Method for recycling plant resin building material

Abstract

To reuse a building material of a vegetable resin excellent in environmental preservation.SOLUTION: The method for reusing a plant resin building material includes a step of polishing a building material formed of a plant resin, a step of crushing or pulverizing the polished building material, and a step of reforming the crushed or pulverized building material again as a building material or applying the crushed or pulverized building material to soil as a fertilizer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for recycling plant-based resin building materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, methods for recycling resin building materials have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a recycling method in which discarded vinyl chloride wallpaper is crushed into flakes, iron pieces mixed in the flakes are removed by magnetic attraction, and the flakes from which the iron pieces have been removed are melted and rolled into a film to be reprocessed into vinyl chloride wallpaper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-132159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for recycling resin building materials, but does not disclose a recycling method that takes advantage of the characteristics of plant-based resins, which are excellent for environmental conservation.

[0005] One example of a problem that the present invention aims to solve is the reuse of building materials made from vegetable resins, which are excellent in environmental conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is A step of polishing a building material formed from a vegetable resin; Crushing or grinding the polished building material; The plant-based resin building material recycling method further comprises a step of reshaping the crushed or pulverized building material into a new building material or adding the crushed or pulverized building material to soil as fertilizer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reuse building materials made of vegetable resin, which is excellent in environmental conservation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a framework forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a 3D printer. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of an information processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a resin frame. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a resin frame. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reusing a plant-based resin according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reusing a vegetable resin according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reusing a vegetable resin according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] First, a system for forming a framework used in a building structure will be described as an example of a building material made from vegetable resin according to the present invention.

[0011] (Outline of framework construction system) 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a framework manufacturing system. The framework manufacturing system 100 includes a 3D (Three Dimensions) scanner 1, an information processing device 2, and a 3D printer 3. The framework manufacturing system 100 is a system used to manufacture frameworks to be used in buildings. The 3D scanner 1, the information processing device 2, and the 3D printer 3 are connected to each other via a communication network 101 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0012] The 3D scanner 1 is a device that measures the shape of an object in three dimensions and generates the measurement results as data representing the three-dimensional shape in a point cloud format, a 3D model format, or the like. The 3D scanner 1 measures, for example, the shape of the interior of a building and generates data representing the shape of the interior of the building (hereinafter referred to as interior shape data). Here, the building includes an architectural structure, and may be, for example, a house, a building, a school, a shrine, a bridge, etc.

[0013] The information processing device 2 is a device configured by a computer or the like for processing various types of information. The information processing device 2 acquires the internal shape data generated by the 3D scanner 1 and generates design data for a framework to be used in a building. Here, the information processing device 2 generates design data assuming a framework made of resin. An example of the hardware configuration and operation of the information processing device 2 will be described later.

[0014] The 3D printer 3 is a device for forming a three-dimensional object based on three-dimensional design data. The 3D printer 3 acquires the design data generated by the information processing device 2 and forms a framework to be used in a building. An outline of the internal structure of the 3D printer 3 will be described later.

[0015] (Hardware configuration example) 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0016] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0017] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0018] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0019] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information processing device 2. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as the memory unit 4.

[0020] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 2 to various input / output devices.

[0021] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 2 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network interface 1060 may be connected to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information processing device 2 may communicate with the 3D scanner 1 and the 3D printer 3 via the network interface 1060.

[0022] (Outline of the internal structure of 3D Printer 3) 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a 3D printer 3. The 3D printer 3 includes a motor 310, a drill 320, a material supply unit 330, a heater 340, a nozzle 350, and a modeling table 360.

[0023] The motor 310 rotates the drill 320. The drill 320 extrudes the material 8, such as a vegetable resin, that has been supplied to the inside of the modeling head and semi-melted by being heated by the heater 340 toward the nozzle 350 while applying pressure.

[0024] The material supply section 330 is a section including an opening for supplying the material 8 into the model-forming head.

[0025] The heater 340 is, for example, a cylindrical container that heats and melts the solid resin filled inside.

