Patent Description:
In particular, though not exclusively, the invention is advantageously applicable to machines or apparatuses for steaming printed fabrics.

As is known, the steaming operation is used for stably fixing dyes to the fibre of a fabric by exploiting the action of condensed humidity, combined with the action of environmental heat, in order to cause the dye and all recipe products on the material surface to spread from the surface layer towards the inside of the fibre, thus being fixed thereto.

A machine of this kind for treating (e.g. preparing, steaming, dyeing, finishing, ennobling and the like) folded fabrics generally comprises a treatment chamber, in which an endless (continuous) conveyor is supported for transferring the fabric to be treated from an inlet side of said chamber, where a roller supports and feeds the fabric, to an outlet side of the treatment chamber.

Said conveyor comprises a pair of endless chains, which are supported and moved in proximity to the longitudinal walls of the chamber, and the advance and return branches of which extend, respectively, in proximity to the ceiling and bottom of the chamber. The fabric is supported in folds inside the treatment chamber by a plurality of rollers, referred to as rods in the art and in this description, the ends of which are connected to opposite links of the above-mentioned chains.

Generally, a conveyor of this type is made to advance continuously in order to promote, near the inlet side, the formation of successive folds of fabric on successive rods, and for the time necessary for forming the folded fabric in the treatment chamber. International patent application <CIT> in the name of the present Applicant describes a system for moving rods and forming respective folds, wherein each rod is connected to respective chain links through a pair of arms, each one having a first end constrained to a link of one chain and a second end constrained to a corresponding end of the rod.

This system uses shaped plates on which the arms that carry the rods can slide. As the fabric advances, the arms are overturned, thus raising the rods and moving them from a condition in which they are hung to the transportation chains in the ascending tract to a condition in which they rest on rails arranged above the active advance branches of the chains.

The Applicant has noticed that such a machine, as well as other similar machines wherein feeding is effected by means of chains of rods supporting folded fabric, may suffer problems when used for treating ink-jet printed fabrics or, more in general, fabrics that have been previously subjected to a digital printing process.

More precisely, the Applicant has verified that digitally printed fabrics not yet subjected to treatments such as, for example, steaming, may transfer the applied dye to other fabrics or to other portions of the same fabric, even upon very slight contact.

The Applicant has also noticed that folds that are too narrow may promote accidental contact between contiguous portions of the same fold, due to which the dye may be transferred from one fold surface to the surface facing it (i.e. the other inner surface belonging to the same fold), thus giving rise to problems of undesired duplicates on some fabric portions.

European patent application <CIT> in the name of the present Applicant describes a machine for treating (for example, preparing, steaming, dyeing, finishing, improving and the like) folded fabrics generally includes a treatment chamber in which an endless conveyor is supported for transferring the fabric to be treated from an inlet side of the chamber, where a roller for supporting and feeding the fabric operates, to an outlet side of the treatment chamber.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to prevent the formation of undesired duplicates after digital printing processes, while still adopting a reliable rod overturning technique that uses little room.

This and other objects are substantially achieved through a machine for treating folded printed fabrics as set out in the appended claims.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of one preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

This description will refer to the annexed drawings, also provided merely as explanatory and non-limiting examples, wherein:.

With reference to the annexed drawings, a machine for treating folded printed fabrics, in particular for subjecting printed fabrics to a steaming treatment, is designated as a whole by reference numeral <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a known machine <NUM> to which the present invention is applicable.

The features of the machine <NUM> can therefore be a part of the invention.

The machine <NUM> (<FIG>) comprises a parallelepiped chamber <NUM> with longitudinal or side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, a ceiling <NUM> and a bottom <NUM>.

At the front, the chamber <NUM> has an opening <NUM> for letting in the fabric to be treated; at the rear, it has an opening <NUM> for letting out the treated fabric.

Preferably, both openings are located in the upper part of the chamber <NUM>.

The chamber <NUM> is delimited by a frame <NUM>, which may comprise the above-mentioned side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, ceiling <NUM> and bottom <NUM>.

A fabric supporting and feeding roller <NUM> is supported in the chamber <NUM> at the opening <NUM>, while the idle roller <NUM> that supports the fabric is located in proximity to the outlet opening <NUM>.

Both rollers <NUM>, <NUM> preferably have their horizontal axes perpendicular to the walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

A conveyor T is also supported in the chamber <NUM>, which comprises a pair of endless chains <NUM>, <NUM>.

The chains <NUM>, <NUM> may be of the conventional type normally employed in the industry.

The chain <NUM> is supported and dragged, near the longitudinal wall <NUM>, by respective chain-type toothed wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, all of which have an horizontal axis perpendicular to the wall <NUM>. The wheel <NUM>, which is supported in proximity to the outlet opening <NUM>, is preferably a drive wheel directly controlled by a drive M3.

The drive M3 and the toothed wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> form a first motion structure adapted to promote the advance of the chain <NUM>.

The active or advance upper branch <NUM> of the chain <NUM> extends horizontally between the fabric inlet and outlet openings <NUM>, <NUM>, whereas the return lower branch <NUM> of the chain <NUM> is located underneath and extends horizontally near the bottom <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>.

Reference numeral <NUM> designates the ascending front branch of the chain <NUM>; the ascending branch <NUM> extends vertically near the fabric feeding roller <NUM>.

Reference numeral <NUM> designates the vertically descending rear branch of the same chain <NUM>.

The chain <NUM> is substantially identical to the chain <NUM>, and is supported in the same manner near the longitudinal wall <NUM> of the chamber <NUM>. In particular, the chain <NUM> is supported by a set of toothed wheels, e.g. four toothed wheels, including a drive wheel. Preferably, the above-mentioned first motion structure comprises also all those elements which are useful for promoting the advance of the chain <NUM>. For simplicity, all parts related to the chain <NUM> have the same reference numerals as those related to the chain <NUM>.

In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" should be understood with reference to the direction of motion of the chain <NUM>, <NUM>.

Within the chamber <NUM>, in proximity to the ceiling <NUM> thereof, a plurality of horizontal rods <NUM> are arranged for supporting the folded fabric. The ends of each rod <NUM> are connected to opposite links of the chains <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular (see <FIG> and <FIG>), each rod <NUM> is supported at its ends by pins <NUM>.

