Electric fences for animals

Abstract

This electric fence provides a highly reliable electric shock to animals, is highly durable, significantly reduces the need for mowing, and is easy to install. [Solution] An electric fence for animals comprising: a conductive plate laid on the ground; a first bare wire erected above the conductive plate and insulated from the ground; a power source connected to the first bare wire; and an obstacle extending below the first bare wire along the length of the first bare wire and insulated from the first bare wire to prevent animals from passing through the space between the first bare wire and the conductive plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric fence. Typically, the present invention relates to an electric fence used to prevent animals such as wild boars from entering the land.

Background Art

[0002] To prevent animals from entering lands such as farms, fields, pastures, golf courses, and roads, electric fences stretched around the lands are known. When an animal touches the electric fence, electricity flows through the animal's body to the ground (earth), and the animal receives an electric shock. As a result, the animal becomes wary, and the effect of making it difficult for the animal to approach the electric fence can be obtained. Conventionally, in order to enhance the effect of the electric fence, improvements as shown below have been proposed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-027899 (Patent Document 1) discloses a net in which a bare wire is incorporated into a lateral twisted wire of a non-conductive twisted wire woven in the vertical and horizontal directions, and can be attached between a plurality of columns P erected at appropriate intervals so as to surround a wild animal intrusion area, and a shock current can flow through the bare wire. A wild animal intrusion prevention net is described.

[0004] Utility Model Registration No. 3185209 (Patent Document 2) describes an electric fence configured as follows in an electric fence that installs a conductive net around a field and applies a shock high voltage to the conductive part to electrocute and repel harmful animals such as monkeys, wild boars, and wild boars trying to invade. (A) A conductive band is provided at the lowermost part, and an insulator and a conductive band are alternately arranged above the conductive band to form a net of the electric fence. (I) The lowermost conductive band of the net of the electric fence is laid on top of a weed control sheet laid on the ground surface, and the remaining part of the net of the electric fence is vertically stretched by columns on the center line in the length direction of the weed control sheet. (C) The conductive band of the odd-numbered electric fence net counted from the bottom is connected to the negative side of the shock high voltage power source, and the conductive band of the even-numbered electric fence net counted from the bottom is connected to the positive side of the shock high voltage power source.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-299433 (Patent Document 3) describes an electric fence weed control sheet to be laid below the bare wires in an electric fence that is installed around fields and to prevent pests from entering the fields by applying an impulse voltage to the bare wires, characterized in that a conductive material is woven into a sheet made of woven chemical fibers.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6319918 (Patent Document 4) describes a net for preventing the intrusion of harmful animals, characterized in that a longitudinal net member made of synthetic resin yarn has electrically conductive bare wires arranged along its longitudinal direction, a longitudinal weed control sheet having a predetermined width is integrally attached to the lower end of the net member, and conductive wires are arranged along the longitudinal direction on one side of the weed control sheet with the lower end of the net member as the boundary, while the lower end of the net member is folded back to the side of the weed control sheet where the conductive wires are arranged and integrally attached, and the net member can be hung on posts erected at predetermined intervals after the weed control sheet is laid on the ground. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-027899 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3185209 Gazette [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-299433 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6319918 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Thus, in conventional electric fences, animals frequently enter by crawling through the gap between the bare wire and the ground. Therefore, in order to improve the effectiveness of electric fences, development has focused on methods that completely seal the gap between the bare wire and the ground with a net, methods that lay bare wire on the ground as well, or methods that combine both.

[0009] However, even if a non-conductive net is used, rain and dew can turn it into a conductor, leading to a voltage drop due to leakage current and reducing the effectiveness of the electric shock. Using a net also requires sturdy support poles to withstand strong winds, which increases costs. Furthermore, snow cover and accumulation on the net can also cause a voltage drop due to leakage current, and excessive weight from snow can cause the net to sag, resulting in problems such as being unable to maintain the necessary height to prevent animal intrusion and the net itself being damaged. To address this, it is necessary to install a net of considerably higher strength or to remove the net during the winter months.

