Apparatus and method for cutting textiles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for bi-directionally cutting textile, comprising a first and a second cutting machine, the first cutting machine comprising parallel first and second horizontal shafts, the first shaft being positioned above the second shaft, the first and the second shaft each comprising two or more axially spaced cutting rollers, each cutting roller comprising a spacer and at least one cutting disk, the cutting rollers of the first and the second shaft being arranged alternately, the second cutting machine comprising a movable first cutting blade and a fixed second cutting blade, the first cutting blade being movable in a first plane, and an angle of at least 0.5° and at most 35° being present between the first and the second cutting blade when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The invention also relates to a method for bi-directional cutting of textiles and a use.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CUTTING TEXTILE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a use for bi-directional cutting of textile, more particularly for recycling purposes in which fibers are recovered.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] At present only a limited percentage of all textile is recycled, of which only a part is recovered into new usable fibers. An important cause is the lack of technical solutions to mechanically separate the textile. On the one hand, non-recyclable parts such as buttons and zippers must be removed; on the other hand, the textile pieces must have correct dimensions in order to be recycled. If the textile is cut into pieces that are too large, there is a high probability that a cut piece of textile will include an interfering material such as a button or a zipper, or that the textile consists of different types of fibers, as a result of which the piece of textile cannot be recycled. When the textile is cut into very small pieces, more cut pieces of textile will contain no interfering materials and will consist of only one type of fiber, so that these pieces of textile can in principle be recycled. The drawback is that the fiber length in these pieces of textile is too short to lead to high-quality recovered fibers. It is therefore important to be able to cut the textile to be recycled, in a consistent manner in both a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, into strips with more or less equal dimensions.

[0006] An apparatus for cutting textile in both a longitudinal and a transverse direction is described in KR101433364. In this apparatus, fabric is unwound from a roll and cut in the longitudinal direction by means of a first cutter and then in the transverse direction by means of a second cutter. The drawback of this known apparatus is that it is only suitable for cutting fabric that is unwound from a roll. It is not suitable for cutting used textile, for example garments that are supplied in a thick layer on a conveyor belt, in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The cutters would not be able to cut through the thick layer and certainly not through possible interfering materials, such that the textile is not cut and, in the worst case, the apparatus jams or is even damaged. US 2017 / 165861 discloses an apparatus and method for producing and cutting a specific stream of polymers, namely a superabsorbent polymer. The apparatus and method comprise an injector for injecting a superabsorbent polymer, a first cutting apparatus for primary cutting of the superabsorbent polymer, and a second cutting apparatus for secondary cutting of the superabsorbent polymer. The first cutting apparatus is arranged parallel to the direction of the material flow. The second cutting apparatus cuts perpendicular to the direction of the material flow. The method and the apparatus are specifically designed for the homogeneous cutting of homogeneous mono-materials that do not contain interfering materials. These flows are likewise not complex and contain no interfering materials. In addition, the method and apparatus are specifically aimed at avoiding agglomeration of the superabsorbent material.

[0007] CN 213971428 discloses a rapid cutting machine for rubber, comprising a workstation including: two mounting plates which are vertically mounted on the left and right sides of the top of the worktable; a cutting mechanism centrally placed on top of the worktable; a first conveyor belt horizontally fixed to the top of the worktable, behind the cutting mechanism; and a first cutting plate located below the cutting mechanism. This high-speed rubber cutting machine makes it possible to easily adjust the cutting distance and to perform multiple cuts in a single operation using a rotary multi-disc cutter. In this way, rubber strips of different dimensions can be produced in one pass. The arrangement increases the precision and finish quality of the cutting process, reduces the number of operations for the operator, and guarantees a high processing speed. In this case, mono-materials are involved.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide at least a solution for some of the above- mentioned problems or disadvantages.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus according to claim 1.

[0011] This apparatus is advantageous for cutting a textile layer in both a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, in particular textile to be recycled originating from post-industrial waste and non-reusable textiles, hereinafter referred to as "textile". The first and the second shaft are advantageous for gripping and compressing the textile layer. By rotating the first and the second shaft, the textile layer is pulled forward and compressed between the shafts, and at the same time cut in the longitudinal direction through the entire layer by the cutting rollers. The first and the second cutting blade function as a guillotine. By moving the first cutting blade toward the second cutting blade, the textile layer is chopped into pieces in the transverse direction between the first and the second cutting blade. The angle between the first and the second cutting blade is advantageous for gradually cutting through the textile layer from one side of the layer, so that it is avoided that the second cutting machine jams. Owing to the apparatus, the textile in the layer can be effectively cut both in the longitudinal and the transverse direction, even in the presence of interfering materials such as buttons and zippers. As a result, cut pieces of textile with consistent dimensions can be obtained.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are set out in claims 2-9.

