Patent Description:
The automated machine and the present process are inserted in the field of the textile industry, e.g. in the field of production of clothing garments, in the field of production of furnishing article, in the field of production of finishing articles for automobiles, in particular fabric seats, and the like.

In particular, the present automated machine and process are advantageously intended to be employed in order to unwind a selected fabric reel and supply the fabric unwound therefrom, for example, to a cutting machine placed downstream, and such cutting machine preferably cuts the different fabric portions constituting a clothing article, and in order to rewind the aforesaid fabric reel after the cutting machine has removed the necessary fabric.

Known at the state of the art are machines for unwinding fabric reels, which comprise a support frame, which carries, rotatably mounted thereon, at least two rollers upper ducts and a lower driving roller placed therebetween, and multiple closed-loop belts wound around the aforesaid driving roller and alternatively around one or the other of the driven wheels, in a manner such to define a reception seat for the fabric reel to be unwound. More in detail, the driving roller is actuatable to rotate in a first rotation sense in order to drive the closed-loop belts to unwind the fabric reel and in a second rotation sense opposite the first in order to drive the belts themselves to rewind the reel.

Advantageously, such machine for unwinding the fabric reels is employed in order to unwind a fabric reel and provide the fabric part unwound from such reel to a cutting machine placed downstream, which is for example set for cutting the fabric portions that constitute a clothing garment, such as a shirt, and in order to rewind the reel once the cutting machine has removed the necessary fabric.

The machines for unwinding fabric reels described briefly up to now has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

The main drawback of these machines of known type lies in the fact that the fabric reel to be unwound must be manually loaded on and unloaded from the reception seat. Therefore, the intervention of one or more operators is required, depending on the weight of the reel, who become fatigued and possibly also risk being injured during the movement of the reel itself.

In addition, for example in the event in which the cutting machine placed downstream of the machine for unwinding the reels is employed for cutting parts of clothing garments having different colors or made of different fabrics, the fabric reel placed in the reception seat must be substituted numerous times in time intervals that are quite close to each other.

In such case, it is known to place a storage with rotary carousel upstream of the machine for unwinding the reels. Such storage with rotary is generally provided with multiple movable supports, which are mounted on the rotary carousel and each support a fabric reel with color and/or material different from those of the other movable supports, and with movement means arranged for rotating the rotary carousel up to carrying the movable support with the selected fabric reel within reach of the operator employed for loading and unloading the machine for unwinding the reels.

In this manner, since the storage rotary carousel is placed just upstream of the machine for unwinding the reels, the operator does not have to travel long distances to take the new fabric reels to substitute the old and, since the storage with rotary carousel is capable of supplying the movable support with the selected fabric reel directly within reach of the same operator, he/she does not have to continually repeat movements that are potentially damaging for the health, such as for example continuously lifting the fabric reels to substitute the old ones from the ground.

Nevertheless, it is always requested that the operator be present during operation of the machine for unwinding the reels, so as to readily substitute the fabric reel as soon as the cutting machine has removed the fabric part necessary for the subsequent processing, and hence such operator cannot be employed for performing other functions.

In order to at least partly solve the problems of the prior art described briefly up to now, from United States patent <CIT> it is known to use a rotary storage together with a separate unwinder machine provided with a conveyor belt. More in detail, the rotary storage is provided with a closed-loop catenary carrying a plurality of fabric reels mounted thereon, movable in rotation in order to selectively bring one of the aforesaid reels to an unloading section. In addition, the conveyor belt of the unwinder machine is movable in translation with respect to the support frame of the aforesaid unwinder machine in order to contact with the fabric reel selectively placed at the unloading section from the catenary of the rotary storage and is actuatable in rotation in order to unwind such reel. Also such solution resulted not lacking drawbacks in practice, since it is subjected to problems tied to possible jamming and machine-stops that require frequent manual interventions by the operators.

In addition, in the technical field of the textile industry, different machines are known comprising automated storages for unwinder reels and/or groups, for example of the type described in the patent documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>, which have proven to be inefficient or unreliable in operation.

Therefore, there is the strong need in the reference field to be able to execute, in a completely automated manner, the transfer operations of the different fabric reels between the storage a rotary carousel and the machine for unwinding the reels.

In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of overcoming the abovementioned drawbacks manifested by the solutions of known type by proving an automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels and a process for unwinding and rewinding a fabric reel, which are capable of executing, in a completely automated manner, the loading and unloading of the selected fabric reels and their unwinding and rewinding.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels and a process for unwinding and rewinding a fabric reel, which are capable of operating in a completely efficient and versatile manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels and a process for unwinding and rewinding a fabric reel, which are entirely reliable in operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels and a process for unwinding and rewinding a fabric reel, which are simple and inexpensive to attain.

The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed figures, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of the invention in which:.

With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number <NUM> overall indicates an automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels in accordance with the present invention.

More in detail, the present automated machine <NUM> is intended to be employed in the field of the textile industry, in particular in the field of production of clothing garments, such as for example shirts, pants or the like.

In particular, the present automated machine <NUM> is intended to be installed upstream of a cutting machine, so as to supply the fabric unwound from a reel to such cutting machine, which is arranged for cutting from the unwound fabric the parts constituting a specific clothing article.

The present automated machine <NUM> comprises a support frame <NUM>, a storage group <NUM> and an unwinding group <NUM>.

Advantageously, the support frame <NUM> internally defines an operating volume, within which the aforesaid storage group <NUM> and the unwinding group <NUM> are at least partially placed.

The group <NUM> for storing the fabric reels comprises two or more abutment racks <NUM>, which are guidedly connected to the support frame <NUM> along a movement path X.

More in detail, the abutment racks <NUM> can be guidedly connected to the support frame <NUM> "directly" or "indirectly", i.e. through other components of the same automated machine <NUM>, which are guidedly connected to the support frame <NUM> and carry, mounted thereon, the abutment racks <NUM> or they are mounted on the support frame <NUM> and carry, guidedly connected thereto, the abutment racks <NUM>.

Each abutment rack <NUM> is provided with a support beam <NUM>, which is extended along a main extension direction Y, advantageously substantially horizontal, of at least two support arms <NUM>, which are transverse to the support beam <NUM> and each extended between a lower end <NUM> mechanically connected to the support beam <NUM> itself and an opposite upper end <NUM>, and with at least two concave abutment portions <NUM> which are each placed at the upper end <NUM> of a corresponding support arm <NUM> and are intended to receive a fabric reel in abutment.