[0010] Weed control sheets do not have sufficient lifespan or performance, requiring regular maintenance or replacement. Furthermore, weeds can grow through gaps or tears in the sheets and come into contact with bare wires, causing short circuits and reducing the effectiveness of the electric shock. Therefore, mowing is essential to maintain the effectiveness of the electric shock, but this presents problems such as damage to the netting or reduced efficiency due to concerns about netting damage. The biggest problem is that weed control sheets themselves are electrically insulated, and the more durable and high-performance the sheet, the more the electric shock is reduced. Methods of weaving conductive materials into the weed control sheets have been proposed, but this would increase costs.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an electric fence in one embodiment that can deliver electric shocks to animals with high reliability, is highly durable, significantly reduces the need for mowing, and is easy to install. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The inventors of this invention have diligently studied and developed the present invention as illustrated below in order to solve the above problems.

[0013] [Aspect 1] A conductive plate laid on the ground, A first bare wire is installed above the conductive plate and is insulated from the ground, The first power supply connected to the bare wire, An obstacle is provided below the first bare wire, extending along the length of the first bare wire and insulated from the first bare wire, in order to prevent an animal from passing through the space between the first bare wire and the conductive plate. An electric fence for animals equipped with an electric fence. [Aspect 2] The electric fence according to embodiment 1, wherein the vertical distance between the first bare wire and the conductive plate is within the range of 4 to 41 cm. [Aspect 3] The electric fence according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the distance from the lower end to the upper end of the obstacle is within the range of 3 to 40 cm. [Aspect 4] An electric fence according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the vertical distance between the obstacle and the conductive plate is within the range of 0 to 5 cm. [Aspect 5] An electric fence according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the vertical distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire is within the range of 1 to 10 cm, and the horizontal offset distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire, is within 5 cm. [Aspect 6] The distance from the lower end to the upper end of the aforementioned obstacle is within the range of 3 to 40 cm. The vertical distance between the obstacle and the conductive plate is within the range of 0 to 5 cm. The vertical distance between the aforementioned obstacle and the first bare wire is within the range of 1 to 10 cm. The horizontal offset distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire, is within 5 cm. An electric fence as described in Embodiment 2. [Aspect 7] The conductive plate has a corrugated shape or a square wave shape, and is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6. [Aspect 8] The conductive plate has a corrugated shape in which the wave propagation direction is parallel to the length direction of the first bare wire, and is the electric fence according to Aspect 7. [Aspect 9] The conductive plate is made of metal, and is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8. [Aspect 10] The conductive plate is a corrugated iron plate having a corrugated shape or a square wave shape, and is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9. [Aspect 11] When based on the central axis of the first bare wire, the lengths to the widthwise tips extending to the outside and inside of the electric fence are each within the range of 5 to 90 cm, and is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10. [Aspect 12] The first bare wire is supported by at least two supports fixed to the obstacle at a predetermined interval. It is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. [Aspect 13] The first bare wire is supported by at least two supports fixed to at least two piles fixed to the ground at a predetermined interval. It is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. [Aspect 14] The obstacle is fixed to the at least two piles, and is the electric fence according to Aspect 13. [Aspect 15] It is provided at a position higher than the first bare wire, is connected to the power source, and includes one or more second bare wires insulated from the ground. It is the electric fence according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14. [Aspect 16] The one or more second bare wires are supported by at least two supports fixed to at least two columns erected at a predetermined interval above the ground. It is the electric fence according to Aspect 15. [Aspect 17] Each of the at least two supports is fixed so as to be movable along the axial direction of the column to which the support is fixed. It is the electric fence according to Aspect 16. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric fence that can deliver electric shocks to animals with high reliability, is highly durable, significantly reduces the need for mowing, and is easy to install. In particular, since the electric fence is constructed taking into account the behavioral characteristics of animals, it can effectively and reliably deliver electric shocks by targeting their weak points. Specifically, by placing obstacles at the base of the electric fence, it is possible to make the animal stand upright and deliver electric shocks to the weakest parts of the animal's body where it feels the most electric shock (such as the nose or paw pads where the skin is exposed). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1-1] This is a schematic front view of the electric fence according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as observed from the perspective of an animal outside the electric fence. [Figure 1-2] This is a schematic diagram of an electric fence according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 2-1] This is a schematic front view of the electric fence according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as observed from the perspective of an animal outside the electric fence. [Figure 2-2] This is a schematic diagram of an electric fence according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 3-1] This is a schematic front view of the electric fence according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as observed from the perspective of an animal outside the electric fence. [Figure 3-2] This is a schematic diagram of an electric fence according to the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an electric fence according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing how the height of the second bare power line is adjusted according to the amount of snowfall during the winter. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing several examples of obstacles of various shapes when viewed from the side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it should be understood that appropriate design changes, improvements, etc., can be made based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0017] <First Embodiment to Third Embodiment> The electric fence 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the electric fence 20 for animals according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the electric fence 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention all include a conductive plate 12 laid on the ground 11, a first bare wire 13 erected above the conductive plate 12 and insulated from the ground 11, a power supply 14 connected to the first bare wire 13, and an obstacle 15 extending below the first bare wire 13 along the length of the first bare wire 13 and insulated from the first bare wire 13 to prevent animals from passing through the space between the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12.

