WO2025127941A1 - Pest control device and pest control device actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

An actuator for a pest control device, the actuator including an output member such as a striker loaded against a bias by a movable gear. The movable gear is driven by a motor. The movable gear can be decoupled from the output member to release it. A pest control device including the actuator is also provided. A pest control device that used a striker to restrict access to a bait region within the pest control device is also provided.

Description

Pest Control Device and Pest Control Device Actuator

FIELD

This invention relates to a pest control device and pest control device actuator.

BACKGROUND

Pest control devices are commonly used to catch or kill various pests, including mice and rats. Pest control devices can include powered mechanisms such as strikers, trap doors or snares. Powered mechanisms can be powered by various types of actuators including pneumatic or electric actuators. Pest control devices can use bait to attract pests.

SUMMARY

According to one example there is provided an actuator for a pest control device, the actuator comprising: a motor; an output member biased in a first direction; a movable gear configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis by the motor; a mount for the movable gear, the mount allowing movement of the movable gear between a first location in which the movable gear is coupled to the output member and a second location in which the movable gear is decoupled from the output member; the actuator configured such that: rotation of the movable gear about the gear's longitudinal axis when the movable gear is coupled to the output member causes the output member to move in a second direction, the second direction being counter to the first direction, thereby loading the actuator; and decoupling of the movable gearfrom the output member when the actuator is loaded allows the output member to move in the first direction.

In some examples, the output member has one or more teeth on it that are configured to engage with the movable gear when the movable gear is in the first location and be disengaged from the movable gear when the movable gear is in the second location.

In some examples, the movable gear is a worm gear.

In some examples, the actuator is configured such that the motor drives the movement of the movable gear between the first location and the second location.

In some examples, the actuator is configured such that rotation of a shaft of the motor in a first rotational direction causes rotation of the movable gear about the movable gear's longitudinal axis and rotation of the motor shaft in a second rotational direction causes the movement of the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

In some examples, the actuator is configured such that rotation of the motor shaft in the first rotational direction also causes movement of the movable gear from the second location to the first location.

In some examples, the mount for the movable gear includes a gear carrier coupled to the motor by a ratchet such that rotation of the motor shaft in the second rotational direction is transmitted to the gear carrier via the ratchet, thereby causing the movement of the movable gear from the first location to the second location. In some examples, the ratchet is configured to allow rotation of the motor shaft in the first rotational direction relative to the gear carrier, thereby allowing the motor to drive rotation of the movable gear about its longitudinal axis without moving the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

In some examples, the mount for the movable gear includes a slot or channel configured to receive an end of the movable gear, configured such that the movement of the movable gear along the slot or channel allows movement of the movable gear between the first location and the second location.

In some examples, the actuator further comprises a gear train coupled between the motor and the movable gear.

In some examples, the movable gear is a first gear and the gear train comprises a second gear driven by the motor and a third gear coupled to the movable gear, wherein revolution of the third gear around the second gear causes movement of the movable gear between the first and second locations.

In some examples, the gear train is configured to provide a first gear ratio from the motor to the movable gear when moving the output member in the second direction and second, lower gear ratio when moving the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

In some examples, the output member is a striker.

In some examples, the output member is biased by a spring.

In some examples, the actuator further comprises a position sensor to detect the position of the output member.

In some examples, the actuator further comprises control circuitry configured to control operation of the motor at least partly based on the output of the position sensor. According to another example there is provided a pest control device comprising an actuator according to any one of the preceding examples.

According to another example there is provided a pest control device comprising: a bait region configured to receive bait; an entrance configured to permit access to the bait region via a passage; a striker configured to move into the passage to strike a target animal in the passage; and control circuitry configured to control the striker such that the striker remains in the passage to restrict access to the bait via the entrance.

In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to control the striker to move into the passage at a predetermined time.

In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to control the striker to move into the passage upon receiving a user input.

In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to withdraw the striker from the passage after a predetermined amount of time or at a predetermined time.

In some examples, the control circuitry is configured to withdraw the striker from the passage upon receiving a user input.

In some examples, the pest control device includes an actuator configured to actuate the striker.

According to another example there is provided a pest control device comprising: a striker; and an actuator configured to actuate the striker; the striker comprising: a first portion driven by the actuator to move in a first direction; and a striker head connected to the first portion and located in a second direction of the first portion, the second direction being transverse the first direction, the striker head being configured to contact an animal when the striker is actuated.