Each pin <NUM> is freely mounted to a corresponding end <NUM> of an arm <NUM>. The opposite end of said arm <NUM> is freely pivoted, through a pin <NUM>, into a respective link of the chain <NUM> or <NUM>.

In normal conditions, each rod <NUM> is therefore rotatably constrained to the chains <NUM>, <NUM>, with the possibility of rotating in both directions about the axis defined by the pins <NUM>.

Each rod is kept substantially horizontal, perpendicular to the walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

The arms <NUM> are pivoted to the opposite links of the chains <NUM>, <NUM> via the pins <NUM>; on the opposite side of said links, they carry a control lever <NUM> with a crank <NUM>.

In other words, the chain link is interposed between the arm <NUM> and the control lever <NUM>.

The crank <NUM> may be, for example, of the cylindrical type.

This structure is such that, as the control lever <NUM> is rotated about the pin <NUM>, a corresponding rotation of the arm <NUM> will be generated about the same pin <NUM>. The rod <NUM>, which is pivoted to the opposite end of the arm <NUM>, will thus undergo a rotational movement. During the steaming treatment, the printed fabric being fed into the chamber <NUM> by the support roller <NUM> is supported in folds F by the rods <NUM> running along the upper branch <NUM> of the continuously advancing chains <NUM>, <NUM>.

The steaming process is carried out in a per se known manner, and will not therefore be described in detail herein.

At the end of the upper branch <NUM>, the fabric is picked up in a conventional manner and unloaded from the steaming chamber through the opening <NUM>. Along the next branches <NUM> and <NUM> of the chains <NUM>, <NUM>, the rods <NUM> travel in a suspended condition. In this condition, they are lifted along the ascending front branches <NUM> of the same chains <NUM>, <NUM>.

Where the ascending branches <NUM> end and the active upper branches <NUM> begin, the arms are moved from a condition in which they are hung to the chains <NUM>, <NUM> (first position) to a condition in which they are suspended above the advance branches <NUM> (second position).

In this way, the rods <NUM> can, as they reach the advance branches <NUM>, complete the fold and be positioned onto upper rails <NUM>.

In particular, wheels <NUM> are mounted on the pins <NUM> of each rod <NUM>, which are intended to engage with said respective rails <NUM>. The upper rails <NUM> extend above the active branches <NUM> of the chains <NUM> and <NUM>.

The distance between each upper rail and the respective active branch is shorter than the length of the arm <NUM>; preferably, such distance is approximately half said length.

In one embodiment, the wheels <NUM> are toothed wheels, and the rails <NUM> consist of respective chains.

For moving the rods <NUM> from the first hung position to the second suspended position, the machine <NUM> comprises an overturning structure <NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> shows an overturning structure of a known type, which overturns all rods passing in succession from the ascending tract <NUM> to the advance branch <NUM>.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, instead, the overturning structure <NUM> selectively moves the rods <NUM> from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, the overturning structure <NUM> moves the rods <NUM> in an alternate manner. In other words, if a given rod is overturned from the first to the second position, the rod immediately preceding it and the rod immediately following it will remain in the first position also in the active branch <NUM>.

In this manner, wider folds can be created, e.g. twice as wide as those normally made by the machine, thus significantly reducing the risk of undesired transfer of ink from one portion to another of the fabric as the fabric advances.

It should be noted that, in general, the selective overturning of the rods <NUM> may also be effected according to a different scheme, depending on the fold width to be obtained.

The overturning structure <NUM> comprises at least one first active element <NUM> positioned in an initial tract of the active branch <NUM> and adapted to overturn the rods <NUM>.

The overturning structure <NUM> further may comprise a first auxiliary element <NUM> associated with the first active element <NUM>.

The first auxiliary element <NUM> is adapted to selectively allow the first active element <NUM> to act upon the rods <NUM> in order to move them from the first to the second position.

In practice, if the first auxiliary element <NUM> were absent, the first active element <NUM> would cause all rods <NUM> to be overturned from the first to the second position, leading to the result shown in <FIG>.

Preferably, the first active element <NUM> comprises a shaped plate adapted to cooperate with the rods <NUM> through a respective lower profile <NUM>.

In practice, the shaped plate has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the lower profile <NUM> is adapted to cause a rod <NUM> to move from the first to the second position.

<FIG> shows one possible embodiment of the first active element <NUM>: the shaped profile <NUM> may comprise, in succession, a first straight tract 311a at a first height q1, a bend 311b, a convex portion 311c, and a second straight tract 311d at a second height q2, lower than said first height q1.

<FIG> shows one possible embodiment of the first auxiliary element <NUM>.

The first auxiliary element <NUM> preferably has a respective lower profile <NUM> through which it selectively acts upon the rods <NUM>. Preferably, the lower profile <NUM> has a substantially straight first tract 611a at a third height q3, and a substantially straight second tract 611b at a fourth height q4.

Preferably, the third height q3 is substantially equal to the first height q1.

Preferably, the fourth height q4 is substantially equal to the second height q2.

Preferably, the first tract 611a and the second tract 611b of the first auxiliary element <NUM> are connected by a junction tract 611c.

Preferably, the junction tract 611c joins the first and second tracts 611a, 611b along a profile that is substantially straight, or anyway significantly less concave than the bend 311b of the first active element <NUM>.

Preferably, the first auxiliary element <NUM> is provided as a shaped plate having the shape shown by way of example in <FIG>.

From a practical viewpoint, the first auxiliary element <NUM> may resemble a first active element <NUM> with a partially filled bend 311b.

Preferably, the first active element <NUM> and the first auxiliary element <NUM> are so arranged relative to each other, e.g. side by side, that the connection portion 611c is located at the bend 311b. In other words, the portion of the first auxiliary element <NUM> that is delimited at the bottom by the connection portion 611c closes the gap created, in a side view, by the bend 311b.

As will become more apparent below, the connection portion 611c of the first auxiliary element <NUM> prevents some rods <NUM> (preferably one of two) from being overturned by means of the bend 311b of the first active element <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a side view, from the inside of the machine, in which one can see in the foreground the first active element <NUM> almost totally covering the first auxiliary element <NUM>, except for the terminal part 611d and the portion corresponding to the connection portion 611c.

