Complex separation method

Abstract

To enable efficient and highly accurate separation of resin from metal. [Solution] The composite separation method of the embodiment includes a separation step in which, targeting a composite molded with a resin that is insulating to a metal, a predetermined electrical circuit is used to generate Joule heat in the metal, the Joule heat is conducted to the resin through the interface between the metal and the resin, and the resin is melted or thermally decomposed, thereby separating the resin from the metal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a composite separation method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, industrial power equipment used in power transmission systems, distribution systems and the like often includes a composite composed of a metal serving as a current path and an insulating resin that achieves insulation between the metal and another metal or the ground. In addition, in order to satisfy electrical specifications, such composites are strictly designed from the aspects of preventing the generation of voids (air) in the adhesive interface between the metal and the insulating resin (hereinafter abbreviated as "resin") and in the resin, and preventing peeling at the adhesive interface, so the mechanical strength of the resin is often very high. In particular, in a molded product obtained by molding a resin onto a metal, the adhesive strength between the metal and the resin is extremely high. As a method for increasing the adhesive strength, methods such as sandblasting and knurling, which increase the surface roughness of the metal side, are employed to enhance the anchor effect. In addition, a coupling material is sometimes used as a method for enhancing the chemical bonding of materials.

[0003] On the other hand, regarding the global supply and demand balance of metals, it is expected that demand will exceed supply in the future. Therefore, there is a demand for circulating the circular economy loop with high efficiency and maximizing the utilization of secondary resources. Regarding separation, which is part of the circular economy loop (in particular, separation of resin from metal), manual disassembly or crushing and pulverization treatment are generally used at present. However, manual disassembly requires long processing time and is not suitable for mass processing, while crushing and pulverization treatment has low processing accuracy (for example, it is difficult to separate such that almost no metal is mixed into the resin side and almost no resin remains on the metal side), resulting in a low recycling rate. This tendency is particularly strong in the case of molded products in which resin is firmly adhered to metal.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Literature 1

[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a composite separation method that enables efficient and highly accurate separation of resin from metal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The composite separation method of the embodiment includes a separation step in which, targeting a composite molded with a resin that is insulating to a metal, a predetermined electrical circuit is used to generate Joule heat in the metal, the Joule heat is conducted to the resin through the interface between the metal and the resin, and the resin is melted or thermally decomposed, thereby separating the resin from the metal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration used to implement the composite separation method according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the cross-sectional shape of composite 1 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 conceptually illustrates how the temperature of the resin 12 rises due to heat transfer from the metal 11 to the resin 12. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example (part 1) of composite 1 with two exposed metal areas. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example (part 2) of composite 1 with two exposed metal areas. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a first device for generating Joule heat by resistance heating, as an example of a Joule heat generation device 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a second device for generating Joule heat by induction heating, as an example of a Joule heat generation device 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the magnetic flux generated from the coil shown in Figure 7 and composite 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing how the entire metal 11 of the cylindrical composite 1 is heated by the supply of a large amount of electrical energy. [Figure 10] Figure 10 conceptually illustrates how only the surface of the metal 11 on the interface F side of the cylindrical composite 1 is heated with a smaller supply of electrical energy than in the case of Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a top view showing an example (part 1) of composite 1 in which there are no more than two exposed metal parts. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of composite 1 in the BB portion shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a top view showing an example (part 2) of composite 1 in which there are no more than two exposed metal areas. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of composite 1 in the CC section shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a separation process when the temperature applied to the resin 12 by heat conduction is in a temperature range that does not lead to the thermal decomposition of the resin 12. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a separation process when the temperature applied to the resin 12 by heat conduction is in the temperature range that leads to the thermal decomposition of the resin 12. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the basic procedure for the separation process. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the first step in the process for determining the heating method. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows the processing procedure (part 2) for determining the heating method. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the specific processing procedure for step S14 (separation of thermoplastic resin) in Figure 17. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific processing procedure of step S15 (separation processing of thermosetting resin) in FIG. 17. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a system used for carrying out the composite separation method according to an embodiment. In addition, FIG. 2 shows an example of the cross-sectional shape of the composite 1 shown in FIG. 1. However, what are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. Configurations and shapes different from those in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be employed.

