JP7474453B1 - Electronics - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention aims to provide an electronic device with a simple structure that can repel approaching marine animals with a high probability. [Solution] The electronic device 10 of the present invention comprises an AC conversion unit 40A that converts DC voltage supplied from a power source 43 into AC voltage that changes at least at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz by a conversion unit 42 and outputs the AC voltage by an output unit 47, two diaphragms 50, each of which is arranged so that the output voltage of the AC voltage output by the output unit 47 is applied to the front surface of each diaphragm 50 and the reference voltage of the AC voltage is applied to the rear surface of each diaphragm 50, and each of which is arranged so that the front surfaces of each diaphragm 50 face in different directions, and a control unit 44 that controls the AC conversion unit 40A to apply output voltages of different waveforms to the front surfaces of the two diaphragms 50, and generates sound waves from each diaphragm 50 to the SW in seawater to repel dolphins DP. [Selected Figure] Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices.

The Fisheries Agency has announced that the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which regulates the import of marine products and processed marine products caught in fisheries that catch marine mammals such as whales and dolphins, will come into effect on January 1, 2026 (see Non-Patent Document 1).
Once the MMPA comes into force, i.e., before two years have passed since the filing of this application, Japanese fishermen will no longer be able to export to the U.S., for example, fishery products and processed fishery products that have been caught as bycatch of dolphins. Since many dolphins live in Japanese fishing grounds, bycatch of dolphins will be an extremely serious problem for Japanese fishermen from 2026 onwards.

To solve this problem, for example, a device that randomly generates ultrasonic waves between 5 kHz and 500 kHz to repel dolphins and cetaceans (Dolphin Avoidance Transmitter DDD03H) is on sale (see Non-Patent Document 2). According to Non-Patent Document 2, this device is expected to reduce damage to fishing industries by randomly generating ultrasonic waves in the frequency range of 5 kHz to 500 kHz that dolphins and cetaceans find unpleasant, thereby keeping dolphins and cetaceans away from boats and fishing gear.

Regarding import restrictions on fishery products based on the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act, Fisheries Agency [online], November 2023, [searched February 17, 2024], Internet <URL: https://www.maff.go.jp/j/shokusan/export/attach/pdf/us_mmpa-3.pdf> Introduction to the dolphin repellent device (dolphin avoidance transmitter) DDD03H, Marushin Shoten Co., Ltd. [online], [searched on February 17, 2024], Internet <URL: https://marushin-tuna.co.jp/ddd03.html>

The inventors of the present application have conducted tests to generate ultrasound in the ocean, identified improvements to the device disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2, and further repeatedly prototyped and tested new devices, so that Japanese fishermen will be able to eliminate or reduce damage caused by bycatch of marine mammals after the MMPA is implemented in the near future.
The specific contents of the invention will be described later, but as a result of the testing and research conducted to date, the inventors of the present application have been able to complete the invention of a device that can repel marine animals with a higher probability than the device disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with a simple configuration that can repel approaching marine animals with a high probability.

The electronic device of the first aspect includes:
For electronic devices used in seawater,
an AC conversion unit including a power source, a conversion unit, and an output unit, converting a DC voltage supplied from the power source into an AC voltage that changes at least at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz by the conversion unit and outputting the AC voltage by the output unit;
At least two diaphragms that vibrate when an AC voltage is applied, the at least two diaphragms being arranged such that the AC voltage output from the output unit is applied to a front surface of each of the at least two diaphragms, a reference AC voltage is applied to a rear surface of each of the at least two diaphragms, and the front surfaces of each of the at least two diaphragms are oriented in different directions from each other;
A control unit that controls the AC conversion unit to pass output voltages having different waveforms through the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms.
Equipped with
Sound waves are generated in seawater from each of the at least two vibrating plates to drive away marine animals.

The electronic device of the second aspect includes:
An electronic device according to a first aspect,
Each output voltage of a different waveform applied to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms includes a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency between 14 kHz and 20 kHz, and a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency between 94 kHz and 134 kHz.

The electronic device of the third aspect includes:
An electronic device according to the first or second aspect,
the AC conversion unit includes a switch circuit for switching an output destination of an output voltage of an AC voltage output by the AC conversion unit itself;
The control unit controls the switch circuit to switch the output destination of the output voltage output by the output unit, thereby passing the output voltage to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms at different timings.

