JP2005110516A - Electronic weeder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To exterminate weeds between interfaces formed by a paving material and a block, etc., without using a herbicide and to exterminate the weeds without carrying out uprooting or digging up the weeds. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic weeder is obtained by utilizing dielectric heating actions composed mainly of magnetrons, thermally killing roots, stems or seeds of the weeds, etc., existing in soil and proving a combination thereof with a generator as an additional function and further equipped with an apparatus for moving the machine body, a temperature sensor of the ground surface, a form and shape regulating function of an irradiating part and separation, etc., of the irradiating part from the body. Furthermore, functions necessary for operation in the open air is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  It relates to a weeder that uses electromagnetic waves (microwaves), and is mainly used for weeding of interfacial gaps formed by paving materials and other objects.

  Weeds tend to grow in the interfacial gap where the sidewalk pavement and concrete blocks come into contact. These methods of herbicidal treatment are difficult to pull out completely by hand, and are therefore addressed by regularly mowing, covering with a sheet to suppress germination growth, and spreading a herbicide. Various methods and materials are known for the technique of covering with a sheet. However, these have high labor costs, poor construction, incomplete weeding effects due to the structure and material of the cover, and concerns over environmental pollution. Specifically, it is as follows.

  Grass cutting needs to be carried out about once or twice a year. In recent years, the disposal of grass after cutting tends to be restricted to local burning, and the cost of carrying out disposal is also high. On highways with heavy traffic, traffic jams occur due to traffic restrictions during work.

  The method of covering with a sheet does not have a sufficient effect because there is room for improvement in complete sealing and material that blocks light and opposes budding and penetration. In addition, the use of herbicides is in an era when social restrictions are strong due to concerns about environmental pollution.

  Another related medical technique is the use of warming parts of the body.

In JP-A-2003-25041 and JP-A-2002-360151, a method is known in which a plant leaf is brought into contact with an electrode, and the plant is killed by a discharge action.

  First, “weeding” has broad meanings such as weeding, mowing and germination control, but from the viewpoint of the present invention, it means that the seeds in the roots, rhizomes and soil are thermally dead (withered).

With a completely new method introduction that is not an extension of the prior art,
(B) Roots and stems can wither and die at sites where it is difficult to pull out, such as interfacial gaps between paving materials and other materials, and sites where herbicide use is restricted.
(B) Even in the field where weeds continue for long distances in a streak shape, it shall be highly convenient in terms of work operation and action.
(C) It shall act on branches and leaves on the ground surface.
(D) In winter, weeds will fly and we will respond to the situation where weeds cannot be confirmed.
(E) Ensure convenience of hand-held operation.
(F) In particular, in a weed site that is continuous for a long distance in a line shape, work efficiency is improved by mechanization by semi-automatic running.

  A machine (device) that irradiates an object such as a root such as a weed or the like, a rhizome, or a branch and leaves and thermally dies the object using a “dielectric heating” phenomenon caused by friction of molecular motion. Note that the theory and mechanism of dielectric heating apply conventional techniques and will not be described in detail. The term “microwave” refers to an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength in the range of 0.1 to 1000 mm according to the literature. In the present invention, the range of the set frequency is not particularly limited. Moderate dielectric heating is performed. Note that the microwave oven for cooking is generally set to perform dielectric heating focusing on the moisture in the food, and is 2540 MHz. Each of the means will be described below.

  The electronic weeding machine is characterized by irradiating microwaves from the surface of the earth and causing the roots and stems of plants in the soil to thermally die.

  The electronic weeder is mounted on a vehicle body with a wheel, a drive motor, an engine as a power source, and a moving wheel-related material set together with a generator so that the electronic weeder can move by hand or by self-propelling.

  In addition, the electronic weeder is equipped with a device that measures the temperature of the surface part during or before irradiation, and estimates and analyzes the irradiation time optimal for causing the roots and stems in the soil to thermally die. “Temperature measurement” uses a temperature sensor or the like. “Estimation analysis of optimum irradiation time required for thermal death” means that the time required for thermal death of an object is estimated based on the temperature of the ground surface as a function of soil quality, depth, volume of the object, and the like. The estimated time is displayed. Further, the traveling speed of the weeder is determined based on the estimated time and travels.

