Laminate, method for manufacturing laminate, and furniture

Abstract

To provide a laminate contributing to the expansion of the reutilization use of coffee grounds.SOLUTION: The laminate (1) includes a first layer (10) mainly containing coffee grounds, and a second layer (20) laminated on the first layer (10) and having a higher strength than the first layer (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to laminates, methods for manufacturing laminates, and furniture. [Background technology]

[0002] The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations include waste management and reduction as a goal within Goal 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production." [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Development of Molded Products from Coffee Extraction Residue by Wet Extrusion Method" (Takuma Matsuoka and Hiroshi Nonaka, Journal of the Japan Institute of Energy, 100, 55-61(2021)) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Coffee is enjoyed by so many people that it is considered one of the world's three most popular beverages, and effectively reusing coffee grounds after brewing coffee has great social significance, including contributing to the SDGs mentioned above.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laminate, a method for manufacturing a laminate, and furniture that contribute to expanding the applications for recycling coffee grounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a laminate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first layer mainly containing coffee grounds, and a second layer laminated on the first layer and having a strength higher than that of the first layer.

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems, a method for manufacturing a laminate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a first layer containing mainly coffee grounds, preparing a second layer having a strength greater than that of the first layer to be laminated on the first layer, and laminating the first layer and the second layer together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] It is possible to provide a laminate or the like that contributes to expanding the uses for recycling coffee grounds. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a laminate according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a chair using a laminate according to the present disclosure as a headrest. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a granulator according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluidized bed dryer according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a table showing an example of particle size distribution when coffee grounds after a drying process are pulverized using a grinder manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0011] [Coffee grounds] Coffee grounds are the wet coffee grounds and caffeine-containing residues that remain after brewing coffee. Coffee grounds are a by-product of the coffee extraction process. Because coffee grounds are typically discarded, effectively reusing them can contribute to waste management and reduction. Coffee grounds have traditionally been partially reused. However, they have typically been used as compost or in deodorizers, where the coffee grounds are used as is.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a laminate that enables coffee grounds to be used in applications different from conventional applications, and furniture and the like that utilizes the laminate. A laminate 1 of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] [Laminate 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a laminate 1 according to the present disclosure. XYZ coordinates are shown in Fig. 1. The XY plane formed by the X and Y axes coincides with the main surface of the flat laminate 1, and the Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes coincides with the thickness direction of the laminate 1.

[0014] The laminate 1 includes a coffee grounds sheet 10 (first layer) mainly containing coffee grounds, and a wooden board 20 (second layer) laminated on the coffee grounds sheet 10 and having a strength higher than that of the coffee grounds sheet 10.

[0015] The coffee grounds sheet 10 is mainly composed of coffee grounds. "Mainly" means that coffee grounds make up the largest component by weight of the components of the coffee grounds sheet 10. For example, the weight ratio of coffee grounds in the coffee grounds sheet 10 is 50% or more.

[0016] The coffee grounds sheet 10 is made by forming coffee grounds into a sheet (described later with reference to FIG. 4). Alternatively, the coffee grounds sheet 10 may be made by drying a layer of coffee grounds that is made by stacking coffee grounds one on top of the other.

[0017] The coffee grounds sheet 10 may be formed to have an appropriate length in the XY directions. The coffee grounds sheet 10 may be formed to have an appropriate length (thickness) in the Z-axis direction. The coffee grounds sheet 10 has a thickness of 3 mm to 15 mm, for example, but is not limited to, a thickness of 3 mm to 15 mm.

[0018] The coffee grounds have a moisture content of, but not limited to, 50% or more before being formed into the coffee grounds sheet 10. Furthermore, the coffee grounds have a moisture content of, but not limited to, 1% to 5% after being formed into the coffee grounds sheet 10.

[0019] The coffee grounds do not need to be derived from a specific type of coffee bean, but may be a mixture of coffee grounds derived from multiple types of coffee beans.

