Weed control unit and weed control construction method

Abstract

To provide a weed control unit that can be easily installed and can provide a high weed control effect over a long period of time, and a weed control installation method using the weed control unit. [Solution] The weed control unit 1 has a base 2, a set of vertical frames 4A, 4B fixed on the base 2, and multiple horizontal frames 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B erected between these vertical frames and extending horizontally, and is a weed control unit equipped with a storage frame section 3 in which multiple rows of storage sections 7A, 7B, 7C are formed between the horizontal frames, and multiple shade materials 8A to 8H laid in the storage sections, and the horizontal frames located on both sides of the storage sections have guide sections that position the top plate sections of the shade materials and rail sections on which the protrusions of the shade materials are placed and which can slide horizontally, and in each storage section the shade materials are laid in a row between the set of vertical frames with the overlap sections and underlap sections fitting together.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weed control unit in which a plurality of shading materials are laid, and a weed control method using the weed control unit. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when weeds grow on the ground in vacant lots, around facilities, residential gardens, sloping land, etc., cutting and removing them requires a great deal of effort and expense. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the emergence and growth of weeds before they occur.

[0003] Conventional weed control techniques include laying down weed control sheets, while spraying herbicides is another known weed control technique, but this method has problems such as concerns about the effects of chemicals on soil and health, as well as the time-consuming and expensive nature of spraying herbicides.

[0004] On the other hand, laying down weed control fabrics is a simple method that does not have the adverse effects of chemicals. However, weed control fabrics are subject to deterioration due to external factors such as ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, and physical wear, raising concerns about their durability. There are also problems with weeds growing through the fabric, and the fabric can peel off or tear due to wind, etc. For this reason, it is difficult to achieve long-term weed control effects with weed control fabrics.

[0005] To address this issue, a technique has been proposed to form a shading structure with a high weed control effect by using shading roofing tiles and shading structural members, concrete blocks, directly on the ground in the target weed control area (see Patent Document 1).This technique is said to be able to provide a long-term weed control effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7562064 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technology described in Patent Document 1 involves placing tiles directly on the ground one by one to form a shading structure, but the tiles are not very large, measuring just a few dozen centimeters square (JIS standard). Therefore, a large number of tiles must be laid to cover the weed-prevention area, which entails a significant workload. Furthermore, if the construction site is on soft ground, the tiles are likely to shift, making it relatively difficult to maintain the shading structure with precision.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a weed control unit that is easy to install and can provide a high weed control effect over a long period of time, and a weed control installation method that uses the weed control unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The weed control unit of the present invention is a weed control unit comprising a stand, a set of vertical frames fixed on the stand, and a plurality of horizontal frames that are erected between the vertical frames and extend horizontally, with a storage frame section in which a plurality of rows of storage sections are formed between the horizontal frames, and a plurality of shading materials to be laid in the storage sections, wherein the shading materials are rectangular panels, and one set of both side surfaces has a protrusion that protrudes outward at the lower part, one of the other set of side surfaces has an overlap section with an upper part that protrudes outward, and the other has an underlap section that protrudes outward at the lower part and is engageable with the overlap section, and the horizontal frames located on both sides of the storage sections have guide sections that position the top plate section of the shading material, and rail sections on which the protrusions of the shading material are placed and which can slide in the horizontal direction, and in each of the storage sections, the plurality of shading materials are laid in a row between the set of vertical frames with the overlap section and the underlap section fitting together.

[0010] The fixtures for fixing the stand and the horizontal frame are scattered along the horizontal direction in the space adjacent to the rail portion and are positioned so as not to interfere with the light-blocking object.

[0011] The weed control construction method of the present invention is a method of constructing the weed control units on the ground in a target weed control area, and is characterized by comprising the following steps: a first step of forming a platform using the flat frame, and fixing one of the vertical frames and the multiple horizontal frames onto the platform to form the storage section whose one horizontal end is closed by the vertical frame; a second step of inserting the shading material between the horizontal frames from the open end of the storage section while positioning it with the top plate section, and sliding the shading material sequentially along the rail section until it abuts against the closed horizontal end, thereby laying the shading material in a row; and a third step of, after laying the shading material, positioning the other frame of the vertical frame so as to close the open end of the storage section and fixing it to the platform.

