Patent Description:
In the packaging industry, it is known to use wrapping machines for wrapping up items, including pallets. Some machines have a platform rotating about a vertical axis, whereon the pallet is placed, and a distributor device for spreading a film around the pallet as the platform rotates. When using a film made of polymeric material, the distributor device carries the film coil, which generally has a diameter of approximately <NUM>. Such coil can supply an amount of film which will suffice for a work shift of a few hours.

The need is however felt for using films made of alternative materials, particularly paper, in order to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels required by plastic films.

Nevertheless, one drawback is due to the fact that paper films are thicker than plastic films, and therefore a coil having the same diameter as those currently in use for plastic films (e.g. <NUM>) would allow the machine to remain in operation for just a few tens of minutes, resulting in frequent coil changes and long daily downtimes.

If, on the other hand, one wanted to use a paper coil capable of ensuring longer machine uptime, much bigger and heavier coils would be needed. In such a case, it would be necessary to design extremely bulky and costly machines.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a machinery capable of overcoming this and other drawbacks of the prior art while at the same time being simple and economical to manufacture.

According to the present invention, this and other objects are achieved through a machinery realized in accordance with the appended independent claim.

It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention. In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description, provided merely as a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:.

With reference to the annexed drawings, the following will describe a machinery <NUM> for wrapping up an item, in particular a pallet, comprising:.

The transfer system comprises a first oblique diverter <NUM>, mounted to releasing device <NUM>, for diverting the direction of film P as it enters preleasing device <NUM>.

The invention advantageously permits wrapping up large items A or pallets while reducing the overall dimensions of machine <NUM>. In fact, coil <NUM> (also known as "mother coil" in the prior art) is left standing on the supporting surface, optionally through the use of a supporting element, and does not move relative to the supporting surface while machinery <NUM> is in use. The transfer system advantageously permits moving releasing device <NUM> in space (in particular, three-dimensionally) while always leaving coil <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the supporting surface (which may be, for example, the ground or the floor). Since coil <NUM> for paper is very heavy and bulky, the transfer system eliminates the need for building a machinery <NUM> capable of continuously moving such coil <NUM> in space, which would make machinery <NUM> very bulky and expensive. Moreover, the use of big coils <NUM> permits long, uninterrupted work shifts also when packaging materials like paper are used, making machinery <NUM> highly efficient even with packaging materials like paper.

Preferably, film P is made of paper or paper-containing material, but machinery <NUM> may alternatively be used with a film P made of conventional polymeric material. The material of film P is the one wound on coil <NUM>.

Preferably, the transfer system further includes: a compensation assembly <NUM> comprising a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> rotatable about a prevalently horizontal axis, and between which film P is intended to pass, wherein at least one of such rollers <NUM> can vary its distance from the other rollers <NUM>. Releasing device <NUM> is adapted to receive film P as it exits compensation assembly <NUM>. According to one possible variant, compensation assembly <NUM> may be absent, e.g. when an effective compensation of film P is not required (as it is the case when the unwinding of coil <NUM> is controlled in a very precise manner as a function of the amount of film P used at a given instant). According to some possible variants, rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable about an axis which is not prevalently horizontal, e.g. an oblique or vertical axis.

Optionally, compensation assembly <NUM> comprises a second oblique diverter <NUM> for diverting the direction of film P coming from coil <NUM>. The second oblique diverter <NUM> is placed at the entrance of compensation assembly <NUM>, with reference to the flow of film P. In the example, the second oblique diverter <NUM> lies on an axis which is inclined by <NUM>° relative to a horizontal plane. According to some alternative variants, the second oblique diverter <NUM> may have different angles, e.g. it may lie on an axis inclined by <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or <NUM>° to <NUM>°, relative to a horizontal plane.

According to some possible alternative embodiments, the first and/or second oblique diverters <NUM>, <NUM> are rollers, preferably fixed rollers (i.e. rollers that cannot rotate about their longitudinal axis). As an alternative, the first and/or second oblique diverters <NUM>, <NUM> may consist of metal sheets, particularly calendered metal sheets. In the example shown herein, the first and second oblique diverters <NUM>, <NUM> are fixed rollers.

In the present non-limiting embodiment, the illustrated rollers are elongate in shape, i.e. their length exceeds their diameter.