[0026] The nozzle 350 is an injection port for injecting resin. The nozzle 350 injects molten resin toward the molding table 360 ​​while moving as a whole molding head by a mechanism (not shown). The injected liquid resin cools and solidifies. In this way, a frame 9 based on the design data is formed on the molding table 360.

[0027] These internal structures of the 3D printer 3 are merely examples and may be different. The modeling method may be, for example, a material extrusion method, material jetting, powder sintering additive manufacturing, optical lithography, or other modeling methods.

[0028] (Example of framework construction system operation) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing by the information processing device.

[0029] In step S10, the information processing device 2 acquires building information from the 3D scanner 1. The building information is predetermined information related to the building, such as the internal shape data described above.

[0030] In step S20, the information processing device 2 determines the frame to be used in the building based on the building information. For example, the frame to be used in the building may be the frame of all structures fixed to the building, such as walls, floors, doors, and kitchens used in the building. Note that the frame to be used in the building is not limited to the frame of structures fixed to the building. The information processing device 2 may determine the frame in response to a specification by a user operating the information processing device 2 or by using a trained model based on machine learning. For example, the frame to be determined may be the frame of a structure presented as the interior of the building.

[0031] In step S30, the information processing device 2 generates design data for the determined framework. The generated design data is generated in a format that can be read by the 3D printer 3.

[0032] In step S40, the information processing device 2 transmits the generated design data to the 3D printer 3.

[0033] (Other design methods) In each of the above steps, the information processing device 2 may generate design data using other design methods.

[0034] For example, in step S10, the information processing device 2 may acquire, as the building information, photo data of the interior space of the building photographed by a 360-degree camera or the like, or may acquire video data.

[0035] Specifically, the building information may be obtained by performing a space scan using the following method. 1. Scanning with LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) (Point Cloud Data) 2. Take a video (image) and use Neural Radiance Field (NeRF; AI-based data augmentation) or 3D Gaussian Splatting (3D - Gaussian Splatting; add a Gaussian distribution to the point cloud obtained from the image, compare the image with the Gaussian, and optimize). etc.

[0036] The following software is known to achieve this. 1. Scanviser: Generate high-quality 3D models using only images. Supports 3D Gaussian splatting. 2. Scanat: Uses a LiDAR sensor to understand actual distances and create 3D models. Requires a smartphone / tablet device with a LiDAR sensor. etc.

[0037] Furthermore, in step S10, the information processing device 2 may acquire, as building information, information including blueprints of all structures fixed to the building, such as walls, floors, doors, kitchens, etc., assembled by the framework to be created (hereinafter referred to as structure design information). The information processing device 2 may generate the structure design information through a user operation, or may receive it from another device.

[0038] The structure design information may be composed of, for example, two-dimensional design drawings. The structure design information may also be composed of, for example, two-dimensional floor plans, elevations, and cross sections. Furthermore, the structure design information may be composed of 3D CAD (Three Dimensions Computer Aided Design) design drawings. Alternatively, the structure design information may be a 3D model in a format specialized for the design of the frame.

[0039] The information processing device 2 receives specifications for the thickness and height of the framework of the structure from the user. The user may be the owner of the building, the user of the information processing device 2, or someone else. The information processing device 2 then sets the length and the positions of openings, etc. on the blueprint based on the specified thickness, height, curvature, etc. The information processing device 2 may also modify the set positions through user operation.

[0040] The information processing device 2 extracts the range of the frame from the designed structure based on the set length and the positions of openings, etc. Then, based on the extracted range of the frame, the information processing device 2 generates design data in a format that can be read by the 3D printer 3. The generated design data may include information indicating the printable range and the shape of the frame.

[0041] (Example of a frame to be created) 5 is a first diagram showing an example of a resin frame. The frame 91 formed by the 3D printer 3 includes a shaft 911 and a joint 912. The shaft 911 is a rod-shaped part composed of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and is joined to each other by the joint 912. Note that the term "frame" may also be referred to as a "framework," "skeleton," or "base material."

[0042] 6 is a second diagram showing an example of a resin frame. A frame 92 formed by the 3D printer 3 includes a shaft 921, a joint 922, and a reinforcing portion 923. The shaft 921 is a rod-shaped portion composed of a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and is joined by a joint 912. The reinforcing portion 923 is a portion joined diagonally so as to reinforce the joint 912.