[0012] The weed control method uses a first weed control unit and a second weed control unit as the weed control area, covering a flat ground surface and a sloped ground surface sloping downward from the flat ground surface, and is characterized in that the second weed control unit installed on the flat ground surface overlaps the first weed control unit installed at an angle along the sloped ground surface. "Overlapping" here means that the structure of the first weed control unit partially overlaps the structure of the second weed control unit when viewed from above.

[0013] The frame is characterized in that downward angle steels are fixed to the flat frame that constitutes the stand, and the bottom of the angle steels is close to the ground or buried in it. "Close" here means that the bottom of the angle steels is close enough to the ground to prevent rainwater from flowing under the flat frame and to prevent sunlight from shining in from the side, specifically within a few centimeters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The weed control unit of the present invention has the above-mentioned configuration, which allows multiple shading materials to be laid in the storage section by sliding them horizontally one after the other while being positioned by the horizontal frames on both sides, preventing the shading materials from coming loose and allowing anyone to easily, quickly, and accurately form a shading structure. Furthermore, since the multiple shading materials are laid in a row between the set of vertical frames with their overlapping and underlapping portions interlocking, sunlight is prevented from penetrating into the ground through gaps between the shading materials. As a result, plants below the weed control unit cannot photosynthesize, creating an environment that is difficult for weeds to grow, and achieving high weed control effects over the long term.

[0015] The weed control unit has simple components and a simple structure, making it possible to manufacture the weed control unit at low cost. Furthermore, the shading material also has a simple structure, which is expected to improve the yield of shading material (for example, by reducing defects such as distortion and chipping).

[0016] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned conventional technology is installed on soft ground or sloping land, for example, it is predicted that the tiles will shift or sink, making it difficult to maintain the structure as a shading structure with precision.However, with the above-mentioned weed control unit, the shading material can be easily laid all over the surface of the weed control unit, so a shading structure with high weed control effectiveness can be accurately installed even on soft ground or sloping land.

[0017] The weed control application method of the present invention is a method of applying the weed control unit of the present invention to the ground in the target weed control area, and by having the above-mentioned steps, application can be made easily and a high weed control effect can be obtained over a long period of time.

[0018] When carrying out weed control work from flat ground to sloping ground (slope), the above weed control method is structured so that the first weed control unit (specifically, a shading material) installed on the sloping ground overlaps the second weed control unit (specifically, a shading material) installed on the flat ground, preventing rainwater from flowing onto the sloped ground below the frame of the first weed control unit. As a result, loosening of the ground on the sloped ground below the frame is suppressed, and a collapse prevention (earth retaining) effect can be expected.

[0019] For example, in the first step, downward angle steel is fixed to the flat frame that makes up the mounting base, and the bottom of the angle steel is placed close to or buried in the ground, which prevents rainwater from flowing under the flat frame and improves shading against sunlight coming in from the side.It also prevents soil from shifting under the mounting base of the weed control unit, suppresses ground collapse, and strengthens the anti-slip properties of the weed control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the weed control unit of the present invention in the middle of installation. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of components of the stand and the storage frame section of the weed control unit. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the upper and lower sides of a shading material in the weed control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view and cross-sectional views of a shading material in the weed control unit. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the shading material in the weed control unit as viewed from various directions. [Figure 6] 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views of the weed control unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a horizontal frame in a weed control unit. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a weed control unit installed on flat ground and sloping ground. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the form of the weed control unit according to the present invention and the weed control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] [Weed control unit] First, we will explain the weed control unit of the present invention. The weed control unit of the present invention is installed so as to come into direct contact with the ground in the target weed control area, and by shading the ground, it inhibits the growth of weeds and exerts a weed control effect. The present invention was created so that the use of the weed control unit can be safely and easily installed, for example, on steep slopes or hillsides, and weeds can be controlled without the heavy and dangerous mowing that was previously required on slopes. The weed control unit can be effectively installed in areas such as public roads, railways, public facilities, schools, factories, and slopes around residences. Furthermore, the installation location is not limited to flat areas, and it can be installed in areas where weeds grow profusely.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one form of weed control unit of the present invention in the middle of construction. The weed control unit 1 is rectangular in plan view, and by laying down multiple shading objects (assuming three rows x four in Figure 1), a shading structure of the desired size as a whole is formed. The X-axis direction shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the horizontal direction, and the Y-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction. These directions are perpendicular to each other. The shape and size of the weed control unit 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size and number of shading objects to be laid down.

