A machine for textile processing, a system, a method of operation of the machine, and related computer program and computer readable medium

Abstract

A machine for removing microfibres from textile products, including: a rotatable drum for receiving textile product, the drum including a surface having an inner side including paddles arranged thereto, the surface further including perforations configured to prevent the textile products from passing through and to allow microfibres to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum; a rotation element for rotating the rotatable drum; a chamber enclosing the rotatable drum, the chamber including an air inlet and an air outlet; and an airflow generating device to generate an airflow from the air outlet to the air inlet; where a percentage of the surface in a range of 65-98% is formed by perforations devoid from any material, or the percentage being in a range of 75-98% or 90-98%.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a textile processing machine and a related method of operating said machine for removing microfibres from textile products. The invention further relates to a system comprising one or more of the textile processing machines.PRIOR ART

[0002] Textile products, such as clothing, are widely used in everyday life. However, they can also contribute to environmental pollution through the release of microfibres into the environment during their production, use, and disposal.

[0003] Microfibres are small synthetic or natural fibres that can be as small as a few microns in size and can accumulate in the environment, posing a threat to marine life and human health. Thus, microfibres are tiny strands of natural or synthetic materials, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are shed from textiles during use and washing. These microfibres are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and therefore end up in the oceans and waterways, where they can harm marine life and ecosystems. The removal of microfibres from textile products has become an increasingly urgent environmental concern.

[0004] The release of microfibres from textile products is particularly significant during the first wash of the textile products.

[0005] Several methods and technologies have been developed to address the problem of microfiber pollution in the field of textiles. For example, some manufacturers have introduced washing machine filters, which capture microfibers before they are released into the water system. However, these filters require regular maintenance and are not always effective at capturing all types of microfibres.

[0006] Despite these efforts, there are still several disadvantages associated with prior art solutions. Washing machine filters, for example, can be costly, difficult to install, and require frequent cleaning. They may also interfere with the normal operation of washing machines and reduce their efficiency.

[0007] The present invention addresses these challenges by providing a novel method and apparatus for microfiber removal that is both effective and practical for use in various textile products.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for new and improved methods for removing microfibres from textile products that are effective, practical, and environmentally sustainable. The present invention addresses these challenges and overcome the drawbacks of the prior art solutions by providing a novel apparatus, a system and a method for microfiber removal that is both effective and practical for use in various textile products.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention addresses the problem of how to reduce the release of microfibres during the first domestic washing of a textile product in an energy efficient and environmentally friendly way. In the context of the present invention, a textile product is to be understood as an article of clothing, a textile fabric, a garment, or any similar product.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention refers to a textile processing machine for removing microfibres from textile products. The machine comprises a rotatable drum configured for receiving textile products, which is further configured for being rotated about its longitudinal axis. The rotatable drum comprises a surface (i.e. a drum surface) configured to delimit a permitter of the rotatable drum (i.e. a perimeter of an inner compartment of the drum). Thus, the surface comprises an inner side / face (e.g. inner / interior / internal surface) which is configured as a wall limiting a radial displacement (i.e. in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum) of the textile products when the rotatable drum rotates at a sufficiently high speed. Thus, the surface comprises an inner / interior / internal side / face / surface and outer / exterior / external side / face / surface, wherein the inner side is configured to face towards a compartment configured to receive the textile products, and the outer side is the side of the surface being opposed to the inner side. The inner side comprises one or more paddles attached thereto, which are preferably configured to push / drag the textile products during the rotation of the rotatable drum. In the context of the present invention, a paddle is interpreted as any device arranged within the rotatable drum and being configured to contact with the textile products during the use of the textile processing machine to cause the textile products to be agitated / shaken and tumbled / stirred within the drum.

[0011] The surface of the rotatable / rotating drum comprises a plurality of perforations (i.e. holes—or passing through holes—extending from the inner side of the surface to the outer side of the surface). The perforations (e.g. each perforation) of the plurality of perforations are configured (i.e. dimensioned or sized) to prevent the textile products (e.g. an article of clothing, a textile fabric, a garment, or any similar product) from passing through, but also configured (i.e. dimensioned or sized) to allow any microfibres being released from the textile products to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum. The plurality of perforations of the surface are configured such that a percentage of the surface (of the rotatable drum) in the range 65-98% is formed by perforations (i.e. comprises perforations), i.e. said percentage is devoid from any material. In preferred embodiments, said percentage may be in the range 75-98% and more preferably in the range 90-98% or 90-95%. In other words, the surface may be configured such that the plurality of perforations are configured to spread out over the surface of the rotatable drum according to any of the described percentages.

[0012] The plurality of perforations may have a size in the range 2 to 30 mm, preferably in the range 4 to 15 mm and more preferably in the range 6 to 12 mm. Size when referring to the perforations, in the context of the present invention, refers to the longest distance segment encompassed by each perforation. These sizes have been proven to ensure that textiles cannot pass through the perforations, but microfibres can.

[0013] The textile processing machine further comprises one or more rotation means connected to the rotatable drum and configured for rotating the rotatable drum about its longitudinal axis. The rotation means may be configured as one or more motors, such as an electric motor.

[0014] The rotation means may be configured to rotate the rotatable drum at a constant or variable rotation speed being within a first predetermined rotation speed range, the first predetermined rotation speed range being configured such that, when the rotatable drum rotates at a rotational speed within said first predetermined rotations speed range, the textile products are agitated and stirred inside the rotatable drum, thereby causing microfibres to detach from the textile products, wherein a resulting centrifugal force cause that at least part of the detached microfibres pass through a plurality of perforations of the rotatable drum. Preferably, the rotation means may be configured to reverse a rotation direction of the rotatable drum (i.e. to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum in a first rotation direction and / or in a second rotation direction being reversed with respect to the first rotation direction).

[0015] The textile processing machine of the invention comprises a chamber configured to enclose the rotatable drum. The chamber comprises an air inlet and an air outlet. Preferably, the chamber may be configured to be airtight or sealed, such that, when the machine is operating, an airflow can only enter the chamber through the air inlet and can only be expelled from it through the air outlet.

[0016] The machine further comprises, or is connectable (e.g. configured to be connected) to, an airflow generating device (when the machine is connectable to an airflow generating device, this device may be external to the machine) configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet (e.g. by suctioning air from the outlet towards the outside of the chamber and / or by blowing air through the air inlet within the chamber). Thus, the chamber may be communicatively connected (e.g. in fluid communication; e.g. in airflow / air stream communication; i.e. fluidly communicated) with an airflow generating device configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet. Preferably, the air generating device may be configured as an air suctioning device (e.g. configured to generate a negative pressure close to the air outlet such that air is suctioned from the outlet, thereby causing an airflow from the air inlet—which is preferably configured to receive atmospheric air—to the air outlet) (preferably, arranged close to the air outlet and / or downstream the air outlet). The airflow generating device may be an integral part of the machine or may be external to the machine. The airflow generating device may be located within the chamber (e.g. the device being comprised by the machine) or outside the chamber (e.g. it may be arranged downstream the air outlet; e.g. being an external device).

[0017] In preferred embodiments according to any of the preceding features, the airflow generating device may be configured such that the generated airflow is at room / ambient temperature, therefore not requiring any heating or cooling process. Depending on the type of textile product to be processed by the machine, heated air may be dangerous for the integrity of the textile product, such is the case of textile products comprising silk, wool, rayon or portions of leather. Thus, in order to increase the compatibility of the textile processing machine with the broadest number of textile products, in preferred embodiments, the airflow generated by the airflow generating machine is at room / ambient temperature, therefore broadening its compatibility and not consuming extra energy for heating or cooling the air.

[0018] It should be noted that, when the machine is configured to be connected to an external airflow generating device, this combination may be considered as a system comprising a machine (or at least one machine) and an external airflow generating device.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the airflow generating device may be configured to generate an airflow within the chamber being relative to an internal total volume of the rotatable drum (i.e. the internal total volume of the rotatable drum being the volume of an inner compartment in which the textile products are inserted to be processed with the machine). Thus, the airflow generating device may be configured to generate an airflow (i.e. an airflow flow rate) being in the range 25 to 70 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute. These flow rates ensure that the air of the airflow within the rotatable drum (and within the chamber 20) is permanently renewed and provides a proper velocity and force to capture the microfibres with the airflow.