In some examples, the striker head is a striker plate.

In some examples, the striker plate is configured to move edge-first and contact the animal with a leading edge of the plate.

In some examples, pest control device further comprises an elongate guide and wherein the striker further comprises a guide follower configured to move along the elongate guide follower.

In some examples, the elongate guide is an elongate shaft and the guide follower is located about the perimeter of the elongate shaft.

According to another example there is provided a pest control device comprising: an elongate guide shaft; a striker; and an actuator configured to actuate the striker; wherein the striker comprises a guide follower located about the perimeter of the elongate guide shaft, the guide follower configured to move along the guide shaft when the striker is actuated.

In some examples, the elongate guide shaft is fixed within the pest control device at both ends of the elongate guide shaft.

In some examples, the pest control device further comprises a shock absorber located at the end of travel of the striker. In some examples, the striker further comprises a striker head located to the side of the guide follower and connected to the guide follower, the striker head being configured to contact an animal when the striker is actuated.

It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. Forthe purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - i.e., they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements.

Reference to any document in this specification does not constitute an admission that it is prior art, validly combinable with other documents or that it forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pest control device according to one example;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of interior components of the pest control device of Figure 1;

Figure s is another perspective view of interior components of the pest control device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a partly exploded view of components of the pest control device of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a partly exploded view of components of the pest control device of Figure 1 showing an actuator in one state;

Figure 6 is a partly exploded view of components of the pest control device of Figure 1 showing the actuator in another state;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an actuator for a pest control device according to one example;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of components of the actuator of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the actuator of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a top view of the actuator of Figure 7 in one state;

Figure 11 is a top view of the actuator of Figure 7 in another state;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an actuator for a pest control device according to another example;

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the actuator of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a top view of the actuator of Figure 12 in one state;

Figure 15 is a top view of the actuator of Figure 12 in another state;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of an actuator for a pest control device according to another example; and

Figure 17 is an exploded view of the pest control device of Figure 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 illustrates a pest control device 1 according to one example. The pest control device 1 can include an entrance 12 that allows a target pest to enterthe pest control device 1. The dimensions of the entrance 12 can be selected based on the typical dimensions of a target pest or target pests. For example, the pest control device 1 can be designed to kill rodents such as mice and the entrance 12 can be sized to permit mice and/or other small rodents to enter. Upon passing through the entrance 12, the pest can move along the passage 14 through the pest control device 1. The passage 14 can also be dimensioned to suit the target pest(s).

In the example of Figure 1, the pest control device 1 includes a shell 10, with the entrance 12 providing access to the interior of the shell 10. In other examples, the pest control device 1 may be constructed without such a shell 10.

The pest control device 1 can also include input and/or output devices for receiving input from a user or communicating information to a user. In the example of Figure 1, the pest control device 1 includes a button 16 for receiving input from a user, for example to turn the pest control device 1 on and off or to select an operating mode of the pest control device 1. In the example of Figure 1, the pest control device 1 also includes a light 18, e.g. a light-emitting diode (LED), for communicating information to user, for example to indicate whether the pest control device 1 is on or off, the operating mode of the pest control device 1, the charge level of a battery of the pest control device. The pest control device can additionally or alternatively include electronic communication means for communicating with an electronic communication device operated by the user. For example, the pest control device 1 can have one or more of a Bluetooth, WiFi, or Near-Field Communication (NFC) communication module for communicating with a mobile phone of the user.

Figures 2 and 3 show the pest control device 1 with the shell 10 removed. As shown in these figures, the pest control device 1 can optionally include a chute 20 through which the passage 14 is provided. A pest entering the pest control device 1 via the entrance 12 can move along the passage 14 through the chute 20 towards a bait region. In this example, the pest control device 1 includes a removable bait cap 28 that allow bait to be loaded into the pest control device 1 and can optionally hold the bait. The bait region can therefore be in or near the bait cap 28.

The pest control device 1 can have a striker, powered by actuator 5, arranged to strike the pest within the passage 14. The actuator 5 can include a motor 26 to load and/or fire the striker. The motor 26 can be an electric motor. In other examples, another power source such as a pressurised gas supply, could be provided for the actuator 5. Depending on the context, the striker may be referred to as part of the actuator or it may be referred to as being actuated by the actuator.