[0020] The wooden board 20 is made of a material that has a higher strength than the coffee grounds sheet 10. The wooden board 20 has a higher strength than the coffee grounds sheet 10 in terms of tensile strength, compressive strength, and shear strength. The wooden board 20 is not limited to a specific type, and may be, for example, beech, oak, teak, or cypress. The material of the wooden board 20 may be selected depending on the application of the laminate 1, so a wide variety of laminates 1 can be provided to suit the preferences of users.

[0021] The wooden board 20 may be replaced with a material (metal, glass, resin, paper, ceramic, etc.) that has higher strength than the coffee grounds sheet 10.

[0022] The wooden board 20 may have the same length in the X and Y directions as the coffee grounds sheet 10. The wooden board 20 may be thicker than the coffee grounds sheet 10. This makes it easier for the wooden board 20, which is thicker than the coffee grounds sheet 10, to ensure the strength of the laminate 1.

[0023] The wooden board 20 may have a thickness similar to that of the coffee grounds sheet 10. Furthermore, since the wooden board 20 is stronger than the coffee grounds sheet 10, it may have a thickness thinner than the coffee grounds sheet 10.

[0024] The wooden board 20 is bonded to the coffee grounds sheet 10 via an adhesive or the like. The adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it is an adhesive used for bonding wood materials. The adhesive may be, for example, a synthetic resin adhesive, an alkyd adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, or a hot melt adhesive.

[0025] The laminate 1 ensures the strength of the laminate by the wooden board 20, and by using the coffee grounds as the coffee grounds sheet 10, the coffee grounds are effectively reused.

[0026] 1, in the laminate 1, at least a part of the surface of the coffee grounds sheet 10 that is not bonded to the wooden board 20 may be covered with a surface protective film 15. The surface protective film 15 may be made of a resin material (such as a fluororesin).

[0027] If the surface of the coffee grounds sheet 10 is exposed, there is a possibility that the color of the coffee grounds will adhere to the user when the user of the laminate 1 touches the surface of the coffee grounds sheet 10. Therefore, by preventing direct contact between the user and the coffee grounds sheet 10 with the surface protective film 15, the possibility of the color of the coffee grounds adhering to the user is reduced. This also applies to the laminates 2 and 3 described below.

[0028] [Laminate 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the laminate 2 according to the present disclosure. The contents explained with reference to Fig. 1 will not be explained again.

[0029] The laminate 2 includes a wooden board 30 having a strength higher than that of the coffee grounds sheet 10, which is laminated on the coffee grounds sheet 10. The coffee grounds sheet 10 is provided between the wooden boards 20 and 30.

[0030] The wooden board 30 is made of a material having a higher strength than the coffee grounds sheet 10. The wooden board 30 has a higher strength in all of tensile strength, compressive strength, and shear strength than the coffee grounds sheet 10. The wooden board 30 is not limited to a specific type, and may be, for example, beech, oak, teak, or cypress.

[0031] The wooden board 30 only needs to be stronger than the coffee grounds sheet 10, and various materials can be used for the wooden board 30. The material of the wooden board 30 can be selected depending on the application of the laminate 2, so by appropriately combining the materials of the wooden boards 20 and 30, an even greater variety of laminates 2 can be provided.

[0032] The wooden board 30 may have the same structure as the wooden board 20, including the fact that it may be replaced with a material (metal, glass, resin, paper, ceramic, etc.) that has greater strength than the coffee grounds sheet 10. For further explanation, please refer to the wooden board 20 described above.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a three-layer laminate 2. However, the laminate according to the present disclosure also includes a configuration in which there are multiple layers made of coffee grounds, and the layers made of coffee grounds are sandwiched between stronger layers. Furthermore, the laminate according to the present disclosure does not necessarily need to have the layers made of coffee grounds sandwiched between stronger layers; for example, the laminate may be composed of four layers: a wooden board 20, a coffee grounds sheet 10, a wooden board 30, and a coffee grounds sheet 10. In this case, the bottommost coffee grounds sheet 10 is not sandwiched between stronger layers. Such a configuration is also included in the present disclosure.

