Weed killer using steam

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for removing weeds occurring on paving blocks, and more specifically, to a steam-based weed removal device having a structure that kills the root portion of the weeds by cutting the weeds with a cutting blade provided at the front of an electric cart and simultaneously spraying high-temperature steam through a plurality of steam spray nozzles.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing weeds occurring on sidewalk blocks, and more specifically, to a steam-based weed removal device having a structure that cuts weeds by a trimmer equipped at the front of an electric cart while simultaneously killing the roots of the weeds by spraying high-temperature steam through a plurality of steam injection nozzles. Background Technology

[0003] Paving blocks are widely used to enhance urban aesthetics and pedestrian convenience, and athletic fields at elementary, middle, and high schools (e.g., sand fields, urethane tracks, artificial turf sections) are also extensively constructed as spaces for students' physical activities and relaxation. However, these areas share a common problem: weeds frequently grow in the gaps between blocks, on sand layers, and at track boundaries. Over time, these weeds form colonies that obstruct pedestrian and student traffic or cause damage to the urban and school landscapes.

[0004] In particular, in the case of sports fields, if weeds are left unchecked, the risk of safety accidents such as falls and injuries during exercise increases, and problems such as aesthetic degradation and increased maintenance costs intensify.

[0005] Weed removal in the gaps between paving blocks has typically been performed using portable mowers (small equipment utilizing brush cutters, cutting blades, or nylon lines). However, this portable method has the following inherent limitations, coupled with the physical properties of the unique working environment of paving blocks and traffic conditions.

[0006] First, the blade frequently comes into contact with stone roots, block edges, and protruding irregularities. Sidewalk sections have many localized irregularities due to underground root uplift, subsidence, and damage, and gravel, sand particles, or cement fragments are constantly present in the gaps between blocks.

[0007] Portable brush cutters using metal blades are prone to kickback, blade breakage, or chipping upon sudden collision with such hard obstacles. This transmits a direct impact to the operator and leads directly to safety accidents where saw blade fragments and debris fly at high speeds, potentially causing harm to the body, including the face and eyes. Even if a protective guard is installed, it is difficult to completely block debris flying to the sides and rear; similarly, nylon line systems generate large amounts of stone dust and debris as worn line ends rub against protrusions, worsening visibility and increasing secondary risks.

[0008] Second, there are significant operational constraints requiring the constant restriction of pedestrian traffic. Since sidewalks are always public spaces, failure to control access within the mowing radius, even temporarily, can lead to flying debris and contact accidents.

[0009] Accordingly, guide banners, poles, cones, etc., must be installed to divert pedestrian traffic or to divide and block off work areas, which leads to complaints and requires workers to continuously manage traffic flow. In particular, work is practically difficult during times of high pedestrian density, such as in school zones, commercial areas, and transfer routes, which limits available work hours and frequently delays construction schedules.

[0010] Third, inefficiencies in terms of time and efficiency, as well as accumulated risks, are amplified during long-distance (continuous) operations. Since portable brush cutters require the operator to walk while carrying the equipment to circulate a continuous route, work is frequently interrupted for battery charging, refueling, replacement of consumable parts (blades, nylon line), and cleaning up flying debris.

[0011] As long stretches of paving blocks are processed, musculoskeletal fatigue due to equipment weight, exposure to hand and arm vibrations, and exposure to noise and dust accumulate, leading to decreased work concentration. Consequently, the probability of safety accidents, such as blade mishandling, excessive contact with the ground, and failure to recognize flying debris, increases. Furthermore, workers must constantly evade pedestrians, bicycles, and strollers, causing frequent interruptions in the work path and significantly reducing the actual area processed per hour.

[0012] Fourth, incidental losses in terms of quality and durability follow. Frequent hard impacts by metal blades drastically reduce blade life and accelerate replacement cycles, while nylon lines repeatedly abrade the edges of paving blocks, potentially causing surface spalling and breakage. This leads to damage to assets (blocks and curbs), resulting in maintenance costs, and fine debris generated during operation enters drainage grooves and crevices, requiring additional cleaning processes.

[0013] Fifth, difficulties in safety and environmental management persist. While sufficient buffer distances and strict adherence to personal protective equipment are prerequisites for preventing third-party damage caused by flying debris, it is difficult to secure wide warning and containment spaces in actual sidewalk environments. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to high noise levels, dust, and vibration is detrimental to workers' health and causes friction with commercial businesses and residents' daily lives in busy areas.