The example pest control device 1 detailed herein and shown in the drawings has a striker to strike a pest animal. However, the pest control device of the present application is not limited to striker-based traps. In other examples, the pest control device could include other means powered by the actuator 5, for example a door or gate to trap an animal in the pest control device, or a snare to restrain or kill the animal. In some examples in which the pest control device includes a striker, the striker may be used to block access to the bait in the device. In other examples, the striker may not perform this function.

The pest control device 1 can also include electronics 30. The electronics 30 can include one or more of control circuitry, communication circuitry, charging circuitry for charging an internal battery, one or more sensors, processors, memories, and/or data stores. The electronics 30 can be provided on one or more circuit boards. The electronics 30 can be operatively coupled to the motor 26, light 18, and button 16. In Figure 4, upper and lower housing parts 32a and 32b have been separated to better show the internal components of the pest control device 1. In particular, the actuator components and electronics of this example are shown in their assembled form.

The actuator of this example is the actuator 5 described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 11. The actuator includes the motor 26, a movable gear 38, and an output member (which, in this example, in striker 34). A mount for the movable gear 38 is provided to mount the gear 38 while still allowing it to move. In this example, the gear 38 is mounted by gear carrier 40 and slot 41. The slot 41 is a slightly elongated hole, allowing the shaft of gear 38 to move along it. In alternative examples, a channel may be provided on the inner side of the housing 32a, ratherthan a hole right through the housing 32a. The striker 34 can be loaded against a bias by the motor 26. The motor 26 can drive the striker 34 to move against the bias via the motor gear 42 and the movable gear 38. The striker 34 can then be released to move, under the influence of the bias, into the passage to strike the pest. The gears 38 and 42, motor 26, striker 34, and gear mount (40 and 41) make up an exemplary actuator 5 that is described in more detail with reference to Figures 7-11. Various types of actuator could be used to move the striker 34. For example, the pest control device 1 could include the actuator 5' of Figures 12-15, the actuator 5" of Figures 16-17, or another suitable actuator such as a pneumatic actuator.

Also shown in Figure 4 are the electronics 30 described above and a battery 44 that can provide electrical energy for the motor 26 and electronics 30. The battery 44 can be a rechargeable battery. The pest control device 1 can include an electrical connector via which the battery 44 can be charged. For example, the pest control device 1 can include a USB port for receiving electrical energy. The pest control device 1 can also receive and/or transmit data via the electrical connector or a different electrical connector, for example to receive firmware updates or to output diagnostic information or an activity log.

The pest control device 1 can also include a striker pad 36 that can provide an end stop for the striker 34. The striker pad 36 can absorb the shocks of the striker 34 hitting it and can be made from a suitably soft and resilient material such as rubber.

The pest control device 1 can use the striker 34 to restrict access to bait in the bait region. The striker 34 can block the passage by remining in its actuated position (i.e. the position that it moves to to strike a pest in the passage). Figures 5 and 6 show the striker 34 in two different positions.

In Figure 5, the striker 34 is raised and does not block the passage 14. In the raised position, the striker 34 is loaded and ready to fire to strike a pest in the passage 14. The electronics 30 can include a position sensor to sense the position of the striker 34. In particular, the position sensor can sense whether or not the striker 34 is properly loaded. If it is determined that the striker 34 is not properly loaded, the striker can be prevented from firing until the striker 34 is properly loaded. The position sensor may be an optical sensor such as an optical switch. In the example of Figure 5, an optical sensor can detect that the striker 34 is properly loaded when the top 34a of the striker 34 is detected by an optical switch. The top 34c of the striker 34 can be seen extending up through a gap in the circuit board that carries the electronics 30. The optical sensor can be placed by this gap to sense when the striker 34 is fully raised and properly loaded for firing.

With the passage 14 open as shown in Figure 5, an animal can move along the passage 14 in the direction of the arrow towards the bait region. In normal use, the pest control device 1 can be configured to sense the animal in a strike zone (where the striker is deployed when fired) and triggerfiring of the striker. The pest control device 1 could detect an animal using one or more optical sensors (e.g. visible light or infrared sensors), one or more mechanical trigger rods, one or more pressure plates, or another suitable sensor to detect presence of the animal.

