EP3422312B1 - Electric fence system with smart protection - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to an electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion.

Prior art

The Belgian patent with publication number 1009022 and deposit number 09400134 discloses an electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion. A known problem with this known system is that it is not secure enough.

The Belgian patent BE 1013918 A3 discloses another electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an electric fence system capable of protecting a site of determined perimeter against an intrusion and particularly secure.

• un générateur électrique ;
• un premier tronçon de fil de clôture électrique qui est disposé le long d'au moins une partie du périmètre et qui est relié électriquement au générateur électrique ;
• une première barre dont une première moitié est apte à être fixée à un appui disposé le long du périmètre ;
• un premier guide qui supporte le premier tronçon de fil de clôture électrique et qui est couplé mécaniquement à la première barre ;

caractérisé en ce que

• le premier guide comporte un premier isolateur creux qui supporte le premier tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• le premier guide comporte un premier support qui est fixé à une deuxième moitié de la première barre ;
• le premier guide comporte un élément élastique qui est conducteur électrique, qui est placé au moins partiellement à l'intérieur du premier isolateur et qui est couplé mécaniquement à la fois au premier isolateur et au premier support ;
• le premier guide comporte un élément conducteur qui est en contact électrique avec le premier tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• l'élément conducteur comporte une première partie qui entoure au moins partiellement l'élément élastique ;
• le système de clôture électrique est agencé pour que l'élément conducteur soit à un potentiel électrique différent de l'élément élastique ;
• le système de clôture électrique est agencé pour que l'élément élastique soit apte à se fléchir lorsqu'un effort déterminé est exercé sur le premier tronçon de fil de clôture électrique, de telle façon à engendrer un contact électrique entre l'élément élastique et la première partie de l'élément conducteur ;
• le système de clôture électrique comprend un dispositif de détection agencé pour détecter un contact électrique entre l'élément conducteur et l'élément élastique.

To this end, the invention proposes an electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion, comprising:

• an electric generator;
• a first section of electric fence wire which is arranged along at least part of the perimeter and which is electrically connected to the electric generator;
• a first bar, a first half of which is capable of being fixed to a support disposed along the perimeter;
• a first guide which supports the first section of electric fence wire and which is mechanically coupled to the first bar;

characterized in that

• the first guide includes a first hollow insulator which supports the first section of electric fence wire;
• the first guide comprises a first support which is fixed to a second half of the first bar;
• the first guide comprises an elastic element which is electrically conductive, which is placed at least partially inside the first insulator and which is mechanically coupled both to the first insulator and to the first support;
• the first guide comprises a conductive element which is in electrical contact with the first section of electric fence wire;
• the conductive element comprises a first part which at least partially surrounds the elastic element;
• the electric fence system is arranged so that the conductive element is at an electrical potential different from the elastic element;
• the electric fence system is arranged so that the elastic element is able to bend when a determined force is exerted on the first section of electric fence wire, so as to generate an electrical contact between the elastic element and the first part of the conductive element;
• the electric fence system comprises a detection device arranged to detect an electrical contact between the conductive element and the elastic element.

The system proposed by the invention is particularly secure because it allows the detection of significant forces exerted on certain elements making up the electric fence. On the one hand, the very existence of the first section of electric fence wire and of an electric voltage in the electric fence system is likely to discourage any intrusion. On the other hand, when an individual tries to enter the site, for example, by modifying the position of the first section of electric fence wire so as to allow an intrusion, if an effort at least equal to the effort determined is exerted on the first section of fence wire electric, there occurs a deflection of the elastic element and of the insulator of the first guide taking into account the fact that these two elements are mechanically coupled. Consequently, the distance between the elastic element and the conductive element decreases and, given that these are at different electrical potentials and that the first part of the conductive element at least partially surrounds the elastic element, a contact electric is created between these two elements of the first guide. Since the detection device is arranged to detect such an electrical contact, the modification of the position of the first section of electric fence wire by the individual so as to allow an intrusion is thus detected.

The system according to the invention makes it possible in particular to detect the installation of a ladder on the electric fence. Indeed, the bar being fixed on the support by one of its halves, for example its lower half, while the first guide is fixed on the other half of the bar, the guide is at a position in height adequate to detect the installation of an object resting in height on the electric fence.

Similarly, the system allows the detection of a significant force which, exerted on the first guide in itself, would move it from its position at rest.

In addition, the system according to the invention makes it possible to detect any cut in the wire or grounding of the wire.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first guide is fixed to an upper end of the first bar.

Preferably, the electric fence system is insensitive to normal atmospheric variations.

The electric fence system proposed by the invention can, for example, be used to protect private property, logistics centers, or vehicle storage areas, other values or equipment. Advantageously, the electric fence system according to the invention can also be used to avoid prison escapes.

Preferably, the detection device is arranged to detect any voltage drop in the first section of electric fence wire. For example, it may be able to detect any voltage drop equivalent to an electrical short circuit between 500 and 100 ohms. It is preferably arranged to detect if the first section of electric fence wire is cut.

Advantageously, the electric fence system proposed by the invention can be used in isolation or in addition to other protection means. In particular, the abovementioned support can be a wall, a trellis, a fence, a post, a bar or even another electric fence system for protecting the site.

According to one embodiment, the electric fence system further comprises at least one fixing element mechanically coupling the first bar to the support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity of the first guide is located higher than the center of gravity of the first bar.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity of the first bar is located higher than the center of gravity of the support.

According to one embodiment, the electric fence system comprises several bars, each one capable of being fixed to a support disposed along the perimeter, and several guides which support the first section of electric fence wire, each being mechanically coupled to a bars.

