an electric current passing through the rat between the tips 4 touching it, when the electrocution voltage is applied between these tips 4 in the downwardly extended position. The high-voltage coil(s) 40 is located in the upper part 23 of the first housing 2.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electrocution circuit 40 comprises electric wires 92 wound on themselves in an extensible manner between the high voltage transformation circuit 9 and the points 4. The electric wires 92 wound on themselves in an extensible manner can connect for example in series the coil(s) 91 to one of the points 4 or can otherwise connect the transformation circuit 9 high voltage at the tips 4 not having a coil 91. The electric wires 92 can each be formed from a spiral cable, or others. The extensible electric wires 92 make it possible to adapt to the different distances between the tips on the one hand and the rest of the electrocution circuit 40 on the other hand in the high waiting position of the support 6 and in the different downward extension positions of the support 6.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 to 7, the trap comprises an extensible protective bellows 61, which connects the support 6 to the upper opening 31 of the lower base 3. The extensible electric wires 92 can pass inside the bellows 61 up to the points 4 of the support 6. The bellows 61 makes it possible to protect the circuit 40 from electrocution arriving at the points 4 of the support 6. The bellows 61 is made of an electrically insulating material and can be, for example, rubber or other.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the movement device 5 comprises a rat presence detection sensor 55. The rat presence detection sensor 55 is fixed to the lower base 3 and is oriented towards the rat passage conduit 30 R and under the support 6. The presence detection sensor 55 is arranged to take a rat detection state, when the presence of at least one rat is detected below the support 6 and to take a rat detection absence state otherwise. The control unit 7 is connected to the detection sensor 55 by electrical conductors 550 and controls the electrocution circuit 40 and the movement device 5 from the high waiting position of the support 6 to the downward extension position of the support 6 when the detection sensor 55 is in the rat detection state.The detection sensor 55 may be or comprise a heat sensor, such as for example an infrared sensor, in particular of the passive infrared type, or other. The .

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, as shown in [Fig. 8], the control unit 7 comprises a timing device 73 for making the downward extension position last for a prescribed duration D, which is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to one minute, in particular greater than or equal to 30 seconds and less than or equal to 50 seconds. The control unit 7 is configured to control the electrocution circuit 40 and the device 5 for moving from the downward extension position to the high standby position after the prescribed duration D has elapsed. This ensures that sufficient electrical power is discharged into the rat R for the prescribed duration D in the downward extension position, to be certain that the rat R has been killed within this prescribed duration D regardless of the size of the rat R.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 to 8, the support 6 has a lower surface 62, which has a convexity facing the down in the Y direction of the width between the lower legs 21, 22. The tips 4 protrude from the lower surface 62 of the support 6. The following are provided as points 4: - one (or more) first lower point 41 (for example central), - one (or more) second point 42, which is located forward in the Y direction of the width and higher in relation to the first lower point 41, and - one (or more) third point 43, which is located backward in the Y direction of the width and higher in relation to the first lower point 41. The points 41, 42, 43 are connected in parallel to the high-voltage transformer circuit 9.

[0070] For example, the electrocution voltage is applied by the electrocution circuit 40 in the downward extension position of the support 6 between the first lower tip(s) 41 on the one hand and the second tip(s) 42 on the other hand and / or between the first lower tip(s) 41 on the one hand and the third tip(s) 43. This ensures that in the downward extension position of the support 6, the rat R touches at least the first lower tip(s) 41 and the second tip(s) 42 to be electrocuted between them as shown by way of example in FIGS. 5 and 6, or that in the downward extension position of the support 6 the rat R touches at least the first lower tip(s) 41 and the third tip(s) 43 to be electrocuted between them.The convexity of the downwardly facing lower surface 62 makes it easier to separate the rat R from the tips 4 and the support 6 when the support 6 is raised from the downwardly extended position to the high waiting position. The tips 41, 42, 43 may be arranged under the support 6 in several lines and several rows, for example in a matrix of tips, connected in parallel to the high voltage transformation circuit 9.

[0071] The invention also relates to a method of killing at least one rat in a sewer pipe using the rat trap 1 as described above. The method comprises the steps described below with reference to [Fig. 10].

[0072] During a first step E1, the support 6 is in the high waiting position, in which the support 6 is at a first vertical distance D1 relative to the legs 21, 22. The sensor 55 detects the presence of the rat R under the support 6.