[0024] The weed control unit 1 is broadly composed of a stand 2, a storage frame section 3, and a plurality of shading objects 8A to 8H. The stand 2 is a base that supports the storage frame section 3 and the plurality of shading objects 8A to 8H.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 2 is formed of a plurality of flat frames. Specifically, it has a set of vertical frames 21A, 21B arranged along the vertical direction (Y-axis direction), a set of horizontal frames 22A, 22B arranged along the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), and intermediate frames 23A, 23B. Each frame constituting the gantry 2 is made of steel and is an elongated member with a predetermined thickness. These frames each have holes formed at predetermined positions for fastening to other frames. In the gantry 2, the vertical frames 21A, 21B and the horizontal frames 22A, 22B are connected to form a rectangular frame. The intermediate frames 23A, 23B are connected to the interior of the rectangular frame along the horizontal direction.

[0026] In Figure 1, the storage frame section 3 is fixed onto the stand 2 and stands upright from the stand 2 to form a frame structure that constitutes a storage section for the shade material. The storage frame section 3 has a set of vertical frames 4A, 4B and multiple horizontal frames 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B that are erected between the vertical frames and extend horizontally. The horizontal frames 5A, 5B are located at both vertical ends of the weed control unit 1, and the horizontal frames 6A, 6B are located between the horizontal frames 5A and 5B. The frames 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B are fixed onto the respective frames that make up the stand 2 so that they overlap each other.

[0027] Any steel material can be used for each of the frames 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, and multiple steel materials may be combined by joining them. In Fig. 1, for example, horizontal frames 5A and 5B have an inward U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Also, horizontal frames 6A and 6B have an H-shaped cross section perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0028] In the storage frame section 3, multiple rows of storage sections are formed between the horizontal frames. Specifically, storage section 7A is formed between horizontal frames 5A and 6A, storage section 7B is formed between horizontal frames 6A and 6B, and storage section 7C is formed between horizontal frames 6B and 5B. Each of the storage sections 7A to 7C is formed along the horizontal direction.

[0029] In FIG. 1, in storage section 7A, light shielding members 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are placed in contact with each other, starting from vertical frame 4A. In storage section 7B, light shielding members 8E, 8F, 8G, and 8H are placed in contact with each other, starting from vertical frame 4A. Light shielding members 8A to 8H are formed in the same shape. Similarly, four light shielding members are placed in storage section 7C.

[0030] Next, the shape of the light shielding object will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3(a) is an upper perspective view of the light shielding object, Figure 3(b) is a lower perspective view of the light shielding object, Figure 4(a) is a plan view of the light shielding object, Figure 4(b) is a CC cross-sectional view of the light shielding object, Figure 4(c) is a DD cross-sectional view of the light shielding object, and Figures 5(a) to (d) are views of the light shielding object as seen from the arrows.

[0031] 3, the light shielding member 8 is in the form of a rectangular panel, and has, as its surface components, a top surface 81, a bottom surface 82, a pair of side surfaces 83 and 84, and another pair of side surfaces 85 and 86. The side surfaces 83 and 84 are located on both sides in the X-axis direction, and the side surfaces 85 and 86 are located on both sides in the Y-axis direction. The light shielding member 8 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] The size of the light shielding material 8 is not particularly limited, and for example, when flat tiles are used as the light shielding material, it can be set to the same size as existing flat F-shaped tiles, for example, the length is about 35 cm and the width is about 34.5 cm. The shape, size, thickness, etc. of the light shielding material can be selected and changed as appropriate.