Advantageously, each abutment portion <NUM> comprises two abutment wings <NUM>, which are placed side-by-side and are extended starting from the upper end <NUM> of the corresponding support arm <NUM> each along a direction that is tilted with respect to the horizontal and transverse to the main extension direction Y.

In addition, the storage group <NUM> comprises first movement means <NUM> mechanically connected to at least to the support frame <NUM> and arranged for moving the abutment racks <NUM> along the movement path X.

The unwinding group <NUM> of the fabric reels is, in addition, placed adjacent to the storage group <NUM> and is provided with at least one conveyor belt <NUM>.

Such conveyor belt <NUM> is guidedly connected to the support frame <NUM>, at least partially delimits a reception seat <NUM> for a fabric reel, is configured for being at least partially inserted between the at least two support arms <NUM> of a selected abutment rack <NUM> and is actuatable in a first rotation sense in order to unwind a fabric reel and in an opposite second rotation sense in order to rewind the fabric reel.

More in detail, the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> can be guidedly connected to the support frame <NUM> "directly" or "indirectly", i.e. through other components of the same automated machine <NUM>, which are guidedly connected to the support frame <NUM> and carry, mounted thereon, the same conveyor belt <NUM> or they are mounted on the support frame <NUM> and carry, guidedly connected thereto, the at least one conveyor belt <NUM>.

The unwinding group <NUM> comprises also second movement means <NUM>, which are mechanically connected to the support frame <NUM> and to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and are arranged for moving the aforesaid conveyor belt <NUM> between an operating position, in which it intercepts the movement path X of the abutment racks <NUM>, and a non-operating position, in which it is spaced from the movement path X of the abutment racks <NUM>.

More in detail, the arrangement of multiple abutment racks <NUM>, which have at least two support arms <NUM> and two corresponding concave abutment portions <NUM> and are movable along a movement path X, and with at least one conveyor belt <NUM>, which is movable between a non-operating position and an operating position in which it intercepts the movement path X in order to be at least partially inserted between the support arms <NUM> of a selected abutment rack <NUM>, ensures that the fabric reels can be loaded onto and unloaded from the reception seat <NUM> and substituted, in a completely automated manner, without requiring the intervention of human operators.

In operation, in fact, the first movement means <NUM> have a selected abutment rack <NUM>, which on the concave abutment portions <NUM> thereof supports a fabric reel having a desired color and/or material, just adjacent to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and the second movement means <NUM> carry the conveyor belt <NUM> into operating position, in a manner such that the latter intercepts the movement path X and is at least partially inserted between the support arms <NUM> of the same abutment rack <NUM>.

In addition, in operation, following the positioning of the conveyor belt <NUM> in operating position, the first movement means <NUM> move the same abutment rack <NUM> in a manner such that the support arms <NUM> and the abutment portions <NUM> pass on the sides of the conveyor belt <NUM> itself and hence abut the fabric reel against the same conveyor belt <NUM>, consequently placing the fabric reel in the reception seat <NUM>.

In operation, at this point, the conveyor belt <NUM> can be actuated in the first rotation sense in order to unwind the fabric reel, for example so as to supply the fabric unwound from the reel to a cutting machine placed downstream, and, when it is the time to substitute the fabric reel with a fabric reel having different color and/or different material, the same conveyor belt <NUM> is actuated in the second rotation sense opposite the first in order to rewind the fabric reel that is situated in its reception seat <NUM>.

In addition, in operation, the first movement means <NUM> move the abutment rack <NUM> that remained without fabric reel at least along the movement path X in order to once again place the support arms <NUM> on the sides of the conveyor belt <NUM>, which is in operating position, and then pick up, through the concave abutment portions <NUM>, the fabric reel by lifting from the conveyor belt <NUM> and making it exit outward from the reception seat <NUM>.

Finally, in operation, the second movement means <NUM> move the conveyor belt <NUM> without fabric reel into non-operating position so as to free the movement path X and thus allow the first movement means <NUM> to move the abutment rack <NUM> with the fabric reel just used away from the same conveyor belt <NUM> and to move the abutment racks <NUM> up to bringing a new selected abutment rack <NUM>, which for example supports a fabric reel that differs by color and/or material, adjacent to the conveyor belt <NUM> itself, in particular so as to repeat the loading and unloading operations and for unwinding and rewinding with the new fabric reel. Advantageously, the present automated machine <NUM> comprises a logic control unit operatively connected to the first movement means <NUM> of the storage group <NUM> in order to control them at least to move the abutment racks <NUM> and selectively place one of the abutment racks <NUM> adjacent to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM>, to the second movement means <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM> in order to control them to move the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> between the operating position and the non-operating position and to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> itself in order to actuate it in the first rotation sense and in the second rotation sense.

More in detail, such logic control unit is preferably configured for controlling the first movement means <NUM> to bring at least one selected abutment rack <NUM> at an approach position along the movement path X, and such approach position is situated adjacent to the unwinding group <NUM>, in particular adjacent to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in non-operating position, and to control the second movement means <NUM> to move the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> from the non-operating position to the operating position, in a manner such that the conveyor belt <NUM> itself comes to intercept the movement path X and is at least partially inserted between the support arms <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> in approach position.

The logic control unit is also preferably configured for controlling the first movement means <NUM> to move at least the selected abutment rack <NUM> along the movement path from the approach position to a release position, moving the support beam <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> away from the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and passing the concave abutment portions <NUM> on the sides of the aforesaid conveyor belt <NUM>.

In this manner, when the abutment rack <NUM> is moved from the approach position to the release position, the support arms <NUM> and the concave abutment portions <NUM> of the same abutment rack <NUM> translate adjacent to the conveyor belt <NUM> and the transported fabric reel remains deposited in the reception seat <NUM> at least partially delimited by the conveyor belt <NUM>.

In addition, the logic control unit is preferably configured for actuating the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in the first rotation sense, so as to unwind the fabric reel and supply the fabric unwound therefrom, for example to a cutting machine placed downstream of the present automated machine <NUM>, and for actuating the aforesaid at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in the second rotation sense, so as to rewind the fabric reel when it is necessary to substitute it with a new different fabric reel.

Preferably, therefore, the logic control unit is configured for controlling the first movement means <NUM> to move at least the selected abutment rack <NUM> along the movement path X from the release position to the approach position, in a manner such that the support beam <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> approaches the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and the concave abutment portions <NUM> once again pass on the sides of the conveyor belt <NUM> in order to pick up the fabric reel and make it exit outward from the reception seat <NUM>. In addition, the logic control unit is preferably configured for controlling the second movement means <NUM> to move the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> from the operating position to the non-operating position in order to free the movement path X.

