Conveying device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a conveying device capable of conveying two or more kinds of articles without replacing parts. The conveying device includes a guide portion extending in a conveying direction of the articles; and a holding unit holding the articles between the guide portion and the holding unit and moving in the conveying direction. The holding unit includes a plurality of roller units. In each of the roller units, a plurality of rollers are arranged in the same axial direction, and the plurality of rollers include a first roller and a second roller having a larger diameter than the first roller. The holding unit is capable of moving in the axial direction. The roller abutting against the article is switched among the plurality of rollers by moving the holding unit in the axial direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-190885, filed on November 17, 2020, with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to conveying devices. Background Technology

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a conveying device for conveying articles. The conveying device has multiple wheels. Each wheel has a recess formed at its outer peripheral end for receiving articles.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4249969 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] The shape of the recess is designed to correspond to the item to be transported. When changing the item to be transported, the conveyor wheels and other components need to be replaced with conveyor wheels that correspond to the changed item.

[0010] In one aspect of this disclosure, a preferred embodiment is a conveying device capable of conveying two or more items without the need to replace any parts.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure is a conveying device configured to convey articles. The conveying device includes: a guide extending in the conveying direction of the articles; and a holding unit configured to hold the articles between the guide and the holding unit, and to move along the conveying direction.

[0013] The holding unit includes multiple roller units, in which the rollers are arranged along the same axial direction, the multiple rollers including a first roller and a second roller with a diameter larger than the first roller. The holding unit is configured to be movable along the axial direction. By moving the holding unit along the axial direction, the roller abutting the article is switched between the multiple rollers.

[0014] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a conveying device capable of conveying two or more items without requiring replacement of parts. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the structure of the conveying device 5.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the portion of the conveying device 5 located on the B side.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the portion of the conveying device 5 located on the F side.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the structure of the guide rail unit 21 and the retaining unit 23.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the structure of the guide rail unit 21 and the retaining unit 23.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the guide rail unit 21, the holding unit 23, and the guide part 25.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the container 101 is held by the lower rollers 59A and 59B and the guide section 25.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the container 101 is held by the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the guide section 25.

[0024] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the path switching guide rail 37.

[0025] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the path switching guide rail 39.

[0026] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the guide section 25.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1…labeling system; 3…container feeding device; 5…conveying device; 7…labeling device;

[0029] 9…Item sorting device; 11…Horizontal supply conveyor belt; 13…Robot;

[0030] 17… Channel for non-conforming products; 19… Support for conforming products; 21… Guide rail unit;

[0031] 23…Retaining unit; 25…Guide section; 25A…Side plate; 25B…Base plate; 27…Top rail;

[0032] 29…lower rail; 31…upper rail; 33…lower rail; 35…slot;

[0033] 37, 39… Path switching guide rails; 41… Cylinder 1; 43… Cylinder 2;

[0034] 47…Cylinder 3; 49…Cylinder 4; 451…First stop;

[0035] 452…Second stop; 453…Third stop; 454…Fourth stop;

[0036] 51…shaft; 53…sliding part; 55…roller support part; 57A, 57B…upper roller;

[0037] 59A, 59B…lower rollers; 61…cam follower; 63, 65…support plates;

[0038] 65A, 65B, 67A, 67B… rollers; 101… containers Detailed Implementation

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] <First Implementation>

[0041] 1. Structure of Labeling System 1

[0042] Reference Figure 1 Explain the structure of labeling system 1. Labeling system 1 is a system for labeling containers. A container corresponds to an object. [The text then continues with further explanation.] Figure 1 The right direction in the equation is defined as direction R. Figure 1 Let the left direction be direction L. Figure 1 Let the downward direction be direction B. Figure 1 Let the upward direction be direction F. Figure 1 Let the direction perpendicular to the paper and tending towards the front be direction U. Figure 1 Let direction D be the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper and extending into the distance. Direction U is the vertically upward direction. Direction D is the vertically downward direction.

[0043] The labeling system 1 includes a container inlet device 3, a conveying device 5, a labeling device 7, and an item sorting device 9.

[0044] The container loading device 3 includes a horizontal supply conveyor belt 11 and two robots 13. The operator places unlabeled containers on the horizontal supply conveyor belt 11. The horizontal supply conveyor belt 11 transports the containers in direction B. Ten containers are arranged in a row along directions R and L at the ends of the horizontal supply conveyor belt 11 on the direction B side. Each robot 13 loads 10 containers at a time into the loading position 15 of the conveyor device 5.

