A transport system for transporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets to outside a machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line

Abstract

The transport system (100) comprises a first conveyor belt (1) for restingly receiving a stack of folded or interfolded sheets, and which, as a function of the height of the stack (P) which is to be formed, is vertically translatable to be positionable between at least a first dropped lower position (A1), and at least a second raised upper position (A2). The transport system (100) further comprises a second conveyor belt (2) arranged laterally and externally of the machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, between the first conveyor belt (1) and the outlet line (U), which is movable in rotation and which is borne by the support element (3). When the first conveyor belt (1) is translated so as to be positioned in the first dropped lower position (A1), the second conveyor belt (2) is movable into a first operating position (O1) in which it is aligned to the first conveyor belt (1) so as to receive from the first conveyor belt (1) a complete stack of sheets and to transport the stack of sheets towards the outlet line (U), and when the first conveyor belt (1) is translated so as to be positioned in the second raised upper position (A2), the second conveyor belt (2) is movable into a second operating position (O2) and into an inclined configuration so as to receive a complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1) towards the outlet line (U).

Description

[0001] A TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING A STACK OF FOLDED OR INTERFOLDED SHEETS TO OUTSIDE A MACHINE FOR PRODUCTION OF STACKS OF FOLDED OR INTERFOLDED SHEETS AND TOWARDS AN OUTLET LINE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning production of paper material in stacks of interfolded sheets, folded on themselves or on one another, i.e. with the sheets folded in a zig-zag with respect to one another, such as for example packs of paper handkerchieves, napkins, towels and the like.

[0004] More in particular, the present invention relates to a transport system for transporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets to outside a machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line.

[0005] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0006] In this technical sector, machines are known for production of stacks of sheets folded on themselves or in an interfolded way comprising unwinding and folding means which are configured to unwind and fold strips or single sheets in such a way as to obtain stacks of sheets folded on themselves or fold or in an interfolded way with respect to one another.

[0007] During the formation thereof, the stacks of sheets are supported by special support and movement means which, once the stacks of sheets have been completely formed in accordance with the desired height, transfer the complete stacks downwards to rest on a suitable conveyor belt for transport of the stacks to outside the machines.

[0008] According to the type of end product to be produced, the stack of sheets can have different heights and therefore, when there is a size change, the support and movement means must move the stacks by a run entity that is different, so as to carry the stacks to rest on the conveyor belt.

[0009] Thus, for example, in the case of a size change which requires the formation of a stack with a lower height than the preceding functioning height, the support and movement means, once the stack of sheets has been formed and completed, will have to perform a longer run in order to lower to the conveyor belt and deposit the formed stack thereon.

[0010] In these cases, a longer time will be required with respect to the preceding functioning, in order to deposit the complete stacks, with a consequent drop in the production level.

[0011] A first possible known solution to this drawback, at present in use, consists in mounting the conveyor belt at different heights on the frame of the machine, as a function of the height of the stacks of sheets that are to be formed.

[0012] Another known solution at present in use consists in vertically translating the conveyor belt, by respective suitable translating means, in order to position it at different heights in such a way as to adapt the position thereof as a function of the height of the stacks of sheets that are to be formed.

[0013] In both cases, however, there remains the issue of how to adapt and adjust the position of the outlet line that is to receive the formed stacks of sheets and transfer the stacks towards other successive work stations designed to carry out other operating steps for the completion of the packaging thereof (for example for the winding of the stacks of sheets in a relative reel).

[0014] Any eventual displacements or repositioning of the outlet line, with respect to the position and height of the conveyor belt, incur significant drawbacks relating to layout and adapting of the whole production system of the final packages of the stacks of sheets.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a transport system for transporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets to outside a machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line able to obviate the drawbacks present in the prior art, as indicated in the foregoing.

[0017] The cited aim is attained by means of a transport system for transporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets to outside a machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line according to the contents of the claims.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The characteristics of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the transport system of the present invention will be described in the following description with reference to the appended tables of drawings, in which:

[0020] - figures 1A and 1 B illustrate, schematically and in respective lateral views, the main components of a machine for production of stacks of sheets folded on themselves or interfolded with respect to one another, wherein an element of the transport system of the invention is further illustrated, designed to receive the stacks of sheets once complete and in a first possible position;

[0021] - figures 2A and 2B illustrate, schematically and in respective lateral views, the main components of a machine for production of stacks of sheets folded on themselves or interfolded with respect to one another as in figures 1A and 1 B, in figures 2A and 2B the element of the transport system of the invention is further illustrated, designed to receive the stacks of sheets once complete which is positioned in a second other possible position; - figures 3A and 3B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a first preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be translatable vertically internally of the machine;