[0013] A specific preferred embodiment concerns an apparatus according to claim 4.

[0014] This preferred embodiment is particularly advantageous when cutting textile with many interfering materials such as buttons and zippers. Because the cutting rollers are mounted in a sliding manner, they can slide apart if, for example, the cutting rollers cannot cut through the interfering material. As a result, the first cutting machine will not jam and the cutting rollers will not be damaged. After the interfering material has passed, the cutting rollers will be pressed against each other by a spring mechanism or alternative force-applying mechanism, whereby the textile is again cut in the longitudinal direction. This preferred embodiment is additionally advantageous for cutting textile because the cutting pressure is adjustable according to the textile flow to be processed. This preferred embodiment is additionally advantageous for cutting a non-homogeneous textile flow because the cutting pressure is kept constant regardless of the type of textile, fiber thickness and layer thickness of the supplied textile. This ensures that the preferred embodiment can be used for both monomaterials and heterogeneous materials. This means that waste streams consisting of different types of fabrics and materials with different hardnesses do not require any change of settings.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 10.

[0016] This method has, inter alia, the advantage that textile to be recycled can be supplied in a layer and can be cut through in both a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The textile may include interfering materials such as buttons and zippers. The interfering materials will not interrupt the cutting of the textile. The method makes it possible to bi-directionally cut textile to be recycled in an automated manner and to obtain cut pieces of textile with consistent dimensions.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the method are described in dependent claims 11-14.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use according to claim 15.

[0019] This use results in automated cutting of textile to be recycled into pieces with consistent dimensions. As a result, fibers with sufficient length can be recovered from more pieces of textile, such that ultimately more textile can be recycled.

[0020] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Figures 1A and IB show a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the first cutting machine of Figure 2, after removal of the guard.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the cutting mechanism of the first cutting machine.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a detail drawing of a movable cutting blade of a second cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by the skilled person in the technical field of the invention. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained. As used in this document, the articles "a", "an" and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more segments.

[0029] The terms "comprise," "comprising," "consist of," "consisting of," "provided with," "include," "including," "contain," "containing," are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, as known from or disclosed in the prior art.

[0030] Quoting numerical intervals by the endpoints comprises all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, these endpoints included.

[0031] In the context of this document, textiles refer to flexible materials made by joining fibers, threads or yarns. Textiles can be made of natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool, of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, of semi-synthetic fibers such as viscose and lyocell, or a combination of the fibers described above.

[0032] In the context of this document, a interfering material refers to an object that is not made of textile or has no textile properties and is attached to a piece of textile, or it refers to a textile that has textile properties that differ from the textile properties of a piece of textile to be recycled and that interfere with recovery of fibers from the piece of textile to be recycled. Non-limiting examples of objects are buttons and zippers. Non-limiting examples of textiles are labels and pockets made of synthetic fibers in, for example, a pair of jeans.

[0033] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for bi-directional cutting of textile.

[0034] By bi-directional is meant that the textile is cut according to a longitudinal direction and according to a transverse direction.

[0035] The apparatus comprises a first cutting machine for cutting the textile in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming longitudinally cut textile. The apparatus comprises a second cutting machine for cutting, in the transverse direction, the longitudinally cut textile. The apparatus comprises a feed direction in which, in an active state of the apparatus, textile is fed through the apparatus, that is, the longitudinally cut textile is fed from the first cutting machine to the second cutting machine. The feed direction is preferably according to the longitudinal direction. The transverse direction is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0036] This apparatus is advantageous for cutting a textile layer in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, in particular textile to be recycled. Owing to the apparatus, the textile in the layer can be effectively cut both in the longitudinal and the transverse direction, even in the presence of interfering materials such as buttons and zippers. As a result, cut pieces of textile with consistent dimensions can be obtained. In this respect, the apparatus is advantageous because it is capable of obtaining fibers that are large enough to be further processed and small enough to include only one type of fiber. In addition, the apparatus is strong enough to cut interfering materials such as buttons, zippers and seams without extra operations.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the first cutting machine comprises a first horizontal shaft and a second horizontal shaft. The first and the second shaft are preferably horizontal. The first and the second shaft are parallel. The first and the second shaft are transverse to the longitudinal direction. The first shaft is positioned above the second shaft. The first shaft comprises two or more axially spaced cutting rollers. The second shaft comprises two or more axially spaced cutting rollers. Each cutting roller comprises a spacer and at least one cutting disk. The at least one cutting disk is a disc-shaped element with a ground outer perimeter. A cutting roller preferably comprises two cutting disks. In this embodiment the longitudinally cut textile is formed in the first cutting machine, after which it then reaches the second cutting machine.