[0018] The first bare wire 13 can be made of a conductive metal material such as stainless steel or copper. Furthermore, an impulse voltage of approximately 4,000 to 10,000V can be applied to the first bare wire 13 from a power source 14. In one embodiment, the first bare wire 13 can be connected to the positive side of the power source 14. It is also essential to bury the grounding rod 24, which is connected to the negative side of the power source 14, in the ground. Additionally, the negative side of the power source 14 may be connected to the conductive plate 12.

[0019] Electric fences 10, 20, and 30 are particularly effective against small animals (especially mammals) with a head-to-body length (body length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail) of 15-150 cm, such as raccoons, civets, tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs), badgers, martens, hares, weasels, wild boars, and squirrels, and are their primary target. However, they are also effective against larger animals (especially mammals) such as bears that can enter by lowering their heads and crawling between the bare wires and the ground, and are therefore also targeted.

[0020] While the present invention is not intended to be limited by theory, it is believed that the electric fences 10, 20, and 30 exert a repellent effect by the following mechanism to keep small animals away from the electric fence. The electric fences 10, 20, and 30 are equipped with an obstacle 15 that extends below the first bare wire 13 along the length of the first bare wire 13 and is insulated from the first bare wire, in order to prevent small animals from passing through the space between the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12. Due to the presence of the obstacle 15, when a small animal tries to enter the inside of the electric fence 10, 20, or 30 and attempts to climb over the electric fence 10, 20, or 30, the animal will assume an upright position on the conductive plate 12. Furthermore, since the first bare wire 13 is installed above the obstacle 15 at an appropriate height for the size of a small animal, when a small animal tries to climb over the obstacle 15 by assuming an upright position on the conductive plate 12, sensitive skin areas such as the pads of its front paws and its face (areas with thin or no fur) are likely to come into contact with the first bare wire 13. Similarly, animals such as bears, which have a habit of crawling under bare wires to enter the ground, often try to enter by lowering their noses, which are the most sensitive part of their body with exposed skin, close to the ground and pushing up the bare wire with the furry parts of their body (such as the bridge of their nose, forehead, and head) to avoid electric shocks. However, since they cannot enter if the obstacle 15 is present, animals such as bears need to raise their noses to a position higher than the obstacle 15. In this case, their noses are likely to come into contact with the first bare wire 13. Thus, even if small animals, as well as animals such as bears that have a habit of crawling under bare wires and into the ground, try to enter the inside of the electric fences 10, 20, and 30, there is a high probability that they will come into contact with both the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12 at the same time. Moreover, since sensitive skin parts are likely to come into contact with the first bare wire 13, an electric shock can be delivered to the animal with high certainty.

[0021] The optimal value for achieving a repellent effect varies depending on the head and body length of the animal, but the vertical distance A between the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12 is preferably in the range of 4 to 41 cm, more preferably in the range of 5 to 20 cm, and even more preferably in the range of 5 to 10 cm. If the aim is to achieve a repellent effect on a specific animal, the distance A should be set according to the head and body length of the target animal. For example, for animals with a head and body length of 40 to 60 cm, such as raccoons and tanuki, the distance A is preferably in the range of 10 to 20 cm. For animals with a head and body length of 15 to 25 cm, such as squirrels and mice, the distance A is preferably in the range of 5 to 11 cm. If distance A is appropriate, when small animals try to overcome obstacles 15 by assuming an upright posture on the conductive plate 12, or when animals such as bears try to enter by crawling between the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12, sensitive skin areas such as the pads of their front paws and their face (areas with thin or no fur) are likely to come into contact with the first bare wire 13. Generally, the lower the first bare wire 13 is installed, the more frequently grass cutting is required to prevent leakage. However, because the conductive plate 12 is laid, the conductive plate 12 acts as a barrier, reducing the risk of weeds touching the first bare wire 13. For this reason, the first bare wire 13 can be installed at the low position described above.