According to one embodiment, the electric fence system comprises several sections of electric fence wire electrically connected to the electric generator and supported by guides mechanically coupled to a support disposed along the perimeter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric generator is that described in Belgian patent with publication number 1009022 and is arranged to send electric pulses in the first section of electric fence wire.

The system is preferably arranged so that the electric generator generates in the first section of electric fence wire an electric voltage high enough to discourage any intrusion. For example, the electrical voltage in the first section can be between 1000 and 9000 Volt, preferably between 7000 and 8000 Volt.

Preferably, the first part of the conductive element which at least partially surrounds the elastic element is located on the side of the first support of the first guide.

Preferably, the system is such that the first section of electric fence wire and the first bar are perpendicular in the vicinity of the first guide.

Preferably, the first bar is straight and rigid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first bar is made of an electrically conductive material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first bar is electrically insulating.

Preferably, the first section of electric fence wire is made of aluminimum-chrome cable from 16 to 18 tenths of a millimeter in diameter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductive element is electrically isolated from the first support when the first section of electric fence wire is awaiting the determined force.

In other words, the conductive element is electrically isolated from the first support when the first section of electric fence wire is not subjected to the determined force.

Advantageously, the invention according to this embodiment allows permanent electrical contact between the elastic element and the first support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first support is a metallic element which is in electrical contact with the elastic element and which is connected to earth.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic element is a metal spring screwed on one side onto a thread, preferably outside, of the first support and on the other side onto a thread, preferably inside, of the first insulator.

Advantageously, the elastic element of the invention according to this embodiment is self-locking, good electrical conductor and flexible.

According to one embodiment, the electric fence system is arranged so that the elastic element is at a fixed potential, for example the earth.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductive element is metallic.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part of the conductive element forms the whole of the elastic element.

Advantageously, the invention according to this embodiment allows the detection of a deflection of the elastic element of the first guide in all directions. In particular, the invention according to this embodiment allows the detection of a modification of the rest position of the first section of electric fence wire and of the first guide regardless of the direction in which the force is exerted at the origin. of this change.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductive element comprises a second part which at least partially surrounds an external face of the first insulator.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the conductive element comprises a second part projects beyond a free end of said first insulator.

Advantageously, the conductive element being in electrical contact with the first section of electrical fence wire and therefore energized, the invention according to this embodiment discourages an ill-intentioned individual who wishes to manipulate the first guide.

Preferably, the second part of the conductive element which at least partially surrounds an external face of the first insulator is located on the side of the first support of the first section of electric fence wire.

Preferably, the invention is such that the first insulator comprises a polyethylene body and a clamping head which supports the first section of electric fence wire.

Even more preferably, the conductive element comprises a second part which at least partially surrounds the clamping head of the first insulator.

Advantageously, the conductive element being in electrical contact with the first section of electrical fence wire, the invention according to this embodiment discourages an ill-intentioned individual who wishes to manipulate the first guide by unscrewing the clamping head of the first insulator to gain access. at its inner part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insulator encloses the elastic element and the first part of the conductive element.

Advantageously, the invention according to this embodiment protects the interior of the insulator against external deterioration.

More particularly, the invention according to this embodiment protects the elastic element and the first part of the conductive element against malicious external intrusion having the objective of blocking the conductivity between the elastic element and the conductive element when the elastic element bends.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support is a wall, a trellis, an electric fence, a barrier, a post or a bar.

• piloter des caméras de surveillance ;
• envoyer un signal sur un dispositif électronique tel qu'une centrale d'alerte, un ordinateur, un téléphone ou un téléphone portable ;
• activer un éclairage, de préférence dirigé vers l'endroit où le contact électrique entre l'élément conducteur et l'élément élastique se produit.

According to one embodiment, the electric fence system further comprises an alert device connected to the detection device and arranged to perform at least one of the following actions when the detection device detects an electrical contact between the conductive element and the elastic element:

• pilot surveillance cameras;
• send a signal to an electronic device such as a central alarm, computer, telephone or mobile phone;
• activate lighting, preferably directed towards the place where the electrical contact between the conductive element and the elastic element occurs.

These different techniques make it possible to warn the persons concerned, to remove the doubt about an intrusion via the cameras, or even to dissuade an intrusion. In addition, the alert device can be placed in a terminal block.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric generator is able to supply a voltage between 7000 and 8000 Volt to the first section of electric fence wire.

Advantageously, this voltage makes it possible to obtain a deterrent effect if an individual touches the first section of electric fence wire.

• un deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique qui est disposé le long d'au moins une partie du périmètre et qui est relié électriquement au générateur électrique ;
• un deuxième isolateur qui supporte le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• un deuxième support qui est couplé mécaniquement au deuxième isolateur et à la deuxième barre ;
• une première butée qui est couplée mécaniquement au deuxième support ;

et il est agencé pour que :

• la première butée soit à un potentiel électrique différent du deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• la première butée entre en contact électrique avec le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique lorsqu'une force de direction et d'intensité déterminées agit sur celui-ci ;
• le dispositif de détection soit apte à détecter un contact électrique entre la première butée et le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, on the one hand, the support is a second bar, on the other hand, the electric fence system further comprises:

• a second section of electric fence wire which is arranged along at least part of the perimeter and which is electrically connected to the electric generator;
• a second insulator which supports the second section of electric fence wire;
• a second support which is mechanically coupled to the second insulator and to the second bar;
• a first stop which is mechanically coupled to the second support;

and it is arranged so that:

• the first stop is at an electrical potential different from the second section of electric fence wire;
• the first stop comes into electrical contact with the second section of electric fence wire when a determined direction and intensity force acts on it;
• the detection device is capable of detecting an electrical contact between the first stop and the second section of electric fence wire.