[0038] The at least one cutting disk is preferably a metal disc-shaped element, more preferably a steel disc-shaped element, and even more preferably a hardened steel disc-shaped element. The cutting disk preferably has a thickness of at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, even more preferably at least 4 mm and even more preferably at least 5 mm. As a result, the cutting disk is sufficiently strong to avoid that, when cutting an interfering material, the cutting disk is damaged. The cutting disk rotates with the shaft to which it is attached.

[0039] The spacer is preferably a cylindrical element. The spacer has a diameter that is at most equal to a diameter of the at least one cutting disk. The spacer has a diameter that is preferably at most 50 mm smaller than the diameter of the at least one cutting disk, more preferably at most 45 mm, even more preferably at most 40 mm and even more preferably at most 35 mm. The spacer is preferably made of metal or plastic. The spacer is suitable for maintaining a spacing in an axial direction between two cutting disks of the same cutting roller. The two cutting disks are then placed, according to the axial direction, against two opposite ends of the spacer. The at least one cutting disk is preferably attached to the spacer. For example, the at least one cutting disk is bolted to the spacer or attached to the spacer in another suitable manner.

[0040] The cutting rollers of the first shaft and the cutting rollers of the second shaft are, as seen in a direction along the first shaft, arranged alternately. This means that between every two cutting rollers of the first shaft there is always a cutting roller of the second shaft, and that between every two cutting rollers of the second shaft there is a cutting roller of the first shaft. A cutting disk of a cutting roller of the first shaft preferably always lies against a cutting disk of a cutting roller of the second shaft. As a result, a cutting interface is formed between the cutting disk of the cutting roller on the first shaft and the cutting disk of the cutting roller on the second shaft. The adjacent cutting disks preferably overlap each other in a height direction. The height direction is transverse to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0041] Preferably, the spacers on the first shaft and the second shaft are also arranged alternately as seen in the direction along the first shaft. This is advantageous because the said spacers support the textile being cut, so that the textile is not merely pushed upward by the cutting disks on the second shaft or merely pushed downward by the cutting disks on the first shaft, but is effectively cut.

[0042] Preferably, outer cutting rollers on the second shaft comprise only one cutting disk. The spacer of the outer cutting rollers is oriented outward as seen in the axial direction of the second shaft. This is advantageous because the aforesaid spacers support the textile to be cut, so that the textile is not only pressed downward by the cutting disks of the outer cutting rollers, but is also effectively cut.

[0043] The first and the second shaft are advantageous for gripping and compressing a textile layer. By rotating the first and the second shaft, the textile layer is pulled forward and compressed between the shafts, and at the same time cut in the longitudinal direction through the entire layer by the cutting rollers.

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, both cutting machines are functionally connected to each other. This means that, when the first cutting machine is placed before the second cutting machine, the outlet of the first cutting machine is coupled to the inlet of the second cutting machine. In this way, the longitudinally cut textile is guided directly from the outlet of the first cutting machine to the inlet of the second cutting machine. In an alternative embodiment, the second cutting machine is positioned before the first cutting machine, with the outlet of the second cutting machine functionally connected to the inlet of the first cutting machine. As a result, the transversely cut textile is automatically transferred from the second to the first cutting machine. By "functionally connected" is meant that the respective outlets and inlets are coupled such that the output of one machine forms the input for the other. This functional connection can be realized in various ways. In a specific embodiment, this is achieved by gravity, in which the outlet of one machine is located above the inlet of the other. In that case, the textile— depending on the configuration, cut in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction— is pushed out of the outlet, pulled into the inlet and transferred by gravity. In another embodiment, the functional connection is realized by a transport means that moves the cut textile from one cutting machine to the other. This transport means can take various forms, for example a conveyor belt, conveyor chain or robot arm, but also a roller conveyor, chute, vacuum transport system, pneumatic transport system, linear actuator, pick- and-place unit, or an automatically guided vehicle.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the second cutting machine comprises a movable first cutting blade and a fixed second cutting blade. The first and the second cutting blade are substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction. By substantially transverse is meant that, as seen in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse directions, the first and the second cutting blade form an angle with the longitudinal direction between 60° and 120°, preferably an angle between 70° and 110°, more preferably between 80° and 100°, and even more preferably between 85° and 95°. The first and the second cutting blade preferably have a linear cutting interface. The first and the second cutting blade are preferably metal cutting blades, more preferably steel cutting blades and even more preferably hardened steel cutting blades.

[0046] The first cutting blade is linearly movable in a first plane toward and away from the second cutting blade. In this case, the first cutting blade is movable from a first position, in which there is a free passage between the first and the second cutting blade, to a second position. During movement from the first to the second position, the cutting interface of the first cutting blade moves past the cutting interface of the second cutting blade. Preferably, in the first position the first cutting blade is positioned above the second cutting blade. As a result, cut pieces of longitudinally cut textile are automatically pushed away from the first and the second cutting blade, so that these cut pieces cannot further disturb the cutting.

