Superheated steam and air oven for decomposition of dough products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for dismantling garments assembled at least in part with heat sensitive yarns, adhesives and / or heat detachable rivets. The system comprises at least one heating chamber connected to a means for supplying heated air or superheated steam at a temperature of 100° C. or higher to the heating chamber. The heating chamber has at least one opening through which the garment can enter the heating chamber, and the system further comprises a rotating drum section, the drum section being arranged to be positioned within the heating chamber or to move in and out of the heating chamber. Additionally, a method of using the system is also disclosed. The system and method provide an energy efficient and non-destructive means by which the fabric elements of the garment can be salvaged for further use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing dough products, in particular for breaking down dough products. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods of treating garments having multiple steps of differing nature are known in the art.

[0003] WO0186052 describes a machine that includes a vat, a piping system for circulating dye liquor, and a perforated rotatable drum removably disposed within the vat. The machine and process disclosed in WO0186052 includes chemical and mechanical processes.

[0004] Patent Document 2 (CN1459522A) describes a method for removing string- or film-like polymeric impurities from natural fibers such as cotton and silk by thermal and mechanical treatment.

[0005] Patent Document 3 (WO2019131584A1) describes a method and an apparatus for imparting partial dyeing to polyester fiber clothing products by thermochemical treatment.

[0006] A large number of specific methods and devices for breaking down dough products are known from the prior art, which include at least thermal and mechanical processes and involve different degrees of product breakdown.

[0007] EP 3845323, entitled "Apparatus for deconstructing textile waste materials" by Nunn, Karen Joy, describes an apparatus and method for thermally, chemically and mechanically treating textile materials. The method described in this document involves an initial enzymatic treatment, followed by heat treatment and then decomposition of the textile material using mechanical means. The disclosed method converts the textile material into a fiber material. As a result of this conversion, some of the original material is destroyed, making it more costly to manufacture garments from the resulting fibers and potentially reducing the quality of the garments.

[0008] WO 2019175766, entitled "Textile article and method for the production and disassembly of a textile article" by Regeneration BVBA, describes a method for producing a textile article that utilizes polymer melt yarns, allowing the textile article to be automatically or semi-automatically disassembled. Disassembly of the produced article is performed by heating the article or yarn to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature, resulting in the unraveling of seams. The method disclosed in WO 2019175766 first requires preparatory steps in which the textile article is exposed to a hot and humid atmosphere. However, these steps result in a textile article with a high level of humidity, which is detrimental to further steps of applying heat.

[0009] WO 2019106453, entitled "Recyclable quilt" by Caso, Antonio et al., describes a recyclable quilt, a machine and a relative method for recycling the quilt and a recyclable hanging quilt stitching thread. The machine and method include heating, unstitching and separating the layers of the quilt into its constituent fabric elements. The method is applied to quilts having stitching at least in part using heat-sensitive threads. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 0186052 Brochure [Patent Document 2] China Patent Publication No. 1459522 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2019 / 131584 Brochure [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 3845323 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2019 / 175766 Brochure [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2019 / 106453 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The above mentioned documents contain methods and devices that either result in excessive material degradation or there are too many types of raw materials that can be processed. Another limitation of the above mentioned methods and devices is the number of processing steps that make up the method.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a method which overcomes these drawbacks.The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method which allow the recovery of reusable textile material and which have low associated processing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention and its embodiments serve to provide a solution to one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks. To this end, the invention relates to a system for disassembling garments at least partially assembled with heat sensitive yarn, adhesive and / or thermally detachable rivets as claimed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the device are shown in any of claims 2 to 21. A further or alternative specific preferred embodiment relates to the invention as claimed in claim 3, wherein the heating chamber comprises a first and a second section before the drum section. Furthermore, a further or alternative specific preferred embodiment relates to the invention as claimed in claim 18.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 22. More specifically, the described method is directed to disassembling garments that have been at least partially assembled with heat-sensitive yarns, adhesives and / or thermally detachable rivets. In particular, the method comprises the use of a system capable of applying thermal and mechanical stress to the garments. In a preferred embodiment as claimed in claim 35, the method is carried out by means of a system as disclosed in any of claims 1 to 21. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The following description of figures of specific embodiments of the present invention are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the present teachings, their application, or uses. Corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features throughout the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention in which clothes are loaded into the system in batches. [Diagram 2]1 shows a first embodiment of the invention in which clothes are loaded into the system in batches. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which clothes are continuously fed into the system and disassembled clothes pieces are collected in a tray near the entrance to the system. [Figure 4] 1 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which clothes are continuously fed into the system and disassembled clothes pieces are collected in a tray located on the side of the system opposite the inlet. [Diagram 5] 1 shows an embodiment of the system in which the heating chamber is completely occupied by a drum. [Figure 6] 1 shows an embodiment of the invention where clothes are continuously fed into the system and passed through a two section heating chamber. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system in which a heating chamber has a first section, a second section, and a drum section. [Figure 8] 1 shows an embodiment of a drum with orifices for pieces of fabric and rivets. [Figure 9] 1 shows a heating chamber with a drum extending across the entire length of the first and second sections of the heating chamber. [Figure 10] 1 shows a heating chamber with a first drum in a first heating chamber and a second drum in a second section of the heating chamber. [Figure 11] 1 shows a heating chamber with a drum extending from a first section of the heating chamber to a second section of the heating chamber, the drum occupying only a portion of the length of each of the first and second sections of the heating chamber. [Figure 12] A heating chamber with three drums is shown. [Figure 13] A first heating chamber is shown positioned above a second heating chamber, the ends of the two heating chambers being connected by a channel and / or conveyor intermediate. [Figure 14]A first heating chamber is shown generally aligned with a second heating chamber, the two chambers being connected end-to-end via a channel and / or conveyor. [Figure 15] A first heating chamber is shown positioned above a second heating chamber, the sides of the two heating chambers being connected by a channel and / or conveyor in between. [Figure 16] 1 shows a first heating chamber connected to a second heating chamber having an output opening that is lower than the axis of the first heating chamber.