Preferably, an arm <NUM> is mounted to at least one end of each rod <NUM>; the arm <NUM> has a first end pivoted to a corresponding end of the rod <NUM>, and a second end pivoted to a link of a respective one of the chains <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the first active element <NUM> cooperates with the arms <NUM> to move the respective rods from the first to the second position.

More in detail, the first active element <NUM> intercepts the cranks <NUM> of the rods <NUM> in order to move the rods <NUM> from the first to the second position.

Conveniently, the cranks <NUM> are subdivided into a first and a second groups.

The cranks of the first group (<FIG>) have a longer longitudinal extension, while the cranks of the second group (<FIG>) have a shorter longitudinal extension.

Note that said longitudinal extension is preferably measured in a direction substantially parallel to the rods <NUM>.

The first active element <NUM> is, in principle, adapted to intercept the cranks <NUM> of both groups; the first auxiliary element <NUM>, instead, ensures that only the cranks of the second group (i.e. the shorter ones) will be intercepted by the first active element <NUM>.

Consequently, the rods <NUM> fitted with cranks of the second group are rotated about the respective pins <NUM> and positioned onto the guides <NUM> at the transition from the ascending tract <NUM> to the advance branch <NUM> of the chains <NUM>, <NUM>.

In particular, the shaped profile <NUM> of the first active element <NUM> is adapted to intercept the cranks <NUM> of the second group to cause a rotation of the respective control levers <NUM> and, consequently, a rotation of the respective arms <NUM>, so as to promote a movement of the respective rods <NUM> from the first position to the second position.

Instead, the cranks of the first group will be intercepted by the first auxiliary element <NUM> but not by the first active element <NUM>, and the respective rods <NUM> will not be overturned, thus staying in the first position, i.e. hung to the chains <NUM>, <NUM>, along the advance branch <NUM>.

Anyway, the first auxiliary element <NUM> is so shaped as to arrange the arms associated with cranks of the first group in a substantially horizontal position in the initial part of the advance branch <NUM>, so as not to hinder the fold formation process.

Preferably, the first auxiliary element <NUM> is positioned at such a distance from the respective chain <NUM> as to intercept the cranks <NUM> of the first group without intercepting the cranks <NUM> of the second group.

In practice, the first active element <NUM> has a planar extension substantially parallel to the planar extension of the first auxiliary element <NUM>; said planar extensions are preferably substantially parallel to the chains <NUM>, <NUM> and substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the cranks <NUM>.

Therefore, the cranks <NUM> of the second group, being shorter, will not reach the first auxiliary element <NUM> and will be guided by the first active element <NUM> alone; instead, the cranks <NUM> of the first group, being longer, will reach the first auxiliary element <NUM>, which will prevent them from rotating and overturning their respective rods.

Preferably, the first active element <NUM> and the first auxiliary element <NUM> are substantially integral with each other.

Preferably, the overturning structure <NUM> comprises also a first actuator <NUM> acting upon the first active element <NUM> for alternately moving the latter back and forth, in particular along a direction substantially parallel to the advance direction of the branch <NUM>.

By way of example, the first actuator <NUM> (<FIG>) may comprise an electric motor <NUM> associated with a cam <NUM>, which is appropriately sized for moving the first active element <NUM> and the first auxiliary element <NUM> between the proximal end-of-travel position and the distal end-of-travel position.

Note that, for simplicity, <FIG> only shows the first active element <NUM>; as aforesaid, it is preferably arranged next to the first auxiliary element <NUM> (on the outside) and integral therewith. As schematically shown in <FIG>, the first active element <NUM> is initially in a distal end-of-travel position (on the left in the drawing).

The black circles represent, in a schematic sectional view, cranks <NUM> of the first group, whereas the (empty) white circle represents a crank <NUM> of the second group.

The crank of the second group follows the lower profile of the first active element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

When the crank of the second group is at the second straight tract 311d of the lower profile <NUM> of the first active element <NUM>, the first actuator <NUM> will move the first active element <NUM> towards a proximal end-of-travel position, so as to be able to guide the crank <NUM> of the first group up to the guide 29a, as shown in <FIG>.

The first active element <NUM> will then be brought back into the distal end-of-travel position, in order to intercept the next crank of the second group.

The black circles, instead, follow the profile of the first auxiliary element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As aforesaid, thanks to the connection portion 611c, said cranks will not enter the bend 311b of the first active element <NUM>, and their respective rods will not be overturned.

After following the lower profile of the first auxiliary element <NUM>, the crank of the first group, which is dragged by the advance branch <NUM>, will follow the terminal part 611d of the same first auxiliary element <NUM>, by making use of the interspace H (<FIG>) available between the end of the second straight tract 611b and the guide 29b.

Afterwards (<FIG>), the first auxiliary element <NUM>, which is integral with the first active element <NUM>, will be moved from the distal end-of-travel position, where it was initially located, to the proximal end-of-travel position, thus moving the crank of the first group up to the guide 29b.

Note that the positions of the first auxiliary element <NUM> shown in <FIG> correspond to the positions of the first active element <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Preferably, the overturning structure <NUM> further comprises a first guide element <NUM>, which is substantially integral with the frame <NUM> and which has an arched profile.

The first guide element <NUM> is located substantially in the transition area between the ascending tract <NUM> and the advance branch <NUM> of the chain <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first guide element <NUM> performs the task of starting a rotation of the rod <NUM> about the pin <NUM>, guiding the crank <NUM> in such a way that the control lever <NUM> and the arm <NUM> will arrange themselves horizontally, from the substantially vertical orientation taken in the ascending tract <NUM>.

The profile of the first guide element <NUM> is substantially contiguous to the shaped profile of the first active element <NUM>, and in particular to the first straight tract 311a.

Preferably, the first guide element <NUM> is at the same distance from the chain <NUM>, <NUM> as the first active element <NUM>. In this manner, the first guide element <NUM> can guide all the cranks <NUM>, both those of the first group and those of the second group, before they are selectively intercepted by the first active element <NUM> and by the first auxiliary element <NUM>.

In practice, in the proximity of the upper end of the front branch <NUM>, the crank <NUM> of the control lever <NUM> will first meet the profile of the first guide element <NUM> and then the shaped profile <NUM> of the first active element <NUM>. The action of the first guide element <NUM> and of the first active element <NUM>, combined with the advance of the chain, will prevent the rod <NUM> from staying in the hung condition taken in the vertical tract <NUM>, and will force the rotation of the arm <NUM> to move the rod <NUM> from the hung configuration to the suspended configuration.