[0010] The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a composite 1, a Joule heat generator 2, an imaging device 3, and an information processing device 4.

[0011] The composite 1 is an object to be subjected to separation processing described later, and as shown in FIG. 2, is a molded product obtained by molding a metal 11 with an insulating resin 12 (hereinafter abbreviated as "resin 12"). In the example of FIG. 2, interfaces F between the metal 11 and the resin 12 exist on both sides of the center line CL of the metal 11 with the center line CL interposed therebetween. In the composite 1, the adhesive strength between the metal 11 and the resin 12 at the interface F is extremely high, and the metal 11 has been subjected to a surface roughening treatment such as sandblasting or knurling for increasing the surface roughness on the metal 11 side, whereby the anchor effect of the resin 12 is enhanced.

[0012] The Joule heat generator 2 is equipped with an electrical circuit including a power supply and wires for applying electrical energy to the metal 11. In order to separate the resin 12 from the metal 11, the electrical circuit generates Joule heat in the metal 11, and conducts (transmits) this Joule heat to the resin 12 through the interface F between the metal 11 and the resin 12, thereby melting or thermally decomposing the resin 12. The strength of the electrical energy can be adjusted by the operator operating the Joule heat generator 2. If the resin 12 is a thermoplastic resin, the resin 12 is melted by the Joule heat. On the other hand, if the resin 12 is a thermosetting resin, the resin 12 is thermally decomposed by the Joule heat.

[0013] Figure 3 conceptually illustrates how the temperature of the resin 12 rises due to heat transfer from the metal 11 to the resin 12. As shown in Figure 3, when Joule heat generated in the metal 11 is transferred from the metal 11 to the resin 12, the resin 12 is heated from the vicinity of the interface F, and the temperature rises from the resin portion 12a on the interface F side of the resin 12. If electrical energy is continuously applied or the applied electrical energy is increased, melting or thermal decomposition occurs in the resin 12, and ultimately the resin 12 is separated from the metal 11.

[0014] The imaging device 3 is used to photograph the composite 1 when electrical energy is applied to the metal 11 by the Joule heat generator 2, and is used, for example, to observe how far the melting or thermal decomposition of the resin 12 is progressing, centered on the interface F between the metal 11 and the resin 12.

[0015] The information processing device 4 is, for example, a computer and includes a storage unit 41, a display unit 42, an input unit 43, a control unit 44, and the like.

[0016] The memory unit 41 stores information about the composite 1 and images captured by the imaging device 3. Information about the composite 1 includes, for example, the structure of the metal 11, the number of exposed metal parts, and information indicating the type and properties of the resin 12. If the resin 12 is a thermoplastic resin, information indicating the melting point of the material is also included. If the resin 12 is a thermosetting resin, information indicating the thermal decomposition properties of the material is also included.

[0017] The display unit 42 displays various information stored in the memory unit 41, as well as images captured by the imaging device 3.

[0018] The input unit 43 receives input operations from an operator that instruct the reading of information stored in the storage unit 41 or the display of information in the display unit 42.

[0019] The control unit 44 is responsible for controlling the entire information processing device 4, and controls the operation of the storage unit 41, the display unit 42, and the input unit 43.

[0020] (Details of Joule heat generator 2) The Joule heat generator 2 may be a device for generating Joule heat in the metal 11 of composite 1 by resistance heating (hereinafter referred to as the "first device") or a device for generating Joule heat in the metal 11 of composite 1 by induction heating (hereinafter referred to as the "second device"), and one of these may be selectively adopted. In other words, the device used will differ depending on whether the heating method is "resistance heating" or "induction heating". Examples of the configuration of each device will be described later.

[0021] Examples of how each device can be adopted include the following:

[0022] (1) If there are two or more exposed metal parts in the composite 1, and a certain level of resistance heating occurs when these two or more exposed metal parts are connected to a predetermined power supply and energized, then it is decided to adopt the first device.