[0022] The distance B from the lower end to the upper end of the obstacle 15 is preferably in the range of 3 to 40 cm, more preferably in the range of 5 to 20 cm, and even more preferably in the range of 5 to 10 cm. For example, in the case of animals with a head-body length of 40 to 60 cm, such as raccoons and tanuki, the distance B is preferably in the range of 10 to 20 cm. In the case of animals with a head-body length of 15 to 25 cm, such as squirrels and mice, the distance B is preferably in the range of 5 to 10 cm. An appropriate distance B reduces the risk of small animals passing through the gap between the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12, while also making it easier for small animals to assume a posture of standing up on the conductive plate 12, reducing the possibility of them climbing onto the obstacle and moving away from the conductive plate 12. In addition, when animals such as bears lift their heads to avoid the obstacle 15 on the conductive plate 12, their sensitive noses are more likely to come into contact with the first bare wire 13.

[0023] The vertical distance C between the obstacle 15 and the conductive plate 12 is preferably in the range of 0 to 5 cm, more preferably in the range of 1 to 3 cm, and even more preferably in the range of 1 to 2 cm. An appropriate distance C reduces the risk of small animals passing through the gap between the obstacle 15 and the conductive plate 12, while also making it easier for small animals to assume an upright position on the conductive plate 12. Furthermore, it makes it easier for animals such as bears to lift their heads to avoid the obstacle 15 on the conductive plate 12, and in doing so, are more likely to come into contact with the first bare wire 13.

[0024] In the first and second embodiments, since the lower end of the obstacle 15 is directly above the conductive plate 12, the distance C can be measured by measuring the vertical distance from the lower end of the obstacle 15 to the conductive plate 12 at the point where the distance C is to be measured. On the other hand, as in the third embodiment, the lower end of the obstacle 15 is not directly above the conductive plate 12, but is located adjacent to the conductive plate 12 in the lateral direction, and part or all of it may be located lower than the conductive plate 12. In this case, the lower end of the obstacle 15 may be at the same level as or lower than the ground 11 (a position embedded in the ground 11). In this specification, the distance C at the lower end portion located lower than the conductive plate 12 is considered to be 0.

[0025] The vertical distance D between the obstacle 15 and the first bare wire 13 is preferably in the range of 1 to 10 cm, more preferably in the range of 2 to 8 cm, and even more preferably in the range of 2 to 5 cm. The horizontal offset distance E between the obstacle 15 and the first bare wire 13, perpendicular to the length direction of the first bare wire 13, is preferably within 5 cm, more preferably within 3 cm, and even more preferably within 2 cm. Here, the offset distance includes both the distance when the obstacle 15 is in front of the first bare wire 13 as seen from an animal on the outside, and the distance when the obstacle 15 is behind the first bare wire 13. The offset distance is 0 cm when the obstacle 15 is located directly below the first bare wire 13.

[0026] The material of the obstacle 15 is not limited, but examples include plastics (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastics, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate), wood, ceramics, rubber, stone, and insulators such as concrete. Conductors such as stainless steel, aluminum, and iron may also be used. The shape of the obstacle 15 can be, for example, a plate. The term "plate" here includes not only square-shaped materials such as square and flat-shaped timbers, but also irregularly shaped materials such as circles, L-shapes, and triangles, but there are no restrictions on the shape as long as it functions as an obstacle. The interior of the obstacle 15 may be hollow or solid. Furthermore, it is preferable that the obstacle 15 does not have holes that penetrate both sides, allowing animals (especially small animals) to slip through from the outside to the inside of the electric fence 10, 20, and 30.

