Conveyor section of a packaging or treatment device for unit loads or containers

Abstract

Conveyor section (20) of a packaging and / or treatment device for unit loads and / or containers (12), in particular for containers (12) wrapped with shrinkable film, each containing several liquid containers, wherein the conveying section (20) comprises a conveying surface (28) for the unit loads and / or containers (12) that is movable in the transport direction (18) and is formed by at least one articulated conveying chain (26) and / or mat chain, which conveying surface (28) orThe conveyor and / or mat chain (26) has a support structure in the form of articulatedly connected, in particular metallic, links (30) which support a plurality of detachably and / or snap-fitted non-metallic support elements (32) connected thereto, which together form the conveyor support (28) which supports the containers (12) and / or unit loads, wherein the conveyor chain (26) is formed by at least two spaced-apart roller chains (34) which are connected to each other by crossbars (36), and wherein each of the support elements (32) is articulatedly snapped to two adjacent crossbars (36) of the conveyor chain (26), wherein a pivoting mobility of the respective support element (32) about the respective crossbar (36) which acts as a pivot axis is given.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying section of a packaging and / or treatment device for unit loads and / or containers with the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an endlessly circulating, articulated conveying chain according to claim 11, which forms a conveying support for unit loads and / or containers that is movable in a circulating direction.

[0002] When packaging items, especially beverage containers, bottles, etc., into bundles, the items are grouped as desired and wrapped with shrinkable film. To produce shrink-wrapped packages, the film-wrapped bundles are conveyed through a shrink tunnel. Inside the tunnel, the wrapped packages are exposed to hot air. This temperature increase causes the film to shrink to the package, ensuring that the items are mechanically held together.

[0003] The containers are conveyed through the shrink tunnel using suitable conveyor systems; in particular, conveyor chains or so-called mesh belts are used for this purpose, which allow the passage of hot air. Due to the continuous supply of hot air, the temperature of these conveyor chains or mesh belts increases, which can lead to problems because the shrink film can stick together at the bottom of the containers due to strong local heating. This not only risks damaging the shrink packaging, but also leaves unwanted film residue on the chains, which tends to char and can lead to progressive chain wear.

[0004] To avoid these problems, the prior art employs special cooling devices designed to actively cool the containers and / or the conveyor chains or mesh belts transporting them. For example, EP 2 551 207 A1 describes a shrink-wrapping device with a transport section over which containers are conveyed through a shrink tunnel. A cooling device is located above the transport section, which can supply the containers with coolant. The transport section is permeable to the coolant. An optional second cooling device can also supply the transport section or the containers with coolant from below.

[0005] Mesh conveyor belts, as used as transport elements, are known, for example, from EP 2 119 644 A1. Two outer hollow pin chains are connected by crossbars. A wire can be wound around these crossbars, for example. These windings form the base of the transport plane. Steel, in particular, can be used as the material for the crossbars and the surrounding wound wire. Since the mesh conveyor belt continuously conveys packages through the shrink tunnel, its temperature rises. To prevent damage to the film from an overheated chain, it can be actively cooled during the return stroke. However, this heating and subsequent cooling of the mesh conveyor belt results in a significant portion of the total energy generated by the shrink tunnel being largely wasted and dissipated to the outside without any further use.

[0006] Document DE 20 2015 100 300 U1 further describes a hinged belt conveyor, preferably for metal waste such as shavings or the like. The hinged belt conveyor comprises bars, each of which is arranged on the underside of a respective plate and spaced apart from it. The plates are each mounted on a holder. The bars can engage in bar holders. The plates are laterally bounded by side rails. The plates are connected to the side rails by means of the bar holders, and the side rails are also articulated to each other.

[0007] In view of the prior art, a primary object of the present invention can be seen as reducing the energy consumption of such conveying arrangements that interact with shrink devices, in particular by using a conveying section with which containers, articles and / or unit loads are transported through a shrink tunnel, and which enables energy-saving operation.

[0008] This problem is solved by a conveying section with the features of claim 1 and by a conveying chain with the features of claim 11. Features of advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims.