In Figure 6, the striker 34 has been moved into the passage 14 to block the passage 14. The striker 34 can be moved into the passage by firing the actuator in the same way as it would be fired upon detection of an animal in the strike zone. Alternatively, in some examples the striker 34 could be slowly lowered to block the passage 14. The striker 34 and passage can be dimensioned such that the striker 34 prevent passage of a target animal, such as mouse, rat or other rodent, past the striker 34 to the bait region.

Control circuitry of the pest control device 1 can control the striker 34 such that it remains in the passage 14 whenever it is desired to prevent target animals or others from accessing the bait. For example, the pest control device 1 could restrict access to the bait at a predetermined time, for example based on the time of day. For example, some pests may be only or predominantly active in the night and it may be desirable to prevent non-target animals from attempting to reach the bait during the day. The striker 34 could therefor be moved into the passage at the start of the day. The striker 34 could also be moved out of the passage 14 at a predetermined time, for example at the end of the day. The pest control device 1 could leave the striker 34 in the passage for a predetermined amount of time, after which it could withdraw the striker 34 from the passage 14. Alternatively or additionally, the striker 34 could be moved into and/or out of the passage upon receiving a user input, for example via the button 16 or via the user's mobile phone.

Using the striker 34 to restrict access to the bait may avoid the need for a separate barrier or the like and the associated additional cost and complexity. Using the striker 34 to restrict access to the bait may simultaneously deactivate the striker and prevent access to the bait. This means that when the pest control device 1 is deactivated and can not kill pests, it will also not allow pests or non-target animals to enter and consume the bait. This may be advantageous when deactivating the pest control device 1 for a long time, such as when it is being transported or stored, or when it is temporarily placed where it can be accessed by non-target animals.

Figures 7-11 depict an exemplary actuator 5 for a pest control device. The actuator 5 could be used in the pest control device 1 of Figures 1-6 or in other pest control devices.

The actuator 5 includes a motor 26, a movable gear 38, an output member 34, and a mount for the movable gear. The mount for the movable gear 38 allows movement of the movable gear 38 between two different locations; one in which it is coupled to the output member 34 and the other in which it is not coupled to the output member 34. The movable gear 38 can be coupled directly to the output member 34 or it can be indirectly coupled to it via one or more other components. For example, the movable gear 38 could be coupled to the output member 34 via one or more gears, linkages or racks or combinations thereof. In cases in which the movable gear 38 is coupled to the output member 34 via other components, the movable gear 38 could be moved into and out of direct engagement with one or more of the other components, which causes it to be coupled to and decoupled from the output member 34. Depending on the context, the output member may be referred to as part of the actuator or as being actuated by the actuator.

The output member 34 is biased in a first, "extension" direction. This is approximately vertically downward in the orientation of Figures 7 and 9. The actuator 5 is configured such that rotation of the movable gear 38 moves the output member 34 in the opposite, "retraction" direction against the bias. Decoupling of the movable gear 38 from output member 34 allows the output member 34 to extend in the first direction under the influence of the bias. The movable gear is decoupled by moving it from a first location, in which it is coupled to the output member, to a second location in which it is not.

Releasing an output member of the actuator by decoupling a gear may advantageously avoid the need for a release mechanism separate from the loading mechanism. It may also have advantages over actuators that use a threaded rod and with a lock plate to load and fire strikers. In such actuators, a threaded rod may be placed within a striker with the lock plate carried on the threaded rod in the manner of a lead screw. The threaded rod may be rotated in one direction to move the lock plate towards the distal end of the threaded rod. The threaded rod may then be rotated in the opposite direction to move the lock plate back towards the proximal end of the threaded rod and such that it can engage with recesses in the striker. Continued rotation of the rod can load the striker. To release the striker of such an actuator, the threaded rod is rotated in the direction that causes the lock plate to move towards the distal end of the rod. This is intended to cause the lock plate to rotate out of the recesses in the striker and release the striker. This design would require a very sensitive balance of friction and forces to ensure that the lock plate would rotate out of the recesses to release the striker, rather than get stuck in the recesses by friction. Such a design would be difficult to release quickly and reliably. In contrast, the actuators of the present application may reliably and quickly release the output member upon decoupling of the movable gear from the output member.

In this example, the output member 34 is a striker. For example, it could be striker 34 of the pest control device 1 of Figures 1-6. In other examples, it could be part of another mechanism, such as a trap door or gate mechanism or a snare mechanism, depending on the type of trap in which it is used. In examples in which the output member 34 is a striker, the striker can include two portions, a first portion which is driven by the actuator and a striker head which is connected to the first portion and located to the side of the first portion. By to the side of the first portion, it is meant in a direction other than the direction in which the striker moves when it is actuated. The striker head is the part which makes contact with the animal when the striker is actuated. One example of this is shown in Figure 9, which shows the first portion 34b and the striker head 34a of the striker 34.