Advantageously, the present automated machine <NUM> comprises at least one control panel <NUM> operatively connected to the logic control unit and provided with a user interface, by means of which an operator can select one of the abutment racks <NUM>, which in particular support a fabric reel having a desired color or made of a desired material, so as to in particular control the first movement means <NUM> and the second movement means <NUM> to move at least the selected abutment rack <NUM> and the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in order to execute the operations of unwinding of the fabric reel transported by the selected abutment rack <NUM> and rewinding of the same.

In order to supply with precision the fabric unwound from a fabric reel to a subsequent machine placed downstream of the present automated machine <NUM>, the automated machine <NUM> itself advantageously comprises at least one conveyance slide <NUM>, which is placed downstream of the at least one conveyor belt <NUM>, at least with the aforesaid conveyor belt <NUM> placed in operating position. In particular, the aforesaid conveyance slide <NUM> is placed below the at least one conveyor belt <NUM>, so as to receive via gravity the fabric unwound from the fabric reel.

Advantageously, such conveyance slide <NUM> is mechanically connected to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> itself, in a manner such that it is moved together with the conveyor belt <NUM> itself when this is moved between the non-operating position and the operating position.

Preferably, such conveyance slide <NUM> is made of sheet metal, for example steel or aluminum sheet metal. Advantageously, the movement path comprises at least one passage section extended from top to bottom. In addition, in the operating position, the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> is placed to intercept the passage section of the movement path X.

Therefore, in operating position, the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> is advantageously susceptible of being inserted between the at least two support arms <NUM> of a selected abutment rack <NUM> and be positioned above the support beam <NUM> of the same selected abutment rack <NUM>.

In this manner, it is possible to simply via gravity the fabric reel in the reception seat <NUM> by translating downward the selected abutment rack <NUM>, consequently moving its support beam <NUM>, which is in particular placed below the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in operating position, by the same at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and passing the concave abutment portions <NUM> on the sides of the latter. Therefore, in particular, the approach position of the abutment racks <NUM> is placed along the passage section extended from top to bottom and, in addition, the release position along the abutment racks <NUM> is in turn placed along the passage section but corresponds with a lower height than that of the approach position.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the unwinding group <NUM> comprises multiple conveyor belts <NUM>, which are placed side-by-side along a flanking direction Z, preferably substantially horizontal, each laterally delimit with an adjacent conveyor belt <NUM> a passage slit <NUM> having a first width L1 along such flanking direction Z, together at least partially delimit, the reception seat <NUM> for a fabric reel and they are actuatable together in the first rotation sense in order to unwind the fabric reel and in the second rotation sense in order to rewind the fabric reel.

Advantageously, the abutment racks <NUM> also each comprising multiple support arms <NUM>, which are transverse to the support beam <NUM>, are parallel to each other, are side-by-side along the main extension direction Y of the support beam <NUM>, each extended between a lower end <NUM> thereof and an upper end <NUM> thereof and each have, along the main extension direction Y, a second width L2 smaller than the first width L1 of the passage slits <NUM>, and multiple concave abutment portions <NUM>, which are each placed at the upper end <NUM> of a corresponding support arm <NUM>, are intended to receive a corresponding fabric reel in abutment and each have, along the main extension direction Y, a third width L3 smaller than the first width L <NUM> of the passage slits <NUM>.

The unwinding group <NUM> advantageously comprises, in addition, a support structure <NUM>, which is slidably connected to the support frame <NUM>, carries the conveyor belts <NUM> mounted thereon and is mechanically connected to the second movement means <NUM> in order to move together the conveyor belts <NUM> between the operating position and the non-operating position. Preferably, in the operating position, the conveyor belts <NUM> themselves intercept the movement path X (in particular the passage section extended from top to bottom of the movement path X), at least part of the conveyor belts <NUM> are configured for being at least partially inserted between two adjacent support arms <NUM> of a selected abutment rack <NUM> and the passage slits <NUM> delimited between them are configured for receiving at their interior the support arms <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM>. In addition, in the non-operating position, the conveyor belts <NUM> are advantageously spaced from the movement path X (in particular from the passage section extended from top to bottom of the movement path X).

Preferably, the number of the support arms <NUM> of each abutment rack <NUM> equals that of the passage slits <NUM> and, therefore, in particular, the number of the conveyor belts <NUM> is equal to the number of the support arms <NUM> of each abutment rack <NUM> increased by one. In the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the abutment racks <NUM> are in particular provided with three support arms <NUM> and, in addition, there are four conveyor belts <NUM> and they delimit three passage slits <NUM>.

In addition, preferably, each support arm <NUM> is spaced from the adjacent support arm <NUM> of the same abutment rack <NUM> by a first distance D1 and the conveyor belt <NUM> (which is in particular susceptible of being inserted between the aforesaid two adjacent support arms <NUM> when in operating position) has a fourth width L4 thereof smaller than the first distance D <NUM>.

More in detail, the arrangement of multiple support arms <NUM> with the respective concave abutment portions <NUM> and of multiple conveyor belts <NUM> side-by-side for delimiting multiple passage slits <NUM> between them allows the penetration between the conveyor belts <NUM> themselves of the unwinding group <NUM> and of the abutment racks <NUM> in order to execute the loading and the unloading of the fabric reels into the reception seat <NUM> and simultaneously ensures that the fabric reels are not bent under the weight thereof, being warped, but rather are correct for the entire length thereof from the abutment portions <NUM>.

More in detail, indeed, when the conveyor belts are brought into operating position <NUM> and intercept the movement path X (or in particular its passage section), the support arms <NUM> of the abutment rack <NUM> selectively placed adjacent to the conveyor belts <NUM> themselves (i.e. placed in approach position) are inserted in the passage slits <NUM> and, when the first movement means <NUM> move the selected abutment rack <NUM> in order to deposit the reel in the reception seat <NUM>, the same passage slits <NUM> are traversed by the concave abutment portions <NUM>, in particular from top to bottom.

Preferably, the conveyance slide <NUM> is mounted on the support structure <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM>, in a manner such that it is moved together with the conveyor belts <NUM> when they are moved between the operating position and the non-operating position.

Advantageously, the conveyor belts <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM> comprise at least one common driving roller <NUM>, one support roller <NUM> for each conveyor belt <NUM> and one rotary belt <NUM> for each conveyor belt <NUM>. More in detail, the driving roller <NUM> (which is preferably common to all the conveyor belts <NUM>) is rotatable around a first revolution axis S parallel to the flanking direction Z.

In addition, the support roller <NUM> of each conveyor belt <NUM> is preferably rotatable around a corresponding second revolution axis T parallel to the first revolution axis S of the common driving roller <NUM> and is interposed between the storage group <NUM> and the same common driving roller <NUM>.