[0027] The obstacle 15 can be fixed to at least two stakes 16 fixed to the ground 11 at a predetermined interval. The fixing method is not limited to, but examples include fixing using fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts and nuts, clips, or clamps; using adhesives; or using mortise and tenon joints. The material of the stakes 16 is not limited to, but examples include insulators such as plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate), wood, ceramics, or rubber. The surface of the stakes 16 may also be coated with a resin film. Alternatively, conductive materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or iron may be used. However, from the viewpoint of preventing electrical leakage, it is preferable that at least the surface of the stakes 16 is an insulator. The conductive plate 12 may have a hole 25 through which the pile 16 is inserted. Note that the obstacle 15 does not necessarily need to be fixed to the stake 16. For example, if the obstacle 15 has a shape that allows it to be placed stably on the ground without falling over (e.g., a square or a quadrilateral with a longer base when viewed from the side, an equilateral triangle or a triangle with a longer base, etc.), it does not need to be fixed (see Figure 6).

[0028] In the first and second embodiments, the obstacle 15 is fixed to the inner side of the stake 16 as seen from the animal's perspective. In contrast, as shown in the third embodiment, the obstacle 15 may be fixed to the outer side of the stake 16 as seen from the animal's perspective, or adjacent stakes 16 may be fixed to opposing sides. It may also be fixed in other positions. The obstacle 15 may be fixed to the ground by partially burying it in the ground.

[0029] The conductive plate 12 is laid on the ground 11. The presence of the conductive plate 12 makes it difficult for animals to dig through the ground and crawl under the electric fence. The plate shape of the conductive plate 12 provides a high weed control effect, is more durable than weed control sheets, significantly reduces the need for mowing, and is easy to install. Because the conductive plate 12 is conductive, it facilitates the transmission of ground signals from the ground, making it easier to deliver electric shocks to animals. Furthermore, because the surface of the conductive plate 12 has a different texture and shape from the ground 11, it can also be expected to have a stress-inducing effect on animals.

[0030] It is preferable to use metal as the material for the conductive plate 12. Since metal is easily plastically deformable, it can easily conform to the unevenness of the ground 11. This prevents large gaps from forming between the ground 11 and the conductive plate 12. As for the metal, although not limited to steel plates, corrosion-resistant steel plates such as galvanized steel plates, aluminum-galvanized steel plates, galvalume steel plates (registered trademark), and aluminum steel plates are preferably used.

[0031] From the viewpoint of easily conforming to the unevenness of the ground 11, it is preferable that the conductive plate 12 has a corrugated shape (a shape in which the cross section is made up of a series of curves) or a curved shape, and it is more preferable to use a corrugated or curved metal plate. When the conductive plate 12 has a corrugated or curved shape, there are no particular restrictions on the direction of wave propagation, but if the conductive plate has a corrugated shape in which the direction of wave propagation is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire 13, it is easier to conform to the unevenness of the ground 11. This is because the conductive plate 12 laid on the ground has a length parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire 13 (hereinafter referred to as the "longitudinal direction") which is longer than the length in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire 13 (hereinafter referred to as the "width direction"), and is therefore more susceptible to the unevenness of the ground 11. In addition, by having a corrugated or curved shape, the contact area between the conductive plate 12 and the obstacle 15 can be reduced. This also has the effect of suppressing corrosion of the obstacle 15.

[0032] The length of the conductive plate 12 in the width direction is not limited, but it is desirable that it be long enough so that an animal cannot pass through it overnight even if it burrows underground, and that it is long enough so that surrounding weeds do not touch the first bare wire 13 when they grow. Specifically, with respect to the central axis of the first bare wire 13, the length K to the tip in the width direction extending to the outside and inside of the electric fence is preferably in the range of 5 to 90 cm, more preferably in the range of 10 to 45 cm, and even more preferably in the range of 15 to 20 cm.

[0033] It is preferable that the conductive plate 12 be thin. This is because the sharp edges are thought to deter animals from crawling under the conductive plate 12. On the other hand, if the conductive plate 12 is excessively thin, its strength or durability will decrease. Therefore, the thickness of the conductive plate 12 is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

[0034] The conductive plate 12 is preferably one that does not have holes running through it vertically. This is because if there are holes, weeds may grow out of them.

[0035] Considering corrosion resistance, ground conformability, plate thickness, and cost, a corrugated or angularly corrugated metal sheet can be suitably used as the conductive plate 12.