[0020] The air outlet and the air inlet may be configured to have a plurality of cross sections (e.g. circular or polygonal) and a plurality of sizes (i.e. diameter o side lengths). The air outlet and the air inlet may be dimensioned / configured to provide an airflow rate as previously described. The air inlet and / or the air outlet may be dimensioned to have a diameter (or longest side / diagonal length, in case of not having a circular cross section) configured to be smaller than (e.g. such that only a part of an outer side of the surface of the rotatable drum is impinged by the airflow), equal to or greater that the longest distance within the cross section of the rotatable drum (e.g. the diameter in case of having a circular cross section or the longest diagonal segment in case of other geometries). Preferably, the air inlet and the air outlet may be configured as respective openings covering (e.g. rectangular openings forming slots, circular openings etc) at least a part of a width (preferably the whole width) of the chamber of the textile processing machine. In preferred embodiments in which the airflow generating device is configured as a suctioning device, the air inlet may be configured to receive atmospheric air being preferably configured as an elongated slot (elongated in the direction of the width of the chamber, to extend over at least a part of the width of the chamber) to provide a curtain-type flow entering into the chamber, while the air outlet may be configured to have a smaller area configured to be connected to an air outlet conduct (e.g. a circular conduct), wherein said air outlet conduct may be configured to be connected to the air suctioning device (i.e. downstream the air outlet) and / or to an air filtering device as described below.

[0021] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the air inlet and the air outlet may be configured (e.g. arranged in the chamber and / or dimensioned and formed) to direct (e.g. partially or totally) the airflow generated by the airflow generating device towards an outer side of the surface of the rotatable drum (i.e. such that the airflow impinges at least partially on the outer side of the surface of the rotatable drum). Thus, the air outlet and the air inlet may be arranged relative to the rotatable drum (e.g. within the chamber) such that the airflow generated by the airflow generating device may be configured to impinge at least partially with an outer side of the surface of rotatable drum (i.e. the airflow may be at least partially directed towards the external side of the surface of the drum). Thus, the rotatable drum may be arranged at least partially between the air inlet and the air outlet, thereby the drum interfering partially or totally with a path of the airflow such that a turbulent flow in the airflow is obtained. When the air inlet is configured to extend over the whole width of the chamber, then the drum interferes totally with a path of the airflow. Additionally or complementarily, the air outlet and the air inlet may be arranged relative to the rotatable drum (e.g. within the chamber) such that the airflow generated by the airflow generating device is configured to impinge perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum.

[0022] Preferably, the air inlet and the air outlet and the air inlet may be configured (e.g. arranged relative to the rotatable drum; (e.g. within the chamber) such that the airflow generated by the air generating device may be configured as a downward airflow being at least partially vertical (wherein at least partially vertical is interpreted as covering both a vertical direction and an inclined direction having a vertical component). Accordingly, the air inlet may be arranged at an upper part of the chamber, while the air outlet may be arranged at a lower part of the chamber of the machine, such that the airflow generated by the air generating device may be configured to be a downward flow (at least partially) aligned with the gravitational force (i.e. with a downward vector defining the direction of the gravitational force / acceleration, which is a vertical direction). Accordingly, the air inlet and the air outlet may be configured to be aligned in a vertical direction or in an inclined direction having a vertical component (i.e. referring to the alignment of a central point of the air inlet cross sections with a central point of the air outlet cross section).

[0023] In those embodiments for which the rotatable drum may be arranged at least partially between the air inlet and the air outlet, thereby causing the airflow to collide (i.e. to impinge) with at least a part of the outer side of the rotatable drum, said collision / impingement creates a turbulent airflow between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the air inlet and the air outlet may be arranged such that an straight geometrical line (it is noted that this line is not part of the invention, but an external geometrical reference) virtually connects the air inlet with the air outlet (e.g. connecting a respective central point of the cross section of the opening defining the air inlet with a respective central point of the cross section of the opening defining the air outlet) is configured to intersect (preferably, perpendicularly or with an angle of inclination) with the longitudinal axis about which the rotatable drum is configured to rotate (which is preferably a horizontal axis).

[0025] Further, in some embodiments, the air inlet and the air outlet may optionally be arranged such that the straight geometrical line that virtually connects the air inlet with the air outlet has an offset distance (e.g. a horizontal offset distance) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum (i.e. the straight geometrical line does not intersect with the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum). The lateral offset distance provides an airflow being laterally displaced with respect to the rotatable drum, such that a lateral suction effect is generated from the rotatable drum towards the airflow (and in particular towards the air outlet), wherein preferably a part of the airflow is configured to be tangent to the outer side of the surface of the rotatable drum.

[0026] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the drum may be configured to rotate in a first rotation direction about its longitudinal axis and / or to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Thus, the drum may be configured to have a reversible rotation direction, such that the rotation direction may be changed. This is especially advantageous when the airflow is configured such that at least a part of the airflow is tangent to the outer side of the surface of the drum (e.g. when there is a offset distance as above described), since variations of pressures may be provided due to the interaction of the speed of rotation of the drum with the speed of the airflow at the contact points between the surface of the rotatable drum and the airflow. This is because, when the rotatable drum rotates in a direction in which the points on the outer side of the surface of the drum to which the air flow is tangent rotate in the opposite direction to the direction of the air flow, the effect of the air flow velocity is increased due to the differential of linear speeds between the airflow and the drum. Complementarily, this effect may be diminished by reversing the rotation direction of the drum.

[0027] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the machine may comprise a filter (i.e. a filtering device) or may be configured to be connected to a filter (i.e. a filtering device) configured to filter the airflow to retain the microfibres previously detached / removed from the textile products. The filter may be a part of the machine or may be external to the machine. The filter may be advantageously configured to retain microfibres having a size in the range 0.25 to 100 μm, preferably 0.25 to 50 μm and more preferably 0.2 to 10 μm. The filter may be arranged downstream of the air outlet. Preferably, the filter may be configured as a dry filter, which is a type of filtration system that operates without the use of any liquid or moisture. It is designed to capture and remove particulate matter, dust, or contaminants from a gas or air stream using a solid filter medium. The dry filter may be preferably configured as a “bag filter” or “fabric filter”, which is a type of air or gas filtration system that uses a fabric bag or sleeve to capture and remove particulate matter (e.g. microfibres) from the air or gas stream (e.g. the airflow). The fabric bag acts as a filter medium, allowing the air or gas to pass through while trapping the particles within the bag.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the filtering device may be a self-cleaning filter, i.e. configured to perform a self-cleaning process (e.g. by performing a vibration process or by configuring the airflow generating device to provide the filtering device with a high-pressure airstream), such that the microfibres previously accumulated in the filtering device are deposited into a waste deposit or similar (e.g. a plate or recipient).

[0029] The rotatable drum may be configured to have a cross section (e.g. measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the drum) being circular or comprising a plurality of points being arranged at a plurality of radial distances from said longitudinal axis (e.g. a regular or an irregular polyhedron; e.g. a cross section formed by a continuous curve defining a closed profile comprising a plurality of turning points and no vertices, i.e. forming a closed profile or closed geometrical figure). The different radial distances provide the effect that the centrifugal force is at least slightly different for points at different radial distances of a same planar face, which has proved particularly advantageous in reducing the tendency of textile products to adhere to the inner face of the surface of the rotatable drum, so that the corresponding perforations on these faces increase their efficiency by remaining available for the passage of air from the airflow for a longer time during the operation of the machine. In some embodiments, the surface of the rotatable drum may comprise a plurality of faces, wherein at least one of the faces may be configured as a planar face and / or wherein at least one of the faces may be configured as a curved face. The plurality of faces comprises a number of faces in the range 5 to 50 or to 200, preferably in the range 8 to 20, more preferably in the range 10 to 16, such as 12.

[0030] The machine may be configured such that a velocity of the airflow is greater at the air outlet than at the air inlet and / or than at the filtering device. In some embodiments, the size of the air outlet and the size of the air inlet may be different to create a gradient of pressures and speeds in the resulting airflow (i.e. the airflow generated by the airflow generating device) within the chamber. The speed at the air outlet may be in the range 10 to 25 m / s (preferably 15 to 20 m / s), while the speed at the air inlet may be in the range 3 to 10 m / s (preferably 5 to 8 m / s)

[0031] For example, the air inlet may be configured to have a bigger size than the air outlet, this has the technical effect of providing an airflow with a gradient of increasing velocity from the inlet to towards the outlet of the chamber (such that the airflow has a higher kinetic energy to capture a maximum amount of microfibres in a part of the chamber being closely arranged with respect to the outlet). This configuration is advantageous, since due to the effect of gravity and the direction of the airflow it has been detected a tendency of microfibres to be present in a higher density (e.g. to accumulate) at a lower part of the chamber, and this configuration increases the turbulences within the tumbler and provides a maximum speed of the airflow at the air outlet, thereby helping to evacuate the microfibres.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the air inlet and the air outlet may be configured such that an outlet speed is between 1.2 and 5 times an inlet speed, preferably between 1.5 and 4 times, more preferably between 2 and 3 times.