The above applies to the rods associated with cranks of the second group; as for the rods <NUM> associated with cranks <NUM> of the first group, the first active element <NUM> will not be effective: the respective cranks will follow the arched profile of the first guide element <NUM> and then, instead of undergoing the overturning caused by the shaped profile <NUM> of the first active element <NUM>, such cranks will follow the lower profile <NUM> of the first auxiliary element <NUM>; afterwards, the rods will return by gravity into the hung position, staying there along the whole advance branch <NUM>.

Advantageously, when the cranks <NUM> of the second group undergo the rotation that causes the overturning of the respective rods <NUM>, the motion structure will impart an acceleration (a so-called "pull") to the chain <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to promote the formation of the fold and prevent the fabric from sliding over the rod.

The timing of these accelerations can be determined as a function of the angular position of a reference shaft (e.g. the shaft of the above-mentioned drive M3).

Note that, in practice, the rods <NUM> associated with cranks of the first group perform no function in the machine thus configured: they are simply deactivated without being physically removed, and remain available for future operations, wherein it may be necessary/desirable to make narrower folds.

In order to make the rods associated with cranks of the first group operational again, it will be sufficient to displace the first auxiliary element <NUM> in such a way that the latter does not intercept the cranks of the first group anymore. For example the first auxiliary element <NUM> can be translated away from the chain <NUM>. Preferably also the first active element <NUM> is integrally translated; the latter will intercept all the cranks, namely both the cranks of the first group and the cranks of the second group, so that all the rods will be overturned.

It is envisaged that the first auxiliary element <NUM> (and preferably the first active element <NUM>) can be displaced by means of a respective actuator (e.g. a hydraulic or electromechanical one) upon a manual or automatic command.

This displacement preferably occurs in a direction orthogonal to the displacement imposed by the first actuator <NUM>.

Note that the above description preferably only concerned one end of each rod <NUM>. Merely by way of example, with reference to the schematic top view of <FIG>, the description preferably only concerned the right end of each rod <NUM>, i.e. the end where the first active element <NUM> operates.

Preferably, the overturning structure <NUM> may comprise a second active element <NUM> operating at the opposite end of the rod <NUM>.

The shape and position of the second active element <NUM> are wholly similar to those of the first active element <NUM>.

It acts upon the opposite end of the rod (e.g. the left end, still with reference to <FIG>), thus intercepting the respective crank <NUM> and causing the rotation of the control lever <NUM> and the arm <NUM> about the pin <NUM>, very much as described with reference to the first active element <NUM>.

The second active element <NUM> is positioned and configured in a manner such as to cause the overturning of the same rods acted upon by the first active element <NUM>.

In practice, the cranks <NUM> have a substantially symmetrical design relative to a sagittal/longitudinal axis of the machine <NUM>. The first and second active elements <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged symmetrically relative to said axis. They will thus intercept the cranks belonging to the second group without however interacting with the cranks of the first group, so that the rods <NUM> associated with the latter will remain in the hung position.

Advantageously, the second active element <NUM> is associated with a second auxiliary element <NUM>.

The second auxiliary element <NUM> preferably has a shape which is substantially identical to that of the first auxiliary element <NUM>.

The second auxiliary element <NUM> ensures that only the cranks of the second group will be intercepted and rotated by the second active element <NUM>.

The cranks of the first group, instead, will follow the profile of the second auxiliary element <NUM>, so that the respective rods will not be overturned.

Preferably, the second active element <NUM> and the second auxiliary element <NUM> are symmetrical to the first active element <NUM> and to the first auxiliary element <NUM> relative to the above-mentioned sagittal/longitudinal axis of the machine <NUM>.

Preferably, the overturning structure <NUM> further comprises a second actuator <NUM>.

The structure and operation of the second actuator <NUM> are preferably the same as those of the first actuator <NUM>.

The second actuator <NUM> imparts to the second active element <NUM>, and preferably to the second auxiliary element <NUM>, a motion which is similar to that imparted by the first actuator <NUM> to the first active element <NUM>, and preferably to the first auxiliary element <NUM>.

Also the second active element <NUM> and the second auxiliary element <NUM> can be displaced, preferably in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the active branch <NUM> and parallel to the floor <NUM> of the machine <NUM>, so that the second auxiliary element <NUM> does not intercept any crank, and all the cranks, instead, are intercepted by the second active element <NUM>, so as to overturn all the rods.

The motion imparted by the first and second actuator <NUM>, <NUM> is schematically represented in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> operate in a synchronized manner, so as to impart the same motion to the first active element <NUM> (and preferably to the first auxiliary element <NUM>) and to the second active element <NUM> (and preferably to the second auxiliary element <NUM>) at the same instants.

In this way, the machine <NUM> can act in a substantially simultaneous manner upon both ends of each rod, thereby causing the latter either to be overturned or to continue its travel in the hung condition.

Advantageously, the machine <NUM> further comprises a processing unit <NUM>, at least associated with the first motion structure M3, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and with the first actuator <NUM> for synchronizing the same.

Preferably, the processing unit <NUM> is also associated with the second actuator <NUM> in order to synchronize the latter with the first motion structure M3, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and with the first actuator <NUM>.

In particular, the processing unit <NUM> can be inputted a parameter representative of the current angular position of a crankshaft taken as a reference, e.g. the shaft of the drive M3 that causes the chain <NUM>, <NUM> to advance.

By comparing said parameter with previously stored references, the processing unit <NUM> can thus determine when the first (and possibly the second) actuator, and hence the first (and possibly the second) active element, needs to be moved.

In particular, according to predetermined angular positions of the reference shaft, the processing unit <NUM> will command the first (and possibly the second) actuator to move the first (and possibly the second) active element between the distal end-of-travel position and the proximal end-of-travel position, in accordance with the above description.

For this purpose, the processing unit <NUM> will send one of more activation signals S to the first and possibly the second actuators <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processing unit <NUM> initially executes a step of aligning the various motors/drives controlled by it (e.g. the drive M3, the first actuator <NUM>, and possibly the second actuator <NUM>). In this manner, the machine can start operating correctly, and the various parts thereof can be moved with proper synchronism.