[0034] [Laminate 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a laminate 3 according to the present disclosure. The contents explained with reference to Fig. 1 etc. will not be explained again.

[0035] The laminate 3 is formed by laminating, from the top in Fig. 3, the wooden board 20, the coffee grounds sheet 10, the wooden board 30, the coffee grounds sheet 10, and the wooden board 40. The wooden board 40 may have the same configuration as the wooden board 20 described with reference to Fig. 1 and / or the wooden board 30 described with reference to Fig. 2. Therefore, a description of the wooden board 40 will be omitted.

[0036] The laminate 3 has at least a portion of a curved portion 35. The degree of curvature of the curved portion 35 may be set appropriately. The curved portion 35 may be formed by high-frequency processing using a high-frequency generator.

[0037] A method for forming the curved portion 35 using a high frequency generator will be described below.

[0038] First, a flat laminate 3 is prepared before being subjected to high frequency treatment.

[0039] Next, a forming die is prepared for curving the laminate 3. This forming die is designed to match the final shape and is formed so as to enclose the region to be heated by high frequency waves.

[0040] Thereafter, the laminate 3 before being subjected to the high frequency treatment is placed in a mold.

[0041] Next, the high frequency generator is activated to generate high frequency electromagnetic waves, for example, from several tens of kilohertz to several megahertz.

[0042] Then, the high-frequency electromagnetic waves vibrate the molecules inside the wooden board 20, the coffee grounds sheet 10, the wooden board 30, the coffee grounds sheet 10, and the wooden board 40 that make up the laminate 3, generating frictional heat. This frictional heat raises the temperature of the laminate 3, and the plasticity of the laminate 3 increases.

[0043] Finally, the laminate 3 is removed from the mold, yielding a laminate 3 having curved portions 35. The temperature of the laminate 3 is then lowered, which causes the laminate 3 to harden again and maintain the shape of the curved portions 35.

[0044] The material and thickness suitable for high frequency processing may be selected for the wooden boards 20, 30, and / or 40. For example, if the wooden board 20 is a beech board, the thickness may be set to, but is not limited to, 12 mm or less.

[0045] The laminate 3 may have a plurality of curved portions 35. The laminate 3 may have the curved portions 35 at any positions. The curved portions 35 may have any degree of curvature.

[0046] The laminate 3 has a curved portion 35, which allows it to be suitably incorporated into an object having a curved portion of the same shape. For example, when the laminate 3 is incorporated into furniture, the laminate 3 can enhance the design of the furniture and stimulate general consumers' desire to purchase the furniture. This promotes the cycle of recycling coffee grounds, achieving great social significance, including contributing to the SDGs.

[0047] [Method for manufacturing laminate] An example of a method for producing a laminate according to the present disclosure will be outlined with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing a laminate according to the present disclosure.

[0048] First, in S40, the raw materials, coffee grounds and a binder, are charged into a mixer. In S40, in addition to the coffee grounds and the binder, water may also be charged into the mixer. The mixer may be, for example, a known mixer.

[0049] The coffee grounds are the coffee grounds remaining in the coffee filter, and may be prepared in various states, such as in the shape of the coffee filter (cone shape) or in a state where the original cone shape has been broken.

[0050] The binder is a component that binds the raw coffee grounds together. The binder may be a common resin (such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol (PEG), or acrylic resin). The binder may be replaced with another material that can bind the coffee grounds. For example, the binder may be cellulose and citric acid, which can bind the coffee grounds together through a cross-linking reaction between the cellulose and citric acid. Using a natural material such as cellulose as a binder can provide a more environmentally friendly laminate.

[0051] In S40, the coffee grounds, binder, and water may be added to the mixer in an appropriate ratio to bind the coffee grounds. For example, dried coffee grounds (water content: approximately 5%) are mixed with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in a ratio of 8:2 to 5:5, and water is added in an amount of 70 to 200% of the solid weight.