[0033] The top surface 81a of the top surface portion 81 of the light blocking member 8 is a surface (exposed surface) that receives sunlight and is formed as a flat surface. The top surface 81a is rectangular in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the bottom surface portion 82 of the light blocking member 8 is provided with recessed portions 82a for weight reduction. In this embodiment, four recesses are formed as the recessed portions 82a. A ring-shaped rib 82b is formed around the recessed portions 82a, and a cross-shaped reinforcing rib 82c is formed in the center. The light blocking member 8 can be made lighter while maintaining its strength.

[0034] In a pair of side surfaces 83, 84 of the light shielding member 8, an overlap portion 83a is formed on the side surface 83, the upper portion of which projects outward in the X-axis direction. In addition, an underlap portion 84a is formed on the side surface 84, the lower portion of which projects outward in the X-axis direction. The overlap portion 83a and the underlap portion 84a are formed to fit together and can be fitted together. In FIG. 3, the overlap portion 83a and the underlap portion 84a each extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4(c), the overlap portion 83a has an upper surface that is flush with the top surface 81a, a vertical surface that is perpendicular to the upper surface, and an inclined surface that is connected to the vertical surface and faces diagonally downward. The cross section of the overlap portion 83a in the horizontal direction is trapezoidal. The underlap portion 84a has a lower surface that is flush with the bottom surface, a vertical surface that is perpendicular to the lower surface, and an inclined surface that is connected to the vertical surface and faces diagonally upward. The cross section of the underlap portion 84a in the horizontal direction is trapezoidal.

[0036] In a configuration in which multiple shading materials are installed, the overlapping portion of one adjacent shading material is positioned to fit into the underlap portion of the other shading material. The lap width L (see Figure 6(b)) should be such that sunlight does not reach the bottom of the weed control unit; for example, even a width of about 5 to 10 mm is sufficient to block sunlight. By keeping the lap width L small, the planar active (shading) area can be increased and strength can also be increased. The shapes of the overlapping portion 83a and the underlap portion 84a need only be such that they can fit together, and are not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a protrusion 85a protruding outward is formed at the bottom of the side surface 85 of the light shielding device 8. Furthermore, a protrusion 86a protruding outward is formed at the bottom of the side surface 86. The protrusions 85a and 86a each protrude in a block shape, and are rectangular when viewed from each side surface (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). The protrusion height w (see FIG. 4(b)) of the protrusions 85a and 86a is preferably approximately 20 mm to 50 mm to prevent the light shielding device 8 from coming off during sliding or other operations. A vertical surface 85b is formed at the top of the side surface 85, and is perpendicular to the top surface 81a. A vertical surface 86b is formed at the top of the side surface 86, and is perpendicular to the top surface 81a. These vertical surfaces 85b and 86b function as positioning members when the light shielding device 8 is placed in the storage compartment.

[0038] The light-blocking material may be any material that can block light. The material for the light-blocking material is preferably a clay material that has light-blocking properties, is easy to mold into shape, and is strong and weather-resistant, but concrete, synthetic resin, glass, etc. may also be used. Specifically, roof tiles can be used as the light-blocking material. The roof tiles are original weed-control tiles created for use in weed control units, and are easy to assemble and highly durable.

[0039] Next, the structure of the storage section will be described using Figure 6(a). Figure 6(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1. A storage section 7A is formed between horizontal frame 5A and horizontal frame 6A. A light-shielding object 8D is stored in this storage section 7A.

[0040] The horizontal frame 5A has an inward U-shape and is fixed to the horizontal frame 22A that constitutes the stand with a fixing device 10. The form of the fixing device 10 is not particularly limited, but it is formed, for example, from a bolt member and a nut member. In FIG. 6(a), the horizontal frame 5A is formed by welding two L-shaped angle steel members together. Note that the horizontal frame 5A may also be formed from a single member (for example, a channel steel member).

[0041] The horizontal frame 5A has a guide portion 51 on the top. The guide portion 51 is a portion that positions the top plate portion of the light shielding object, and is formed on the inward end surface of the upper side of the horizontal frame 5A. The guide portion 51 extends in the horizontal direction, and also functions as a guide when sliding the light shielding object. The horizontal frame 5A also has a rail portion 52 on the bottom. The rail portion 52 is a portion on which the protrusion portion of the light shielding object is placed, and is formed on the upper surface near the inside of the lower side of the horizontal frame 5A. The rail portion 52 extends in the horizontal direction, allowing the light shielding object to slide.