[0014] Sixth, there are fundamental limitations to the effectiveness of weed control. Since portable brush cutters typically only cut the above-ground parts, roots and meristematic tissues survive and regenerate in short cycles. As a result, the rework cycle for the same section shortens, leading to an accumulation of total time, manpower, and costs, and in the constant maintenance of long-distance routes, repetitive and inefficient cycles become entrenched.

[0015] In short, the conventional method using portable brush cutters inherently contains structural problems, including the risk of safety accidents due to contact with the hard obstacles characteristic of paving blocks, traffic restrictions and operational inefficiencies in environments with constant public traffic, reduced work efficiency and increased cumulative risk during continuous long-distance operations, and incidental losses in terms of quality, environment, and maintenance. These limitations act as fundamental constraints on stably and safely meeting the large-scale and constant demand for paving block mowing.

[0016] Furthermore, while the spraying of herbicides, a chemical method, can be considered as a partial alternative for removing weeds from sidewalks, its use is significantly limited in urban environments and presents the following problems.

[0017] First, there are concerns regarding environmental pollution and harm to human health. Sidewalk blocks are mostly located in high-traffic areas such as pedestrian walkways, areas adjacent to commercial districts, around schools, and parks. If herbicides are sprayed in such places, the chemicals can seep into streams through the soil or rainwater drainage systems, causing water pollution. Furthermore, there is a risk of direct contact or inhalation for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and pets. Particularly during the hot summer months, volatile components can spread into the air, causing discomfort to citizens and leading to health problems.

[0018] Second, there is the inevitability of traffic restrictions following herbicide spraying. Safety is ensured only by blocking pedestrian contact for a certain period immediately after spraying; however, since there is constant movement of people, bicycles, and strollers on urban sidewalks, complete blockage is practically difficult. Consequently, secondary spread issues, such as chemicals adhering to shoes and wheels and being brought indoors, can frequently occur.

[0019] Third, there is the inefficiency of repeated application. Even if herbicides kill the above-ground parts of weeds, roots or seeds may survive and germinate, leading to frequent recurrence. Consequently, herbicides must be sprayed regularly in the same areas, which, over time, not only increases costs but also causes problems such as disturbance of the soil ecosystem.

[0020] Fourth, there are legal and institutional constraints. Recently, there has been a trend toward strictly regulating or banning the use of chemical herbicides in public places from the perspectives of urban management and environmental health. Consequently, utilizing herbicides for weeding sidewalk blocks is practically difficult to implement due to administrative guidelines from public institutions or complaints from local residents.

[0021] Therefore, there is a need for technology that goes beyond simply cutting weeds to maintaining a long-term weed control effect by simultaneously cutting and destroying the weed roots with high heat. Furthermore, applying this function to ride-on electric carts can reduce worker fatigue and enable the efficient management of large walking areas.

[0022] delete Prior art literature

[65535] Patent Document 1: Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2060396-0000 (December 23, 2019) Patent Document 2: Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0034080 (March 13, 2024) The problem to be solved

[0023] The objective of the present invention is to provide a steam-based weed removal device that can effectively prevent recurrence by equipping an electric cart with a mowing device for sidewalk blocks, cutting weeds with a cutting blade, and simultaneously spraying steam to kill the roots of the weeds.

[0024] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a steam-based weed removal device that can safely respond to irregularities or protruding stones on the surface of paving blocks by elastically supporting the cutting frame of the cutting assembly. means of solving the problem

[0026] To achieve the above objective, the present invention includes the following configuration.

[0027] The electric cart-type weeding device of the present invention is composed of a structural combination in which a battery power supply unit supplies total power, a driving unit (motor and transmission gear) generates cutting force, a cutting assembly cuts grass, a shock absorber protects the cutting blade from uneven road surfaces, and a steam injection nozzle supplies high-temperature steam to the cutting part to suppress weed regeneration.

[0028] That is, the electric cart (100) according to the present invention is a work vehicle driven by a riding type, and the power of the cart is supplied by a battery in the form of a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0029] The driver can board the cart and control its movement via battery power while simultaneously performing weeding work.

[0030] A cutting assembly (200) is mounted on the front bottom surface of the electric cart (100). This cutting assembly (200) consists of a pair of crossable cutting blades (211a, 211b) and cuts grass or thin tree branches through mutual cross cutting motion when driven. The cutting blades (211a, 211b) are arranged with a width similar to the width of the cart and are designed to collectively weed an area corresponding to the cart's driving width. At this time, the cutting assembly (200) is elastically supported by the electric cart (100) through a shock absorber (230) and can be arranged in the width direction or diagonal direction to adapt to various road surface environments.