[0047] As seen in a direction transverse to the first plane, there is an angle between the first and the second cutting blade of at least 0.5° and at most 35°. Preferably, the angle is at most 20°, more preferably at most 10°, even more preferably at most 5°, and even more preferably at most 3°. A very advantageous value is 2.5°. Preferably, the angle is adjustable. Preferably, the angle is adjustable by changing a position of the first cutting blade. It is clear that this can also be done by changing a position of the second cutting blade or by changing the position of both the first and the second cutting blade.

[0048] The first and the second cutting blade function as a guillotine. By moving the first cutting blade toward the second cutting blade, the textile layer is chopped into pieces in the transverse direction between the first and the second cutting blade. The angle between the first and the second cutting blade is advantageous for gradually cutting through the textile layer from one side of the layer, so that it is avoided that the second cutting machine jams.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first cutting machine is preferably positioned, in the feed direction, before the second cutting machine. This means that, in an active state, the textile is first cut in the longitudinal direction and then in the transverse direction. This is advantageous because this allows the longitudinally cut textile to be moved by the cutting rollers to the second cutting machine, so that additional transport elements between the first cutting machine and the second cutting machine are not necessarily required. Alternatively, the second cutting machine is positioned, in the feed direction, before the first cutting machine, in which case transversely cut textile is formed first in the second cutting machine and then reaches the first cutting machine.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first plane is at an angle of at least 45° and at most 80° relative to a horizontal line. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with a previously described embodiment in which the second cutting machine is positioned after the first cutting machine. The first plane is preferably tilted away from the first cutting machine. The first shaft and the second shaft are preferably positioned, in the height direction, higher than the cutting interface between the first and the second cutting blade. The longitudinally cut pieces of textile fall through the passage between the first and the second cutting blade. Due to the angle of the first plane, the first and the second cutting blade still cut substantially transverse to the longitudinally cut textile. At an angle of 90°, it is possible that the first cutting blade grazes the textile and simply pushes it downward, so that the textile is not cut in the transverse direction.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the first cutting machine comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the first and the second shaft. The drive mechanism comprises a first motor for rotating the first shaft and a second motor for rotating the second shaft. This embodiment is advantageous because, depending on the type of textile to be cut, a different speed can be set for the first shaft and the second shaft, thereby obtaining a differential cutting speed between the cutting rollers of the first shaft and the cutting rollers of the second shaft. This provides better cutting results depending on the type of textile. It is clear that the first and the second motor can also operate at an equal speed.

[0052] According to an alternative embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises a single motor for driving both the first and the second shaft. The drive mechanism has a different transmission ratio for obtaining a differential cutting speed between the cutting rollers of the first shaft and the second shaft. This embodiment has the same advantages as a previous embodiment with a first and a second motor, but has the drawback that the transmission ratios must be changed in order to obtain a different differential speed depending on the type of textile. It is clear that by selecting an equal transmission ratio the first and the second shaft can rotate at the same speed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises a first coupling for the first shaft and a second coupling for the second shaft for coupling the first and the second shaft to the motor. It is clear that if the drive mechanism comprises a first and a second motor, the first coupling couples the first shaft to the first motor and the second coupling couples the second shaft to the second motor. The first and second couplings make it easy to disconnect the first and second shafts, allowing the cutting rollers to be removed easily, for example in the event of wear or damage.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, a cutting disk has a diameter of at least 150 mm and at most 500 mm, preferably at least 200 mm and at most 450 mm, even more preferably at least 250 mm and at most 400 mm. A particularly advantageous value is 300 mm. As a result, the cutting disks are sufficiently large to cut through a textile layer with a thickness of up to even 250 mm. The diameter of the cutting disks can be adjusted in order to obtain a different cutting speed at the same rotational speed. Preferably, the cutting disks of both shafts have an equal diameter. Alternatively, the cutting disks on the first shaft have a different diameter from the cutting disks on the second shaft. This is advantageous for obtaining a differential speed between the cutting disks on the first and the second shaft.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting rollers are mounted in an axially slidable manner on the first and the second shaft. The cutting rollers are preferably mounted on the first and the second shaft in an axially slidable manner by means of a pin, so that the cutting rollers rotate together with the shaft on which they are mounted. At least one shaft is provided with a spring mechanism or an alternative force-applying mechanism to preload the cutting rollers of the first shaft and the second shaft against each other. Examples of an alternative force-applying mechanism are pneumatic, hydraulic, electric actuators, mechanical spindle mechanisms, mechanical screw mechanisms. The spring mechanism or the alternative force-applying mechanism exerts an axial pressure on the cutting rollers. Preferably, both shafts are provided with a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism is formed, for example, by a coil spring that is fitted over the shaft. Preferably, the spring mechanism is formed by one or more metal conical spring washers (Belleville washers) that are slid over the shaft. In this case, the spring force results from the fact that the metal conical spring washers (Belleville washers) can be elastically compressed. The conical spring washers (Belleville washers) are advantageous because they can absorb large forces. The preload can be adjusted by, for example, installing a coil spring with a different stiffness or by installing more or fewer conical spring washers (Belleville washers). Preferably, the preload is adjustable by the spring mechanism or the alternative force-applying mechanism. This can be done, for example, by compressing the spring mechanism more or less with a clamp that is displaceable on the shaft. Preferably, the force-applying mechanism is located in the spacers of the individual cutting rollers, with each cutting roller of the first shaft being pressed individually against the adjacent cutting rollers of the second shaft; alternatively, the cutting rollers of the second shaft press against the cutting rollers of the first shaft. Alternatively, the force-applying mechanism or the alternative force-applying mechanism is located at one or both ends of a shaft, with all cutting rollers being compressed together. This embodiment is advantageous to ensure that sufficient cutting force is exerted to cut the textile layer. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when cutting textile with many interfering materials, such as buttons and zippers, and when cutting thick textile layers. Because the cutting rollers are mounted in an axially slidable manner, the cutting rollers can slide apart if the cutting rollers, for example, cannot cut through the interfering material or the thick textile layer. As a result, the first cutting machine will not jam and the cutting rollers will not be damaged. After the interfering material has passed or the textile layer is thinner, the cutting rollers will again be pressed against each other by the spring mechanism or the alternative force-applying mechanism, whereby the textile is again cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the second cutting machine comprises a crankshaft for driving the first cutting blade. The crankshaft is driven by a motor, preferably an electric motor. The crankshaft converts the rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement (stroke) in the first plane. Preferably, a passage between the first cutting blade is at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm, even more preferably at least 100 mm, even more preferably at least 150 mm and most preferably at least 200 mm. The passage is preferably smaller than the stroke of the first cutting blade. The stroke is preferably between 100 mm and 600 mm. The passage preferably has a width of at least 500 mm, more preferably at least 600 mm and even more preferably at least 700 mm.

