Weed suppression device

Abstract

To provide a weed inhibiting device in consideration of efficiently bringing creeping weeds closer to a new electrification line several times even when the weed passes through an electrification line by using a commercially-available electric fence for generating a change one every second in order to eliminate a risk of causing fire.SOLUTION: A weed inhibiting device according to the present invention includes: an electric fence having a conductive line surrounding a desired region and a voltage application part for applying voltage to the conductive line; and a conductive body connected to the electric fence. The conductive body is arranged at a predefined interval in a direction in which weed extends. When a tip of the extended weed approaches the conductive body within 1 to 2 cm, a change is supplied to the conductive body to generate an electrostatic field to provide an atmospheric discharge from the charged conductive body targeting at the tip of the weed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weed control device, and more particularly to a fully automatic, stationary weed control device that detects growing weeds and damages them by discharging electric charges. [Background technology]

[0002] More than 90% of the planting work on expressways involves weeding on slopes, roadsides, and medians, but for work on roadsides and shoulders with less of a slope, lawnmower robots and self-propelled trimmer-type weeders are used to regularly remove weeds for safety and to protect the landscape. Multipurpose work trucks (Unimogs) equipped with weeders are also used to remove weeds on sloped slopes and roadsides. However, the reality is that most planting work is still done by skilled workers using hand-operated weeders. Furthermore, in large solar power generation facilities, where the installation area has been increasing in recent years, weeds are growing from the lower mounting frames onto the panel surfaces, and there is a need to develop a weeding method that can replace the conventional manual work. Herbicides are the primary method of weed control in modern agriculture, but their overuse has led to the rapid evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. Given the issue of herbicide resistance and the long-standing public interest in reducing pesticide use, truly integrated weed management strategies that replace herbicides are urgently needed.

[0003] Although a method for spraying pesticides using static electricity has been developed and put into practical use to efficiently adsorb pesticides to plants, a technique for weed control using static electricity has not yet been put into practical use. However, several methods for suppressing weeds using static electricity have been proposed in the following prior art documents. Patent Document 1 proposes a system in which a high-voltage generated current is applied to weeds manually or via a metal line, causing a spark discharge that kills them down to the roots. Non-Patent Document 1 also describes a method of suppressing the growth of kudzu, a climbing weed, by using an electric fence. Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe methods of suppressing weeds that grow upward from the ground by using an electric fence. The methods described in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 are technologies devised by the inventors of the present invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 5-168391 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Use of Pulsed Arc Discharge Exposure to ImpedeExpansion of the Invasive Vine Pueraria montana" MDPI Published December 3, 2020; https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / agriculture10120600 [Non-patent document 2] “Use of a Pair of Pulse-Charged Grounded Metal Nets as an Electrostatic Soil Cover for EradicatingWeed Seedlings” MDPI April 2023 https: / / doi.org / 10.3390 / agronomy13041115 [Non-patent document 3] "A Simple Electrostatic Apparatus for Controlling Weeds on Slopes without Causing Soil Erosion" American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture Published January 4, 2024; Available online at http: / / pubs.sciepub.com / ajcea / 12 / 1 / 1 doi:10.12691 / ajcea-12-1-1. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a large current to kill weeds through damage caused by spark discharge, which can cause fires. This makes it difficult to develop a stationary system, and the work is manual, requiring manpower, which is virtually the same as manual work using a grass cutter.

[0007] The method described in Non-Patent Document 1 is a technology devised by the inventors of the present invention. In order to prevent the spread of kudzu trees, a simple device that uses an electric field was designed and an experiment was conducted using kudzu seedlings with growing vines, in which an arc discharge was generated between the tip of the grounded vine and a conductor pulse-charged to a negative voltage. The results of the experiment confirmed that free electrons accelerated by high voltage pass through the plant body in the electric field, causing a harmful effect on plant survival. However, the device used in the experiment only had a single charged line, which meant that the tips of climbing weeds could easily pass through, and climbing weeds that avoided the line continued to grow normally.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the inventors have developed the following existing technology that utilizes static electricity, and aim to propose a fixed, fully automatic weed suppression device that does not rely on human labor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the weed suppression device of the present invention comprises an electric fence consisting of a conductive wire surrounding a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, and a conductor connected to the electric fence. The conductors are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction of weed growth. When the tips of growing weeds approach the conductor within 1 to 2 cm, an electric charge is supplied to the conductor, generating an electrostatic field. An air discharge occurs from the conductor toward the tips of the weeds, and the charge moves to the ground through the weeds. Weeds are conductive and have roots in the ground, so they can be considered earthed conductors. The conductor is preferably a metal net. Furthermore, the weed suppression device is preferably powered by solar power.

