EP4337815A1

EP4337815A1 - Device for supply or removal of goods and method for supply or removal of goods

Info

Publication number: EP4337815A1
Application number: EP22728668.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Van Puyvelde; Marc VAN ROBAEYS
Original assignee: Cretes NV
Current assignee: Cretes NV
Priority date: 2021-05-12
Filing date: 2022-05-12
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: BE1029399B1; WO2022238950A1; BE1029399A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for the supply or removal of goods, comprising a spiked drum (2) or a spiked conveyor belt and a transfer conveyor belt, wherein the transfer conveyor belt extends along a conveying direction (21) from a first to a second end (4, 5), wherein the transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt, wherein a first half of the looped belt forms a bearing surface (12), wherein the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt is placed within the looped belt, wherein spikes (16) of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface at the first end (4), wherein the spikes are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end (5) of the transfer conveyor belt and wherein between the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt there is a transition zone (27), wherein the spikes (16) are gradually withdrawn into the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. The invention also relates to a method and a use of the device or method.

Description

DEVICE FOR SUPPLY OR REMOVAL OF GOODS AND METHOD FOR SUPPLY

OR REMOVAL OF GOODS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for the supply or removal of goods, in particular a device for the supply or removal of goods by means of pins, wherein the goods are taken over on a transfer conveyor belt. The invention also relates to a method for the supply or removal of goods and a use.

PRIOR ART

The use of a conveyor belt for the supply or removal of goods is known from the prior art. In certain production or waste processing processes, very light goods must be supplied or removed, such as fibers, both natural and synthetic fibers, cardboard and paper, foam materials such as fragments of insulating foam or mattress filling, etc. A problem that is experienced here is that, because of their low weight and/or stiffness and sometimes irregular shape, these goods do not always remain on the conveyor belt and therefore cannot be easily carried along by the conveyor belt, In particular if this conveyor belt is at an angle. A similar problem is experienced when such goods have to be removed from a stack by means of a conveyor belt. The goods remain entangled in the stack and are not carried along by the conveyor. For this purpose, spikes are often added to conveyor belts. These spikes engage in the goods and the goods are carried along on the conveyor belt.

Such a device is known from US 6 360 403, among others. US ‘403 describes an apparatus tor feeding fibers. The fibers are fed by a spiked conveyor belt in a nearly vertical direction. This is possible because of the spikes. This known device has the following drawbacks or problems. The spikes are very advantageous for carrying the fibers along on the spiked conveyor belt but are disadvantageous when the fibers have to leave the spiked conveyor belt at the end. The fibers are grabbed by the spikes and tend to be carried along at the top of the spiked conveyor belt by the spikes to the bottom of the spiked conveyor belt and returned to the beginning of the spiked conveyor belt. To avoid this, a spiked drum is usually placed close to the end of the spiked conveyor belt to pull the fibers off the spiked conveyor belt. However, these spiked drums have the disadvantage that the fibers have to be removed from the spikes again, and often have a tendency to get wrapped around these drums as well. To avoid the latter as much as possible, the drums must have a circumference that is longer than the length of the fibers. If this is not the case, long fibers may wrap around the spiked drums and the device may have to be finally stopped to remove all fibers. Due to the required large circumference, it Is not always possible to place the spiked conveyor belt and the spiked drums sufficiently close to each other, so that part of the fibers are still carried along to the underside of the spiked conveyor belt and now too the device m ust be stopped and cleaned. This arrangement is also not suitable for the supply or removal of other goods such as, for example, cardboard, paper, or foam materials. With such goods it is possible that they are pricked to the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt and the spiked drums cannot puli them off the spikes.

The following devices are also known. AU 68462 81 describes an apparatus for removing wool or other fibers from a first zone and for transferring the fibers to a second zone, JP S52 1 14746 discloses a conveyor belt with needles and a conveyor belt with a net, 'wherein the conveyor belt with needles is placed inside the conveyor belt with a net. BE 547 625 describes an automatic loading of a textile machine. CN 202 435 842 is the description of a portable cotton picker.

The present invention aims to solve at least some of the above problems or drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device according to claim 1 .

The great advantage of a device according to the present Invention is that the goods at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt are automatically detached from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt and are only supported and carried along by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor. This is realized because the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt is placed inside the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt, wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt, wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt and wherein there is a transition zone between the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt, in which the spikes are gradually withdrawn into the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt.

The device is suitable for carrying along light and/or flexible goods with possibly irregular shapes from a stack or for carrying them along at a steep angle by means of the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. Because the spikes at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt, the goods are detached from the spikes and are only supported by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and carried along, thereby avoiding the goods being carried back by the spikes to the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. No additional spiked drums are needed to remove the goods from the spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt of the device, making the device simple and easy to maintain. Long fibers can also be easily and completely removed from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

Preferred embodiments of the device are set out in claims 2-10.

A particular preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a device according to claim 2,

This preferred embodiment has the advantage that spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extending through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt maintain a relatively equal position with respect to the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, whereby the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt does not exert any transverse forces on the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt, as a result of which damage and/or wear to the said spikes or the transfer conveyor belt is avoided. in a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 11 . This method has the advantage, among other things, that goods are completely transferred from a spiked drum or a spiked conveyor belt to a transfer conveyor belt. No goods are returned by the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt, in the method no additional spiked drums are used to detach the goods from the spikes of a spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt, so that the method can be performed with a simple and maintenance-friendly device. In addition, the method guarantees that, for example, long fibers are easily and completely removed from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. Preferred embodiments of the method are described in dependent claims 12-14.

