Patent Description:
A machine according to the invention is intended to be set up within an industrial production cycle of the tanning sector, or of the textile sector, or of the papermaking sector, or in any technical production sector where the need is felt to handle flexible flat articles, such as hides, fabrics and cardboards, for example, in rapid sequence.

Nowadays, machines known as 'automatic stackers' are used for handling and displacing flexible flat articles, for example hides in the tanning sector.

Such automatic stackers, for handling large-sized hides, i.e. having overall dimensions of <NUM> metres by <NUM> metres, in turn have dimensions between <NUM> and <NUM> metres in width and between <NUM> and <NUM> metres in length, where the length is measured in the direction of advancement of the handled hides and the width in a horizontal direction, transverse to the direction of advancement of the hides.

Such automatic stackers generally comprise at least one loading conveyor, fixed, of the belt type, and one unloading conveyor, movable, also of the belt type, configured to unload a loaded hide onto a stack of similar hides.

Such known automatic stackers, although widespread and appreciated, are built in a relatively complex manner, comprising two or more belt conveyors with their respective components and movement means if the belt conveyor is of the movable type.

Moreover, in addition to being very bulky when in operation, the stackers of the known type are also very bulky during transport, with consequent increases in terms of costs.

In addition, the known automatic stackers are configured to unload the handled hides on a pallet placed on the ground at an unloading area or even on a stand, but only if the unloading belt conveyor is mounted on a support structure with means for the vertical translation of the entire belt-type unloading conveyor, which must be supported cantilevered above the stand, in order to unload the hides above the latter.

<CIT> describes a system for displacing flexible flat articles, such as hides, which allows hides to be displaced from one belt conveyor to another one by means of a horizontally telescopic arm which is in turn vertically movable; this system comprises belt conveyors arranged aligned and spaced apart so as to allow the telescopic arm to pass between them in order to pick up or lay down a hide; this system, although different from those described above, is equally complex, bulky and expensive.

The task of the present invention is to develop a machine for handling flexible flat articles, such as hides, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, which is capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to develop a machine for handling flexible flat articles that is more compact than automatic stackers of known type, both in the operating setup and in the transport setup.

Another object of the invention is to develop a machine for handling flexible flat articles that is less structurally complex and easier to maintain.

A further object of the invention is to develop a very agile and versatile machine, capable of unloading the various flexible flat articles on a pallet or on a stand, without the need to translate a belt conveyor vertically.

The above-mentioned task and purposes are achieved by a machine for handling flexible flat articles, such as hides, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, according to claim <NUM>.

Further characteristics of the machine according to claim <NUM> are described in the dependent claims.

The aforesaid task and objects, together with the advantages that will be mentioned hereinafter, are indicated by the description of an embodiment of the invention, which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, where:.

With reference to the above-mentioned Figures, a machine for handling flexible flat articles, such as hides, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like according to the invention is referred to as a whole as number <NUM>.

Said machine <NUM> comprises a manipulator group <NUM>, comprising in turn:.

At least one of the transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> is rotating about its main axis by means of motor means <NUM>; preferably, both rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> are rotating about their main axis by means of second motor means <NUM>.

Alternatively, one of the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> can be idle; in this case, the movement of a flexible flat article A loaded on the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> is entrusted to only one of the two rotating transport rods, which is motorised.

In such a first embodiment of the invention, the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> are constrained so as to extend cantilevered from the respective rod-carrying slides <NUM> and <NUM>.

The main axis of these rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> is parallel to or coincident with the third direction X3.

The machine <NUM> also comprises an infeed conveyor <NUM> positioned upstream of the manipulator group <NUM>.

Such an infeed conveyor <NUM> is configured to move a flexible flat article A in a direction transverse to the third direction X3, i.e. the direction of development of the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM>; the infeed conveyor <NUM>, for example, is configured to move a flexible flat article A in a direction X4 parallel to the second direction X2.

Such an infeed conveyor <NUM> comprises a detection system <NUM> for detecting the perimeter contour of a flexible flat article A while the latter is being moved by the infeed conveyor <NUM> itself.

Such an infeed conveyor <NUM> with the detection system <NUM> is exemplified in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the present embodiment example, obviously not limiting the invention, such a detection system <NUM> comprises a series of optical readers <NUM> supported by a crossbar <NUM> above the movable plane 21a of the infeed conveyor <NUM>.