Preferably, the first stop and the second section of electric fence wire are arranged at a determined distance so as to come into electrical contact when an individual tries to spread the wire in the direction of the stop. Advantageously, the intrusion attempt is then signaled by the detection device.

Preferably, the first stop is in a secant plane not perpendicular to the direction of the second bar.

Preferably, the first stop is arranged to extend at least on two sides of the second section of electric wire.

Preferably, the first stop has a U-shape.

Preferably, the first stop is made of a conductive material and is connected to the ground.

This embodiment of the invention does not exclude that the first and second sections of electric fence wire are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

• une troisième barre isolante électrique qui est disposée sur le long du périmètre dans une direction essentiellement semblable à la direction de la deuxième barre ;
• un deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique qui est disposé le long d'au moins une partie du périmètre et qui est relié électriquement au générateur électrique ;
• un troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique qui est disposé le long d'au moins une partie du périmètre ;
• un deuxième guide métallique qui satisfait aux propriétés suivantes :
  • il est couplé mécaniquement à la deuxième barre ;
  • il est disposé dans une direction essentiellement orthogonale à la direction de la deuxième barre et dans un premier sens selon cette dernière direction ;
  • il supporte le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
  • il est en contact électrique avec le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• un troisième guide métallique qui satisfait aux propriétés suivantes :
  • il est couplé mécaniquement à la troisième barre ;
  • il est disposé dans une direction essentiellement orthogonale à la direction de la troisième barre et dans un deuxième sens selon cette dernière direction, ce deuxième sens étant essentiellement opposé au premier sens ;
  • il supporte le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
  • il est en contact électrique avec le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• un quatrième guide métallique qui satisfait aux propriétés suivantes :
  • il est couplé mécaniquement à la deuxième barre ;
  • il est décalé par rapport au deuxième guide métallique sur la deuxième barre ;
  • il est disposé dans une direction essentiellement orthogonale à la direction de la deuxième barre et dans le deuxième sens susmentionné selon cette dernière direction ;
  • il supporte le troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
  • il est en contact électrique avec le troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• un cinquième guide métallique qui satisfait aux propriétés suivantes :
  • il est couplé mécaniquement à la troisième barre ;
  • il est décalé par rapport au troisième guide métallique sur la troisième barre ;
  • il est disposé dans une direction essentiellement orthogonale à la direction de la troisième barre et dans le premier sens susmentionné selon cette dernière direction ;
  • il supporte le troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
  • il est en contact électrique avec le troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;

et il est agencé pour que :

• le troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique soit à un potentiel électrique différent du deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique ;
• le dispositif de détection soit apte à détecter un contact électrique entre le troisième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique et le deuxième tronçon de fil de clôture électrique.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention which is distinct from the previous one, on the one hand, the support is a second electrical insulating bar, on the other hand, the electric fence system further comprises:

• a third electrical insulating bar which is disposed along the perimeter in a direction substantially similar to the direction of the second bar;
• a second section of electric fence wire which is arranged along at least part of the perimeter and which is electrically connected to the electric generator;
• a third section of electric fence wire which is disposed along at least part of the perimeter;
• a second metal guide which satisfies the following properties:
  • it is mechanically coupled to the second bar;
  • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the second bar and in a first direction in the latter direction;
  • it supports the second section of electric fence wire;
  • it is in electrical contact with the second section of electric fence wire;
• a third metallic guide which satisfies the following properties:
  • it is mechanically coupled to the third bar;
  • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the third bar and in a second direction in this latter direction, this second direction being essentially opposite to the first direction;
  • it supports the second section of electric fence wire;
  • it is in electrical contact with the second section of electric fence wire;
• a fourth metallic guide which satisfies the following properties:
  • it is mechanically coupled to the second bar;
  • it is offset from the second metal guide on the second bar;
  • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the second bar and in the aforementioned second direction in this latter direction;
  • it supports the third section of electric fence wire;
  • it is in electrical contact with the third section of electric fence wire;
• a fifth metallic guide which satisfies the following properties:
  • it is mechanically coupled to the third bar;
  • it is offset from the third metal guide on the third bar;
  • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the third bar and in the first direction mentioned above in this latter direction;
  • it supports the third section of electric fence wire;
  • it is in electrical contact with the third section of electric fence wire;

and it is arranged so that:

• the third section of electric fence wire is at an electrical potential different from the second section of electric fence wire;
• the detection device is capable of detecting an electrical contact between the third section of electric fence wire and the second section of electric fence wire.

Advantageously, this position of the second, third, fourth and fifth metal guides in the system according to the invention is such that the second and third sections of electric fence wire define non-parallel lines between the second bar and the third bar. Therefore, if an individual seeks to pass the electric fence system by bringing together the second and third sections of electric fence wire, then these will touch, which will create an electrical contact between them which will be detected by the detection device.

Advantageously, the additional elements of this particular embodiment of the invention are particularly easy to manufacture and inexpensive because they require only insulating bars, metal guides which can be very simple and electric wire.

Advantageously, the additional elements of this particular embodiment of the invention are particularly discreet because they do not require insulators to isolate the second and third sections of electric fence wire because the insulation between the wires is ensured by the bars .

Advantageously, the additional elements of this particular embodiment of the invention are particularly quick to install, in particular because they do not require having a stop at a determined distance from the second or third section of electric fence wire.

In the electric fence system according to this embodiment, the second, third, fourth and fifth metal guides are intended to mechanically couple second and third sections of electric fence wire to the second and third bars and to guide them.

Preferably, the second and third bars are rectilinear, rigid and parallel.

Preferably, each of the metal guides is made of gavlanized steel and such that the section of electric fence wire and the bar which it couples are essentially perpendicular to each other.