I n a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use according to claim 15. This use results in an advantageous supply or removal of fibers, cardboard, cotton, or foam materials. Due to their low weight and/or stiffness and sometimes irregular shapes, such goods cannot easily be carried along from a stack of goods by a conveyor belt or be carried along at a steep angle by a conveyor belt, as a result of which a spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt is often necessary. Such goods regularly remain entangled between the spikes or are pinned to the spikes, so that not ail goods are removed from the spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt. By using a device according to the first aspect or a method according to the second aspect, it is possible to supply or remove such goods with a spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt, wherein the goods are completely removed from the spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt In a simple and maintenance-friendly manner. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a side view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a spiked conveyor belt.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a spiked drum .

Figure 3 shows a side view of a device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, comprising a spiked conveyor belt.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a device according to yet another embodiment of the present Invention, comprising a spiked conveyor belt, wherein the device is bent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly. Inthisdocument, “a”and “the”referto boththesingularand theplural,unlessthe context presupposes otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more segments.

The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “consistof,” “consisting of,” “provided with,” “include,” “including”, “contain”, “containing”,are synonyms and are inclusive or open termsthatindicatethe presenceofwhatfollows,and whichdo notexcludeor prevent the presence ofother components,characteristics,elements,members, steps,asknownfrom ordisclosed inthepriorart.

Inthecontextofthisdocument,goodsareobjectsthataretransported orstored In bulk,suchasbulkgoods,bulkcargo,and bulkcommodities,in particularfibers,

Inthecontextofthisdocument,apulleyand arollerarecylindricalbodieswhichare rotatableaboutthecylindricalshaft,andwhicharesuitableforsupportingorguiding aconveyorbelt.A pulleyhasaradiusgreaterthanthedimensionalongthecylindrical shaft,A rollerhas a radius thatis less than orequalto the dimension along the cylindricalshaft. in the contextofthisdocument,a bearing surface ofa conveyorbeltis a surface suitable forsupporting and transporting goodsto be supplied orremoved.A return surfaceofaconveyorbeltisasurfaceoftheconveyorbeltthatisunused.Thereturn surface ofthe conveyorbeltIsthe surfacewhich,upon movementofthe conveyor belt,becomesthe bearing surface ofthe conveyorbelt.The bearing surface ofthe conveyorbeltisthe surface which,upon movementofthe conveyorbelt,becomes the returnsurfaceoftheconveyorbelt.

Quotingnumericalintervalsbyendpointscomprisesallintegers,fractionsand/orreal numbersbetween theendpoints,theseendpointsincluded.

Inafirstaspect,theinventionrelatestoadeviceforthesupplyorremovalofgoods.

Accordingtoapreferred embodiment,thedevicecomprisesarotatablespikeddrum ora rotatablespiked conveyorbeltand atransferconveyorbelt.

Thetransferconveyorbeltextendsalong aconveying directionfrom afirstend to a second end.Theconveying direction isthesupplyorremovaldirectionofthegoods. The transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt. The transfer conveyor belt comprises at the first and second ends of the transfer conveyor belt at least a first rotatable pulley or rotatable roller. The first rotatable pulley or the first rotatable roller at the first and second ends of the transfer conveyor belt are rotatable about a shaft. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a plurality of pulleys and/or rollers of the same radius may be mounted on said shaft of the first rotatable pulley or the first rotatable roller. The looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is rotatable by the at least first rotatable pulley or the at least first rotatable roller at the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt, A first half of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt forms a bearing surface. The bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt is suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be supplied or removed. The bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. A second half of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt forms a return surface. The return surface of the transfer conveyor belt Is not suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be delivered or removed.

The spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt comprises a surface with spikes. The spikes are cylindrical, conical, pyramidal, needle-shaped or have any other suitable shape for carrying along goods. The spikes are made of plastic, metal, rubber, or other suitable material. The spikes extend transversely or at an angle to said surface.

The angle between spikes and said surface is at least 30° and at most 90°. Preferably, the angle Is at least 45°, more preferably at least 55°, even more preferably at least 65° and even more preferably at least 75°. The angle between the spikes and said surface can be either positive or negative.

The spiked drum has a cylindrical shape, comprising a jacket surface and a cylindrical shaft. The cylindrical shaft is a mirror axis for the jacket surface. Said surface with spikes is the jacket surface of the spiked drum. The spiked drum is rotatable about the cylinder axis.

The spiked conveyor belt extends along the conveying direction from a first end to a second end. The first and second ends of the spiked conveyor belt are not necessarily the first and second ends of the transfer conveyor belt. The first end of the spiked conveyor belt is closest to the first end of the transfer conveyor belt and the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is closest to the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. The spiked conveyor belt comprises a looped belt. The spiked conveyor belt comprises at the first and second ends of the spiked conveyor belt at least a first rotatabie pulley or rotatable roller. The first rotatable pulley or the first rotatable roller at the first and second ends of the spiked conveyor belt are rotatabie about a shaft. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a plurality of pulleys and/or rollers of the same radius may be mounted on said shaft of the first rotatable pulley or the first rotatabie roller. The looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt is rotatabie by the at least first rotatabie pulley or the at least first rotatable roller at the first end and the second end of the spiked conveyor belt. A first half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a bearing surface. The bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt is suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be supplied or removed. A second half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a return surface. The return surface of the spiked conveyor belt is not suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be delivered or removed.

The spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt is placed within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned 'within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. This means that the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt do not extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. Between the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt there is a transition zone where the spikes are gradually withdrawn into the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt.

Since the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt, the device is suitable for carrying along light and/or flexible goods with possibly irregular shapes from a stack or for carrying them along at a steep angle by means of the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

Because the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt, the goods are automatically detached from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt and these goods are only supported and carried along by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, which prevents the goods from being carried along and returning to the first end of the transfer conveyor belt by the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. The goods have been taken over by the transfer conveyor belt from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. No additional spiked drums are needed to remove the goods from the spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt of the device, making the device simple and easy to maintain. Long fibers can also be easily and completely removed from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are synchronized in speed in the conveying direction.

A speed in the conveying direction of the spiked drum is a tangential speed of a point on the jacket surface of the spiked drum relative to the cylindrical shaft of the spiked drum . All points on the jacket surface move with the same tangential speed, but not necessarily in the same direction,

A speed of the transfer conveyor belt Is a speed at which a point on the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The point moves only in the conveying direction. Because the transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt, all points on the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt move at the same speed, but not necessarily in the same direction.

A speed of the spiked conveyor belt is a speed at which a point on the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt moves in the conveying direction. The point moves only in the conveying direction. Because the spiked conveyor belt comprises a looped belt, all points on the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt move at the same speed, but not necessarily in the same direction.

The speed of the spiked drum, the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt are equal, so the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are synchronized in speed in the conveying direction.

This embodiment has the advantage that spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extending through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt maintain a relatively equal position with respect to the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, whereby the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt does not exert any transverse forces on the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt, as a result of which damage and/or wear to the said spikes or the transfer conveyor belt is avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt has a radius that Is at least equal to a radius of the spiked drum . Said radius of the spiked drum is the radius of the cylinder shape of the spiked drum .

The radius of the first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt is at most equal to the radius of the spiked drum , increased by a length of the spikes of the spiked drum , less a thickness of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and further reduced by 5 mm , preferably by 10 mm , more preferably by 15 m m , even more preferably by 20 m m and even more preferably by 25 mm . It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that if the spikes of the spiked drum are not perpendicular to the jacket surface of the spiked drum , a correction Is calculated on the length of the spikes in proportion to the angle of the spikes relative to the jacket surface.

The first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt has a shaft that is com mon with the spiked drum . The common shaft is the cylindrical shaft of the spiked drum .

This embodiment Is advantageous because by driving the cylindrical shaft, the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum are automatically synchronized in speed, as In a previously described embodiment. No complex controllers or drives are required to synchronize the transfer conveyor belt and spiked drum in speed.

It is also advantageous that due to the stated radius range of the first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum , the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is close to or against the jacket surface of the spiked drum , elim inating the need for the spikes of the spiked drum to be of extreme length to extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, leaving the spikes of the spiked drum be less vulnerable.

According to a further embodiment, the spiked drum is the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. This is advantageous because it makes any additional roller or additional pulleys unneeded. According to a preferred embodiment, the first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt has a radius that is at least equal to a radius of the first pulley or the first roller of the spiked conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. The first end of the transfer conveyor belt and the first end of the spiked conveyor belt coincide in this embodiment.

The radius of the first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt is at most equal to the radius of the first pulley or the first roller of the spiked drum at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt, plus a length of the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt, minus a thickness of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and further reduced by 5 mm , preferably by 10 m m , more preferably by 15 mm , at even more preferably at 20m m and even more preferably at 25mm . It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that if the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt are not perpendicular to the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt, a correction Is calculated on the length of the spikes in proportion to the angle of the spikes relative to the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt.

The first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt has a shaft that is com mon with the first pulley or the first roller of the spiked conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt.

This embodiment is advantageous because by driving the com mon shaft, the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt are automatically synchronized in speed, as in a previously described embodiment. No complex controllers or drives are required to synchronize the transfer conveyor belt and spiked conveyor belt in speed.

It is also advantageous that due to the stated radius range of the first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt, the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is close to, against or next to the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt, eliminating the need for the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt to be of extreme length to extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, leaving the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt less vulnerable.

According to one embodiment, the first roller of the spiked conveyor belt Is the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. This is advantageous because it makes any additional roller or additional pulleys unneeded. According to a preferred embodiment, a distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt, at the level of the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt.

The distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt at the level of the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is at least as much greater than at the level of the first end of the spiked conveyor belt as a length with which the spikes extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, preferably at least as much greater as a length by 'which the spikes extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, increased by 5 mm , more preferably at least as m uch greater as a length by which the spikes extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, increased by 10 m m . It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that if the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt are not perpendicular to the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt, a correction is calculated on the length of the spikes in proportion to the angle of the spikes relative to the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt. Preferably, the distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt gradually increases in the transition zone.

This Is advantageous because It ensures that the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. This is also advantageous because it allows a smooth transition for the spikes from extending through to shielding by the bearing surface, thereby exerting less forces on the spikes and the bearing surface, and whereby damage and/or wear to said spikes or transfer conveyor bolt is avoided.

Preferably, the distance between the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the spiked conveyor bolt, at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt, is also greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt. Preferably, the distance between the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the spiked conveyor belt gradually becomes smaller. This Is advantageous because it eliminates the need for the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt to extend directly through the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt, allowing a smooth transition from positioning within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt to extending through the return surface and less forces are exerted on the spikes and the return surface, thereby avoiding damage and/or wear to said spikes or transfer conveyor belt.

