CN114096387B

CN114096387B - Apparatus and method for transporting mats

Info

Publication number: CN114096387B
Application number: CN202080048633.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·格曼; J·菲利普; H·斯特鲁贝尔特
Original assignee: Dieffenbacher GmbH Maschinen und Anlagenbau
Current assignee: Dieffenbacher GmbH Maschinen und Anlagenbau
Priority date: 2019-07-04
Filing date: 2020-07-04
Publication date: 2023-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-04
Also published as: DE102020117687A1; WO2021001572A1; EP3993974A1; CN114096387A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for transporting a material mat by means of two endless belts, preferably in the production of material sheets from a spread pressed material mat, wherein a first belt (3) and a second belt (4) are arranged in the device for transporting the material mat (1) such that the underside (12) of the material mat (1) is placed on the two belts (3, 4) and transported in a transport direction (10), and wherein a transfer gap (9) is formed between the first belt and the second belt, characterized in that a transfer device (2) is arranged for transporting the material mat (1) in the region of the transfer gap (9). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for starting and stopping such a device.

Description

Apparatus and method for transporting mats

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for transporting a mat by means of two endless belts, preferably during the production of a material sheet from a spread pressed mat.

The invention also relates to a method for transporting a mat, preferably during the production of a material sheet from a spread pressed mat, by means of two endless belts.

The invention also relates to a method, which is especially specific for special situations, such as start-up and stop of production.

Background

In the production of material sheets from a spreadable material, the material (in most cases a mixture of particles or fibrous material and binder) is spread on a forming belt or conveyor belt into a spread mat, wherein the spread mat is then fed, if possible, to the required preconditioner and finally to the pressing machine.

The pressing can be carried out continuously or discontinuously by means of pressure and heat. Typically, chipboard, fiberboard or chipboard is used herein. The spreading is carried out as one or more layers, as desired, wherein multiple layers are generally required in the production of thicker boards.

Almost all types of production have in common that it is technically necessary to have at least one transition between the two strips carrying the mat until the mat can be introduced into the press. For example, the transition from the forming zone to the pre-press zone or preheating zone. The forming belt is typically very long and connects multiple spreading machines until the mat is formed in its structure. The pre-press belt or preheating belt requires different characteristics, such as:

high strength at pre-pressing, or

Permeability in the case of pneumatic preheating, or

-permeability to microwaves.

Thus, separating the expensive specific area from the forming area is technically meaningful and also more cost-effective in terms of the belt.

A method and a device for producing material sheets from a mat are known from EP 1 782,933 B1, in which defective mat areas are cleared into the discharge shaft and reused if necessary. For this purpose, a transfer gap is provided between the two conveyed belts, which is enlarged by a reversed belt nose (movable belt end/belt direction changing element) in the case of a defective mat being discharged. In normal operation, the transfer gap is kept as small as possible.

From EP 2 247,418 B1, a device and a method for preheating a pressed mat are known, which device is likewise provided with a transition for the mat between the two conveyed belts. The transition is arranged here between the forming zone for producing the mat and the microwave preheating.

A disadvantage of the known system or conveying zone is therefore that the mat must pass through at least one transition between two endless forming belts. The risk for production is that part of the mat may break or fall off and disappear in the transfer gap. Additionally, if the press pad is deformed too much or sags, the bottom or surface may be damaged during the transition. Typically, the radius of the turning rolls is kept as small as possible. However, this is a balance between the two drawbacks. If the radius of the diverting roller is too small for the belt, it wears faster. If the radius is too large, the transition will be too wide and the mat will be damaged.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to create a device and a method with which the above disadvantages can be minimized or avoided as much as possible. In particular, it should be possible to overcome not only small transitions but also larger transitions with little effort and as little risk as possible for the mat.

In an extension of this task, at least one further technically significant or necessary method step in the production of the mat or in the pressing thereof into the material sheet should be able to be integrated into the transfer device.

In addition to these possibilities, a channel switch (channel switch) is proposed for the newly proposed apparatus and method, which is capable of switching between continuing to transport available mat and discharging unavailable mat into the waste hoistway.