[0042] The horizontal frame 6A is H-shaped and is fixed to the intermediate frame 23A that constitutes the frame with fasteners 10. In Fig. 6(a), the horizontal frame 6A is formed by welding two L-shaped angle steels back to back and welding a flat steel material to the apex of the angle steels. However, the horizontal frame 6A is not limited to this configuration.

[0043] For example, as shown in Figure 7(a), commercially available hangers can be used for the horizontal frame, and the horizontal frame can be obtained by welding U-shaped channels back to back. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7(b), flat steel plates can be pressed into a channel shape using a press, and the resulting U-shaped members can be welded back to back to obtain the horizontal frame. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7(c), H-shaped steel can be used for the horizontal frame. Furthermore, angle steel and flat steel can be welded together to ensure strength. The horizontal frame and the frame that constitutes the platform can also be fixed together by welding.

[0044] The horizontal frame 6A has a guide portion 61 on the top. The guide portion 61 is a portion that positions the top plate portion of the light shielding object, and is formed on the inward end surface of the upper side of the horizontal frame 6A. The guide portion 61 extends in the horizontal direction, and also functions as a guide when sliding the light shielding object. The horizontal frame 6A also has a rail portion 62 on the bottom. The rail portion 62 is a portion on which the protrusion portion of the light shielding object is placed, and is formed on the upper surface near the inside of the lower side of the horizontal frame 6A. The rail portion 62 extends in the horizontal direction, allowing the light shielding object to slide.

[0045] 6(a), horizontal frames 5A and 6A each have a groove-like shape facing inward, and are configured so that the protrusions of light shielding member 8D can be inserted into these groove-like portions. Specifically, top plate portion 81 of light shielding member 8D is positioned between guide portion 51 of horizontal frame 5A and guide portion 61 of horizontal frame 6A, and the protrusions of light shielding member 8D are placed on rail portions 52 and 62.

[0046] Furthermore, the fixtures 10 are located in the space adjacent to the rail portions 52 and 62 (specifically, the space between the protrusions of the light shielding material 8D and the side edges of the horizontal frames 5A and 6A), and are positioned so as not to interfere with the light shielding material 8D. Looking at the horizontal frames as a whole, the fixtures 10 are scattered along the horizontal direction so as not to interfere when the light shielding material is slid and moved. This allows for good operability when laying out the light shielding material while fixing it to the stand using the fixtures.

[0047] FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, taken along the horizontal direction. Shading elements 8A, 8B, . . . 8D are housed in a housing 7A extending horizontally. Shading element 8A is arranged with its overlapping portion 83a abutting one of the vertical frames 4A. Shading element 8B is arranged with its overlapping portion 83a fitting with the underlap portion 84a of shading element 8A. Shading element 8D is arranged with its underlap portion 84a abutting the other vertical frame 4B. By arranging multiple shading elements so that parts of their structures overlap each other in this way, sunlight can be prevented from reaching the ground even if there is a slight gap between the shading elements.

[0048] In the storage section 7A, the multiple light shielding materials 8A to 8D are laid in a row between a pair of vertical frames 4A, 4B, with overlapping portions 83a and underlap portions 84a fitting together. The light shielding materials 8A to 8D are installed on a stand and are not in direct contact with the ground, so air and water do not stagnate and the breathability makes it difficult for bacteria to grow, resulting in no adverse effects on the soil environment.

[0049] The vertical frame 4A is fixed to a vertical frame 21A constituting the stand by fasteners 10. In FIG. 6(b), the vertical frame 4A is formed in a crank shape by welding two L-shaped angle steel members together. The upper side of the vertical frame 4A protrudes toward the storage section so as to cover part of the top surface of the light shielding object 8A. The lower side of the vertical frame 4A is used for fixing to the stand. Note that the vertical frame 4A may have any configuration as long as it is fixed to the stand and can store the light shielding object in an upright position, and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 etc. For example, the vertical frame 4A may be made of a single member (L-shaped angle steel member).