[0057] The crankshaft is advantageous in that a first cutting blade can be moved linearly in the first plane by means of a simple crankshaft and a powerful motor. The movement of the first cutting blade can easily be matched to the cutting speed of the first cutting machine. No slow linear motors or hydraulic or pneumatic actuators are required.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, a spacing between two cutting rollers on the same shaft is at least 30 mm and at most 120 mm. Preferably, the spacing is at least 40 mm and at most 110 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm and at most 100 mm, even more preferably at least 60 mm and at most 90 mm. This is advantageous for obtaining cut pieces of textile with a suitable width for maximizing fiber recovery. By tuning a feed speed of the textile and a cutting speed of the second cutting machine, pieces of textile with a similar length can be obtained. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a feed line for feeding textile and a discharge line for discharging the cut pieces of textile. The automatic feed line is configurable to supply textile with a layer thickness between 50 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 75 mm and 400 mm, even more preferably between 100 mm and 300 mm. The automatic feed line has a minimum width of 500 mm and a maximum width of 1500 mm. The automatic feed line is advantageous for further automating the bi-directional cutting of the textile, without overloading the first and the second cutting machine.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the second cutting blade forms an angle with the first plane. A first end of the second cutting blade that, in a non-cutting state, is closest to the first cutting blade lies on a first side of the first plane. Closest to the first cutting blade is as seen in the height direction. A second opposite end of the second cutting blade lies, in the non-cutting state, on an opposite second side of the first plane. The non-cutting state is when there is a passage between the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade. This is the case, for example, when the first cutting blade is in the first position. The second cutting blade is biased toward the first plane, so that the first end is pressed toward the first plane. The preload is preferably adjustable.

[0060] This embodiment is particularly advantageous to ensure that the textile is always cut in the transverse direction. When moving the first cutting blade toward the second cutting blade, the first cutting blade will make contact with the second cutting blade at a first point, close to the first end. When the first cutting blade moves further, the second cutting blade will be pressed against the preload, and there will always be only one point where the first and the second cutting blade make contact, namely where the second cutting blade crosses the first plane. This point will, during movement of the first cutting blade toward the second cutting blade, shift in a direction from the first end toward the second end. The textile is therefore always cut at only a single point, even if one or both blades are not perfectly straight. As a result, it is not possible for textile to become clamped between the first and the second cutting blade, which would cause the second cutting machine to jam.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cutting disks on the first shaft have a smooth edge, and the cutting disks on the second shaft have a serrated edge. A smooth edge is advantageous for a clean cut. A serrated edge is advantageous for pulling the textile along through the first cutting machine. This is particularly advantageous with heavy or thick textile. It is clear that, depending on the type of textile, an embodiment with serrated cutting disks on the first shaft and smooth cutting disks on the second shaft, or an embodiment with smooth cutting disks on the first and the second shaft, or an embodiment with serrated cutting disks on the first and the second shaft are likewise possible.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade have a cutting angle of at least 30° and at most 60°, preferably at least 40° and at most 50°. The cutting angle, or grind angle, refers to the angle at which the cutting edge of the blade is ground. An angle of at least 30° is advantageous for cutting hard materials, such as buttons and zippers, so that a likelihood of damage to the first and the second cutting blade is thereby limited. A cutting angle of more than 60° would result in the textile no longer being cut.