[0010] The weed suppression device of the present invention is a weed suppression device comprising an electric fence consisting of conductive wires arranged in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wires, and a conductor connected to the electric fence, wherein the conductive lines and earth lines are arranged in parallel in multiple lines, each spaced 3 cm to 10 cm apart, and when the tip of a climbing weed comes into contact with either the conductive line or the earth line and continues to grow and approach another conductive line or earth line, an air discharge is automatically induced at the tip of the climbing weed, thereby suppressing the growth of the vines of the climbing weed. The conductor is formed in a mesh shape by placing insulating coated wires between the conductive lines and the earth line. Conductivity It is preferable to use a net that is installed by leaning it diagonally against or hanging it from a fence installed close to the electric fence.

[0011] The weed suppression device of the present invention comprises an electric fence consisting of a conductive wire placed in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, and first and second conductors connected to the electric fence. The first conductors are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction in which weeds grow, and when the tip of a growing weed approaches the first conductor by 1 to 2 cm, an electric charge is supplied to the first conductor, generating an electrostatic field, which causes an air discharge from the charged first conductor aimed at the tip of the weed. Meanwhile, the second conductor is arranged in a plurality of parallel lines, with the conductive lines and earth lines spaced 3 to 10 cm apart, and an insulating coated wire is placed between the conductive lines and earth lines to form a mesh. Conductivity The net may be installed by leaning it diagonally against or hanging it from a fence provided close to the electric fence, so that when the tip of a climbing weed comes into contact with either a conductive line or an earth line and then extends further to approach another conductive line or an earth line, an air discharge is automatically induced at the tip of the climbing weed.

[0012] Furthermore, the weed suppression device of the present invention is a weed suppression device comprising an electric fence consisting of a metal net placed in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the metal net, a first metal net connected to the electric fence, and a second metal net grounded to the ground in the area where weeds grow, wherein the first metal net is arranged at a predetermined interval in the direction in which the weeds grow, and when the tip of the weed reaches within 1 to 2 cm of the first metal net, an electric charge is supplied to the first metal net, generating an electrostatic field, and an air discharge is generated from the first metal net aimed at the tip of the weed, and the electric charge moves through the weed to the second metal net grounded to the ground.

[0013] Furthermore, the weed suppression device of the present invention is also effective against kudzu, a climbing weed. It is characterized by placing insulating supports between two metal nets grounded to earth, forming two layers of metal nets with a 3 to 10 cm gap between them, and leaning them diagonally against a fence or hanging them. However, of the two layers of metal nets, the metal net connected to the electric fence on the outer side of the fence is characterized by being installed at least 3 cm away from the ground to prevent natural discharge from the metal net to the ground. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The weed suppression device of the present invention uses a "natural induction system" that triggers arc discharge when weeds grow and approach the metal net, making it possible to realize a stationary type that does not require manual labor. Furthermore, although weed growth is suppressed, the roots remain alive, so the soil remains stable as usual and does not cause the phenomenon of soil becoming prone to collapse that occurs with herbicides that kill the roots. Among creeping weeds, kudzu has roots deep underground and is difficult to eradicate with herbicides. The kudzu vines have a habit of wrapping around fences and climbing up them, so when they grow vigorously, the fence becomes covered in kudzu. When the fence is blown around by the wind in this state, it is directly exposed to the wind and can cause the fence to collapse. However, installing the weed suppression device of the present invention on the fence can also solve the problem of the fence collapsing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 shows a weed suppression device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows the basic principle of a weed suppression device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows the structure of a conductor 20 of a weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows the basic principle of a weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention. [Figure 6]1 is a diagram illustrating the formation of electrostatic and static electric fields in a prior art electrostatic field screen generator; [Figure 7] 1 shows a weed suppression device 3 according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 shows a weed suppression device 4 according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 shows a weed suppression device 5 according to the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are given the same numbers, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Please note that the drawings may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific applications, shapes, dimensions, etc. shown in the following embodiments. Hereinafter, embodiments of a weed suppression device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] The present invention is the result of further improving upon the principles of an electrostatic field screen generator previously developed by the inventors, specifically the SD-screen (single-source, bipolar electrostatic field screen). Before describing the examples, the principles of the SD-screen shown in the prior art (Patent No. 5252449) will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The coating 01 is made by inserting an iron rod 01a into soft vinyl chloride 01b. On one side of this coating 1 is a stainless steel earth mesh (earth electrode) 02. The coating 01 and the earth mesh 02 (earth electrode) are spaced 3 mm apart, with the layers parallel to each other. When a voltage is applied to the coating 01, an electrostatic field is generated around each coating. The earth mesh 02 (earth electrode) is then inserted into this electrostatic field. Then, for example, when a negative voltage is applied to the coating 01, the side of the earth mesh 02 (earth electrode) facing the coating becomes positively polarized. That is, by inserting an earth mesh 02 (earth electrode) into the electrostatic field, a pair of positive and negative electrodes is created in the electrostatic field space, and an electric field (hereinafter referred to as a "static electric field") is formed inside the electrostatic field. This static electric field constantly exerts a force pushing mobile charges from the negative pole (covering 01) to the positive pole (earth mesh 02). When an insect or other insect enters, the charge it carries is pushed out, and the pushed-out charge is absorbed by the earth mesh 02 (earth electrode). When this happens, the insect or other insect that has lost its charge becomes positively charged, and is strongly attracted and captured by the negative pole (covering 01). This principle is also known as the "electric field generation method." The present invention expands on the above-mentioned principle and proposes a weed control device that utilizes discharges induced by an electrostatic field, inducing air discharges when plants approach the electrostatic field, damaging the plants and suppressing their growth.It will be understood that the present invention is a stationary, fully automatic weed control device that uses the induction of air discharges as a weed detection sensor.