Preferably, the support rollers <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> are placed side-by-side each other and, therefore, their second revolution axes T are placed aligned with each other.

The rotary belt <NUM> of each conveyor belt <NUM> is also advantageously wound around the common driving roller <NUM> and a corresponding support roller <NUM>.

In addition, the first and the second revolution axis S, T are preferably substantially horizontal.

Advantageously, the unwinding group <NUM> comprises actuation means mounted on the support structure <NUM>, mechanically connected to the common driving roller <NUM> and arranged for actuating together the conveyor belts <NUM> in the first rotation sense or in the second rotation sense, rotating the common driving roller <NUM> around the first revolution axis S thereof, and such common driving roller <NUM> drives the rotary belts <NUM>.

Each passage slit <NUM> is, therefore, preferably delimited by the support roller <NUM> and by the rotary belt <NUM> of two adjacent conveyor belts <NUM> and by the driving roller <NUM> common to the conveyor belts <NUM> and is provided with an access opening <NUM> directed towards the storage group <NUM> and opposite the aforesaid common driving roller <NUM>. More in detail, such passage slits <NUM> are susceptible of receiving at their interior corresponding support arms <NUM> of a selected abutment rack <NUM> through the aforesaid access openings <NUM> directed towards the storage group <NUM>.

In particular, when the conveyor belts <NUM> are brought into operating position by the second movement means <NUM> through the support structure <NUM>, the support arms <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> placed adjacent to the conveyor belts <NUM> (i.e. in particular placed in approach position) are each inserted in a corresponding passage slit <NUM> through the access opening <NUM>.

Advantageously, the driving roller <NUM> common to the conveyor belts <NUM> is placed at a first height and the support rollers <NUM> of each conveyor belt <NUM> are placed at a same second height equal to or lower than the first height.

In addition, each conveyor belt <NUM> preferably comprises an idle roller <NUM>, which is idly rotatable around a third revolution axis U thereof parallel to the first revolution axis S of the common driving roller <NUM> and is placed above with respect to the corresponding support roller <NUM>.

Therefore, preferably, the rotary belts <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> delimit, at least on the lower part, the reception seat <NUM> and the idle rollers <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> delimiting the reception seat <NUM> at least laterally.

In particular, in the event in which the support rollers <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> are placed at a second height equal to the first height of the driving roller <NUM> common to the conveyor belts <NUM>, the rotary belts <NUM> are provided with an abutment surface <NUM> (which is intended to receive a fabric reel thereon) that is substantially horizontal and, therefore, the rotary belts <NUM> themselves delimit only on the lower part the reception seat <NUM> and the idle rollers <NUM> delimit only laterally the same reception seat <NUM>. Instead, as illustrated in the enclosed figures, in the event in which the support rollers <NUM> of the conveyor belts <NUM> are placed at a second height lower than the first height of the driving roller <NUM> common to the conveyor belts <NUM>, the rotary belts <NUM> are provided with an abutment surface <NUM> (which is intended to receive a fabric reel thereon) that is tilted with respect to the horizontal and, therefore, the rotary belts <NUM> themselves delimit both on the lower part and laterally, together with the idle rollers <NUM>, the reception seat <NUM>.

More in detail, the arrangement of the idle rollers <NUM> on each conveyor belt <NUM> prevents the fabric reel from accidentally rolling and falling outside the reception seat <NUM> and simultaneously ensures that the rotation of the aforesaid fabric reel is not prevented or obstructed during the unwinding or the rewinding. Indeed, in operation, when the conveyor belts <NUM> are actuated in the first rotation sense or in the second rotation sense in order to unwind or rewind the fabric reel placed in the reception seat <NUM>, the fabric reel itself rotates on itself, driving the idle rollers <NUM> themselves in rotation; against such rollers the fabric reel is laterally abutted. Such idle rollers <NUM> are free to rotate around the second revolution axis T.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support structure <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM> comprises at least two support walls <NUM> facing each other and carrying, rotatably mounted thereon, the driving roller <NUM> common to the conveyor belts <NUM> around the first revolution axis S thereof. More in detail, the aforesaid common driving roller <NUM> is extended along its first revolution axis S between two first lateral ends, which are supported by the aforesaid two support walls <NUM>.

In addition, such support structure <NUM> advantageously comprises at least one support beam <NUM> placed to mechanically connect the support walls <NUM> and two support arms <NUM> for each conveyor belt <NUM>, and such support arms <NUM> are extended transverse to the flanking direction Z, in particular perpendicular with respect thereto, each between a first end <NUM> mechanically connected to the support beam <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>.

More in detail, each second end <NUM> carries rotatably mounted therein, together with the second end <NUM> of the other of the two support arms <NUM> provided for a same conveyor belt <NUM>, the corresponding support roller <NUM>. In particular, each support roller <NUM> is extended along its second revolution axis T between two second lateral ends, which are supported by the second ends <NUM> of the corresponding support arms <NUM>. More in detail, the second ends <NUM> of the support arms <NUM> can rotatably carry, mounted thereon, the corresponding support roller <NUM> "directly" or "indirectly", i.e. through other components of the same support structure <NUM> in turn mounted on the or connected to the aforesaid second ends <NUM>.

More in detail, the two support arms <NUM> provided for each conveyor belt <NUM>, which are extended starting from the first end <NUM> thereof connected to a common support beam <NUM> and carry rotatably mounted the corresponding support roller <NUM> at the second ends <NUM>, ensure that the access openings <NUM> of the passage slits <NUM> are not obstructed by components which would block the penetration between the support belts <NUM> themselves of the unwinding group <NUM> and the abutment racks <NUM> of the storage group <NUM>.

Preferably, the support beam <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> is extended below the driving roller <NUM> common to the conveyor belts <NUM> and is, in particular, parallel to the first revolution axis S of the same common driving roller <NUM>. In addition, such support beam <NUM> is preferably orthogonal to the support walls <NUM> of the same support structure <NUM>.

In addition, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the two support arms <NUM> provided for each conveyor belt <NUM> are extended advantageously parallel to each other and, in particular, substantially horizontal starting from the support beam <NUM>, in a manner such that, since the aforesaid support beam <NUM> is preferably placed below the common driving roller <NUM>, each support roller <NUM> is placed at a same second height smaller than the first height of the common driving roller <NUM>.

Preferably, the conveyance slide <NUM> is mounted, e.g. by means of screws, on the support beam <NUM> of the support structure <NUM>, in particular on the opposite side with respect to that of the support arms <NUM>.

