Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for conveying bulk material, particularly, cement clinker (2), in a cement cooler (3). The invention device is essentially comprised of a number of grate bars (5) arranged one behind the other, which can be moved forward and backward by means of a common drive (7). The grate bars (5) each have a formation (11) through which, in a forward travel position (10), a cavity (14) is produced between the formation (11) and a protective layer (6). During return travel, the grate bar (5) can be retracted into said cavity (14) without an appreciable amount of bulk material (2) being conveyed counter to the direction of conveyance (9).