[0036] There are no particular restrictions on the method of installing the first bare wire 13. In the first and third embodiments, the first bare wire 13 is installed by being supported by at least two support members 17 fixed to at least two piles 16 fixed to the ground 11 at predetermined intervals. In the second embodiment, the first bare wire 13 is supported by at least two support members 17 fixed to an obstacle 15 at predetermined intervals.

[0037] The material of the support 17 is not limited, but for example, insulating materials such as plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate), wood, ceramics, and rubber can be used. Conductive materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and iron may also be used. However, from the viewpoint of preventing electrical leakage, it is preferable to use an insulating material for at least the part that comes into contact with the first bare wire 13.

[0038] The methods by which the support 17 supports the first bare wire 13 are not limited to the above, but include, for example, passing the first bare wire 13 through the insulating ring portion of the support 17, hanging the first bare wire 13 on the insulating hook portion of the support 17, or gripping the first bare wire 13 with the insulating grip portion of the support 17.

[0039] Methods for fixing the support 17 to the stake 16 and to the obstacle 15 are not limited to the above, but include, for example, fixing methods using fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts and nuts, clips, or clamps, or methods using adhesives. A part of the support 17 may have the shape of a fastener.

[0040] Specific examples of the support device 17 include those comprising an insulating support part made of ceramic, glass, or polymer that can pass through the first bare wire 13, and fasteners such as screws and bolts. The insulating support part may have a ring shape that can pass through the first bare wire 13, or a shape that can wrap around, entangle, or hook the first bare wire 13. Such support devices 17 are commercially available under trade names such as ring insulator, poly insulator, miniature insulator, and S-insulator.

[0041] While a longer horizontal distance between adjacent support members 17 can reduce construction costs, if the distance is too long, the first bare wire 13 is more prone to bending, and the distance D from the obstacle 15 becomes more variable. This may result in the inability to consistently obtain the desired deterrent effect. From this perspective, the horizontal distance F over which the first bare wire 13 extends between adjacent support members 17 is preferably 2 to 20 m, more preferably 4 to 10 m, and even more preferably 4 to 6 m, in the case of level ground. Although it is not prohibited to support the first bare wire 13 by weaving it into a net, it should be avoided. This is because rain and dew adhering to the net can reduce the electric shock.

[0042] In the electric fences 10, 20, and 30 according to the first to third embodiments, when an animal attempts to enter the land to be protected and simultaneously touches the first bare wire 13 and the conductive plate 12, current flows through the route power source 14 → first bare wire 13 → animal → conductive plate 12 → ground 11 (→ grounding rod 24 → power source 14), causing the animal to be electrocuted.

[0043] In order to effectively electrocute an animal, it is desirable that the first bare wire 13 is insulated from the ground 11, and that the first bare wire 13 is insulated from the obstacle 15. To achieve this condition, it is preferable that at least one, preferably both, of the support 17 and the stake 16 described above are used as insulators to block the conductive path between the first bare wire 13 and the ground 11 and the conductive path between the first bare wire 13 and the obstacle 15.

[0044] Electric fences 10, 20, and 30 should be installed where necessary outside the land for the purpose of preventing animal intrusion. They may be installed in a ring around the land, or in a straight or curved pattern. Land on which electric fences 10, 20, and 30 may be installed is not limited to, but may include, for example, farms (including orchards), fields, pastures, golf courses, roads, and houses.

[0045] Although the attached drawings only show the minimum necessary structure for each embodiment, it is possible to extend the length of the first bare wire 13, extend the longitudinal length of the conductive plate 12, increase the number of stakes 16, or increase the number of support members 17 to suit the size of the land. When extending the length of the first bare wire 13, one first bare wire 13 may be extended, multiple first bare wires 13 may be connected and extended, or multiple first bare wires 13 may be arranged discontinuously. Similarly, when extending the longitudinal length of the conductive plate 12, one conductive plate 12 may be extended, multiple conductive plates 12 may be connected and extended, or multiple conductive plates 12 may be arranged discontinuously.

[0046] The entrances to the land may have the same structure as the electric fences 10, 20, and 30 described above, but a different structure may be adopted to allow vehicles to enter and exit, for example, a structure in which obstacles are not fixed to the ground to facilitate movement.