[0033] Further, a connection (e.g. by means of an air outlet conduct or conducting device) between the air outlet and the filtering device may be configured such that airflow entering into the filtering device is within a predetermined range (this range may be selected on a case-by-case basis depending on the specifications of the filtering device) that allows for a better filtration efficiency in the filtering device. Speeds being lower than speeds at the air outlet are especially suitable for the filtering device since more contact time between the microfibres and the filter is provided. This allows the filter to capture a higher percentage of microfibres, resulting in improved filtration efficiency. Additionally, these lower velocities at the air filtering device help reduce pressure drop across the filter (i.e. the filtering device). Pressure drop refers to the decrease in pressure as the airflow passes through the filter. By entering the filter at low velocities, pressure drop can be minimized, leading to more efficient operation. Further, low velocities at the filter help prolong the lifespan of the filter (when the airflow enters the filter at high velocities, it can cause more wear and tear on the filter) and promote more uniform distribution of airflow across the filter surface.

[0034] In some embodiments, the machine may be configured to provide a lower speed of the airflow at the filter / filtering device (i.e. downstream the air outlet) than at the air inlet (e.g. by providing a conduct for conducting the air to the filtering device configured to reduce the velocity of the airflow).

[0035] The one or more paddles arranged at the inner surface may be configured as independent elements configured to be connected / attached to the inner side of the surface of the rotatable drum. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the paddles may be formed by a part of the inner side (i.e. of the surface) of the drum specially configured / shaped to define a paddle (i.e. to define a geometry of a paddle). This has the advantage that the plurality of perforation of the surface of the rotatable drum may be extended to cover the paddle formed by said surface. Both paddle configurations are broadly compatible with all the above and below embodiments of the invention. Further, one or more of the paddles may be arranged at a respective intersection between two adjacent (planar or curved) faces and / or one or more of the paddles may be arranged on a respective face of the plurality of faces. In both cases, the paddles may be arranged in a regular pattern, e.g. on every face or intersection, on every two faces or intersections.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, the surface of the rotatable drum may be at least partially configured as a meshed surface such that the plurality of perforations are configured as perforations of the meshed surface. A meshed surface is interpreted as a reticular surface that may comprise a plurality of wires / fibres / filaments configured to define a plurality of holes / perforations therein. The at least one part of the surface being a meshed surface may be configured to be at least partially flexible, such that, upon a rotation of the drum, the contact of the textile products with the meshed surface(s) causes the meshed surface(s) to slightly bend (e.g. by undergoing a temporal elastic deformation, the meshed surface being configured to recover its original shape when the contact forces with the textile products are reduced by reducing or stopping the speed of rotation of the drum). This elastic effect has been observed to improve the removal of microparticles from the textile products.

[0037] In some embodiments of the invention the surface of the rotatable drum may be comprise at least a part being at least partially flexible (e.g. a flexible meshed surface), and / or at least a part being configured to be rigid. At least partially flexible is interpreted, in the context of the present invention, as being configured to undergo a temporal elastic deformation when the rotation of the drum causes the textile products to contact with the surface being at least partially flexible (temporal elastic deformation means that the meshed surface is configured to recover its original shape when the contact forces with the textile products are reduced by reducing or stopping the speed of rotation of the drum). Rigid is to be interpreted as meaning that the interaction of the textile products with the surface thus configured is not capable of causing any deformation of the surface of the rotating drum.

[0038] The flexible parts provide a variable contact force during the rotation of the drum due to the elastic constant of the material, this is especially advantageous in allowing higher speeds of rotation of the drum, while reducing the chances of the clothes sticking against the inner side of the surface of the drum. The combination of flexible and rigid areas in a single rotatable drum provide different resistance forces over the inner surface, which is helpful for enhancing the above technical effect.

[0039] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the surface of the rotatable drum may be at least partially made of any of the following materials (or any combination thereof): metal (such as stainless steel, aluminium or titanium), plastic (e.g. a synthetic polymer, such as a polyester or a thermoplastic, e.g. polyamide / nylon), ceramic (e.g. aluminium oxide, silicon carbide or zirconia) or a synthetic fibre (e.g. an aramid, such as Kevlar). According to some embodiments, the surface of the rotatable drum may be coated with a non-conductive material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as Teflon) and / or polyurethane.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, when at least a part of the surface of the rotatable drum is configured to be at least partially flexible (e.g. when at least a part of the surface is configured as a meshed surface being partially flexible), said part of the surface may be made of aramid (e.g. an aramid fibre such as Kevlar), polyester or polyamide (nylon). Preferably, when at least a part of the surface of the rotatable drum is configured to be rigid, said part of the surface may be made of a metal, preferably stainless steel, aluminium, titanium (or a rigid plastic or synthetic fibre configured to be rigid).

[0041] In some embodiments, the textile processing machine may further comprise one or more humidity sensors configured to measure humidity (e.g. a percentage of humidity of the air / airflow) within the chamber of the machine. In some embodiments, the one or more humidity sensors may be configured to measure a humidity of the airflow within the rotatable drum or may be configured to measure a humidity differential between the airflow at the air inlet and the airflow at the air outlet. The textile processing machine may further comprise a humidity control unit configured to selectively increase or decrease the humidity (e.g. the percentage of humidity) within the chamber (e.g. within the rotatable drum) based on the humidity measured by the one or more humidity sensors. This feature is broadly compatible with all the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. The humidity control unit may be configured control the humidity by selectively increasing the humidity (e.g. by the machine comprising respective humidity providing means, such as spraying means or vapor / water supplying means, which may be arranged at the air inlet and / or within the chamber) and / or by selectively reducing the humidity withing the chamber (e.g. by drying the air of the airflow—preferably before being introduced through the air inlet—and / or by increasing the temperature within the chamber—e.g. the machine may comprise one or more temperature sensors for this purpose, such that the machine may be further configured to vary the temperature within the chamber based on the measurements of the one or more temperature sensors) to reach a predetermined humidity value or a predetermined humidity range.

[0042] The machine according to some embodiments may comprise at least one device configured to reduce static electricity in the interior of the chamber, said at least one device being preferably configured as a humidifier device and / or as an ionising device.

[0043] The humidifier device may be configured to add moisture to the air being introduced into the chamber. The machine may comprise one or more humidity sensors (e.g. as those described for the above-described humidity control unit), so that the humidifier device may be configured to add humidity to the chamber based on the information provided by said one or more humidity sensors (e.g. to reach a predetermined humidity value or a predetermined humidity range). In the context of air treatment, humidifiers are often used to maintain a predetermined humidity level. When it comes to reducing static electricity in a drum for treating clothes, the humidifier device may be configured to add moisture to the air inside the chamber of the machine. The generation of static electricity occurs when the clothes rub against each other and the drum, causing the electrons to transfer and create an electrical charge. This charge can be neutralized by adding moisture to the air, which helps to dissipate the electrical charge. The humidifier device may be configured to actuate before or during the rotation of the drum. The humidifier may be configured to add moisture to the air inside the drum, reducing the static charge on the clothes and preventing them from sticking together. In some embodiments, the humidifier device may correspond to the above-described humidity control unit when the humidity control unit is specifically configured to selectively increase the humidity within the chamber.

[0044] The ionising device may be configured for treating the air being introduced into the chamber through the air inlet, the ionising device being preferably configured as an ion generator configured to release negatively charged ions into the chamber. Ionization refers to the process of adding or removing electrons from an atom or molecule, resulting in the creation of ions, which are atoms or molecules with an electric charge. Static electricity in machines for treating clothes occurs when textile products rub against each other, creating a build-up of static charges. These charges can cause clothes to cling together and make it difficult for the machine to process them. Further, these charges make it more difficult for the microfibres to detach from the textile products. An ion generator may be configured to release negatively charged ions into the chamber where the drum is arranged during the operation of the machine (i.e. during the rotation of the drum). These ions help to neutralize the positive charges that build up on fabrics of the textile products, preventing them from clinging together and reducing static electricity. The ion generator may comprise a corona discharge electrode, which is a thin wire with a high voltage applied to it. As air molecules pass close to the wire, they are ionized, producing a stream of negatively charged ions that are released into the chamber of the machine. The ions then attach themselves to positively charged particles, such as the static charges on clothing, neutralizing them and reducing the amount of static electricity generated during the operation of the machine.