[0023] (2) If there are no two or more exposed metal parts in composite 1, it is decided to adopt the second device.

[0024] (3) If there are two or more exposed metal parts in the composite 1, but no resistance heating above a certain level occurs when these two or more exposed metal parts are connected to a predetermined power supply and energized, then it is decided to adopt the second device.

[0025] (4) Regardless of whether or not there are two or more exposed metal parts in composite 1, it is decided to adopt the second device.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an example (part 1) of composite 1 that has two exposed metal areas.

[0027] The composite 1 shown in Figure 4 consists of a metal 11 and a resin 12, and the metal 11 has two exposed metal portions C1 and C2. The portion of metal 11 connecting both exposed metal portions C1 and C2 extends linearly along the center line CL of the metal 11, and by connecting the exposed metal portions C1 and C2 to a predetermined power supply and applying current, a certain level of resistance heating can be generated. In the case of such a composite 1, the first device is employed.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an example (2) of composite 1 with two exposed metal sections, in both a top view and a cross-sectional view. Figure 5(A) is a top view of composite 1. Figure 5(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the composite 1 at section AA shown in Figure 5(A).

[0029] The composite 1 shown in Figure 5 also consists of metal 11 and resin 12, and the metal 11 has two exposed metal portions C1 and C2. The portion of metal 11 connecting both exposed metal portions C1 and C2 extends in a curved shape along the center line CL of the metal 11, and by connecting the exposed metal portions C1 and C2 to a predetermined power supply and applying current, a certain level of resistance heating can be generated. In the case of such a composite 1, the first apparatus is also employed.

[0030] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a first device for generating Joule heat by resistance heating, as an example of a Joule heat generation device 2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the first device, which is an example of a Joule heat generator 2, consists of a circuit comprising electrodes E1 and E2 connected to two exposed metal parts (corresponding to the exposed metal parts C1 and C2 described above) of the metal 11 in a cylindrical composite 1, a wire 21 connected to the electrodes E1 and E2, and a power supply (DC power supply) 22 connected to the wire 21. In this example, the composite 1 corresponds to an energizing element such as a molded coil or a conductive part of a switchgear.

[0032] Electrodes E1 and E2 are attached to the exposed metal part, for example, by screws or welding. The power supply 22 is, for example, a capacitive element such as a capacitor or a generator. In the case of a capacitive element such as a capacitor, it is configured to charge electrical energy into the capacitive element and release the charged electrical energy when needed to supply it to the metal 11. In the case of a generator, it is configured to supply electrical energy to the metal 11 from the generator. When electrical energy is supplied to the metal 11, Joule heat is generated. As described above, the Joule heat generated in the metal 11 is transferred from the metal 11 to the resin 12 through the interface F, and when melting or thermal decomposition occurs in the resin 12, the resin 12 is ultimately separated from the metal 11.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a second device for generating Joule heat by induction heating, as an example of a Joule heat generation device 2. Figure 8 conceptually shows the relationship between the magnetic flux generated from the coil shown in Figure 7 and the composite device 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 7, the second device, which is an example of a Joule heat generator 2, consists of a circuit comprising, for example, an electric wire 23 that forms a coil (a coil that generates magnetic flux) spirally wound around a cylindrical composite 1, and a power supply (AC power supply) 24 connected to the electric wire 23.

[0035] The power source 24, as with power source 22, is a capacitive element such as a capacitor or a generator. When electrical energy is supplied from power source 24 through the wire 23, as shown in Figure 8, the high-frequency magnetic flux generated from the coil passes through the inside of the metal 11, and eddy currents that cancel out the magnetic flux are generated inside the metal 11. Joule heat is generated in the metal 11 due to the relationship between the generated eddy currents and the resistance of the metal 11. As mentioned above, the Joule heat generated in the metal 11 is transferred from the metal 11 to the resin 12 through the interface F, and when the resin 12 melts or undergoes thermal decomposition, the resin 12 is ultimately separated from the metal 11.