The invention proceeds from a device for transporting a mat, which has two endless belts, which is preferably used in the production of material sheets from a spread pressed mat, wherein a first belt and a second belt are arranged in the device for transporting the mat such that the underside of the mat is placed on the two belts, transported in a transport direction, and wherein a transfer gap is formed between the first belt and the second belt.

The object of the invention is achieved in that a transfer device for transporting the mat is arranged in the region of the transfer gap.

In this case, it is particularly preferred if the transfer device is arranged on the surface side of the mat and the two strips for transport are arranged on the other (surface) side of the mat.

The invention is understood as follows: the device is transported essentially in a plane, either planar or horizontal (transverse), wherein the mat is shifted from one strip to the next and the transport surfaces of the two strips are preferably arranged in the same plane. Because the blanket is sensitive to bending or bending, only small height differences can be overcome in the case of a second belt arranged higher or lower. Preferably, this height difference is not greater than the height of the corresponding mat.

The following possible alternative implementation features may be used together, separately or in any combination thereof in accordance with the present invention.

Preferably, an endless and permeable transfer belt can be arranged as transfer means at the upper side of the mat, which transfer belt has associated negative pressure means for sucking the upper side of the mat through the transfer belt.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the transfer belt may be arranged to cover the transfer gap and at least partially cover the first belt and/or the second belt. According to the teachings, the coverage is herein understood as: at least in part, both surface sides are accompanied or guided by the transfer device and a strip, or in terms of system technology one or both strips overlap the transfer device.

The first belt and the second belt may be arranged in the same conveying plane or in different conveying planes for conveyance.

Preferably, the drives of the two belts and the transfer belt can be arranged to be synchronized for a uniform (uniform) speed in the transport direction, preferably by means of a control device. Such a control device may be provided in terms of overall system control or may be provided in the device itself as a direct control device for the device and/or as a direct control device for carrying out the method or program operation.

In a further alternative embodiment, a spraying device can be arranged before, after and/or in the transfer gap for wetting the underside and/or the upper side of the mat, preferably with water.

Heating means for the material mat, preferably pneumatic heating means using steam and/or hot air, can also be arranged in the transfer gap or in an endless conveyor belt.

In a further possible embodiment, means for separating the material mat from the respective belt can be arranged in the transport direction before the first belt is in the transfer gap, after the transfer belt is in the transfer gap and/or in the transfer gap, wherein these means are preferably vibration means and/or compressed air means.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the following features may be used:

-cleaning means for transferring the belt;

-before the transfer gap in the transport direction, there are means for detecting foreign bodies;

below the transfer gap, there are capturing devices for the blanket, in particular for cleaning and/or for returning at the beginning of the process;

-a pre-press for compacting the mat, preferably before the transfer nip;

-control means for processing signals from the means for detecting foreign bodies, which control means are adapted to shut down or switch the transfer means in the case of corresponding signals, so that the mat is redirected into the capturing means.

The transfer device and/or the suction device may be arranged to move at its distance from the belt and/or in or against the conveying direction.

The negative pressure device can be divided into different, adjustable negative pressure zones transversely to the conveying direction and/or longitudinally along the conveying direction, wherein the negative pressure zones are preferably movable in and/or counter to the conveying direction. Most preferably, they are movable independently of each other.

The contact surface of the negative pressure device with the transfer belt can be arranged flat, curved and/or concave in the conveying direction or transversely to the conveying direction.

A monitoring device may be arranged for monitoring the condition of the transfer belt being occupied by the mat or the mat quality, preferably before and/or after the transfer device or in the transfer gap.

In terms of method technology, a large number of combined features are also included in the solution to the task of the method, which alone or in any combination with each other can be improved in the device and method according to the teachings of the present invention.

For a method of transporting a mat with two belts in endless circulation, the solution in the production of a material sheet from a spread pressed mat is preferably: the transfer device transports the mat in the region of the transfer gap.