[0052] Next, in S42, the coffee grounds and binder (hereinafter referred to as "mixture") discharged from the mixer are supplied to, but not limited to, a kneading extrusion molding machine.

[0053] More specifically, the mixture is fed to a feed section of a kneading extruder. Next, the mixture is rotated and advanced by a screw. The screw also serves to knead the mixture. At this time, the mixture may be vacuum degassed. Vacuum degassing serves to remove air and / or bubbles from the mixture, improve the uniformity of the mixture, improve the kneading efficiency, and / or prevent oxidation. Next, the mixture kneaded by the screw is pressurized toward a die (mold) and extruded out of the kneading extruder through multiple holes in the die.

[0054] Next, in S44, the mixture extruded out of the kneading extruder is formed into a thin sheet using, but not limited to, a roller or the like.

[0055] Then, in S46, the mixture formed into a sheet is placed on a conveyor and subjected to a drying process. The dried mixture is cut into an appropriate size and used as the coffee grounds sheet 10.

[0056] After the above steps S40 to S46, the preparation of the sheet-shaped coffee grounds is completed.

[0057] Forming the coffee grounds into a sheet provides various advantages, such as uniform quality and / or characteristics of the coffee grounds sheet 10, increased production efficiency of the coffee grounds sheet 10, and ease of processing the coffee grounds sheet 10 into different shapes and / or sizes.

[0058] Next, in S48, the wooden board 20 is prepared. The wooden board 20 is made of wood such as a beech board. The size of the wooden board 20 may be set in consideration of the shape, thickness, etc. of the coffee grounds sheet 10.

[0059] Finally, in S50, the coffee grounds sheet 10 and the wooden board 20 are laminated together to obtain the laminate 1.

[0060] 〔furniture〕 The laminate 1, laminate 2, and laminate 3 according to the present disclosure may all be incorporated into furniture. An example of this will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a chair 50 that uses the laminate 3 according to the present disclosure as a headrest.

[0061] 5, a chair 50 includes a laminated body 3 that functions as a headrest. The laminated body 3 may not constitute the entire headrest of the chair 50, but may constitute only a part of the headrest.

[0062] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the laminate according to the present disclosure is applied to furniture, and may be used for furniture other than chairs (such as desks, shelves, storage fixtures, partitions, and coat hangers).

[0063] Coffee grounds have an aromatic effect that spreads the coffee aroma throughout a space, and a deodorizing effect that adsorbs and removes unpleasant odor components within the space. When the laminate 1 according to the present disclosure is incorporated into furniture and there are areas of the laminate 1 where no surface protective film is formed, furniture that has the aromatic effect and deodorizing effect of the coffee grounds can be provided. In this way, a laminate can be provided that contributes to expanding the uses (furniture, etc.) for reusing coffee grounds.

[0064] [Processing of raw materials (coffee grounds)] The coffee grounds according to the present disclosure do not need to be subjected to any particular treatment, but by reducing the particle size of the coffee grounds, it is possible to realize a sheet made of coffee grounds with higher strength and more stable quality, and a laminate including such a sheet. The treatment for reducing the particle size of the coffee grounds will be explained below with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

[0065] [Granulation process] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a granulator 60 according to the present disclosure.

[0066] The granulator 60 includes a screw 61 that sends coffee grounds introduced into the granulator 60 via a hopper (not shown) forward (towards a die 64, which will be described later), and a screw case 62 that holds the raw material (coffee grounds). The screw 61 causes the coffee grounds to reach an extrusion blade 63. The granulator 60 also includes a die 64 with multiple holes, and a die holder 65 that supports the die 64. The extrusion blade 63 presses the coffee grounds in the direction of the die 64, causing the coffee grounds to pass through the multiple holes in the die 64 to the outside of the granulator 60.