[0073] During a second step E2 subsequent to the first step E1, in response to the fact that the sensor 55 has detected the presence of the rat below the support 6, the control unit 7 controls the electrocution circuit 40 and the displacement device 5 to lower the support 6 relative to the lower base 3 of the first housing 2 from the high waiting position to the downward extension position, in which on the one hand the support 6 is at a second vertical distance D2, smaller than the first vertical distance DI relative to the legs 21, 22 to block the rat against the support 6 and apply the spikes 4 against the rat R, and on the other hand the electrocution circuit 40 applies the electrocution voltage between the tips 4 for the prescribed duration D mentioned above. The control unit controls the high-voltage transformation circuit 9 in the active state and drives the high-voltage coil 91.

[0074] During a third step E3 subsequent to the second step E2, in response to the fact that the prescribed duration D has elapsed, the control unit 7 controls the electrocution circuit 40 and the displacement device 5 to raise the support 6 relative to the lower part 3 of the first housing 2 from the downward extension position to the high standby position. The control unit 7 controls the stopping of the electrocution voltage in the high standby position.

[0075] Other possible features of the invention are described below.

[0076] The trap 1 may include, in the upper part 23 of the housing 2, another water level detection sensor 56, which is connected to the control unit 7. When the water level in the sewer 100's nozzle 101 rises up to the level of the other sensor 56, the other sensor 56 sends a water level rise signal to the control unit 7. In response to the water level rise signal, the control unit 7 causes the trap 1 to be inhibited, to keep the support 6 in the raised position, and cuts off the electrocution voltage (transition of the high-voltage conversion circuit 9 to the inactive state).

[0077] The trap 1 may comprise in the upper part 23 of the housing 2 another pressure sensor 57 of the quantity of air in the compressed air tank 52. The other pressure sensor 57 is connected to the control unit 7. In the event of air pressure below a prescribed threshold (for example located between 1 and 2 bars, for example equal to approximately 1.5 bars), the other sensor 57 sends to the control unit 7 a signal of insufficient pressure of the compressed air tank 52. In response to the signal of insufficient pressure of the compressed air tank 52, the control unit 7 causes the inhibition of the trap 1, to maintain the support 6 in the high position, and to cut off the electrocution voltage (transition of the high voltage transformation circuit 9 to the inactive state).

[0078] The top of the upper part 23 of the housing 2 may comprise flanges 25 used for fixing a compression bar 26 against two opposite sides of the vertical wall of the nozzle 101, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, in order to reinforce the holding in position of the trap 1 in the nozzle 101. The compression bar 26 may for example be telescopic.

[0079] The trap 1 may comprise in the control unit 7 a permanent memory 76, in which is stored each descent of the support 6 from the high waiting position to the downward extension position and / or each rise of the support 6 from the downward extension position to the high waiting position, with time stamping.

[0080] Of course, the embodiments, features, possibilities and examples described above can be combined with each other or be selected independently. depending on each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Rat trap (1) for use in a sewer nozzle, the trap comprising a first housing (2), having a fixed lower base (3), rat killing spikes (4) and a device (5) for moving the killing spikes (4) in the lower base (3), characterized in that the lower base (3) of the first housing (2) has two lower legs (21, 22) for contact with a base of the sewer nozzle, the spikes (4) are electrically conductive and are carried projecting downwards by a support (6), which serves to block the rat in a position of extension of the support (6) downwards, the support (6) being electrically insulating and being mounted vertically movable under the lower base (3) of the first housing (2), the spikes (4) are connected to a circuit (40) for electrocuting the rat,the support (6) is adapted to be moved relative to the lower base (3) of the first housing (2) by the moving device (5) between a high waiting position, in which the support (6) is at a first vertical distance (D1) relative to the legs (21, 22), and the downward extension position, in which the support (6) is at a second vertical distance (D2), smaller than the first vertical distance (D1), relative to the legs (21, 22) and the electrocution circuit (40) applies an electrocution voltage between the points (4) for killing the rat.,

2. Trap according to claim 1, characterized in that the rat trap (1) comprises a rat passage conduit (30), which is delimited by the lower base (3), the lower legs (21, 22), the support (6) and the base when the lower legs (21, 22) are placed on the base, the points (4) being in the rat passage conduit (30) at least in the downwardly extended position.

3. Trap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement device (5) is configured to exert on the support (6) a downward force over at least one stroke going from the high waiting position to an extreme downward extension position, in which the points (4) are in the rat passage conduit (30) at a third zero vertical distance from the legs (21, 22).

4. A trap according to any preceding claim, ca- characterized in that the displacement device (5) comprises in the first housing (2) a pneumatic cylinder (51) for actuating the support (6) between one and the other of the high waiting position and the downward extension position and a reservoir (52) of compressed air, which is capable of being connected to the pneumatic cylinder (51) to cause the displacement of the cylinder between one and the other of the high waiting position and the downward extension position.