The electronic device of the fourth aspect is
An electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects,
a cylinder housing the AC conversion unit, the at least two diaphragms, and the control unit;
Further comprising:
one of the at least two diaphragms is disposed at one end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the one end, and the other diaphragm is disposed at the other end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the other end,
The center of gravity is set at a position shifted toward the one end or the other end from the center of the axial direction of the cylindrical body.

The electronic device of the fifth aspect is
An electronic device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
the output section includes a first output terminal that outputs the output voltage and a second output terminal that outputs the reference voltage,
an electric wire having one end connected to one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal, the electric wire being elastically deformable in seawater;
Further comprising:
When the control unit controls the AC conversion unit to pass the output voltage to one of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms, an AC electric field is formed between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, thereby repelling fish having the organ of Lorenzini.

The electronic device of the first aspect has a simple configuration and can repel approaching marine animals with a high probability.

The electronic device of the second aspect has a high probability of repelling approaching dolphins, compared to a case in which the output voltages of different waveforms applied to the surfaces of the diaphragms do not include a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency between 14 kHz and 20 kHz.

The electronic device of the third aspect can achieve lower costs than when AC voltage is applied to each surface of each diaphragm from separate AC conversion units.

The electronic device of the fourth aspect has a high probability of repelling approaching marine animals, compared to a device that has only one diaphragm and emits ultrasonic waves downward in seawater.

The electronic device of the fifth aspect can repel approaching fish with the organ of Lorenzini, in addition to marine animals, with a simple configuration.

1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit board included in the electronic device of the first embodiment. 4 is an example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. 1A to 1C are diagrams for explaining how to use the electronic device of the first embodiment when used for sea fishing. 1 is a graph showing an example of sound frequency bands for each type of marine animal. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining how to use the electronic device of the second embodiment when used for sea fishing. 13 is an example of a waveform pattern output by the electronic device of the second embodiment.

The following describes a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and several modified examples. Please note that in this specification, components having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals in each drawing referenced in different embodiments, etc.

First Embodiment
First, the function, configuration, usage method, and effects of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, etc.

<Functions and configuration of electronic device according to first embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 according to a first embodiment.
The electronic device 10 is used in underwater SW and has a function of chasing away approaching dolphins DP (an example of a marine animal) (see FIG. 5).
The electronic device 10 includes a housing 20 (an example of a cylinder), a hook 30, a circuit board 40, and two diaphragms 50 (diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B).

(Housing and Hook)
The housing 20 is, for example, a resin cylinder, and accommodates a circuit board 40 and two diaphragms 50 therein.
As an example, the hook 30 is fixed to one end surface of the housing 20 (the surface on one axial end side of the housing 20). The hook 30 has an openable/closable portion 32, and is configured so that, for example, a fishing line FL (see FIG. 5 ) is passed through the openable/closable portion 32.

(Circuit board)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit board 40 that constitutes the electronic device 10. As shown in FIG.
The circuit board 40 has a printed wiring board 41, a conversion unit 42, a power supply 43, a control unit 44, a storage unit 45, a waveform selection switch 46, an output unit 47, and an output selection switch 48, and together they form an electric circuit. In the first embodiment, the combination of the conversion unit 42, the power supply 43, and the output unit 47 is referred to as an AC conversion unit 40A.

A circuit pattern (not shown) is printed on the printed wiring board 41. A conversion unit 42, a power supply 43, a control unit 44, a storage unit 45, a waveform selection switch 46, an output unit 47, and an output selection switch 48 (an example of a switch circuit) are mounted on the printed wiring board 41.
The conversion unit 42 is electrically connected to the power source 43 and the output unit 47, and has a function of converting the DC voltage supplied from the power source 43 into an AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 100 V and varying at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz, for example. The AC voltage converted by the conversion unit 42 is output from the output unit 47.

As an example, the power source 43 is a battery that is detachable from the printed wiring board 41. However, as long as it can supply DC voltage to the conversion unit 42, it does not have to be detachable and may be a battery that is mounted non-detachably.

The control unit 44 is electrically connected to the conversion unit 42 and the storage unit 45, and controls the conversion unit 42 so that the DC voltage supplied from the power source 43 is converted into an AC voltage having one of a plurality of waveform patterns (see FIGS. 3A to 3F) stored in the storage unit 45. The plurality of waveform patterns will be described later.
Furthermore, the control unit 44 controls the AC conversion unit 40A to pass output voltages with different waveforms through the surfaces of the two diaphragms 50 (diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B).