[0045] It should be noted that the textile processing machine according to the invention may comprise an airflow generating device (comprising any of the features described in relation to the airflow generating device) and / or may comprise a filtering device (comprising any of the features described in relation to the filtering device). However, in some embodiments, the machine may be connected (i.e. by being configured to be connectable) to an airflow generating device (e.g. an external airflow generating device) and / or to a filtering device (e.g. an external filtering device). When the textile processing machine according to the inventio or a plurality of textile processing machines according to the invention are connected to an external airflow generating device and / or to an external filtering device, the resulting combination may be configured as a system.

[0046] The textile processing machine according to any of the embodiments described for the first aspect of the invention may be configured to execute a computer program. Therefore, the machine may comprise processing means (e.g. a computer or a controller) configured to execute instructions of a computer program to operate according to said instructions.

[0047] A second aspect of the invention refers to a system comprising one or more textile processing machines according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention previously disclosed and at least one filtering device configured to retain microfibres trapped by the airflows of the machines. The one or more machines of said system being connected to said at least one external filtering device, wherein the at least one filtering device is external to the one or more machines and / or is configured as a respective dry filter according to the description above.

[0048] In preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the system may comprise at least one external airflow generating device (as a complement or as a replacement of any airflow generating device being part of any of the textile processing machines). However, in preferred embodiments, the system may comprise a single airflow generating device, such that the one or more filtering devices (e.g. one for each machine or one shared by all the machines) are connected to the single airflow generating device. Thus, the airflow generating device may be configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet of each of the one or more textile processing machines, said airflows going towards the at least one external filtering device. This configuration is especially advantageous when the airflow generating device is preferably arranged downstream the one or more filtering devices and is configured as a suctioning device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system may be configured such that the at least one airflow generating device is configured such that the generated airflow within each machine has a flow rate in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum of the respective machine per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute.

[0050] In those embodiments in which the system is configured such that a single airflow generating device (e.g. an air suctioning device) is configured to generate the airflow a plurality of textile processing machines (i.e. more than one), each textile processing machine may further comprise a respective valve configured to selectively open and close the communication of the respective chamber (e.g. of the air outlet) with the respective airflow generating device. Further, the airflow generating device may be configured to adapt a flow rate (e.g. a suctioning flow rate) according to a number of machines actively operating within the system, preferably to meet an airflow flow rate within each actively operating machine in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum of the respective machine per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute. It should be noted that when a single airflow generating device is configured to generate the airflow of a plurality of textile processing machines, the flow rate generated by said device correspond to the sum of the respective airflows (e.g. individual airflows) of the plurality of machines.

[0051] A third aspect of the invention refers to a method for removing microfibres from textile products with a textile processing machine (preferably, a machine according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention) or a system (preferably, a system according to any of the embodiments of the second aspect of the invention). Preferably, each machine comprises a rotatable drum comprising a surface delimiting the rotatable drum, said surface comprising a plurality of perforations configured to prevent the textile products from passing through and to allow microfibres to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum, said plurality of perforations being configured such that a percentage of the surface in the range 65-98% is formed by perforations devoid from any material, said percentage being preferably in the range 75-98% and more preferably in the range 90-98%, The method comprises:

[0052] controlling a rotating means to rotate a rotatable drum within a chamber at a constant or variable rotation speed being within a first predetermined rotation speed range, the first predetermined rotation speed range being configured such that, when the rotatable drum rotates at a rotational speed within said first predetermined rotations speed range, the textile products are agitated and stirred inside the rotatable drum, thereby causing microfibres to detach from the textile products;

[0053] controlling an airflow generating device, which is preferably configured as an air suctioning device and / or which is preferably configured such that the airflow is at ambient temperature, to generate an air flow within the chamber from an air inlet to an air outlet configured to trap the microfibres detached from the textile products and to expel them from the rotatable drum through the plurality of perforations and from the chamber through the air outlet; and

[0054] filtering the airflow, preferably by means of a dry filter, to retain the microfibres trapped in the air flow.

[0055] Thus, the first predetermined rotation speed range comprises rotation speeds which are configured such that, when the drum rotate at said speeds, the textile products receive a centrifugal force causing them to shake within the drum. Accordingly, the first predetermined rotation speed range is configured such that, when the drum rotates at a rotation speed being within said predetermined initial range, the contact force received by the textile products (i.e. the force with which the textile products are pressed against the inner surface of the) is not high enough to cause them to be in a stable position inside the drum (i.e. to jam / stick against the inner surface).

[0056] In some embodiments, the machine conducting the method (e.g. a machine according to any of the any of the embodiments described for the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the invention) may be dimensioned / configured such that the first predetermined speed rotation range is in the range 1 to 150 rpm, preferably 10 to 80 rpm, more preferably 15 to 45 rpm.

[0057] These speeds are suitable for a machine having a rotatable drum with a diameter of 800 mm approximately. Other speed ranges may be inferred from the relation provided to other diameters. In some embodiments, the machine may further comprise means configured to detect / sense the load inserted (i.e. the load of textile products) into the compartment of the drum, so that the predetermined initial range may be adapted in real time to a detected / sensed load (e.g. by monitoring the torque or power being provided by the rotation means to rotate the rotatable drum at a constant speed, or by providing a vibration sensing device configured to measure the vibrations in the drum while rotating).

[0058] The method may be further configured such that the step of controlling the rotating means to rotate a rotatable drum within a chamber may further comprise reversing a rotation direction of the rotatable drum (preferably, further including stopping the drum for a period of time before start rotating in the reverse direction) and / or temporally increasing the rotation speed of the drum to a constant or variable speed being within a second predetermined rotation speed range being higher than the first predetermined speed range. Preferably, the second predetermined rotation speed range is configured such that, when the rotatable drum rotates at a rotation speed being within said second predetermined rotation speed range, the textile products are pressed against the surface of the drum with a force that prevents the textile products from being agitated / shaken inside the drum (i.e. the force with which the textile products are pressed against the inner surface of the drum is high enough to cause them to be in a stable position inside the drum (i.e. to jam / stick against the inner surface).

[0059] In preferred embodiments, the step of controlling the airflow generating device to generate the air flow within the chamber further comprises providing an airflow relative to an internal total volume of the rotatable drum (i.e. the volume of the drum configured to receive the textile products, e.g. this volume being configured as an internal compartment). Thus, the air generating device may be configured such that the generated airflow provides a flow rate in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute.

[0060] When the method is applied by means of a system according to the second aspect of the invention in which each textile processing machine comprises a respective valve configured to selectively open and close the communication of the respective chamber with the respective airflow generating device, the method of the third aspect of the invention may further comprise adapting a flow rate generated by the airflow generated device according to a number of textile processing machines actively operating within the system (e.g. having the valve open), preferably to meet an airflow flow rate within each actively operating machine in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum of the respective machine per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute.

[0061] A fourth aspect to of the invention refers to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a machine (e.g. by one or more processing means of the machine, such as by a computer or by a controller being part of the machine or being connected to the machine) according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention or by a system according to the second aspect of the invention, causes the machine to carry out the method of any of the embodiments of the third aspect of the invention. A fifth aspect of the invention refers to a computer-readable medium data carrier having stored thereon the computer program according to the fourth aspect of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0062] FIG. 1A depicts a textile processing machine 1 according to embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

[0063] FIG. 1B depicts a textile processing machine according to other embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

[0064] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a rotatable drum 10 of a machine 1 according to the invention.

[0065] FIG. 2B shows a front view of the rotatable drum 10 of FIG. 2A.

[0066] FIG. 3A depicts a photograph of a machine 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0067] FIG. 3B depicts a detailed view of the machine of FIG. 3A showing the inner surface 101 of the rotatable drum 1.

[0068] FIG. 3C shows a depicts an enlarged view of a part of the inner surface 101 shown in FIG. 3B.