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present invention proposes a conveying section of a packaging and / or processing device for unit loads and / or containers, in particular for containers wrapped with shrinkable film, each containing several liquid containers. This conveying section comprises a conveying platform for the unit loads and / or containers, movable in the transport direction and formed by at least one articulated conveying chain and / or mat chain. The conveying chain or mat chain can, in particular, be an endlessly circulating conveying device, the upper run of which forms a support surface for the conveyed containers and moves in the transport direction. It is provided that the conveying platform or mat chain...The conveyor and / or mat chain has a support structure in the form of articulated links made of metal or other suitable material, which carries a multitude of detachably and / or snap-fitted non-metallic support elements that together form the conveyor surface supporting the containers and / or individual items. These support elements can be snapped and / or clipped to the conveyor chain, allowing them to be easily and quickly replaced in the event of progressive or advanced wear, particularly without the need for special tools.

[0010] The support elements, which can be locked to the conveyor chain, can be formed, in particular, by several or a multitude of flat discs arranged vertically. The narrow longitudinal edges of these discs, formed by their flat narrow sides, together create a largely flat conveyor surface. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to use plastic elements for the support elements that can be locked to the conveyor chain, for example, those made of a suitable heat-resistant plastic material. Carbon fiber reinforced composite materials can also be well-suited as support elements, as they are both heat-resistant and mechanically robust.

[0011] The conveyor chain consists of two roller chains spaced apart perpendicular to the feed direction and connected by cross members. These cross members can be made of metal or non-metallic materials, providing the chain with dimensional stability and supporting the support elements. Each support element can connect two consecutive or adjacent metallic cross members in the transport direction. It should be noted, however, that the cross members can also be made of other non-metallic materials. Since the mass of the cross members, and therefore their heat storage capacity, is significant, simply using or varying the materials employed can substantially reduce energy loss.Materials such as carbon and composites are also conceivable for this application. However, the stiffness of the material must be taken into account, as the cross braces of the conveyor support must provide a certain minimum stability.

[0012] Each of the support elements is articulatedly locked to two adjacent crossbars of the conveyor chain, whereby a pivoting movement of the respective support element around the respective crossbar, which acts as a pivot axis, is given.

[0013] To ensure the desired connection of the support elements to the conveyor chain, each support element can have flexible or elastically deformable locking recesses on its respective underside longitudinal edges. These undersides face away from their respective rear sides, which, together with the other support elements, form the conveyor support. The openings of the locking recesses correspond to the contour of the metal or non-metallic struts, allowing them to lock into place. This design ensures that the support elements are arranged vertically with the conveyor chain, so that their narrow rear sides project upwards.

[0014] Another preferred embodiment of the conveying section according to the invention can provide that at least two adjacent support elements, arranged transversely to a direction of rotation of the conveying chain, are connected to one another by at least one connecting bridge. The direction of rotation of the conveying chain is oriented parallel to the transport direction.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that some or all of the support elements located between the roller chains arranged on the longitudinal sides of the conveyor chain, which connect two adjacent cross members of the conveyor chain in the direction of travel, are connected to each other via connecting bridges between adjacent support elements. This allows for the formation of replaceable support element modules consisting of several interconnected support elements, each of which comprises a plurality of parallel, vertically arranged support elements that are each placed onto two adjacent cross members. Preferably, all support elements are connected to each other at least on one side, but usually on both sides, by connecting bridges. The connecting bridges ensure fixed distances between the adjacent support elements.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment of the conveying section according to the invention provides that, in the direction of circulation of the conveying chain, adjacent support element modules are arranged in an offset and / or interlocking arrangement. Only in this way is a largely flat support surface formed, which is equipped with regularly dimensioned gaps for the flow of hot air.

[0017] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention further proposes an endlessly circulating, articulated conveyor chain that forms a conveyor platform for unit loads and / or containers, movable in one direction of rotation. This conveyor platform, or conveyor and / or mat chain, has a support structure in the form of articulated metal links, which support a plurality of detachably and / or lockably connected non-metallic support elements. These elements together form the conveyor platform that carries the containers and / or unit loads. This conveyor chain can, in particular, be part of a conveyor platform according to one of the previously described embodiments or form such a conveyor platform.

[0018] When the present description refers to a conveyor section or a conveyor chain, the various design variants apply equally to both. Therefore, when design variants of the conveyor section are mentioned, the combinations of features and variants described in this context apply equally to the conveyor chain, and vice versa.