[0045] The conveyor 5 transports the container from the inlet position 15 in direction R. The labeling device 7 affixes a label to the container being transported. Then, the conveyor 5 transports the container whose labeling process has been completed (hereinafter referred to as the finished labeling container) in direction R.

[0046] The sorting device 9 sorts the delivered labeled containers into qualified and unqualified products. Qualified products are containers that have been correctly labeled. Unqualified products are containers that have not been correctly labeled. The sorting device 9 transports the unqualified products to the unqualified product channel 17. The sorting device 9 also transports the qualified products to the qualified product support platform 19.

[0047] 2. Structure of Conveying Device 5

[0048] refer to Figures 1-12 The structure of the conveying device 5 is described below. The conveying device 5 includes a guide rail unit 21, multiple holding units 23, and a guide section 25.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the direction U side, the guide rail unit 21 has an annular shape extending along the directions R and L.

[0050] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the guide rail unit 21 includes an upper rail 27, a lower rail 29, an upper chain 31, and a lower chain 33. The upper rail 27, lower rail 29, upper chain 31, and lower chain 33 extend circumferentially along the annular guide rail unit 21. The upper rail 27, lower rail 29, upper chain 31, and lower chain 33 extend horizontally.

[0051] The upper chain 31 is located on the side of guide rail unit 21 closest to direction U. The upper rail 27 is located on the side closer to direction D than the upper chain 31. The lower rail 29 is located on the side closer to direction D than the upper rail 27. The lower chain 33 is located on the side closer to direction D than the lower rail 29.

[0052] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the upper rail 27 has a concave groove 35 on its outer periphery. Figure 2 As shown, the outer periphery refers to the direction away from the center of the annular guide rail unit 21 when viewed from the U-side. The groove 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper rail 27. Similar to the upper rail 27, the lower rail 29 also has a groove 35.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, path switching rails 37 and 39 are provided on the F-side portion of the guide rail unit 21. Path switching rails 37 and 39 connect the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29. Path switching rail 37 is inclined in a manner that approaches direction D as it approaches direction L. Path switching rail 39 is inclined in a manner that approaches direction U as it approaches direction L.

[0054] like Figure 10 As shown, similar to the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29, the path switching guide 37 also has a groove 35. The groove 35 is located on the outer periphery of the path switching guide 37. The groove 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the path switching guide 37.

[0055] The first cylinder 41 is located near the intersection of the path switching guide rail 37 and the upper rail 27. The second cylinder 43 is located near the intersection of the path switching guide rail 37 and the lower rail 29.

[0056] The first cylinder 41 can move the first stop 451, which is triangular in shape. The position of the first stop 451 is either the position that blocks the slot 35 of the upper rail 27 and opens the slot 35 of the path switching guide 37, or the position that blocks the slot 35 of the path switching guide 37 and opens the slot 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0057] The second cylinder 43 can move the triangular second stop 452. The position of the second stop 452 is either the position that blocks the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching guide 37, or the position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching guide 37 and opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0058] like Figure 11 As shown, similar to the upper rail 27 and lower rail 29, the path switching guide rail 39 also has a groove 35. The groove 35 is located on the outer periphery of the path switching guide rail 39. The groove 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the path switching guide rail 39. The third cylinder 47 is located near the intersection of the path switching guide rail 39 and the lower rail 29. The fourth cylinder 49 is located near the intersection of the path switching guide rail 39 and the upper rail 27.

[0059] The third cylinder 47 can move the triangular third stop 453. The position of the third stop 453 is either the position that blocks the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching guide rail 39, or the position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching guide rail 39 and opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0060] The fourth cylinder 49 can move the fourth stop 454, which is triangular in shape. The position of the fourth stop 454 is either the position that blocks the slot 35 of the upper rail 27 and opens the slot 35 of the path switching guide 39, or the position that blocks the slot 35 of the path switching guide 39 and opens the slot 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0061] The upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 move along the driving force of a driving source (not shown) along the path. Figure 2 The guide rail unit 21 rotates in the direction X shown. In the portion of the guide rail unit 21 located on the direction B side, the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 move in the direction R. Direction R corresponds to the conveying direction. The speed of the upper chain 31 is the same as the speed of the lower chain 33.

[0062] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the holding unit 23 includes two shafts 51, a sliding part 53, a roller support part 55, upper rollers 57A and 57B, lower rollers 59A and 59B, and a cam follower part 61. Furthermore, the upper rollers 57A and 57B correspond to the first roller, and the lower rollers 59A and 59B correspond to the second roller.