The infeed conveyor <NUM> is of the belt type, to be understood as known in itself. These optical readers <NUM> are connected to an electronic control unit.

Such optical readers <NUM> are configured to scan the flexible flat article A as it passes over the infeed conveyor <NUM>.

The detection system <NUM> is configured to define the contour and the area of the flexible flat article A, e.g. a hide, so as to create an image file, e.g. in bitmap format, and so as to instruct the machine <NUM> on the exact contour of the flexible flat article A before it is handled by the manipulator group <NUM>.

The space between the optical readers <NUM> of the detection system <NUM> can vary from <NUM> millimetres to <NUM> millimetres, depending on the needs and the specific technical requirements of use of the machine <NUM>.

Thanks to such a detection system <NUM> the electronic control unit, by means of which the machine <NUM> is managed and controlled, is configured to acquire the data of the position of the centre of gravity of the flexible flat article A when it is above the infeed conveyor <NUM> and obviously before the flexible flat article A is picked up by the manipulator group <NUM>.

In particular, the detection system <NUM> is configured to determine the position of a weighted centreline L, which passes through the centre of gravity of the flexible flat article A and which divides two areas A01 and A02 of the surface of the flexible flat article A, having the same surface.

The weighted line L is to be understood as defined substantially orthogonally to the direction X4 of translation of the flexible flat article A itself.

The thickness of the flexible flat article A is assumed to be constant.

This information enables the correct and balanced lifting of the flexible flat article A by the manipulator group <NUM> and the precise and stable deposition of the flexible flat article A itself.

<FIG> exemplifies how flexible flat articles A arrive at the infeed conveyor <NUM> from an arrival conveyor B that is part of a processing line placed upstream of the machine <NUM>.

The flexible flat articles A, e.g. hides, arrive sequentially one after the other from an upstream processing line.

Such flexible flat articles A, e.g. hides, may be of different shapes and dimensions, may arrive the one close to the other at different distances and at different speeds, established by the type of processing that the same flexible flat articles A have undergone upstream.

As mentioned above, the infeed conveyor <NUM> is the portion of the machine <NUM> where the flexible flat article A, i.e. a hide or a fabric or a cardboard, from the arrival conveyor B is loaded into the machine and measured, both lengthwise and widthwise, by means of the detection system <NUM>.

In the present non-limiting embodiment example of the invention, the supporting column <NUM>, developing in a first vertical direction X1, is preferably telescopic, so as to be able to determine a reduced encumbrance during the transport step and also during the work steps, or so as to be able to adjust its operating height adapting to the heights of an infeed conveyor <NUM> or of a deposit support <NUM>.

A deposit support <NUM> is to be understood to be either a stand <NUM>, like in the figures, or a platform, on the ground or on a trolley, not represented and to be understood in any case as of a known type.

As can be clearly seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the telescopic supporting column <NUM> thus comprises:.

The fixed body <NUM> comprises a first tubular frame <NUM> in turn comprising a plurality of uprights, e.g. four corner uprights <NUM>, joined together by crosspieces and reinforcement bracings <NUM>.

The movable body <NUM> comprises a second tubular frame <NUM> which is shaped to surround the tubular frame <NUM> of the fixed body <NUM>.

The vertical sliding means <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, comprise:.

For example, and not in a limiting manner, the vertical sliding means <NUM> comprise four vertical rails <NUM>, two on a first side of the fixed body <NUM> and two on a second side, opposite the first one, of the same fixed body <NUM>.

Still preferably, the vertical sliding means <NUM> comprise four front slides <NUM> on the first side, two for each rail <NUM>, and two rear slides 75a.

The lifting and lowering means of the movable body <NUM> with respect to the fixed body <NUM> comprise, for example, a system of belts or chains <NUM> and pulleys <NUM> which is configured to cause the lifting of the movable body <NUM>.

The vertical translation means <NUM>, for the controlled translation of the movable horizontal guide <NUM> on the supporting column <NUM>, comprise a guide-carrying slide <NUM>, clearly visible in <FIG>, hooked by means of a series of shoes <NUM> to two vertical guides <NUM> fixed to the movable body <NUM>.