In particular, illustrated coil <NUM> is arranged to turn about a substantially vertical axis. The second oblique diverter <NUM> is especially useful when coil <NUM> has a vertical axis of rotation, as in the present example. In such a coil <NUM>, in fact, the layers of film P are disposed vertically, but the rollers of compensation assembly <NUM> are horizontal, and the second oblique diverter <NUM> makes it possible to cause film P to come with the appropriate orientation for passing between the horizontal rollers of compensation assembly <NUM>.

In an alternative variant, coil <NUM> is arranged to turn about a substantially horizontal axis. In such a case, the second oblique diverter <NUM> may be omitted because film P can already pass between the horizontal rollers of compensation assembly <NUM> without undergoing any bending in the plane of film P itself, which might cause it to break.

According to some possible variants, coil <NUM> is arranged to rotate about an oblique axis, and the second oblique diverter <NUM> may be present and have a suitable inclination.

In the present description, spatial orientations are described with reference to a machinery <NUM> placed on a horizontal surface. The rollers of compensation assembly <NUM> are prevalently horizontal, in particular horizontal, even though it is alternatively conceivable to adopt a small angle, e.g. <NUM>°, relative to the horizontal. The term idle roller refers to a roller that is free to rotate.

With reference to <FIG>, compensation assembly <NUM> includes two movable rollers <NUM>. In this example, it <NUM> includes five rollers, two of which are movable <NUM> and three of which are fixed <NUM>. Rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. Movable rollers <NUM> are adapted to move, in particular to slide, relative to fixed rollers <NUM>. Movable rollers <NUM> are adapted to move away and towards fixed rollers <NUM>. In this example, rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are idle. In this non-limiting example, movable rollers <NUM> lie lower than fixed rollers <NUM>. Generally, compensation assembly <NUM> includes at least one movable roller <NUM> and one fixed roller <NUM>. In the present example, compensation assembly <NUM> is not vertically movable.

In particular, rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable about their axis of rotation. Movable rollers <NUM> can also move relative to compensation assembly <NUM> in order to move away or towards the fixed ones <NUM>. Fixed rollers <NUM> can only rotate about their axis of rotation.

The at least one movable roller <NUM> of compensation assembly <NUM> is movable vertically, or perpendicularly to its own axis of rotation. Preferably, said movable rollers <NUM> are adapted to move along a straight trajectory. In particular, compensation assembly <NUM> comprises a guidance system for guiding the movement of movable rollers <NUM>. In the example, compensation assembly <NUM> includes two guides <NUM>, and the two ends of rollers <NUM> are slidably mounted to such guides <NUM>. In more detail, the two guides <NUM> are arranged vertically. In more detail, movable rollers <NUM> are mounted at their ends to two brackets <NUM>, each bracket <NUM> being slidably mounted to the respective guide <NUM>.

Optionally, compensation assembly <NUM> has an idle auxiliary roller <NUM> around which film P is intended to pass as it enters compensation assembly <NUM>. Auxiliary roller <NUM> is substantially vertical. With reference to the flow of film P, auxiliary roller <NUM> is located upstream of oblique diverter <NUM> and the other rollers <NUM>, <NUM> of compensation assembly <NUM>. Film P touches auxiliary roller <NUM> first, then oblique diverter <NUM>, and lastly all the other rollers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Film P entering compensation assembly <NUM> touches a first fixed roller <NUM>, then a first movable roller <NUM>, then a second fixed roller <NUM>, then a second movable roller <NUM>, and finally a third fixed roller <NUM>. At this point, film P heads for releasing device <NUM>.

Compensation assembly <NUM> advantageously permits accumulating useful film P to be released as necessary during the wrapping operation, or, vice versa, recovering film P, so as to follow the movement of releasing device <NUM>. For example, when releasing device <NUM> moves away from compensation assembly <NUM>, there is an urgent need for unwinding a large quantity of film P; conversely, when releasing device <NUM> moves closer to compensation assembly <NUM>, there is an urgent need for winding some film P. Without compensation assembly <NUM>, coil <NUM> would have to instantaneously supply the required amount of film P as imposed by the movement of releasing device <NUM>, but this would in practice be difficult to achieve because it would require complex controls, and it would be made even harder by the fact that a coil <NUM> having a diameter of <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM> and a weight of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> would be involved. With compensation assembly <NUM>, instead, the rotational speed of coil <NUM> can remain constant or vary smoothly, without the risk of tearing film P or having loose and floppy sections of film P.

Machinery <NUM> conveniently comprises motor means <NUM>, e.g. an electric motor, for rotating coil <NUM>. In fact, since coil <NUM> is heavy, the motor means help unwinding film P.