[0063] Two shafts 51 are arranged at intervals along direction X. The axes of the two shafts 51 are parallel to directions U and D. The upper ends of the two shafts 51 are fixed to the upper chain 31. The lower ends of the two shafts 51 are fixed to the lower chain 33. When the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate along direction X, the two shafts 51 move along direction X.

[0064] The sliding part 53 has two through holes extending in directions parallel to U and D. A shaft 51 is inserted into each through hole. A bushing is installed inside the through hole. The bushing is sleeved on the shaft 51. The sliding part 53 can move along directions U and D by sliding relative to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 51 through the inner peripheral surface of the bushing.

[0065] The roller support 55 is fixed to the outer periphery of the sliding part 53. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the outer periphery refers to the direction away from the center of the annular guide rail unit 21 when viewed from the U-side. The roller support portion 55 has support plates 63 and 65 protruding outwards. The support plate 65 is located on the side facing downwards in the D-side, which is closer to the support plate 63.

[0066] Rollers 65A and 65B extend downwards in a direction D from the lower surface of support plate 63. Rollers 65A and 65B are arranged in direction X. Rollers 67A and 67B extend downwards in a direction D from the lower surface of support plate 65. Rollers 67A and 67B are arranged in direction X. Rollers 65A and 67A are located on the same straight line. Rollers 65B and 67B are located on the same straight line.

[0067] Upper roller 57A is rotatably mounted on roller shaft 65A. The axial direction of upper roller 57A is parallel to directions U and D. Upper roller 57B is rotatably mounted on roller shaft 65B. The axial direction of upper roller 57B is parallel to directions U and D. Upper rollers 57A and 57B are arranged at intervals along direction X. Upper rollers 57A and 57B are in the same position in directions U and D. Upper rollers 57A and 57B are cylindrical in shape. Upper rollers 57A and 57B have the same diameter. Upper rollers 57A and 57B have the same axial length.

[0068] The lower roller 59A is rotatably mounted on the roller shaft 67A. The axial direction of the lower roller 59A is parallel to directions U and D. The lower roller 59B is rotatably mounted on the roller shaft 67B. The axial direction of the lower roller 59B is parallel to directions U and D. The lower rollers 59A and 59B are arranged at intervals along direction X. The lower rollers 59A and 59B are in the same position in directions U and D. The lower rollers 59A and 59B are cylindrical in shape. The lower rollers 59A and 59B have the same diameter. The lower rollers 59A and 59B have the same axial length.

[0069] The lower roller 59A is located on the side facing downwards in direction D, more so than the upper roller 57A. The rotation axis of the lower roller 59A and the rotation axis of the upper roller 57A are on the same straight line. The upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A are arranged along the same axial direction, parallel to directions U and D. This axial direction is orthogonal to direction R. The upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A correspond to roller units. The diameter of the lower roller 59A is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57A.

[0070] The lower roller 59B is located on the side facing downwards in direction D compared to the upper roller 57B. The rotation axis of the lower roller 59B and the rotation axis of the upper roller 57B are on the same straight line. The upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B are arranged along a coaxial axis parallel to directions U and D. This axis is orthogonal to direction R. The upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B correspond to roller units. Thus, the holding unit 23 includes roller units composed of the upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A, and roller units composed of the upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B. The diameter of the lower roller 59B is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57B.

[0071] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the cam follower 61 is mounted on the inner circumferential side of the sliding part 53. Figure 2 As shown, the inner circumferential side refers to the direction tending towards the center of the annular guide rail unit 21 when viewed from the U-side. The cam follower 61 protrudes towards the inner circumferential side than the sliding part 53. The cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 or the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0072] The holding unit 23 moves along the X direction by rotating the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 along the X direction. The holding unit 23 can rotate around the ring-shaped guide rail unit 21.

[0073] The retaining unit 23 can be moved along directions U and D by sliding relative to the inner circumferential surface of the bushing in the sliding part 53 and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 51. Directions U and D are parallel to the axial directions of the upper rollers 57A and 57B and the lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0074] However, when the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27, the upper rail 27 determines the position of the holding unit 23 in the directions U and D. Similarly, when the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29, the lower rail 29 determines the position of the holding unit 23 in the directions U and D.