Should any problem or malfunction be detected (e.g. an improperly positioned rod), the processing unit <NUM> will stop the machine and perform a new alignment operation, so as to allow the machine to correctly resume its operation.

Preferably, the processing unit <NUM> may be a PLC configured for managing the whole machine <NUM>.

The overturning structure <NUM> may advantageously comprise a second guide element <NUM>, similar to the first guide element <NUM>, positioned upstream of the second active element <NUM> and second auxiliary element <NUM>.

Preferably, the cranks of the first and second groups are alternated.

In other words, each rod <NUM> is associated with a pair of cranks <NUM>, each one associated with a respective end of the rod itself; both of such cranks <NUM> belong either to the first group or to the second group. If cranks of the first group are mounted at the ends of a given rod, then cranks of the second group will be mounted at the ends of the immediately preceding rod and at the ends of the immediately following rod.

Likewise, if cranks of the second group are mounted at the ends of a given rod, then cranks of the first group will be mounted at the ends of the immediately preceding rod and at the ends of the immediately following rod.

In this manner, one rod out of two will be involved in the fold formation process, while the other rods will remain in the hung condition, i.e. inactive.

According to a variant of the invention, the overturning structure <NUM> can selectively overturn rods <NUM> without moving the first active element <NUM>, the first auxiliary element <NUM> (and possibly the second active element <NUM> and second auxiliary element <NUM>).

This variant is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

In this variant, the first active element <NUM>, the first auxiliary element <NUM> and preferably the second active element <NUM> and second auxiliary element <NUM> are substantially motionless, i.e. integral with the frame <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. Their position is the aforesaid distal end-of-travel.

The machine <NUM> comprises a main guide G1 arranged close to the active branch <NUM> and adapted to engage cranks <NUM> such that the respective rods <NUM> are kept in the second position (i.e. overturned) along the active branch <NUM>.

Practically the main guide G1, which can replace the aforesaid guides 29a, 29b, can be shaped as a cantilever horizontally extending from the side wall <NUM>, <NUM>.

The overturning structure <NUM> further comprises a first directing device <NUM> configured for selectively allowing the cranks <NUM> to reach main guide G1.

More in detail, the first directing device <NUM> is configured in such a way as to close the gap between the first active element <NUM> and the main guide G1: when the first directing device <NUM> closes said gap, then the cranks <NUM> of the second group can follow the profile of the same first directing device <NUM> and reach the main guide G1; when the first directing device <NUM> leaves the gap open, the cranks <NUM> of the first group "fall" into the gap (because of the gravity that acts on the respective rods) and the respective rods <NUM> remain in the hung condition, maintaining such condition along the active branch <NUM>.

It is to be noted that, in the variant previously disclosed, the gap between the first active element <NUM> and the guide 29a is dynamically filled, when necessary, by the movement of the first active element <NUM> and first auxiliary element <NUM>.

In the present variant, instead, at least the first directing device <NUM> is envisaged.

<FIG> schematically show perspective views of the first directing device <NUM>.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> comprises a guide portion <NUM>, adapted to intercept the cranks <NUM> of the first group.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> comprises a closing portion <NUM>, that selectively closes the gap between the first active element <NUM> and the main guide G1 and allows the cranks <NUM> of the second group to reach the same main guide G1.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> is pivotally mounted, preferably at its first end 370a, on the frame <NUM>, in particular on the side wall <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> comprises a return element <NUM>, adapted to bring the first directing device <NUM> back in an initial position, after it has been moved by a crank <NUM> of the first group.

Preferably the return element <NUM> acts on a second end 370b of the first directing device <NUM>, opposite to said first end 370a.

For example, the return element <NUM> can be realized as a resilient element (e.g. a spring, as schematically shown in <FIG>). As an alternative, the return element <NUM> can be realized ad a pushing element (e.g. of the pneumatic type).

As an alternative or in addition to the above, the return element <NUM> can comprise a weight, cantilevered on the first end 370a, so as to favor the clockwise rotation (in the view of <FIG>) of the first directing element <NUM>.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> is arranged so that the closing portion <NUM> closes the gap between the first active element <NUM> and the main guide G1.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> is substantially arranged at a lower height than the first active element <NUM> and the main guide G1.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> is positioned so as to intercept the cranks <NUM> of the first and second group when the latter are sliding along the lower edge of the first active element <NUM> or the first auxiliary element <NUM>.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> is arranged at such a distance from the respective chain <NUM> that the guide portion <NUM> intercepts the cranks <NUM> of the first group and not the cranks <NUM> of the second group.

In summary, the first directing device <NUM> is substantially realized as a pivoted lever, including portions having different widths (measured in a direction parallel to rods <NUM>), associated to a return element. The portions having different widths are the guide portion <NUM> and the closing portion <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a crank 35a of the first group, a crank 35b of the second group, the first active element <NUM>, the first auxiliary element <NUM>, the chain <NUM>, the first directing device <NUM> and the main guide G1. In this configuration, the cranks 35a of the first group are long enough to be intercepted by the first auxiliary element <NUM> and by the guide portion <NUM> of the first directing element <NUM>. Accordingly the respective rod is not overturned. The cranks 35b of the second group, instead, are short enough not to be intercepted by the first auxiliary element and thus cooperate with the first active element <NUM> and the closing portion <NUM> of the first directing element <NUM>, so as to reach the main guide G1. Accordingly the respective rod is overturned and maintained in the suspended position.

Preferably the first directing element <NUM> is substantially integral with the first active element <NUM> and the first auxiliary element <NUM>.

Preferably the first directing device <NUM> is normally in the position schematically represented in <FIG>. In particular it is maintained in such position by the return element <NUM>.

When a crank <NUM> of the first group, dragged by the chain <NUM>, arrives at the first directing device <NUM> (<FIG>), it is intercepted by the guide portion <NUM> (<FIG>). Since the crank goes forward, the first directing device <NUM> rotates counterclockwise (<FIG>) and opens a path for the same crank towards the gap. The crank of the first group, under the action of the respective rod's weight, enters such gap. The crank and the respective rod, always dragged by chain <NUM>, advance along the active branch <NUM> in the hung condition, without cooperating to the formation of any fold.

When the first directing device <NUM> does not undergo the action of the crank of the first group anymore, it is brought back to the initial position by the return element <NUM> (<FIG>).