Preferably, machinery <NUM> comprises a control unit configured to actuate motor means <NUM> for rotating coil <NUM> as a function of at least the position of the at least one movable roller <NUM> belonging to compensation assembly <NUM>. Depending on the position of the at least one movable roller <NUM> relative to the at least one fixed roller <NUM>, the control unit controls said motor means <NUM>. There is a sensor for detecting the position of the at least one movable roller <NUM>, and the control unit is adapted to receive a signal from such sensor to control the actuation of motor means <NUM> that drive coil <NUM>. Thus, the speed of coil <NUM> will keep up with the instantaneous request for film P that causes the fixed and movable rollers to move towards/away from each other <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to reduce the risk of breaking film P and avoid having too much loose film P.

Conveniently, but optionally, compensation assembly <NUM> is configured to slide horizontally. In particular, compensation assembly <NUM> is slidably mounted on a horizontal guide <NUM>. Such horizontal guide <NUM> is adapted to be installed on the supporting surface, e.g. on the floor. This feature allows compensation assembly <NUM> to follow the movement of releasing device <NUM>, which, in the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, can move three-dimensionally. In fact, when releasing device <NUM> moves horizontally, compensation assembly <NUM> will follow it to avoid tearing film P located between compensation assembly <NUM> and releasing device <NUM>. In particular, horizontal guide <NUM> allows compensation assembly <NUM> to slide along a straight trajectory. Machinery <NUM> comprises moving means for moving compensation assembly <NUM> horizontally, in particular along a straight trajectory. A control system is configured to control the horizontal motion of compensation assembly <NUM> as a function of the position of releasing device <NUM>, particularly by actuating the moving means.

In particular, horizontal guide <NUM> comprises a rail <NUM> whereon an engagement portion <NUM> of compensation assembly <NUM> is slidably engaged. In the example, horizontal guide <NUM> comprises moving means for moving compensation assembly <NUM>. For example, the moving means include an actuator, in particular a linear actuator, or a motor, in particular an electric motor. In particular, horizontal guide <NUM> comprises a drive pulley <NUM> connected to a belt <NUM> or a chain constrained to compensation assembly <NUM> for moving it. There is also a driven pulley <NUM>, on which belt <NUM> is mounted. In the particular example shown herein, feet <NUM> are provided, preferably adjustable ones, for laying horizontal guide <NUM> on the floor.

Optionally, compensation assembly <NUM> is rotatable about an axis, in particular a vertical axis. Such rotation is possible in any case, whether or not it <NUM> can be moved horizontally. Such rotation may be either free or controlled by an actuator. Conveniently, the control unit coordinates such rotation, by means of the associated actuator, with the position or motion of releasing device <NUM>. Such rotation permits directing film P exiting assembly <NUM> towards releasing device <NUM>, without bending film P in its plane.

In the example, releasing device <NUM> comprises a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> rotatable about a prevalently vertical axis, between which film P is intended to pass, wherein at least one of such rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can vary its distance from the other rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Releasing device <NUM> is adapted to release the film, under proper tension, around the pallet. Such device <NUM> has a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for stretching the film. In particular, releasing device <NUM> does not include a support for a coil of film P. According to some possible variants, releasing device <NUM> may be per se known.

Releasing device <NUM> comprises a plurality of rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, between which film P is intended to pass, for adjusting the tension thereof. Preferably, releasing device <NUM> comprises a drive roller for pulling film P. The film exiting releasing device <NUM> is ready to be wrapped around item A. Rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be idle, or, alternatively, some of them (at least one) may be motorized. In the example, rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented vertically. In <FIG>, a motor <NUM> actuates a drive roller (not shown).

Preferably, releasing device <NUM> comprises a movable arm <NUM> whereon two rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted, which, in particular, are freely rotatable. The film is intended to pass around such rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. Other rollers (e.g. no. <NUM>) are, on the contrary, fixedly mounted relative to releasing device <NUM>. In particular, movable arm <NUM> is rotatable about an axis of rotation, which in the example is prevalently vertical. This advantageously permits accumulating useful film to be released as necessary during the wrapping process or, vice versa, recovering film, e.g. when wrapping pallet edges. Arm <NUM> thus permits greater film accumulation in a smaller area. In fact, the two rollers <NUM>, <NUM> lengthen the path followed by the film, and the mobility of movable arm <NUM> provides a greater increase in film length before the film is wrapped around the pallet. For example, if only one roller were mounted on the movable arm (as in the prior art), a very long and bulky movable arm would be necessary in order to accumulate the film. Conveniently, an elastic means, e.g. a spring, tends to bring the movable arm into a predefined position. Preferably, there is an actuator or motor for moving movable arm <NUM>. In the example, roller <NUM> is movable and adapted to be moved away from or closer to roller <NUM>, which is fixed. An actuator is adapted to move roller <NUM>.