[0075] In the following text, the state in which the cam follower 61 is inserted into the slot 35 of the upper rail 27 is referred to as the upper displacement state. Furthermore, the state in which the cam follower 61 is inserted into the slot 35 of the lower rail 29 is referred to as the lower displacement state. In the upper displacement state, the holding unit 23 is located on the side closer to direction U than in the lower displacement state.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the guide portion 25 is an elongated strip-shaped component extending in directions parallel to both direction L and direction R. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 7 As shown, the guide portion 25 is located on the side closer to direction B than the guide rail unit 21 and the holding unit 23. Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the direction R side, the guide portion 25 has an L-shape formed by the side plate 25A and the bottom plate 25B. The side plate 25A extends in a direction parallel to directions U and D. The bottom plate 25B extends from the lower end of the side plate 25A toward direction F.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, in the upward displacement state, both lower rollers 59A and 59B are opposite to the guide portion 25. In the downward displacement state, both upper rollers 57A and 57B are opposite to the guide portion 25. That is, by moving the holding unit 23 along directions U and D, the rollers opposite to the guide portion 25 are switched between upper rollers 57A and 57B and lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0078] The rotation axes of the upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A are both parallel to directions U and D, and are located on the same straight line. The diameter of the lower roller 59A is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57A. Similarly, the rotation axes of the upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B are both parallel to directions U and D, and are located on the same straight line. The diameter of the lower roller 59B is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57B.

[0079] Therefore, the distance between the guide portion 25 in the upward displacement state and the lower rollers 59A and 59B is smaller than the distance between the guide portion 25 in the downward displacement state and the upper rollers 57A and 57B.

[0080] like Figure 12 As shown, the guide section 25 can move along directions F and B. The further the guide section 25 moves towards direction B, the farther it is from the upper rollers 57A, 57B or the lower rollers 59A, 59B. For example, the larger the diameter of the container to be conveyed, the more easily the guide section 25 can be moved towards the side in direction B.

[0081] 3. Processing performed by conveyor 5

[0082] The processing performed by the conveying device 5 will be described. The container inlet device 3 guides the container 101 to the inlet position 15 of the conveying device 5. The container 101 has, for example, a cylindrical body. The inlet position 15 is a position in the conveying device 5 located on one side in direction B and on the other side in direction L. Figure 7 As shown, at the import position 15, the holding unit 23 holds a container 101 between the holding unit 23 and the guide 25.

[0083] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in the upward displacement state, the container 101 is held by the lower rollers 59A and 59B and the guide portion 25. The lower rollers 59A and 59B abut against the sides of the container 101. The side plate 25A of the guide portion 25 abuts against the side of the container 101, and the bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of the container 101 from below. The lower rollers 59A and 59B and the side plate 25A clamp the container 101 from both sides. The lower rollers 59A and 59B and the guide portion 25, for example, hold the cylindrical body of the container 101.

[0084] like Figure 9As shown, in the downward displacement state, the container 101 is held by the upper rollers 57A and 57B and the guide portion 25. The upper rollers 57A and 57B abut against the sides of the container 101. The side plate 25A of the guide portion 25 abuts against the side of the container 101, and the bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of the container 101 from below. The upper rollers 57A and 57B and the side plate 25A clamp the container 101 from both sides. The upper rollers 57A and 57B and the guide portion 25, for example, hold the cylindrical body of the container 101.

[0085] As described above, by moving the holding unit 23 along the directions U and D, the rollers abutting the container 101 are switched between the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the lower rollers 59A, 59B.

[0086] The holding unit 23 moves in the direction R while holding the container 101. The container 101 moves in the direction R while sliding along the surface of the guide portion 25. Through the above process, the conveying device 5 conveys the container 101 in the direction R. The conveying direction of the container 101 is along a straight line.

[0087] The conveying device 5 can switch from an upper displacement state to a lower displacement state in the following manner. When in the upper displacement state, the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27. Figure 10 The position of the first stop member 451 of the first cylinder 41 is set to block the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and open the groove 35 of the path switching guide 37. Similarly, the position of the second stop member 452 of the second cylinder 43 is set to block the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and open the groove 35 of the path switching guide 37. The cam follower 61 moves from the upper rail 27 to the lower rail 29 via the path switching guide 37. As a result, the displacement state switches to the lower displacement state.