[0047] <Fourth Embodiment> The embodiments described above mainly described electric fences that are effective against small animals and animals that enter by lowering their heads and crawling between the bare wires and the ground. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric fence is also provided that is effective against animals that enter by jumping over the bare wires (for example, deer, monkeys, etc.). Referring to Figure 4, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the electric fences 10, 20, and 30 for small animals according to the embodiments described above, it is equipped with one or more second bare wires 23 that are installed at a higher position than the first bare wire 13 and insulated from the ground 11, and a power supply (not shown) connected to the second bare wires 23.

[0048] The height of the second bare wire 23 can be set appropriately according to the size of the target large animal, but the vertical distance H between the second bare wire 23 installed at the highest position and the conductive plate 12 can be about 1.5 to 2.0 m. Also, the vertical distance I between the second bare wire 23 installed at the lowest position and the first bare wire 13 can be about 5 to 10 cm. When installing two or more second bare wires 23 at different heights, the vertical distance J between adjacent second bare wires 23 can be about 5 to 100 cm.

[0049] One or more second bare wires 23 may be supported by at least two support devices 27 fixed to at least two posts 18 erected on the ground 11 at predetermined intervals. The posts 18 may be integrally formed by extending a pile 16 upward, or they may be provided as a separate structure from the pile 16. If the posts 18 are a separate structure from the pile 16, they may be fixed to the pile 16 or they may be freestanding. If the posts 18 are fixed to the pile 16, the fixing method is not limited to, but includes, for example, fixing methods using fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts and nuts, clips, or clamps, or methods using adhesives. If the posts 18 are freestanding, they may be piles and may be fixed by embedding a portion of them in the ground 11.

[0050] The material of the support column 18 is not limited, but examples include plastics (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastics, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate), wood, ceramics, rubber, and other insulators. The surface of the support column 18 may also be coated with a resin film. In addition, conductive materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and iron may be used.

[0051] The material of the support 27 is not limited, but for example, insulating materials such as plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate), wood, ceramics, and rubber can be used. Conductive materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and iron may also be used.

[0052] The method of fixing the support 27 to the support column 18 is not limited to the above, but examples include fixing methods using fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts and nuts, clips, or clamps, or methods using adhesive. Part of the support 27 may have the shape of a fastener. The support column 18 itself may have a hook shape.

[0053] The method by which the support member 27 supports one or more second bare wires 23 is not limited to the above, but examples include passing the second bare wire 23 through the insulating ring portion of the support member 27, hanging the second bare wire 23 on the insulating hook portion of the support member 27, or gripping the second bare wire 23 with the insulating grip portion of the support member 27.

[0054] Preferably, at least two support members 27 are fixed so as to be movable along the axial direction of the support column 18 to which the support member 27 is fixed. The second bare wire 23 is also movable as the support member 27 moves. Specific examples of such support members 27 include clips and cable ties. Among these, clips having a spring structure can be preferably used.

[0055] In order to effectively electrocute animals, it is desirable that the second bare wire 23 and the ground 11 be insulated. To achieve this condition, it is preferable that at least one, preferably both, of the support 27 and the support column 18 described above is used as an insulator to block the conductive path between the second bare wire 23 and the ground 11.

[0056] If the support 27 is movable, the height of the second bare wire 23 can be easily adjusted to match the size of the target animal. Also, in areas with snowfall during the winter, if the second bare wire 23 touches the snow, it will cause a short circuit and render the electric fence ineffective. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, it is easy to adjust the height of the second bare wire 23 according to the amount of snowfall. Furthermore, the obstacle 15 can be left in the snow.

[0057] During the winter months, there are often no crops or fruits for small animals such as raccoons to target. On the other hand, in areas where deer live, the scarcity of food in forests and other areas leads to deer eating tree bark, causing damage that can kill fruit trees. Therefore, during the winter months, there is no need to protect the base of the trees; instead, it is necessary to take measures against animals that eat tree bark, such as deer. Also, if the purpose of preventing intrusion is to protect an orchard, another major enemy during the winter months is the rat, which gnaws on the bark, and since foxes, which feed on rats, would rather enter the orchard, it is better not to protect the base of the trees. If the first bare wire 13 is buried in snow during the winter months, a short circuit will occur, so it is preferable to stop the supply of current to the first bare wire 13. At the same time, raising the second bare wire 23, which is at the lowest position, above the snow surface to a height that allows foxes, which are predators of rats, to burrow (e.g., about 20-40 cm from the snow surface) will make it easier for foxes to enter, thereby reducing damage caused by rats.