Preferably, the electric fence system according to this embodiment is arranged for the second metal guide either essentially the same height as the third metal guide and the fourth metal guide is essentially the same height as the fifth metal guide.

This embodiment of the invention does not exclude that the first and second sections of electric fence wire are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

According to the previous particular embodiment of the invention, the electric fence system preferably comprises a metallic element which is in electrical contact with the fourth metallic guide and which extends along the second bar from the fourth metallic guide towards the second metal guide.

Advantageously, if an individual discards the second and third sections of electric fence wire by bringing the second metal guide closer to the fourth metal guide, there will be electrical contact between them via the conductive element without them having to touch each other. . This electrical contact will then be immediately detected by the detection device.

Preferably, the electric fence system according to this particular embodiment includes another metal element which is in electrical contact with the fifth metal guide and which extends along the third bar from the fifth metal guide to the third metal guide. .

Preferably, the conductive element according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of rings surrounding the second bar. For example, the conductive element can be a spring.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en perspective d'un système de clôture électrique selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue en trois dimension d'un guide adapté pour l'invention ;
• la figure 3 illustre une vue en perspective d'un système de clôture électrique selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 illustre une vue du dessus d'un isolateur et d'une butée adaptés pour un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 illustre une vue en perspective d'un système de clôture électrique selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures among which:

• the figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electric fence system according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a guide adapted for the invention;
• the figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an electric fence system according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 4 illustrates a top view of an isolator and a stop adapted for an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an electric fence system according to an embodiment of the invention.

The drawings of the figures are not to scale. Generally, similar elements are denoted by similar references in the figures. In addition, identical or analogous elements may bear the same references.

Modes of Carrying Out the Invention

The present invention is described with particular embodiments and references to figures, but the invention is not limited by these. The drawings or figures described are only schematic and are not limiting.

In the context of this document, the concept of "mechanical coupling" between two elements preferably refers to a fixed mechanical holding of the positions of these two elements with respect to each other. In particular, a mechanical coupling between two elements includes the possibility of direct fixing between these two elements, but also that of an indirect fixing by means of at least one intermediate element. However, a mechanical coupling between two elements does not formally exclude a possible relative movement between these two elements.

For the purposes of this document, the "interior" of a hollow three-dimensional object is the space included within the concave surface defined by the object itself. In particular, the interior volume of the object is, by definition, finite, while the exterior volume of the object is infinite.

In the context of this document, a "direction" in the usual three-dimensional space is defined by the data of a line of space. In particular, two parallel lines in space define the same direction. Each direction in space has two "senses". If A and B are any two distinct points of a line defining a certain direction in space, the course of the line passing through A first and through B then defines a first direction along this direction, while the course of the straight line passing through B first and through A then defines a second direction in this direction, the latter being said to be “opposite” to the first direction. Two directions of space are said to be “orthogonal” if there are two perpendicular lines of space which define these two directions.

In the context of this document, the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth” serve only to differentiate between the different elements and do not imply an order between them.

The figure 1 illustrates an electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion according to one embodiment of the invention. The system illustrated in figure 1 may be called a “low shutter” type system.

In the representation of the figure 1 , the electric fence system comprises four sections of electric fence wire (1) which are essentially parallel and arranged essentially horizontally. Each of the sections of electric fence wire (1) is electrically connected to an electric generator not shown in the figure. According to one embodiment of the invention, these sections of fence wire electric wires are connected together so that they are part of the same electric fence wire. According to one embodiment of the invention, more than four sections of electric fence wire are part of the electric fence system.

In the representation of the figure 1 , the electric fence system comprises a first bar (11) and a second bar (11A) of first halves (111) and (111A) respectively and second halves (112) and (112A) respectively. According to one embodiment of the invention, more than two bars form part of the electric fence system. According to one embodiment of the invention, the number of bars is different from the number of sections of electric fence wire.

In the representation of the figure 1 , the bars (11) and (11A) comprise two parts, essentially rectilinear and rigid and forming an angle of approximately 135 degrees.

In the representation of the figure 1 , the support (12) is a wall arranged along the perimeter to be protected. Fixing means (21) fix the first halves (111) and (111A) of the bars (11) and (11A) along the wall (12).

In the representation of the figure 1 , a first guide (31) and a third guide (31B) support the first section of electric fence wire (1), and a second guide (31A) and a fourth guide (31C) support the second section of electric fence wire (1). According to one embodiment of the invention, more than four guides are part of the electric fence system.

In one embodiment of the invention, the electric fence system further comprises tensioners not shown so that each section of electric fence wire (1) is stretched between two tensioners so as to undergo a mechanical tension which allows it to remain straight between the guides. Preferably, these tensioners include a compression spring ensuring mechanical tension on the sections of electric fence wire whatever the temperature.

In the representation of the figure 1 , the guides (31), (31A), (31B) and (31C) each include a hollow insulator (311), (311A), (311B) and (311C) respectively, and a support (312), (312A) , (312B) and (312C) respectively. The insulators (311) and (311B) support the first section of electric fence wire (1), and the insulators (311A) and (311C) support the second section of electric fence wire (1). The supports (312) and (312A) are fixed to the second half (112) of the first bar (11) and the supports (312B) and (312C) are fixed to the second half (112A) of the second bar (12 ).

Preferably, each of the guides (31), (31A), (31B) and (31C) is a guide as illustrated in the figure 2 .

Thus, when an individual attempts to enter the protected perimeter, for example by climbing the wall (12), if he exerts a significant force on one of the sections of electric fence wire (1), for example by trying to push them aside, if he tries to cut them, or even, if he exerts a significant force on one of the guides (31), (31A), (31B) or (31C) while trying to cross the fence system electric, the detection device, not shown, will react by activating an alert device, not shown, but preferably arranged in the system, which can then carry out at least one of the following actions: direct a surveillance camera towards the area where an electrical contact has been detected, activate lighting in this area and send a message to an electronic device such as an alarm center, computer, telephone or mobile phone.