[0069] FIG. 3D depicts an enlarged front view of a meshed configuration of the inner surface 101 of the rotatable drum of FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0070] FIG. 4A shows a system according to the second aspect of the invention comprising a textile processing machine 1 according to embodiments of the invention with an external filter 50 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0071] FIG. 4B shows a system according to the second aspect of the invention comprising a plurality of textile processing machines 1 according to embodiments of the invention with an external filter 50 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0072] FIG. 4C shows a schematical representation of the system of FIG. 4B, wherein the path of the airflow is represented by means of arrows.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] FIG. 1A depicts a textile processing machine 1 for removing microfibres from textile products according to embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. The machine 1 comprises a rotatable drum 10 configured for receiving textile products (visibly arranged within the drum), which is further configured for being rotated about its longitudinal axis. The rotatable drum 10 comprises a surface 101 (i.e. a drum surface) configured to delimit a perimeter of the rotatable drum 10 (i.e. a permitter of an inner compartment of the drum configured to receive the textile products). The surface 101 comprises an inner side / face (e.g. inner / interior / internal side / face of the surface) configured to be in contact with the textile products. The surface 101 further comprises an outer side / face. The inner side comprises one or more paddles (not shown) arranged thereto (e.g. attached thereto or formed thereto), which are preferably configured to push / drag the textile products during the rotation of the rotatable drum 1. It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes, the machine 1 of FIG. 1A is shown as comprising an optional front door 21 (optional feature) configured to close the rotatable drum of the machine, wherein the rotatable drum 10 is configured as a cylinder (i.e. has a circular cross section). In compatible embodiments, the rotatable drum may be configured to have other cross sections according to the embodiments described in the summary of the invention.

[0074] The surface 101 of the rotating drum 10 comprises a plurality of perforations 103 (i.e. holes, e.g. passing through holes) configured to prevent the textile products from passing through, but also to allow any microfibres being released from the textile products to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum 10 (i.e. to pass from an inner side of the surface 101 to an outer side of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10). Although it is not discernible in FIG. 1A, the plurality of perforations 103 of the surface are configured such that a percentage of the surface in the range 65-98% is formed by perforations, i.e. said percentage is devoid from any material. In preferred embodiments, said percentage may be in the range 75-98% and more preferably in the range 90-98% or 90-95%. The plurality of perforations 103 may have a size in the range 2 to 30 mm, preferably in the range 4 to 15 mm and more preferably in the range 6 to 12 mm.

[0075] The textile processing machine 1 further comprises one or more rotation means (not shown) connected to the rotatable drum 10 and configured for rotating the rotatable drum 10 about its longitudinal axis. The rotation means may be configured as one or more motors, such as an electric motor. The rotation means may be configured to rotate the rotatable drum 10 at a constant or variable rotation speed being within a first predetermined rotation speed range, the first predetermined rotation speed range being configured such that, when the rotatable drum 10 rotates at a rotational speed within said first predetermined rotations speed range, the textile products are agitated and / or stirred inside the rotatable drum 10, thereby causing microfibres to detach from the textile products, wherein a resulting centrifugal force cause that at least part of the detached microfibres pass through the plurality of perforations 103 of the rotatable drum 10. Preferably, the first predetermined speed rotation range is in the range 1 to 150 rpm, preferably 10 to 80 rpm, more preferably 15 to 45 rpm. These speeds are suitable for a machine 1 having a rotatable drum 10 with a diameter (or diagonal distance between opposing sides of the perimeter of the cross section of the drum measured passing by the centre of the cross section) of 800 mm approximately.

[0076] FIG. 1A shows a curved arrow indicating a first rotation direction of the rotatable drum 10. However, in preferred embodiments compatible with FIG. 1A, the rotation means (not shown) may be configured to reverse a rotation direction of the rotatable drum 10 (i.e. to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum 10 in a first rotation direction and / or in a second rotation direction being reversed with respect to the first rotation direction).

[0077] The textile processing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1A comprises a chamber 20 configured to enclose the rotatable drum 10. The chamber 20 comprises an air outlet 201 and an air inlet 202. Preferably, the chamber may be configured to be airtight or sealed, such that, when the machine is operating, air can only enter the chamber 20 through the air inlet 202 and can only be expelled from it through the air outlet 201.

[0078] The machine further comprises an airflow generating device 40 configured to generate an airflow (represented by the flow lines) from the air inlet 202 to the air outlet 201. The air generating device 40 shown in FIG. 1A is configured as an air suctioning device 40 (optional feature), arranged downstream the air outlet 201 (optional feature), in particular at the outside of the chamber 20 (optional feature). Although this configuration has advantages, in other embodiments of the invention, the optional features described for the airflow generating device 40 may be replaced by any of the alternative features previously presented in the general description of the invention. In preferred configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the airflow generating device 40 may be configured such that the generated airflow is at room / ambient temperature, therefore not requiring any heating or cooling process.

[0079] The airflow generating device 40 of FIG. 1A may be configured such that the generated airflow provides a flow rate in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute.

[0080] FIG. 1A shows that (after having been expelled through the air outlet 201) the airflow enters into a filter 50 (i.e. a filtering device 50) configured to filter the airflow to retain the microfibres removed from the textile products. The filter is preferably configured to retain microfibres having a size in the range 0.25 to 100 μm, 0.25 to 50 μm, 0.2 to 10 μm. The filter 50 (i.e. the filtering device) may be an integral part of the machine 1 (i.e. the machine 1 may comprise said filter 50) or the filter 50 may be external to the machine 1 such that the machine is connected / connectable to the external filter 50. In preferred embodiments according to FIG. 1A, the filter 50 may be configured as a dry filter, which is a type of filtration system that operates without the use of any liquid or moisture (e.g. the filter 50 may be configured as a “bag filter” or “fabric filter”).

[0081] Although not visible in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the filtering device 50 may be a self-cleaning filter, i.e. configured to perform a self-cleaning process (e.g. by performing a vibration process or by configuring the airflow generating device to provide the filtering device with a high-pressure airstream), such that the microfibres previously accumulated in the filtering device are deposited into a waste deposit or similar (e.g. a plate or recipient).

[0082] FIG. 1A depicts the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 as having a circular cross section and a quite reduced size (i.e. diameter) in comparison to the diameter of the rotatable drum 10 and the total volume of the chamber 20. It should be noted that this is merely for illustrative purposes, so that the size of the air inlet and the air outlet may be configured to cover partially or totally the cross section of the chamber 20 (i.e. wherein the inlet 202 and the outlet 201 are arranged at respective inner faces of the chamber 20). The air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 may be configured to have greater areas (e.g. equal to or greater than the area of the cross section of the drum) and / or shape configurations (e.g. polygonal cross sections).

[0083] In some cases, the size of the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 may be different to create a gradient of pressures and speeds on the airflow (i.e. the airflow generated by the airflow generating device) within the chamber 20. For example, the air inlet 202 may be configured to have a bigger size than the air outlet 201, wherein this has the technical effect of providing an airflow with a higher velocity at the outlet (air outlet 201) of the chamber 20 (such that the airflow has a higher kinetic energy to capture a maximum amount of microfibres in a part of the chamber being closely arranged with respect to the outlet) and a lower velocity at the entrance (air inlet 202) of the chamber 20. A higher velocity at the air outlet 201 increases the turbulences within the tumbler 10 and provides a maximum speed of the airflow at the air outlet 201, thereby helping to evacuate the microfibres detached from the textile products. In preferred embodiments, the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 201 may be configured such that an outlet speed is between 1 and 5 times an inlet speed, preferably between 1.5 and 5 times, more preferably between 2 and 3 times.

[0084] The connection between the air outlet 201 (e.g. an air conducting device) and the filtering device 50 may be configured such that airflow entering into the filtering device 50 is within a predetermined range (wherein this range may be selected on a case-by-case basis depending on the specifications of the filtering device) that allows for a better filtration efficiency in the filtering device 50. An example of air outlets 201 and air inlets 202 compatible with the embodiment of FIG. 1A (and FIG. 1B) can be seen in FIG. 4C, wherein the air outlet 201 is configured as a circular opening and the air inlet 202 is configured as rectangular openings (e.g. as a slot communicating to atmospheric air) covering a whole width of the chamber 20 (e.g. to provide a curtain-type flow entering into the chamber 20). The air outlet 201 is configured to have a smaller cross section area such that the airflow flowing between the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 201 has a gradient of increasing speed / velocity towards the air outlet 201.

[0085] The rotatable drum 10 of FIG. 1A is arranged between the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 201, thereby the drum 10 interfering (e.g. totally interfering) with a path of the airflow such that a turbulent flow in the airflow is obtained. In other embodiments, such as the one depicted in FIG. 1B, the rotatable drum 10 is arranged partially between the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 201, thereby the drum 10 interfering partially with a path of the airflow, thereby generating a different kind of turbulent airflow.