  In addition, the electronic weeder is provided with a function for adjusting the height position, direction, and surface size of the irradiation, reducing unnecessary irradiation around the object and increasing the concentration efficiency on the object. The height adjustment function causes at least the entire magnetron or the antenna portion to move. The direction is adjusted by rotating or moving the entire magnetron or the antenna part. The irradiation surface size is adjusted by changing the shape of the waveguide or the shape of the antenna. It also has directivity. A masking plate is positioned between the antenna and the ground so that only the necessary part can be irradiated. “Magnetron” is a high-frequency oscillator. “Adjustment” means replacement of related parts or change of settings.

A plurality of high-frequency oscillators are arranged in series to increase the aspect ratio of the irradiation port and to increase the irradiation efficiency to the weed site extending on the muscle.

  Moreover, the irradiation part of the said electronic weeder shall be connected with the main body with the electric wire cord required for operation | work, and shall be the lightweight thing which can be work | worked by about one hand. In this case, the power source may be a portable generator or a household power outlet. The “irradiation part” is at least an antenna part and a start / stop switch, but may be an entire magnetron integrated with an antenna. It should be as light as possible for the convenience of work.

  The irradiation unit may be provided with an automatic adjustment function so that the distance to the ground surface becomes constant as the entire weeder moves.

The application attribute of microwaves is something that has never existed before. For this reason, the form of use and the construction of the machine are completely new, and the effects produced by these are also new as described below.
(B) It becomes possible to weed (thermal death) the roots and stems in the soil without using any chemicals and without the need to extract or remove the roots.
(B) Implementation as a preventive purpose becomes possible. For example, not only roots and stems in the soil, but also seeds, roots, and stems mixed in the roadbed and roadbed at the time of the new sidewalk can be killed by heat. It can also be implemented as a preventive work for the site that is expected to germinate next spring.
(C) The self-propelled type is easy to implement along long gaps such as sidewalks and parking lots, creating a semi-automatic work style.
(D) A device equipped with a temperature sensor on the surface can estimate and set an appropriate irradiation time based on soil and moisture conditions at the work site. In addition, it is possible to set the moving speed necessary for taking the estimated time, and the time efficiency of the work is improved.
(E) When a plurality of magnetrons are used to lengthen the irradiation port, the irradiation time per point is irradiated for the movement time of the irradiation port length. Therefore, the moving speed of the machine can be higher than that of the one-point irradiation port, which increases the efficiency of long distance implementation.
(F) A device having an irradiation height position and direction and a surface size adjustment function can irradiate the light at a point where irradiation is necessary, so that unnecessary heating to the periphery is reduced.
(G) The present invention can also be used for thermal death of pests living in the soil.
(H) The irradiation unit separated from the main body is lightweight and convenient to work with one or both hands, so it is convenient for weeding in a garden near a power source or pest control in a vegetable garden.
(Li) The conventional method of withering only the leaves and the stems of the ground surface grows and grows quickly depending on the temperature even in the same year, or it sprouts in the germination period of the following year. On the other hand, since the thing of this invention wither | hangs the root in soil, it will be germinated next when there was a new seed implantation. Seeds themselves are rarely visible to the naked eye, and seem to be infinitely scattered on the road surface, etc., but for germination, all conditions such as temperature, moisture, and moderate soil covering must be met, which requires a long period of time. Since it gradually spreads over the course of the period of time, the effective period from weeding to the next germination becomes significantly longer than that of conventional mowing.
(Nu) The herbicide can not be used, and the present invention is also effective in the field where blocks are laid in parks where extraction is difficult.

  By utilizing the dielectric heating action, which is mainly composed of magnetrons, the roots, stems and seeds of weeds in the soil will be killed. Additional functions include the combination with the generator, the moving device of the fuselage, and the surface temperature. It shall be equipped with a sensor, a shape and shape adjustment function of the irradiation unit, a separation from the main body of the irradiation unit, and equipped with functions necessary for outdoor work.