[0018] When two positively and negatively charged conductors exist in the air, an electrostatic field is formed around them. The air in the electrostatic field is ionized and becomes a plasma state, and the generated positive and negative charges reduce the electrical resistance of the air. As the resistance of the electrostatic field space decreases, charges can move from the charged area with a higher potential to the charged area with a lower potential, causing an air discharge. For air discharge to occur, it is important that the receiving end is grounded. Furthermore, even if a grown plant leans against or touches an electric wire, no discharge occurs to the plant. Plants are imperfect conductors, conducting electricity up to a length of about 5-8 cm, but beyond that, resistance increases and it is believed to no longer conduct electricity. An investigation into the relationship between plant length and resistance revealed a proportional relationship. The inventors came up with the idea of ​​applying this technology to weeds that are grounded by spreading their roots in the ground, creating a space where the charged conductor detects the weeds and induces air discharge. Example 1

[0019] In the first embodiment, the basic structure and basic principle of the weed suppression device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. First, we will explain the basic structure of the weed suppression device 1. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the weed suppression device 1 according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of the weed suppression device 1 according to the present invention. Please refer to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the weed suppression device 1 of the present invention comprises an electric fence 11 consisting of a conductive wire placed in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, and conductors 10 connected to the electric fence 11 via charged lines 14, the conductors 10 being arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction in which the weeds grow, and when the tips of the growing weeds come within 1 to 2 cm of the conductor 10, an electric charge is supplied to the conductor 10, generating an electrostatic field, and an air discharge is generated from the charged conductor 10 aimed at the tips of the weeds. The term "electric fence" used in this specification refers to an electric fence, which is one type of facility used in grazing livestock management. Iron wire is stretched around the perimeter of the pasture, with one end of a power source connected to this iron wire (fence wire) and the other end connected to the ground; when an animal touches the fence wire, an electric circuit is formed that runs through the animal's body and the ground, causing an electric current to flow. This electric shock is intended to prevent livestock from escaping the fence. Electric fences are widely used because they are inexpensive to set up, can be easily moved or removed, and are very convenient for grazing, but a commercially available device is used in the examples.