[0086] In FIG. 1A, the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are arranged in (i.e. arranged with respect to chamber 20 and / or relative to the rotatable drum 10) the chamber 20 such that the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40 is configured to impinge (at least partially) with an outer side of the surface 101 of rotatable drum 1, thereby generating a turbulent flow. In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 1A is optionally configured such that the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are arranged with respect to the chamber 20 such that the airflow generated by the air generating device 40 is configured as a downward flow being at least partially vertical (i.e. being vertical or having an angle of inclination with a vertical component) in a position of use of the machine.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 1A the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are arranged such that the airflow entering through the air inlet 202 and exiting through the air outlet 201 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum (e.g. a central part of the airflow contacts with the highest part of the rotatable drum 10, which in this case is horizontally arranged. Thus, in other words, in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are arranged such that a straight geometrical line (it is noted that this line is not part of the invention, but an external geometrical reference) virtually connects the air inlet 202 with the air outlet 201 (e.g. connecting a respective central point of the cross section of the opening defining the air outlet 201 with a respective central point of the cross section of the opening defining the air inlet 202) is configured to intersect perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis about which the rotatable drum 10 is configured to rotate (which is preferably a horizontal axis).

[0088] It should be noted that in other compatible embodiments, the location / arrangement of the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 may be configured such that said straight geometrical line intersects with the longitudinal axis defining an angle of inclination. Thus, FIG. 1A depicts a particular configuration of the machine 1 in which the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are aligned in a vertical direction (i.e. a first direction configured to be normal to a ground on which the machine is arranged for operating) such that the airflow impinges vertically (e.g. flowing downwards) with the surface of the rotatable drum, so that at least part of the airflow goes through the perforations of the surface of the rotatable drum, thereby minimising a length of the path of airflow (this way speed losses reduced).

[0089] FIG. 1B represents a second embodiment of the machine 1 for processing textile products according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the only differences between this embodiment and that of FIG. 1A are the positions of the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202. In FIG. 1B, the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are vertically aligned to each other (which is an optional feature, since they can be aligned along an inclined direction—i.e. such that the straight geometrical line may alternatively be arranged in an inclined position), but are not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum 10. Thus, this configuration provides a lateral / horizontal offset distance between the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum 10 and the straight geometrical line virtually connecting the air outlet 201 with the air inlet 202 (this offset distance is compatible with embodiments in which said straight geometrical line is vertical or at least partially vertical—i.e. at least has a vertical component). The lateral offset distance provides an airflow being laterally displaced with respect to the rotatable drum 10, such that a lateral suction effect is generated from the rotatable drum 10 towards the airflow, wherein preferably a part of the airflow is configured to be tangent to the outer side of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10.

[0090] FIGS. 2A and 2B show different views of a rotatable drum 10 compatible with the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The rotatable drum 10 comprises a plurality of faces 1011 and has a cross section configured as a regular polygon comprising ten faces 1011 connected to each other by respective vertices / intersections 104. Thus, the cross section of the rotatable drum 10 of FIGS. 2A and 2B comprises a plurality of points being arranged at a plurality of radial distances from said longitudinal axis (e.g. the central part of any of the faces 1011 is closest to the longitudinal axis of the drum than any of the two longitudinal end points of the respective face 1011).

[0091] It should be noted that the number of faces 1011 may be configured according to the information provided in the summary (e.g. in the range 5 to 50, preferably in the range 8 to 20, more preferably in the range 10 to 16), and that a geometrical configuration (e.g. planar or curved) of each face 1011, which in the figures is shown as a planar configuration, may be replaced for at least one of the faces 1011 by a curved configuration. Further, the vertices / intersections 104 are also an optional feature, since the surface 101 may be configured as a continuous surface configuring a single face devoid from intermediate edges (i.e. vertices / intersections 104) (e.g. circular or non-circular, wherein non-circular is interpreted as comprising a plurality of points being arranged at a plurality of radial distances from the longitudinal axis).

[0092] FIGS. 2A and 2B show an embodiment in which a plurality of paddles 102 are arranged following a regular pattern (i.e. a homogeneous distribution over the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10): they are arranged on an intersection 104 between two adjacent faces 1011, every two faces 1011. It should be noted that the rotatable drum 10 of FIGS. 2A and 2B is compatible with other configurations previously described, namely one or more of the paddles 102 may be arranged at a respective intersection 104 between two adjacent (planar or curved) faces 1011 and / or one or more of the paddles 102 may be arranged on a respective face 1011 of the plurality of faces 1011 (e.g. in a centred position of the face 1011). In both cases, the paddles 102 may be arranged in a regular pattern (e.g. regular distribution), e.g. on every face or intersection, on every two faces or intersections.

[0093] The rotatable drums 10 of any of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B may be configured such that at least a part of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 is configured to be at least partially flexible; and / or such that at least a part of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 is configured to be rigid. Further, the same rotatable drums 10 are also compatible with having the surface 101 at least partially configured as a meshed surface, such that the plurality of perforations 103 are configured as respective perforations 103 of the meshed surface (e.g. of a reticular structure of the meshed surface). In particular, the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts the optional configuration in which the surface 101 of the rotational drum 10 is integrally configured as a meshed surface and comprises a tensioning device 1012 configured to tighten the meshed surface. It is noted that the tensioning device 1012 is compatible with any embodiment comprising at least a part configured as a meshed surface. The tensioning device 1012 allows a regulation of the tension of the meshed surface such that, when the meshed surface is configured to be at least partially elastic, the tensioning device 1012 may be used to regulate the elastic response of the meshed surface by regulating the tension of the meshed surface. Further, the tensioning device 1012 may be integrated within a respective paddle 102 or may be shaped to form a respective paddle 102. The meshed surface compatible with any of the embodiments described may be made, at least partially, of a synthetic polymer (such as a polyester or a thermoplastic, e.g. polyamide / nylon) or a synthetic fibre (e.g. an aramid, such as Kevlar).

[0094] The rotatable drum 10 of FIG. 2A comprises, at those intersections 104 not having a paddle 102, an elongated structural element 105 (optional feature) configured to provide sliding contact (or an attaching portion) to the surface 101 of the drum. This optional feature is especially advantageous for those parts of the surface 101 configured as a meshed surface, since each elongated structural element 105 helps to provide tension to the meshed surface, thereby limiting the elastic deformation of the meshed surface.

[0095] It is noted that the rotatable drum of FIG. 2A further comprises a frame / structure 106 (optional) (e.g. preferably configured as frame 106 configured to surround the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10, as shown in FIG. 2A) configured to support the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10. This frame 106 is especially helpful for ensuring a homogenous rotation movement of the drum 10 along a length of the drum 10 (i.e. along the longitudinal axis about which the rotatable drum 10 is configured to rotate), and also for limiting the elastic deformation of the surface 101 when it is configured to be at least partially elastic. The frame 106 may be at least partially made of a metal, such as steel (preferably, stainless steel), aluminium or titanium.

[0096] FIG. 3A shows a photograph of a machine 1 for processing textile products according to the invention comprising a rotatable drum 10 compatible with the rotatable drums 10 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B and further comprising a rear cap 1013 (optional) closing a rear part of the rotatable drum 10.

[0097] FIG. 3B depicts a photograph of the rotatable drum 10 shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B provides a detailed view of a portion of said rotatable drum 10, wherein a complete paddle 104 is shown, said paddle 104 is arranged at a lower intersection 104 of a respective face 1011, wherein an upper intersection of this same face 1011 comprises a respective elongated structural element 105. Further, the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 is configured as meshed surface which is configured to be at least partially elastic (wherein the tensioning device 1012 may be actuated for regulating the tension of the meshed surface). Preferably, said meshed surface is made of a synthetic polymer (such as a polyester or a thermoplastic, e.g. polyamide / nylon) or a synthetic fibre (e.g. an aramid, such as Kevlar).

[0098] FIG. 3C shows a detailed front view of the plurality of perforations 103 of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Further, FIG. 3D shows an enlarged detail view of FIG. 3B showing the plurality of perforations 103.

[0099] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, which refers to a system comprising a textile processing machine 1 according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and a filtering device 50 configured to retain microfibres trapped by the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40. It is noted that the machine 1 is connected to the filtering device 50 (although the connection is not shown in the figure). The filtering device 50 is external to the machine 1 and is preferably configured as respective dry filter. The system further comprises an airflow generating devices 40 (not shown), which may be external to the textile processing machine 1 or being comprised by said machine 1.