[0031] The cutting assembly (200) is detachably connected to the drive unit (220), so that it can be easily replaced in the event of wear or damage. The drive unit (220) includes a motor that rotates using the cart battery power and a transmission gear for transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the cutting blade. Thus, a series of power transmission systems consisting of a battery, a motor, a transmission gear, and a cutting blade is formed, allowing the cutting operation of the cutting blade to be stably maintained solely through power control.

[0032] The drive unit (220) is housed in a housing (222), and a buffer device (230) is attached to the bottom surface of the housing. The buffer device (230) includes an elastic member such as a spring (233) and elastically adjusts the height of the cutting blade so that the cutting blade does not directly collide with the ground when the electric cart travels on an uneven road surface, protruding paving blocks, stepped road surface, etc. That is, at the moment an obstacle is about to come into contact with the cutting blade, the housing (222) elastically rises upward to protect the cutting blade from damage, and performs an automatic restoration function to return to its original position after passing the obstacle.

[0033] In addition, the cutting blades (211a, 211b) themselves have multiple elongated holes (213, FIG. 2) formed in the longitudinal direction, and multiple steam injection nozzles (212, FIG. 2) are connected through these elongated holes. The elongated holes minimize interference so that the nozzles do not interfere with the cutting motion of the cutting blade even when the cutting blade moves back and forth. The injection nozzles (212) are connected to a steam-generating boiler equipped on a cart to inject high-temperature steam, and supply steam intensively to the weed roots immediately after cutting.

[0034] Since the cellular tissues of weeds are damaged by heat through such steam injection, causing them to lose their regenerative capacity, the process goes beyond simple cutting to achieve the additional effect of inhibiting regrowth. In other words, the cutting function of the blade and the steam injection function are organically combined, significantly improving the efficiency and sustainability of weeding operations. Effects of the invention

[0036] According to the present invention, regrowth is significantly reduced by inhibiting the activity of roots and meristematic tissues through high-temperature steam treatment simultaneously with cutting the weeds.

[0037] Large-area sections can be processed continuously and quickly using a ride-on electric cart and lift lever operation.

[0038] In addition, there is no concern for environmental pollution as chemical herbicides are not used, and the risk of flying debris and kickback is reduced through cushioning, springs, and ball casters.

[0039] In addition, by responding to road surface irregularities and protrusions, it reduces damage to cutting blades and wear on sidewalk block edges, thereby extending the lifespan of equipment and assets. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0041] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electric cart equipped with a steam-based weed removal device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the steam-based weed removal device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the one-sided cutting blade drive device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of use of the weed removal device according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0042] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0043] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention.

[0045] However, since the description of the present invention is merely an example for functional explanation, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the examples described in the text.

[0046] For example, since the embodiments are capable of various modifications and may take various forms, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include equivalents capable of realizing the technical concept.

[0047] Furthermore, since the purposes or effects presented in this invention do not imply that specific embodiments must include all of them or only such effects, the scope of the rights of this invention should not be understood as being limited by them.

[0048] In this specification, the embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. The invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0049] Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known components, well-known operations, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the invention being interpreted ambiguously.

[0050] Meanwhile, the meaning of the terms described in this invention is not limited to their dictionary meanings and should be understood as follows.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this invention have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0052] Generally, terms defined in dictionaries used should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.

[0055] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted.

[0056] In addition, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the concept and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0057] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0058] The electric cart (100) employed in the present invention is equipped with a steam generating boiler (not shown in the drawing) and a cutting assembly (200) and is driven by a battery (not shown in the drawing) power source, and the driver can sit on the cart (100) and control the operation of the cart (100) using the battery power source.

[0059] A cutting assembly (200) is mounted on the front bottom surface of the electric cart (100), and the cutting assembly (200) is composed of a pair of intersecting cutting blades (211a, 211b). The cutting assembly (200) can cut thin branches or grass as the cutting blades (211a, 211b) move in an intersecting motion.

[0060] The cutting assembly (200) is fixed to the bottom surface of the electric cart (100) through a buffer device (230) so as to be positioned in the width direction or diagonal direction of the cart (100) with a width similar to that of the electric cart (100).

[0061] The aforementioned cutting assembly (200) is detachably coupled to the drive unit (220) and can be replaced as needed. The aforementioned drive unit (220) includes a motor (not shown in the drawing) that is rotated by power and a transmission gear (not indicated in the drawing) connected to the drive shaft of the motor to transmit power to the cutting blades (211a, 211b).

[0062] The aforementioned motor can be driven by the power of a battery built into the electric cart (100). The battery may be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0063] The aforementioned shock absorber (230) may be coupled to a housing (222) including a driving device (220) and a transmission gear (not indicated in the drawing) or to the surface of the aforementioned cutting blade (211a, 211b).