According to a further embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt and spiked conveyor belt have one pulley or roller at the first end and one pulley or roller at the second end. These are the first pulleys or rollers of the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt at the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt. As described previously, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that a plurality of pulleys and/or rollers of the same radius may be mounted on the shaft of the first rotatable pulley or the first rotatable roller. The first pulley or first roller at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt has a larger radius than the first pulley or first roller at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt. Preferably, the radius of the first pulley or the first roller at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt is also greater than the radius of the first pulley or the first roller at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is advantageous because it automatically provides, without complex mechanisms, that the distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt, at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt, is gradually greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt, and at the same time that the distance between the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the spiked conveyor belt, at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt, is gradually greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt.

I n an alternative embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt has one pulley or roller at the first end and at least two pulleys or rollers at the second end, and the spiked conveyor belt has one pulley or roller at the first end and one pulley or roller at the second end. These are the first pulleys or rollers of the spiked conveyor belt at the first end and the second end of the spiked conveyor belt, the first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt, and the first pulley or first roller and at least a second pulley or roller of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. As described previously, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that a plurality of pulleys and/or rollers of the same radius may be mounted on the shaft of the first rotatable pulley or the first rotatable roller. The second rotatable pulley or second rotatable roller at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt is rotatable about a shaft. It will also be apparent to one skilled In the art that a plurality of pulleys and/or rollers of the same radius may be mounted on said shaft of the second rotatable pulley or the second rotatable roller. The first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt is positioned so that the distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt at the level of the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is greater than at the level of the first end of the spiked conveyor belt. The second pulley or the second roller of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt Is positioned so that the distance between the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the spiked conveyor belt at the level of the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is greater than at the level of the first end of the spiked conveyor belt. This Is advantageous because it automatically provides, without complex mechanisms, that the distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt, at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt, is gradually greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt, and at the same time that the distance between the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the spiked conveyor belt, at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt, is gradually greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that additional embodiments according to the invention are possible wherein at the first and/or at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt and/or the spiked conveyor belt two or more pulleys or rollers are placed, wherein similar principles as in the embodiments described above are applied and wherein similar advantages are obtained.

It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that at both the first and second ends of both the transfer conveyor belt and spiked conveyor belt combinations of pulleys and rollers may be used.

According to one embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt in the transition zone comprises a wedge for moving the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt away from the spiked conveyor belt. The device comprises, viewed from the first end of the transfer conveyor belt for the transition zone, at least one pressure roller for holding together the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt. Preferably, the device comprises at least two pressure rollers on opposite lateral sides of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is advantageous to ensure that the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor be!t up to the transition zone.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one pressure roller for holding the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the spiked conveyor belt together. Preferably, the device comprises at least two pressure rollers on opposite lateral sides of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is advantageous in that after a gradual transition of the spikes from positioning within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt to extending through the return surface, the spikes remain extended through the return surface.

According to one embodiment, the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is a solid belt with perforations. The perforations are made according to a regular pattern. The regular pattern of the perforations corresponds to a regular pattern in which the spikes are placed on the surface with spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. Preferably, spikes in the conveying direction are positioned at a constant spacing on the surface with spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. This embodiment is advantageous because it is almost impossible for goods to be carried through the perforations by the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

According to an alternative embodiment, the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is formed by a plurality of parallel looped ribbons. The ribbons are placed in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, between the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. This embodiment is advantageous because a simple looped belt is obtained. This embodiment is also advantageous in case a transfer conveyor belt and a spiked drum , or a spiked conveyor belt are not synchronized or not perfectly synchronized In speed according to the conveying direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is formed by slats. The slats of the transfer conveyor belt form the bearing surface and the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt.

According to a further embodiment, the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt Is formed by slats. The slats of the spiked conveyor belt form the bearing surface and the return surface of the spiked conveyor belt. The slats of the transfer conveyor belt and of the spiked conveyor belt preferably have the same thickness. The bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt and of the transfer conveyor belt are therefore flush at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. The slats of the transfer conveyor belt and of the spiked conveyor belt preferably have the same dimensions according to the conveying direction. Preferably, spikes in the conveying direction are positioned at a constant spacing on the surface of the slats of the spiked conveyor belt. At the first end of the transfer conveyor belt slats of the transfer conveyor belt and slats of the spiked conveyor belt are positioned next to each other. Preferably, slats of transfer conveyor belt and slats of spiked conveyor belt alternate. Alternatively, depending on a required quantity of spikes, a greater number of slats of the spiked conveyor belt can be followed by a smaller number of slats of the transfer conveyor belt, or vice versa. For example, two slats of the spiked conveyor belt may be followed by a single slat of the transfer conveyor belt, or, for example, three slats of the transfer conveyor belt may be followed by two slats of the spiked conveyor belt. Another alternative is that the slats of the transfer conveyor belt and of the spiked conveyor belt have different dimensions according to the conveying direction. The spikes of the spiked conveyor belt extend from the slats of the spiked conveyor belt.

This embodiment is advantageous because the spikes at the first end are guaranteed to extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is also advantageous because the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt do not require an accurate finish to avoid the spikes and the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt from exercising forces on each other at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt.