[0100] FIG. 4B shows an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 4A comprising two textile processing machines 1, at least one airflow generating device 40 (not shown) and an external filtering device 50, such that the textile processing machines 1 are connected to the (single) external filtering device 50. The at least one airflow generating device 40 may be connected downstream the external filtering device 50, and be configured as a suctioning device. In embodiments of the system compatible with the invention, a plurality (e.g. more than one or more than two) textile processing machines 1 may be commonly connected to one or more external filtering devices 50. Further, each of the textile processing machines 1 of the system may further comprise, sin some embodiments, an internal filtering device 50 configured to operate as a first filtering device operating in a first filtering stage, such that the external filtering device 50 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be configured as a second filtering device configured to operate at a second filtering stage.

[0101] FIG. 4C shows a schematical representation of one embodiment related to the system of FIG. 4B, wherein the path of the airflow is represented by means of arrows. The textile processing machines 1 shown may be configured according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0102] The embodiment of FIG. 4C comprises a plurality of textile processing machines 1 (in particular, two machines 1), an airflow generating device 40 (external to the machines 1) and a filtering device 50 (external to the machines). The plurality of textile processing machines 1 are connected to the (external) filtering device 50, wherein the airflow generating device 40 is arranged downstream the external filtering device 40. The airflow generating device 40 is configured as a device being external to the machines 1 and the filtering device 50 and is further configured as a suctioning device.

[0103] The filtering device 50 may be configured as dry filter. The airflow generating device 40 is configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet 202 to the air outlet 201 of each of textile processing machines 1 and towards the external filtering device 50. Thus, the flow rate generated by the airflow generating device 40 correspond to the sum of the respective airflows (e.g. individual airflows) of the plurality of textile processing machines 1.

[0104] Preferably (although not visible in the figure), the (single) airflow generating device 40 may be configured such that the airflow generated within each machine 1 has a flow rate in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum 10 of the respective machine 1 per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum 10 per minute.

[0105] Further, the airflow generating device may be configured to adapt a flow rate (e.g. a suctioning flow rate) according to a number of machines actively operating within the system, preferably to meet an airflow flow rate within each actively operating machine in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum of the respective machine per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute. It should be noted that when a single airflow generating device is configured to generate the airflow of a plurality of textile processing machines, the flow rate generated by said device correspond to the sum of the respective airflows (e.g. individual airflows) of the plurality of machines.

[0106] More preferably (although not visible in the figure), each textile processing machine 1 of the system of FIG. 4C may further comprise a respective valve configured to selectively open and close the communication of the respective chamber 20 (e.g. of the respective air outlet 201) with the airflow generating device 40. Thus, the airflow generating device 1 may be configured to adapt a flow rate (e.g. a suctioning flow rate) according to a number of machines actively operating within the system, preferably to meet an airflow flow rate within each actively operating machine in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum of the respective machine per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute. It should be noted that when a single airflow generating device is configured to generate the airflow of a plurality of textile processing machines, the flow rate generated by said device correspond to the sum of the respective airflows (e.g. individual airflows) of the plurality of machines.

[0107] The embodiments of the textile processing machine and the system described in the figures are compatible with further comprising a humidity control unit (e.g. as previously described) and / or at least one device configured to reduce static electricity in the interior of the chamber (e.g. as previously described).

[0108] The present disclosure further refers to the following examples:EXAMPLES

[0109] 1. A system comprising one or more textile processing machine 1 for removing microfibres from textile products, each machine 1 comprising:

[0110] a rotatable drum 10 configured for receiving textile products and configured for being rotated about its longitudinal axis, the rotatable drum 10 comprising a surface 101 delimiting the rotatable drum 10, an inner side of said surface 101 comprising one or more paddles (102) arranged thereto, wherein the surface 101 further comprises a plurality of perforations 103 configured to prevent the textile products from passing through and to allow microfibres to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum 10;

[0111] a rotation means connected to the rotatable drum 1 and configured for rotating the rotatable drum 1 about its longitudinal axis; and

[0112] a chamber 20 configured to enclose the rotatable drum (10), the chamber (20) comprising an air inlet 201 and an air outlet 202;

[0113] the system further comprising an airflow generating device 40 configured to be connected to the one or more textile processing machines 1 and configured to generate a respective airflow from the respective air inlet 202 to the respective air outlet 201 of each machine 1, wherein preferably the airflow generating device 40 is configured such that the airflow is at ambient temperature and / or the airflow generating device 40 is configured as an air suctioning device 40;

[0114] wherein the plurality of perforations 103 of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 are configured such that a percentage of the surface 101 in the range 65-98% is formed by perforations (103) devoid from any material, said percentage being preferably in the range 75-98% and more preferably in the range 90-98%.

[0115] 2. The system of example 1, further comprising at least one filtering device 50, preferably configured as a dry filter, said at least one filtering device 50 being configured to filter the airflow coming from the respective outlet(s) 201 of the one or more textile processing machines 1 to retain the microfibres removed from the textile products, wherein said at least one filtering device 50 is preferably configured to retain microfibres having a size in the range 0.25 to 100 μm, preferably 0.25 to 50 μm and more preferably 0.2 to 10 μm.

[0116] 3. The system of example 2, wherein the at least one filtering device 50 is arranged between the one or more textile processing machines 1 and the airflow generating device 40, the airflow generating device 40 being preferably configured as an air suctioning device 40.

[0117] 4. The system of examples 2 or 3, wherein the system comprises either:

[0118] a single filtering device 50 and a single airflow generating device 40, wherein the filtering device 50 is connected between the one or more machines 1 and the airflow generating device 40; or

[0119] a plurality of filtering devices 50 and one or more airflow generating devices 40, wherein each filtering device 50 is connected between a respective machine and the one or more airflow generating devices 40; preferably:

[0120] wherein a single airflow generating device 40 is connected to the plurality of filtering devices 50; or

[0121] wherein the system comprises a plurality of airflow generating devices 40, such that a respective airflow generating device is connected to each filtering device 50.

[0122] 5. The system of any of examples 1 to 4, wherein the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 of the one or more machines 1 are configured (e.g. arranged in the respective chamber 20) to cause the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 40 to impinge at least partially with an outer side of the surface 101 of the respective rotatable drum 10;

[0123] wherein preferably:

[0124] the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are arranged with respect to the chamber 20 such that the airflow generated by the air generating device 40 is configured as a downward flow being at least partially vertical in a position of use of the machine 1; and / or

[0125] the air outlet 201 and / or the air inlet 202 are respectively configured to extend over at least a part of a width of the chamber 20, such the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are configured as respective slots.

[0126] 6. The system of any of the examples 1 to 5, wherein the at least one airflow generating device 40 is configured to generate the airflow within each machine at a flow rate in the range 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum of the respective machine 1 per minute, preferably in the range 35 to 60 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute, and more preferably in the range 45 to 50 times the internal total volume of the drum per minute.

[0127] 7. The system of any of examples 1 to 6, wherein each textile processing machine 1 further comprises a respective valve configured to selectively open and close the communication of the respective chamber with the respective airflow generating device 40, and wherein when the airflow generating device 40 is connected to more than one textile processing machines 1, said airflow generating device 1 is configured to adapt a flow rate according to a number of machines actively operating within the system, preferably to meet the flow rates of example 6.

[0128] 8. The system of any of examples 1 to 7, wherein for each textile processing machine 1, the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are configured such that a speed of the airflow is greater at the air outlet 201 than at the air inlet 202, wherein preferably the air outlet 201 and the air inlet 202 are configured such that an outlet speed at the air outlet 201 is between 1.2 and 5 times an inlet speed at the air inlet 202, preferably between 1.5 and 4 times, and more preferably between 2 and 3 times.

[0129] 9. The system of any of examples 1 to 8, wherein the rotatable drum 10 of each textile processing machine 1 is configured to have a cross section being circular or comprising a plurality of points being arranged at a plurality of radial distances from the longitudinal axis.

[0130] 10. The system of any of examples 1 to 9, wherein the surface 101 of the rotatable drum comprises a plurality of faces 1011 (e.g. such that the plurality of points being arranged at a plurality of radial distances from the longitudinal axis are part of the plurality of faces 1011), wherein preferably at least one face of the plurality of faces 1011 is configured as a planar face and / or wherein at least one face of the plurality of faces 1011 is configured as a curved face.