[0063] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for bi-directional cutting of textile.

[0064] The method comprises the steps of: cutting the textile in a longitudinal direction by means of a first cutting machine and forming longitudinally cut textile; and cutting the textile in a transverse direction by means of a second cutting machine.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the first cutting machine comprises a first and a second horizontal shaft. The first and the second shaft are parallel. The first shaft is positioned above the second shaft. The first and the second shaft each comprise two or more axially spaced cutting rollers. Each cutting roller comprises a spacer and at least one cutting disk. The cutting rollers of the first and the second shaft are arranged alternately as seen in a direction along the first shaft. By rotating the first and the second shaft, the textile is pulled forward between the first and the second shaft. By cutting the textile in the longitudinal direction, longitudinally cut textile is formed. The second cutting machine comprises a movable first cutting blade and a fixed second cutting blade. The first cutting blade is moved linearly in a first plane toward and away from the second cutting blade. As seen in a direction transverse to the first plane, there is an angle between the first and the second cutting blade of at least 0.5° and at most 35°. This method has, inter alia, the advantage that textile to be recycled can be supplied in a layer and can be cut through in both a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The textile may include interfering materials such as buttons and zippers. The interfering materials will not interrupt the cutting of the textile. The method makes it possible to bi-directionally cut textile to be recycled in an automated manner and to obtain cut pieces of textile with consistent dimensions.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the textile is supplied by means of a feed line with an average layer thickness of 100 mm and a maximum layer thickness of 500 mm and a nominal speed of at least 0.5 m / s and at most 2.5 m / s. The maximum layer thickness is preferably 400 mm and even more preferably 300 mm. The nominal speed is preferably at least 1 m / s and more preferably at least 1.5 m / s. This embodiment is advantageous for a high throughput of textile to be recycled, while avoiding that the textile blocks the first and / or the second cutting machine.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, during cutting the first cutting blade makes a stroke having a length of at least 100 mm and at most 600 mm. The stroke is preferably between 150 mm and 500 mm, more preferably between 200 mm and 400 mm and even more preferably between 250 mm and 350 mm. The length of the stroke makes it possible to obtain sufficient speed to cut through a thick layer of textile, while at the same time there is sufficient passage for the textile.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, a cutting speed of the first cutting machine is at least 100 mm / s and at most 200 mm / s, preferably at least 125 mm / s and at most 175 mm / s. Owing to this cutting speed, efficient cutting of the textile is guaranteed.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the textile is cut into strips having a width of at least 30 mm and at most 120 mm and a length of at least 30 mm and at most 120 mm.

[0070] Preferably, the textile is cut into strips having a width and a length of at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm and even more preferably at least 60 mm.

[0071] Preferably, the textile is cut into strips having a width and a length of at most 110 mm, more preferably at most 100 mm, even more preferably at most 90 mm and even more preferably at most 80 mm. Cut pieces of textile having a length and width of at least 30 mm make it possible to extract fibers from the pieces of textile that are sufficiently long to be suitable for spinning new yarns. On the other hand, pieces of textile having a length and width of more than 120 mm result in excessive losses because the larger the piece of textile, the greater the chance that an interfering material is attached to the piece of textile.

[0072] One skilled in the art will appreciate that an apparatus according to the first aspect is preferably configured to carry out a method according to the second aspect and that a method according to the second aspect is preferably carried out using an apparatus according to the first aspect. Each feature described in this document, both above and below, can therefore relate to any of the three aspects of the present invention.

[0073] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a use of an apparatus according to the first aspect and / or a method according to the second aspect for bi-directional cutting of textile into pieces of predetermined dimensions suitable for fiber recovery.

[0074] This use results in automated cutting of textile to be recycled into pieces with consistent dimensions. By consistent dimensions is meant that at least 60% of the pieces have dimensions that deviate by at most 35% from the predetermined dimensions. As a result, fibers with sufficient length can be recovered from more pieces of textile, such that ultimately more textile can be recycled.