[0016] The invention is not limited to the implementation described above, and it is envisaged that several modifications can be made to the presented example of manufacture without reassessing the scope of the appended claims, for example the heating chamber can be connected to an external superheated steam circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for dismantling garments. In this context, textile products and garments are understood to be synonymous and may be used interchangeably. The garment consists of multiple elements held together by heat-sensitive yarns, adhesives and / or removable rivets. The system operates by applying thermal and mechanical loads to the garment, causing it to separate into its components. The system provides separated garments that provide a high level of mechanical integrity, advantageously allowing reuse.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As a further guide, definitions of terms are included to better understand the teachings of the present invention.

[0019] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A," "an," and "the" as used herein refer to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more compartments.

[0020] As used herein, "about" in reference to a measurable value, such as a parameter, amount, time duration, and the like, is meant to encompass a variation of no more than ±20%, preferably no more than ±10%, more preferably no more than ±5%, even more preferably no more than ±1%, and even more preferably no more than ±0.1% of the specified value, to the extent that such variations are appropriate for the practice of the disclosed invention, although it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself specifically disclosed.

[0021] As used herein, "comprise," "comprising," "comprises," and "comprised of" are synonymous with "include," "including," "includes," or "contain," "containing," or "contains," and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of, for example, subsequent components, but do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, unrecited components, features, elements, materials, or steps that are known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0022] Moreover, in this specification and claims, the terms first, second, third, etc., unless specified, are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, with it being understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0023] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0024] The terms "one or more" or "at least one," for example, one or more or at least one element of a group of elements, are themselves explicit, whereas, by way of further illustration, the terms specifically encompass reference to any one of said elements, or any two or more of the elements, for example, any >= 3, >= 4, >= 5, >= 6 or >= 7, etc., of the elements, up to and including all of the elements.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. As a further guide, definitions of terms used herein are included to better understand the teachings of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the present invention.

[0026] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, although the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appears in various places throughout this specification, not all necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and may. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure. Furthermore, some embodiments described herein include some features but not other features included in other embodiments, and combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the present invention and form different embodiments, as understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0027] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for disassembling garments at least partially assembled with heat sensitive yarns, adhesives and / or thermally detachable rivets. The system comprises at least one heating chamber connected with a means for supplying heated air or superheated steam at a temperature of at least 100° C. to the heating chamber. The heating chamber has at least one opening through which the garment can be placed into the heating chamber, and the system further comprises a rotating drum section consisting of a drum, the drum section being arranged to be positioned within the heating chamber or to move into and out of the heating chamber. The system allows for weakening and breaking the mechanical properties of any heat sensitive yarns, adhesives, thermally detachable rivets or buttons by thermal and mechanical stress. The mechanical stress is provided by the rotation of the drum while the yarns, adhesives, thermally detachable rivets or buttons are still warm.