[0067] Any known granulator may be used as the granulator 60, but extrusion granulation is preferred because it is easy to obtain coffee grounds of the desired particle size and to control the particle size. The granulator 60 may be, for example, a front extrusion type, a dome extrusion type, a side extrusion type, or a vacuum extrusion type, but a front extrusion type or a dome extrusion type is preferred to reduce the effect of moisture contained in the coffee grounds. As an example, the granulator 60 may be an EXDF type granulator manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.

[0068] Granulation conditions can be set appropriately. For example, the die 64 may have an extrusion hole diameter of 3 mm to 10 mm. The screw 61 may rotate at a rotation speed of, for example, 60 rpm to 100 rpm.

[0069] The extrusion granulation device according to the present disclosure may be an extruder. Generally, an extruder has an internal screw, mixes raw materials, and extrudes the raw materials after subjecting them to processes such as heating and / or pressurization, thereby shaping the raw materials. The extruder may be either a single-screw or twin-screw type.

[0070] [Drying process] In the drying step, the coffee grounds granulated in the granulation step are dried to a predetermined moisture content. A known dryer may be used for the drying step, for example. An example of such a dryer will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluidized bed dryer 70 according to the present disclosure.

[0071] The fluidized bed dryer 70 shown in Fig. 7 is a continuous fluidized bed dryer. A known technology (device) may be adopted for the dryer. As an example, the fluidized bed dryer 70 may be a DFA type fluidized bed dryer manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.

[0072] Fluidized bed dryer 70 is a device that fluidizes and dries coffee grounds by blowing hot air or drying air into the bottom of the dryer, thereby obtaining dried coffee grounds. Fluidized bed dryer 70 has a main body 71, a blower 72, a heat exchanger 73, branch pipes 74, an exhaust fan 75, a cooling blower 76, a material inlet 77, a material outlet 78, and a fluidizing plate 79. Fluidizing plate 79 has many holes.

[0073] The main body 71 defines the outer shape of the fluidized bed dryer 70, and the interior where the drying air flows in is divided into multiple rooms. In the example of FIG. 7, the lower part of the main body 71 is divided into five rooms R1 to R5. A blower 72, a heat exchanger 73, and two branch pipes 74 are connected to R1 and R2. An exhaust fan 75 is provided above (on the exhaust side of) R1 and R2. The same configuration is applied to R3 and R4.

[0074] The blower 72 is provided below (on the intake side of) R1 and R2 and sends air outside the main body 71 to R1 and R2. The air sent to R1 and R2 is sucked in by the exhaust fan 75 and exhausted from the exhaust fan 75 to the outside of the main body 71.

[0075] The heat exchanger 73 warms the air sent from the blower 72. The air heated by the heat exchanger 73 is then sent to two branch pipes 74 connected to R1 and R2, respectively. The temperature of the air sent to the branch pipes 74 is set to, for example, 60°C to 120°C.

[0076] The air sent to the branch pipe 74 is then supplied to the inside of R1 and R2, passes through the fluidization plate 79, passes through the coffee grounds being transported in the direction from the material inlet 77 to the material outlet 78, and is exhausted from the exhaust fan 75.

[0077] The above description may be similarly applied to R3, R4, and the blower 72 and the like disposed below R3 and R4, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] R5 is located between R4 and the material outlet 78. A cooling fan 76 is provided below R5. No heat exchanger 73 is provided between the cooling fan 76 and R5. Therefore, the air taken in from the cooling fan 76 is supplied to R5 without being heated, passes through the fluidization plate 79, passes through the coffee grounds being transported to the material outlet 78, and is exhausted from the exhaust fan 75.

[0079] The coffee grounds are supplied into the main body 71 from the material inlet 77 and are transported by overflow from the material inlet 77 toward the material outlet 78, during which time they dry. The dried coffee grounds are then discharged from the material outlet 78 to the outside of the main body 71. It takes, for example, 30 to 40 minutes for the coffee grounds with a high moisture content to become dried coffee grounds and be discharged from the material outlet 78 to the outside of the main body 71. In this way, while passing from the material inlet 77 to the material outlet 78, the coffee grounds are exposed to the drying air warmed by the heat exchanger 73, which reduces their moisture content and turns them into dried coffee grounds.