When a crank <NUM> of the second group, dragged by chain <NUM>, reaches the first directing device <NUM> (<FIG>), it is not intercepted by the guide portion <NUM>, since the latter is arranged at too a long distance from the chain. The crank of the second group thus advances until it reaches the closing portion <NUM> (<FIG>), which allows the same crank to arrive at the main guide G1 (<FIG>).

Accordingly, in this case, the first directing device <NUM> is not displaced.

The rod <NUM> associated to the crank <NUM> of the second group remains in the overturned condition, thanks to the constraint imposed to the respective crank by the main guide G1 and to the constraint imposed to the pin <NUM> by the chain <NUM>.

It is to be noted that the above disclosure concerns only one side of the machine <NUM>, wherein only one end of rods <NUM> is dealt with. Advantageously, it is envisaged that a similar structure is provided also on the opposite side of the machine, said similar structure comprising an auxiliary guide G2 and a second directing device <NUM>, entirely analogous to the main guide G1 and the first directing device <NUM> disclosed hereabove.

<FIG> schematically shows a crank 35a of the first group, a crank 35b of the second group, the second active element <NUM>, the second auxiliary element <NUM>, the chain <NUM>, the second directing device <NUM> and the auxiliary guide G2. The same remarks presented above concerning <FIG> also apply to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the same elements in a different configuration, similar to the one shown in <FIG>, wherein all the rods are overturned, both the rods associated with cranks 35a of the first group and the rods associated with cranks 35b of the second group.

Preferably the second directing device <NUM> is substantially integral with the second active element <NUM> and the second auxiliary element <NUM>.

It is to be noted that <FIG> and <FIG>, as far as the transversal displacement of the first active element <NUM>, the first auxiliary element <NUM>, the second active element <NUM> and the second auxiliary element <NUM> is concerned, can also be applied to the previous variant of the machine <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically show perspective views of the second directing device <NUM>.

Is it also to be noted that the main guide G1 and preferably the auxiliary guide G2 can be advantageously used also in the previous variant, instead of guides 29a, 29b.

As already disclosed in the previous variant, it is possible to modify the functioning of the machine, and to overturn all the rods, by displacing the first active element <NUM> and the first auxiliary element <NUM> in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the active branch <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows the arrangement of the elements in case only the rods associated with the cranks 35b of the second group are overturned.

<FIG> schematically shows the arrangement of the elements in case all the rods are overturned: the first auxiliary element <NUM> does not intercept any crank anymore, whereas the first active element <NUM> intercepts all the cranks, namely both those of the first group and those of the second group.

The same applies to the second active element <NUM> and the second auxiliary element <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the following will describe the operation of the machine <NUM> during the formation of the fold in the case wherein the first active element <NUM> can intercept all the cranks <NUM>.

It should however be noted that, in accordance with the invention, the rods are overturned selectively, preferably in an alternate fashion. The following part of the description, which will refer to <FIG>, is merely aimed at illustrating in detail the overturning motion of the rods <NUM> and the formation of the respective folds.

With the conveyor T in motion, the cranks <NUM> of the ascending rods 20a come first into contact with the arched profile of the first guide element <NUM>; a rod 20b is in the position immediately upstream of the upper rail <NUM> and is supported in this position by the second straight tract 311d of the active element <NUM>. In the space between the roller <NUM> and the rod 20b, the pre-humidification nozzle <NUM> prevents the fabric from sliding, and an open fold Fi is formed, the front edge <NUM> of which touches the rod 20c, relative to which said edge is located downstream, with reference to the running direction of the conveyor T. Reference 20a designates the rod that follows the above-mentioned rod 20b.

This forwards motion simultaneously brings about the following movements: the rod 20a, through the effect of the sliding action of the corresponding cranks <NUM> along the first guide element <NUM> and of the interaction with the first active element <NUM> (and possibly with the second active element <NUM>), makes a substantially pendulum-like movement about the pin <NUM> where its arms <NUM> are attached to the chains <NUM>, <NUM>. The rod 20c pushes forward the front edge <NUM> of the open fold, with which it comes in contact on the back side (unprinted part) of the fabric. While continuing to advance along the arched profile of the first guide element <NUM> and interacting with the first active element <NUM> (and possibly with the second active element <NUM>), the cranks <NUM> of the rod 20c cause the rod to start rotating upwards, thereby bringing it into the position 20b, i.e. substantially at the same level as the rail <NUM>.

When these movements are over, while the previously considered fold Fi will be closed and supported by the rod 20b - 20d, which will now occupy the initial position of the active branch <NUM> of the conveyor T, a new open fold will have been formed between the roller <NUM> and the rod 20c, thus repeating the fold formation cycle.

Thanks to the cooperation between the first active element <NUM> and the first auxiliary element <NUM>, the operation of the machine according to the invention will be similar to that described above, the only difference being that not all the rods <NUM> will be overturned (preferably, as aforesaid, one out of two) and the folds will therefore be formed only by the overturned rods.

<FIG> and <FIG>, instead, show the operation of the machine according to the invention, wherein the overturning structure <NUM> operates as described above.

Reference numeral <NUM>' designates the rods associated with cranks of the first group, i.e. rods which will not be overturned and will remain, downstream of the overturning structure <NUM>, in a position hung to the chain.

Reference numeral <NUM>" designates the rods associated with cranks of the second group, which will be overturned while following the profile of the first active element <NUM>.

In particular, <FIG> shows how the crank of the first group, associated with the rod <NUM>', will "fall" into the free space available downstream of the first active element <NUM>, since the latter will be in its distal end-of-travel position.

<FIG> shows how the crank of the second group, associated with the rod <NUM>'', after having been rotated by the lower profile of the first active element <NUM>, will be "accompanied" by the latter towards the guide 29a; the first active element <NUM> will, in fact, be moved towards the beginning of the guide 29a, i.e. into its proximal end-of-travel position, so that no gap will be available for the crank, and the rod <NUM>'' will be kept in the reached position.

Note that the machine <NUM> according to the invention, as aforementioned, can be modified for overturning all the rods <NUM>, i.e. both those associated with the cranks of the first group and those associated with the cranks of the second group.

For this purpose, the first auxiliary element <NUM> is removed (or at least moved into a non-operational position); preferably, also the second auxiliary element <NUM> is removed, or at least moved into a non-operational position.