Alternatively or cumulatively, in a possible embodiment, the following method features may be applied:

-in the transfer device, at least in the region of the transfer gap, the upper side of the mat is held at the endless and permeable transfer belt by means of a negative pressure device;

-sucking the blanket, preferably while still on the first belt and/or the second belt;

-transferring the mat from the first belt onto the second belt in the same or different transport plane;

-the belt and the transfer belt move at the same speed in the transport direction;

-wetting the underside and/or the upper side of the mat with water before, after and/or during the transfer nip;

-applying steam and/or hot air to the mat in the transfer nip and/or through the belt;

-actively separating the mat from the respective belt after the transfer belt is in the transfer gap and/or in the transfer gap before the first belt is in the transfer gap, wherein preferably vibration means and/or compressed air means are used for active separation;

-cleaning the transfer belt at the time of return;

-checking the mat for foreign bodies before the transfer gap in the transport direction;

-in special cases, transferring the mat in a transfer gap to a capturing device and, if necessary, reusing it;

-compacting the mat, preferably before the transfer zone;

after the detection of the foreign object, the transfer device is closed, and the mat is redirected into the capturing device, preferably until the foreign object is no longer detected at a predetermined time.

The transfer device and/or the suction device can be moved at a distance from the belt and/or in the transport direction or counter to the transport direction, depending on the operating situation.

The negative pressure device can be divided into different, adjustable negative pressure zones transversely to the transport direction and/or longitudinally to the transport direction (in the transport direction), wherein these negative pressure zones can preferably be moved in and/or against the transport direction, most preferably independently of one another.

The contact surface of the negative pressure device can guide the transfer belt in the conveying direction or in a plane transverse to the conveying direction, curved and/or concave.

The condition of the transfer belt being occupied by the mat or the mat quality can be monitored by means of the monitoring device, preferably before and/or after the transfer device or in the transfer gap.

In a particularly preferred and completed method, the task of starting and stopping production is solved as follows:

for transporting a material mat with two endless belts, preferably during the production of a material sheet from a spread pressed mat or from a material mat, wherein the underside of the material mat is placed on a first belt and a second belt, transported in the transport direction and passed through a transfer gap between the first belt and the second belt, and wherein in the transfer device the upper side of the material mat is held at the endless and (permeable) transfer belt by an adjusted or unadjusted negative pressure device at least in the region of the transfer gap, the method being characterized by the following method steps:

the blanket placed on the first belt (3) with its lower surface side is brought into contact with the transfer belt with its upper surface side in the conveying direction (10),

after reaching the negative pressure device (6), a negative pressure is applied to the mat on the side of the transfer belt (5) facing away from the mat (1),

the blanket exits the first belt, is held at the transfer belt by negative pressure until it is conveyed past the second belt, and

after reaching the second belt, the negative pressure at the mat is reduced until the mat is placed on the second belt and the transfer belt can be lifted from the surface of the mat.

In order to improve the process at start-up, the transfer device and/or the negative pressure device can be moved counter to the transport direction to extend the distance at which the negative pressure is established at the first belt and/or the transfer device and/or the first belt can be moved relative to each other to enhance the establishment of the negative pressure, wherein after the mat has sufficiently adhered to the transfer belt, the transfer device and/or the negative pressure device is moved in the transport direction again, preferably until the mat can be laid on the second belt in an orderly manner.

In order to improve the process at standstill, the vacuum in the transfer device can be shut down and the transfer device and/or the vacuum device can be moved simultaneously counter to the transport direction.

Alternatively, or cumulatively, the underpressure device can be switched on or off in sections in the conveying direction and/or transversely to the conveying direction, depending on the occupancy of the transfer belt by the mat.

Other advantages and general usefulness are:

in an advantageous manner, the transition of the unpressed mat (also called "pressed mat") from one conveyor belt to the other can now be ensured when producing sheet of less than 12mm, preferably less than 7mm, and most preferably when producing sheet of less than 4 mm: production is substantially unaffected by the transition. Surface defects, cracks or other damage can be almost eliminated. The application relates to essentially all technically necessary transitions (sections) in the production of mats or pressed mats, in particular in the production of MDF, THDF, HDF, PB in the case of lignocellulose-containing materials. However, the invention also has advantages in applications of OSB residues, recycled materials, plastics, straw, rice, textiles, cellulose and mixtures thereof.

