Device for transporting containers with spacing adaptation

A device for transporting and handling containers, comprising:

• one or more handling devices configured to handle the containers;
• and
• a transport device configured to transport the containers along a transport path, comprising:
• a base chain comprising a plurality of chain links that are lined up in a row along the transport path and are connected to one another in a correspondingly pivotable manner via chain joints, wherein the plurality of chain links are at least partly displaceable relative to one another in a direction of the transport path so that a distance between adjacent chain joints is variable;
• a plurality of container carriers that provided on at least some of the plurality of chain links and configured to receive a respective container and to carry the respective container along the transport path;
• a chain track that is configured to guide the base chain along the transport path;
• and
• a toggle lever mechanism that is attached to the base chain and configured to displace the plurality of chain links relative to one another in cooperation with the chain track.