[0075] In what follows, the invention is described using non-limiting figures that illustrate the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0076] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0077] Figures 1A and IB show a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The apparatus comprises an automatic feed line (1) that supplies the textile to a first cutting machine (2). In this embodiment, the automatic feed line (1) is a conveyor belt. In the first cutting machine (2) the textile is cut in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is the direction along which the automatic feed line (1) extends. After cutting, the pieces of textile fall downward, through a second cutting machine (3). In this embodiment, the second cutting machine (3) is a guillotine (3). In the second cutting machine (3) the pieces of textile are now also cut in the transverse direction. The transverse direction is transverse to the longitudinal direction and lies in a horizontal plane. Finally, the cut pieces of textile are discharged via an automatic discharge line (4).

[0079] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The first cutting machine (2) corresponds to Figure 1. The automatic feed line (1), the second cutting machine (3) and the automatic discharge line (4) are omitted in Figure 2. The part of the first cutting machine (2) that is visible in Figure 2 is the part that is directed toward the automatic feed line (1). The first cutting machine (2) comprises a first shaft (6) that is positioned parallel above a second shaft (6). The shafts (6) are clearly visible in Figures 3 and 4. Each shaft (6) is driven by a separate motor (7). The shafts (6) and the motors (7) are mounted on a frame (12). Five cutting rollers (9) are mounted on the first shaft. Each of the five cutting rollers (9) comprises a spacer (14). In the axial direction of the first shaft (6), cutting disks (10) are placed on both sides of the spacer (14). The cutting disks (10) are bolted to the spacers (14). The cutting disks (10) on the first shaft (6) have a smooth edge. Six cutting rollers (8) are mounted on the second shaft. Each of the outer cutting rollers (8) comprises a spacer (14). The two outer cutting rollers (8) have only one cutting disk (10) which, in the axial direction of the second shaft (6), is bolted to the inner side of the spacer (14). This is more clearly visible in Figure 3, where most of a guard (5) is omitted. The remaining cutting rollers (8) comprise two cutting disks (10) which are again bolted on both sides of the spacer (14). The cutting disks (10) on the second shaft (6) have a serrated edge. It is visible that the cutting rollers (9) on the first shaft (6) and the cutting rollers (8) on the second shaft (6) are arranged alternately in the axial direction of the first shaft (6). That is even more clearly visible in Figures 3 and 4. The cutting disks (10) of the cutting rollers (8, 9) abut each other and overlap each other in the height direction.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the first cutting machine of Figure 2, after removal of the guard. After removal of the guard (5) in Figure 3, the alternating positioning of the cutting rollers (8, 9) is even more clearly visible. The cutting rollers (9) are mounted on the shafts (6) in an axially slidable manner by means of pins. The cutting rollers (9) on the first shaft consist of 2 parts that are pushed apart by a force-applying mechanism (11). The force-applying mechanism provides a preload between the upper cutting rollers (9) and the lower cutting rollers (8). The preload is adjustable. The forceapplying mechanisms are incorporated in the spacers (14) of the cutting rollers (9). As a result, they are not visible in Figure 3.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the cutting mechanism of a first cutting machine. The cutting rollers (8, 9) are mounted in an axially slidable manner on the shafts (6). In the sectional view, the force-applying mechanism (11) of the upper cutting rollers (9) is clearly visible. The force-applying mechanism (11) pushes the two parts of the upper cutting rollers (9) outward. As a result, a preload is created that presses the cutting disks (10) of the upper cutting rollers (9) against the cutting disks (10) of the lower cutting rollers (8).

[0083] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] The second cutting machine (3) corresponds to Figure 1. The automatic feed line (1), the first cutting machine (2), the automatic discharge line (4) and the guard (5) are omitted in Figure 4. The part of the second cutting machine (3) that is visible in Figure 4 is the part that is directed toward the automatic discharge line (4). The second cutting machine (3) comprises a movable first cutting blade (17) that is movable in a first plane and a fixed second cutting blade (18). The fixed cutting blade (18) is fixed to a frame (19) of the second cutting machine (3). The first cutting blade (17) is moved toward and away from the second cutting blade (18) by means of a crankshaft (15) driven by an electric motor (16). The first cutting blade (17) and the second cutting blade (18) form a guillotine.

[0085] Figure 6 shows a detail drawing of a first cutting blade according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] The horizontal line represents the cutting interface of the second cutting blade (18). In Figure 5 it is clearly visible that, as seen in a direction transverse to the first plane, there is an angle (Al) between the first cutting blade (17) and the second cutting blade (18). The angle (Al) is adjustable between at least 0.5° and at most 35°. In Figure 5 the angle (Al) is 2.5°, which is a very advantageous value for cutting textile. In Figure 5 the cutting angle (A2) of the first cutting blade (17) is also indicated. In this embodiment the cutting angle (A2) is 45°.