The figure 2 illustrates a first guide (31) of an electric fence system according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the representation of the figure 2 , the first guide (31) comprises a first hollow insulator (311) comprising a body (3111) and a clamping head (3112). The clamping head (3112) supports and guides a first section of electric fence wire (1). The clamping head (3112) is fixed to the body (3111). The body (311) has a cavity (20) having an opening (30) located opposite the clamping head (3112). The first insulator (311) is preferably made of polyethylene.

In the representation of the figure 2 , the first guide (31) also includes a first support (312). The first support (312) is intended to be fixed to a first bar which is itself fixed to a support. In the representation of the figure 2 , the first guide (31) comprises a shutter (10). The shutter (10) is arranged so as to restrict access to the cavity (20) by partially closing the opening (30). The shutter (10) is fixed to the first support (312). The shutter (10) is preferably a planar element. The shutter (10) is preferably a washer.

In the representation of the figure 2 , the first guide (31) also comprises a metal spring (313) which is at a fixed potential and which is screwed on one side on an external thread of the first support (312) and on the other side in an internal thread of the first insulator (311). This metal spring (313) is capable of bending when a determined force is exerted on said first section of electric fence wire (1). The metal spring (313) is partially housed in the cavity (20).

In the representation of the figure 2 , the first guide (31) also comprises an electrode (314) which is in electrical contact with the first section of electrical fence wire (1) and which is at an electrical potential different from the metal spring (313). This electrode (314) has a first lower part (3141) which completely surrounds the metal spring (313) so that an electrical contact is generated between the electrode (314) and the metal spring (313) when the latter bends following a determined force exerted on the first section of electric fence wire (1), regardless of the direction in which this force is exerted. The detection device does not shown in the figure will then detect this electrical contact. The first lower portion (3141) of the electrode (314) is partially housed in the cavity (20).

In the representation of the figure 2 , the electrode (314) has a second upper part (3142) which partially surrounds the outside of the clamping head (3112). Preferably, the second upper part of (3142) of the electrode projects relative to a free end (320) of the first insulator (311). The guide (31) is thus particularly capable of discouraging an individual who wishes to manipulate the first guide by unscrewing the clamping head (3112) of the first insulator (311) to access its interior. The free end (320) which is thus protected by the tension in the second upper part of (3142) of the electrode is the end of the first insulator (311) which is opposite to the first support (312) on the first guide (31).

The figure 3 illustrates an electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion according to one embodiment of the invention.

In the representation of the figure 3 , the electric fence system includes six sections of electric fence wire (2), (2A), (2B), (2C), (2D) and (1) essentially parallel and arranged consecutively essentially horizontally, in this order , at strictly increasing heights. Each of the sections of electric fence wire (1), (2), (2A), (2B), (2C) and (2D) is electrically connected to an electric generator not shown in the figure. The number of sections of electric fence wire shown in the figure 3 does not limit the scope of this embodiment of the invention. For example, there may be at least eight wires, preferably at least 12 wires.

According to one embodiment of the invention, several of these sections of electric fence wire are connected together so as to be part of the same electric fence wire.

In the representation of the figure 3 , the electric fence system comprises the first bar (11) and a second bar (12) fixed to each other. The first bar (11) is preferably fixed to an upper end of the second bar (12) According to an embodiment of the invention, more than two bars form part of the electric fence system.

In the representation of the figure 3 , the first and second bars (11) and (12) are straight and rigid. They can be made of conductive material. Their directions form an angle of about 135 degrees. The second bar (12) is arranged essentially vertically so that each of its points is at a height less than the height of each of the points of the first bar (11). In addition, the second bar (12) is extended at its ends by directional elements orthogonal to its direction. Fixing means (22) are applied to these elements so as to fix the whole structure of the two bars (11) and (12) to a pole (51) of direction essentially similar to the direction of the second bar (12). In one embodiment of the invention, this post is fixed to the ground and is part of an electric fence or a grid disposed on the outside of the perimeter to be protected and spaced from the second bar.

In the representation of the figure 3 , a first guide (31) supports the first section of electric fence wire (1) and is mechanically coupled to the first bar (11). The details of this first guide are not shown on the figure 3 , but it will be accepted that this is a first guide as shown in the figure 2 . According to one embodiment of the invention, more than one such guide is part of the electric fence system.

In the representation of the figure 3 , five first additional guides are shown, each comprising an insulator (321), (321A), (321B), (321C) and (321D) respectively and a support (322), (322A), (322B), (322C) and (322D) respectively. According to one embodiment of the invention, more than five additional guides are part of the electric fence system.

In the representation of the figure 3 , the insulators (321), (321A), (321B), (321C) and (321D) are mechanically coupled to the supports (322), (322A), (322B), (322C) and (322D) respectively. - same mechanically coupled to the second bar (12). The insulators (321), (321A), (321B), (321C) and (321D) respectively support the sections of electric fence wire (2), (2A), (2B), (2C) and (2D). The distance between two of these guides is preferably less than 50 centimeters, more preferably less than 40 centimeters, more preferably less than 30 centimeters, and even more preferably less than 20 centimeters. In this way, the distance two of the sections of electric fence wire (2), (2A), (2B), (2C) and (2D) consecutive is preferably less than 50 centimeters, more preferably less than 40 centimeters , more preferably less than 30 centimeters, and even more preferably less than 20 centimeters. The distance between the sections of electric fence wire (1) and (2D) is preferably less than 50 centimeters.