The memory unit 45 stores basic waveform patterns of multiple types of AC voltages, which will be described later, as the AC voltages to be output from the output unit 47. The memory unit 45 also stores methods for combining these basic waveform patterns (the order of combinations, output times, etc.).

The waveform selection switch 46 is a switch for selecting one of the waveform patterns of AC voltages of multiple types of AC waves with different waveforms stored in the memory unit 45. The waveform selection switch 46 is used when the user selects a waveform pattern.

The output section 47 has a first output terminal 47A that outputs an AC voltage, and a second output terminal 47B to which a reference voltage (0V) is applied. Two wires (not shown) are connected to each of the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B. The wires connected to the first output terminal 47A are connected to the front surfaces of the diaphragms 50A and 50B, respectively. In contrast, the wires connected to the second output terminal 47B are connected to the rear surfaces of the diaphragms 50A and 50B, respectively.

The output selection switch 48 is controlled by the control unit 44 and has the function of switching the output destination of the output voltage output by the output unit 47. As a result, the output voltage output by the output unit 47, i.e., the output voltage output from the first output terminal 47A, is output at different timings (switching timings) described below, and electricity is applied to each of the surfaces of the diaphragms 50A and 50B.

(2 diaphragms)
As shown in Fig. 1, the two vibration plates 50 (vibration plate 50A and vibration plate 50B) are, for example, disks. As an example, the two vibration plates 50 are each piezoelectric elements. Therefore, the vibration plates 50A and 50B each vibrate when an AC voltage is applied thereto.

1, the diaphragm 50A is disposed at one axial end of the housing 20. The front surface of the diaphragm 50A faces one axial end of the housing 20, and the back surface faces the other axial end. In other words, the diaphragm 50A is disposed at one end of the housing 20 with its front surface facing one end of the housing 20.
In contrast, the diaphragm 50B is disposed on the other axial end side of the housing 20. The front surface of the diaphragm 50B faces the other axial end side of the housing 20, and the back surface faces one end side. In other words, the diaphragm 50B is disposed on the other end side of the housing 20 with its front surface facing the other end side of the housing 20.

As described above, diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B are arranged so that their respective surfaces face in different directions (in the example of FIG. 1, the former faces one end side and the latter faces the other end side).
The two wires (not shown) connected to the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B are as described above. Therefore, the AC output voltage output from the first output terminal 47A is applied to the front surfaces of the diaphragms 50A and 50B, and the reference voltage (0 V, for example) output from the second output terminal 47B is applied to the rear surfaces of the diaphragms 50A and 50B.

(Multiple types of AC voltage waveform patterns)
Next, the multiple types of basic waveform patterns stored in the storage unit 45 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3F. Figures 3A to 3F each show an example of a multiple basic waveform pattern of AC voltages.
Here, as described above, the control unit 44 controls the AC conversion unit 40A to pass the output voltage of the AC voltage output from the first output terminal 47A as a waveform pattern to each surface of the diaphragm 50A and the diaphragm 50B. In this case, the control unit 44 is set to combine any of a plurality of basic waveform patterns described later according to a user setting to output the combined waveform pattern to the diaphragm 50A and the diaphragm 50B.

"What all basic waveform patterns have in common"
All basic waveform patterns have the following in common:
Each basic waveform pattern shows the waveform of the AC voltage applied to the first output terminal 47A (output voltage versus time) relative to the voltage of the second output terminal 47B to which the reference voltage (0 V) is applied.
As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, each basic waveform pattern is a pattern that periodically changes polarity.
The amplitude AP of each basic waveform pattern is set to be less than 100V at most, for example.
The frequency f of each basic waveform pattern is set, for example, to be equal to or higher than 5 kHz and equal to or lower than 500 kHz.

"Singular points of each waveform pattern"
The singular points of each waveform pattern are as follows:
The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3A is a sine wave with a period T (=1/f).
The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3B is a pattern in which a first sine wave with a period T1 (=1/f1) and a second sine wave with a period T2 (=1/f2) shorter than the period T1 are output alternately.
The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3C is a pattern in which a first sine wave having an amplitude AP1 and a period T1 and a second sine wave having an amplitude AP2 smaller than the amplitude AP1 and a period T1 are alternately output.
3D is a square wave with a period T. The duty of this square wave is, for example, configured so that the output time of the positive polarity is longer than the output time of the negative polarity.
The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3E is a triangular wave with a period T.
The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3F is a pattern in which a sine wave with a period T1 and a triangular wave with a period T1 are output alternately.

