Abstract: A chain conveyor for conveying containers and composed of a chain extending over a closed conveyor path having straight and curved portions, the chain being composed of links and roller pins connecting the links together and extending transverse of the conveyor path, a chain protection box enclosing the chain and provided with rails for supporting the roller pins, the box and the rails presenting a lateral slit recess extending along the conveyor path alongside the chain and providing an enclosure for the chain which is sealed against dust except for the opening presented by the slit, connecting elements each forming part of a respective roller pin and extending out of the box through the recess for supporting holders for the containers, and a closed shielding belt formed of a succession of laminae each pivotally mounted on at least one respective roller pin and dimensioned and positioned such that the belt covers the slit recess over both the straight and curved portions of the conveyor path, each lamina cov