However, according to some possible variants, releasing device <NUM> comprises at least one movable roller and at least one fixed roller. Therefore, at least one roller <NUM>, <NUM> is movably mounted to the releasing device <NUM>, and at least one roller <NUM> is fixedly mounted to said releasing device <NUM>. A "movable roller" is meant to be a roller which can both rotate about its axis of rotation and move relative to releasing device <NUM>. Conversely, the fixed roller can only rotate about its axis of rotation. Preferably, there is an actuator or motor for moving the at least one movable roller.

Releasing device <NUM> comprises the first oblique diverter <NUM>, which, in particular, is fixed. In the example, the first oblique diverter <NUM> lies on an axis which is inclined by <NUM>° relative to the axis of rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of releasing device <NUM>. According to some alternative variants, the first oblique diverter <NUM> may have different angles, e.g. it may lie on an axis inclined by <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or <NUM>° to <NUM>°, relative to the axis of rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of releasing device <NUM>. In particular, the first oblique diverter <NUM> lies on an axis which is inclined by <NUM>° relative to a horizontal plane. According to some alternative variants, the first oblique diverter <NUM> may have different angles, e.g. it may lie on an axis inclined by <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or <NUM>° to <NUM>°, relative to a horizontal axis.

Rollers <NUM>, <NUM> of compensation assembly <NUM> are horizontal, but rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of releasing device <NUM> are substantially vertical. The first oblique diverter <NUM> makes it possible to have film P arrive with the proper orientation for passing between the substantially vertical rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of releasing device <NUM>. The first oblique diverter <NUM> allows diverting film P.

Preferably, releasing device <NUM> has a cutting device for cutting film P, and such device may be per se known. For example, the cutting device comprises a blade or wire. Preferably, the blade or wire is made of metal material, and means are provided for heating the blade or wire. For example, the blade or wire is connected to a power supply unit. When supplied with electric current, the blade or wire will get hot, thus cutting film P.

Preferably, releasing device <NUM> includes a dispenser for dispensing glue onto film P. The dispenser, which may be per se known, may include, for example, a sprayer, or a brush <NUM> to be impregnated with glue.

Preferably, moving device <NUM> is an anthropomorphic robot, in particular of the six-axis type. Such robot may be per se known. Moving device <NUM> is adapted to be fastened to the supporting surface, e.g. the floor. Preferably, moving device <NUM> is adapted to move releasing device <NUM> in three dimensions. Therefore, in addition to moving it <NUM> vertically, it can also move it in a horizontal plane. In particular, moving device <NUM> is adapted to move releasing device <NUM> along three straight directions in space, wherein such directions are mutually perpendicular (e.g. the three Cartesian directions, also known as x, y, z). Conveniently, moving device <NUM> is also adapted to rotate releasing device <NUM>. According to several possible variations thereof, moving device <NUM> is adapted to rotate releasing device <NUM> about one, two or three axes of rotation, which are preferably orthogonal to each other. In general, moving device <NUM> is adapted to move releasing device <NUM> at least vertically, i.e. to vary its height.

As item A rotates, moving device <NUM> moves releasing device <NUM> vertically so as to wrap film P around item A. Generally, film P is wrapped helically around item A. Releasing device <NUM> can be caused to make a rotation in order to better follow the direction of film P around the item, so as to prevent any creases or tears, particularly when processing a film P made of paper. In fact, as releasing device <NUM> rises vertically and film P is helically wound, it is desirable to orient rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of releasing device <NUM> in such a way as to cause film P to exit such device <NUM> with the same angle that such film P will assume on item A, without a side of film P being too stretched and the other side being creased. This effect is particularly beneficial for rigid materials like paper, while for deformable materials like plastic the elasticity of film P can already ensure good adherence to item A without the film undergoing any damage.