[0020] The conductor 10 is preferably a metal net, and as shown in Figure 1, it is arranged so that the insulating support 13 covers the weeds P1, P2, P3, etc., leaving a certain amount of space between them. Metal netting is a good way to deal with weeds that grow above ground. Using insulating resin, the metal net is set approximately parallel to the ground at a position 3 to 10 cm above the ground. There are no restrictions on the material of the metal net, as long as it is conductive. There are no restrictions on the mesh structure, and any material can be used, including expanded metal, punched metal, plain woven wire mesh, and tortoiseshell wire mesh. The mesh size of the metal net can be 5 cm or less. There are no restrictions on the material of the insulating resin that holds the metal net, and there are no restrictions on the structure as long as it can hold the metal net. Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply unit of the weed control device 1 is a solar cell panel 12 so that the electric fence 11 is operated by solar power generation, but this is not limited thereto. The electric fence 11 is also grounded.

[0021] Please refer to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of the weed suppression device 1 according to the present invention. Normally, weeds growing in the ground are neither positively nor negatively charged and are electrically neutral. However, weeds have roots in the ground and are electrically grounded. As shown in Figure 2, when a grounded weed P is brought close to a charged conductor (e.g., positive) 10, an air discharge is induced, and the charge (positive) moves in the directions of signs A, B, C, and D, diffusing to the soil surface. The charge never reaches the roots. Weeds P that have taken root in the ground can be thought of as biological conductors that are always grounded, so by applying this phenomenon, if an air discharge is applied from a charged conductor 10 to the weeds that are growing and approaching, the damage caused by the charge transfer can be suppressed, and the growth can be suppressed.This is the basic principle of weed suppression.

[0022] As mentioned above, when two positively and negatively charged conductors exist in the air, an electrostatic field is formed around them. The air in the electrostatic field is ionized and becomes a plasma state, and the generated positive and negative charges reduce the electrical resistance of the air. As the resistance of the electrostatic field space decreases, charges can move from the charged area with a higher potential to the charged area with a lower potential, causing an air discharge.

[0023] Discharges to weeds are triggered when they grow and approach the metal net. If the distance between them and the metal net is far (3-5 cm), no air discharge occurs. However, when weeds grow closer to the metal net (for example, 1-2 cm), they are subjected to one to several air discharges per second. Air discharges automatically stop when the weeds are damaged and the distance increases, or when the weeds are damaged and wither, as their conductivity decreases. Also, when multiple weeds approach at the same time, the closest weed is detected and an air discharge is given, and once the damage has progressed to a certain extent, air discharge is initiated on the next weed. This discharge is automatically detected according to the weed's growth level, and weeds are always kept at a constant height.

[0024] As described above, a feature of the weed control device 1 is that it applies the phenomenon of air discharge induced in response to the distance between conductors to a so-called "weed detection sensor." Normally, plants are rooted in the ground and are electrically grounded. Furthermore, plants contain a lot of water in their epidermis and internal tissues, and because they have electrically conductive properties, they are considered to be similar to conductors grounded to earth. The novel perspective of this application is to consider weeds that are rooted in the ground as "conductors that are always grounded to earth." By combining these phenomena, it becomes possible to generate air discharge from a charged conductor, targeting the tips of weeds as they grow and approach, thereby damaging and suppressing their growth. Example 2

[0025] The second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic structure and basic principle of the weed suppression device 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows the structure of the conductor 20 of the weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of the weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention.

[0026] Kudzu is considered one of the seven autumn herbs, but it is a noxious weed that invades agricultural fields and forests, wrapping around and enveloping crops and trees, causing damage. The damage to Japanese agriculture is estimated at several billion yen, and if public green spaces are included, the figure is thought to exceed 20 billion yen. Public green spaces affected include roadsides and railroad tracks, irrigation channels and gutters, utility poles and high-voltage pylons, and in recent years, mega-solar power plants. Kudzu was introduced to the United States for livestock feed, greening, and erosion control due to its prolific reproductive ability, but has since become feral and is causing damage to public green spaces, just as it did in Japan. In recent years, there have been reports of kudzu climbing utility poles, wrapping itself around power lines, and causing damage with its weight, shearing off the wires. Kudzu vine vines can grow to over 10 meters, branching repeatedly and growing to cover the surrounding area. The roots are tuberous, 1.5 meters long and over 20 cm thick, and can store starch. Even if the leaves wither in winter, the plant can use the starch to survive, and in the spring it becomes a noxious weed that reproduces vigorously. While it is possible to kill the leaves and stems by spraying herbicides, it is difficult to pinpoint the roots' location, and the current situation is that the roots cannot be killed effectively.

