Feed system for advancing tree trunks in collecting units - uses flexible oblong contact belt to produce friction feed

摘要

The feed mechanism has advancing tree trunks through processing machines has two advancing belts (22) which act in alternation and which can be moved in a direction parallel to the trunk wherein each belt forms a friction belt which runs on two separate and axially parallel advancing wheels which come into contact with the trunk along an enlarged part of the friction path on the corresponding opposite sides of the trunk. The advance or conveyor belt (22) forms a flexible oblong contact surface which through the effect of the pressure against the trunk automatically conforms with the shape of the trunk and when this contact pressure is lifted returns to the substantially original flat shape. The conveyor belt can be attached at the side edges to an endless drive chain (20). ADVANTAGE - Since the contact pressure of the conveyor belt against the trunk is evenly distributed over a relatively large surface area the specific contact pressure is relatively low avoiding damage to the trunk.