[0036] To efficiently separate the resin 12 from the metal 11, the so-called skin effect may be utilized. The skin effect refers to the concentration of current on the metal surface when high-frequency current and magnetic flux are applied to the metal. To achieve separation of the resin 12 from the metal 11, only the surface layer on the interface F side of the resin 12 needs to be melted or thermally decomposed (e.g., embrittlement or carbonization). This can be achieved by the skin effect, allowing the resin 12 to be separated from the metal 11 with a small amount of electrical energy.

[0037] Figure 9 conceptually shows, in a cross-sectional view, how the entire metal 11 of the cylindrical composite 1 is heated by a large supply of electrical energy. Figure 10 conceptually shows, in a cross-sectional view, how only the surface on the interface F side of the metal 11 of the cylindrical composite 1 is heated by a smaller supply of electrical energy than in Figure 9.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, heating the entire metal 11 (gray area) requires a large amount of electrical energy. In contrast, as shown in Figure 10, heating only the surface 11a on the interface F side of the metal 11 (gray area) requires less electrical energy than in the case of Figure 9.

[0039] When generating Joule heat by resistance heating, for example, the frequency of the current should be increased until only the surface layer on the interface F side of the resin 12 becomes brittle or carbonized. When generating Joule heat by induction heating, for example, the frequency of the magnetic flux generated from the coil should be increased until only the surface layer on the interface F side of the resin 12 becomes brittle or carbonized.

[0040] As mentioned above, if there are no more than two exposed metal parts in composite 1, the second device is used to generate Joule heat by induction heating.

[0041] Figures 11 and 12 show an example (part 1) of composite 1 in which there are no more than two exposed metal areas, as a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. Figure 11 is a top view of composite 1. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the composite 1 in the BB area shown in Figure 11.

[0042] The composite 1 shown in Figures 11 and 12 consists of a metal 11 and a resin 12, with only one exposed metal portion of the metal 11. In such a structure, even if the two furthest apart exposed portions of the metal 11 are energized by the first device, the current flows along the shortest distance on the surface of the metal 11 and does not flow through the bottom of the metal 11. Therefore, Joule heat cannot be generated across the entire interface F, and separation of the resin 12 from the metal 11 cannot be achieved. Thus, in this case, the second device is used to generate Joule heat by induction heating.

[0043] Figures 13 and 14 show an example (2) of composite 1 in which there are no more than two exposed metal parts, in a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. Figure 13 is a top view of composite 1. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the composite 1 in the CC section shown in Figure 13.

[0044] The composite 1 shown in Figures 13 and 14 consists of metal 11 and resin 12, with no exposed metal parts. In such a structure, it is not possible to energize it using the first device, so the second device is used to generate Joule heat by induction heating.

[0045] The structures shown in Figures 11 and 12, 13 and 14 can be seen, for example, in embedded metal parts that are mechanical fastening parts of switchgears.

[0046] (Melting of thermoplastic resins and thermal decomposition of thermosetting resins) If the resin 12 is a thermoplastic resin, as mentioned above, the resin 12 will melt due to Joule heating. Specifically, when the temperature applied by heat conduction exceeds the melting point of the material, the resin melts, and thus separation of the resin 12 from the metal 11 can be achieved.

[0047] On the other hand, if the resin 12 is a thermosetting resin, as mentioned above, the resin 12 is thermally decomposed by Joule heating. However, in the case of thermosetting resins, the separation process differs depending on the temperature range of the temperature applied by thermal conduction.

[0048] First, referring to the conceptual diagram in Figure 15, we will explain an example of a separation process when the temperature applied to the resin 12 by heat conduction is in a temperature range that does not lead to the thermal decomposition of the resin 12.

[0049] Figure 15(a) shows how Joule heat generated in the metal 11 is conducted to the resin 12, and the resin portion 12a on the interface F side of the resin 12 is heated. As a result, thermal stress and external forces are generated at the same time as embrittlement, as indicated by the two types of arrows, and the resin portion 12a becomes brittle.