[0028] "Heat sensitive yarn" refers to a thread with a known melting point or melting temperature, such that the thread melts when heated to a temperature within the range of the yarn's melting temperature.

[0029] "Yarn" or "thread" is used to refer to a thread made by spinning fibers, or to a filament yarn that is essentially endless and thus already formed into a yarn. In the context of the present invention, a distinction is made between "standard yarn" and "heat sensitive yarn".

[0030] In one embodiment, the heating chamber has a first and a second heating section. Preferably, each section of the heating chamber is associated with a means for supplying heated air, superheated steam or heated inert gas at a temperature of at least 100° C. Preferably, each section has one inlet and at least one outlet for circulating heated air, superheated steam or heated inert gas. In this way, different heating fluids can be supplied to each chamber and different atmospheres can be created in each section.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first and second sections are located upstream of the drum section. In another embodiment, the drum section is located within the second heating section. In either embodiment, each heating section before the drum section allows for pre-heating of the garment, thus weakening the mechanical properties of any heat-sensitive yarns, adhesives, heat-detachable rivets or buttons before the product enters the drum section. This allows for more efficient use of the mechanical stress applied by the rotating drum, since the heat-sensitive yarns, adhesives, heat-detachable rivets or buttons are already weakened before being subjected to mechanical stress.

[0032] In one embodiment, the system includes a transport unit for transporting the garments through at least a portion of the heating chamber. Preferably, the transport unit is operable at a temperature of at least 120°C, more preferably 150°C, 170°C, 180°C, 190°C, most preferably 220°C or higher. Preferably, the transport unit extends from the entrance of the heating chamber to the drum section, more preferably up to 200mm inside the drum section, most preferably up to 300mm from the entrance of the heating chamber. In this way, efficient transport of the garments into the drum in the drum section is advantageously ensured.

[0033] In a further or alternative embodiment, the conveying element comprises at least two conveying subunits, each of which may be set to a predefined speed. In this way, it is possible to vary the time that the garments are exposed to each predefined temperature. This is particularly advantageous when varying between garments with synthetic fibers and garments with only natural fibers. Preferably, each conveying subunit is either a conveyor or a drum. More preferably, the first conveying subunit is a conveyor and the second conveying subunit is a drum. In this way, the garments enter the heating chamber and enter the first heating section, where they are preheated, preferably using superheated steam or heated inert gas, followed by a second preheating stage in the drum, before entering the drum section of the heating chamber. Most preferably, each conveying subunit is a drum. This allows a greater exposure of the surface area of ​​the garments to the heated air, superheated steam and / or heated inert gas, ensuring a more efficient heat transfer during the preheating stage. To improve the conveyance of the garments through the interior of each drum, each drum may comprise a reciprocating insert, a ram, a screw, an ejector plate and / or a pin. Preferably, each drum is inclined downstream by at least 2°-10°. Even more preferably, the inner surface of each drum comprises helically arranged pins and / or paddles extending over at least 80%, preferably 90%, of the length of the drum. In this way, transport of the garments inside each drum is ensured. Most preferably, the projection of the paddles and / or pins in the axial direction of the drum is adjustable. In this way, the mechanical forces to which the garments are exposed during tumbling can be advantageously adjusted. This is particularly relevant when thinner garments are to be processed.

[0034] In one embodiment, one of the sections of the heating chamber is connected to a means for supplying air, superheated steam or inert gas heated to a temperature at least 20° C. lower than the temperature of all other sections of the heating chamber. More preferably, the drum section is connected to a means for supplying air, superheated steam or inert gas heated to a temperature at least 20° C. lower than the temperature of all other sections of the heating chamber. In this way, the separated garments reach a lower temperature before being exposed to the outside of the system, thereby reducing the risk of oxidation damage to the separated garments. Most preferably, each section has its own source of hot air, superheated steam and heated inert gas. Even more preferably, each inlet of each section of the heating chamber is regulated, for example by at least one valve located before or at each inlet. In this way, the amount and rate of hot air, superheated steam or heated inert gas flowing into each section can be advantageously controlled. Most preferably, each outlet is also regulated, for example by at least one valve located before or at each outlet. By being able to regulate the inlets and outlets of each section, the pressure, humidity, temperature and oxygen concentration within each section can also be controlled. Further advantageously, different pressures, humidity, temperatures and oxygen concentrations can be set for different sections even if the sources of hot air, superheated steam and heated inert gas are the same for all sections.