[0080] As mentioned above, coffee grounds usually have a moisture content of 50% or more. These coffee grounds change into coffee grounds with a desired moisture content depending on the intended use, depending on the time they pass through the fluidized bed dryer 70, the temperature at which the external air is heated by the heat exchanger 73, and other factors. Therefore, the moisture content of the coffee grounds discharged from the material outlet 78 is not uniquely determined.

[0081] The coffee grounds become hot and dry as they pass from the material inlet 77 to the material outlet 78, but as they pass through R5, they are exposed to the air that has entered the main body 71 from the cooling blower 76 and the temperature drops. The cooled coffee grounds are then carried out from the material outlet 78 to the outside of the main body 71.

[0082] The fluidized bed dryer 70 is a device that utilizes the excellent mixing, gas contact, and heat transfer properties of a fluidized bed for drying. As a result, the fluidized bed dryer 70 quickly transfers heat between the drying air and the coffee grounds. This allows the fluidized bed dryer 70 to prevent uneven drying of the coffee grounds and to stably process large amounts of coffee grounds.

[0083] [Crushing process] In the grinding process, the dried coffee grounds obtained in the drying process are ground to a predetermined standard. For example, a known grinder may be used for the grinding process. One example is the "IM-150(G)" manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.

[0084] The grinder finely grinds the material (dried coffee grounds) by impact and friction between fixed pins and high-speed rotating pins. More specifically, the dried coffee grounds are fed into the material inlet and are finely ground by impact and friction between the rotating grinding pins rotating at high speed and the fixed grinding pins.

[0085] In the crusher, the crushed product is discharged without retention, so it is less susceptible to the effects of heat.

[0086] An example of particle size distribution will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a table showing an example of particle size distribution when coffee grounds after the drying process are ground using a grinder manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd. ("IM-150(G)"). The upper part of the table shows the particle size distribution of the coffee grounds before the grinding process, and the lower part of the table shows the particle size distribution of the coffee grounds after the grinding process. The grinder's high-speed rotating pin is set to a rotation speed of 14,000 rpm. The coffee grounds are adjusted to have a moisture content of 3 to 4%.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, before the grinding process, the coffee grounds had a particle size of 500 μm or more, which accounted for 32.1% (= 4.4 + 13.5 + 14.2) of the total. In contrast, after the grinding process, the coffee grounds had a particle size of 500 μm or more, which was significantly reduced to 5.0% of the total. By appropriately adjusting the rotation speed of the grinder's high-speed rotating pins, the coffee grounds can be ground into smaller or larger particles.

[0088] According to the above configuration, coffee grounds with a high moisture content are granulated and dried to an easily drying state, and the dried coffee grounds are then pulverized to a desired predetermined standard in a pulverization process. By reducing the particle size of the coffee grounds in this manner, the strength and quality of the coffee grounds sheet made from the coffee grounds can be improved. As a result, a laminate including a coffee grounds sheet with higher strength and more stable quality can be realized. As a result, coffee grounds can be reused in applications that have not been previously envisioned. One example of such applications is the aforementioned applications of laminates and furniture.

[0089] (summary) The laminate according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first layer containing mainly coffee grounds, and a second layer laminated on the first layer and having a strength higher than that of the first layer.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the strength of the laminate is ensured by the second layer, and by using coffee grounds for the first layer, the coffee grounds can be effectively reused. This makes it possible to provide a laminate that contributes to expanding the applications for recycling coffee grounds (furniture, etc.).

[0091] A laminate according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the laminate of the first aspect, wherein the second layer is made of wood.

[0092] According to the above configuration, the laminate according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is composed mainly of a first layer containing coffee grounds and a second layer made of wood, and therefore, an environmentally friendly laminate can be provided.

[0093] A laminate according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the laminate of the first or second aspect, wherein the second layer is thicker than the first layer.

[0094] According to the above configuration, the laminate according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is more likely to ensure the strength of the laminate due to the second layer being thicker than the first layer.