[0050] Figure 15(b) shows how the resin portion 12a has become brittle, and how delamination and cracking have occurred at some weak points near the interface F of the resin portion 12a. When the strength of thermal stress or external force exceeds the adhesive strength between the metal 11 and the resin 12, delamination occurs at the interface F.

[0051] Figure 15(c) shows how a crack in the resin portion 12a propagates near the boundary between the metal 11 and the resin portion 12a. At this time, frictional force remains due to the roughened surface of the metal 11, and delamination does not propagate at the interface F.

[0052] Figure 15(d) shows the further progression of delamination and cracking in the resin portion 12a. At this time, the adhesive force is also neutralized in part of the interface F.

[0053] Figure 15(e) shows how a crack that has progressed in the resin portion 12a causes most of the resin 12 to separate.

[0054] Furthermore, if delamination occurs across the entire adhesive surface (the entire interface F), the entire resin 12 will separate from the metal 11.

[0055] Furthermore, if the thermal stress or external force occurring at the same time as embrittlement does not exceed the strength of delamination, increasing the applied electrical energy and generating Joule heat again can cause the strength of the external force to exceed the strength of delamination, thereby achieving separation of the resin 12.

[0056] Furthermore, even if delamination does not occur across the entire adhesive surface, resin 12 separation can be achieved by performing the electrical energy application process multiple times.

[0057] Next, referring to the conceptual diagram in Figure 16, we will describe an example of a separation process when the temperature applied to the resin 12 by heat conduction is in the temperature range that leads to the thermal decomposition of the resin 12.

[0058] Figure 16(a) shows how Joule heat generated in the metal 11 is conducted to the resin 12, causing the resin portion 12a on the interface F side of the resin 12 to heat up and become brittle.

[0059] Figure 16(b) shows the progression of brittleness in the resin portion 12a, leading to thermal decomposition (carbonization). At this time, the adhesive force at interface F is also neutralized.

[0060] Figure 16(c) shows how most of the resin 12 separates due to thermal decomposition (carbonization) of the resin portion 12a.

[0061] Furthermore, if thermal decomposition occurs across the entire bonding surface (the entire interface F), the entire resin 12 will separate from the metal 11.

[0062] Furthermore, even if thermal decomposition does not occur across the entire bonding surface, separation of the resin 12 can be achieved by applying electrical energy multiple times.

[0063] (Separation process procedure) The processing procedure for the separation treatment using the composite separation method according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 17 to 21.

[0064] First, the basic procedure for the separation process will be explained with reference to Figure 17.

[0065] In Figure 17, the operator obtains information about the composite 1 to be separated (including the structure of the metal 11, the number of exposed metal parts, the type and properties of the resin 12, information indicating the melting point of the material if the resin 12 is a thermoplastic resin, and information indicating the thermal decomposition properties of the material if the resin 12 is a thermosetting resin), and stores this information in the storage unit 41 of the information processing device 4 (step S11). The information stored in the storage unit 41 is useful in various judgment and decision-making processes, but not all of the information is necessarily used. The information should be used as needed.

[0066] Next, the operator determines the heating method ("resistance heating" or "induction heating") according to a predetermined procedure (step S12). In the case of "resistance heating," a device for generating Joule heat by resistance heating (first device) is adopted as the Joule heat generator 2. In the case of "induction heating," a device for generating Joule heat by induction heating (second device) is adopted as the Joule heat generator 2. The specific procedure for determining the heating method will be described later.

[0067] Next, the operator determines the type of resin 12 ("thermoplastic resin" or "thermosetting resin") (step S13). However, this determination is not necessarily required and may be omitted. If the determination is made, the operator can adjust the applied electrical energy so that optimal heat conduction occurs for the separation of that type of resin 12, while being mindful of the characteristics of that type of resin 12.