[0022] - figures 4A and 4B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a second preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be translatable vertically internally of the machine;

[0023] - figures 5A and 5B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a third preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be translatable vertically internally of the machine;

[0024] - figures 6A and 6B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a fourth preferred embodiment of the of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be translatable vertically internally of the machine;

[0025] - figures 7A and 7B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a fifth preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be translatable vertically internally of the machine;

[0026] - figures 8A and 8B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a sixth preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be translatable vertically internally of the machine;

[0027] - figures 9A and 9B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a seventh preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be mountable on a frame of the machine in at least two different positions at different heights;

[0028] - figures 10A and 10B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, an eighth preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside a machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be mountable on a frame of the machine in at least two different positions at different heights;

[0029] - figures 11A and 11 B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a ninth preferred embodiment of the of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be mountable on a frame of the machine in at least two different positions at different heights;

[0030] - figures 12A and 12B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, a tenth preferred embodiment of the of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be mountable on a frame of the machine in at least two different positions at different heights;

[0031] - figures 13A and 13B illustrate, schematically and in respective frontal views, an eleventh preferred embodiment of the transport system of the invention in two possible configurations of functioning thereof for transporting a complete stack of sheets to outside of the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets, and towards an outlet line schematically represented by a dotted line, wherein the element of the transport system which is designed to restingly receive the complete stack of sheets is configured to be mountable on a frame of the machine in at least two different positions at different heights;

[0032] - figure 14 illustrates, in a partial schematic view and in perspective, some significant components of the transport system of the invention present in all the various possible embodiments illustrated in the preceding figures, in which the outlet line in also partially visible towards which the transport system of the invention transports the complete stacks in arrival from the machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] With reference to the accompanying tables of drawings, numerical reference (100) denotes, in all the various possible and preferred, but not for this reason exclusive, embodiments, the transport system for transporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets to outside of a machine for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line, object of the present invention in its entirety. In the drawings, the machine (M) for the production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets is not illustrated in detail, as it can be of known type or realised in various modes, and the structure or functioning thereof for realising the folding of sheets to form a stack of sheets is not relevant to the present invention.

[0035] In this regard, in figures 1A, 1 B, 2A, 2B, the machine (M) has been briefly illustrated, with other main components thereof, represented in an entirely general and schematic way, such as the unwinding and folding means of sheets, for folding the sheets on themselves or in an interfolded way with respect to one another, for forming a stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets of a desired height, and the support and movement means (S) of the formed stacks (P) which are designed and configured to support the stacks during the formation thereof and, once completely formed, to move the complete stacks downwards.

[0036] Instead, in the remaining figures, the machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets has been schematically and briefly illustrated in relation to only some parts of the relative structure, without illustrating the presence of the unwinding and folding means of the sheets or the support and movement means of the stacks, as they do not constitute part of the invention, and also the outlet line (U) towards which the complete stacks coming from the machine (M) are transported is schematically represented only with a dotted line, as it is in itself known and not relevant to the invention.

[0037] The main characteristics of the transport system (100) of the invention, common to the various possible embodiments illustrated in figures from 3A to 8B, are as follows.

[0038] The transport system (100) comprises: a first conveyor belt (1 ), which is arranged internally of the machine (M) and inferiorly of the support and movement means (S), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ) is configured to restingly receive a complete stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets moved downwards by the support and movement means (S) and to transport the complete stack (P) rested thereon towards the outside of the machine (M).

[0039] The transport system (100) is made in such a way that the first conveyor belt (1 ), as a function of the height of the stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets which is to be formed, is vertically translatable to be positionable between at least a first dropped lower position (A1 ) (figures 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally and at a same height from the ground surface as the outlet line (U), in order to restingly receive a complete stack (P) having a first height, and at least a second raised upper position (A2) (figures 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally in order to restingly receive a complete stack (P) having a second height that is lower than the first height.

[0040] The transport system (100) further comprises a second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged laterally and externally of the machine (M), between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is mounted rotatably on a support element (3) so as to be movable in rotation with respect to the support element (3) in order to be positionable between a first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration.

[0041] In greater detail, the transport system (100) is configured in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is translated so as to be positioned in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, at a same height, with respect to the ground surface, as the first conveyor belt (1 ) and aligned along a relative horizontal direction to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (see figures 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A), when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is translated so as to be positioned in the second raised upper position (A2), the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged in an inclined configuration in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (see figures 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B).