The striker head 34 can be any suitable striker head, for example a striker plate, blade, bar, or hammer. In the case of a striker plate, the striker plate can optionally move edge-first such that the leading edge of the striker plate contacts (i.e. strikes) the animal. This is the configuration shown in Figure 9.

The movement of the output member 34 can be guided by an elongate guide. The output member can have a guide follower that engages with the guide to follow it. For example, the pest control device can be provided with a guide shaft 52 that the output member 34 slides along during retraction and extension. The shaft 52 can be fixed at both ends (i.e. top and bottom) for stability. The guide follower can be located around the perimeter of the shaft, which could for example be a hole. In the example of Figures 7-11, the driven portion 34b of the striker 34 includes or forms the guide follower. The guide shaft 52 can have a non-circular cross section engaged with a non-circular hole in the output member 34 to prevent rotation of the output member 34. In other examples, other kinds of the guide could be used, such as a rail or an elongate bore through which the guide follower moves.

The striker construction may have several advantages. It may allow the driven portion and the striking portion of the striker 4 to be separated. For example, the driven portion (and corresponding other parts of the actuator) 34b can be located outside of a passage of the pest control device (e.g. outside of passage 14 of the pest control device 1 of Figures 1 to 6) and/or away from the strike zone, while the striker head 34a can be located in the passage and/or in the strike zone. The length of the striker 34 may also be reduced because of the stability provided by the guide. This may reduce the overall height of the actuator mechanism and/or reduce friction between the striker and surrounding parts such as bores or bearings. Although the height may be reduced, width:length ratio of the striker 34 as a whole, and the portion 34b in particular, may be increased. Increasing the size of the driven portion 34b may allow the actuator to act on a larger area of the striker to increase strike force without increasing the length of the striker. Increasing the overall width of the striker 34 may increase the size of the strike zone or the range of the striker between the driven portion 34b and the strike zone.

The output member 34 can be biased by any suitable means, for example by gas pressure, an elastic cord, or a spring. In this example, the output member 34 is biased by a spring 54. The spring 54 can be a helical spring. The spring 54 can be made of any suitable material, such as steel. The spring 54 can be housed within a cylindrical bore in the output member 34. A pad 36 can be provided for the output member 34 to hit at the end of its travel. In examples in which the output member 34 is a striker, the pad 36 can be placed in the strike zone at which the striker hits to absorb shocks when the striker is fired.

The motor 26 can be any suitable motor. In one example, the motor 26 is an electric motor, for example a DC motor. Using an electric motor to release the actuator may allow for simple integration of actuator's control circuitry into an electrical system of the pest control device. For example, a single power source (e.g. battery 44) can power both the actuator and other electrical components (including the electronics 30, pest sensors, communications modules, processing circuitry etc.). The motor 26 can drive the movable gear 38 directly or via one or more other gears. In this example, the motor 26 drives the movable gear 38 via the motor gear 42 and the input gear 58 of the movable gear 38. The movable gear 38 can be any suitable gear. In the example of Figures 7-11, the movable gear 38 is a worm gear, which forms part of a worm drive. One advantage of a worm drive is that it can be self-locking (i.e. not backdriveable). Another advantage is that is provides a high ratio of input torque to output torque (for a worm drive with a rotary output) or linear force (for a worm drive with a linear output). In other examples, other gears such a spur gears or helical gears may be used as the movable gear with suitable modifications of the mechanism.

In this example, the worm gear 38 is engaged with the striker 34 directly via one or more teeth 64 on the striker 34. The teeth 64 engage with the helical thread of the worm gear 38 and can be pushed in the retraction direction by rotation of the worm gear 38 about its longitudinal axis, in this case clockwise rotation when viewed from the top. In other examples, the worm gear 38 could indirectly couple to the striker 34 (or other output member). For example, the worm gear 38 could drive a worm wheel, and the worm wheel could engage directly or via another gear with a rack on the striker 34 (or other output member), forming a rack and pinion mechanism to drive the striker 34 (or other output member) in the retraction direction.