5. Trap according to claim 4, characterized in that the displacement device (5) comprises in the first housing (2) an electrodistributor (53) comprising - a compressed air inlet (531), which is connected to the compressed air reservoir (52), - a first outlet (532), which is connected to a first side (512) of the pneumatic cylinder (51), - a second outlet (533), which is connected to a second side (513) of the pneumatic cylinder (51), - an electrical control input (534) for controlling the sending of compressed air from the compressed air inlet (531) - either in the first outlet (532) so as to cause the displacement of a rod (511) of the cylinder, to which the support (6) is fixed, relative to a barrel (510) of the cylinder from the high waiting position to the downwardly extended position, when a first signal (SI) control is present on the electrical control input (534), — either in the second output (533),so as to cause the rod (511) of the jack to move relative to the barrel (510) of the jack from the downward extended position to the upper waiting position when a second control signal (S2) is present at the electrical control input (534).

6. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (7), which serves to control the electrocution circuit (40) and the displacement device (5) and which is located in a second housing (8) distinct from the first housing (2).

7. A trap according to claim 4 or 5, taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a first air duct (56), which is connected on the one hand to the compressed air reservoir (52) and which is connected on the other hand to a nozzle (54) of the second housing (8), the nozzle (54) serving for filling the compressed air reservoir (52).

8. Trap according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the electrocution circuit (40) comprises an electric battery (44) located in the second housing (8).

9. Trap according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrocution circuit (40) comprises a high-voltage transformer circuit (9), which is connected between on the one hand to the tips (4) and on the other hand to the electric battery (44), which is located in the first housing (2) and which is configured to generate, from the electric battery (44), the electrocution voltage present between the tips (4) in the downwardly extended position, the electrocution voltage being greater than a nominal voltage of the electric battery (44).

10. Trap according to claim 9, characterized in that the electrocution circuit (40) comprises at least one high-voltage coil (91), which is connected in series between at least one of the points (4) and the high-voltage transformation circuit (9).

11. Trap according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the high voltage transformation circuit (9) is connected to the points (4) at least by electric wires (92) wound on themselves in an extensible manner.

12. Trap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an extensible protective bellows (61), which connects the support (6) to an upper opening (31) of the lower base (3), which is located above the support (6).

13. Trap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement device (5) comprises a rat presence detection sensor (55), arranged to assume a rat detection state, when the presence of at least one rat is detected below the support (6) and to assume a rat absence detection state otherwise, the rat presence detection sensor (55) being fixed to the lower base (3), the displacement device (5) comprising a control unit (7), which is connected to the detection sensor (55) and which controls the electrocution circuit (40) and the displacement device (5) from the high waiting position to the downward extension position when the detection sensor (55) is in the rat detection state.

14. Trap according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit (7) comprises a timing device (73) for making the downward extension position last for a prescribed duration (D), which

15.

16. is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to one minute, the control unit (7) being configured to control the electrocution circuit (40) and the device (5) for moving from the downward extension position to the upper waiting position after the prescribed duration (D) has elapsed. Trap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (6) has a lower surface (61), which has a downwardly facing convexity in the width direction (Y) extending between the lower legs (21, 22) and from which the spikes (4) protrude, the spikes (4) having at least one first lower spike (41), at least one second spike (42), which is located forward in the width direction (Y) and higher than the first lower spike (41), and at least one third spike (43), which is located rearward in the width direction (Y) and higher than the first lower spike (41). Method for killing at least one rat in a sewer pipe, using the rat trap (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: detecting the presence of a rat under the support (6) by a sensor (55) in the upper waiting position, in which the support (6) is at a first vertical distance (D1) from the legs (21, 22), in response to the sensor (55) having detected the presence of the rat below the support (6), controlling the electrocution circuit (40) and the moving device (5) by a control unit (7) to move the support (6) relative to the lower base (3) of the first housing (2) from the upper waiting position to the downwardly extended position, in which on the one hand the support (6) is at a second vertical distance (D2), smaller than the first vertical distance (D1) from the legs (21, 22),22) to block the rat against the support (6) and apply the spikes (4) against the rat, and on the other hand the electrocution circuit (40) applies the electrocution voltage between the spikes (4) for a prescribed time (D), which is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to one minute, for killing the rat, in response to the fact that the prescribed time (D) has elapsed, controls the electrocution means (40) and the moving device (5) by the control unit (7) to move the support (6) relative to the, lower base (3) of the first housing (2) from the downward extension position to the upper waiting position.

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