[0095] A laminate according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the laminate of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first layer is in a sheet form.

[0096] By forming the first layer in a sheet form, a laminate can be provided that has various advantages, such as uniform quality and / or characteristics of the first layer, increased production efficiency of the first layer, and ease of processing the first layer into different shapes and / or sizes.

[0097] The laminate according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to fourth aspects, and has at least a curved portion.

[0098] According to the above configuration, the laminate according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be suitably used for objects with curved sections (e.g., furniture such as chairs). This enhances the design of the object and stimulates general consumer purchasing interest for the object. As a result, the cycle of recycling coffee grounds is promoted, which can achieve great social significance, including contributing to the SDGs.

[0099] A laminate according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure is any of aspects 1 to 5, which includes a third layer laminated to the first layer and having a strength greater than that of the first layer, and the first layer is disposed between the second layer and the third layer.

[0100] According to the above configuration, the laminate according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure can further increase the strength of the laminate.

[0101] A laminate according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the first layer that is not bonded to the second layer is covered with a surface protective film.

[0102] If the surface of the first layer is exposed, the color of the coffee grounds may transfer to the user if the user touches the surface of the first layer. In this regard, the laminate according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure has the above-described configuration, which prevents direct contact between the user and the first layer and reduces the possibility of the color of the coffee grounds transferring to the user.

[0103] A method for manufacturing a laminate according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing a first layer containing primarily coffee grounds, preparing a second layer having a higher strength than the first layer to be laminated onto the first layer, and laminating the first layer and the second layer together.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the strength of the laminate is ensured by the second layer, and by using coffee grounds for the first layer, the coffee grounds can be effectively reused. This makes it possible to provide a laminate that contributes to expanding the applications for recycling coffee grounds (furniture, etc.).

[0105] A method for manufacturing a laminate according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure is, in the above-described aspect 8, to laminate a third layer having a higher strength than the first layer onto the first layer in the order of the second layer, the first layer, and the third layer.

[0106] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the strength of the laminate can be further increased.

[0107] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the method for producing a laminate of the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein a curved portion is formed in at least a portion thereof by high-frequency pressing.

[0108] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the laminate according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure can be obtained.

[0109] A piece of furniture according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure includes the laminate according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0110] According to the above configuration, furniture having the same effects as the laminates according to the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure can be provided.

[0111] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the disclosed technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the disclosed technical means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1, 2, 3 laminate 10 Coffee grounds sheets 15 Surface protective film 20, 30, 40 wood board 35 Curved section 50 Chair 60 Granulator 61 Screw 62 Screw Case 63 Extrusion blade 64 dice 65 Die holder 70 Fluidized bed dryer 71 Main Unit 72 Blower 73 Heat exchanger 74 Branch Pipe 75 Exhaust fan 76 Cooling blower 77 Material input port 78 Material outlet 79 Fluid Plate

Claims

1. a first layer containing primarily coffee grounds; a second layer laminated on the first layer and having a strength higher than that of the first layer.

2. The laminate of claim 1 , wherein the second layer is wood.

3. The laminate of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second layer is thicker than the first layer.

4. The laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is in the form of a sheet.

5. The laminate according to claim 1 or 2, which has at least a partially curved portion.

6. a third layer laminated on the first layer and having a strength higher than that of the first layer; The laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is provided between the second layer and the third layer.

7. The laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the first layer that is not bonded to the second layer is covered with a surface protective film.

8. providing a first layer comprising primarily coffee grounds; preparing a second layer having a strength higher than that of the first layer to be laminated on the first layer; and laminating the first layer and the second layer.

9. The method for producing a laminate according to claim 8 , further comprising laminating a third layer having a strength higher than that of the first layer on the first layer in the order of the second layer, the first layer, and the third layer.

10. The method for producing a laminate according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the curved portion is formed at least in part by high-frequency pressing.

11. A piece of furniture comprising the laminate of claim 1 or 2.

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