Machine for processing and/or packaging objects and method for modifying a conveying section of this machine

A method for modifying a conveying section of a machine for processing and/or packaging objects, the method comprising:

• conveying articles, packages and/or packaging units horizontally on the conveying section via a first horizontal conveying device with at least one first conveyor in a first operating mode, the at least one first conveyor including circulating conveyor chains adapted for conveying the articles, packages or packaging units in groups on support pads, with flap folding fingers capable of emerging from below a level of conveyance;
• and
• establishing at least one second operating mode by replacing the first horizontal conveying device with a second horizontal conveying device including at least one second conveyor different from the first conveyor, the second conveyor having a flat conveyor support surface capable of transporting the articles, packages or packaging units without the support pads in the groups, the second horizontal conveying device taking a second horizontal conveying device position in the second operating mode that replaces a first horizontal conveying device position of the first horizontal conveying device during the first operating mode;
• the second horizontal conveying device being set aside in a rest position above a conveying level in the first operating mode,
• the circulating conveyor chains of the at least one first conveyor being displaced to at least one of the right and left longitudinal sides of the conveying section in the second operating mode, the at least one second conveyor being installed beside or between the circulating conveyor chains of the at least one first conveyor in the second operating mode.

A machine for processing and/or packaging objects, comprising:

• a horizontal conveying section for conveying articles, packages and/or packaging units, the conveying section including a first horizontal conveying device with at least one first conveyor for a first operating mode, the first horizontal conveying device replaceable by a second horizontal conveying device with at least one second conveyor different from the first conveyor in order to establish at least one second operating mode,
• wherein the first conveyor is removable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction from the range of the conveying section for the articles, packages, and/or packaging units and then replaceable by the second horizontal conveying device, the second horizontal conveying device being multi-part with each part comprising at least one endlessly circulating support surface taking the position of the conveyance route and forming part of the conveying section in the second operating mode;
• the second horizontal conveying device taking a second horizontal conveying device position in the second operating mode that replaces a first horizontal conveying device position of the first horizontal conveying device during the first operating mode;
• wherein the second horizontal conveying device is set in a rest position above a conveying level during the first operating mode;
• and
• wherein each of the first and second conveying devices and/or first and second conveyors is provided with an individual drive.