[0042] Owing to the presence of the second conveyor belt (2), which is movable in rotation about the support element (3), and which is positionable between the first operating position (01 ), in which it is horizontal, and at least a second operating position (02), in which it is in an inclined configuration, with the transport system of the invention it is possible to adapt to the position in which it is necessary to translate and position the first conveyor belt as a function of the height of the stacks that are to be formed, and consequently to be able to transport the formed stacks to outside the machine and direct and transport them towards the outlet line without having to intervene on an eventual repositioning or adjusting of the height position of the outlet line internally of the system.

[0043] In this way, in a simple and effective manner, at each size change of the stacks under formation, the transport system of the invention is able to adjust and adapt to the effective height of the stacks under formation, adjusting the position of first conveyor belt internally of the machine, and at the same time, adjusting the position and orientation of the second conveyor belt as a function of the position assumed by the first conveyor belt, so that the second conveyor belt can receive the complete stacks transported to outside the machine by the first conveyor belt, and direct them towards the outlet line.

[0044] Further and other aspects of the transport system of the invention, common to the embodiments of figures from 3A to 8B, are as follows.

[0045] The transport system (100) comprises at least a support arm (30) and a carriage (33) which is slidably mounted on sliding guides (34) arranged superiorly on the support element (3) (see in detail figure 14).

[0046] The support arm (30) is fixed, at a respective first end (31 ), to the second conveyor belt (2), and is hinged, at a respective second end (32), to the carriage (33) at a hinge axis (X) so that the support arm (30), and therefore the second conveyor belt (2), are rotatable about the hinge axis (X),

[0047] In this way, when the second conveyor belt (2) is movable from the first operating position (01 ) to the second operating position (02), and, vice versa, the carriage (33), sliding on the sliding guides (34), enables the rotation of the support arm (30) with respect to the carriage (33) about the hinge axis (X) thus enabling the second conveyor belt (2) to be positionable in both a horizontal configuration and an inclined configuration.

[0048] In these preferred embodiments, the transport system (100) is made in such a way as to comprise vertical translating means (M1 ), which are connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and which are configured to vertically translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), maintaining it horizontal, between the first dropped lower position (A1 ) and the second raised upper position (A2).

[0049] For example, the vertical translating means (M1 ) can comprise at least a linear actuator (9) activatable to vertically move a thrust element (91 ) which is connected to a support structure (92) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and vertical sliding guides (93) to which the support structure (92) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) is slidably coupled.

[0050] The vertical translating means (M1 ) can further comprise a second thrust element (95) which is connected by a connecting bar (96) to the first thrust element (91 ), in such a way that the second thrust element (95) can be activatable in translation together with the first thrust element (91 ) to translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), which is maintained horizontal.

[0051] In the first preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 3A and 3B, the transport system (100) is made in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) and the first conveyor belt (1 ) are hinged to one another at a respective hinge point (Z1 ) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can be angularly orientated with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) by rotating about the hinge point (Z1 ).

[0052] In more detail, the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged, with respect to the hinge point (Z1 ), in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z1 ) with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is horizontal in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 3A), and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the second conveyor belt (2), by rotating about the hinge point (Z1 ), with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is in an inclined configuration, in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 3B).

[0053] Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, owing to the fact that the second conveyor belt (2) is hinged to the first conveyor belt (1 ), by only activating the translating means (M1) it is to possible to translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), in order to position it in a position between the first dropped lower position and the second raised upper position according to the height of the stacks to be formed, and, at the same time, also to move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position it in a respective operating position according to the position assumed by the first conveyor belt, therefore in a horizontal first operating position or in a respective second operating position in an inclined configuration.

[0054] In the second preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 4A and 4B, the transport system (100) is made in such a way as to comprise movement means (M2) that are arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration.

[0055] Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the second conveyor belt (2) is independent of the first conveyor belt (1 ).

[0056] In greater detail, the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged and configured, and the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ), with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 4A); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 4B).

[0057] The movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) can for example be constituted by a linear actuator (8), borne by an upright (80), for the activating in translation of a thrust rod (81 ) fixed to the supporting structure of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0058] In the third preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 5A and 5B, the transport system (100) is realised in such a way as to comprise an intermediate conveyor belt (4), which is arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), in which a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45) to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ).

[0059] In this way, when the translating means (M1) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated together and contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) while remaining contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ).

[0060] Further, a second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) so that the second conveyor belt (2) can be orientated angularly with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) by rotating about the hinge point (Z2).

[0061] In more detail, the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally and aligned to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and to the outlet line (U), so that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive a complete stack (P) transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U) (see figure 5A), when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) in order to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2) which, being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the at least a second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration, in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive a complete stack (P) transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U) (see figure 5B).

[0062] The use of an intermediate conveyor belt (4) can be useful as a function of the location, and distance, of the machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets with respect to that of the outlet line (U) of the stacks.