In a further advantageous design configuration, it is now even possible to compensate for the height difference between the first and second strips. This may be particularly interesting if the entire molding system for producing the pressed mat is arranged in one plane and it seems necessary to change the transport plane for a specific application. This may be necessary if the transfer belt for transferring the mat to the press reaches its limit in terms of its height adjustment or, in the case of preheating with microwaves, the centre of the mat should be adjusted by its transport plane when passing through the microwave oven.

In an advantageous manner, it is now possible to integrate at least one further technically useful or necessary method step in the transfer device according to the invention or to integrate the corresponding device during the production of the mat or during its pressing into the material sheet. One possible method step or device may be:

preheating with steam

-detecting foreign bodies

-selecting defective blanket areas

Wetting the lower and/or upper surface

Pre-pressing before and/or after the transfer nip,

the following features are further suitable for further developing the teachings of the present invention alone and/or in combination with the other features mentioned above.

It is not important here whether these features are used in the method technology or vice versa in the system technology.

The transfer device and/or the suction device are embodied so as to be movable in height or parallel to the mat.

The transfer means and/or the suction means are adjustable in height, preferably different heights on the inlet side/outlet side. Preferably, the different geometries are adjustable, e.g., a narrowed gap or an expanded gap.

The vacuum device can be adjusted differently in width and height.

The transfer belt may be reversed or moved forward and backward.

The vacuum area of the vacuum device can be divided into several compartments, which can be opened/closed individually or can be switched to atmospheric pressure and/or be subjected to overpressure.

The vacuum zone of the negative pressure device may consist of two or more units, which can be moved independently of each other.

The monitoring means may be arranged in the inlet area and the outlet area of the vacuum unit for detecting product breakage. This is used to identify a defective mat in the inlet or to identify folding of the mat as a result of the mat being only partially detached from the transfer belt.

The transfer device and/or the suction device can be moved laterally (on one side), for example to adjust the product operation, or can be adjusted obliquely in the production direction.

The negative pressure device or its effectiveness may be varied in width and length by a plurality of devices (e.g., sheet metal).

The vacuum box can be implemented by constructional implementation as continuously variable in width and length (matching dimensioning).

The running surface of the vacuum box can be embodied flat and/or curved and/or concave in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction (sealing effect or compensation for the drop in density of the edge area).

The speed of the vacuum belt can be adjusted in terms of speed independently of the other parts of the forming train (forming wire). (tear of material in case of emergency stop).

-sequentially opening and closing the vacuum zones.

The "nose-carrying (movable belt end/belt direction change) is implemented as a perforated body, thereby improving the vacuum application.

The "nose-carrying (movable belt end/belt direction change) is implemented as a shaped body (contoured body) in order to improve the vacuum application. (e.g., diamond pattern)

The diameter of the belt nose (movable belt end/belt direction change) is large, minimizing belt wear.

The tape can be guided with an obtuse angle (without the typical tape nose (movable tape end/tape direction change)).

The vacuum belt unit can rest on the product both pressurelessly and by means of active pressure.

At the end of the vacuum unit there are means for separating the products and/or for cleaning the belt, for example:

blowing strip

-swinging bar

-ionization bar

Below the vacuum zone (horizontal forming belt and lower press belt) there may be a mechanical unit (e.g. doctor blade) for forced separation of the product.

The use of a doctor blade edge to create a defined product edge of the mat for further transport in the direction of the press.

At the end of the forming belt, there may be the same means for separating the product and/or for cleaning the belt, for example, a blowing station for disengaging the product from the belt or transfer belt.

In the feeding zone of the vacuum belt, there may be a separating medium application device, in order to minimize adhesion to the vacuum belt, or in order to apply a separating medium for pressing.

The transfer rollers or noses can be embodied as rigid or movable. (e.g., protecting the molding belt in the event the molding system is stopped).

The diverting rollers of the belt can be moved in height at the transfer nip.

In the inlet region, there may be a cleaning unit (e.g. a suction hopper and/or a cleaning brush) as a dust or defect pile.

The edge cleaning of the belt or transfer belt is preferably arranged in the region of the vacuum zone.

The transfer belt may be equipped with additional, stationary and/or synchronous sealing means, for example, circumferential sealing rings, in the edge region.

Drawings

Further advantageous measures and design configurations of the subject matter of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and in the following description with the accompanying drawings.