The figure 4 illustrates an electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion according to one embodiment of the invention.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the electric fence system according to one of the embodiments of the invention comprises seven sections of electric fence wire (1), (2), (3), (2A), (3A), (2B) and (3B ) arranged essentially horizontally, consecutively in this order and at strictly decreasing heights. Each of the sections of electric fence wire (1), (2), (2A) and (2B) is electrically connected to an electric generator not shown in the figure. Each of the sections of electric fence wire (3), (3A) and (3B) is at a different electrical potential. sections of electric fence wire (1), (2), (2A) and (2B). For example, they can be grounded. The number of sections of electric fence wire shown in the figure 4 does not limit the scope of this embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, some of the sections of electric fence wire are connected together so as to be part of the same electric fence wire.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the electric fence system includes a first bar (11), a second bar (12) and a third bar (13). It also includes five other bars (11A), (11B), (11C), (12A) and (13B). The representation of the figure 4 does not limit the number of bars forming part of the electric fence system.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the bars (11), (11A), (11B), (11C), (12), (13), (12A) and (13A) are straight and rigid. The bars (11), (11A), (11B) and (11C) are similar and can be made of any material. The bars (12), (13), (12A) and (13A) are similar and made of an electrical insulating material, for example fiberglass. The following pairs of bars are mechanically attached to each other: (11, 12), (11A, 13), (11B, 12A), (11C, 13A). The directions of the two bars in each of the previous pairs form an angle of about 135 degrees. The bars (12), (13), (12A) and (13A) are arranged essentially parallel and essentially vertically, so that each of the points of one of these bars is at a height less than the height of each of the points of the bars (11), (11A), (11B) and (11C). The bars (11), (11A), (11B) and (11C) are in turn arranged essentially parallel. The structures formed by the pairs of bars (11, 12), (11A, 13), (11B, 12A), (11C, 13A) are thus similar and arranged along the perimeter so as to be spaced from one another.

In the representation of the figure 4 , fixing means (22) are applied to the bars (12), (13), (12A) and (13A) so as to fix them to posts (51) of directions essentially similar to the direction of the bars ( 12), (13), (12A) and (13A). In one embodiment of the invention, the details of which are not shown in the figure 4 , these posts are fixed to the ground and form part of an electric fence or a grid arranged on the outside of the perimeter to be protected and spaced from the bars (12), (13), (12A) and (13A).

In the representation of the figure 4 , guides (31), (31A), (31B) and (31C) support the first section of electric fence wire (1) and are mechanically coupled to the bars (11), (11A), (11B) and (11C ) respectively. Details of these four guides are not shown on the figure 4 , but it will be accepted that these are guides adapted according to the invention and whose representation corresponds to the figure 2 . The representation of the figure 4 is not limiting the number of such guides forming part of the electric fence system.

Thus, when an ill-intentioned individual attempts to enter the protected perimeter by passing through the upper part of the electric fence system, if he exerts a significant force on the section of electric fence wire (1), for example trying to push it aside, if it tries to cut them, or even, if it exerts a significant force on one of the guides (31), (31A), (31B) or (31C) when trying to cross the system electric fence, the detection device not shown in the figure will alert those affected by the intrusion.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the system according to the invention comprises a plurality of second guides (32), (33), (34), (35), (32A), (33A), (34A), (35A), (32B), ( 33B), (34B), (35B), (32C), (33C), (34C), (35C), (32D), (33D), (34D), (35D), (32E), (33E) , (34E) and (35E). The representation of the figure 4 does not limit the number of such guides additional metal as part of the electric fence system.

A first guide as shown in the figure 2 can be called "EMIO". A second guide 32 as shown in figure 4 can be called ECSTD.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the metal guides (32), (33), (32C) and (33C) support the section of electric fence wire (2) and are in electrical contact with the latter. The metal guides (34), (35), (34C) and (35C) support the section of electric fence wire (3) and are in electrical contact with the latter. The metal guides (32A), (33A), (32D) and (33D) support the section of electric fence wire (2A) and are in electrical contact with the latter. The metal guides (34A), (35A), (34D) and (35D) support the section of electric fence wire (3A) and are in electrical contact with the latter. The metal guides (32B), (33B), (32E) and (33E) support the section of electric fence wire (2B) and are in electrical contact with the latter. The metal guides (34B), (35B), (34E) and (35E) support the section of electric fence wire (3B) and are in electrical contact with the latter.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the metal guides (32), (34), (32A), (34A), (32B) and (34B) are mechanically coupled to the second bar (12). They are arranged consecutively in this order on this bar (12) at strictly decreasing heights and in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the bar (12), alternately in a first direction (91) and a second direction (92) in this direction, this second direction (92) being essentially opposite to the first direction (91). The metal guides (33), (35), (33A), (35A), (33B) and (35B) are mechanically coupled to the third bar (13). They are arranged consecutively in this order on this bar (13) at strictly decreasing heights and in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the bar (13), alternately in the second direction (92) and the first direction (91) in this direction. The metal guides (32C), (34C), (32D), (34D), (32E) and (34E) are mechanically coupled to the bar (12A). They are arranged consecutively in this order on this bar (12A) at strictly decreasing heights and in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the bar (12A), alternately in the first direction (91) and the second direction (92) in this direction. The metal guides (33C), (35C), (33D), (35D), (33E) and (35E) are mechanically coupled to the bar (13A). They are arranged consecutively in this order on this bar (13A) at strictly decreasing heights and in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of the bar (13A), alternately in the second direction (92) and the first direction (91) in this direction. In particular, the metal guides (32), (35), (32C) and (35C) are arranged in the first direction (91).