[0068] If the resin 12 is a "thermoplastic resin," a separation process (separation process for thermoplastic resin) is performed to separate the resin 12 from the metal 11 by "melting" the thermoplastic resin with Joule heat (step S14). That is, an electrical circuit consisting of a Joule heat generator 2 (the "first device" or "second device" corresponding to the heating method determined in step S12) generates Joule heat in the metal 11, conducts this Joule heat from the interface F to the resin 12, and separates the resin 12 from the metal 11 by "melting" the resin 12. The specific procedure for this process will be described later.

[0069] If the resin 12 is a "thermosetting resin," a separation process (separation process for thermosetting resin) is performed to separate the resin 12 from the metal 11 by "thermal decomposition" of the thermosetting resin using Joule heat (step S15). Specifically, an electrical circuit consisting of a Joule heat generator 2 (the "first device" or "second device" corresponding to the heating method determined in step S12) generates Joule heat in the metal 11, conducts this Joule heat from the interface F to the resin 12, and separates the resin 12 from the metal 11 by "thermal decomposition" of the resin 12. The specific procedure for this process will be described later.

[0070] Next, with reference to Figures 18 and 19, the specific processing procedure for step S12 (determination of heating method) in Figure 17 will be described.

[0071] Here are two examples of processing procedures for determining the heating method. Figure 18 shows processing procedure (1) for determining the heating method. Figure 19 shows processing procedure (2) for determining the heating method.

[0072] • Procedure for determining the heating method (Part 1) In the first step of the process for determining the heating method, as shown in Figure 18, the operator determines whether or not there are two or more exposed metal parts in the composite (step S21).

[0073] If there are two or more exposed metal parts, it is determined whether a certain level of resistance heating can be generated by connecting the two or more exposed metal parts to the power supply 22 and energizing them using the electrical circuit configured in the first device described in Figure 6 (step S22).

[0074] If it is possible to generate a certain level of resistive heating, it is decided to perform a resistive heating process that generates Joule heat by resistive heating using the electrical circuit configured in the first apparatus described above (step S23).

[0075] On the other hand, if there are no more than two exposed metal parts in step S21, or if a certain level of resistance heating cannot be generated in step S22, it is decided to perform an induction heating process in which Joule heat is generated by induction heating, which is produced by applying magnetic flux generated from a coil formed in the electric wire 23 connected to the power supply 24 to the metal 11 using an electrical circuit consisting of the second device described in Figure 7 (step S24).

[0076] • Procedure for determining the heating method (Part 2) In the second step of the procedure for determining the heating method, as shown in Figure 19, the worker decides to perform an induction heating process that generates Joule heat by applying magnetic flux generated from a coil formed in the electric wire 23 connected to the power supply 24 to the metal 11, using the electrical circuit composed of the second device described in Figure 7, regardless of whether there are two or more exposed metal parts in the composite 1 (step S31).

[0077] Next, with reference to Figure 20, the specific processing procedure for step S14 (separation of thermoplastic resin) in Figure 17 will be described. 7 In Figure 20, the operator uses an electrical circuit composed of a Joule heat generator 2 (the "first device" or "second device" corresponding to the heating method determined in step S12) to generate Joule heat in the metal 11 by resistance heating (applying electrical energy) and heat the interface side of the resin 12 by heat conduction (steps S41, S42). At this time, the operator may adjust the applied electrical energy with reference to information indicating the melting point of the material. Based on the image obtained from the imaging device 3, the operator observes the progress of the melting of the resin 12 and determines whether the resin 12 has melted to the point of separation (step S43). If the resin 12 has not melted to the point of separation, the applied electrical energy is increased (step S44), and the process from step S41 is repeated. If the resin 12 has melted to the point of separation, the separation process is terminated.

[0078] Next, with reference to Figure 21, the specific processing procedure for step S15 (separation of thermosetting resin) in Figure 17 will be described.