[0087] Each of these figures shows different components and aspects of the apparatus, with emphasis on the function and design of each individual component within the entire apparatus.

[0088] The reference numerals in the figures are:

[0089] 1 = Feed line

[0090] 2 = First cutting machine

[0091] 3 = Second cutting machine

[0092] 4 = Discharge line

[0093] 5 = Guard

[0094] 6 = Axle

[0095] 7 = Electric motor of the first cutting machine

[0096] 8 = Lower cutting roller

[0097] 9 = Upper cutting roller

[0098] 10 = Cutting disk

[0099] 11 = Force-applying mechanism

[0100] 12 = Frame of the first cutting machine

[0101] 14 = Spacer

[0102] 15 = Crankshaft

[0103] 16 = Electric motor of the second cutting machine

[0104] 17 = Movable first cutting blade

[0105] 18 = Fixed second cutting blade

[0106] 19 = Frame of the second cutting machine

[0107] Al = Cutting angle

[0108] A2 = Angle between the first and the second cutting blade

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for bi-directional cutting of textile, comprising:- a first cutting machine (2) for cutting textile in a longitudinal direction and forming longitudinally cut textile, the first cutting machine (2) comprising a first and a second horizontal shaft, the first and the second shaft being parallel, the first shaft being positioned above the second shaft, the first and the second shaft each comprising two or more axially spaced cutting rollers, each cutting rollers comprising a spacer (14) and at least one cutting disk (10), the cutting rollers of the first and the second shaft being arranged alternately when viewed in a direction along the first shaft; and- a second cutting machine (3) for cutting the longitudinally cut textile in a transverse direction, the second cutting machine (3) comprising a movable first cutting blade (17) and a fixed second cutting blade (18), the first cutting blade (17) being movable linearly in a first plane towards and away from the second cutting blade (18), and an angle (A2) of at least 0.5° and at most 35° being present between the first and the second cutting blade when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting blade has a cutting angle (A2) of at least 45° and at most 80°.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cutting machine (2) comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the first and the second shaft, the drive mechanism comprising a first motor for rotating the first shaft and a second motor for rotating the second shaft.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting rollers are mounted axially slidable on the first and the second shaft, and wherein at least one shaft is provided with a force-applying mechanism for preloading the cutting rollers of the first and the second shaft against each other.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein each cutting disk (10) has a diameter of at least 150 mm and at most 500 mm.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the second cutting machine (3) comprises a crankshaft (15) for driving the first cutting blade.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein a spacing between two cutting rollers on the same shaft is at least 30 mm and at most 120 mm.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus further comprises a feed line (1) for feeding textile and a discharge line (4) for discharging the cut textile pieces, the automatic feed line (1) being configurable to feed textile having a layer thickness between 50 mm and 500 mm, the automatic feed line (1) having a minimum width of 500 mm and a maximum width of 1500 mm.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the second cutting blade forms an angle with the first plane, a first end of the second cutting blade which, in a non-cutting state, is located closest to the first cutting blade lying on a first side of the first plane, and a second opposite end of the second cutting blade which, in the non-cutting state, lies on an opposite second side of the first plane, the second cutting blade being preloaded towards the first plane such that the first end is pressed towards the first plane.

10. A method for bi-directionally cutting textile, the method comprising the steps of:- cutting textile in a longitudinal direction using a first cutting machine (2), the first cutting machine (2) comprising a first and a second horizontal shaft, the first and the second shaft being parallel, the first shaft being positioned above the second shaft, the first and the second shaft each comprising two or more axially spaced cutting rollers, each cutting roller comprising a spacer (14) and at least one cutting disk (10), the cutting rollers of the first and the second shaft being arranged alternately when viewed in a direction along the first shaft, and the textile being drawn between the first and the second shaft by rotation of the first and the second shaft to form longitudinally cut textile; and- cutting the longitudinally cut textile in a transverse direction using a second cutting machine (3), the second cutting machine (3) comprising amovable first cutting blade (17) and a fixed second cutting blade (18), the first cutting blade being moved linearly in a first plane towards and away from the second cutting blade, and an angle of at least 0.5° and at most 35° being present between the first and the second cutting blade when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the textile is supplied using a feed line (1) with an average layer thickness of 100 mm and a maximum layer thickness of 500 mm and a nominal speed of at least 0.5 m / s and at most 2.5 m / s.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first cutting blade makes a stroke with a length of at least 100 mm and at most 600 mm during cutting.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims 10 to 12, wherein a cutting speed of the first cutting machine (2) is at least 100 mm / s and at most 200 mm / s.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein the textile is cut into strips with a width of at least 30 mm and at most 120 mm and a length of at least 30 mm and at most 120 mm.

15. Use of an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and / or a method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14 for bidirectionally cutting textiles into pieces of predetermined dimensions suitable for fiber recovery.

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