Advantageously, the unwinding group <NUM> comprises a fabric tensioning device <NUM>, which is provided with at least one bar <NUM> movable between a tensioning position, in which it intercepts the vertical direction which joins the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and the conveyance slide <NUM> and is placed at a second distance from the at least one conveyor belt <NUM>, and a disengagement position, in which it does not intercept the vertical direction that joins the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and the conveyance slide <NUM> and is placed at a third distance from the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> greater than the second distance of the tensioning position.

In particular, the bar <NUM> of the fabric tensioning device <NUM> is movable from the disengagement position to the tensioning position following the actuation of the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in the first rotation sense in order to unwind a fabric reel and following the deposit of the fabric unwound from the aforesaid fabric reel on the conveyance slide <NUM>. In this manner, when the bar <NUM> is moved from the disengagement position to the tensioning position, the bar <NUM> itself, coming to interrupt the vertical direction that joins the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and the conveyance slide <NUM>, comes to intercept the fabric unwound from the fabric reel, tensioning it.

In addition, the bar <NUM> of the tensioning device <NUM> is advantageously movable from the tensioning position to the disengagement position before the actuation of the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in the second movement sense in order to rewind the fabric reel.

Preferably, the aforesaid fabric tensioning device <NUM> is mounted on the support structure <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM>, in a manner such that it is moved together with the conveyor belts <NUM> when they are moved between the non-operating position and the operating position.

More in detail, the fabric tensioning device <NUM> comprises two movement arms <NUM>, each rotatably mounted on the support walls <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> around a same fourth revolution axis. Such movement arms <NUM>, preferably, carry mounted thereon the aforesaid bar <NUM> spaced from the aforesaid fourth revolution axis and are actuatable in rotation around this in order to move the bar <NUM> between the disengagement position and the tensioning position.

Advantageously, the support structure <NUM> comprises tensioning means <NUM> for the rotary belt <NUM> of each conveyor belt <NUM>.

Such tensioning means <NUM> comprise, advantageously, for the rotary belt <NUM> of each conveyor belt <NUM>, two abutment elements <NUM>, two sliding blocks <NUM> and two tensioning springs <NUM>.

In particular, each abutment element <NUM> is slidably associated with a corresponding support arm <NUM> and is selectively lockable in position along the corresponding support arm <NUM>.

In addition, each sliding block <NUM>, advantageously, is slidably associated with a corresponding support arm <NUM> at its second end <NUM> and carries rotatably mounted, together with the other sliding block <NUM>, the corresponding support roller <NUM>.

Preferably, the second lateral ends of each support roller <NUM> are supported by two corresponding sliding blocks <NUM>, which are slidably associated with two corresponding support arms <NUM> at the second ends <NUM> thereof.

Therefore, preferably, each support roller <NUM> is rotatably mounted "indirectly" on the second ends <NUM> of the two corresponding support arms <NUM> since it is rotatably mounted on sliding blocks <NUM> slidably mounted on the aforesaid support arms <NUM> at the second ends <NUM>.

Each tensioning spring <NUM> is also advantageously interposed precompressed between a corresponding abutment element <NUM> and a corresponding sliding block <NUM>.

More in detail, the tensioning springs <NUM> exert an elastic thrust against the sliding blocks <NUM>, on which the support rollers <NUM> are rotatably mounted, in a manner such to push, as much as possible, the sliding blocks <NUM> away from the abutment elements <NUM> and, then, push as much as possible the support rollers <NUM> away from the common driving roller <NUM> in order to maintain the rotary belts <NUM> taut.

In addition, since it is possible to selectively vary the point in which the abutment elements <NUM> are fixed along the support arms <NUM>, it is possible to selectively vary the size of the elastic thrust exerted by the tensioning springs <NUM>, lengthening or shortening the same tensioning springs <NUM>; the tensioning of the rotary belts <NUM> depends on the size of the elastic thrust.

Advantageously, each sliding block <NUM> comprises a slidable body <NUM>, in particular having parallelepiped shape and provided with at least one through hole, within which the corresponding support arm <NUM> is inserted at its second end <NUM>.

In particular, even if no stop element is fixed at the second ends <NUM> of the support arms <NUM> - such stop element having dimensions greater than those of the through hole - the sliding blocks <NUM> are not removed and do not risk falling from the corresponding support arms <NUM> since they are retained by the rotary belt <NUM> wound around the common driving roller <NUM> and the support roller <NUM> which is rotatably mounted on the sliding blocks <NUM> themselves.

Preferably, the two sliding blocks <NUM> of the tensioning means <NUM> of each conveyor belt <NUM> carry, also rotatably idly mounted, the idle roller <NUM> of the respective conveyor belt <NUM>. In particular, each idle roller <NUM> is extended along its third revolution axis U between two third lateral ends, which are supported by two corresponding sliding blocks <NUM>.

In particular, the slidable body <NUM> of each sliding block <NUM> is provided, in addition to the through hole, also with a lower mounting opening <NUM> and with an upper mounting opening <NUM>, which are extended along directions parallel and orthogonal to that of the through hole and carry, rotatably mounted thereon, respectively a second lateral end of the corresponding support roller <NUM> and a third lateral end of the corresponding idle roller <NUM>.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, each support arm <NUM> comprises a threaded portion (not illustrated) and each abutment element <NUM> comprises a threaded nut <NUM> screwed on the threaded portion of the corresponding support arm <NUM>.

In addition, each tensioning spring <NUM> is preferably of helical type and is placed coaxial with the corresponding support arm <NUM> and in abutment against the threaded nut <NUM> of the respective abutment element <NUM>, on one side, and against the respective sliding block <NUM>, on the other side.

In this manner, it is possible to vary the tensioning of the rotary belts <NUM> by simply screwing and unscrewing the threaded nuts <NUM> in order to translate them along the threaded portions of the corresponding support arms <NUM>, consequently varying the length of the tensioning springs <NUM> and the elastic thrust exerted by these.

In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support arms <NUM> comprise multiple first fixing openings attained spaced therealong, each abutment element <NUM> comprises an abutment body provided with a through opening, within which the corresponding support arm <NUM> is slidably inserted, and with at least one second fixing opening transverse to the aforesaid through opening and communicating therewith, and the tensioning means <NUM> comprise, for each support arm <NUM> and abutment element <NUM>, a fixing pin insertable in the second fixing opening of the abutment body of each abutment element <NUM> and selectively in one of the first fixing openings of the corresponding support arm <NUM>.