[0019] The particular advantage of the present invention can be characterized as follows. Instead of the winding wire previously used for such conveyor chains, the invention proposes inserting replaceable and very easily mounted and dismountable plastic clips – the support elements referred to in this context – between the crossbars. This inventive variant offers the particular advantage that the mechanical properties previously provided by the mesh belt are neither lost nor negatively affected. Furthermore, energy loss can be significantly reduced compared to the previously used metallic design. Another advantage lies in the ease of replacing the support elements, which are detachably connected to the conveyor chain.Plastic clips can be used to replace the entire mesh tape if they become dirty and / or worn. This is significantly cheaper and faster than replacing a dirty and / or worn mesh tape. The soiling, which is primarily caused by stuck-on film residue, is localized on the mesh tape. Using plastic clips eliminates the need to replace the entire tape; it is sufficient to replace only the soiled section, resulting in considerable cost savings.

[0020] The invention is typically used in arrangements for the heat treatment of shrink-wrapped individual items, container assemblies, or packages that are transported through a shrink tunnel and subjected to elevated temperatures before being transferred to further processing steps after passing through the shrink tunnel, for example, in a packaging or palletizing station located downstream of the shrink tunnel in the transport direction. In this context, numerous consecutive packages are usually conveyed through the shrink tunnel in the transport direction. The invention defines a conveying section that extends at least through the shrink tunnel. Optionally, the conveying section can also extend to container or package treatment and / or handling stations located upstream of the shrink tunnel in the transport direction.Furthermore, the conveying section according to the present invention can also extend to downstream packaging and / or palletizing stations or the like on the shrink tunnel.

[0021] The conveying section is part of the aforementioned overall arrangement and comprises a conveying platform for the unit loads and / or containers, movable in the transport direction and formed by at least one articulated conveyor chain and / or mat chain. As mentioned above, the support elements, which can be locked to the conveyor chain, can in particular each be formed by flat discs made of plastic or other suitable material arranged vertically with a lower heat storage capacity than metal, the narrow longitudinal edges of which together form the largely flat conveying platform on their rear sides. Preferably, the support elements are each formed by plastic elements that can be locked to the conveyor chain. To ensure the desired connection of the support elements to the conveyor chain and their interchangeability, the support elements each have flexible or elastically deformable locking recesses on their respective underside longitudinal edges.The undersides run parallel to the respective back sides, which together with the other support elements form the conveyor support. The openings of the locking recesses correspond to the contour of the crossbars, allowing them to be locked into place there, preferably on successive crossbars in the transport direction. Furthermore, the distances between the two locking recesses of each support element correspond to the distances between adjacent crossbars, which in turn correspond to the link length of the respective roller chains used, so that the respective chain dimensions also define the dimensions of the support elements.

[0022] Furthermore, several support elements can be connected to each other by connecting bridges. These connecting bridges can, for example, be formed by a continuous connecting strut that optionally connects several adjacent support elements or all support elements located between the spaced roller chains, thereby forming a support element module. The continuous connecting strut preferably penetrates the flat sides of the support elements approximately in the middle and runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the back or underside, so that, in the assembled state of the support element modules, the connecting struts are arranged parallel to the cross members of the conveyor chain. Thus, each support element connects two consecutive or adjacent metallic cross members of the conveyor chain in the transport direction.Furthermore, each support element is pivotally locked to two adjacent crossbeams of the conveyor chain, allowing each support element to pivot about the respective crossbeam, which acts as the pivot axis. The same applies to the support element modules, in which several adjacent support elements are combined into a support element module by means of at least one connecting strut. Here, each support element module is pivotally locked to two adjacent crossbeams of the conveyor chain, allowing each support element module to pivot about the respective crossbeam, which acts as the pivot axis.

[0023] Alternatively, a support element module can also be formed by a complete injection-molded plastic part.

[0024] Optionally, each crossbeam supports two laterally offset support element modules, each containing a series of regularly spaced and adjacent support elements connected by a linking strut. The offset and interlocking arrangement of the support element modules creates a uniform and largely flat conveying surface with only small gaps between adjacent support elements, providing a secure base for the conveyed containers. Furthermore, the gaps between the crossbeams and between the support elements are sufficiently large to allow enough airflow for the hot air application to the containers in the shrink tunnel when the conveying section passes through the tunnel and the containers are exposed to hot air.Since the containers are normally also exposed to hot air from below, sufficient permeability of the conveying surface must be ensured.