According to a further embodiment, the slats of the transfer conveyor belt are attached to a first set of toothed belts or chains and the slats of the spiked conveyor belt are attached to a second set of toothed belts or chains. The slats of the transfer conveyor belt extend further than the slats of the spiked conveyor belt in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The first set of toothed belts or chains is placed on an outside of the slats of the spiked conveyor belt.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with a previously described embodiment wherein the first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt and the first pulley or the first roller of the spiked conveyor belt at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt have a common shaft, and wherein the radius of the first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt Is equal to the radius of the first pulley or the first roller of the spiked conveyor belt. Said pulleys or rollers are toothed. When using rollers in this embodiment, they are preferably com mon to the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt. The transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt are automatically synchronized in speed in the conveying direction and the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, and the spiked conveyor belt are automatically flush, while a simple mechanical construction is obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment, the length of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is an Integer m ultiple of the constant spacing between the spikes, as in previously described embodiments.

This is advantageous in combination with previously described embodiments wherein the transfer conveyor beit and the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are synchronized in speed in the conveying direction and wherein spikes in the conveying direction are placed at a constant spacing on the surface with spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. As a result, spikes after being shielded at the second end of the transfer conveyor beit by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, by moving toward the first end of the transfer conveyor belt are automatically correctly positioned for extending through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt. This Is particularly advantageous in combination with previously described embodiments wherein the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is a solid beit with perforations or wherein the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the looped belt of the spiked conveyor beit are formed by slats. According to one embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt is bent. The transfer conveyor belt comprises a first portion extending along a first convoying direction from the first end to the second end of the conveyor beit and comprises a second portion extending along a second conveying direction from the second end to a third end. When using a spiked conveyor belt, the spiked conveyor belt is located between the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned within the looped bolt of the transfer conveyor belt at the third end of the transfer conveyor belt. The transition zone is located between the second end and the third end of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is advantageous when supplying or removing goods at a steep angle. The goods are immediately taken over by the second portion of the transfer conveyor belt, wherein the second portion is placed at a smaller angle than the angle of the first portion, which prevents the goods from sliding or failing backwards onto the first portion of the transfer conveyor belt after release by the spikes.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a transfer conveyor belt can be bent more than once. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a spiked conveyor belt can also be bent.

In a second aspect, the Invention relates to a method for the supply or removal of goods.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: the supply or removal of goods using a spiked drum or a spiked conveyor beif ; taking over the goods on a transfer conveyor belt.

The transfer conveyor belt extends along a conveying direction from a first end to a second end. The conveying direction is the supply or removal direction of the goods. The transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt. A first half of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt forms a bearing surface. The bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt is suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be supplied or removed. A second half of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt forms a return surface. The return surface of the transfer conveyor belt is not suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be delivered or removed.

The spiked conveyor belt extends along the conveying direction from a first end to a second end. The first and second ends of the spiked conveyor belt are not necessarily the first and second ends of the transfer conveyor belt. The first end of the spiked conveyor belt is closest to the first end of the transfer conveyor belt and the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is closest to the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. The spiked conveyor belt comprises a looped belt. A first half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a bearing surface. The bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt is suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be supplied or removed. A second half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a return surface. The return surface of the spiked conveyor belt is not suitable for supporting and transporting the goods to be delivered or removed.

The spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt is placed within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt. This means that the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt do not extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt.

The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt move in the conveying direction and carry along the goods. The spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt will sink through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt when moving in the conveying direction. At the second end of the transfer conveyor belt, the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are shielded by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the goods are carried along on the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt.

This method has the advantage, among other things, that goods are completely transferred from a spiked drum or a spiked conveyor belt to a transfer conveyor belt. No goods are returned by the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt. With the method it is not necessary to use additional spiked drums or other means to detach the goods from the spikes of a spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt, so that the method can be carried out with a simple and maintenance-friendly device. I n addition, the method guarantees that, for example, long fibers are easily and completely removed from the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt move at an equal speed in the conveying direction.

This embodiment has the advantage that spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extending through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt maintain a relatively equal position with respect to the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, whereby the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor bolt does not exert any transverse forces on the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt, as a result of which damage and/or wear to the said spikes or the transfer conveyor bolt is avoided.

According to a preferred embodiment, at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt, the bearing surface of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the iooped belt of the spiked conveyor belt are moved away from each other.

Preferably, the bearing surface of the Iooped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the Iooped belt of the spiked conveyor belt are moved away from each other by a distance that is at least equal to a length by which the spikes extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, preferably at least as much greater as a length by which the spikes extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, plus 5 m m , more preferably at least as m uch greater as a length by which the spikes extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, plus 10 m m . It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that if the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt are not perpendicular to the Iooped belt of the spiked conveyor belt, a correction is calculated on the length of the spikes in proportion to the angle of the spikes relative to the Iooped belt of the spiked conveyor belt.

This embodiment is advantageous because it ensures that the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt are positioned within the iooped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. This is also advantageous because it allows a smooth transition for the spikes from extending through to shielding by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt, thereby exerting less forces on the spikes and the bearing surface, and whereby damage and/or wear to said spikes or transfer conveyor belt is avoided.