[0063] Further, in the above-described preferred embodiment, by only activating the translating means (M1 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), it is possible at the same time to adapt the position of both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) as a function of the position into which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is translated in accordance with the height of the stacks that are to be formed.

[0064] In the fourth preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 6A and 6B, the transport system (100) is realised in such a way as to comprise an intermediate conveyor belt (4), which is arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45), to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), in such a way that, when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated together and contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) while remaining contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ).

[0065] In this preferred embodiment, instead, with respect to the preceding embodiment, the second conveyor belt (2) is independent of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the transport system (100) comprises movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration.

[0066] In detail, the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (M2) are reciprocally configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), with the intermediate conveyor belt (4) also being translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ) with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 6A); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), with the intermediate conveyor belt (4) also being translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 6B).

[0067] The movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) can for example be constituted by a linear actuator (8), borne by an upright (80), for the activating in translation of a thrust rod (81 ) fixed to the supporting structure of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0068] In the fifth preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 7A and 7B, the transport system (100) is made in such a way as to comprise an intermediate conveyor belt (4), which is arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein an end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can angularly rotate with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) about the hinge point (Z2).

[0069] In this embodiment, the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is therefore independent of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the transport system (100) comprises movement means (M3) for movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and consequently for the movement of the second conveyor belt (2), as the second conveyor belt (2) is hinged to the intermediate conveyor belt (4).

[0070] In detail, the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M3) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the movement means (M3) contemporaneously move the intermediate conveyor belt (4), maintaining the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous, for example horizontal and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2) which, being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration and arranged with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 7A); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the movement means (M3) contemporaneously move the intermediate conveyor belt (4) while maintaining the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous, for example but not necessarily, horizontal and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), with the second conveyor belt (2) that, being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 7B).

[0071] The movement means (M3) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) can comprise a respective pair of linear actuators (84) which are mounted on a respective pair of uprights (85), and a pair of thrust rods (86), each of which is activatable in translation by a respective linear actuator (84) and is connected to the supporting structure of the intermediate conveyor belt (4).

[0072] In the sixth preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 8A and 8B, the transport system (100) is realised in such a way as to comprise an intermediate conveyor belt (4), which is arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), with the intermediate conveyor belt (4), in this embodiment, being independent of both the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2).

[0073] In this case, the transport system (100) comprises movement means (M2, M3) for the movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2).

[0074] In greater detail, the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M2, M3) of the second conveyor belt (2) and of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is arranged with a respective first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), for example horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3) in such a way that a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) remains contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration, and with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 8A); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), for example, but not necessarily, arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3), arranging the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration and with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) being arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) being arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (see figure 8B).

[0075] The movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) can for example be constituted by a linear actuator (8), borne by an upright (80), for the activating in translation of a thrust rod (81 ) fixed to the supporting structure of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0076] The movement means (M3) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) can comprise a respective pair of linear actuators (84) which are mounted on a respective pair of uprights (85), and a pair of thrust rods (86), each of which is activatable in translation by a respective linear actuator (84) and is connected to the supporting structure of the intermediate conveyor belt (4).

[0077] In the various embodiments described in the foregoing, the first conveyor belt (1 ), the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4), where included, can be constituted by belts closed loop-wound on relative pulleys.

[0078] For example, the conveyor belt (1 ) can include a relative winding pulley as the drive pulley, at the opposite end with respect to the position of the second conveyor belt and of the intermediate conveyor belt, where included.

[0079] The second conveyor belt and the intermediate conveyor belt can include belts wound on relative idle pulleys arranged at the relative ends, and wound about a drive pulley arranged in an intermediate position between the two ends of the belt wound on the idle pulleys.

[0080] The transport system (100) of the invention, in other possible preferred embodiments thereof, illustrated in figures from 9A to 13B, can include the fact that the first conveyor belt (1 ), which is configured to restingly receive a complete stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets moved downwards by the support and movement means (S) and to transport the complete stack (P) rested thereon towards the outside of the machine (M), is directly mountable on a frame (MT) of the machine (M) in various positions as a function of the height of the stacks that are to be formed.

[0081] For example, when the machine (M) is configured for production of a stack (P) having a first height, the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mountable on a frame (MT) of the machine (M) in a first dropped lower position (A1 ), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally and at a same height from the ground surface as the outlet line (U) (see figures 9A, 10A, 11 A, 12A, 13A) for restingly receiving a complete stack (P) having the first height, and when the machine (M) is configured for production of a stack (P) having a second height, lower than the first height, the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mountable on the frame (MT) of the machine (M) in at least a second raised upper position (A2) (see figures 9B, 10B, 11 B, 12B, 13B), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally, for restingly receiving a complete stack (P) having the second height.