[0025] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. Fig. Figure 1 shows a variant of an arrangement for the heat treatment of individual items or containers wrapped with shrink film. Fig. Figure 2 shows part of a conveying section of the arrangement according to Fig. 1 in perspective view, where the conveying section is formed by a conveyor chain with support elements. Fig. Figure 3 shows some of the support elements in perspective view, which can be detachably connected to the conveyor chain of the conveyor section. Fig. Figure 4 shows a part of the conveyor chain in perspective view without the support elements. Fig. 5 shows a top view of the part of the conveyor chain according to Fig. 2.

[0026] For identical or similarly acting elements of the invention, the Fig. Reference numerals 1 to 5 are identical. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive limitation.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an arrangement 10 for the heat treatment of shrink-wrapped individual items, container assemblies, or packages 12, which are transported through a shrink tunnel 14 and subjected to elevated temperatures before being fed to further processing steps after passing through the shrink tunnel 14, e.g., in a packaging or palletizing station 16. Numerous consecutive packages 12 are conveyed through the shrink tunnel 14 in the transport direction 18. The invention defines a conveying section 20 for this purpose, which extends at least through the shrink tunnel 14, but which typically runs from the container or package treatment and / or handling stations 22 (not specified here) located upstream of the shrink tunnel 14 in the transport direction 18, through the shrink tunnel 14, to the packaging or palletizing station 16, which is to be understood as an example.

[0028] The conveying section 20 is part of the arrangement 10 and, in particular, part of an arrangement 10 which is not described in detail here but is generally referred to as a packaging and / or handling device 24 for unit loads and / or containers 12, e.g., for containers 12 wrapped with shrinkable film, each containing several liquid containers. The conveying section 20 comprises a conveying platform 28 for the unit loads and / or containers 12, which is movable in the transport direction 18 and is formed by at least one articulated conveying chain 26 and / or mat chain. This conveying platform 28 enables the containers 12 to be transported upright in a horizontal orientation in the transport direction 18 shown. Fig. 1 directed to the right). The design of this conveyor chain 26, which in particular circulates endlessly and provides a conveying support 28 moving in the transport direction 18, is shown on the basis of the Fig. 2 to 5 are described in detail.

[0029] The schematic perspective view of the Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the conveyor chain 26, which simultaneously forms part of the conveyor section 20 according to Fig. 1 forms. The conveyor chain 26 creates the conveying surface 28 for the transport of the containers 12 along the conveying section 20 in the transport direction 18, whereby the containers 12 are transported at least through the shrink tunnel 14. As the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the conveyor support 28 or the shown section of the conveyor and / or mat chain 26 has a support structure in the form of articulated links 30 made of metal, which carries a large number of detachably and / or snap-fit ​​connected non-metallic support elements 32, which together form the conveyor support 28 which carries the containers 12 and / or unit loads.

[0030] As the schematic perspective view of the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the conveyor chain 26 in the illustrated embodiment has two roller chains 34 spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction 18, which are connected to each other by cross members 36. These cross members 36 of the conveyor chain 26 are normally each formed by metal struts / rods, which give the conveyor chain 26 the desired dimensional stability and which support the support elements 32 (see Figure 4). Fig. 2) As the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, each individual joint of the roller chains 34 has a crossbar 36, so that these are relatively closely and regularly spaced apart from one another according to the pitch of the roller chains 34. The length of the crossbars 36 corresponds to the distance between the two roller chains 34 perpendicular to the transport direction 18 and simultaneously defines the width of the conveyor support 28 available for transporting the containers 12. Optionally, the crossbars 36 can also be made of non-metallic material, e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0031] The perspective detail view of the Fig. Figure 3 shows a total of five interconnected support elements 32, which form part of the conveying support 28 on the conveyor chain 26. As is particularly evident, Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 clearly show, take the in Fig. The five support elements 32 shown in Figure 3 occupy only a portion of the total width of the conveyor support 28. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of sixteen uniformly spaced support elements 32 are arranged between the two roller chains 34.