  See FIG. This is an overview of the composition that is mainly used for weeding at the interface of the end of the sidewalk that continues for a long distance. The power supply unit 1 is a generator, which is used not only to operate an electronic circuit that causes dielectric heating and a device of the control unit, but also to reduce the power for running the entire vehicle body. As for the moving power, there are a case where the engine output of the generator is mechanically used and a case where the power is driven by an electric motor using power generation. Necessary materials and equipment are mounted on the moving device unit 5 composed of the wheels 6 and the vehicle body, and run on the interface where weeds grow while irradiating microwaves. The irradiation unit 2 needs to be placed at an easy-to-see position so that the driver can confirm an accurate position. When irradiating the interfacial gap 11 shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable to place it at a position close to the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body. The number of wheels is three or four, and a handle is also provided for easy steering. Further, the adjustment of the rudder may be performed by the operation control unit 4 so that the switch can be operated.

  The main components of each part are as follows. The power source is an internal combustion engine, other generators, capacitors, and external pull-in parts. The electromagnetic wave manufacturing department is a circuit for generation, magnetron, magnets and other related parts. Irradiation unit is magnetron antenna, waveguide, magnetic shield, directivity auxiliary device, adjustment of irradiation position and range. Operation control unit is frequency and intensity adjustment, surface temperature sensor and its display, movement speed adjustment, operation and status display, start and stop switch. The moving device part is a wheel, a vehicle body, a handle, and a self-propelled device.

  As an execution procedure, it is good to use after mowing with a mower, but it is also possible to irradiate near the ground surface while pushing down branches and leaves in a grown state. In addition, when the ground surface is strongly dry, it is also efficient to spray water before irradiation to increase moisture in the soil. Moisture in the soil is not constant after rain, sunny weather, or depth, but generally it has some moisture in the soil with roots, and has the effect of assisting heating. is there.

  In order to increase the distance in the soil direction where dielectric heating acts, the irradiating part moves in a non-contact state near the ground surface. Therefore, in a site with severe irregularities, it is preferable to move the height position while adjusting the height position manually or automatically in order to avoid a collision with the ground surface by increasing the distance from the ground surface.

  About soil temperature and working distance of dielectric heating. The target to wither and die is the roots and rhizomes, but naturally the surrounding concrete blocks, pavement materials and soil itself are also heated (heated). However, microwaves pass by the nature of the concrete with little attenuation. In addition, there is little fever. Also, the asphalt itself generates heat and softens but does not lose its shape, so it returns to its original state by natural cooling. The soil itself is also heated, which helps to overheat the roots. And the heating of the soil becomes the thermal death effect of seeds mixed in the roadbed and roadbed from the beginning of construction. Dielectric heating is a method in which an object itself generates heat from the inside. It is not intended to radiate heat from the ground surface and conduct it in the direction of the soil, so even when irradiating from the ground surface, it is possible to heat the position near and far from the ground surface almost evenly and secure the temperature necessary for thermal death. It is. Further, the thermal death temperature varies depending on the type of object, moisture in the soil, irradiation time, and the like. Also, it varies depending on the irradiation intensity and cannot be fixed. Therefore, it is a trade-off between work efficiency and cost to heat everything, but we confirmed the results of experiments on some weeds.

  Although the root depth varies depending on the type and size of the plant, it is not necessary to heat all of the plants to a deeper position for thermal death. Although it depends on the type of plant, it is most effective to heat the root part close to the ground surface, and this position is approximately several centimeters to 15 centimeters from the ground surface, and there is no shortage of the microwave working distance. . Even if it is not heated to a deep position of 30 centimeters or 50 centimeters, the necessary effect can be exhibited. If you want to extend the effective irradiation distance, adjust the voltage, frequency, amplitude, etc.

  About dielectric heating penetration depth. The ease of heating differs depending on the molecular structure of each object. Generally, “water” is high, and “pottery and stone” and “plastic” are low, so weeds are easy to heat. Also, since there are some differences depending on the frequency, it is preferable that the frequency be optimal for the object. The penetration distance differs depending on the oscillation frequency and strength, and the molecular structure of each object, but in general, “water” is short, and “ceramics and stones” and “plastic” are long. Roots and stems that are hidden can also be heated.