In particular, moving device <NUM> rotates releasing device <NUM> about a horizontal axis, at least at certain times while wrapping film P around item A. Sometimes moving device <NUM> keeps releasing device <NUM> stationary with rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the vertical position, and other times it rotates releasing device <NUM> about a horizontal axis. These movements are coordinated by a control system, particularly as a function of the rotation of rotatable support <NUM> and of the height above ground of releasing device <NUM>. For example, moving device <NUM> rotates releasing device <NUM> in such a way that its rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have a maximum inclination of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° or <NUM>° relative to the vertical.

Rotatable support <NUM>, which may be per se known, has a lower support <NUM> (a platform in this example), whereon item A is placed, and which can rotate, in particular about a vertical axis. Conveniently, there is also an upper support <NUM> (a platform in this example) for pressing item A from above, and which can rotate, in particular about a vertical axis. In particular, lower support <NUM> comprises rollers <NUM> to allow item A to slide along a line for packaging or preparing item A. Item A arrives at rotatable support <NUM> in the correct position by sliding on rollers <NUM>. During its rotation, rotatable support <NUM> is configured to hold item A in the correct position, preventing it from falling. In particular, motor means are provided for rotatably actuating lower support <NUM> and/or upper support <NUM>. Item A is then rotated, in particular about a vertical axis, by rotatable support <NUM>, more specifically by supports <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, actuator means (e.g. a motor and transmission means) are provided for varying the distance between supports <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to adapt it to differently sized items. In particular, the actuator means are configured for moving upper support <NUM> relative to lower support <NUM>, and particularly for moving said upper support <NUM> at least vertically. The actuator means are adapted to hold and retain item A between supports <NUM>, <NUM> during the rotation of item A.

In particular, rotatable support <NUM> has an arm <NUM> that supports upper support <NUM>. Rotatable support <NUM> has a column <NUM> whereon arm <NUM> is mounted. Preferably, arm <NUM> is configured to slide vertically and stop in a plurality of vertical positions along column <NUM>. It is thus possible to adjust the distance between supports <NUM>, <NUM> according to the height of item A. Conveniently, motor means are provided for controlling the vertical motion of arm <NUM>.

Conveniently, machinery <NUM> comprises a supporting device <NUM> for supporting coil <NUM>. Supporting device <NUM> comprises a rotary table <NUM> for rotatably supporting coil <NUM>. Preferably, motor means are provided, e.g. an electric motor, for rotating rotary table <NUM>, and hence coil <NUM>. In the example, rotary table <NUM> turns about a vertical axis. Therefore, coil <NUM> can rotate to unwind film P, but during the normal use of machinery <NUM> it is not intended to translate relative to machinery <NUM> and the supporting surface (e.g. the floor). In the example, supporting device <NUM> comprises a pin <NUM> adapted to fit into a central hole that is generally present in a coil <NUM>.

Preferably, supporting device <NUM> comprises a coil replacement system <NUM> for joining a terminal part of film P to an initial part of film P of a new coil <NUM>. In particular, coil replacement system <NUM> comprises an abutment plate <NUM> and two movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> adapted to abut against abutment plate <NUM> for holding a section of film P. Between each movable bar <NUM>, <NUM> and abutment plate <NUM>, a section of film P is intended to be pressed and held in position. In particular, movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable relative to abutment plate <NUM>, in particular about a horizontal axis of rotation. In the example, movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to abutment plate <NUM>. Conveniently, locking means are provided for keeping movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> in abutment with abutment plate <NUM>, for the purpose of holding the portions of film P in position.

In the example, coil replacement system <NUM> comprises a support for adhesive tape <NUM>. In particular, said support is mounted to abutment plate <NUM>, conveniently to the top thereof.

When a coil <NUM> is about to finish, machinery <NUM> is stopped, and one end of film P is clamped between movable bar <NUM> and abutment plate <NUM>. Film P is then cut between the two movable bars <NUM>, <NUM>, and old coil <NUM> is removed from rotary table <NUM>. A new coil <NUM> is then loaded on rotary table <NUM>, and then the initial part of new film P is brought near movable bar <NUM>, and that end of new film P is clamped between movable bar <NUM> and abutment plate <NUM>. In this condition, the user then joins the two ends of films P, e.g. by means of glue or adhesive tape. Finally, the user opens movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> to release film P. Machinery <NUM> is now ready for normal operation again.