[0043] The information processing device 2 may design the diagonally joined parts without receiving instructions from the user through operation, etc. The diagonally joined parts improve the strength of the frame. Therefore, the thickness of the frame can be made thinner than before, which makes it possible to save on resin material.

[0044] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may also design, for example, a square-shaped frame. Compared to conventional frames that are constructed by combining rod-shaped, L-shaped, and other wooden components, designing a square-shaped frame increases strength, allows the components to be thinner, and allows for more flexible shaping.

[0045] 5 and 6 are examples of the frame to be generated, but other frames are also acceptable. Frames made of wood, metal, etc. often have a predetermined size, which places great constraints on their design. In contrast, resin frames allow for easy design of their shape, size, etc. Therefore, the shape of the frame is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and may be, for example, triangular, rectangular, etc., or may include curved surfaces.

[0046] (Variation) As a method for forming the framework, it is also possible for a person to form it using a mold instead of using the above-mentioned 3D printer 3. In this case, the information processing device 2 may display the generated design data on a screen such as a display (not shown) so that the data can be referenced by a person, or may print it on a medium such as paper via a printing device or the like.

[0047] (Example of resin used in framework) The resin used for the framework may be a petroleum-derived resin, a plant-derived resin, or a hybrid resin that is a mixture of these.

[0048] The resin may be a plant-derived resin, such as a mixture of one or more of cellulose resin, starch resin, lignin resin, polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan resin, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), fructose-derived polyester, bio-based epoxy resin, bio-based polyurethane, bio-based polyamide, polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate (PHBH), polypentadecanoic acid succinate (PPC), polyisosulfonic acid (PIS), polyethylene fluoride (PEF), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and hemicellulose. In addition, the material may contain at least one highly biodegradable plant-derived resin, such as starch resin, polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan resin, polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), fructose-derived polyester, polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyvalerate (PHBH), polypentadecanoic acid succinate (PPC), or polyisosulfonic acid (PIS).

[0049] When mixing multiple resins, the 3D printer 3 may extrude the resin while heating and applying pressure to form the framework. The 3D printer 3 may also have a pelletizer (a machine that creates pellets), and may extrude the resin while heating and applying pressure to form pellets. In either case, the framework is formed by using motor power to extrude the resin with a drill on a screw. By mixing different resins together, the melting point and the required heat can be adjusted.

[0050] The plant-derived resin may have a temperature of from 160° C. to 200° C. in the molten state. Alternatively, the plant-derived resin may have a temperature of from 170° C. to 200° C. in the molten state, or from 170° C. to 195° C.

[0051] The melting point of cellulose resin is not clear, and it begins to decompose when heated. Starch resin does not have a clear melting point, as it begins to decompose thermally at approximately 180°C. Lignin resin has not been reported to have a clear melting point, but it has the property of hardening or thermally decomposing when heated. The melting point of polylactic acid (PLA) is It is approximately 150°C to 160°C. Chitosan resin does not have a clear melting point, and its properties change with heat treatment. The melting point of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) varies depending on the type, ranging from approximately 160°C to 180°C. The melting point of polybutylene succinate (PBS) is approximately 115°C. The melting point of polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT) is approximately 110°C to 120°C. The melting points of fructose-derived polyesters are unclear. Bio-based epoxy resins are typically cured, so the important factor is the curing temperature, not the melting point. There are many different types of bio-based polyurethanes, and their melting points depend on the type of polyol used. The melting points of bio-based polyamides vary depending on the type, generally ranging from 190°C to 220°C. The melting point of polyhydroxybutyrate / hydroxyvalerate (PHBH) is approximately 90°C to 100°C. The melting point of polypentadecanoic succinic acid (PPC) is approximately 100°C. The melting point of polyisosulfonic acid (PIS) is unclear. The melting point of polyethylene fulcarate (PEF) is approximately 220°C to 230°C. The melting point of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) is approximately 220°C to 230°C. Because hemicellulose is a polymeric compound, it does not have a strict melting point and will decompose or thermally decompose when heated. Note that the melting point information above is for reference only and is not a definitive value.