[0032] Depending on the desired permeability of the conveying support 28 for hot air, the number of support elements 32 used, their distances from each other and their dimensions can be varied.

[0033] As it is Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the support elements 32, which can be locked to the conveyor chain 26, are each formed by flat discs arranged vertically, the narrow longitudinal edges of which together form the largely flat conveyor support 28 on their rear sides 35. Preferably, the support elements 32 are each formed by plastic elements that can be locked to the conveyor chain 26, and in particular, a sufficiently heat-resistant plastic material is used. Carbon fiber reinforced composite materials can also be well suited as materials for the support elements 32, since they are both heat-resistant and mechanically resistant.

[0034] To ensure the desired connection of the support elements 32 to the conveyor chain 26 and their tool-free interchangeability, the support elements 32 each have flexible or elastically deformable locking recesses 38 on their respective underside longitudinal edges 40. The undersides 40 run parallel to the respective rear sides 35, which together with the other support elements 32 form the conveyor support 28. The openings of the locking recesses 38 correspond to the contour of the crossbars 36, allowing them to be locked into place. Furthermore, the distances between the two locking recesses 38 of each support element 32 correspond to the distances between adjacent crossbars 36, which in turn correspond to the link length of the respective roller chain 34 used, so that the respective chain dimensions also define the dimensions of the support elements 32.

[0035] Furthermore, the Fig. 3. It can be seen that several support elements 32 are connected to each other by connecting bridges 42. The connecting bridges 42 can be formed by a continuous connecting strut 44, which optionally connects several adjacent support elements 32 or all support elements 32 that fit between the spaced roller chains 34, thereby forming a support element module 46. The continuous connecting strut 44 penetrates the flat sides of the support elements 32 approximately in the middle and runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the back 35 or the underside 40, so that in the assembled state of the support element modules 46, the connecting strut 44 is arranged parallel to the cross struts of the conveyor chain 26.

[0036] Alternatively, the support element modules 46 shown can also be formed by injection-molded plastic parts, so that each support element module 46 can be formed in one piece (see also the Fig. 5).

[0037] In the manner shown, each of the support elements 32 connects two consecutive or adjacent metallic or non-metallic crossbeams 36 of the conveyor chain 26 in the transport direction 18. Furthermore, each of the support elements 32 is pivotally locked to two adjacent crossbeams 36 of the conveyor chain 26, thus enabling the respective support element 32 to pivot about the respective crossbeam 36, which acts as the pivot axis. The same applies to the support element modules 46, in which, as shown ( Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5) Several adjacent support elements 32 are combined into a support element module 46 by means of at least one connecting strut 44. Each of the support element modules 46 is pivotally locked to two adjacent cross struts 36 of the conveyor chain 26, whereby a pivoting movement of the respective support element module 46 about the respective cross strut 36, which acts as a pivot axis, is given.

[0038] The advantage of the support element modules 46 shown, formed from several interconnected support elements 32, or optionally also formed from elements 32 connected in one piece, lies in their easy mounting on and dismounting from the conveyor chain 26, which allows them to be easily and quickly replaced in the event of progressive or advanced wear, especially without the use of special tools.

[0039] As the schematic top view of the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, each crossbeam 36 carries two laterally offset support element modules 46, in each of which sixteen regularly spaced and adjacent support elements 32 are grouped together by means of a connecting strut 44. The arrangement of the offset and interlocking support element modules 46, as shown, forms a uniform and largely flat conveying surface 28 with only small gaps between adjacent support elements 32, providing a secure base for the containers 12 conveyed on it.