The movable gear 38 can be mounted at one or more ends by a gear carrier. In this example, the worm gear 38 is mounted at one end, shown as the bottom end in Figures 7-9, by the gear carrier 40. The other end of the worm gear 38 can be mounted in a slot or channel as discussed with reference to Figure 4. The shaft 60 of the gear carrier 40 sits within a bore of the worm gear 38.

In additional to rotation about its longitudinal axis, the movement of the movable gear 38 between the first and second locations can be driven by the motor 26. This can be based on the direction of rotation of the motor 26. In the example of Figures 7-11, rotation of the motor in one direction is converted to rotation of the worm gear 38 about its longitudinal axis to retract the output member 34 against the bias. Rotation of the motor in the other direction can cause rotation of the gear carrier 40, moving the worm gear 38 to the second location in which it is decoupled from the output member 34. This can be achieved using a ratchet mechanism on the motor carrier 40. As used herein, the term "longitudinal axis" with reference to a gear is the axis about which the gear normally rotates in use and about which the teeth and/or thread(s) of the gear are arranged. The longitudinal axis is not necessarily the longest axis of the gear.

When the actuator 5 of Figures 7-11 is assembled, the ratchet wheel 47 is placed within the circular recess of the gear carrier 40, with the pawls 46 of the gear carrier 40 biased towards engagement with the teeth 48 of the ratchet wheel 47. This is best shown in Figure 8. The motor output shaft 56 passes through circular holes in the gear carrier 40 and ratchet wheel and into the motor gear 42. The motor gear 42 is driven by the motor 26 and is connected to the ratchet wheel 47. When the motor output shaft 56 rotates in one direction (anti-clockwise when viewed from the top down in the configuration of this example), the teeth 85 will move over the pawls 46 without engaging the ratchet mechanism. When the motor output shaft 46 rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise in this example), the pawls 46 will engage with the teeth 85 to engage the ratchet mechanism. Rotation of the motor shaft 56 will then drive rotation of the gear carrier 40 via the ratchet mechanism.

When the motor output shaft 56 rotates anti-clockwise, the motor gear 42 drives rotation of the worm input gear 58 while the gear carrier 40 remains substantially unmoved. This allows the worm gear 38 to be rotated about its longitudinal axis while remaining in the first ("coupled") location, thereby loading the striker 34 against the bias. When the motor output shaft 56 rotates clockwise, the motor 26 drives the motor carrier 40 to rotate and move the worm gear 38 to the second ("decoupled") location to fire the striker 34. The actuator mechanism described herein may allow the output member to be loaded using a gear train with a relatively high gear ratio (i.e. high-speed, low torque input with lower speed, higher torque output) to provide a strong loading force against the bias. When releasing the output member, the movable gear can be moved using a lower ratio gear train. This may allow the gear to be quickly decoupled and the actuator quickly actuated. This may be particularly important in pest control devices to ensure that the pest animal is quickly killed or captured when detected, without having time to escape. In some examples, the movable gear may be driven with a gear ratio of greater than 1:1, greater than 3:2, approximately 2:1, or greater than 2:1 when loading the output member. In the example of Figures 7-11, the motor gear 42 has 13 teeth and the input gear 58 on the worm gear 38 has 24 teeth, allowing the motor 26 to rotate the worm gear 38 with a gear ratio of 24:13 when loading the striker 34. When moving the worm gear 38 out of engagement, the ratchet engages, preventing relative rotation between the motor gear and the gear carrier 40 and rotating the gear carrier 40, and hence moving the worm gear, with a gear ratio of 1:1.

Using the same motor to both load and fire the actuator may avoid the cost and complexity of separate mechanisms for loading and firing the actuator.

Figure 10 shows the actuator 5 from above, with the worm gear 38 in the coupled location. In this configuration, the worm gear 38 is coupled to the striker 34 via teeth 64 of the striker. Anti-clockwise rotation of the motor shaft 56 loads the striker 34 while the gear carrier 40 remains substantially unmoved.

When the motor shaft 56 rotates clockwise, the gear carrier 40 is rotated clockwise (via the ratchet) and the worm gear 38 is moved to the second location, where it is decoupled from the striker 34. This configuration is shown in Figure 11. The worm gear 38 can be moved back into the coupled location by anticlockwise rotation of the motor shaft 56. The bias of the pawls 46 against the teeth 48 is sufficient to keep the ratchet engaged while the gear carrier 40 moves freely from the decoupled location to the coupled location, after which it encounters resistance and the ratchet disengages.

