Automatic and continuous unwinder device for supplying web-like material from reels

A method for continuously feeding a web material from reels being unwound to a processing line comprising:

• placing a first reel in a loading position,
• engaging said first reel on a first support associated with a first unwinding member which brings and keeps said first reel in rotation,
• supplying a first web material from said first reel to the processing line,
• moving along a vertical direction said first support and said first reel from said loading position towards an unloading position distinct from said loading position and arranged above said loading position;
• when said first reel has been removed from said loading position, placing a second reel with a second web material in said loading position,
• engaging said second reel on a second support associated with a second unwinding member,
• making said second reel rotate by means of said second unwinding member and unwinding an initial portion of the second web material from the second reel,
• splicing together the first web material and the second web material unwound from said first reel and said second reel when peripheral speed of said first reel and said second reel are substantially common, said first web material and said second web material being brought into reciprocal contact when said first reel and said second reel rotate at peripheral speeds that are substantially common;
• when said first web material has been spliced to said second web material, unloading said first reel from the first support, and
• moving along a vertical direction said second support towards the unloading position and bringing back said first support to said loading position for engaging a successive reel.