[0082] In greater detail, for all the preferred embodiments illustrated in figures from 9A to 13B, the transport system (100) comprises common characteristics as follow.

[0083] The transport system (100) comprises a second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged laterally and externally of the machine (M), between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is mounted rotatably on a support element (3) so as to be movable in rotation with respect to the support element (3) in order to be positionable between a first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration.

[0084] In greater detail, the transport system (100) is configured in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to restingly receive a stack (P) having the first height, the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, at a same height, with respect to the ground surface, as the first conveyor belt (1 ) and aligned along a relative horizontal direction to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (see figures 9A, 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A), when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged in an inclined configuration so as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (see figures 9B, 10B, 11 B, 12B, 13B).

[0085] Owing to the presence of the second conveyor belt (2), which is movable in rotation about the support element (3), and which is positionable between the first operating position (01 ), in which it is horizontal, and at least a second operating position (02), in which it is in an inclined configuration, with the transport system of the invention it is possible to adapt to the position in which the first conveyor belt is mounted as a function of the height of the stacks that are to be formed, and consequently to be able to transport the formed stacks to outside the machine and direct and transport them towards the outlet line without having to intervene on an eventual repositioning or adjusting of the height position of the outlet line internally of the system.

[0086] In this way, in a simple and effective way, at each size change of the stacks under formation, the transport system of the invention is able to adjust and adapt to the effective height of the stacks under formation, and to the effective position in which the first conveyor belt is mounted internally of the machine, by adjusting the position and orientation of the second conveyor belt as a function of the mounting position of the first conveyor belt, so that the second conveyor belt can receive the complete stacks transported to outside the machine by the first conveyor belt, and direct them towards the outlet line.

[0087] Further and other aspects of the transport system of the invention, common to the embodiments of figures from 9A to 13B, are as follows.

[0088] The transport system (100) comprises at least a support arm (30) and a carriage (33) which is slidably mounted on sliding guides (34) arranged superiorly on the support element (3), in which the support arm (30) is fixed, at a respective first end (31 ), to the second conveyor belt (2), and is hinged, at a respective second end (32), to the carriage (33) at a hinge axis (X) so that the support arm (30), and therefore the second conveyor belt (2), are rotatable about the hinge axis (X) (see figure 14).

[0089] In this way, when the second conveyor belt (2) is movable from the first operating position (01 ) to the second operating position (02), and, vice versa, the carriage

[0090] (33), sliding on the sliding guides (34), enables the rotation of the support arm (30) with respect to the carriage (33) about the hinge axis (X) thus enabling the second conveyor belt (2) to be positionable in both a horizontal configuration and an inclined configuration.

[0091] In the seventh preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 9A and 9B, the transport system (100) comprises movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration.

[0092] In detail, the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged and configured, and the movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) are configured and activable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ), with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 9A); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 9B).

[0093] The movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) can for example be constituted by a linear actuator (8), borne by an upright (80), for the activating in translation of a thrust rod (81 ) fixed to the supporting structure of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0094] In the eighth preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 10A and 10B, the transport system (100) comprises an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45), to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) remains contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) and in the second raised upper position (A2), and wherein a second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can be angularly orientated with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) by rotating about the hinge point (Z2).

[0095] In detail, the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), is thus also arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), being arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally and aligned to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive a complete stack (P) having the second height transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U) (figure 10A), when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) in order to receive a complete stack (P) having the second height, the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), is thus also arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), being arranged in the at least a second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration, in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U) (figure 10B).

[0096] In the ninth preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 11 A and 11 B, the transport system (100) comprises an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), and movement means (M2, M3) for movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0097] In this case, the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is independent of both the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2).

[0098] In detail, the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the movement means (M2, M3) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a respective first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), and for example horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3) in such a way that a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) remains contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4), with the second conveyor belt (2) being arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration, and with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 11 A); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), for example, but not necessarily, horizontal and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3), arranging the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration and with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 11 B). The movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) can for example be constituted by a linear actuator (8), borne by an upright (80), for the activating in translation of a thrust rod (81 ) fixed to the supporting structure of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0099] The movement means (M3) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) can comprise a respective pair of linear actuators (84) which are mounted on a respective pair of uprights (85), and a pair of thrust rods (86), each of which is activatable in translation by a respective linear actuator (84) and is connected to the supporting structure of the intermediate conveyor belt (4).

[0100] In the tenth preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 12A and 12B, the transport system (100) comprises an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein an end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can angularly rotate with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) about the hinge point (Z2).

[0101] In this case, the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is independent of the first conveyor belt (1).

[0102] The transport system (100) also comprises movement means (M3) for movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and consequently for the movement of the second conveyor belt (2), as the second conveyor belt (2) is hinged to the intermediate conveyor belt (4).