[0035] In one embodiment, the drum of the drum section is provided with orifices in the drum wall to allow the ejection and / or pre-sorting of disassembled textile components such as buttons. Preferably, the orifices are rectangular, circular or elliptical. In this way, heated air, superheated steam and / or heated inert gas can easily penetrate the wall of the drum, increasing the heat transfer and therefore the efficiency of the system. More importantly, the orifices of the drum allow the automation of the separation of larger pieces of clothing from smaller pieces of the same clothing, which take different paths in the system. Preferably, the orifices have a size between 20 mm and 60 mm. More preferably, the drum comprises a rotatable cylindrical jacket arranged on the outer surface of the drum, the jacket having orifices of similar size and position to those of the drum. In this way, the orifices of the drum are advantageously adjustable in size. This allows the selection of which elements of clothing are allowed to fall from the drum during tumbling.

[0036] In one embodiment, there is a collection tray below the drum section to collect the disassembled fabric components, which advantageously allows for separating larger and smaller sized garment elements into at least two output paths and for collecting the disassembled fabric components for further downstream reuse or recycling.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the walls of the heating chamber are insulated, thus minimizing heat exchange with the exterior of the heating chamber, advantageously making the use of the system safe and energy efficient.

[0038] In a further or alternative embodiment, at least one of the walls of the heating chamber includes a platform configured to move at least one drum into and out of the heating chamber. In this way, access to the interior of the heating chamber facilitates maintenance and / or loading of the drums. Preferably, the platform includes a surface configured to hermetically close the heating chamber. This can avoid losses of hot fluids, particles or heat, which can be detrimental to both the efficiency and safety of the system.

[0039] In a further or alternative embodiment, the system comprises a fan in fluid communication with a heater, which is further connected to at least an inlet of the heating chamber. Preferably, the system has an outlet in fluid communication with a filter, which is configured to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the fan. In this way, the system can function in a closed loop, thereby minimizing heat loss to the outside of the system, most importantly due to losses of the heat carrying fluid. This further highly advantageously increases the energy efficiency of the system, thereby reducing the costs and environmental impact of using the system.

[0040] In a further or alternative embodiment, the heating chamber comprises a first opening and a second opening, the first opening configured to be connected to an incoming first conveyor belt and the second opening configured to be connected to an outgoing second conveyor belt. Preferably, the conveyor belts connected to the first and second openings of the heating chamber further comprise a shroud. In this way, the drum operates continuously and the shroud allows to minimize heat exchange with the outside of the system. Preferably, a heat exchanger or secondary duct at the end of the second opening can divert part of the heat towards the space between the incoming conveyor belt and its shroud. In this way, the garments conveyed by the incoming conveyor belt are advantageously preheated, thereby reducing the tumbling time of the garments and further improving the energy efficiency and output of the system. More preferably, the first and second conveyor belts are oriented between 10° and 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. In this way, the heating chamber is elevated with respect to the input and output openings. This makes it possible to take advantage of the tendency of warmer and less dense gases to rise. In this manner, any heating fluid used to heat any portion of the heating chamber is advantageously retained within the heating chamber.

[0041] In further or alternative embodiments, the temperature in the heating chamber may be set between 100°C and 220°C. Preferably, the temperature in the heating chamber may be set between 100°C and 300°C. In this way, multiple types of garments and heat-sensitive yarns can be processed while reducing the risk of damaging any part of the garment. Preferably, multiple pre-set temperature modes are made available to the operator via the operation panel. In this way, the risk of human error is minimized while also minimizing the risk of excessive energy consumption. Even more preferably, the temperature in the heating chamber is at least about 20°C higher than the melting point of the heat-sensitive yarn.

[0042] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for disassembling garments assembled at least in part with heat sensitive yarns and / or heat detachable rivets, the disassembly being carried out by a disassembly system comprising a heating chamber and a drum section, the garment being placed in the system, in which the garment is exposed to air at a temperature of at least 100° C., heated inert gas or superheated steam whilst being subjected to mechanical stress by a tumbling and / or rotating motion.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: - setting the decomposition temperature to be reached in the heating chamber; - heating and circulating at least one fluid until a set decomposition temperature is reached; - loading the garment to be disassembled into the system; - tumbling the garments in a drum section at a pre-set decomposition temperature; - Recovering the disassembled garments from the drum section.