Preferably, at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt, the return surface of the iooped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface of the iooped belt of the spiked conveyor belt are moved towards each other. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need for the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt at the second end of the spiked conveyor belt to extend directly through the return surface of the transfer conveyor belt, allowing a smooth transition from positioning within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt to extending through the return surface and less forces are exerted on the spikes and the return surface, thereby avoiding damage and/or wear to said spikes or transfer conveyor belt.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt are formed by slats. The slats of the transfer conveyor belt and slats of the spiked conveyor belt move side by side in the conveying direction at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. Preferably, the slats of the transfer conveyor belt and slats of the spiked conveyor belt move alternately side by side in the conveying direction at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. The slats of the transfer conveyor belt and slats of the spiked conveyor belt form a common bearing surface. For the second end of the transfer conveyor belt viewed in the conveying direction, the slats of the transfer conveyor belt and the slats of the spiked conveyor belt separate from each other. For the first end of the transfer conveyor belt viewed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, the slats of the transfer conveyor belt and the slats of the spiked conveyor belt meet alternately and form a common return surface.

This embodiment Is advantageous because the spikes at the first end are guaranteed to extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is also advantageous because the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt do not require an accurate finish to avoid the spikes and the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt from exercising forces on each other at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt. This embodiment is also advantageous because in the conveying direction a gradual transition for the spikes from extending through to shielding by the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt is possible and in that in a direction opposite to the conveying direction a gradual transition from shielding by to extending through the return surface is possible.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that a method according to the second aspect is preferably performed using a device according to the first aspect and that a device according to the first aspect is preferably configured for performing a method according to the second aspect. Each feature described in this document, both above and below, can therefore relate to any of the three aspects of the present invention. In a third aspect, the invention relates to a use of a device according to the first aspect or a method according to the second aspect for the supply or removal of fibers, cardboard, cotton, or foam materials.

This use results in an advantageous supply or removal of fibers, cardboard, cotton, or foam materials, for example in certain production or waste processing processes. Due to their low weight and/or stiffness and sometimes irregular shapes, such goods cannot easily be carried along from a stack of goods by a conveyor belt or be carried along at a steep angle by a conveyor belt, as a result of which a spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt is often necessary. Such goods regularly remain entangled between the spikes or are pinned to the spikes, so that not all goods are removed from the spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt. By using a device according to the first aspect or a method according to the second aspect, it Is possible to supply or remove such goods with a spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt, wherein the goods are completely removed from the spiked drum or spiked conveyor belt in a simple and maintenance-friendly manner.

I n what follows, the Invention is described by way of non-limiting figures illustrating the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the Invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The device (1 ) comprises a spiked conveyor belt and a transfer conveyor belt.

The spiked conveyor belt extends from a first end (4) to a second end (6) along a conveying direction (21 ). The spiked conveyor belt comprises a looped belt formed by slats (9), with spikes (16) extending from the slats (9). The slats (9) are mounted on a toothed belt. At the first end (4), the spiked conveyor belt comprises a toothed pulley (2) with a shaft. At the second end (6), the spiked conveyor belt comprises a toothed pulley (7) with a shaft. The toothed belt of the looped belt runs over the toothed pulleys (2) and (7) and is driven by the toothed pulley (2). A first half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a bearing surface (10). A second haif of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a return surface (15). The bearing surface (10) is located on a first side of the plane through the shafts of the toothed pulleys (2) and (7) . The return surface (15) is located on a second opposite side of the plane through the shafts of the toothed pulleys (2) and (7) .

The transfer conveyor belt extends from the first end (4) to a second end (5) along the conveying direction (21). The transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt formed by slats (11). The slats (11) are mounted on a toothed belt. At the first end (4) , the transfer conveyor belt comprises a toothed pulley (3) with a shaft. This shaft is com mon to the shaft of the toothed pulley (2) . At the second end (5) , the transfer conveyor belt comprises a toothed pulley (8) with a shaft. The toothed belt of the looped belt runs over the toothed pulleys (3) and (8) and is driven by the toothed pulley (3) . Since the shaft of the toothed pulleys (2) and (3) are common, the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt and the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt are synchronized in speed in the conveying direction (21). A first half of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt forms a bearing surface (12) . A second half of the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt forms a return surface (13) . The bearing surface (12) is located on a first side of the plane through the shafts of the toothed pulleys

(3) and (8) . The return surface (13) is located on a second opposite side of the plane through the shafts of the toothed pulleys (3) and (8) .

The slats (9) and (11) are positioned alternately next to each other at the first end

(4) of the transfer conveyor belt. The bearing surfaces (10) and (12) are flush at the first end (4) . The spikes (16) extend through the bearing surface (12) at the first end (4) . The spikes (16) are positioned at the second end (5) of the transfer conveyor bolt within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt. The toothed pulley (8) has a larger radius than the toothed pulley (7) . As a result, in a transition zone (27) there is a gradual transition from the spikes (16) extending through the bearing surface (12) at the first end (4) to the spikes (16) being positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end (5) . The spikes (16) in this embodiment are already positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end (6) of the spiked conveyor belt. Seen from the first end (4), the device (1) comprises a press wheel (28) for holding together the bearing surface (12) of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface (10) of the spiked conveyor belt. The device (1 ) comprises a press wheel (29) for holding together the return surface (13) of the transfer conveyor belt and the return surface (15) of the spiked conveyor belt. The bearing surfaces (10) and (12) are supported at least partly by a bearing surface (14) between the first end (4) and the second end (6) of the spiked conveyor belt. Figure 2 shows a side view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a spiked drum .

The device (1 ) comprises a spiked drum (2) and a transfer conveyor belt.

The spiked drum (2) has a cyiindrical shape, comprising a jacket surface and a cylindrical shaft. Spikes (16) extend from the jacket surface.