[0064] A shock absorber (230) is installed on the bottom surface of the housing (222), and the shock absorber (230) is employed to protect the cutting blades (211a, 211b) and to maintain the cutting blades (211a, 211b) at a constant height from the ground when the electric cart (100) is driven and passes over the road surface conditions, such as a road surface where the paving blocks are protruding or sunken, or a road surface with uneven surfaces.

[0065] In the drawing, unexplained reference numeral 231 is a frame coupled to the chassis of an electric cart, 231a and 232a are flanges supporting a spring (233), 232 is a bearing that slidably accommodates the frame (231), and 240 is a ball caster. The ball caster is designed to be maintained slightly elevated from the ground when the electric cart is in motion.

[0066] That is, since the housing (222) of the driving device (220) is elastically raised and lowered by the spring (233), if the ball caster encounters an obstacle protruding from the surface of the paving block, the frame (231) is instantly retracted upward so that the cutting blades (211a, 211b) are not damaged and can be returned to their original position by the spring.

[0067] The aforementioned cutting blades (211a, 211b) are provided with an elongated hole (213, FIG. 2) of a certain length along their length, and a steam injection nozzle (212, FIG. 2) is connected to penetrate the elongated hole (213).

[0068] The elongated hole is intended to prevent the nozzle (212) from interfering with the reciprocating motion of the cutting blades (211a, 211b) when the aforementioned cutting blades (211a, 211b) reciprocate in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] Accordingly, high-temperature steam is sprayed from a plurality of spray nozzles (212) mounted on the cutting frame (210) and concentrated on the root portion of the cut weed. As a result, the cell tissue of the weed is damaged by heat, and regrowth is inhibited.

[0070] The electric cart equipped with a mowing device for sidewalk blocks according to the present invention has the following effects.

[0071] Since weeds are cut and treated to the roots at high temperature simultaneously, the weed control effect is maintained for a long period.

[0072] By utilizing electric carts, workers can quickly weed large areas, maximizing work efficiency.

[0073] Since it utilizes mechanical cutting and high-temperature steam, it does not use chemicals such as herbicides, so there is no concern about environmental pollution.

[0074] It responds stably to uneven road surfaces, increasing the durability of the device and ensuring operational safety.

[0075] For the time being, preferred embodiments of the present invention, including the best mode known to the inventors for implementing the present invention, have been described herein.

[0076] Applications or modifications according to these preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art through the detailed description of this specification; however, it should be noted in advance that such applications or modifications are included within the technical concept and claims in the true sense intended by the inventors.

[0078] The inventors expect that a person skilled in the art will appropriately use these variations, and the inventors intend that the invention be practiced differently from as expressly described herein.

[0079] Accordingly, the present invention includes all variations and equivalents of the subject matter described in the claims attached to this specification as permitted by applicable law.

[0080] Furthermore, any combination of the elements described above in all possible variations is included in the invention, unless otherwise indicated in this specification or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. Explanation of the symbols

[0081] 100: Electric cart 200: Cutting assembly 210: Cutting frame 211a, 211b: Cutting blade 212: Steam spray nozzle 213: Elongated hole 220: Drive mechanism 222: Drive mechanism housing 230: Shock absorber 231: Frame 231a: Flange 232: Bearing 232a: Flange 233: Spring 240: Ball caster

Claims

Claim 1 An electric cart-type weed removal device equipped with a mowing device for removing weeds from paving blocks comprises: an electric cart (100) driven by a battery and including a steam generating boiler; a cutting frame (210) including a pair of cutting blades (211a, 211b) mounted on the front bottom surface of the electric cart (100); a plurality of elongated holes (213) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cutting blades (211a, 211b); a plurality of steam injection nozzles (212) coupled to penetrate each of the elongated holes (213) and spraying high-temperature steam discharged from the steam generating boiler; a driving device (220) coupled to the cutting frame (210) and transmitting power to the cutting blades (211a, 211b); and a housing (222) accommodating the driving device (220). A steam-based weed removal device comprising a ball caster (240) coupled to the bottom surface of the cutting frame (210) to maintain a distance from the ground, and a shock absorber (230) coupled between the housing (222) and the vehicle body to cause the cutting frame (210) to move upward and return to its original position when the ball caster (240) comes into contact with irregularities or protrusions on the road surface, wherein the shock absorber (230) comprises a frame (231) coupled to the vehicle body, a bearing (232) that slidably accommodates the frame (231), a flange (231a) coupled to the outer surface of the frame (231), a flange (232a) coupled to the outer surface of the bearing (232), and a spring (233) disposed between the flange (231a) and the flange (232a). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete

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