Preferably, supporting device <NUM> comprises two idle rollers <NUM>, <NUM> whereon film P is intended to slide. In the example, rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to abutment plate <NUM>, in particular to the sides of said abutment plate <NUM>. Rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to cause film P to slide between movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> and abutment plate <NUM> when movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> are not in abutment with abutment plate <NUM>. During normal use, film P slides on rollers <NUM>, <NUM> without touching either movable bars <NUM>, <NUM> or abutment plate <NUM>. After touching roller <NUM>, film P proceeds towards compensation assembly <NUM>, particularly towards auxiliary roller <NUM>. In <FIG>, the dashed line schematically indicates, in transparency, film P. In <FIG>, the dashed line schematically indicates the path followed by film P.

Preferably, the machinery comprises a control system, e.g. a control unit (in particular, a PLC), configured for coordinating the movements of one or more movable parts of machinery <NUM>. For example, said control system is adapted to control and coordinate the motion of one or more of: releasing device <NUM>, the actuators, the motor means (including no. <NUM>), rotatable support <NUM>, moving device <NUM>, compensation assembly <NUM>, the emission of an alarm signal in the event of a fault (e.g. through audible and/or luminous signalling means).

According to one possible embodiment, the control system is configured for receiving from the user information about the item or pallet to be wrapped up, and, based on such information, for wrapping up the item with the film by coordinating the movements of machinery <NUM> and of the various parts thereof. Such information may include the dimensions, shape, contents, etc. of the item. In addition, a user interface is conveniently provided, through which the user can interact with the control system. The interface may include elements that are per se known, including a screen (e.g. a touchscreen), a keyboard, push-buttons, etc..

The control system may include, for example, several interconnected control units, conveniently connected to one another in wireless mode.

In the example, the control system of machinery <NUM> is configured for moving compensation assembly <NUM> along horizontal guide <NUM> to have it follow the horizontal movements of releasing device <NUM>.

In the example, the control system of machinery <NUM> is configured for coordinating the movements of releasing device <NUM>, those of rotatable support <NUM>, and those of moving device <NUM>.

In the example, the control system of machinery <NUM> is configured for coordinating the movements of the parts of releasing device <NUM>, in particular for controlling the cutting device, the dispenser and/or the drive roller.

Machinery <NUM> further comprises sensors for detecting the mutual or relative positions of the various components, their speed or acceleration, or other parameters needed by the control system. The sensors may be per se known, e.g. encoders, photo cells, switches, load sensors, accelerometers, etc..

Preferably, but optionally, compensation assembly <NUM> and releasing device <NUM> are not configured for pre-stretching film P. The (motorized or idle) rollers of compensation assembly <NUM> and of releasing device <NUM> are configured for not increasing the internal strains of film P, so as to not cause said film P to undergo any permanent deformation.

The present invention also concerns a transfer system adapted to be installed in a machinery <NUM> for wrapping up an item A, comprising:.

The transfer system is adapted to transport film P from a coil <NUM>, located in a fixed position relative to a supporting surface, to releasing device <NUM>, and comprises:.

The details of the transfer system have already been described above, and for brevity's sake they will not be repeated. The transfer system may be a kit which can be installed on an existing machinery <NUM>. Preferably, the kit includes:.

The present invention also concerns a method for wrapping a paper film P around an item A, in particular a pallet, comprising the use of machinery <NUM> according to one or more embodiments thereof.

Claim 1:
Machinery (<NUM>) for wrapping up an item (A), in particular a pallet, comprising:
- a rotatable support (<NUM>) for supporting and rotating the item (A),
- a releasing device (<NUM>) for releasing a paper film (P) around the item (A) when said item (A) is rotating on the rotatable support (<NUM>),
- a moving device (<NUM>) for moving the releasing device (<NUM>),
- a transfer system for transporting the film (P) from a coil (<NUM>), located in a fixed position relative to a supporting surface, to the releasing device (<NUM>); wherein the transfer system comprises:
• a first oblique diverter (<NUM>), mounted to the releasing device (<NUM>), for diverting the direction of the film (P) as it enters the releasing device (<NUM>);
• a compensation assembly (<NUM>), configured for sliding horizontally, comprising a plurality of rollers (<NUM>, <NUM>) rotatable about a prevalently horizontal axis, and between which the film (P) is intended to pass, wherein at least one of such rollers (<NUM>) can vary its distance from the other rollers (<NUM>); wherein the releasing device (<NUM>) is adapted to receive the film (P) as it exits the compensation assembly (<NUM>);
- moving means for moving the compensation assembly (<NUM>) horizontally.