[0044] In yet another preferred embodiment, the steps of loading and unloading garments into and from the drum section are performed in batches and with direct operator access to the drum, thereby allowing the use of a closed loop system that advantageously maintains extremely energy efficiency and safety during operation.

[0045] In further or alternative embodiments, the steps of loading and unloading the garments from the drum are performed continuously by at least one conveyor and / or at least one additional drum, allowing for constant operation and therefore higher output.

[0046] In one embodiment, the step of loading the garments to be disassembled into the drum section is preceded by a step of preheating the garments in a first heating section of the heating chamber. Preferably, the first section is upstream of the drum section. This advantageously allows the mechanical strength of any heat sensitive yarns, adhesives, rivets and / or buttons to be reduced before the garments enter the drum. This allows the full length of the drum to be used more efficiently to apply mechanical stress to the garments, as mechanical stresses will begin to break the heat sensitive yarns, adhesives, rivets and / or buttons as soon as the product enters the drum.

[0047] Preferably, the step of setting the decomposition temperature to be reached in the heating chamber further comprises the step of setting a tumbling time of the drum. More preferably, the step of setting the tumbling time further comprises the step of setting a pre-heat time. Most preferably, the pre-heat time is equal to, and preferably longer than, the tumbling time. In this way, the tumbling operation does not become a bottleneck in the process and excessive heat transfer to the garments during the pre-heat stage can be avoided.

[0048] In one embodiment, the step of pre-heating the garments is preceded by a step of heating and circulating at least one fluid in the first section until a temperature at least 20° C. higher than the set decomposition temperature is reached. Preferably, the garments are heated in a two-stage heating step, the temperature of the second heating step being lower, preferably at least 20° C. lower, than the temperature of the first heating step, and at least one step using superheated steam as the heating source. Preferably, the second heating step is performed in a drum. In this way, the separated garments leaving the drum have a lower temperature, which is sufficiently low to avoid oxidative damage to the garments.

[0049] A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if the oxygen concentration in the heating chamber is more than 10%, the heating of the heating chamber is carried out with superheated steam or heated inert gas, in such a way that the oxygen concentration in the chamber is kept below 10%, thereby preventing oxidative damage to the dough material during processing.

[0050] In a further or alternative embodiment, superheated steam is provided to the heating chamber by a steam generator or boiler. As known to those skilled in the art, steam systems are very commonly used in a wide variety of industries. By utilizing an existing steam system, the cost of acquiring and using the system can be further reduced. Furthermore, the steam from the garment dismantling system can be used in other operations with lower heat requirements. The use of superheated steam from an external source to the system not only prevents oxidation of the fabric material, but also contributes to a more efficient overall operation of the factory in which the system is operated.

[0051] In one embodiment, the fluid used is a heated inert gas. The use of a heated inert gas advantageously displaces the oxygen present in the heating chamber, not only preventing oxidation of the dough material, but also contributing to a more efficient overall operation of the factory in which the system is operated.

[0052] In one embodiment, disassembly involves at least partially removing fabric components such as buttons, zippers or rivets from the garments, and the removed fabric components are discharged from the system through orifices present in the drum. Preferably, the fabric components are discharged through a tray located below the drum section, which allows for easy collection of small garment elements, avoiding further separation steps elsewhere in the factory.

[0053] In one embodiment, the method is carried out in a system according to the first aspect of the invention, which makes it possible to regulate both the thermal and mechanical loads to which the garment is subjected, in this way allowing garments to be treated with different degrees of thermal and mechanical resilience.

[0054] To ensure homogeneous heat distribution and to provide sufficient mechanical load to the garments during tumbling, the drum speed should be at least 30 RPM and up to 50 RPM. Preferably, the rotation speed of the drum should be adjustable.

[0055] The tumbling time varies depending on the type and amount of clothes to be treated. For example, the system in a closed loop configuration was tested for the decomposition of 14 pairs of jeans. In the first example, air was used as the heat carrier, and this air was introduced into the heating chamber at approximately 10 m / s. This process was carried out for 15 minutes, after which complete decomposition of the clothes was achieved. As a second example, the same test was carried out on the same 14 pairs of jeans treated in the first test. In this second example, superheated steam was used as the heat carrier, and heat was introduced into the heating chamber at approximately 10 m / s for 10 minutes, after which complete decomposition of the clothes was achieved.

[0056] The present invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention but are not intended to, and should not be construed as, limiting the scope of the invention.