The drawings show:

fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention in idle operation;

FIG. 2 is a view of the conveyor mat according to FIG. 1 being transported in a transport direction; and

fig. 3 is a view according to fig. 1 or 2 during unloading of the mat to the capturing device.

Detailed Description

The figure shows an apparatus according to the invention for transporting a mat 1 in a transport direction 10. Like reference numerals designate like equipment features, each corresponding to a different, possible embodiment, and showing individual operating conditions such as no-load operation (fig. 1), normal operation (fig. 2) and special operation (fig. 3).

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for transporting a mat, having two

endless belts

3, 4, but not showing the mat to be transported. The

belts

3 and 4 lie substantially in one plane and form a transfer gap 9 between them, across which the blanket must be transported. The transfer gap 9 can be embodied as small as possible and the shown catching device 8 is only an optional possibility to include another method step into the transfer region. Preferably, the present invention is used to carefully overcome the short transitions of the mat 1.

In the embodiment shown, a discharge possibility is provided, for example, when the mat 1 should not be transported further by the belt 4. As a transfer device 2 for overcoming the transfer gap 9, a transfer belt 5 circulating endlessly around a diverting roller 16 is arranged above the

belts

3 and 4, the

belts

3 and 4 being guided endless circulating also around the diverting roller 16. At least in the transfer zone 9, the transfer belt is guided parallel to the surface of the mat 1 and the surfaces of the oppositely situated

belts

3, 4 or their transport planes. The transport plane is preferably understood to be the plane in which the underside 12 of the mat 1 is guided.

In addition, there are various optional devices in the transfer device 2 or at the

belts

3 and 4. These means may be spraying means 14 for spraying the upper side 11 or the lower side 12 of the mat 1. A heating device 15 may be arranged, the heating device 15 preferably being arranged within the first belt 3. The belt 3 may be embodied to be permeable to inject thermal elements such as steam or hot air. Means 7 for separating the mat 1 from the

belts

3, 4 or the transfer belt 5 can also be arranged. Such as a vibrating device or a compressed air nozzle. The device can be arranged not only passively but also actively, for example, itself in the transfer gap 9. Instead of the wetting nozzle 14 or together with the wetting nozzle 14.

In fig. 2, the material mat with its upper side 11 and its lower side 12 is guided through the apparatus and lifted from the belt 3 by means of the negative pressure device 6 and transported in suspension across the transfer gap 9, the negative pressure device 6 being activatable by the permeable transfer belt 5. The mat 1 is then transferred from the transfer belt 5 onto the second belt 4 and, if necessary, released from the transfer belt 5 by means of the means 7 for separating. In the return run, the transfer belt 5 is cleaned in the cleaning device 13, after which it is brought back into contact with the next zone of the mat 1 by the deflecting rollers 16.

In an advantageous manner, various process aspects can now also be arranged in this region, whereby the corresponding system can be constructed shorter or can be improved.

For example, in fig. 3, a precompression machine 17 is arranged which compacts the mat 1 before lifting it from the belt 3, thereby enabling it to be transported more gently.

Also shown in fig. 3 is: when the transfer device 2 is closed, the mat can be discharged into the capturing device 8 and thus be cleaned or reused later.