In one embodiment of the invention illustrated by the figure 4 , metal guides (32), (33), (34), (35), (32A), (33A), (34A), (35A), (32B), (33B), (34B), (35B ), (32C), (33C), (34C), (35C), (32D), (33D), (34D), (35D), (32E), (33E), (34E) and (35E) are different from guides (31), (31A), (31B) or (31C). In particular, each of these metal guides is formed of a metal wire and is mechanically coupled to one of the bars (12), (13), (12A) and (13A) by means of a plurality of rings surrounding the bar. . In particular, each of these metal guides comprises two loops through which passes the section of electric fence wire which it supports.

In the representation of the figure 4 , the metal guides (32), (33), (32C) and (33C) are arranged at essentially equal heights. The metal guides (34), (35), (34C) and (35C) are arranged at essentially equal heights. The metal guides (32A), (33A), (32D) and (33D) are arranged at essentially equal heights. The metal guides (34A), (35A), (34D) and (35D) are arranged at essentially equal heights. The metal guides (32B), (33B), (32E) and (33E) are arranged at essentially equal heights. The metal guides (34B), (35B), (34E) and (35E) are arranged at essentially equal heights. In addition, the distance between two metal guides arranged consecutively on the same bar is preferably less than 50 centimeters, more preferably less than 40 centimeters, more preferably less than 30 centimeters, and even more preferably less than 20 centimeters. In this way, the distance two of the sections of consecutive electric fence wire (2), (3), (2A), (3A), (2B) and (3B) is preferably less than 50 centimeters, more preferably of less than 40 centimeters, more preferably less than 30 centimeters, and even more preferably less than 20 centimeters. The distance between the sections of electric fence wire (1) and (2) is preferably less than 50 centimeters.

Consequently to the previous description and according to the particular embodiment of the invention presented through the figure 4 , the electric fence wire section (2) passes successively from a first side of the second bar (12) corresponding to the first direction (91), from a second side of the third bar (13) corresponding to the second direction ( 92), a first side of the bar (12A) corresponding to the first direction (91) and a second side of the bar (13A) corresponding to the second direction (92). The electric fence wire section (3) passes successively, meanwhile, from a second side of the second bar (12) corresponding to the second direction (92), from a first side of the third bar (13) corresponding in the first direction (91), a second side of the bar (12A) corresponding to the second direction (92) and a first side of the bar (13A) corresponding to the first direction (91). Thus, by applying a similar reasoning to the sections of electric fence wire (2A), (3A), (2B) and (3B), we deduce two successive sections of electric fence wire from (2), (3) , (2A), (3A), (2B) and (3B) are included in intersecting vertical planes between two consecutive bars among (12), (13), (12A) and (13A).

As a consequence of the above and according to the particular embodiment of the invention presented through the figure 4 , if an ill-intentioned individual attempts to enter the protected perimeter by removing the sections of electric fence wire (2), (3), (2A), (3A), (2B) and (3B) in such a way to clear a path in the electric fence system, it will create an electrical contact between one of the sections of electric fence wire (2), (2A) or (2B) and one of the sections of electric fence wire (3), (3A) or (3B) that the detection device not shown in the figure will identify. An alert device not shown but preferably arranged in the system can then perform at least one of the following actions: direct a surveillance camera to the area where an electrical contact has been detected, activate lighting in this area and send a message to a electronic device such as a central alarm, computer, telephone or mobile phone.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in figure 4 , the electric fence system further comprises conductive metallic elements (41), (42), (41A), (42A), (41B), (41C), (42B), (41D), (42D), ( 41E), (43), (44), (43A), (44A), (43B), (43C), (44B), (43D), (44D) and (43E). Preferably, each of these conductive metallic elements is a spring wound around one of the bars (12), (13), (12A) and (13A), and disposed between two of the consecutive metallic guides (32), (33), (34), (35), (32A), (33A), (34A), (35A), (32B), (33B), (34B), (35B), (32C), (33C), (34C ), (35C), (32D), (33D), (34D), (35D), (32E), (33E), (34E) and (35E) on this bar, so as to be in electrical contact with one and only one of these metal guides and to be at a distance from the other, for example 25 millimeters. The representation of the figure 4 is not limiting the number of such conductive elements forming part of the electric fence system.

The conductive elements according to the embodiment shown in the figure 4 then enable the detection system to be activated if an individual attempts to remove two of the consecutive sections of electric fence wire from (2), (3), (2A), (3A), (2B) and (3B) by bringing two metallic guides consecutively disposed on the same bar, since there will be an electrical contact between these two metallic guides via the metallic conductive element without them having to touch each other and this electrical contact will then be immediately detected by the detection device.

In summary, the invention relates to an electric fence system for intelligent protection of a site with a defined perimeter against an intrusion. The system comprises at least one section of electric fence wire (1) which is arranged along at least part of said perimeter, which is electrically powered and which is supported by at least one guide (31). This guide (31) comprises at least one hollow insulator (311), an electrically conductive elastic element (313) placed at least partially inside the insulator (311) and a conductive element (314) being in electrical contact with the electric fence wire section (1) and at least partially surrounding the elastic element (313) while being at an electric potential different from the latter. The elastic element (313) is capable of bending when a determined force is exerted on the section of electric fence wire (1), thus generating electrical contact with the conductive element (314). This electrical contact can then be picked up by a detection system.

Once again, we would like to emphasize that the present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting. In general, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to examples illustrated and / or described above. The invention each includes new features and all of their combinations.

The presence of reference numbers in the drawings cannot be considered to be limiting, including when these numbers are indicated in the claims.

The use of the verbs "to understand", "to include", "to include", or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned.

