The invention proceeds from a transporting apparatus for a packaging machine, for transferring pack groups, in particular groups of cardboard boxes and/or cardboard blanks, along a transporting route from at least a first pack-group arrangement in a first transporting-route portion into at least one further pack-group arrangement in at least one further transporting-route portion, wherein the first pack-group arrangement and the at least one further pack-group arrangement are spaced apart internally in each case by different distances, having at least two transporting units, which can be driven independently in a movement plane along the transporting route, at least between the first transporting-route portion and the further transporting-route portion, in a transporting direction and in a return direction, which is counter to the transporting direction, wherein the transporting units each have at least one driving element, by means of which, in at least one operating state, the respective transporting unit is coupled to a pack of the pack group which is to be transferred, at least during transfer from the first transporting-route portion into the at least one further transporting-route portion. It is proposed to mount the driving elements on the transporting units in each case such that, in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, they can be coupled to the pack which is to be coupled to the respective transporting unit, and uncoupled therefrom, in one movement, in each case independently of the at least one driving element of the at least one further transporting unit.

The invention proceeds from a transporting apparatus for a packaging machine, for transferring pack groups, in particular groups of cardboard boxes and/or cardboard blanks, along a transporting route from at least a first pack-group arrangement in a first transporting-route portion into at least one further pack-group arrangement in at least one further transporting-route portion, wherein the first pack-group arrangement and the at least one further pack-group arrangement are spaced apart internally in each case by different distances, having at least two transporting units, which can be driven independently in a movement plane along the transporting route, at least between the first transporting-route portion and the further transporting-route portion, in a transporting direction and in a return direction, which is counter to the transporting direction, wherein the transporting units each have at least one driving element, by means of which, in at least one operating state, the respective transporting unit is coupled to a pack of the pack group which is to be transferred, at least during transfer from the first transporting-route portion into the at least one further transporting-route portion. It is proposed to mount the driving elements on the transporting units in each case such that, in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, they can be coupled to the pack which is to be coupled to the respective transporting unit, and uncoupled therefrom, in one movement, in each case independently of the at least one driving element of the at least one further transporting unit.

A conveyor chain includes first link, a second link, a connecting link, a first flight, and a second flight. The first link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion has apertures and a first drive pin disposed between the apertures. The first drive pin is configured to be driven by a first sprocket. The second side portion has apertures and a second drive pin disposed between the apertures and extending in a direction opposite the first drive pin. The second drive pin is configured to be driven by a second sprocket. The second link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first flight is cast integrally with an end of the first drive pin of the first link, and the second flight is cast integrally with an end of the second drive pin of the first link.

A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.

A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.

In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.

A linkage for moving material from a first end of a conveyor toward a second end of the conveyor includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes a first side edge and a first indicator. The second link includes a second side edge and a second indicator. The second link is coupled to the first link such that the first side edge of the first link overlaps with the second side edge of the second link. Elongation of the first link in the direction of movement causes the first indicator to move relative to the second indicator, and a position of the first indicator relative to the second indicator provides an indication of a wear condition of the first link. In some aspects, a first surface and/or a second surface of one of the links includes a wear indicator representing a surface wear condition.

A drive mechanism for a chain conveyor includes an elongated shaft that extends along an axis and is configured to be driven to rotate by a motor. A sprocket is integrally formed with the shaft. The sprocket includes a plurality of lobes that extend around a perimeter of the shaft. Each lobe is spaced apart from an adjacent lobe by a recessed portion. Each of the recessed portions is configured to receive a drive pin of the chain conveyor.

A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface using a linear transport system. The linear transport system allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on a parameter, such as the length of a conveyed object. The flights are pivotally mounted to a mover of the linear transport system and can pivot relative to the conveying surface to allow the flights to fit in a space between an end of carryway and a receptacle.

A conveyor installation for the transportation of articles along a predefined path includes a running rail, at least one running carriage which is freely movable along the running rail, and a driven engagement device which extends at least in sections along the running rail and which includes a multiplicity of engagement elements movable along the running rail. Reliable and quiet operation is achieved in that the engagement elements are movable back and forth between two stable positions, wherein, in the first stable position, the engagement elements can be moved relative to the at least one running carriage past the running carriage without entering into engagement with the running carriage (non-engagement position), and wherein, in the second stable position, the engagement elements, during a movement relative to the at least one running carriage past the running carriage, compulsorily enter into engagement with the at least one running carriage (engagement position).