The control unit 44 combines and outputs these basic waveform patterns according to the user's settings (selection by the waveform selection switch 46). However, a program (not shown) may be stored in the storage unit 45 to automatically combine a plurality of basic waveform patterns to generate a waveform pattern.
In addition, for any waveform pattern, it is preferable that the waveform pattern is set (programmed) to include, as an example, (1) a portion of the output voltage that changes with a frequency f of 14 kHz or more and 20 kHz or less, and (2) a portion of the output voltage that changes with a frequency f of 94 kHz or more and 134 kHz or less.
As described above, in the first embodiment, a plurality of types of waveform patterns can be generated, and specific waveform patterns will be described later together with the explanation of the effects.

(supplement)
Next, the functions and configuration of the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail.
1, the electronic device 10 accommodates a circuit board 40 and two diaphragms 50 inside a housing 20. The center of gravity of the electronic device 10 is set, for example, to be a position shifted toward the other end side from the center (middle) position in the axial direction of the housing 20. Specifically, the setting of the center of gravity as described above is realized by the relative positions of a printed wiring board 41 and a plurality of mounted components (a conversion unit 42, a power source 43, a control unit 44, a storage unit 45, a waveform selection switch 46, an output unit 47, and an output selection switch 48) that constitute the circuit board 40.
Because of this setting, when the electronic device 10 is placed in seawater SW, the electronic device 10 is oriented such that the other axial end of the housing 20 faces downward. As a result, in seawater SW, the weight of the electronic device 10 tends to cause the diaphragm 50A to face its surface upward (toward the sea surface SS) and the diaphragm 50B to face its surface downward (toward the sea bottom (opposite the sea surface SS)) (see FIG. 4).

The above is an explanation of the functions and configuration of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment.

<Method of Using the Electronic Device of the First Embodiment>
Next, a method of using the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
4 is a diagram for explaining how to use the electronic device 10 for sea fishing. In this case, the person using the electronic device 10 is, for example, a person who is going to sea fish (a fisherman (not shown)).
When a fish (not shown) is caught on a hook (not shown) of a fishing line FL connected to a fishing rod FR used by a fisherman, the fisherman opens the opening/closing portion 32 of the hook 30 of the electronic device 10 to pass the fishing line FL through the opening/closing portion 32, and then closes the opening/closing portion 32 to pass the fishing line FL through the hook 30.
Next, the fisherman turns on the power supply 43 and releases the electronic device 10. As a result, the electronic device 10 sinks in the seawater SW due to its own weight. When the electronic device 10 sinks in the seawater SW, an AC voltage of a waveform pattern set by the waveform selection switch 46 is output from the output unit 47. The output destination of the AC voltage output from the output unit 47 is changed at a timing determined by the output selection switch 48. As a result, for example, the vibration plate 50A generates ultrasonic waves by combining multiple basic waveform patterns for 10 s, and then, while the vibration of the vibration plate 50A is stopped, the vibration plate 50B generates ultrasonic waves by combining multiple basic waveform patterns for 10 s. This operation is repeated multiple times (for example, 30 times, for a time of 10 minutes).
As a result of the above operations, ultrasonic waves are generated alternately above and below the electronic device 10 in the underwater SW, and the ultrasonic waves are propagated to the underwater SW. Therefore, the dolphins DP in the vicinity of the electronic device 10 receive the ultrasonic waves generated by the electronic device 10.
In this situation, as the fisherman reels in the fishing line FL with a reel (not shown) and the fish TN caught on the hook approaches the sea surface, for example, if a dolphin DP approaches targeting the fish TN, the dolphin DP detects ultrasonic waves propagating near the fish TN with the electronic device 10. Depending on the waveform of the ultrasonic waves it detects, the dolphin DP determines that the waves are not from the fish TN and moves away from the fish TN. As a result, the dolphin DP is chased away by the electronic device 10.
The above is a description of how to use the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment.