The use of the indefinite article "a", "an", or of the definite article "the", "the" or "the", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

Claims (15)

1. Electric fence system for protecting a site with a defined perimeter against intrusion, comprising:

   - an electric generator,

   - a first electric fence wire section (1), which is arranged along at least one portion of said perimeter and which is connected electrically to said electric generator,

   - a first bar (11) of which a first half (111) is capable of being fixed to a support (12) arranged along said perimeter,

   - a first guide (31), which supports said first electric fence wire section (1) and which is coupled mechanically to said first bar (11),

   and wherein

   - said first guide (31) comprises a first hollow isolator (311), which supports said first electric fence wire section (1),

   - said first guide (31) comprises a first support (312), which is fixed to a second half (112) of said first bar (11),

   - said first guide (31) comprises an elastic element (313), which is electrically conductive, which is placed at least partially inside said first isolator (311) and which is coupled mechanically both to said first isolator (311) and to said first support (312),

   - said first guide (31) comprises a conductive element (314), which is in electrical contact with said first electric fence wire section (1),

   characterised in that

   - said conductive element (314) comprises a first portion (3141), which at least partially surrounds said elastic element (313),

   - the electric fence system is designed such that said conductive element (314) is at a different electric potential to said elastic element (313),

   - the electric fence system is designed such that said elastic element (313) is capable of bending when a determined force is exerted on said first electric fence wire section (1), so as to cause an electrical contact between said elastic element (313) and said first portion (3141) of said conductive element (314),

   - the electric fence system comprises a detection device designed to detect an electrical contact between said conductive element (314) and said elastic element (313).
2. Electric fence system according to claim 1, characterised in that said conductive element (314) is electrically isolated from said first support (312) when said first electric fence wire section (1) is awaiting said determined force.
3. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said elastic element (313) is a metal spring screwed on one side to a mesh of said first support (312) and on another side to a mesh of said first isolator (311).
4. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, designed such that said elastic element (313) is at a fixed potential, for example earthed.
5. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said conductive element (314) is metallic.
6. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first portion (3141) of said conductive element (314) surrounds said elastic element (313).
7. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said conductive element (314) comprises a second portion (3142), which exceeds a free end (320) of said first isolator (311).
8. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first isolator (311) comprises a polyethylene body (3111) and a clamping head (3112), which supports said first electric fence wire section (1).
9. Electric fence system according to claim 8 when it is dependent on claim 7, characterised in that said second portion (3142) of said conductive element (314) at least partially surrounds said clamping head (3112) of said first isolator (311).
10. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first isolator (311) encloses said elastic element (313) and said first portion (3141) of said conductive element (314).
11. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support (12) is a wall, a mesh, an electric fence, a barrier, a post or a bar.
12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a warning device connected to said detection device and designed to perform at least one of the following actions when said detection device detects an electrical contact between said conductive element (314) and said elastic element (313):

    - control surveillance cameras,

    - send a signal to an electronic device such as a central warning unit, a computer, a telephone or a mobile telephone,

    - activate a light, preferably directed at the place where said electrical contact between said conductive element (314) and said elastic element (313) occurs.
13. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said electric generator is capable of supplying a voltage of between 7000 and 8000 volts to said first electric fence wire section (1).
14. Electric fence system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support (12) is a second bar, in that the system further comprises:

    - a second electric fence wire section (2), which is arranged along at least one portion of said perimeter and which is connected electrically to said electric generator,

    - a second isolator (321), which supports said second electric fence wire section (2),

    - a second support (322), which is coupled mechanically to said second isolator (321) and to said second bar (12),

    - a first abutment (325), which is coupled mechanically to said second support (322),

    and in that it is designed such that

    - said first abutment (325) is at a different electric potential to said second electric fence wire section (2),

    - said first abutment (325) comes into electrical contact with said second electric fence wire section (2) when a force with a determined direction and intensity acts on it,

    - said detection device is capable of detecting an electrical contact between said first abutment (325) and said second electric fence wire section (2).
15. Electric fence system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that said support (12) is a second electrically isolating bar, in that the system further comprises:

    - a third electrically isolating bar (13), which is arranged along said perimeter in a direction essentially similar to the direction of said second bar (12),

    - a second electric fence wire section (2), which is arranged along at least one portion of said perimeter and which is connected electrically to said electric generator,

    - a third electric fence wire section (3), which is arranged along at least one portion of said perimeter,

    - a second metal guide (32), which satisfies the following properties:

    • it is coupled mechanically to said second bar (12),

    • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of said second bar (12) and in a first direction (91) along this latter direction,

    • it supports said second electric fence wire section (2),

    • it is in electrical contact with said second electric fence wire section (2),

    - a third metal guide (33), which satisfies the following properties:

    • it is coupled mechanically to said third bar (13),

    • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of said third bar (13) and in a second direction (92) along this latter direction, said second direction (92) being essentially opposite to said first direction (91),

    • it supports said second electric fence wire section (2),

    • it is in electrical contact with said second electric fence wire section (2),

    - a fourth metal guide (34), which satisfies the following properties:

    • it is coupled mechanically to said second bar (12),

    • it is offset with respect to said second metal guide (32) on said second bar (12),

    • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of said second bar (12) and in said second direction (92) along this latter direction,

    • it supports said third electric fence wire section (3),

    • it is in electrical contact with said third electric fence wire section (3),

    - a fifth metal guide (35), which satisfies the following properties:

    • it is coupled mechanically to said third bar (13),

    • it is offset with respect to said third metal guide (33) on said third bar (13),

    • it is arranged in a direction essentially orthogonal to the direction of said third bar (13) and in said first direction (91) along this latter direction,

    • it supports said third electric fence wire section (3),

    • it is in electrical contact with said third electric fence wire section (3), and in that it is designed such that

    - said third electric fence wire section (3) is at a different electric potential to said second electric fence wire section (2),

    - said detection device is capable of detecting an electrical contact between said third electric fence wire section (3) and said second electric fence wire section (2).

Images