[0079] In Figure 21, the operator uses an electrical circuit composed of a Joule heat generator 2 (the "first device" or "second device" corresponding to the heating method determined in step S12) to generate Joule heat in the metal 11 by resistance heating (applying electrical energy) and heat the interface side of the resin 12 by heat conduction (steps S51, S52). At this time, the operator may adjust the applied electrical energy with reference to information indicating the thermal decomposition characteristics of the material. Based on the image obtained from the imaging device 3, the operator observes the progress of the thermal decomposition of the resin 12 and determines whether or not the resin 12 is undergoing thermal decomposition (step S53). If the resin 12 is undergoing thermal decomposition, the operator determines whether or not delamination of the resin 12 has occurred over the entire adhesive surface (the entire interface F) (step S54). If delamination of the resin 12 has occurred over the entire adhesive surface, it is considered that separation of the resin 12 has been achieved, and the separation process is terminated. If delamination of the resin 12 has not occurred over the entire adhesive surface, the process from step S51 is repeated.

[0080] On the other hand, if the resin 12 has not undergone thermal decomposition in step S53, it is determined whether the thermal stress exceeds the peeling strength (step S55). If the thermal stress does not exceed the peeling strength, the applied electrical energy is increased (step S56), and the process from step S51 is repeated. If the thermal stress exceeds the peeling strength, it is determined whether the peeling of the resin 12 has occurred over the entire adhesive surface (the entire interface F) (step S57). If the peeling of the resin 12 has not occurred over the entire adhesive surface, the process from step S51 is repeated. If the peeling of the resin 12 has occurred over the entire adhesive surface, it is considered that the separation of the resin 12 has been achieved, and the separation process is terminated.

[0081] (summary) As described in detail above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a composite separation method that enables efficient and highly accurate separation of resin from metal.

[0082] For example, according to one embodiment, by generating Joule heat in the metal without manual dismantling or crushing, resin can be efficiently separated from the metal, thus shortening processing time and enabling large-scale processing without difficulty. Furthermore, high-precision separation is possible, making it possible to separate the materials so that almost no metal is mixed into the resin and almost no resin remains on the metal. In addition, it can be used for molded products in which the resin is strongly bonded to the metal, and the recycling rate can be increased.

[0083] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...composite, 2...Joule heat generator, 3...imaging device, 4...information processing device, 11...metal, 12...resin, 21...electric wire, 22...power supply, 23...electric wire (including coil), 24...power supply, 41...storage unit, 42...display unit, 43...input unit, 44...control unit, C1, C2...exposed metal parts, CL...centerline, E1, E2...electrodes, F...interface.

Claims

1. The present invention relates to a composite molded from a resin that is insulating to a metal, and includes a separation step in which, using a predetermined electrical circuit, Joule heat is generated in the metal, and the Joule heat is conducted to the resin through the interface between the metal and the resin, causing the resin to melt or thermally decompose, thereby separating the resin from the metal. Complex separation method.

2. The composite has two or more exposed metal parts, and when the two or more exposed metal parts are connected to a predetermined power supply and energized, a certain level of resistive heating occurs, and the process includes a step of deciding to perform a resistive heating treatment to generate Joule heat through such resistive heating. The method for separating a complex according to claim 1.

3. If there are no two or more exposed metal parts in the composite, the step includes deciding to perform an induction heating treatment in which Joule heat is generated by induction heating caused by applying a magnetic flux generated from a coil connected to a predetermined power source to the metal, thereby generating Joule heat. The method for separating a complex according to claim 1.

4. If the aforementioned resistance heating above a certain level does not occur, the process includes a step of deciding to perform an induction heating treatment in which Joule heat is generated by induction heating caused by applying a magnetic flux generated from a coil connected to a predetermined power source to the metal, The method for separating the complex according to claim 2.

5. The process includes determining whether or not there are two or more exposed metal portions in the composite, and whether or not to perform an induction heating treatment in which Joule heat is generated by induction heating caused by applying a magnetic flux generated from a coil connected to a predetermined power source to the metal, The method for separating a complex according to claim 1.

6. In the separation step, If the resin is a thermoplastic resin, the resin is melted by the Joule heating. The method for separating a complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In the separation step, If the resin is a thermosetting resin, the resin is thermally decomposed by the Joule heat. The method for separating a complex according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images