With the machine thus configured, it will no longer be necessary to move the first active element <NUM> (and the second active element <NUM>) as described above.

The first (and preferably the second) active element <NUM> (and <NUM>) can be moved by means of the respective actuator, so as to impart an acceleration to the rotation of the crank. This promotes the formation of the folds, and also avoids the necessity of imparting the above-mentioned "pulls" to the chain <NUM>, <NUM>.

The invention offers significant advantages.

First and foremost, the machine according to the invention can prevent the formation of undesired duplicates after digital printing processes.

The same machine can also implement a rod overturning technique which is reliable and which uses little room.

It should be noted that the above-described rod overturning mechanism can advantageously be used not necessarily for selectively overturning the rods, but for ensuring that the feeding chain will move at a substantially constant speed.

In this way it is possible to prevent the chain from being subjected to sudden accelerations ("pulls") useful for giving the rods the necessary force for overturning.

By moving the chain at a substantially constant speed, it is possible to reduce the probability of fold waving, and hence the probability that prints made on different folds might come into contact with each other, thereby ruining each other.

In accordance with this aspect, a machine for treating folded printed fabrics comprises:.

Said second motion structure (300a) comprises:.

Preferably, at least at one end of each rod (<NUM>), said machine (<NUM>) comprises an arm (<NUM>), the latter having a first end pivoted to a corresponding end of said rod (<NUM>) and a second end pivoted to a link of a respective one of said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>), said first active element (<NUM>) cooperating with said arm (<NUM>) for moving said rod (<NUM>) from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, said first active element (<NUM>) has a shaped profile (<NUM>) adapted to cooperate with said arm (<NUM>) for moving said rod (<NUM>).

Preferably, said arm (<NUM>) is pivoted to said link through a pin (<NUM>), a control lever (<NUM>) fitted with a crank (<NUM>) being constrained to said pin (<NUM>) on the side opposite to said link with respect to said arm (<NUM>).

Preferably, said shaped profile (<NUM>) is adapted to intercept said crank (<NUM>) to cause a rotation of said control lever (<NUM>) and, consequently, a rotation of said arm (<NUM>), so as to promote a movement of the respective rod (<NUM>) from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, said first actuator (<NUM>) is adapted to place said first active element (<NUM>) into a position in which said first active element (<NUM>) intercepts said crank (<NUM>), and then to move said first active element (<NUM>) in a manner such that the latter drags said crank (<NUM>) and promotes the rotational movement of the respective rod (<NUM>).

Preferably, said second motion structure (300a) further comprises a first guide element (<NUM>) substantially integral with said frame (<NUM>) and having an arched profile located substantially at an upper end of an ascending tract (<NUM>) of said chain (<NUM>, <NUM>).

Preferably, said machine (<NUM>) further comprises a processing unit (<NUM>) associated with said first and second motion structures (M3, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; 300a) for synchronization thereof.

Preferably, said processing unit (<NUM>) is configured for sending one or more activation signals (S) to said second motion structure (300a) as a function of positions reached by the first motion structure.

Preferably, upon reception of at least one of said activation signals (S), said first actuator (<NUM>) effects a first movement of said first active element (<NUM>) into a position in which it intercepts said crank (<NUM>), and a second movement of said first active element (<NUM>) to cause the respective arm (<NUM>) to rotate and, consequently, the corresponding rod (<NUM>) to move.

Preferably, said second motion structure (300a) is configured for moving said rods (<NUM>) from the first position to the second position while said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>) are advancing.

Preferably, to each end of said rod (<NUM>) a respective arm is pivoted, which in turn is pivoted, at its opposite end, to a link of a respective one of said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein said first active element (<NUM>) cooperates with one of said arms, said overturning structure (<NUM>) further comprising a third motion structure (<NUM>), which is at least partially movable relative to said frame (<NUM>) and active upon the other arm for promoting the movement of said rod from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, said third motion structure (<NUM>) comprises:.

The general structure of the machine according to this embodiment is similar to the one shown in <FIG>; the features described above with reference to these drawings may therefore be also included in the machine according to this second embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the first and second auxiliary elements <NUM>, <NUM> are not used.

The overturning of the rods is thus obtained by means of the second motion structure <NUM> and, preferably, of the third motion structure <NUM>.

Preferably, the second motion structure <NUM> is positioned and operates in the final part of the ascending tract <NUM> and in the initial tract of the advance branch <NUM>.

Preferably, the second motion structure <NUM> is positioned and operates at the toothed wheel <NUM>.

Preferably, the first active element <NUM> (<FIG>) has a shaped profile <NUM> adapted to cooperate with said arm <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment, the shaped profile <NUM> is suitable for intercepting the crank <NUM> so as to cause a rotation of the control lever <NUM> and hence a rotation of the arm <NUM>, thus promoting the movement of the rod <NUM> from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, the shaped profile <NUM> may be a lower profile of the first active element <NUM>. For example, the first active element <NUM> may be implemented as a suitably shaped plate.

The shaped profile <NUM> may comprise, in succession, a first straight tract 311a at a first height q1, a bend 311b, a convex portion 311c, and a second straight tract 311d at a second height q2, lower than said first height q1.

Under the action of the first actuator <NUM>, the first active element <NUM> is first positioned in a manner such that the first active element will intercept the crank <NUM> (<FIG>). In practice, the crank <NUM> will be intercepted by the bend 311b.

Afterwards, the first actuator <NUM> will act upon the first active element <NUM> in a manner such that the latter will drag the crank <NUM> and, through the above-described mechanism comprising the control lever <NUM>, the pin <NUM> and the arm <NUM>, will promote the rotational movement of the rod <NUM> (<FIG>).

The motion of the first active element <NUM> is an alternate linear motion, i.e. a so-called to-and-fro motion.

The position where the first active element <NUM> intercepts the crank <NUM> corresponds to a proximal end-of-travel position (<FIG>) of the linear trajectory. The movement towards the distal end-of-travel position (<FIG>) causes the rod <NUM> to move as described above.

The movement of the first active element <NUM> after it has intercepted the crank <NUM> occurs in a direction opposite to the advance direction of the active branch <NUM>.

Due to the combined motions of the active element <NUM> (which drags the crank <NUM> to the left in the drawings) and of the chain <NUM>, <NUM> (which drags the pin <NUM> to the right in the drawings), the rod <NUM> will be rotated about the pin <NUM>.