[0027] The elongated kudzu vines have a habit of wrapping around and climbing fences, and during periods of vigorous growth the fence becomes covered with kudzu. In this state, if the fence is blown by the wind, the fence will be directly exposed to the wind and may collapse. The weed suppression device 2 of Example 2 can be said to be a device for controlling creeping weeds such as kudzu.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention, and shows two types of supports 23. That is, Figure 3(a) shows a leaning-type support 23A, and Figure 3(b) shows a hanging-type support 23B, both of which are shown by dotted lines. The weed suppression device 2 includes an electric fence 21 consisting of a conductive wire placed in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, a plurality of conductive lines 200 that constitute a conductor 20 connected to the electric fence 21 via a charged line 24, and a plurality of earth lines 201. The plurality of conductive lines 200 and the plurality of earth lines 201 are placed alternately on the upper surface of the support 23A or the support 23B. In Example 2, the support 23A shown in Figure 3(a) is leaned against the fence F at an angle of approximately 30 degrees, but the inclination angle is not particularly limited and it may be leaned against the fence F at any desired angle. The upper end of the support 23A is preferably fixed to the fence F with a cable tie or the like, and the lower end is preferably fixed by inserting a peg or the like into the ground G, but the fixing method is not particularly limited. A weed control sheet may also be laid near the lower end of the support 23A. In the second embodiment, the support 23B shown in FIG. 3(b) is suspended at its upper end via a bracket (not shown), but it may also be suspended by hooking it onto the wire mesh of the fence F, for example, using a hook or the like. The lower end of the support 23B may be fixed to the ground G by inserting a peg or the like, but it is essential that the conductive line 200 be spaced at least approximately 50 mm or more from the fence F to prevent unnecessary discharge.

[0029] Refer to FIG. 4. This figure shows the structure of the conductor 20 of the weed suppression device 2 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the conductor 20 comprises multiple conductive lines 200 and multiple earth lines 201. The conductive lines 200 and earth lines 201 are both made of metal, such as stainless steel, and are arranged in parallel, alternating fashion, with intervals of 3 to 10 cm between each line. Specifically, the conductive lines 20 and the earth lines 201 are connected to the electric fence 21 via charged lines 24 so that they alternate with each other. The support 23 supporting the conductive lines 200 and earth lines 201 need only be insulated. FIG. 4 shows an insulating net formed by placing insulated wires 202 between the conductive lines 200 and earth lines 201 to form a mesh. The mesh of the net can be circular, rectangular, polygonal, or any other desired shape. By installing a net comprising the conductive lines 200 and multiple earth lines 201 on a fence F, the growth of creeping weeds such as kudzu can be suppressed by discharged electric charges.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 5. Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing the state of air discharge at the tip of a vine-like weed, and (b) is an enlarged view of the part X surrounded by the dotted line in Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5, when climbing weed P4 reaches the net of parallel metal lines, it comes into contact with either conductive line 200 or earth line 201, and as it continues to grow and approaches either conductive line 200 or earth line 201, an air discharge (I) is automatically triggered. The charge from electric fence 21 flows from conductive line 200 via charged line 24, travels through the tip of the climbing weed (p01), and then to earth line 201 (symbol B), where it is finally grounded (symbol C). This flow of charge damages the growing point at the tip, inhibiting the weed's growth. The roots of climbing weeds are in the ground and are grounded, but if the grounded roots are located far from the metal lines, an air discharge is not triggered.

[0031] It is also possible to configure the system to include both the weed suppression device 1 of Example 1 and the weed suppression device 2 of Example 2. In this case, the placement of both devices can be determined at one's discretion, and the growth of both climbing weeds and non-climbing weeds can be suppressed. Example 3

[0032] The third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the basic structure of the weed suppression device 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the weed suppression device 3 according to the present invention.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the weed suppression device 3 according to the present invention comprises an electric fence 31 consisting of a conductive wire installed in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, conductors 30 connected to electric fence 31 via charged lines 34, and conductors 35 grounded to the ground. The conductors 30 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction in which the weeds grow, and when the tips of the growing weeds come within 1 to 2 cm of conductor 30, an electric charge is supplied to conductor 30, generating an electrostatic field, and an air discharge is generated from charged conductor 30 aimed at the tips of the weeds.