[0103] In detail, the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the movement means (M3) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the movement means (M3) move the intermediate conveyor belt (4), maintaining the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous to the first conveyor belt (1 ), for example horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), being arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration and arranged with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 12A); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the movement means (M3) contemporaneously move the intermediate conveyor belt (4) while maintaining the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous to the first conveyor belt (1 ), for example, but not necessarily, horizontal and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), which is arranged in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 12B).

[0104] The movement means (M3) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) can comprise a respective pair of linear actuators (84) which are mounted on a respective pair of uprights (85), and a pair of thrust rods (86), each of which is activatable in translation by a respective linear actuator (84) and is connected to the supporting structure of the intermediate conveyor belt (4).

[0105] In the eleventh preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 13A and 13B, the transport system (100) comprises an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), in which a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45), to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) remains contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) and is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2).

[0106] In this case, the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is independent with respect to only the second conveyor belt (2).

[0107] The transport system (100) therefore comprises movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration. In detail, the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and in which the movement means (M2) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, with the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), thus also being arranged horizontally, contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) in order to position the second conveyor belt in the first operating position (01 ) with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 13A); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, with the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), thus being also arranged horizontally, contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U) (figure 13B).

[0108] The movement means (M2) of the second conveyor belt (2) can for example be constituted by a linear actuator (8), borne by an upright (80), for the activating in translation of a thrust rod (81 ) fixed to the supporting structure of the second conveyor belt (2).

[0109] In the various embodiments described in the foregoing, described with reference to figures from 9A to 13B, the first conveyor belt (1 ), the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4), where included, can be constituted by belts closed loop-wound on relative pulleys.

[0110] For example, the conveyor belt (1 ) can include a relative winding pulley as the drive pulley, at the opposite end with respect to the position of the second conveyor belt and of the intermediate conveyor belt, where included.