Figures 12 and 13 show an alternative actuator 5'. As with the actuator 5 of Figures 7-11, this actuator 5' could be used as the actuator of the pest control device 1 of Figures 1-6 or in a different pest control device, and the output member 34' could be a striker or a different output member, such as part of a trap door/gate or snare mechanism. As with the striker 34 of Figures 7-11, when the output member 34' is a striker it can include a driven portion/guide follower 34b' and a striker head 34a'.

The actuator 5' differs from the actuator 5 in that it does not include a movable gear carrier or ratchet mechanism. Instead, movement of the worm gear 34' (or other movable gear) is directly driven by motor gear 42'. The reduced part count may make this form of the actuator 5' relatively simple and inexpensive.

The motor gear 42' engages with the worm input gear 58' to rotate the worm ger 38' about its longitudinal axis while the worm gear 38' is in the coupled location, with the worm gear 38' engaged with the teeth 64' of the striker 34'. When the output shaft 56' of the motor 26' rotates anti-clockwise, the worm gear 38' is pressed against the striker 34' and remains substantially in place in the coupled location. The worm gear 38' rotates about its longitudinal axis and loads the striker 34' against the bias provided by spring 54'.

When the motor shaft 56' rotates clockwise, the worm 38' moves away from the striker 34' to the decoupled location by revolving around the motor gear 42'.

Figure 14 shows the actuator 5' in one configuration in which the worm gear 38' is in the coupled location, with the worm gear 38' coupled to the striker 34' via teeth 64' of the striker 34'. The motor 26' can drive the worm gear 38', via the motor gear 42', to rotate about its longitudinal axis and load the striker 34' against the bias. Reversing direction of operation of the motor 26' causes the worm gear 38' to be moved out of engagement with the striker 34' into the decoupled location. This is shown in Figure 15.

Figures 16 and 17 show another alternative actuator 5". As with the actuators 5 and 5' of Figures 7-15, this actuator 5" could be used as the actuator of the pest control device 1 of Figures 1-6 or in a different pest control device, and the output member 34" could be a striker or a different output member, such as part of a trap door/gate or snare mechanism. As with the strikers 34 and 34' of Figures 7- 15, when the output member 34" is a striker it can include a driven portion/guide follower 34b" and a striker head 34a".

The actuator 5" differs from the actuator 5' in that an additional gear member 68" is provided between the motor gear 42" and the worm 38". The additional gear member 68" includes an input gear 62" that engages with the motor gear 42" and output gears 68a", 68b". The output gears 68a" and 68b" are located near the two ends of the additional gear member 68" and engage with corresponding input gears 58a" and 58b" on the worm 38". The two output gears 68a" and 68b" on the additional gear member 68" may help to stabilise the worm gear 38" by engaging it at both ends. The additional gear member 68" also reduces the overall gear ratio from the motor 26" to the worm gear 38" to increase output torque relative to input torque.

In this example, the thread direction of the worm gear 38" is reversed compared to the worm gears 38 and 38' of the actuators 5 and 5'. This means that anticlockwise rotation of the worm 38" loads the striker 34". Because of the additional gear 68" between the motor gear 42" and the worm gear 38", clockwise rotation of the worm 38" is caused by clockwise rotation of the motor output shaft 56". Clockwise rotation of the motor output shaft 56" causes the worm to rotate about its longitudinal axis while it remains in the coupled location to load the striker 34" and anti-clockwise rotation of the motor output shaft 56" moves the worm gear 38" to the decoupled location to fire the striker 34".

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An actuator for a pest control device, the actuator comprising: a motor; an output member biased in a first direction; a movable gear configured to be rotated about its longitudinal axis by the motor; a mount for the movable gear, the mount allowing movement of the movable gear between a first location in which the movable gear is coupled to the output member and a second location in which the movable gear is decoupled from the output member; the actuator configured such that: rotation of the movable gear about the gear's longitudinal axis when the movable gear is coupled to the output member causes the output member to move in a second direction, the second direction being counter to the first direction, thereby loading the actuator; and decoupling of the movable gearfrom the output member when the actuator is loaded allows the output member to move in the first direction.

2. The actuator of claim 1 wherein the output member has one or more teeth on it that are configured to engage with the movable gear when the movable gear is in the first location and be disengaged from the movable gear when the movable gear is in the second location.