In this manner, in order to vary the tensioning of the rotary belts <NUM> it is sufficient to disconnect each fixing pin of the tensioning means <NUM> from the first fixing opening of the corresponding support arm <NUM> and from the second fixing opening of the abutment body of the respective abutment element <NUM>, make each abutment body slide along the corresponding support arm <NUM> up to carrying its second fixing opening at a first fixing opening different from the preceding and newly insert each fixing pin in the second fixing opening of the respective abutment body and in the new selected first fixing opening of the corresponding support arm <NUM>.

Advantageously, the support structure <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM> comprises two sliding guides <NUM>, each mounted on a corresponding support wall <NUM> and extended along a movement direction V that is substantially rectilinear, preferably substantially horizontal X.

More in detail, such movement direction V is transverse to the flanking direction Z and also to the movement path X in at least one point thereof (in particular transverse to the passage section extended from top to bottom of the movement path X).

Advantageously, the aforesaid movement direction V is orthogonal to the flanking direction Z.

In addition, the movement direction V is preferably orthogonal also to the movement path X in at least one point thereof (in particular orthogonal to the passage section of the movement path X).

In addition, the support frame <NUM> advantageously comprises at least two fixed slider elements, each of which slidably inserted in a corresponding sliding guide <NUM> and adapted to support the support structure <NUM>.

In particular, each sliding guide <NUM> is mounted on a face of the corresponding support wall <NUM> directed in a direction opposite that on which sliding guide <NUM> of the other support wall <NUM> is mounted. In addition, the support frame <NUM> preferably comprises at least two support walls <NUM>, each of which facing a corresponding support wall <NUM>, and carry interposed therebetween the support structure <NUM> and each carry fixed thereto a corresponding fixed slider element.

Advantageously, the second movement means <NUM> comprise at least one first rack <NUM> mounted on a first support wall <NUM>' of the two support walls <NUM> of the support structure <NUM>, at least one first pinion <NUM> coupled to the first rack <NUM> and at least one electric motor <NUM> mounted on the support frame <NUM>, mechanically connected to the aforesaid first pinion <NUM> and arranged for rotating it.

In this manner, when the electric motor <NUM> carries the first pinion <NUM> in rotation, the first rack <NUM> is translated, driving the support structure <NUM> along the movement direction V.

In order to ensure that the support structure <NUM> translates along the movement direction V without risking being able to modify the orientation of the flanking direction Z along which the conveyor belts <NUM> are side-by-side, the second movement means <NUM> advantageously comprise a motion synchronization device <NUM> for the motion of the support structure <NUM>.

Such synchronization device <NUM> is preferably provided with at least one second rack mounted on a second support wall <NUM>" of the two support walls <NUM> of the support structure <NUM>, at least one second pinion coupled to the second rack and at least one synchronization shaft <NUM> rotatably mounted on the support frame <NUM>, mechanically connected to the first pinion <NUM> and to the second pinion and arranged for transmitting the rotation motion from the aforesaid first pinion <NUM> to the second pinion.

In this manner, a single electric motor <NUM> is sufficient for translating the support structure <NUM>, maintaining unchanged the orientation of the flanking direction Z, since, if the sliding guide <NUM> mounted on the first support wall <NUM>' translates by a specific distance on the corresponding fixed slider element under the action of the first pinion <NUM> and of the first rack <NUM>, also the sliding guide <NUM> mounted on the second support wall <NUM>" will translate by the same specific distance on the corresponding fixed slider element under the action of the second pinion brought into rotation by the synchronization shaft <NUM> and of the second rack.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the synchronization shaft <NUM> of the synchronization device <NUM> is extended below the support walls <NUM> and carries the first pinion <NUM> and the second pinion fitted.

In particular, the synchronization shaft <NUM> is extended transverse to the support walls <NUM> between two opposite fourth lateral ends, which are supported by the same support walls <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM>, advantageously, also carries rotatably mounted thereon two first rotatable bearings <NUM>, which are placed adjacent to the first support wall <NUM>' of the two support walls <NUM>, are side-by-side each other and are positioned above the first pinion <NUM>, and, in addition, the first rack <NUM> is made of flexible material, defines at least one first winding curve <NUM> around the first pinion <NUM> and is maintained under tension by the aforesaid two first rotatable bearings <NUM>.

Advantageously, the support frame <NUM> also carries, rotatably mounted thereon, two second rotatable bearings, which are placed adjacent to the second support wall <NUM>" of the two support walls <NUM>, are side-by-side each other and are positioned above the second pinion, and, in addition, the second rack is made of flexible material, defines at least one second winding curve around the second pinion and is maintained under tension by the aforesaid two second rotatable bearings.

More in detail, the first two rotatable bearings <NUM> are rotatably mounted on the support wall <NUM> facing the first support wall <NUM>' and, in addition, the second two rotatable bearings <NUM> are rotatably mounted on the support wall <NUM> facing the second support wall <NUM>".

In addition, the electric motor <NUM> is advantageously in turn mounted on the support wall <NUM> facing the first support wall <NUM>' and is preferably mechanically connected to the first pinion <NUM> by means of a transmission <NUM> provided with belt <NUM> and pulley <NUM>, and possibly also by means of a reducer.

More in detail, the aforesaid configuration with first rack <NUM> and second rack made of flexible material and the placement of the synchronization shaft <NUM> below the support structure <NUM> allows, simultaneously, reducing as much as possible the bulk of the second movement means <NUM> and of the synchronization device <NUM> and at any rate obtaining an optimal movement of the support structure <NUM>.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the movement path X of the abutment racks <NUM> is closed.

Preferably, in addition, the closed movement path X is provided with a passage section extended from top to bottom with substantially rectilinear and vertical progression, in a manner such that the deposit of the fabric reels in the reception seat <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM> and the pickup of the fabric reel from the aforesaid reception seat are executed by simply translating upward or downward the abutment racks <NUM>.

In addition, each abutment rack <NUM> of the storage group <NUM> is advantageously guidedly associated with the support frame <NUM> in an oscillating manner around a corresponding tilt axis W, which is parallel to the main extension direction Y of the support beam <NUM> thereof and placed above with respect to the support beam <NUM> thereof, in particular above with respect to the concave abutment portions <NUM>.

More in detail, the fact that the abutment racks <NUM> are guidedly associated with the support frame <NUM> in an oscillating manner around the tilt axis W and that the aforesaid tilt axis W is placed above the support beam <NUM> allows the same abutment racks <NUM> to maintain the orientation having the support beam <NUM> placed below the concave abutment portions <NUM> for the entire closed movement path X. In particular, in fact, the placement of the tilt axis W above the support beam <NUM> and, in particular, above the concave abutment portions <NUM> ensures that the center of gravity of the abutment rack <NUM> (whether this is empty or provided with the fabric reel) will always be placed between the support beam <NUM> and the tilt axis W itself, consequently eliminating the risk that the abutment racks <NUM> can be overturned during the movement along the closed movement path X.