[0040] This largely surface-level conveying surface 28, which ensures the reliable and stabilizing conveyance of containers 12 (cf. Fig. 1) is suitable, is determined by the in Fig. 5 recognizable groupings of the support element modules 46 are formed. Here, the adjacent, aligned locking receptacles 38 engage (cf. Fig. 3) of all support elements 32 of two in conveying direction 18 (cf. Fig. 2) Support element modules 46 arranged directly one behind the other, each around the same cross member 36 of the conveyor chain 26. However, the respective support elements 32 are laterally spaced apart from each other and preferably do not touch. The other locking receptacles 38 of the two directly adjacent support element modules 46, whose support elements 32 interlock spatially, are each locked to a further cross member 36 of the conveyor chain 26 arranged in front of or behind them in the conveying direction 18, so that the overall Fig. The overall arrangement shown in section 5 results. Reference symbol list 10. Arrangement, arrangement for the heat treatment of shrink-wrapped individual items, container assemblies or packages 12 containers 14 shrink tunnels 16 palletizing stations, packaging stations 18 Transport direction 20 Funding section 22 Container or package treatment station, container or package handling station 24 Packaging and / or handling equipment 26 Conveyor chain, mat chain 28 funding round 30 links 32 support element 34 roller chain 35 Back, top 36 Cross brace 38 Raster image 40 Underside, lower longitudinal edge 42 Connecting bridge 44 Connecting strut 46 Support element module

Claims

[1] Conveyor section (20) of a packaging and / or treatment device for unit loads and / or containers (12), in particular for containers (12) wrapped with shrinkable film, each containing several liquid containers, wherein the conveying section (20) comprises a conveying surface (28) for the unit loads and / or containers (12) that is movable in the transport direction (18) and is formed by at least one articulated conveying chain (26) and / or mat chain, which conveying surface (28) orThe conveyor and / or mat chain (26) has a support structure in the form of articulatedly connected, in particular metallic, links (30) which support a plurality of detachably and / or snap-fitted non-metallic support elements (32) connected thereto, which together form the conveyor support (28) which supports the containers (12) and / or unit loads, wherein the conveyor chain (26) is formed by at least two spaced-apart roller chains (34) which are connected to each other by crossbars (36), and wherein each of the support elements (32) is articulatedly snapped to two adjacent crossbars (36) of the conveyor chain (26), wherein a pivoting mobility of the respective support element (32) about the respective crossbar (36) which acts as a pivot axis is given. [2] Conveyor section according to claim 1, wherein the support elements (32) are each locked to the conveyor chain (26). [3] Conveyor section according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support elements (32) are each formed by upright arranged flat discs, the rear sides (35) of which together form the conveying support (28). [4] Conveyor section according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support elements (32) are formed from plastic elements which can be locked to the conveyor chain (26). [5] Conveyor section according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross members (36) of the conveyor chain (26) are each formed by, in particular, metallic members or rods which support the support elements (32). [6] Conveyor section according to claim 5, wherein each of the support elements (32) connects two consecutive or adjacent metallic or non-metallic cross members (36) of the conveyor chain (26) in the transport direction (18). [7] Conveyor section according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support elements (32) each have flexible and / or elastically deformable detent receptacles (38) whose openings each correspond to the contour of the cross struts (36). [8] Conveyor section according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which at least two support elements (32) adjacent to each other transversely to a direction of rotation of the conveyor chain (26) are connected to each other by at least one connecting bridge (42). [9] Conveyor section according to claim 8, in which all support elements (32) located between the roller chains (34) arranged on the longitudinal sides of the conveyor chain (26), which connect two transverse struts (36) of the conveyor chain (26) adjacent to each other in the direction of circulation of the conveyor chain (26), are connected via connecting bridges (42) between each adjacent support elements (32). [10] Conveyor section according to claim 8 or 9, in which adjacent support element modules (46) are arranged in an offset and / or interlocking arrangement of the respective support elements (32) in the direction of circulation of the conveyor chain (26). [11] A continuously circulating, articulated conveyor chain (26) forming a conveyor support (28) movable in a circulating direction for unit loads and / or containers (12), the conveyor support (28) or conveyor and / or mat chain (26) having a support structure in the form of articulated links (30) made of metal or non-metallic material, which carries a plurality of detachably and / or lockably connected non-metallic support elements (32) which together form the conveyor support (28) carrying the containers (12) and / or unit loads, wherein the conveyor chain (26) is formed by at least two spaced-apart roller chains (34) which are connected to each other by crossbars (36), and wherein each of the support elements (32) is articulatedly locked to two adjacent crossbars (36) of the conveyor chain (26), wherein a pivoting movement of the respective support element (32) about the respective pivot axis. Crossbar (36) is given. [12] Conveyor chain (26) according to claim 11, which forms a conveying support (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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