Effects of the First Embodiment
Next, effects of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Effect)
The electronic device 10 of the first embodiment includes an AC conversion unit 40A, two diaphragms 50 (diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B), and a control unit 44 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
The control unit 44 controls the AC conversion unit 40A to pass output voltages of different waveforms to the surfaces of the diaphragms 50A and 50B. The diaphragms 50A and 50B are arranged such that the output voltage of the AC voltage (AC voltage that changes at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz) output by the output unit 47 is passed to each of the surfaces, a reference voltage of the AC voltage (0 V, as an example) is passed to each of the rear surfaces, and the surfaces face in different directions.
Ultrasound has the property of being highly directional compared to sound waves that humans can hear due to its short wavelength, but in the case of the first embodiment, two, i.e., multiple, diaphragms 50A, 50B generate ultrasound waves facing in different directions.
Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, with a simple configuration (in other words, compared to the configuration of the dolphin repellent device of the aforementioned non-patent document 2), it is possible to repel approaching marine animals with a high probability.

(Second Effect)
The ultrasonic waves generated by the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment during one operation may be set to include a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency between 14 kHz and 20 kHz.
Here, Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of the frequency band of the calls of each type of whale (including dolphins) (source URL: https://marushin-tuna.co.jp/ddd03.html). According to this graph, the frequency band from 14 kHz to 20 kHz corresponds to the frequency band of the calls of killer whales (not shown), which are natural enemies of the dolphins DP.
According to the experimental research of the inventor of the present invention, it is known that when the dolphin DP receives sound waves in the frequency band of 14 kHz to 20 kHz, it tends to leave the area (move to a place where the reception sensitivity of sound waves in that frequency band is lower). This is thought to be because the dolphin DP is trying to avoid the presence of killer whales in its vicinity (to avoid being attacked by killer whales).
In the case of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the ultrasonic waves generated during one operation period include an output voltage portion that changes at a frequency between 14 kHz and 20 kHz, so that a dolphin DP that receives ultrasonic waves of that frequency mistakes the electronic device 10 for a killer whale and moves away from the electronic device 10.
Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the approaching dolphin DP can be repelled with a high probability compared to a case in which each output voltage of a different waveform applied to each surface of the diaphragm does not include a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency greater than or equal to 14 kHz and less than or equal to 20 kHz.

(Third Effect)
The electronic device 10 of the first embodiment combines an AC conversion unit 40A formed by one circuit board 40 with an output selection switch 48, and generates ultrasonic waves from two diaphragms 50A and 50B.
Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to realize lower costs than when AC voltages are applied to the surfaces of the diaphragms 50A, 50B from separate AC conversion units.

(Fourth Effect)
In the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the output destination of the AC voltage output voltage is alternately switched between the two diaphragms 50A and 50B by the output selection switch 48. Therefore, the direction of ultrasonic wave emission is changed multiple times in one operation. Furthermore, the waveform of the ultrasonic wave emitted again in the same direction is changed to a waveform different from the previous one. As a result, a dolphin DP that receives ultrasonic waves with changed direction and waveform for a certain period of time in a certain location moves away from the electronic device 10, assuming that unnatural ultrasonic waves are being generated.
Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to repel approaching marine animals with a high probability, compared to a case in which ultrasonic waves are not generated alternately from the diaphragms 50A and 50B, which have different ultrasonic emission directions from each other.

(Fifth Effect)
The electronic device 10 of the first embodiment is set such that the center of gravity is, for example, shifted toward the other end side from the center (middle) position in the axial direction of the housing 20 (see FIG. 4). Thus, when the electronic device 10 is placed in seawater SW, the electronic device 10 assumes a posture in which the other end side in the axial direction of the housing 20 faces downward. As a result, in the seawater SW, the electronic device 10 is likely to have the diaphragm 50A facing its surface upward (toward the sea surface SS) and the diaphragm 50B facing its surface downward (toward the seabed (opposite the sea surface SS)).
Incidentally, since dolphins DP are mammals and not fish, they cannot breathe in the seawater SW and must come out onto the sea surface SS to breathe (lung breathing).
Because the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment has the weight relationship described above, it is able to emit ultrasonic waves to both dolphins DP below the electronic device 10 and dolphins DP above it (on the sea surface SS side).
Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to repel approaching dolphins DP with a high probability, compared to a case where only one diaphragm is used and the diaphragm emits ultrasonic waves downward in seawater (as an example, the configuration of the dolphin repellent device in Non-Patent Document 2).