The vertical translation means <NUM> also comprise actuator means for vertically moving the guide-carrying slide <NUM>.

In the present embodiment example of the invention, obviously not limiting the same, the vertical translation means <NUM> for the controlled translation of the movable horizontal guide <NUM> on the supporting column <NUM> comprise the lifting and lowering means of the movable body <NUM> of the supporting column <NUM>.

In particular, in the present embodiment example, such vertical translation means <NUM> comprise:.

The actuator means comprise a vertical actuator <NUM>, with stem 43a, driven by an electric gear motor <NUM> placed at the base of the fixed body <NUM>.

The first traction system <NUM> comprises, for example:.

Each of the longitudinally developed flexible elements 76a:.

By means of the vertical actuator <NUM> it is possible to displace the second return element 77a1 upwards or downwards, thereby lowering or lifting the movable body <NUM>.

For example, the vertical actuator <NUM> is of an electrical type, with electrically operated gear motor <NUM>.

Since the longitudinally developed flexible elements 76a have a fixed length, the translation of the second return elements 77a1 causes an opposite translation of the movable body <NUM> on the fixed body <NUM>.

The second traction system <NUM> comprises:.

Each of the longitudinally developed flexible elements 77a:.

The lowering or lifting of the movable body <NUM> results in the simultaneous lowering or lifting of the return elements 77b; since the longitudinally developed flexible elements 77a have a fixed length, the translation of the return elements 77b results in an equally-oriented translation of the guide-carrying slide <NUM> on the movable body <NUM>.

The first traction system <NUM> also comprises a counterweight system <NUM> configured to cooperate in lifting the movable body <NUM> with respect to the fixed body <NUM>.

This counterweight system <NUM> comprises:.

The movable horizontal guide <NUM> is then fixed to said guide-carrying slide <NUM>.

The movable horizontal guide <NUM> comprises a beam 13a with one or more guide rails 13b for the rod-carrying slides <NUM> and <NUM>, configured for the independent, horizontal translation of the rod-carrying slides <NUM> and <NUM> on the beam 13a.

The first motor means <NUM>, for the motorised translation of the rod-carrying slides <NUM> and <NUM> on said movable horizontal guide <NUM>, comprise two independent electric gear motors 15a and 16a respectively, fixed to the beam 13a and configured to drive a respective drive belt 15b and 16b, each of the rod-carrying slides <NUM> and <NUM> being fixed to a drive belt 15b and 16b.

The two rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted on the corresponding rod-carrying slide <NUM> and <NUM> by means of a respective longitudinal member <NUM> and <NUM> rigidly fixed to the corresponding rod-carrying slide <NUM> and <NUM>.

The rotating transport rod <NUM> and <NUM> is rotatably constrained to the respective longitudinal member <NUM> and <NUM> by means of two end brackets <NUM> and <NUM>, clearly visible in <FIG>.

The longitudinal members <NUM> and <NUM> are defined, for example, by a reticular crosspiece.

In an embodiment variant of the invention, shown in <FIG>, the longitudinal members <NUM> comprise three tie-rods 1036a made of a metallic material; for example, at least one of the tie rods is made of a metallic material, such as for example steel or aluminium, and/or of a composite material such as carbon fibre, therefore with characteristics of marked lightness. Preferably, but not exclusively, the three tie-rods are made of the same material.

The tie rods 1036a are positioned to define a pyramid structure whose base is connected to a rod-carrying slide <NUM> and whose vertex supports an end bracket <NUM>.

At least one of the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> is rotating around its main axis by means of motor means <NUM>.

Preferably, both transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> are rotating around their own main axis by means of motor means <NUM>, clearly visible in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Such motor means <NUM> may each consist, for example and not exclusively, of an electric motor kinematically connected to a rotation shaft of a rotating transport rod <NUM> and <NUM> by means of a belt, chain or gear transmission.

The motor means <NUM> are mounted on the respective rod-carrying slides <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated for simplicity's sake, the motor means consist for each rotating transport rod <NUM> and <NUM> of an electric motor inserted inside the tubular body of the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> themselves.

The rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> each consist of a tubular body with predominantly longitudinal development.

The transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> are fixed offset in height, i.e. they are staggered in the vertical direction.

These transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> are staggered in height between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g. by approximately <NUM>. This not only allows the independent horizontal motorisation of the transport rods, but also facilitates the ascent of the flexible flat article A during the step of loading from the infeed conveyor <NUM> onto the transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> themselves.

Advantageously, the machine <NUM> according to the invention also comprises a monitoring system <NUM>, visible in <FIG>, for monitoring the discharge of the flexible flat articles A, A1, A2 from the manipulator group <NUM> to the deposit support <NUM>.

In the embodiment of the invention described herein by way of non-limiting example of the invention itself, such a monitoring system <NUM> comprises a movable photoelectric device for reading the contour of the flexible flat articles A already deposited on the deposit support <NUM>.

Such a movable photoelectric device comprises, for example, a laser detector <NUM> placed to slide on a horizontal guide bar <NUM> carried by the beam 13a.

The monitoring system <NUM> is configured to detect the position of the deposit support <NUM> and the encumbrance determined thereon by the already deposited flexible flat articles A, A1, A2.

When, during operation of the machine <NUM>, a predetermined quantity of flexible flat articles A is reached, by continuously measuring the contour of the deposit support <NUM> with the articles A deposited on it, the monitoring system <NUM> sends a signal to the electronic control unit to allow the change of the deposit support <NUM>, fully loaded, with another deposit support that is unloaded.

The monitoring system <NUM> also has the function of identifying the position and the status of the deposit support <NUM> so that the electronic control unit moves the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> with precise trajectories between the infeed conveyor <NUM> and the deposit support <NUM> itself.

<FIG> represents an embodiment variant of the machine for handling flexible flat articles according to the invention, referred to therein collectively as number <NUM>.

This machine <NUM> comprises two opposite manipulator groups <NUM> and 11a, respectively.

The machine <NUM> obviously also comprises, for each manipulator group <NUM> and 11a:.

The two manipulator groups <NUM> and 11a, positioned symmetrically, work in synchronism, alternating so that one of them is always in the loading position. The electronic control unit is programmed to manage the anti-collision of the two manipulator groups <NUM> and 11a.

Such a machine <NUM> with two manipulator groups <NUM> and 11a makes it possible to achieve working rates that a machine <NUM> with only one manipulator group <NUM> could not achieve.

<FIG> and the diagram in <FIG> represent a first operating cycle of the machine <NUM> according to the invention.

This first operating cycle comprises the following operating steps:.

This first operating cycle of the machine <NUM> is suitable, for example, for 'high grain' hides, i.e. with the noble part of the hide, in the jargon 'grain', facing upwards.

The article A, i.e. the hide, arrives on the infeed conveyor <NUM> with the grain facing upwards and is deposited on the deposit support <NUM> with the grain facing upwards.

<FIG> and the diagram in <FIG> represent a second operating cycle of the machine <NUM> according to the invention.

This second operating cycle comprises the following operating steps:.

With this second operating cycle of the machine <NUM>, the article A, i.e. the hide, arrives on the infeed conveyor <NUM> with the grain facing upwards and is deposited on the deposit support <NUM> with the grain facing downwards.

In <FIG> and <FIG> an embodiment variant of the machine according to the invention is schematically shown, indicated therein with the number <NUM>.

In this embodiment variant, the movable horizontal guide <NUM> is supported by two columns <NUM> and 212A.

These columns <NUM> and 212A are to be understood as analogous to the column <NUM> described above.

The concept of picking up an article A, i.e. a hide, from the infeed conveyor <NUM> is the same as the first and second operating cycles described above.

The difference lies in the step of depositing the article A, which can be carried out on several deposit supports <NUM>, 50A, 50B, which are exemplified in the number of three, but are intended to be two or more.

The advantages of this type of deposition are:.

The peculiarity of this embodiment variant of the machine <NUM> is therefore to comprise:.

<FIG> schematically shows an operating cycle of the type with upward-facing grain, configured to affect three deposit supports <NUM>, 50A and 50B.

<FIG> schematically shows an operating cycle of the type with downward-facing grain, configured to affect three deposit supports <NUM>, 50A and 50B.

<FIG> schematically exemplify the versatility of the machine <NUM> according to the invention.