  See FIG. An example of a two-wheeled vehicle moved by hand is shown. The power supply is taken from the outside with a cord. The operation switch and the like are positioned above the handle. The irradiation unit 2 is placed at a position where the positional relationship with the ground surface is easy to see. Rotate the generator near work and use it as a power source or from a power outlet.

  See FIG. The irradiation unit 2 in this case is an oscillation antenna or a magnetron including an oscillation antenna, and is small and light enough to allow a person to work with one hand. The operation control unit 4 may be about the start and stop switches. These are separated from the main body and connected with an electric wire cord to function as a weeder as a whole.

  See FIG. This is an example of a masking plate 7 for reducing the area and shape by reducing the irradiation to the minimum necessary part and improving the efficiency. A metal plate is provided with a hole of the desired shape and size and irradiated from above. The masking plate 7 may move integrally with the irradiation unit, or may be put in place by manual work each time. The metal plate uses a form and material that reflects microwaves.

  See FIG. This is an example of a typical sidewalk site that uses the present invention, and is often continuous over a long distance. The interfacial gap 11 between the block 9 and the pavement 10 tends to grow weeds. And since it is a gap, it is not easy to pull out, and it is generally harvested every year. In the present invention, microwaves are radiated from the ground surface along the interface gap 11 to cause the roots, stems, and seeds in the soil to thermally die. For this purpose, it is necessary to place the irradiation unit 2 in an appropriate position and move it stably, and the configuration will be described with reference to other drawings. In this figure, the main body of the weeder is not shown.

  See FIG. In this example, the irradiation length L is set large and the irradiation width B is set small according to the weeds in the interface gap. A plurality of magnetrons 13 are arranged in series to increase the irradiation length. Microwaves emitted from the Magenetron antenna proceed to the irradiation port while being reflected in the waveguide, and travel through the soil with a certain degree of directivity from the narrow outlet.

  The size of the irradiation length is advantageous with respect to the moving speed. If an irradiation time of 10 cm / min is required in the case of a single magnetron, when the irradiation length L is 100 cm, the traveling speed is increased 10 times and the working efficiency is improved. In this figure, a plurality of magnetrons are combined into a single waveguide. However, magnetrons and waveguides that are individually independent may be arranged in series and handled integrally.

  About magnetic leakage. All electronic devices generate magnetism. This machine is no exception, so use a wire mesh to prevent unnecessary leakage. In addition, to prevent the worker from being exposed to radiation, safety measures such as operating only in the downward direction should be taken.

  In addition, it is possible to use this machine to overheat and peel off the adhesive bonded part.

  It can be used safely and effectively in sidewalks, roadside edges, parking lots, parks, airfields, poolsides, fields, gardens and other places where it is difficult to use herbicides or where extraction is difficult.

It is a schematic diagram of a power run type electronic weeder. It is a schematic diagram of a hand-travelling type electronic weeder. It is a schematic diagram of a handy type electronic weeder. It is explanatory drawing of a masking board. It is explanatory drawing of a use condition. It is a schematic diagram of a long irradiation port.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power supply part 2 Irradiation part 3 Electromagnetic wave production part 4 Operation control part 5 Mobile device part 6 Wheel 7 Masking board 8 Range specific hole 9 Block 10 Pavement material 11 Interface gap 12 Waveguide 13 Magnetron 14 Irradiation port 15 Temperature sensor L Irradiation Long B irradiation width

Claims (6)

  An electronic weeding machine that irradiates microwaves from the ground surface and heats the roots and stems of plants in the soil.   The electronic weeder according to claim 1, wherein a generator and a set of microwave irradiation devices are mounted on a vehicle body and moved by hand or self-propelled.   The electronic weeder according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a device for measuring the temperature of the surface portion to be irradiated and analyzing an irradiation time optimal for causing the roots and stems in the soil to thermally die.   The electronic weeding machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising an adjustment function of irradiation height position, direction and surface size.   5. The electronic weeding machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of high frequency oscillators are arranged in series to increase the aspect ratio of the irradiation port. The electronic weeding machine according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit is connected to the main body with an electric wire cord necessary for work.

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