The above is a description of the effects of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment. The above is a description of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment
Next, the functions, configuration, usage method, and effects of an electronic device 10A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Regarding the second embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

<Functions and configuration of electronic device according to second embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10A according to the second embodiment.
The electronic device 10A of the second embodiment is used in seawater SW and has a function of repelling approaching fish having the organ of Lorenzini in addition to dolphins DP (see FIG. 7). Here, an example of a fish having the organ of Lorenzini is a shark SK (see FIG. 7). In addition to sharks SK, there is also a ray (not shown), for example.
The electronic device 10A of the second embodiment differs in that (1) in addition to the configuration of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment includes an electric wire 60 connected to either the first output terminal 47A or the second output terminal 47B (see FIG. 6 ), and (2) in the output waveform output from the output section 47 (see FIG. 8 ).

(Electrical wire)
As shown in Fig. 6, for example, one end 60A of the electric wire 60 is connected to the first output terminal 47A. For example, the length of the electric wire 60 is 0.5 m or more and 10 m or less. Nothing is connected to the other end 60B of the electric wire 60. For example, the electric wire 60 is elastically deformable when SW in seawater.

(Output waveform)
The output waveform, i.e., the waveform pattern output from the output unit 47 of the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment, is, for example, a waveform pattern PP1 based on a square wave that changes significantly overall, as shown in Fig. 8. However, when each part of the waveform pattern PP1 is enlarged, it is a waveform pattern PP2 that has a smaller amplitude than the square wave and vibrates at a frequency equivalent to ultrasonic waves.

Here, the amplitude APa of the waveform pattern PP1 is set, for example, to be less than a maximum of 100 V. Also, the frequency fa of the waveform pattern PP1 is set, for example, to be equal to or greater than 0.01 Hz and equal to or less than 100 Hz.
On the other hand, the amplitude APb of the waveform pattern PP2 is set, for example, to be less than a maximum of 10 V. Furthermore, the frequency fb of the waveform pattern PP2 is set, for example, to be equal to or greater than 5 kHz and equal to or less than 500 kHz.

<Method of using the electronic device according to the second embodiment>
The method of using the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment only in that, for example, a waveform pattern as shown in FIG. 8 is output from the output unit 47.

Effects of the Second Embodiment
When the electronic device 10A is submerged in seawater SW and an AC voltage with a waveform pattern as shown in Fig. 8 is output from the output unit 47, the output destination of the AC voltage output from the output unit 47 is changed at a timing determined by the output selection switch 48. As a result, for example, the diaphragm 50A and the diaphragm 50B alternately vibrate according to the waveform pattern PP2 and emit ultrasonic waves to the seawater SW. As a result, the dolphin DP determines that the ultrasonic waves it receives are not a reflection from the fish TN and moves away from the fish TN. In other words, the dolphin DP approaching the fish TN is chased away by the electronic device 10A.
At the same time, an AC electric field is generated by the waveform pattern PP1 between the other end 60B of the electric wire 60 connected to the first output terminal 47A at one end 60A and the second output terminal 47B. As a result, an AC electric field with an amplitude AP of less than 100 V and a period T of 0.2 s to 10.0 s (frequency fa of 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz) is generated between the other end 60B of the electric wire 60 and the second output terminal 47B in the seawater SW (in the vicinity of the hooked fish).
In this situation, when a fisherman reels in the fishing line FL with a reel (not shown) and a fish TN caught on a hook approaches the sea surface, if a shark SK approaches targeting the fish TN, the shark SK detects the AC electric field formed in the vicinity of the fish TN by the electronic device 10A with the Lorenzini organ.The shark SK then determines that the detected AC waveform is not an electric field caused by the fish TN and moves away from the fish TN.In other words, the shark SK approaching the fish TN is chased away by the electronic device 10A.
As described above, according to the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment, with a simple configuration (simply adding an electric wire 60 to the configuration of the first embodiment and changing the waveform pattern), it is possible to repel not only dolphins DP, but also approaching fish having the organ of Lorenzini (sharks SK as an example).

This concludes the description of the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment.

<<Multiple Modifications>>
As described above, the present invention has been described by taking the first and second embodiments as examples, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention also includes a number of modified examples, which will be described later.