[0057] Description of the drawings The invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the following examples. The invention is not limited to the examples given or to the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0058] Figures 1-2 show a first embodiment of the invention in which garments are introduced into the system in batches. System 1 includes a heating chamber 2. Heating chamber 2 has at least one opening through which a rotating drum 3 is inserted by a movable platform 4. A fan 8 is in fluid communication with a heater 5 by piping 6, which further connects the heater to the heating chamber 2. Heating chamber 2 is also in fluid communication with a filter 7, which is further connected to the fan 8. Figure 1 shows rotating drum 3 resting on platform 4, both in a lowered position. Figure 2 shows rotating drum 3 resting on platform 4, both in a raised position, with platform 4 sealing the opening of heating chamber 2.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which garments are continuously introduced into the system 1 and disassembled garment pieces are collected in a tray 14 near the inlet of the system 1. In this figure, the heating chamber 2 includes a rotating drum 3 and a heater 5, with introduction of garments by a first conveyor 9 connected to a first end of the rotating drum 12. Treated garments leave the rotating drum 3 through a second end of the rotating drum which is connected to a second conveyor 10 which carries the treated garments to the tray 14. A heat exchanger 11 is shown in fluid communication with the heating chamber 2 near the second end of the rotating drum 13 for collecting heat from the heating chamber 2 and preheating the air on the first conveyor 9.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which garments are continuously introduced into the system 1 and the disintegrated garment pieces are collected in a tray 14 located on the side opposite the inlet of the system. In this figure there is a heating chamber 2 supplied with superheated steam from an external steam system (not shown) and which further contains a rotating drum 3. The introduction of garments is carried out by a first conveyor 9 connected to a first end of the rotating drum 12. The treated garments leave the rotating drum 3 through a second end 13 of the rotating drum which is connected to a second conveyor 10 which carries the treated garments to the tray 14.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the system 1 in which the heating chamber 2 is completely occupied by the drum 3. The first conveyor 9 is shown positioned between the input openings 18 through which the garments enter the system 1. In this view, the input openings 18 are located at a first end of the first conveyor 9, which is covered by a first shroud 21. In a further configuration not shown in this view, the input openings 18 may be located at the end of the first shroud 21. The view also shows a second end of the first conveyor 9 extending to the first end 12 of the rotating drum, and the second end 13 of the rotating drum is shown overlapping the first end of the second conveyor 10. The first end 12 of the rotating drum is shown higher than the second end 13 of the rotating drum due to the inclination of the drum 3. A second shroud 22 is shown extending from the heating chamber 2, which covers most of the length of the second conveyor 10. The second end of the second shroud 22 defines an output opening for the treated garments. The tray 14 is shown positioned at the bottom of the heating chamber 2 and below the drum 3.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which garments are continuously introduced into the system 1 and pass through a heating chamber 2 which consists of two sections. In this figure, the first section 16 and the second section 17 of the heating chamber 2 are supplied with superheated steam from an external steam system (not shown), the first section 16 further includes a first rotating drum 28 and the second section 17 further includes a second rotating drum 29. The introduction of the garments is effected by a first conveyor 9 connected to a first end 30 of the first rotating drum. The garments are passed from the first rotating drum 28 to the second rotating drum 29. The second end 31 of the first drum and the first end 32 of the second drum are shown in communication. The treated garments leave the second rotating drum 29 through the second end 33 of the second rotating drum which is connected to a second conveyor 10 which carries the treated garments to the trays 14.

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of system 1 in which heating chamber 2 includes first section 16, second section, and drum section 17. A first conveyor 9 is shown positioned between input openings 18 through which garments enter system 1. In this view, input opening 18 is located at a first end of first conveyor 9, which is covered by a first shroud 21. In a further configuration not shown in this view, input opening 18 may be located at an end of first shroud 21. The view also illustrates a second end of first conveyor 9 extending into heating chamber 2. Heating chamber is shown to include first section 16, second section 25, and drum section 17. Each section includes a heating fluid inlet 23 and a heating fluid outlet 24 (not shown in the drum section). In this figure, the second end of the first conveyor 9 is shown overlapping a first end of a third conveyor 26 located in the first section of the heating chamber 16, the second end of which is shown in communication with a first end of a fourth conveyor 27 located in the second section of the heating chamber 25. The second end, when the fourth conveyor 27 is shown, passes through a first end of the rotating drum 12 to the interior of the drum 3 located inside the drum section 17. The second end 13 of the rotating drum is shown overlapping a first end of the second conveyor 10. The first end 12 of the rotating drum is shown to be higher than the second end 13 of the rotating drum due to the inclination of the drum 3. A second shroud 22 is shown extending from the heating chamber 2, covering most of the length of the second conveyor 10. The second end of this second shroud 22 defines an output opening for the treated garments. A tray 14 is shown positioned at the bottom of the heating chamber 2 , below the drum 3 .