The transfer conveyor belt extends from the first end (4) to a second end (5) along a conveying direction (21), The transfer conveyor beit comprises a looped beit. The looped belt is a solid belt (18) with perforations, the perforations being made according to a regular pattern and the regular pattern of the perforations corresponding to a regular pattern In which the spikes (16) are placed on the jacket surface of the spiked drum (2) . At the first end (4) , the transfer conveyor belt comprises a pulley (3) with a shaft. I n this embodiment, the pulley (3) is the spiked drum (2) , and the shaft is the cylindrical shaft of the spiked drum (2) . At the second end (5) , the transfer conveyor beit comprises a roller (8) with a shaft. The solid belt (18) runs over the spiked drum (2) and the roller (8) and Is driven by the spiked drum (2) . As a result, the solid beit (18) of the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum (2) are synchronized In speed in the conveying direction (21 ) . A first half of the solid belt (18) of the transfer conveyor belt forms a bearing surface (12) . A second half of the solid belt (18) of the transfer conveyor belt forms a return surface (13) . The bearing surface (12) is located on a first side of the plane through the shafts of the spiked drum (2) and the roller (8) . The return surface (13) is located on a second opposite side of the plane through the shafts of the spiked drum (2) and the roller (8) .

The spikes (16) extend through the bearing surface (12) at the first end (4) . The spikes (16) are positioned at the second end (5) of the transfer conveyor belt within the looped beit of the transfer conveyor belt. The spikes (16) in this embodiment are already immediately positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor beit, between the first end (4) and the second end (5) of the transfer conveyor belt. The transition zone (27) is located im mediately after the first end (4) . The bearing surface (12) Is supported between the first end (4) and the second end (5) of the transfer conveyor beit by a plurality of support rollers (17) . Figure 3 shows a side view of a device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, comprising a spiked conveyor belt.

The embodiment of Figure 3 is very sim ilar to the embodiment of Figure 1 .

The transfer conveyor belt comprises a first toothed pulley (8) and a second toothed pulley (19) at the second end (5) . In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1 , the radius of the first toothed pulley (8) is not larger than the radius of the toothed pulley (7) , but even smaller. The second toothed pulley (19) is placed under the first toothed pulley (8) . The distance between the shafts of the first toothed pulley (8) and the second toothed pulley (19) is determined such that the distance between points of contact of the first toothed pulley (8) and the second toothed pulley (19) on the line between said shafts is at least greater than the radius of the toothed pulley (7) , whereby similar advantages are obtained as in the embodiment of Figure 1 .

The device (1) comprises a spiked conveyor belt and a transfer conveyor belt.

The spiked conveyor belt extends from a first end (4) to a second end (6) along a first conveying direction (21 ) . The spiked conveyor belt comprises a looped belt. The looped belt is a solid belt (20) , with spikes (16) extending from the solid belt (20) . At the first end (4) , the spiked conveyor belt comprises a roller (2) with a shaft. At the second end (6), the spiked conveyor belt comprises a roller (7) with a shaft. The solid belt (20) runs over the rollers (2) and (7) and is driven by the roller (2). A first half of the solid belt (20) of the spiked conveyor belt forms a bearing surface (10) . A second half of the solid belt (20) of the spiked conveyor belt forms a return surface (15) . The bearing surface (10) is located on a first side of the plane through the shafts of the rollers (2) and (7) . The return surface (15) is located on a second opposite side of the plane through the shafts of the rollers (2) and (7).

The transfer conveyor belt is bent. The transfer conveyor belt comprises a first and a second part. The first part of the transfer conveyor belt extends from the first end (4) to a second end (5) along the first conveying direction (21). The second part of the transfer conveyor belt extends from the second end (5) to a third end (23) along a second conveying direction (22) . The transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt. The looped belt is a solid belt (18) with perforations, the perforations being m ade according to a regular pattern and the regular pattern of the perforations corresponding to a regular pattern in which the spikes (16) are placed on the solid belt (20) of the spiked conveyor belt. At the first end (4) , the transfer conveyor belt com prises a roller (3) with a shaft. This roller (3) is the same as the roller (2) . At the second end (6) , the transfer conveyor belt com prises a roller (8) with a shaft. This roller (8) is the same as the roller (7) . At the third end (23) , the transfer conveyor belt comprises a roller (24) with a shaft. Because the rollers (2) and (3) are the sam e, the solid belt ( 18) of the transfer conveyor belt and the solid belt (20) of the spiked conveyor belt are synchronized in speed in the conveying direction (21 ) . A first part of the solid belt ( 18) of the transfer conveyor belt forms a bearing surface ( 12) between the first end (4) and the second end (5) . A second part of the solid belt (18) of the transfer conveyor belt forms a return surface ( 13) between the first end (4) and the second end (5) . The bearing surface (12) is located on a first side of the plane through the shafts of the rollers (3) and (8) . The return surface ( 13) is located on a second opposite side of the plane through the shafts of the rollers (3) and (8) . A third part of the solid belt ( 1 8) of the transfer conveyor belt forms a bearing surface

(25) between the second end (5) and the third end (23) . A fourth part of the solid belt ( 18) of the transfer conveyor belt forms a return surface (26) between the second end (5) and the third end (23) . The bearing surface (25) is located on a first side of the plane through the shafts of the rollers (8) and (24) . The return surface

(26) is located on a second opposite side of the plane through the shafts of the rollers

(8) and (24) .