[0052] Next, a method for reusing building materials made from plant-based resin will be described.

[0053] First Embodiment 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reusing vegetable resin according to the first embodiment. The vegetable resin may be any of the resins given as examples of resins used in the framework described above.

[0054] Step S110 is a process of polishing the building material formed from plant-based resin. The process of polishing the building material may include a process of removing dirt such as glue adhering to the building material and deburring. The building material formed from plant-based resin may be a frame formed by the above-described frame forming system 1, or may be a frame or other building material formed by another method.

[0055] Step S120 is a process of crushing the polished building materials. The process of crushing the building materials may be a process of separating the building materials into manageable sizes using a shredder, superheated steam, ultrasonic, vacuum, mill (ball mill, blade mill, hammer mill, roll mill, colloid mill, air jet mill, rotary mill, freeze mill, jet mill, etc.), mortar, chipper, explosive, compressor, etc.

[0056] Step S130 is a process of pulverizing the crushed building materials. The process of pulverizing the building materials may be a process of separating the building materials into pellets or powder using a shredder, superheated steam, ultrasonic wave, vacuum, mill (ball mill, blade mill, hammer mill, roll mill, colloid mill, air jet mill, rotary mill, freeze mill, jet mill, etc.), mortar, chipper, explosive, compressor, etc. In this process, the size of the separated building materials may be determined depending on how the building materials are to be used. For example, if the building materials are to be remodeled into building materials again, the building materials may be separated into pellets.

[0057] Step S140 may be a step of blending the crushed building material with plants or other plant-based resins. The plants to be blended may be wood pellets, flower stems, flower leaves, weeds, etc., or any other plant material. The other plant-based resin to be blended may be crushed building material from other building materials or virgin plant-based resin. In the blending step, either one or both of the plants and the other plant-based resins may be blended, or multiple types of plants or other plant-based resins may be blended.

[0058] The process of compounding the plant or plant resin may be achieved by disrupting the cells followed by compression.

[0059] It is known that unused plant-based resin accumulates heat history and deteriorates each time heat is applied to it. Therefore, by kneading the unused plant-based resin with used building materials in step S140, the deterioration of the plant-based resin can be alleviated.

[0060] In step S150, a building material is modeled using the blended vegetable resin. The process of modeling the building material may be modeling a framework using the above-described framework modeling system. That is, the blended vegetable resin may be supplied to the modeling head via the material input unit 330 provided in the 3D printer 3.

[0061] (Action and effect) According to the method for recycling plant-based resin building materials in accordance with the first embodiment, plant-based resin building materials, which are excellent for environmental conservation, can be recycled.

[0062] Second Embodiment The method for recycling a vegetable resin building material according to this embodiment further includes the step of adding the vegetable resin to soil as fertilizer in addition to the steps according to the first embodiment.

[0063] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reusing a plant-based resin according to the second embodiment. Steps S210 to S230 are the same as steps S110 to S130 shown in FIG.

[0064] In step S230, the size of the separated building materials may be determined depending on how the building materials are to be used. For example, if the building materials are to be applied to the soil again as fertilizer, the building materials may be separated into powder form. The size of the powder may be determined depending on the purpose of application to the soil, the location to apply, etc. Furthermore, if the building materials are to be applied to the soil as fertilizer, the particle size may be selected from the range of particle sizes from powder to pellets according to the decomposition speed required for the fertilizer. Step S240 is a step in which the pulverized building materials are applied to the soil as fertilizer. Note that pretreatment such as hydrolysis or microbial decomposition may be performed before this step.

[0065] (Action and effect) According to the second embodiment of the method for recycling plant-based resin building materials, plant-based resin building materials, which are excellent for environmental conservation, can be applied to soil as fertilizer. Because crushed plant-based resin building materials are compounds containing carbon, when applied to soil, the carbon in the compounds becomes nutrients for microorganisms and is decomposed. This allows for environmentally friendly recycling of plant-based resin building materials.