[0050] In FIG. 6, downward-facing angle steels 91A, 91B, 92A, and 92B are fixed to the frames 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B that make up the frame, respectively. Specifically, the angle steels are fixed with fasteners 10, with the top surfaces of the frames facing the inner surfaces of the angle steels. In this case, the lower portions of the angle steels 91A, 91B, 92A, and 92B are buried in the ground, for example. For example, when installing on soft ground or sloping ground, providing additional angle steels can more stably fix the weed control units to the ground. This can also be expected to have the effect of preventing loosening of the ground and the movement of soil and sand under the frame.

[0051] The weed control unit of the present invention has been described above, but the weed control unit of the present invention is not limited to the configuration described above, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0052] [Weed control construction method] The weed control construction method of the present invention is a method for constructing the above-mentioned weed control unit on the ground in the target weed control area, and mainly comprises a first step of forming a housing for the shading material, a second step of laying the shading material, and a third step of fixing the other vertical frame to the mounting base. Each step of this method will be specifically described with reference to Figure 1.

[0053] In the first step, the platform 2 is formed using a flat frame. The flat frame can be frames 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B, 23A, and 23B (see Figure 2). The frames are connected using fasteners or other means to create a framework that can be placed on the ground. It is preferable to secure the platform 2 to the installation location with anchor bolts or other means using holes in the four corners of the frame before proceeding with the subsequent steps. Then, a vertical frame 4A and multiple horizontal frames 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B are secured to the platform 2 using welding or fasteners. As a result, storage compartments 7A, 7B, and 7C are formed, each with one horizontal end closed by the vertical frame 4A.

[0054] In the second step, the light shielding object is inserted between the horizontal frames while being positioned from the open end (vertical frame 4B side) of the storage sections 7A, 7B, and 7C, and placed on the rail section.The light shielding object is then slid along the rail section toward the closed end in the horizontal direction until it hits the rail section.

[0055] For example, in the storage section 7A, first, the light shielding element 8A is inserted between the horizontal frames 5A and 6A and then slid until it abuts against the vertical frame 4A. During sliding, the vertical surfaces of both sides of the light shielding element in the Y-axis direction contact the guide portions of the horizontal frames 5A and 6A, thereby guiding the light shielding element. The vertical frame 4A also functions as a stopper for the light shielding element. Next, the light shielding element 8B is inserted between the horizontal frames 5A and 6A and then slid until it abuts against the light shielding element 8A (i.e., until it engages with the underlap portion of the light shielding element 8A; the same applies below). Next, the light shielding element 8C is inserted between the horizontal frames 5A and 6A and then slid until it abuts against the light shielding element 8B. Finally, the light shielding element 8D is inserted between the horizontal frames 5A and 6A and then slid until it abuts against the light shielding element 8C. In this way, the light shielding elements 8A to 8D are laid out in a line in the storage section 7A.

[0056] Similarly, in the other storage sections 7B and 7C, the shading material is moved to the predetermined position to cover the entire surface of the weed control unit. The shading material can be positioned as desired and can be moved smoothly without interfering with the fixtures that secure the horizontal frame.

[0057] After the shading material has been laid in each storage section, in the third step, the vertical frame 4B, which acts as a stopper on the other end, is positioned to close the open ends of storage sections 7A, 7B, and 7C and fixed to the frame 2. This allows the weed control unit 1 to be installed in the target weed control area.

[0058] In the weed control unit 1, the shading material is structured so that it cannot physically come off the storage frame part 3, so that the shading material will not shift, rattle or be blown away.

[0059] Figure 8 shows an example of one form of weed control method, in which the target weed control area is a flat ground surface and a sloped ground surface sloping downward from the flat ground surface. In Figure 8, three weed control units are used. Specifically, weed control unit 1B is installed on the upper flat ground surface, weed control unit 1A is installed at an angle along the sloped ground surface, and weed control unit 1C is installed on the lower flat ground surface. Note that weed control unit 1A is installed so that its vertical direction is aligned with the direction of the slope.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, it is preferable to install weed control unit 1A, which is installed at an angle along the sloping ground, overlapping weed control unit 1B, which is installed on flat ground. In this case, weed control unit 1A is first installed on the sloping ground in a position that will not interfere with the installation of weed control unit 1B, and then weed control unit 1B is installed on the flat ground. As shown in Figure 8(b), overlapping the weed control units prevents rainwater W that falls on weed control unit 1B from flowing into the sloping ground and prevents the ground on the sloping ground from becoming loose. It also prevents sunlight S from entering through the gap between weed control unit 1A and weed control unit 1B.