[0064] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a drum 3 with orifices 15 for small pieces of fabric and rivets. The orifices 15 are shown evenly distributed over the wall of the drum 3. The drum 3 shown in the figure further comprises two closed ends. The side wall of the drum 3 is provided with a door 20. In this configuration, 5 is suitable for batch loading. Other configurations of drum 3 not shown in the figures are oriented towards continuous processing, where an open end is provided to allow continuous entry and exit of garments.

[0065] Figures 9-12 show several configurations of a heating chamber (2) with one (3) or multiple drums (34, 35). Figure 9 shows a heating chamber (2) with a drum (3) that extends the entire length of the first and second sections of the heating chamber (16, 25). Figure 10 shows a heating chamber (2) with a first drum (28) in the first heating chamber (16) and a second drum (25) in the second section of the heating chamber (25). Figure 11 shows a heating chamber (2) with a drum (3) that extends from the first section of the heating chamber (16) to the second section of the heating chamber (25), where the drum (3) occupies only a part of the length of each of the first and second sections of the heating chamber (16, 25). Figure 12 shows a heating chamber (2) with three drums (38, 29, 34). The first drum (28) is disposed in the first heating chamber (16), the second drum (29) is disposed in the second section of the heating chamber (25), and the third drum (34) is disposed between the first and second drums (28, 29), the third drum (34) extending from the first section of the heating chamber (16) to the second section of the heating chamber (25).

[0066] Figures 13-16 are schematic diagrams of a system (1) with two heating chambers (35, 36) in communication with each other. The path of the dough product entering and leaving each heating chamber (35, 36) is indicated by arrows in Figures 13-16. Figure 13 shows a first heating chamber (35) arranged above a second heating chamber (35), the ends of the two heating chambers (35, 36) being connected by an intermediate part of a channel and / or conveyor. In the figures, the input side of the first chamber (35) and the output side of the second chamber (36) are oriented to the same side. Figure 14 shows the first heating chamber (35) approximately aligned with the second heating chamber (35), the two chambers (35, 36) being connected end to end via a channel and / or conveyor. Figure 15 shows a first heating chamber (35) located above a second heating chamber (35), the sides of the two heating chambers (35, 36) being connected by a middle portion of a channel and / or conveyor. Figure 16 shows a first heating chamber (35) connected to a second heating chamber (35) with an output opening lower than the axis of the first heating chamber (35). The two chambers (35, 36) are connected end to end via a channel and / or conveyor.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the implementation described above, and it is envisaged that several modifications can be made to the presented example of manufacture without reassessing the scope of the appended claims, for example the heating chamber can be connected to an external superheated steam circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Oven System 2 Heating chamber 3 Rotating drum 4. Platform 5. Heater 6 Piping 7 Filters 8 Fans 9 First conveyor 10 Second conveyor 11 Heat exchanger 12 First end of the rotating drum 13 Second end of rotating drum 14 Tray 15 Drum Orifice 16 First section of the heating chamber 17 Drum section of heating chamber 18 Input opening 19 Output Aperture 20 Drum Door 21 First Shroud 22 Second Shroud 23 Heating fluid inlet 24 Heating fluid outlet 25 Second Section of Heating Chamber 26 Third Conveyor 27 Fourth Conveyor 28 First rotating drum 29 Second rotating drum 30 First end of the first rotating drum 31 Second end of the first rotating drum 32 First end of second rotating drum 33 Second end of first rotating drum 34 3rd rotating drum 35 First Heating Chamber 36 Second Heating Chamber

[0069] The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and / or shown in the figures: on the contrary, the method according to the invention can be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system (1) for disassembling textile products assembled at least in part with heat-sensitive yarns, adhesives and / or heat-detachable rivets, comprising: at least one heating chamber (2) connected to means for supplying said heating chamber (2) with heated air or superheated steam at a temperature of at least 100°C, The heating chamber (2) has at least one opening through which the garment can enter the heating chamber (2); The system further comprises a rotating drum section (17) including a drum (3), The system wherein the drum section (17) is disposed within the heating chamber (2) or configured to move in and out of the heating chamber (2).

2. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating chamber (2) comprises a first heating section (16) and a second heating section (25).

3. 3. The system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first heating section (16) and the second heating section (25) are arranged upstream of the drum section (17).

4. 3. The system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the drum section (17) is arranged within the second heating section (25).

5. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said system (1) comprises a conveying unit for conveying said dough product through at least a part of said heating chamber (2).

6. 6. The system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the conveying element comprises at least two conveying sub-units, each of which can be set to a preset speed.

7. 7. The system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each said transport subunit is either a conveyor or a drum.

8. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the sections of the heating chamber (2) is in communication with a means for supplying air, superheated steam or inert gas heated to a temperature at least 20° C. lower than the temperature of all other sections of the heating chamber (2).

9. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drum (3) of the drum section (17) is provided with orifices (15) in the drum wall to allow the discharge and / or pre-sorting of disassembled dough components such as buttons.

10. The system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the orifice (15) has a size between 20 mm and 60 mm.

11. 10. The system (1) of claim 9, wherein the drum (3) includes a rotatable cylindrical jacket disposed on the outer surface of the drum (3), the jacket having the orifice of the same size and position as the drum (3).

12. 10. The system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that below the drum section (17) there is a collection tray (14) for collecting the disintegrated dough components.

13. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the walls of the heating chamber (2) are insulated.

14. 14. The system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one wall of the heating chamber (2) includes a platform (4) configured to move at least one drum (3) in and out of the heating chamber (2).

15. 15. The system (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the platform (4) comprises a surface configured to close the heating chamber (2) in an airtight manner.

16. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the system (1) comprises a fan (8) in fluid connection with a heater (5), the heater (5) further being in communication with at least an inlet (23) of the heating chamber (2).

17. 17. The system (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the system (1) has an outlet (24) in fluid connection with a filter (7), the filter (7) being configured to be in fluid connection with the inlet of the fan.

18. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating chamber (2) comprises a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being configured to be connected to an incoming first conveyor belt (9) and the second opening being configured to be connected to an outgoing second conveyor belt (10).

19. 19. The system (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the conveyor belts (9, 10) connected to the first and second openings of the heating chamber (2) are further provided with shrouds (21, 22).

20. 19. The system (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the first conveyor belt (9) and the second conveyor belt (10) are oriented at an angle between 10° and 90° to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber (2).

21. A system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the temperature in the heating chamber (2) can be set between 100°C and 220°C.

22. A method for disassembling a textile product at least partially assembled with heat-sensitive yarns, adhesives, and / or thermally detachable rivets, characterized in that the disassembly is carried out by a disassembly system comprising a drum section including a heating chamber and a drum, wherein the textile product enters the system and is exposed to air, heated inert gas, or superheated steam at a temperature of at least 100°C while the textile product is subjected to mechanical stress by tumbling and / or rotational movements.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, - setting the decomposition temperature to be reached in the heating chamber; - heating and circulating at least one fluid until the set decomposition temperature is reached; - loading the dough product to be disintegrated into the system; - tumbling the dough product in the drum section at the predetermined decomposition temperature; - recovering the disintegrated dough product from the drum section; A method comprising:

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the steps of loading and unloading the dough product into and from the drum section are performed in batches to provide direct operator access to the drum.

25. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the steps of loading the dough product onto the drum and unloading the dough product from the drum are performed continuously and by at least one conveyor and / or at least one additional drum.

26. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of loading the dough product to be split into the drum section precedes the step of preheating the dough product in a first heating section of the heating chamber.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of preheating the dough product precedes the step of heating and circulating at least one fluid in the first heating section until the dough product reaches a temperature at least 20°C above the set decomposition temperature.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the dough product is heated in two heating steps, the temperature in the second heating step being at least 20°C lower than the temperature in the first heating step, and superheated steam being used as the heating source in at least one step.

29. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the heating chamber is heated with superheated steam or an inert gas when the oxygen concentration in the heating chamber is greater than 10%.

30. 30. A method according to claim 29, characterized in that the fluid used is superheated steam, said superheated steam being supplied to said heating chamber by a steam generator or boiler.

31. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the fluid used is a heated inert gas.

32. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the disassembly includes at least partially removing fabric components, such as buttons, zippers, or rivets, from the fabric product, and the removed fabric components are expelled from the system by orifices present in the drum.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the dough component is discharged by a tray positioned below the drum section.

34. Method according to any one of claims 22 to 33, characterized in that the method is carried out in a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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