[0034] The conductor 30 is preferably a metal net, and as shown in Figure 7, it is arranged so as to cover the weeds P1, P2, P3, etc. with a certain amount of space between them, using an insulating support 33. The metal net is set approximately parallel to the ground at a position 3 to 10 cm above the ground using an insulating resin support. On the other hand, the conductor 35 is also preferably a metal net, and is used to deal with weeds that grow above ground. There are no restrictions on the material of the metal net, as long as it is conductive. There are no restrictions on the mesh structure either, and it can be freely selected from expanded metal, punched metal, plain woven wire mesh, tortoiseshell wire mesh, etc. The mesh size of the metal net can be 5cm or less. There are no restrictions on the material of the insulating resin that holds the metal net, and there are no restrictions on the structure as long as it can hold the metal net.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the power source of the weed control device 3 is a solar cell panel 32 so that the electric fence 31 is operated by solar power generation, but this is not limited thereto. The electric fence 31 is also grounded.

[0036] The basic principle of weed suppression by the weed suppression device 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted. Similar to the first embodiment, the weed suppression device 3 is characterized by the application of the phenomenon of air discharge induced in response to the distance between conductors to a so-called "weed detection sensor." Typically, plants are rooted in the ground and are electrically grounded. Furthermore, plants contain a large amount of water in their epidermis and internal tissues, and because they have electrically conductive properties, they are considered to be similar to conductors grounded to earth. The novel perspective of the present application is to consider weeds rooted in the ground as "conductors that are always grounded to earth." By combining these phenomena, an air discharge can be generated from a charged conductor, targeting the tips of weeds growing and approaching the plant, damaging them and thereby suppressing their growth. Example 4

[0037] The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic structure and basic principle of the weed suppression device 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a weed suppression device 4 according to the present invention. Similar to the weed suppression device 2 of Example 2, the weed suppression device 4 of Example 4 is a device for controlling vine weeds such as kudzu.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a weed control device 4 according to the present invention, and shows two types of installation methods: Figure 8(a) shows a leaning type, and Figure 8(b) shows a hanging type. The weed suppression device 4 is the same as the weed suppression device 3, but applied to a fence to control climbing weeds. The conductor 35 in Figure 7 is fixed to the fence side, and the conductor 30 in Figure 7 is connected to the electric fence line 44. Conductors 45A and 43A in Figure 8(a) are spaced 3 to 10 cm apart using insulating resin. There are no restrictions on the material of the metal net, as long as it is conductive. There are also no restrictions on the mesh structure, and it can be freely selected, including expanded metal, punched metal, plain woven wire mesh, and tortoiseshell wire mesh. The mesh size of the metal net can be 5 cm or less.

[0039] The device shown in FIG. 8(a) is a type in Example 4 that leans against the fence F at approximately 30 degrees, but the inclination angle is not particularly limited and may be leaned against any desired angle. The upper end of the device to be leaned against the fence F may be fixed with a cable tie or the like, and the lower end of 45A may be fixed by inserting a peg or the like into the ground G, but the fixing method is not particularly limited. However, 43A must be at least 3 cm away from the ground. A weed-proof sheet may also be laid near the lower end of the device. Conductor 45A is grounded so that it is positioned parallel to and 3 to 10 cm away from conductor 43A toward the fence F.

[0040] In the fourth embodiment, the upper end of conductor 45B shown in FIG. 8(b) is suspended via a bracket (not shown), but it may also be suspended by hooking it onto a wire mesh of a fence F, for example. The lower end of conductor 45B may be fixed to the ground G by inserting a peg or the like, but conductor 43B must be at least 3 cm away from the ground. Conductor 43B must also be 3 to 10 cm away from conductor 45B.

[0041] The structure of the conductor of the weed suppression device 4 according to the present invention is the same as that of the third embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Example 5

[0042] The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic structure and basic principle of the weed suppression device 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a weed suppression device 5 according to the present invention. Similar to the weed suppression device 2 of Example 2 and the weed suppression device 4 of Example 4, the weed suppression device 5 of Example 5 is a device for controlling vine weeds such as kudzu.

[0043] Elongated kudzu vines have a habit of wrapping around and climbing fences, and during periods of vigorous growth, the fence becomes covered with kudzu, but with the weed control device 2 of Example 2 and the weed control device 4 of Example 4, vine-like weeds such as kudzu may become entangled with other weeds growing from the ground and reach the top of the fence without coming into contact with the electrostatic net of the weed control device 2. The weed control device 5 can be said to be a device for dealing with such vine-like weeds such as kudzu.