For example, in the first embodiment, the waveform selection switch 46 that selects one of the AC voltage waveform patterns stored in the memory unit 45 is mounted on the printed wiring board 41 (see FIG. 2). However, the waveform selection switch 46 may be configured to receive a wireless selection signal transmitted from an external wireless terminal (not shown) and select one of multiple waveform patterns.

In addition, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the number of vibration plates 50 is two. However, the number of vibration plates may be three or more. In this case, each vibration plate may vibrate in a different direction from the others.

In addition, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the vibration plate 50A and the vibration plate 50B are described as alternately outputting ultrasonic waves by switching the output destination with the output selection switch 48. However, the output selection switch 48 may be eliminated so that they can be output simultaneously.

For example, in the second embodiment, the number of vibration plates 50 is two. However, the number of vibration plates may be one. Even in this case, it is effective in that the dolphins DP can be repelled by ultrasonic waves, and the sharks SK can be repelled by electromagnetic waves.

In addition, for example, in the second embodiment, the waveform pattern PP1 is based on a rectangular wave that changes significantly overall. However, as long as the amplitude APa and frequency fa of the waveform pattern PP1 are satisfied, the base waveform of the waveform pattern PP1 does not have to be a rectangular wave. For example, it may be a sine wave, a mixed wave of a sine wave and a rectangular wave, or some other wave.

In the first and second embodiments, for example, each electronic device 10, 10A is used by being inserted into the line of a fishing rod for so-called pole fishing. However, each electronic device 10, 10A may simply be hung from a line (not shown) and placed near a net for longline fishing, fixed net fishing, or other fishing. Also, the object of fishing may be squid, etc., other than fish.

10 Electronic device 10A Electronic device 20 Housing (an example of a cylindrical body)
30 Hook 32 Opening/closing unit 40 Circuit board 40A AC conversion unit 41 Printed wiring board 42 Conversion unit 43 Power supply 44 Control unit 45 Memory unit 46 Waveform selection switch 47 Output unit 47A First output terminal 47B Second output terminal 48 Output selection switch (an example of a switch circuit)
50 Two vibrating plates 50A Vibrating plate 50B Vibrating plate 60 Electric wire 60A One end 60B Other end AP Amplitude DP Dolphin FL Fishing line FR Fishing rod PP1 Wave pattern PP2 Wave pattern SK Shark SS Sea surface T Period f Frequency fa Frequency fb Frequency

Claims (4)

For electronic devices used in seawater,
an AC conversion unit including a power source, a conversion unit, and an output unit, converting a DC voltage supplied from the power source into an AC voltage by the conversion unit and outputting the AC voltage by the output unit;
At least two diaphragms that vibrate when an AC voltage is applied, the at least two diaphragms being arranged such that the AC voltage output from the output unit is applied to a front surface of each of the at least two diaphragms, a reference AC voltage is applied to a rear surface of each of the at least two diaphragms, and the front surfaces of each of the at least two diaphragms are oriented in different directions from each other;
a control unit that controls the AC conversion unit to apply output voltages of different waveforms to the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms , the output voltages being an AC voltage obtained by superimposing (1) a first AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 100 V at most and a frequency set to 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz at most on (2) a second AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 10 V at most and a frequency set to 5 kHz to 500 kHz at most;
an electric wire having one end connected to one of a first output terminal for outputting the output voltage and a second output terminal for outputting the reference voltage, the electric wire being elastically deformable in seawater;
Equipped with
generating sound waves in seawater from each of the at least two diaphragms to repel marine animals, and forming an AC electric field between the first output terminal and the second output terminal to repel fish having the Lorenzini organ;
Electronics. Furthermore, the cylinder,
Equipped with
The at least two vibration plates are arranged such that one vibration plate is disposed at one end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the one end, and the other vibration plate is disposed at the other end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the other end,
The AC converter, the at least two diaphragms, and the control unit are housed in the cylinder so that the cylinder is oriented in seawater with the other end side in the axial direction facing downward.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1. Each output voltage having a different waveform applied to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms includes a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency of 14 kHz to 20 kHz and a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency of 94 kHz to 134 kHz.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 . the AC conversion unit includes a switch circuit for switching an output destination of an output voltage of an AC voltage output by the AC conversion unit itself;
The control unit controls the switch circuit to switch the output destination of the output voltage output by the output unit, thereby passing the output voltage to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms at different timings.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

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