DE10312953A1 - Process for separating composite bodies - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for separating composite bodies which have at least one inner layer or a core made of foam and an outer layer or outer covering at least partially covering the foam layer or the foam core made of textile material, plastic, synthetic leather or leather. In order to achieve a simple and as pure as possible sorting of the composite body, a liquid is introduced into the transition area between the inner layer or the core and the outer layer or the outer shell. The composite body is then subjected to a microwave or ultrasonic wave treatment.

Description

The invention relates to a method for separating composite bodies, the at least one inner layer or a core of foam and at least the foam layer or the foam core partially covering outer layer or Outer shell textile material, plastic, synthetic leather or leather.

Composite body of the aforementioned Kind of become big Scope e.g. in the automotive industry, the furniture industry or the Consumer Goods Industry used. In the automotive industry, i.a. Sitting and Back elements headrests but also covers, cladding, center consoles or dashboards as a composite manufactured. The composite bodies described above are produced often through the so-called rear foam technology. Here are the mostly pre-treated upholstery fabrics or preformed plastic outer skins in a reference contour following foaming inserted and back-foamed with a foam plastic. If the outer shell or the cover is made of textile materials, synthetic leather or leather, need this before the actual foaming be pretreated so that the when injecting into the foaming tool first liquid Do not foam on the outside of the cover or the like. This takes place e.g. in that the Upholstery fabrics with a 2 to 5 mm thick cut foam layer and one on the back the foam layer applied chamoise (polyethylene fabric) flame-laminated become. Here, the cut foam layer is immediately before Apply to the back the cover fabric is melted using a gas flame. By a afterwards over a roller mill compressing foam and cover material causes the melted foam to be approx. 0.2 mm deep the tissue penetrates and fixes it. The lamination so produced forms a separating layer, which prevents the liquid that is introduced during subsequent foaming Foam penetrates through the cover fabric. In the case of composite bodies produced in this way a firm connection even without separate fasteners reached between cover, lamination and foam core.

When recycling such composite body However, the problem arises that the individual layers are so are firmly connected that simple separation is not easily possible is. Such composite bodies are currently being recycled by Tear and flocculation of the entire parts, the flakes of foam, Laminating foam and fabric particles exist. Then if under the covers also seat heaters made of stainless steel wire or seat occupancy detection mats are inserted in the mix of copper wire and polycarbonate plastic, may the flakes also contaminated with these materials. The flake mix obtained in this way is currently made with the addition of adhesives with pressure to blocks pressed and processed into parts such as acoustic and absorption parts. To End of this part life is due to the high contamination Recycling only possible thermally.

Even with conventional cover technology the upholstery fabrics are usually made for easier reference poster carrier made of polyurethane often with a cut foam layer and one on the back applied fabric layer flame-laminated. Here also results the problem of a sort-free separation of fabric and foam.

In the EC directive for end-of-life vehicles From September 18, 2000, concrete measures have already been taken laid down on the prevention of vehicle waste and on reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery target end-of-life vehicles and their components. The manufacturers should especially for that ensure that parts are manufactured and constructed in such a way that they can be recycled and recycling is simplified.

The object of the invention is a Process to create a simple and as pure as possible separation of foam and cover or outer layer for foam-backed parts and laminated fabrics.

This task is accomplished through a process solved with the features of claim 1. Appropriate configurations and advantageous Developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention is in the transition area between the inner layer or core and the outer layer or the outer shell first Liquid, preferably introduced water. Then the entire composite body of a microwave or subjected to ultrasonic wave treatment. Through the wave treatment the liquid brought in so big Vibration moves that connection between the outer layer or the outer shell and the inner foam layer or the foam core on simple Way solved can be. Such an effect is with such high efficiency through normal heat treatment or not reachable by steam.

This process is particularly well suited for removing upholstery fabrics from foam-backed parts or laminated fabrics. For example, a headrest covered with fabric, leather or synthetic leather or an upholstered part of a motor vehicle can be relative can be recycled in a simple and cost-effective manner and sent for separate recycling.

If it is the outer layer or outer shell around you textile or a fabric, the liquid can expediently in that the composite body with the liquid sprayed which is then up to the transition area can penetrate. The composite body but can also be in the liquid be immersed. For leather, synthetic leather or plastic, the liquid inserted or injected by needle puncture. The liquid can from the front or back the outer layer or outer shell introduced become. As a liquid can expediently Water is used, the additional Minerals can be added.

Other special features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

In the following the procedure on Example of a fabric covered and with the back-foaming process manufactured component, e.g. a headrest or an upholstered part of a Motor vehicle described. For the separation of fabric cover and foam core becomes the component first on the outside sprayed with a fine water mist (approx. 3 bar). The water is from the fabric cover recorded and sinks to the transition area between the cover fabric and the lamination foam. After a The entire foam-backed component is given the specified exposure time exposed to microwave radiation of approx. 200 to 1000 watts. After this treatment, the fabric cover can be almost free of foam particles from the upholstery carrier be removed.

In the case of foam-backed leather covers the water or other suitable liquid using the finest Needle puncture in the transition area brought by foam and leather. This can be done from both the front (Piercing of the leather) as well as from the back (piercing the Foam).

Experiments have shown that by adding minerals to the liquid, here is chromium salt especially proven the peeling effect is increased and shorten the treatment time can be.

In addition to that described above Treatment of the composite body with microwaves the for the separation of vibrations used by an ultrasonic generator, such as. an ultrasonic sonotrode.

The invention is not based on the above described separation of foam and fabric or leather with foam-backed parts and laminated fabrics. It is everywhere can be used wherever possible sort-free separation of composite bodies with a core or a inner layer of foam and an outer layer or an outer shell textile material, leather, synthetic leather or plastic can be achieved should.

Claims (9)

Method for separating composite bodies which have at least one inner layer or a core made of foam and an outer layer or outer covering made of textile material, plastic, synthetic leather or leather at least partially covering the foam layer or the foam core, characterized in that in the transition area between the a liquid is introduced into the inner layer or the core and the outer layer or the outer shell and that the composite body is subsequently subjected to a microwave or ultrasonic wave treatment. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite body is sprayed with the liquid. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite body immersed in the liquid becomes. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid through the composite body Needle puncture is introduced. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid injected into the composite body becomes. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that the liquid outer layer or outer shell introduced from the front and / or the rear becomes. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that as a liquid Water is used. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that of the liquid Minerals, preferably chromium salt, are added. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that the composite body a foam-backed Component with a cover made of textile material, leather or synthetic leather is.