[0044] See Figure 9. Weed suppression device 5 is basically a component of weed suppression device 2, and includes an electric fence 51 consisting of a conductive wire placed in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, a plurality of conductive lines 500 that constitute conductor 50 connected to electric fence 51 via charged line 54, and a plurality of earth lines 501, and these plurality of conductive lines 500 and plurality of earth lines 501 are placed alternately on the upper surface of support 53A. A support 53D having the same configuration as the support 53A is provided on the opposite side of the fence. Above the supports 53A and 53D, supports 53B and 53E having the same configuration are provided, and above these, supports 53C and 53F are provided. The supports 53B, 53C, 53E, and 53F are suspended at their upper ends via brackets (not shown), but may also be suspended by hooking onto the wire mesh of the fence F using hooks or the like.

[0045] In this way, the weed suppression device 5 can suppress the growth of vine weeds such as kudzu that get entangled with other weeds growing from the ground and reach the top of the fence without coming into contact with the electrostatic nets of the weed suppression devices 2 and 4.

[0046] While the above describes an embodiment of the weed control device of the present invention, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] By fixing the weed suppression device of the present invention to the location where weeding is desired and operating it with solar power, fully automatic weeding without manual intervention becomes possible. Furthermore, by installing it on the side of the road or in the median strip, the amount of weeding work required as usual can be reduced, ensuring worker safety and avoiding traffic congestion. Furthermore, by installing it on the mounting base of a solar power generation facility, it is expected that the work of weeding under the solar panels can also be reduced. Because this device is fully automatic and stationary, it reduces economic losses due to weed control and has wide industrial applicability as a next-generation weed management technology that does not rely on manual labor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 2 3 4 5 Weed suppression device 10 20 30 35 Conductor 200 500 Conductive line 201 501 Earth Line 202 Insulated wire 11 21 31 41 Electric fence 12 22 32 42 solar panel 13 23 33 43 45 53 Insulating support 14 24 34 44 54 Charging line Fence G ground P weeds

Claims

1. A weed suppression device comprising an electric fence consisting of a conductive wire surrounded in a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, and a conductor connected to the electric fence, The conductor is a plurality of parallel lines, each of which is a conductive line and a ground line, spaced 3 cm to 10 cm apart, When the tip of a creeping weed comes into contact with either the conductive line or the earth line and continues to grow and approach another conductive line or the earth line, an air discharge is automatically induced at the tip of the creeping weed, thereby suppressing the growth of the vines of the creeping weed.

2. The weed suppression device described in claim 1, characterized in that the conductor is an insulating net formed by placing an insulating coated wire between the conductive line and the earth line in a mesh shape, and is installed by leaning it diagonally against or hanging it from a fence installed close to the electric fence.

3. A weed suppression device comprising an electric fence including a conductive wire surrounding a desired area and a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the conductive wire, and a first conductor and a second conductor connected to the electric fence, The first conductors are arranged at predetermined intervals in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the weeds grow, When the tip of the elongated weed approaches the first conductor within 1 to 2 cm, an electric charge is supplied to the first conductor to generate an electrostatic field, and an air discharge is generated from the charged first conductor toward the tip of the weed, Furthermore, the second conductor is an insulating net formed by arranging a plurality of parallel lines, each of which is a conductive line and an earth line, spaced 3 cm to 10 cm apart, and by disposing an insulating coated wire between the conductive lines and the earth lines to form a mesh, and by placing the insulating net at an angle against or hanging from a fence located close to the electric fence, when the tip of a climbing weed comes into contact with either the conductive line or the earth line and then extends further to approach the other conductive line or the earth line, an air discharge is automatically induced at the tip of the climbing weed. A weed suppression device characterized by:

4. The weed suppression device described in claim 1, characterized in that the conductor is a conductive net formed by placing insulating coated wires between the conductive line and the earth line in a mesh shape, the conductors are arranged in two layers 3 to 10 cm apart and are leaned diagonally against or hung from a fence installed close to the electric fence, and the conductor of the two layers that is on the outer side of the fence is installed at a distance of 3 cm or more from the ground.

5. The weed suppression device described in claim 1, wherein the conductor is a conductive net formed by placing an insulating coated wire between the conductive line and the earth line in a mesh-like shape, and the device is a combination of two layers of conductors spaced 3 to 10 cm apart, one layer leaning diagonally against a fence located close to the electric fence, and the other layer hanging from the fence.

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