1. Material felt

2. Transfer device

3. (first) strap

4. (second) belt

5. Transfer tape

6. Negative pressure device

7. Device for separation

8. Capturing device

9. Transfer gap

10. Direction of conveyance

11. Upper side of

12. Underside of the lower part

13. Cleaning device

14. Spraying device

15. Heating device

16. Steering roller(s)

17. Pre-pressing machine

Claims

1. An apparatus for transporting a mat by means of two endless belts, wherein a first belt (3) and a second belt (4) are arranged in the apparatus for transporting a mat (1) such that the underside (12) of the mat (1) is placed on the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) and transported in a transport direction (10), and wherein a transfer gap (9) is formed between the first belt and the second belt, characterized in that a transfer device (2) is arranged for transporting the mat (1) in the region of the transfer gap (9), and in that in the transfer device (2) an endless and permeable transfer belt (5) is arranged at the upper side (11) of the mat (1) by means of an associated, regulated or unregulated negative pressure device (6) for sucking the upper side (11) of the mat (1) through the transfer belt (5).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is for transporting the mat during production of the sheet of material from the interspersed pressed mat.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer belt (5) is arranged to cover the transfer gap (9) and at least partly the first belt (3) and/or the second belt (4).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) are arranged for transport in the same transport plane or in different transport planes.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drives of the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) and the drive of the transfer belt (5) are arranged to be synchronized and/or arranged to be controllable independently of each other for a uniform speed in the conveying direction (10).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drives of the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) and the drive of the transfer belt (5) are arranged to be synchronized by control means and/or are arranged to be controllable independently of each other for a uniform speed in the conveying direction (10).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that before, after and/or in the transfer gap (9) spraying means (14) are arranged for wetting the underside (12) and/or the upper side (11) of the mat (1), and/or

In the transfer gap (9) or in one of the endless first belt (3) and the second belt (4) that are transported, a heating device (15) for the mat (1) is arranged.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that before, after and/or in the transfer gap (9) spraying means (14) are arranged for wetting the underside (12) and/or the upper side (11) of the mat (1) with water, and/or

In the transfer gap (9) or in one of the endless first belt (3) and the second belt (4) that is transported, a heating device (15) for the mat (1) is arranged, the heating device (15) being a pneumatic heating device using steam and/or hot air.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that means (7) for separating the mat from the corresponding belt are arranged in the transport direction (10) before the first belt (3) at the transfer gap (9), after the transfer belt (5) at the transfer gap (9) and/or in the transfer gap (9).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the means (7) for separating are vibrating means and/or compressed air means.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that cleaning means (13) and/or cleaning means for the transfer belt (5) are arranged

Before the transfer gap (9) in the transport direction (10), means for detecting foreign bodies are arranged.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that below the transfer gap (9) a catching device (8) for the material mat is arranged.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a precompression machine (17) is arranged.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that control means are arranged for processing signals from the means for detecting foreign bodies, which control means are adapted to shut down or switch the transfer means (2) in case of corresponding signals to redirect the mat (1) into the capturing means (8).

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer device (2) and/or the negative pressure device (6) are arranged to be movable at their distance from the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) and/or in or against the conveying direction (10).

16. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the negative pressure device (6) is divided into different, adjustable negative pressure zones transversely to the conveying direction (10) and/or longitudinally to the conveying direction (10).

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the negative pressure zones are arranged movable along and/or against the conveying direction (10).

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the negative pressure zones are arranged to be movable independently of each other.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact surface of the negative pressure device (6) with the transfer belt (5) is arranged flat, curved and/or concave in the conveying direction (10) or transversely to the conveying direction (10).

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that monitoring means are arranged for monitoring the condition of the transfer belt (5) occupied by the mat (1) or the quality of the mat.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that monitoring means are arranged, which are arranged before and/or after the transfer means or in the transfer gap.

22. Method for transporting a mat by means of two endless belts, wherein the underside (12) of the mat (1) is placed on a first belt (3) and a second belt (4), transported in a transport direction (10), and passed between the first belt and the second belt through a transfer gap (9), characterized in that in the region of the transfer gap (9) a transfer device (2) transports the mat (1) across the transfer gap (9), and in that in the transfer device (2) at least in the region of the transfer gap (9) the upper side (11) of the mat (1) is held at an endless and permeable transfer belt (5) by means of an adjusted or unadjusted negative pressure device (6).

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the method is used to transport the mat during the production of the sheet of material from the interspersed pressed mat.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the mat (1) is sucked while still being placed on the first belt (3) and/or on the second belt (4).

25. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the blanket (1) is transferred from the first belt (3) onto the second belt (4) in the same conveying plane or in another conveying plane.

26. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) and the transfer belt (5) are moved parallel to the conveying direction (10) or in the conveying direction (10) at the same speed and/or independently of each other at different speeds or at opposite speeds.

27. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that before, after and/or during the transfer gap (9), the underside (12) and/or the upper side (11) of the mat (1) is wetted, and/or

-applying steam and/or hot air to the blanket in the transfer gap (9) and/or through the first belt (3) and the second belt (4).

28. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the underside (12) and/or the upper side (11) of the mat (1) are wetted with water before, after and/or during the transfer gap (9), and/or

29. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the blanket is actively separated from the corresponding belt before the first belt (3) is in the transfer gap (9), after the transfer belt (5) is in the transfer gap (9) and/or in the transfer gap (9).

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein vibration means and/or compressed air means are used for active separation.

31. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the transfer belt (5) is cleaned in a return run, and/or

Before the transfer gap (9), the mat is checked in the transport direction (10) for foreign bodies.

32. A method as claimed in claim 22 or 23, characterized in that in special cases the mat is transferred to a capturing device (8) in the transfer gap (9).

33. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the blanket is compacted.

34. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the mat is compacted before the transfer gap (9).

35. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that after the detection of foreign bodies the transfer device (2) is closed and the mat (1) is redirected into the capturing device (8).

36. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that after the detection of a foreign object, the transfer device (2) is closed and the mat (1) is redirected into the capturing device (8) until the foreign object can no longer be detected at a predetermined time.

37. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the transfer device (2) and/or the negative pressure device (6) are moved at their distance from the first belt (3) and the second belt (4) and/or along or against the transport direction (10) depending on the operating state.

38. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the negative pressure device (6) is divided into different, adjustable negative pressure zones transversely to the conveying direction (10) and/or longitudinally to the conveying direction (10).

39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that the negative pressure zones are moved along and/or against the conveying direction (10).

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the negative pressure regions move independently of each other.

41. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the transfer belt (5) is guided flat, curved and/or concave in the conveying direction (10) or transversely to the conveying direction (10) by means of the contact surface of the negative pressure device (6).

42. A method as claimed in claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the condition of the transfer belt (5) occupied by the mat (1) or the mat quality is monitored by means of a monitoring device.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that monitoring is carried out before and/or after the transfer device or in the transfer gap.

44. A method for transporting a mat by means of two endless belts, wherein the underside (12) of the mat (1) is placed on a first belt (3) and a second belt (4), transported in a transport direction (10), and passed through a transfer gap (9) between the first belt and the second belt,

wherein in the transfer device (2), at least in the region of the transfer gap (9), the upper side (11) of the mat (1) is held at an endless and permeable transfer belt (5) by means of an adjusted or unadjusted underpressure device (6), characterized by the following method steps:

contacting the blanket (1) placed with its lower surface side on the first belt (3) with the transfer belt (5) with its upper surface side in the conveying direction (10),

-applying a negative pressure to the mat (1) on the side of the transfer belt (5) facing away from the mat (1) after reaching the negative pressure device (6),

-the blanket (1) leaves the first belt (3), is held at the transfer belt (5) by negative pressure until it is conveyed past the second belt (4),

-after reaching the second belt (4), reducing the negative pressure at the mat until the mat (1) is placed on the second belt (4) and the transfer belt (5) can be lifted from the surface of the mat.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the method is used to transport the mat during the production of the sheet of material from the interspersed pressed mat.

46. Method according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that, at start-up, the transfer device (2) and/or the negative pressure device (6) are moved against the transport direction to lengthen the distance for establishing a negative pressure at the first belt (3) and/or the transfer device (2) and/or the first belt (3) are moved relative to each other to enhance the establishment of a negative pressure, wherein, after the blanket (1) has been sufficiently adhered to the transfer belt (5), the transfer device (2) and/or the negative pressure device (6) are moved again in the transport direction.

47. Method according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that, at start-up, the transfer device (2) and/or the negative pressure device (6) are moved against the transport direction to lengthen the distance for establishing a negative pressure at the first belt (3) and/or the transfer device (2) and/or the first belt (3) are moved relative to each other to enhance the establishment of a negative pressure, wherein after the blanket (1) has been sufficiently adhered to the transfer belt (5), the transfer device (2) and/or the negative pressure device (6) are moved again in the transport direction until the blanket (1) can be deposited in order on the second belt (4).

48. Method according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that, at a standstill, the underpressure in the transfer device (2) is shut off and at the same time the transfer device (2) and/or the underpressure device (6) are moved against the conveying direction.

49. The method according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that the negative pressure device (6) is opened or closed in sections in the conveying direction (10)/or transversely to the conveying direction (10), depending on the occupancy of the transfer belt (5) by the mat (1).