Advantageously, the support frame <NUM> comprises at least one guide seat <NUM> extended adjacent to at least part of the movement path X (in particular adjacent to the passage section extended from top to bottom and susceptible of being intercepted by the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> or by the conveyor belts <NUM> in operating position) and, in addition, each abutment rack <NUM> is provided with at least one engagement pin <NUM>, which is spaced from the corresponding support beam <NUM> and from the corresponding tilt axis W and is susceptible of being inserted in the guide seat <NUM> in order to maintain the tilt of the corresponding abutment rack <NUM> controlled around the tilt axis W thereof, at least along part of the movement path X (i.e. in particular at least along the passage section).

In order to facilitate the insertion of the engagement pin <NUM> of the abutment racks in the guide seat <NUM>, the support frame <NUM> comprises an enlarged introduction portion <NUM> communicating with the guide seat <NUM>.

In accordance with a further embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the movement path X is not closed, rather it is open and is extended between a first termination and a second termination. For example, such open movement path X is provided with a horizontal section, which terminates with the aforesaid first termination, and with a vertical section, which is extended starting from the horizontal section and terminates with the aforesaid second termination. More in detail, the passage section is extended along part of the vertical section of the movement path X and is spaced from the second termination thereof.

In such case, for the purpose of placing a selected abutment rack <NUM> at the passage section in order to deposit the fabric reel thereof in the reception seat <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM>, the first movement means <NUM> carry all the other abutment racks <NUM> substantially to the first termination of the horizontal section and/or substantially to the second termination of the vertical section up to having the selected abutment rack <NUM> spaced from the others and free to be translated along the near totality of the movement path X.

Different from such configuration with horizontal section and vertical section, the open movement path X can also have overturned "U" shape for example.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the first movement means <NUM> comprise at least one first wheel <NUM>, at least one second wheel <NUM>, at least one transport chain <NUM> and at least one actuation motor. More in detail, the first wheel <NUM> is rotatably connected to the support frame <NUM> around a first rotation axis P substantially parallel to the main extension direction Y of the support beams <NUM> of the abutment racks <NUM>. In addition, advantageously, the second wheel <NUM> is rotatably connected to the support frame <NUM> around a second rotation axis Q parallel to the first rotation axis P.

In addition, the transport chain <NUM> is advantageously wound around the first wheel <NUM> and the second wheel <NUM>, defines the closed movement path X and carries the abutment racks <NUM> mounted thereon, each in an oscillating manner around the tilt axis W thereof.

Advantageously, the actuation motor is also mechanically connected to the support frame <NUM> and at least to the first wheel <NUM> in order to rotate the first wheel <NUM> and drive the abutment racks <NUM> along the closed movement path X by means of the transport chain <NUM>.

Therefore, in operation, when the first movement means <NUM> are actuated for bringing a selected abutment rack <NUM> to the passage section, the actuation motor rotates the first wheel <NUM>, which drives all the abutment racks <NUM>, by means of the transport chain <NUM>, along the movement path X, and makes them transit in the passage section, and the same actuation motor is deactivated when the selected abutment rack <NUM> reaches the passage section.

Advantageously, the first wheel <NUM> and the second wheel <NUM> are provided with a same diameter and are placed one above and the other below, in a manner such that the transport chain <NUM> defines a passage section of the movement path X that is substantially rectilinear and vertical.

Preferably, the support frame <NUM> comprises a guide seat <NUM> placed alongside the transport chain <NUM> and having in turn rectilinear and vertical extension, in a manner such that the abutment racks <NUM> provided with engagement pin <NUM> are maintained with stable and controlled orientation along the passage section of the movement path X.

In order to securely support the abutment racks <NUM>, the first movement means <NUM> comprise two first wheels <NUM>, which are facing each other and rotatable around the same first rotation axis P, two second wheels <NUM>, which in turn face each other and are rotatable around the same second rotation axis Q, and two transport chains <NUM>, of which one is wound around a first and a second wheel <NUM>, <NUM> and the other around the other first and second wheel <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, such transport chains <NUM> both carry the abutment racks <NUM> rotatably mounted in an oscillating manner around their tilt axes W.

Preferably, the first movement means <NUM> can comprise two motors, each mechanically connected to a corresponding first wheel <NUM> and arranged for rotating together the aforesaid two first wheels <NUM>, or, comprise a single actuation motor mechanically connected to one of the two first wheels <NUM> and a return shaft <NUM> placed to mechanically connect the aforesaid two first wheels <NUM> and arranged for transferring the rotation motion from one to the other.

Advantageously, each abutment rack <NUM> is provided with two coupling brackets <NUM>, which are extended transverse to the support beam <NUM> between a base end <NUM> mechanically connected to the same support beam <NUM> and an opposite coupling end <NUM>, which is rotatably connected in an oscillating manner around the tilt axis W to a corresponding transport chain <NUM>.

In particular, such coupling brackets <NUM> are extended between the base end <NUM> and the coupling end <NUM> with a length greater than that of the support arms <NUM> between the lower end <NUM> and the upper end <NUM>, in a manner such that the tilt axis W both placed above and as spaced as possible from the support beam <NUM> in order to increase the stability of the same abutment racks <NUM>.

More in detail, each abutment rack <NUM> is provided with a coupling pin <NUM> extended along the tilt axis W starting from the coupling end <NUM> of each coupling bracket <NUM> and inserted in a reception opening made on the corresponding transport chain <NUM>.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the support frame <NUM> is provided with at least two lateral walls <NUM>, which are facing each other, each carry a first wheel <NUM> and a second wheel <NUM> mounted thereon and, preferably, laterally delimit the operative volume in which in particular the storage group <NUM> and the unwinding group <NUM> are at least partially placed.

Advantageously, the lateral walls <NUM> carry fixed thereto at least two delimitation brackets <NUM>, which delimit between them the guide seat <NUM> for the engagement pins <NUM> of the abutment racks and, preferably, also the introduction portion <NUM>.

In particular, the aforesaid support frame <NUM> also comprises a main beam <NUM>, which is placed to mechanically connect the aforesaid lateral walls <NUM>, in particular so as to increase the rigidity of the support frame <NUM> itself.

Preferably, the aforesaid main beam <NUM> are coupled to the support walls <NUM>, which support the support structure <NUM> of the unwinding group <NUM> through the fixed slider elements.