All the mechanics, the system on board the machine, the position of the electrical panel and the software have been designed so that the machine <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be installed with the desired configuration. In fact, as can be seen from the layouts of <FIG>, four distinct layouts capable of operating in the same way as the others and as described above are obtained by moving the column <NUM> from right to left, and by moving the infeed conveyor <NUM> from right to left.

The software contains a parameter by selecting which the machine will operate according to one of the solutions schematically shown in <FIG>.

In <FIG> a further embodiment variant of the machine according to the invention is schematically shown in the plan, indicated therein with the number <NUM>.

This machine <NUM> comprises:
a manipulator group <NUM>, comprising in turn:.

This embodiment variant of the machine according to the invention <NUM> thus comprises two rotating transport rods which are supported at both ends by means of two opposite movable horizontal guides <NUM> and 313A which are moved in a coordinated manner to keep the two rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> horizontal and parallel.

This variant of the machine <NUM> makes it possible to carry out hide deposition at very high speeds. The deposition cycles remain the same as those mentioned above. The structural variations of the machine are:.

This embodiment variant of the machine <NUM> is configured to deposit the flexible flat articles on platforms at a high rate (<NUM>-<NUM> hides/minute).

The structure of this machine <NUM>, with the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> no longer cantilevered and without support longitudinal members, allows achieving the displacement speeds of the same transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> up to <NUM>-<NUM> metres/second.

The machine according to the invention also comprises two safety braking systems.

A first safety braking system comprises a parking brake for each motor 15a, 16a, <NUM>, <NUM> of the machine according to the invention.

Therefore each motor, for the ascent-descent of the column, for the movement of the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM> on the beam 13a, and for the rotation of the same rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM>, is equipped with a corresponding parking brake.

Each parking brake is configured to ensure that the machine is not moved or that it does not move when it is switched off or when it is at a standstill.

This first safety braking system is to be considered as operational only for the parking of the movable parts of the machine when the machine is stopped.

A second safety braking system is represented in <FIG> in a first embodiment variant thereof, and in <FIG> in a second embodiment variant thereof.

This second braking system <NUM> and <NUM> is configured to block the descent of the movable body <NUM> with respect to the fixed body <NUM>.

In the first embodiment variant of <FIG>, the second braking system <NUM> comprises at least one pneumatic braking shoe <NUM> mounted on the movable body <NUM> and placed to slide on one of the vertical rails <NUM>; preferably, the second braking system <NUM> comprises a pneumatic braking shoe <NUM> for each of the two vertical rails <NUM>.

These pneumatic braking shoes <NUM> are normally inoperative, i.e. open in a configuration that does not result in any braking action.

In the event of a mishap, the devices that keep the pneumatic braking shoes <NUM> open are deactivated, so that the pneumatic braking shoes <NUM> can operate their braking action by tightening on the respective vertical rail <NUM>.

These pneumatic braking shoes <NUM> are configured in such a way as to stop the free descent of the movable body <NUM> in a braking space less than or equal to <NUM> (thus it allows a downward travel of the machine not exceeding this level); then, the parking brakes of the first braking system described above are automatically triggered.

In the second embodiment variant of <FIG>, the second braking system <NUM> comprises at least one pneumatic braking shoe <NUM>, integral with the fixed body <NUM>, configured to surround a corresponding vertical bar <NUM> in turn integral with the movable body <NUM>.

The second braking system <NUM> comprises, for example, two pneumatic braking shoes <NUM>, supported by a plate <NUM> in turn fixed to the sleeve of the vertical actuator <NUM> of the lifting and lowering means of the movable body <NUM> with respect to the fixed body <NUM>.

For example, the vertical bars <NUM> have a circular cross-section.

Such vertical bars <NUM> are fixed, for example, to the stem 43a of the vertical actuator <NUM>.

When the machine <NUM> is switched on and normally operating, and the motors are therefore operational and maintain the set positions, the pneumatic braking shoes are unblocked, i.e. open, or configured so as to allow the regular movement of the parts of the machine.

In case of absence of electricity, or in case of tripping of the drives or of triggerings on the emergency circuit (emergency buttons and/or opening of the machine protection barriers), the motors no longer deliver power and therefore the movable body <NUM> and the movable horizontal guide <NUM>, if up, begin to fall.