3. The actuator of claim 2 wherein the movable gear is a worm gear.

4. The actuator of any one of claims 1 to 3 configured such that the motor drives the movement of the movable gear between the first location and the second location.

5. The actuator of claim 4 configured such that rotation of a shaft of the motor in a first rotational direction causes rotation of the movable gear about the movable gear's longitudinal axis and rotation of the motor shaft in a second rotational direction causes the movement of the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

6. The actuator of claim 5 configured such that rotation of the motor shaft in the first rotational direction also causes movement of the movable gear from the second location to the first location.

7. The actuator of claim 5 or 6 wherein the mount for the movable gear includes a gear carrier coupled to the motor by a ratchet such that rotation of the motor shaft in the second rotational direction is transmitted to the gear carrier via the ratchet, thereby causing the movement of the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

8. The actuator of claim 7 wherein the ratchet is configured to allow rotation of the motor shaft in the first rotational direction relative to the gear carrier, thereby allowing the motor to drive rotation of the movable gear about its longitudinal axis without moving the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

9. The actuator of claim 5 or 6 wherein the mount for the movable gear includes a slot or channel configured to receive an end of the movable gear, configured such that the movement of the movable gear along the slot or channel allows movement of the movable gear between the first location and the second location.

10. The actuator of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a gear train coupled between the motor and the movable gear.

11. The actuator of claim 10 wherein the movable gear is a first gear and the gear train comprises a second gear driven by the motor and a third gear coupled to the movable gear, wherein revolution of the third gear around the second gear causes movement of the movable gear between the first and second locations.

12. The actuator of claim 10 or 11 wherein the geartrain is configured to provide a first gear ratio from the motor to the movable gear when moving the output member in the second direction and second, lower gear ratio when moving the movable gear from the first location to the second location.

13. The actuator of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the output member is a striker.

14. The actuator of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the output member is biased by a spring.

15. The actuator of any one of claims 1 to 14 further comprising a position sensor to detect the position of the output member.

16. The actuator of claim 15 further comprising control circuitry configured to control operation of the motor at least partly based on output of the position sensor.

17. A pest control device comprising: a bait region configured to receive bait; an entrance configured to permit access to the bait region via a passage; a striker configured to move into the passage to strike a target animal in the passage; and control circuitry configured to control the striker such that the striker remains in the passage to restrict access to the bait via the entrance.

18. The pest control device of claim 17 wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the striker to move into the passage at a predetermined time.

19. The pest control device of claim 17 or 18 wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the striker to move into the passage upon receiving a user input.

20. The pest control device of any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the control circuitry is configured to withdraw the striker from the passage after a predetermined amount of time or at a predetermined time.

21. The pest control device of any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the control circuitry is configured to withdraw the striker from the passage upon receiving a user input.

22. A pest control device comprising the actuator of any one of claims 1 to 16.

23. A pest control device comprising: a striker; and an actuator configured to actuate the striker; the striker comprising: a first portion driven by the actuator to move in a first direction; and a striker head connected to the first portion and located in a second direction of the first portion, the second direction being transverse the first direction, the striker head being configured to contact an animal when the striker is actuated.

24. The pest control device of claim 23 wherein the striker head is a striker plate.

25. The pest control device of claim 24 wherein the striker plate is configured to move edge-first and contact the animal with a leading edge of the plate.

26. The pest control device of any one of claims 23 to 25 further comprising an elongate guide and wherein the striker further comprises a guide follower configured to move along the elongate guide follower.

27. The pest control device of claim 26 wherein the elongate guide is an elongate shaft and the guide follower is located about the perimeter of the elongate shaft.

28. A pest control device comprising: an elongate guide shaft; a striker; and an actuator configured to actuate the striker; wherein the striker comprises a guide follower located about the perimeter of the elongate guide shaft, the guide follower configured to move along the guide shaft when the striker is actuated.

29. The pest control device of claim 28 wherein the elongate guide shaft is fixed within the pest control device at both ends of the elongate guide shaft.

30. The pest control device of claim 28 or claim 29 further comprising a shock absorber located at the end of the travel of striker.

31. The pest control device of any one of claims 28 to 30 wherein the striker further comprises a striker head located to the side of the guide follower and connected to the guide follower, the striker head being configured to contact an animal when the striker is actuated.