[0111] The second conveyor belt and the intermediate conveyor belt can include belts wound on relative idle pulleys arranged at the relative ends, and wound about a drive pulley arranged in an intermediate position between the two ends of the belt wound on the idle pulleys.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) A transport system (100) for transporting a stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets to outside a machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line (U), in which the machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets comprises unwinding and folding means (V) of sheets, for folding the sheets in such a way that they are folded upon themselves or in an interfolded way with respect to one another for forming a stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets of a desired height, and support and movement means (S) for supporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets under formation and for moving a complete stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets downwards once completely formed, wherein the transport system (100) comprises: a first conveyor belt (1 ), arranged internally of the machine (M) and inferiorly of the support and movement means (S), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ) is configured to restingly receive a complete stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets moved downwards by the support and movement means (S) and to transport the complete stack (P) rested thereon towards the outside of the machine (M), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ), as a function of the height of the stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets which is to be formed, is vertically translatable to be positionable between at least a first dropped lower position (A1 ), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally, and at a same height from the ground surface as the outlet line (U), in order to restingly receive a complete stack (P) having a first height, and at least a second raised upper position (A2), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally in order to restingly receive acomplete stack (P) having a second height that is lower than the first height, wherein the transport system (100) is characterised in that it comprises: a second conveyor belt (2) arranged laterally and externally of the machine (M), between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotatably mounted on a support element (3) so as to be movable in rotation with respect to the support element (3) in order to be positionable between a first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration, wherein the transport system (100) is configured in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is translated so as to be positioned in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, at a same height, with respect to the ground surface, as the first conveyor belt (1 ) and aligned along a relative horizontal direction to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U), when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is translated so as to be positioned in the second raised upper position (A2), the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged in an inclined configuration in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside themachine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U).2) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , comprising at least a support arm (30) and a carriage (33) which is slidably mounted on sliding guides (34) arranged superiorly on the support element (3), wherein the support arm (30) is fixed, at a respective first end (31 ), to the second conveyor belt (2), and is hinged, at a respective second end (32), to the carriage (33) at a hinge axis (X) so that the support arm (30), and therefore the second conveyor belt (2), are rotatable about the hinge axis (X), wherein, when the second conveyor belt (2) is movable from the first operating position (01 ) to the second operating position (02), and vice versa, the carriage (33), sliding on the sliding guides (34), enables the rotation of the support arm (30) with respect to the carriage (33) about the hinge axis (X) thus enabling the second conveyor belt (2) to be positionable in both a horizontal configuration and an inclined configuration.3) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising vertical translating means (M1 ) connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and configured to vertically translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) which is maintained horizontal, between the first dropped lower position (A1 ) and the second raised upper position (A2).4) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second conveyor belt (2) and the first conveyor belt (1 ) are hinged to one another at a respective hinge point (Z1 ) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can be angularly orientated with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) by rotating about the hinge point (Z1 ), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged, with respect to the hinge point (Z1 ), in such a way that:when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z1 ) with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is horizontal in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U), and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the second conveyor belt (2), by rotating about the hinge point (Z1 ), with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is in an inclined configuration, in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U).5) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprising movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration,wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged and configured, and wherein the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M2) are reciprocally configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ), with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U).6) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45), to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), in such a way that, when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated together and contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) while remaining contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein a second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can be orientated angularly with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) by rotating about the hinge point (Z2), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally and aligned to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive a complete stack (P) transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediateconveyor belt (4) and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U), when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) in order to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2) which, being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the at least a second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration, in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive a complete stack (P) transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U).7) The transport system (100) of claim 3, comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein a first end (41) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45), to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) in such a way that, when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is also translated together and contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) while remaining contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and comprising movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02), wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to bearranged in an inclined configuration, wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M2) are reciprocally configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), with the intermediate conveyor belt (4) also being translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ) with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), with the intermediate conveyor belt (4) also being translated contemporaneously with the first conveyor belt (1 ) thus also being arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the secondconveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U).8) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein an end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can rotate angularly with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) about the hinge point (Z2), and comprising movement means (M3) for the movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and consequently for the movement of the second conveyor belt (2), as the second conveyor belt (2) is hinged to the intermediate conveyor belt (4), wherein the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M3) are reciprocally configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the movement means (M3) contemporaneously move the intermediate conveyor belt (4) maintaining the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2) which, being able to rotateabout the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the first operating position (01) in which it is in a horizontal configuration and arranged with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the movement means (M3) contemporaneously move the intermediate conveyor belt (4) maintaining the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2) which, being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), is arranged in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U).9) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), and movement means (M2, M3) for the movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2),wherein the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the translating means (M1 ) and the movement means (M2, M3) are reciprocally configured and activatable in such a way that: when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the first dropped lower position (A1 ), the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a respective first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3) in such a way that a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) remains contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration, and with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U); and when the translating means (M1 ) translate the first conveyor belt (1 ) so as to position the first conveyor belt (1 ) in the second raised upper position (A2), the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyorbelt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3) arranging the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration and with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U).10) A transport system (100) for transporting a stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets outside a machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets and towards an outlet line (U), wherein the machine (M) for production of stacks of folded or interfolded sheets comprises unwinding and folding means (V) of sheets, for folding the sheets in such a way that they are folded upon themselves or in an interfolded way with respect to one another for forming a stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets of a desired height, and support and movement means (S) for supporting a stack of folded or interfolded sheets under formation and for moving a complete stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets downwards once completely formed, wherein the transport system (100) comprises: a first conveyor belt (1 ), arranged internally of the machine (M) and inferiorly of the support and movement means (S), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ) is configured to restingly receive a complete stack (P) of folded or interfolded sheets moved downwards by the support and movement means (S) and to transport the complete stack (P) rested thereontowards the outside of the machine (M), wherein, when the machine (M) is configured for production of a stack (P) having a first height, the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mountable on a frame (MT) of the machine (M) in a first dropped lower position (A1 ), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally and at a same height from the ground surface as the outlet line (U), for restingly receiving a complete stack (P) having the first height, and when the machine (M) is configured for production of a stack (P) having a second height, lower than the first height, the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mountable on the frame (MT) of the machine (M) in at least a second raised upper position (A2), in which the first conveyor belt (1 ) is arranged horizontally, for restingly receiving a complete stack (P) having the second height, wherein the transport system (100) is characterised in that it comprises: a second conveyor belt (2) arranged laterally and externally of the machine (M), between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is mounted rotatably on a support element (3) so as to be movable in rotation with respect to the support element (3) in order to be positionable between a first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration, wherein the transport system (100) is configured in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to restingly receive a stack (P) having the first height, the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, at a sameheight, with respect to the ground surface, as the first conveyor belt (1 ) and aligned along a relative horizontal direction to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the outlet line (U), in such a way as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U), when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the second conveyor belt (2) is movable so as to be positioned in the second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged in an inclined configuration so as to be able to receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U).11 ) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 10, comprising at least a support arm (30) and a carriage (33) which is slidably mounted on sliding guides (34) arranged superiorly on the support element (3), wherein the support arm (30) is fixed, at a respective first end (31 ), to the second conveyor belt (2), and is hinged, at a respective second end (32), to the carriage (33) at a hinge axis (X) so that the support arm (30), and therefore the second conveyor belt (2), are rotatable about the hinge axis (X), wherein, when the second conveyor belt (2) is movable from the first operating position (01 ) to the second operating position (02), and, vice versa, the carriage (33), sliding on the sliding guides (34), enables the rotation of the support arm (30) with respect to the carriage (33) about the hinge axis (X) thus enabling the secondconveyor belt (2) to be positionable in both a horizontal configuration and an inclined configuration.12) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) wherein the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration, wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged and configured, and wherein the movement means (M2) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ), with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt(2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M), and to transport the complete stack (P) received from the first conveyor belt (1 ) towards the outlet line (U).13) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45), to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) remains contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) and in the second raised upper position (A2), and wherein a second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can be angularly orientated with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) by rotating about the hinge point (Z2), wherein the first conveyor belt (1 ), the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) are reciprocally arranged in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), is thus also arrangedhorizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), being arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally and aligned to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive a complete stack (P) having the second height transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U), when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) in order to receive a complete stack (P) having the second height, the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), is thus also arranged horizontally and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) and with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being able to rotate with respect to the support element (3), being arranged in the at least a second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration, in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported to outside by the first conveyor belt (1 ) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and can transfer the stack to the outlet line (U).14) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), and movement means (M2, M3) for movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and of the second conveyor belt (2), wherein the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) areconfigured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the movement means (M2, M3) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2) in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a respective first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3) in such a way that a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) remains contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and arranging the second conveyor belt (2) in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration, and with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the movement means (M2, M3) contemporaneously move both the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second conveyor belt (2), in such a way that the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is maintained arranged with a first end (41 ) contiguous to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ), and the second conveyor belt (2) rotates with respect to the support element (3) arranging the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration and with a firstend (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) arranged contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U).15) The transport system (100) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein an end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is hinged to a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) at a respective hinge point (Z2) in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can angularly rotate with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) about the hinge point (Z2), and comprising movement means (M3) for movement of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and consequently for the movement of the second conveyor belt (2), as the second conveyor belt (2) is hinged to the intermediate conveyor belt (4), wherein the second conveyor belt (2) and the intermediate conveyor belt (4) are configured and arranged with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the movement means (M3) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, the movement means (M3) move the intermediate conveyor belt (4) in order to arrange the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the supportelement (3), being arranged in the first operating position (01 ) in which it is in a horizontal configuration and arranged with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U); and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, the movement means (M3) contemporaneously move the intermediate conveyor belt (4) arranging the intermediate conveyor belt (4) contiguous to the first conveyor belt (1 ) with the second conveyor belt (2), being able to rotate about the hinge point (Z2) with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and being rotatable with respect to the support element (3), which is arranged in the second operating position (02) in which it is in an inclined configuration with the respective second end (22) contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U).16) The transport system (100) of claim 11 , comprising an intermediate conveyor belt (4), arranged between the first conveyor belt (1 ) and the second conveyor belt (2), wherein a first end (41 ) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) is rigidly connected, with no freedom to reciprocally rotate, by means of a joint (45) to an end (11 ) of the first conveyor belt (1 ) in such a way that the intermediate conveyorbelt (4) remains contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ) when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) and is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2), and comprising movement means (M2) arranged and configured to move the second conveyor belt (2) in rotation with respect to the support element (3) between the first operating position (01 ), in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged horizontally, and the at least a second operating position (02) in which the second conveyor belt (2) is rotated with respect to the support element (3) so as to be arranged in an inclined configuration, in which the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged with respect to the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with respect to the first conveyor belt (1 ), and wherein the movement means (M2) are configured and activatable in such a way that: when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the first dropped lower position (A1 ) in order to receive a stack (P) having the first height, with the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), thus also being arranged horizontally, contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) in order to position the second conveyor belt in the first operating position (01 ) with a first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and with a second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) which is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the first height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U);and when the first conveyor belt (1 ) is mounted in the second raised upper position (A2) so as to receive a stack (P) having the second height, with the intermediate conveyor belt (4), being rigidly connected to the first conveyor belt (1 ), thus being also arranged horizontally, contiguous and aligned to the first conveyor belt (1 ), the movement means (M2) move the second conveyor belt (2) so as to position the second conveyor belt (2) in the second operating position (02) in an inclined configuration in such a way that the first end (21 ) of the second conveyor belt (2) is arranged contiguous to the second end (42) of the intermediate conveyor belt (4) and the second end (22) of the second conveyor belt (2) is contiguous to the outlet line (U), in such a way that the second conveyor belt (2) can receive the complete stack (P) having the second height transported by the first conveyor belt (1 ) to outside the machine (M) through the intermediate conveyor belt (4), and transport the complete stack (P) received from the intermediate conveyor belt (4) towards the outlet line (U).

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