The spikes (16) extend through the bearing surface (12) at the first end (4) . The spikes (16) are located within the looped bolt of the transfer conveyor at the third end (23) . The transition zone (27) is located im mediately after the second end (5) . The return surfaces (13) and (26) are supported between the first end (4) and the third end (23) of the transfer conveyor belt by a plurality of support rollers (17).

Claims

1 . Device for supply or removal of goods, comprising a rotatable spiked drum or a rotatable spiked conveyor belt and a transfer conveyor belt, wherein the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt comprises a surface with spikes, wherein the transfer conveyor belt extends along a conveying direction from a first end to a second end, wherein the transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt, wherein a first half of the looped belt forms a bearing surface and a second half of the looped belt forms a return surface, characterized in that the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt Is placed within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt, wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt, wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned within the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt at the second end of the transfer conveyor belt and wherein between the first end and the second end of the transfer conveyor belt there is a transition zone, wherein the spikes are gradually withdrawn into the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt,

2. Device according to ciaim 1 , characterized in that the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are synchronized in speed in the conveying direction.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer conveyor belt comprises a first pulley or roller at the first end, wherein the first pulley or the first roller has a radius at least equal to a radius of a first pulley or roller of the spiked conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor bolt, and wherein the first pulley or the first roller of the transfer conveyor belt has a shaft com mon to the first pulley or the first roller of the spiked conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor bolt.

4. Device according to any of the preceding claims 1 -3, characterized in that the spiked conveyor belt extends along the convoying direction from a first end to a second end, wherein the spiked conveyor belt comprises a looped belt, wherein a first half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a bearing surface and a second half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a return surface, wherein a distance between the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bearing surface of the spiked conveyor belt, at the level of the second end of the spiked conveyor belt is greater than at the first end of the spiked conveyor belt.

5. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer conveyor belt comprises a first pulley or roller at the first end, wherein the first pulley or the first roller has a radius at least equal to a radius of the spiked drum , wherein the first pulley or the first roller has a shaft com mon to the spiked drum .

6. Device according to any of the preceding claims 1 -5, characterized in that the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is a solid belt with perforations, wherein the perforations are made according to a regular pattern and wherein the regular pattern of the perforations corresponds to a regular pattern In which the spikes are placed on the surface with spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

7. Device according to any of the preceding claims 1 -5, characterized in that the iooped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is formed by a plurality of parallel looped ribbons, wherein the ribbons are placed in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, between the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt.

8. Device according to any of the preceding claims 1 -4, characterized in that the looped belt of the transfer conveyor belt is formed by slats.

9. Device according to any of the preceding claims 1 -4, characterized in that the iooped bolt of the spiked conveyor belt is formed by slats, wherein at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt slats of the transfer conveyor belt and slats of the spiked conveyor belt arc positioned next to each other and 'wherein the spikes of the spiked conveyor belt extend from the slats of the spiked conveyor belt.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the slats of the transfer conveyor belt are attached to a first set of toothed belts or chains and in that the slats of the spiked conveyor belt are attached to a second set of toothed belts or chains, wherein the slats of the transfer conveyor belt extend beyond the slats of the spiked conveyor belt in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and wherein the first set of toothed belts or chain is located on an outside of the slats of the spiked conveyor belt.

1 1 . Method for the supply or removal of goods, comprising the steps of:

- the supply or removal of goods using a spiked drum or a spiked conveyor belt, wherein the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt comprises a surface with spikes;

- taking over the goods on a transfer conveyor belt, wherein the transfer conveyor belt extends aiong a conveying direction from a first end to a second end, wherein the transfer conveyor belt comprises a looped belt, wherein a first half of the iooped beit forms a bearing surface, and a second half of the iooped beit forms a return surface; characterized in that the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt Is placed within the iooped beit of the transfer conveyor beit, wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt extend through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor belt at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt, wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt move In the conveying direction at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt and carry along the goods and wherein the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt sink through the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor beit when moving in the conveying direction, wherein at the second end of the transfer conveyor beit the spikes of the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor belt are positioned within the iooped beit of the transfer conveyor belt and the goods are carried along on the bearing surface of the transfer conveyor beit.

12. Method according to c!airn 1 1 , characterized in that the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked drum or the spiked conveyor beit move at the same speed in the conveying direction.

13. Method according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the spiked conveyor belt extends aiong the conveying direction from a first end to a second end, wherein the spiked conveyor belt comprises a iooped belt, wherein a first half of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt forms a bearing surface and a second half of the Iooped belt of the spiked conveyor beit forms a return surface, wherein at the second end of the transfer conveyor be!i, the bearing surface of the looped bolt of the transfer conveyor belt and the bearing surface of the looped belt of the spiked conveyor belt, are moved away from each other.

14. Method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the transfer conveyor belt and the spiked conveyor belt are formed by slats, wherein at the first end of the transfer conveyor belt slats of the transfer conveyor belt and slats of the spiked conveyor belt move side by side in the conveying direction and form a common bearing surface, wherein for the second end of the transfer conveyor belt viewed in the conveying direction the slats of the transfer conveyor belt and the slats of the spiked conveyor belt separate from each other and wherein for the first end of the transfer conveyor belt viewed in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, the slats of the transfer conveyor belt and the slats of the spiked conveyor belt come together and form a common return surface.

15, Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 -10 or a method according to any of claims 11 -14 for supply or removal of fibers, cardboard, cotton, or foam materials,