[0058] While a longer horizontal distance between adjacent support members 27 can reduce construction costs, if the distance is too long, the second bare wire 23 is prone to sagging. This may result in the inability to consistently obtain the desired deterrent effect. From this perspective, the horizontal distance over which the second bare wire 23 extends between adjacent support members 27 is preferably 2 to 20 m, more preferably 4 to 10 m, and even more preferably 4 to 6 m, in the case of level ground. Although it is not prohibited to support the second bare wire 23 by weaving it into a net, it should be avoided. This is because snow and rain accumulating on the net can reduce the electric shock. Furthermore, snow has the characteristic of growing significantly when it adheres to an object due to a phenomenon called snow accumulation, which can directly lead to damage to the net.

[0059] In the electric fence 40 according to the fourth embodiment, if a large animal such as a deer attempts to enter the land to be defended and simultaneously touches the second bare wire 23 and the conductive plate 12, current flows through the route power source (not shown) → second bare wire 23 → large animal → conductive plate 12 → ground 11 (→ grounding rod 24 → power source), causing the large animal to be electrocuted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 10: Electric fence 11: Ground 12: Conductive plate 13: The first bare wire 14:Power supply 15: Obstacles 16:Pile 17: Support 18: Strut 20: Electric fence 23: The second bare wire 24: Grounding rod 25: Hole 27: Support 30: Electric fence 40: Electric fence

Claims

1. A conductive plate laid on the ground, A first bare wire is installed above the conductive plate and is insulated from the ground, The first power supply connected to the bare wire, An obstacle is provided below the first bare wire, extending along the length of the first bare wire and insulated from the first bare wire, in order to prevent an animal from passing through the space between the first bare wire and the conductive plate. An electric fence for animals equipped with an electric fence.

2. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the vertical distance between the first bare wire and the conductive plate is in the range of 4 to 41 cm.

3. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the lower end to the upper end of the obstacle is within the range of 3 to 40 cm.

4. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the vertical distance between the obstacle and the conductive plate is within the range of 0 to 5 cm.

5. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the vertical distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire is within the range of 1 to 10 cm, and the horizontal offset distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire, perpendicular to the length direction of the first bare wire, is within 5 cm.

6. The distance from the lower end to the upper end of the aforementioned obstacle is within the range of 3 to 40 cm. The vertical distance between the obstacle and the conductive plate is within the range of 0 to 5 cm. The vertical distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire is within the range of 1 to 10 cm. The horizontal offset distance between the obstacle and the first bare wire, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire, is within 5 cm. The electric fence according to claim 2.

7. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the conductive plate has a corrugated or angular wave shape.

8. The electric fence according to claim 7, wherein the conductive plate has a corrugated shape such that the direction of wave propagation is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first bare wire.

9. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the conductive plate is made of metal.

10. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the conductive plate is a corrugated or angular corrugated sheet of galvanized iron.

11. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the conductive plate, when viewed with respect to the central axis of the first bare wire, has a length from 5 to 90 cm in the width direction to the tip extending outward and inward of the electric fence.

12. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the first bare wire is supported by at least two support members fixed to the obstacle at a predetermined interval.

13. The electric fence according to claim 1, wherein the first bare wire is supported by at least two support members that are fixed to at least two stakes that are fixed to the ground at a predetermined interval.

14. The electric fence according to claim 13, wherein the obstacle is fixed to at least two stakes.

15. The electric fence according to claim 1, comprising one or more second bare wires that are installed at a higher position than the first bare wire, connected to the power source, and insulated from the ground.

16. The electric fence according to claim 15, wherein the one or more second bare wires are supported by at least two support members fixed to at least two posts erected on the ground at predetermined intervals.

17. The electric fence according to claim 16, wherein each of the at least two support members is fixed so as to be movable along the axial direction of the support post to which the support member is fixed.

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