[0131] 11. The system of example 10, wherein the plurality of faces 1011 has a number of faces 1011 in the range 5 to 50, preferably in the range 8 to 20, more preferably in the range 10 to 16.

[0132] 12. The system of any of examples 10 or 11, wherein for each textile processing machine 1:

[0133] one or more of the paddles 102 are arranged at a respective intersection 104 between two adjacent faces 1011 and / or

[0134] one or more of the paddles 102 are arranged on a respective face 1011 of the plurality of faces 1011;

[0135] wherein preferably the one or more paddles 102 are distributed around the longitudinal axis of the rotatable drum 10 in a regular pattern.

[0136] 13. The system of any of examples 1 to 12, wherein for each textile processing machine 1:

[0137] the surface 101 is at least partially configured as a meshed surface such that the plurality of perforations 103 are configured as perforations of the meshed surface; and / or

[0138] the plurality of perforations 103 have a size in the range 2 to 30 mm, preferably in the range 4 to 15 mm and more preferably in the range 6 to 12 mm.

[0139] 14. The system of any of examples 1 to 13, wherein each textile processing machine 1 is configured such that at least a part of the surface 101 of the respective rotatable drum 10 is configured to be at least partially flexible; and / or wherein at least a part of the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 is configured to be rigid.

[0140] 15. The system of any of examples 1 to 14, wherein for each textile processing machine 1:

[0141] the surface 101 of the respective rotatable drum 10 is at least partially made of stainless steel, aluminium, plastic, ceramic, polyester, nylon or aramid; and / or;

[0142] the surface 101 of the rotatable drum 10 is coated with a non-conductive material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and / or polyurethane.

[0143] 16. The system of any of examples 1 to 15, wherein each textile processing machine 1 further comprises at least one device configured to reduce static electricity within the chamber 20, said at least one device being preferably configured as a:

[0144] a humidifier device configured to add moisture to the air being introduced into the chamber 20 by the air inlet 201; and / or

[0145] an ionising device configured for treating the air being introduced into the chamber (20) through the air inlet (201), the ionising device being preferably configured as an ion generator configured to release negatively charged ions into the chamber (20).

Claims

1-18. (canceled)19. A textile processing machine for removing microfibres from textile products, the textile processing machine comprising:a rotatable drum configured for receiving textile products and configured for being rotated about its longitudinal axis, the rotatable drum comprising a surface delimiting the rotatable drum, an inner side of said surface comprising one or more paddles arranged thereto, wherein the surface further comprises a plurality of perforations configured to prevent the textile products from passing through and to allow microfibres to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum;a rotation means connected to the rotatable drum and configured for rotating the rotatable drum about its longitudinal axis; anda chamber configured to enclose the rotatable drum, the chamber comprising an air inlet and an air outlet;wherein the textile processing machine is configured to be connected to an airflow generating device configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; andwherein the plurality of perforations of the surface of the rotatable drum are configured such that a percentage of the surface in a range of 65-98% is formed by perforations devoid from any material.

20. The machine of claim 19, further comprises a filtering device configured as a dry filter, the filtering device configured to filter the airflow to retain the microfibres removed from the textile products.

21. The textile processing machine of claim 19, wherein the air outlet and the air inlet are configured and arranged in the chamber such that the airflow generated by the airflow generating device impinges at least partially with an outer side of the surface of the rotatable drum.

22. The textile processing machine of claim 21, wherein the air outlet and the air inlet are arranged with respect to the chamber such that the airflow generated by the air generating device is configured as a downward flow being at least partially vertical in a position of use of the machine; orthe air outlet and the air inlet are respectively configured to extend over at least a part of a width of the chamber, such that the air outlet and the air inlet are configured as respective slots.

23. The textile processing machine of claim 19, whereinthe airflow generating device is configured to generate the airflow flowing from the air inlet to the air outlet at a flow rate in a range of 25 to 70 times an internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute; orthe air outlet and the air inlet are configured such that a speed of the airflow is greater at the air outlet than at the air inlet.

24. The textile processing machine of claim 19, wherein the rotatable drum is configured to have a cross section being circular or comprising a plurality of points being arranged at a plurality of radial distances from the longitudinal axis.

25. The textile processing machine of claim 19, wherein the surface of the rotatable drum comprises a plurality of faces.

26. The textile processing machine of claim 25, wherein the plurality of faces has a number of faces in a range of 5 to 50.

27. The textile processing machine of claim 26, wherein:one or more of the paddles are arranged at a respective intersection between two adjacent faces; orone or more of the paddles are arranged on a respective face of the plurality of faces.

28. The textile processing machine of claim 19, wherein:the surface is at least partially configured as a meshed surface such that the plurality of perforations is configured as perforations of the meshed surface; orthe plurality of perforations has a size in a range of 2 to 30 mm.

29. The textile processing machine of claim 19, wherein:the surface of the rotatable drum is at least partially made of stainless steel, aluminium, plastic, ceramic, polyester, nylon or aramid; orthe surface of the rotatable drum is coated with a non-conductive material.

30. The textile processing machine of claim 19, further comprising at least one device configured to reduce static electricity within the chamber.

31. The textile processing machine of claim 30, wherein the at least one device configured to reduce static electricity within the chamber is configured as:a humidifier device configured to add moisture to the air being introduced into the chamber by the air inlet; oran ionising device configured for treating the air being introduced into the chamber through the air inlet, the ionising device being configured as an ion generator configured to release negatively charged ions into the chamber.

32. A system comprising one or more textile processing machines according to claim 19 and an external filtering device configured to retain microfibres trapped by the airflow, the one or more textile processing machines being connected to the external filtering device.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein:the external filtering device is configured as dry filter; orthe system further comprises an external airflow generating device connected to the external filtering device, the airflow generating device being configured to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet of each of the one or more textile processing machines and towards the external filtering device.

34. A method for removing microfibres from textile products with a textile processing machine or a system comprising the textile processing machine of claim 19, each machine comprising a rotatable drum which comprises a surface delimiting the rotatable drum, said surface comprising a plurality of perforations configured to prevent the textile products from passing through and to allow microfibres to pass through to an outside of the rotatable drum, said plurality of perforations being configured such that a percentage of the surface in a range of 65-98% is formed by perforations devoid from any material, the method comprising:controlling a rotating means to rotate a rotatable drum within a chamber of each textile processing machine at a constant or variable rotation speed being within a first predetermined rotation speed range, the first predetermined rotation speed range being configured such that, when the rotatable drum rotates at a rotational speed within said first predetermined rotations speed range, the textile products are agitated and stirred inside the rotatable drum, thereby causing microfibres to detach from the textile products;controlling an airflow generating device to generate an airflow within the chamber of each textile processing machine from a respective air inlet to a respective air outlet to trap the microfibres detached from the textile products and to expel them from the rotatable drum through the plurality of perforations and from the chamber through the air outlet; andfiltering the airflow to retain the microfibres trapped in the airflow.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein controlling the rotating means to rotate the rotatable drum within the chamber further comprises reversing a rotation direction of the rotatable drum or temporally increasing the rotation speed of the drum to a constant or variable speed being within a second predetermined rotation speed range being higher than the first predetermined speed range.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the second predetermined rotation speed range is configured such that, when the rotatable drum rotates at a rotation speed being within said second predetermined rotation speed range, the textile products are pressed against the surface of the drum with a force that prevents the textile products from being agitated / shaken inside the drum.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein controlling the airflow generating device to generate the air flow within the chamber further comprises providing an air flow relative to an internal total volume of the rotatable drum, said airflow being configured to be in a range of 25 to 70 times the internal total volume of the rotatable drum per minute.

38. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the textile processing machine of claim 19, causes the machine or the system to carry out a method comprising:controlling a rotating means to rotate a rotatable drum within a chamber of each textile processing machine at a constant or variable rotation speed being within a first predetermined rotation speed range, the first predetermined rotation speed range being configured such that, when the rotatable drum rotates at a rotational speed within said first predetermined rotations speed range, the textile products are agitated and stirred inside the rotatable drum, thereby causing microfibres to detach from the textile products;controlling an airflow generating device to generate an airflow within the chamber of each textile processing machine from a respective air inlet to a respective air outlet to trap the microfibres detached from the textile products and to expel them from the rotatable drum through the plurality of perforations and from the chamber through the air outlet; andfiltering the airflow to retain the microfibres trapped in the airflow.

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