The second braking system <NUM> and <NUM> is configured in such a way as to achieve a braking space less than or equal to <NUM> (thus it allows a downward travel of the machine not exceeding this level); after that, the parking brakes are automatically triggered.

During the emergency braking time, assumed to be <NUM> seconds, the parking brakes are kept "unbraked" by a special CPU-controlled UPS.

Advantageously, the machine according to the invention also comprises a laser system for controlling the position of the movable horizontal guide <NUM>, i.e. the position of the beam 13a.

This laser control system consists of an electronic device with laser technology that continuously sends an analogue signal to the PLC of the machine about the measurement of the height of the beam with respect to the ground.

The system continues to monitor the vertical position of the beam in order to trigger the safety brake and shut down the machine if there is a discrepancy between the position calculated and controlled by the PLC and the actual position of the beam detected by the laser.

Practically, it has been established that the invention achieves the intended task and objects.

In particular, with the invention, a machine has been developed for handling flexible flat articles, such as hides, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, capable of picking up a sequence of hides or fabrics or cardboards from an arrival conveyor and of depositing them one by one on a deposit support, operating completely automatically and with a working speed compatible with the speed of arrival of the hides or fabrics or cardboards from the processing lines upstream of the machine.

In addition, with the invention, a machine for handling flexible flat articles has been developed which is capable of performing depositing operations on a deposit support in three different modes "standing" deposit, "inverted" deposit or "alternating" deposit, wherein "standing" means a deposit in which the side of the hide/fabric/cardboard that have arrived from the infeed conveyor is held up and deposited as it stands in the deposit area, "inverted" means a deposit in which the side of the hide/fabric/cardboard that have arrived from the infeed conveyor is turned upside down and deposited upside down in the deposit area, and finally, "alternating" or "standing/inverted" means a deposit in which the hides/fabrics/cardboards are deposited one time standing and the next time inverted.

In addition, a lean, agile and light machine has been developed with the invention, as the weight of the hide/fabric/cardboard does not exceed <NUM>. It was therefore studied a minimalist solution, creating a structure that is light and agile yet solid.

Furthermore, with the invention, an "intelligent" machine has been developed which, by means of the described motorisation and special programs, and through an electronic control unit, is capable of self-learning movements and synchronisms. These features allow for the autonomous and automatic adaptation in the calibration of different shapes, weights and qualities of hide/fabric/cardboard to be handled.

Furthermore, with the invention, a machine has been developed that is easy to transport, can be opened and closed easily and quickly; in particular, the closed, ready-to-deliver machine can be inserted in an easily transportable compact package, for example with overall dimensions: <NUM> metres x <NUM> metres x <NUM> metres.

Again, an easy-to-install machine has been developed with the invention. The machine according to the invention, in fact, can be opened and installed in a simple and fast way, avoiding time-consuming and costly commissioning.

In addition, a machine with an easily variable dimension has been developed with the invention. In fact, it is possible to change the dimension of the machine widthwise simply by varying the length of the rotating transport rods <NUM> and <NUM>.

Last but not least, with the invention a machine has been developed with which the cost of disposing of the machine itself at the end of the work cycle is reduced. In fact, it is <NUM>% built from recyclable materials such as iron, steel, aluminium, and in a low percentage, about the ten percent, from non-recyclable materials such as conveyor belts on the entry belt and a few other components.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
Machine (<NUM>, <NUM>) for handling flexible flat articles, such as hides, fabrics, sheets of flexible material and the like, comprising a manipulator group (<NUM>) comprising in turn:
- a supporting column (<NUM>), developing in a first vertical direction (X1);
- a movable horizontal guide (<NUM>), developing in a second direction (X2), transverse to said first direction (X1);
- vertical translation means (<NUM>) for the controlled translation of said movable horizontal guide (<NUM>) on said supporting column (<NUM>);
said machine (<NUM>, <NUM>) being characterized in that it comprises:
- two rod-carrying slides (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of which placed so as to translate with corresponding first motor means (<NUM>) on said movable horizontal guide (<NUM>);
- two transport rods (<NUM>, <NUM>), developing according to a third direction (X3) transverse to said first (X1) and second (X2) directions, each of which mounted on a corresponding rod-carrying slide (<NUM>, <NUM>), at least one of said transport rods (<NUM>, <NUM>) being rotating around its main axis by means of second motor means (<NUM>).