[0066] <Third embodiment> The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to this embodiment includes a step of extracting plant waste that is not used as building material when producing plant-based resin from plants.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for reusing a vegetable resin according to the third embodiment. Step S310 is a process of extracting plant waste that is not used as building material from plants. The extracted plant waste may contain phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, etc. In the process of extracting plant waste, the liquid or solid discharged by compression or the aforementioned crushing or pulverization may be extracted as plant waste. For example, cells may be physically broken down into powder using crushing or electromagnetic waves, and then compressed to extract water containing inorganic substances as plant waste. The building material remaining after extraction may be cell wall remains such as cellulose and hemicellulose. Furthermore, in the process of extracting plant waste, water and other nutrients (nutrients) may be extracted from the plants, and then the remaining portion after extraction may be powdered. That is, the plants may be compressed to extract the plant waste, and then powdered.

[0068] Step S320 is a process of applying the extracted plant waste to soil as fertilizer. Here, the extracted plant waste may be applied to the soil as a liquid or dried and powdered. When applied to soil as fertilizer, the plant waste may be in a particle size ranging from powder to pellets depending on the decomposition speed required for the fertilizer.

[0069] Step S330 is a process for producing a vegetable resin from the remaining portion after extracting the portion necessary for producing the vegetable resin from the plant waste.

[0070] Step S340 is a step of molding a building material using the produced vegetable resin. The produced vegetable resin may be used in the blending in step S140 shown in FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment.

[0071] (Action and effect) According to the plant-based resin building material recycling method of the third embodiment, plant waste that is not used as building material can be extracted and applied to soil as fertilizer.

[0072] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations may be adopted. The framework according to the embodiment can be manufactured on the ground or in space. Furthermore, the structure may also include space structures such as spaceships, spacecraft, and space stations (planetary bases).

[0073] The flowchart (FIG. 4) according to this embodiment is merely one embodiment. Within the scope of the present invention, processes other than those described in FIG. 4 may be included, some of the processes described in FIG. 4 may be omitted, or the order of the processes may be changed.

[0074] Furthermore, the flowcharts according to the present embodiment (FIGS. 7, 8, and 9) are merely one embodiment. Within the scope of the present invention, steps other than those described in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 may be included, some of the steps described in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 may be omitted, or the order of the steps may be changed.

[0075] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. 3D scanner 2. Information processing equipment 3. 3D printer 4. Crushing equipment 8. Materials 9 axis set 91, 92 shaft assembly 100 Frame Modeling System 101 Communication Network 310 Motor 320 Drill 330 Material input section 340 Heater 350 nozzle 360 Modeling Table 911, 912 shaft 912, 913 joint 923 Reinforcement 1010 Bus 1020 processor 1030 memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interface

Claims

1. A step of polishing a building material formed from a vegetable resin; Crushing or grinding the polished building material; A step of reshaping the crushed or pulverized building materials into building materials or adding them to soil as fertilizer; A method for recycling plant-based resin building materials.

2. In the step of crushing or pulverizing the ground building material, the building material is crushed into pellets when it is re-formed into a building material, and the building material is crushed into pellets or powder when it is applied to soil as fertilizer. The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 1.

3. A step of blending either one or both of a plant and a plant-based resin with the crushed or pulverized building material; and forming a plant-based resin building material using the building material containing either or both of a plant and a plant-based resin. The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 1.

4. The step of blending either one or both of a plant and a plant-based resin includes a step of extracting plant waste that is not used as a building material. The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 3.

5. The step of extracting plant waste that is not used as a building material includes a step of pulverizing the plant waste and then compressing it, or a step of compressing the plant waste and then pulverizing it, The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 4.

6. The step of extracting plant waste that is not to be used as a building material includes a step of extracting a liquid or solid as the plant waste by compressing, crushing or pulverizing. The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 4.

7. further comprising the step of applying the extracted plant waste to soil as fertilizer; The step of applying the plant waste as fertilizer to soil includes a step of applying the plant waste to soil in the form of a liquid or after drying the plant waste in the form of pellets or powder. The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 6.

8. When the crushed or pulverized building materials are reshaped into building materials, a step of mixing unused vegetable resin with the building materials is included. The method for recycling plant-based resin building materials according to claim 1.

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