More in detail, the following motion steps can be generally defined:.

Preferably, the first height q1 of the first straight tract 311a is substantially equal to the height at which the pin <NUM> is located. In fact, during step <NUM>, the control lever <NUM> and the arm <NUM> are substantially horizontal (or anyway only slightly inclined).

As aforesaid, the second height q2 of the second straight tract is preferably lower than the first height q1, and is therefore lower than the height at which the pin <NUM> is located. During step <NUM>, the control lever <NUM> and the arm <NUM> are so inclined that the rod <NUM> is higher than the active branch <NUM>, being in particular sufficiently high for positioning the wheels <NUM> onto the guides <NUM>.

Preferably, at the beginning of step <NUM> the first active element <NUM> is in the distal end-of-travel position X2, which was reached at the end of the motion of the preceding rod (<FIG>). When the crank <NUM> is about to reach the bend 311b (<FIG>), the first actuator <NUM> moves the first active element <NUM> into the proximal end-of-travel position X1 (<FIG>). The crank <NUM> will thus follow the first straight tract 311a again (<FIG>), until it is intercepted by the bend 311b (step <NUM>, <FIG>).

Preferably, step <NUM> occurs in such a way that the motion of the first active element <NUM> allows the rod <NUM> to rise above its minimum height relative to the advance branch <NUM>.

As schematically shown in <FIG>, the rotation imparted to the rod <NUM> is opposite (counterclockwise) to the general advance direction of the chains <NUM>, <NUM> (clockwise).

In particular, the arrows A1, A2, A3 indicate the direction of motion of the first active element <NUM>, the direction of motion of the chains <NUM>, <NUM>, and the direction of rotation of the arm <NUM>, which defines the rotational motion of the rod <NUM> about the axis of the pins <NUM>.

Note that the dimensional proportions of the various elements shown in <FIG> do not correspond to the actual proportions: the proportions have been changed merely for better presenting the features of the parts shown.

Preferably, the second motion structure 300a further comprises a first guide element <NUM> which is substantially integral with the frame <NUM> and which has an arched profile.

The profile of the first guide element <NUM> is substantially contiguous to the first straight tract 311a of the first active element <NUM>, when the latter is in the distal end-of-travel position X2.

The first actuator <NUM> may comprise an electric motor <NUM> associated with a cam <NUM>, appropriately sized for moving the first active element <NUM> between the proximal end-of-travel position X1 and the distal end-of-travel position X2.

It should be noted that the above description preferably only applies to the second motion structure 300a, which, through its own first active element <NUM>, acts upon an arm <NUM> (by means of the respective control lever <NUM> and the crank <NUM>) that is constrained to a first end of the rod <NUM>. The machine <NUM> advantageously comprises a third motion structure <NUM>, which is wholly similar to the second motion structure 300a. The third motion structure <NUM> is at least partially movable relative to the frame <NUM>, and is active upon the arm constrained to the second end of the rod <NUM> itself.

The third motion structure <NUM> operates in the same way as the second motion structure 300a and is synchronized therewith, so as to jointly promote the rotational motion of the rod <NUM> about the respective pin <NUM> and move the rod <NUM> from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, the third motion structure <NUM> comprises:.

The structure and shape of the second active element <NUM> are wholly similar to those of the first active element <NUM>.

The motion imparted to the second active element <NUM> is wholly similar to that imparted to the first active element <NUM>.

The second actuator <NUM> can be implemented in the same manner as the first actuator <NUM>.

The third motion structure <NUM> may also be provided with a second guide element <NUM> wholly similar to the first guide element <NUM> of the second motion structure 300a.

In brief, when a rod <NUM> needs to be rotated about the pins <NUM> so that it can be laid onto the guides <NUM>, the second and third motion structures 300a, <NUM> will act on a respective arm <NUM> pivoted to a corresponding end of the rod <NUM>, thus effecting the described movement.

Advantageously, the machine <NUM> further comprises a processing unit <NUM> associated with at least the first and second motion structures M3, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM> for synchronization thereof.

Preferably, the processing unit <NUM> is also associated with the third motion structure <NUM> for synchronizing the latter with the first and second motion structures.

By comparing said parameter with previously stored references, the processing unit <NUM> can determine when the first (and possibly the second) active element needs to be moved.

In particular, according to predetermined angular positions of the reference shaft, the processing unit <NUM> will command the first (and possibly the second) actuator to move the first (and possibly the second) active element into the proximal end-of-travel position, and then to move the same active element into the distal end-of-travel position.

For this purpose, the processing unit <NUM> will send one of more activation signals S to the second (and possibly the third) motion structure.

Claim 1:
A machine for treating folded printed fabrics, comprising:
a. a frame (<NUM>), delimiting at least one fabric (<NUM>) treatment chamber (<NUM>), the latter being equipped with an inlet (<NUM>) and an outlet (<NUM>) for the fabric (<NUM>);
b. a conveyor (T) for advancing the fabric within said chamber (<NUM>), comprising:
i. a pair of endless chains (<NUM>, <NUM>), each chain (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an active or advance branch (<NUM>) extending between said inlet (<NUM>) and said outlet (<NUM>);
ii. a first motion structure (M3, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for promoting the advance of said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>);
c. a plurality of fabric supporting rods (<NUM>), each rod (<NUM>) having its ends supported by said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>), said rods (<NUM>) being associated with said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that they can be moved from a first position in which they are hung to said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a second position above said chains (<NUM>, <NUM>); an overturning structure (<NUM>) for moving the rods (<NUM>) from said first position to said second position, said overturning structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a. a first active element (<NUM>), positioned in an initial tract of said active branch (<NUM>),
characterized by said first active element (<NUM>) moving back and forth to overturn a respective rod of said rods (<NUM>);
b. a first actuator (<NUM>) for acting upon said first active element (<NUM>) for moving said first active element (<NUM>) along a linear trajectory,
such that the first active element (<NUM>) intercepts a crank (<NUM>), attached to said respective rod, at a proximal end-of-travel position along the linear trajectory, and a movement towards a distal end-of-travel position causes the overturning of said respective rod, wherein movement of the first active element (<NUM>) after it has intercepted the crank (<NUM>) occurs in a direction opposite to an advance direction of the active branch (<NUM>).