[0061] The ground to which this invention is applied can be efficiently constructed by, for example, leveling the ground and marking the weed control area with a water line or the like to ensure accurate construction. Furthermore, construction can be easily and accurately carried out even on soft ground or steep slopes. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] According to the present invention, application can be easily made on sloping ground, slopes, and flat ground, and a high weed control effect can be obtained over a long period of time, so that weeds can be controlled without the need for dangerous mowing on slopes around public roads, railways, public facilities, schools, factories, and residences. Furthermore, it is effective for controlling dust and sand and for controlling weeds on unused land on flat ground and within the premises of large-scale solar power generation facilities (mega solar), and can be used as an application method on ground where we want to suppress weed growth. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Weed Control Unit 2 Mounting stand 21A, 21B vertical frame 22A, 22B horizontal frame 23A, 23B Intermediate frame 3. Storage frame 4A, 4B vertical frame 5A, 5B horizontal frame 51 Guide section 52 Rail section 6A, 6B horizontal frame 61 Guide part 62 Rail section 7A, 7B, 7C housing section 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H Shade 81 Top plate 82 Bottom part 83, 84, 85, 86 side part 83a Overlap section 84a Underlap 85a, 86a protrusion 85b, 86b vertical plane 91A, 91B, 92A, 92B angle steel 10 Fixtures

Claims

1. A weed control unit comprising: a frame unit having a base, a set of vertical frames fixed on the base, and a plurality of horizontal frames extending horizontally between the vertical frames, wherein a plurality of rows of storage sections are formed between the horizontal frames; and a plurality of shade materials laid out in the storage sections, The light-shielding object is a rectangular panel, and a pair of both side surfaces has a protrusion formed at the bottom thereof that protrudes outward, and one of the other pair of side surfaces has an overlap portion formed at the top thereof that protrudes outward, and the other has an underlap portion formed at the bottom thereof that protrudes outward and is engageable with the overlap portion, the horizontal frames located on both sides of the storage section have guide portions that position the top plate portion of the light blocking object, and rail portions on which the protrusion portions of the light blocking object are placed and which are slidable in the horizontal direction, In each of the storage sections, the shading material is laid in a row between the set of vertical frames with the overlapping portion and the underlap portion fitted together.

2. The weed control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the fasteners that secure the platform and the horizontal frame are scattered along the horizontal direction in the space adjacent to the rail portion and are positioned so as not to interfere with the shading material.

3. A method for applying the weed control unit according to claim 1 or 2 to the ground in a target weed control area, comprising: The method is a weed control method characterized by comprising: a first step of fixing one of the vertical frames and the multiple horizontal frames on the platform to form the storage section whose one horizontal end is closed by the vertical frame; a second step of inserting the shade material between the horizontal frames from the open end of the storage section while positioning it with the top plate portion, and sliding the shade material sequentially along the rail portion until it abuts against the closed horizontal end, thereby laying the shade material in a row; and a third step of, after laying the shade material, positioning the other frame of the vertical frame so as to close the open end of the storage section and fixing it to the platform.

4. The method is a method in which a target weed control area is an area extending from a flat ground surface to a sloping ground surface sloping downward from the flat ground surface, and construction is carried out using a first weed control unit and a second weed control unit as the weed control units, 4. A weed control method according to claim 3, wherein the second weed control unit, which is installed on the flat ground, is overlapped with the first weed control unit, which is installed at an angle along the sloping ground.

5. 4. The weed control method according to claim 3, wherein downward angle steel members are fixed to the flat frame constituting the stand, and the lower portions of the angle steel members are placed close to or buried in the ground.

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