More in detail, the lateral walls <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> between them at least partially delimit a load window <NUM>, which is placed adjacent to the storage group <NUM> and is placed on the other side with respect to the unwinding group <NUM>.

In this manner, by moving the abutment racks <NUM> along the closed movement path X and making them all pass adjacent to the load window <NUM>, an operator can load the fabric reels on each abutment rack <NUM>. In addition, after the abutment racks <NUM> have been loaded, the operator himself/herself can be moved away in order to perform other tasks while the present automated machine <NUM> executes the loading and unloading operations <NUM> and the operations for unwinding and rewinding of the reels without requiring human intervention.

In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the first movement means <NUM> comprise a rotary base, which is placed substantially vertically, has circular form, is rotatably mounted on the support frame <NUM> around a corresponding third rotation axis substantially horizontal, rotatably mounted, at its perimeter, the abutment racks <NUM> in an oscillating manner around the tilt axis W thereof, and is actuatable in rotation by a corresponding movement motor. In particular, such rotary base defines a closed movement path X of circular form, which is provided with a passage section adjacent to the unwinding group <NUM> which is extended from top to bottom with arc of circumference form.

Also forming the object of the present invention is a process for unwinding and rewinding a fabric reel executed by means of the automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels described briefly up to now and regarding which the same reference numbers will be maintained hereinbelow for the sake of description simplicity.

The process comprises a positioning step, in which the first movement means <NUM> carry a selected abutment rack <NUM> at an approach position along the movement path X, and such abutment position is advantageously adjacent to the unwinding group <NUM>, in particular adjacent to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> in non-operating position.

The process also comprises an insertion step, in which the second movement means <NUM> move the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> from the non-operating position to the operating position in order to insert the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> between the support arms <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> in approach position.

In addition, the process provides for a deposit step, in which the first movement means <NUM> move at least the selected abutment rack <NUM> along at least the movement path X from the approach position to a release position, moving the support beam <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> away from the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and passing its two concave abutment portions <NUM> on the sides thereof at least one conveyor belt <NUM>, in order to deposit the corresponding fabric reel in the reception seat <NUM>.

The process also comprises an unwinding step, in which the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> is actuated in the first rotation sense in order to at least partially unwind the fabric reel, in particular so as to provide the fabric unwound from the aforesaid fabric reel to a machine placed downstream of the present automated machine <NUM>, and a rewinding step, in which the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> is actuated in the second rotation sense in order to rewind the fabric reel.

In addition, the process comprises a pick-up step, in which the first movement means <NUM> move at least the selected abutment rack <NUM> along the movement path X from the release position to the approach position, moving the support beam <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> close to the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> and passing its at least two concave abutment portions <NUM> on the sides thereof at least one conveyor belt <NUM>, in order to pick up the fabric reel from the reception seat <NUM>.

In addition, a moving away step is provided for, in which the second movement means <NUM> move the at least one conveyor belt <NUM> from the operating position to the non-operating position in order to free the movement path X, in a manner such that the process itself can be repeated once again from the start with a new selected abutment rack <NUM>.

More in detail, in addition, the present process is executable by means of an automated machine <NUM> in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, in particular which is provided with an unwinding group <NUM> comprising multiple conveyor belts <NUM> side-by-side along the flanking direction Z and mounted on a same support structure <NUM> and with a storage group <NUM> having abutment racks <NUM> provided with multiple support arms <NUM> and multiple abutment portions <NUM>.

Advantageously, in the insertion step, the second movement means <NUM> move the support structure <NUM> in order to move the conveyor belts <NUM> together from the non-operating position to the operating position. In particular, in the non-operating position, the aforesaid conveyor belts <NUM> are spaced from the movement path X. In addition, advantageously, in the operating position, the aforesaid conveyor belts <NUM> intercept the movement path X, at least part of these are at least partially inserted between two adjacent support arms <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> placed in approach position and the passage slits <NUM> receive such support arms <NUM> at their interior.

In addition, advantageously, in the unwinding step, all the conveyor belts <NUM> are together actuated in the first rotation sense in order to at least partially unwind the fabric reel, and, in addition, in the rewinding step, all the conveyor belts <NUM> are together actuated in the second rotation sense in order to rewind the fabric reel.

In addition, advantageously, in the pick-up step, the first movement means <NUM> move at least the selected abutment rack <NUM> along the movement path X from the release position to the approach position, moving the support beam <NUM> of the selected abutment rack <NUM> close to the conveyor belts <NUM> and passing the concave abutment portions <NUM> in the passage slits <NUM>, in order to pick up the fabric reel from the reception seat <NUM>. In addition, in the moving away step, the second movement means <NUM> move the support structure <NUM> in order to move the conveyor belts <NUM> from the operating position to the non-operating position in order to free the movement path X.

Claim 1:
Automated machine for unwinding and rewinding fabric reels, which comprises:
- a support frame (<NUM>);
- a group (<NUM>) for storing said fabric reels, which comprises:
- two or more abutment racks (<NUM>), which are guidedly connected to said support frame (<NUM>) along a movement path (X) and are each provided with:
- a support beam (<NUM>) extended along a main extension direction (Y),
- at least two support arms (<NUM>) transverse to said support beam (<NUM>) and each extended between a lower end (<NUM>) mechanically connected to said support beam (<NUM>) and an opposite upper end (<NUM>);
- at least two concave abutment portions (<NUM>), each placed at the upper end (<NUM>) of a corresponding said support arm (<NUM>) and intended to receive a fabric reel in abutment;
- first movement means (<NUM>) mechanically connected at least to said support frame (<NUM>) and arranged for moving said abutment racks (<NUM>) along said movement path (X);
- a group (<NUM>) for unwinding said fabric reels, which is placed adjacent to said storage group (<NUM>) and is provided with:
- at least one conveyor belt (<NUM>), which is guidedly connected to said support frame (<NUM>), at least partially delimits a reception seat (<NUM>) for a said fabric reel, is configured for being at least partially inserted between the at least two support arms (<NUM>) of a selected said abutment rack (<NUM>) and is actuatable in a first rotation sense in order to unwind a said fabric reel and in an opposite second rotation sense in order to rewind a said fabric reel;
- second movement means (<NUM>) mechanically connected to said support frame (<NUM>) and to said at least one conveyor belt (<NUM>) and arranged for moving said conveyor belt (<NUM>) between an operating position, in which said conveyor belt (<NUM>) intercepts the movement path (X) of said abutment racks (<NUM>), and a non-operating position, in which said conveyor belt (<NUM>) is spaced from the movement path (X) of said abutment racks (<NUM>).