[0088] Furthermore, while maintaining the upward displacement state, Figure 10 The position of the first stop 451 of the first cylinder 41 is set to open the slot 35 of the upper rail 27 and block the slot 35 of the path switching guide 37. Similarly, the position of the second stop 452 of the second cylinder 43 is set to open the slot 35 of the lower rail 29 and block the slot 35 of the path switching guide 37. The cam follower 61 does not enter the path switching guide 37, but remains inserted in the slot 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0089] The conveying device 5 can switch from a lower displacement state to an upper displacement state in the following manner. When in the lower displacement state, the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29. Figure 11The position of the third stop 453 of the third cylinder 47 shown is set to block the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and open the groove 35 of the path switching guide 39. Similarly, the position of the fourth stop 454 of the fourth cylinder 49 is set to block the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and open the groove 35 of the path switching guide 39. The cam follower 61 moves from the lower rail 29 to the upper rail 27 via the path switching guide 39. As a result, the displacement state switches to the upper displacement state.

[0090] Furthermore, while maintaining the downward displacement state, Figure 11 The position of the third stop 453 of the third cylinder 47 is set to open the slot 35 of the lower rail 29 and block the slot 35 of the path switching guide 39. Similarly, the position of the fourth stop 454 of the fourth cylinder 49 is set to open the slot 35 of the upper rail 27 and block the slot 35 of the path switching guide 39. The cam follower 61 does not enter the path switching guide 39, but remains inserted in the slot 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0091] 4. The effect of conveyor device 5

[0092] (1A) The conveying device 5 can be in an upward displacement state and a downward displacement state. When in the upward displacement state, the distance between the guide part 25 and the lower rollers 59A and 59B is less than the distance between the guide part 25 and the upper rollers 57A and 57B when in the downward displacement state.

[0093] For example, when the container to be conveyed is large, the conveying device 5 can be positioned in a downward displacement state, thereby increasing the distance between the guide section 25 and the upper rollers 57A and 57B. Conversely, when the container to be conveyed is small, the conveying device 5 can be positioned in an upward displacement state, thereby shortening the distance between the guide section 25 and the lower rollers 59A and 59B. Therefore, the conveying device 5 can convey two or more types of containers without changing any parts.

[0094] (1B) The holding unit 23 is capable of moving along directions U and D. The conveying device 5 conveys the container in direction R. Thus, the holding unit 23 is capable of moving along a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the container. Therefore, the carrying device 5 can effectively switch from an upper displacement state to a lower displacement state, or vice versa.

[0095] (1C) The guide 25 can move toward or away from the holding unit 23. The conveying device 5 can adjust the distance between the guide 25 and the holding unit 23 in relation to the container to be conveyed by moving the guide 25.

[0096] (1D) The conveying device 5 conveys the container in a straight line. Therefore, the conveying device 5 can convey the container efficiently.

[0097] (1F) The conveying device 5 is part of the labeling system 1. Therefore, the labeling system 1 can convey two or more types of containers without changing any parts.

[0098] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0099] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0100] (1) The conveying device 5 can also be a device for conveying items other than containers.

[0101] (2) The conveying device 5 may also be part of a system other than the labeling system 1.

[0102] (3) The holding unit 23 may have a roller unit with three or more rollers arranged in the same axial direction. The three or more rollers may have different diameters, for example. The number of rollers arranged in the same axial direction may be, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.

[0103] (4) In the first embodiment, the holding unit 23 has two roller units. The holding unit 23 may have three or more roller units.

[0104] (5) The conveying device 5 can convey the container along a partially curved conveying path or a fully curved conveying path.

[0105] (6) The diameters of the upper rollers 57A and 57B can be larger than the diameters of the lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0106] (7) The functions of one constituent element in the above embodiments can be shared by multiple constituent elements, or one constituent element can perform the functions of multiple constituent elements. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of the above embodiments can be omitted. Additionally, at least a portion of the structure of the above embodiments can be added to the structure of other embodiments, or at least a portion of the structure of the above embodiments can be substituted with the structure of other embodiments, etc.

[0107] (8) In addition to the above-described conveying device, this disclosure may also be implemented in various other ways, such as a system incorporating the conveying device, a program for enabling a computer to function as part of the conveying device, a non-transferable physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory containing the program, and a method for conveying articles.

Claims

1. A conveying device configured to convey an article, characterized by, Possessing: a guide portion that extends in a conveyance direction of the article; and a holding unit configured to hold the article between the guide portion and the holding unit and to move along the conveyance direction, and the holding unit possesses a plurality of roller units, in each of which a plurality of rollers are arranged in the same axial direction, the plurality of rollers including a first roller and a second roller that is larger in diameter than the first roller, the holding unit is configured to be able to move along the axial direction, the conveyance device is configured to switch the roller that abuts the article between the plurality of rollers by the holding unit moving along the axial direction.

2. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the axial direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction.

3. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is configured to be able to move in a direction closer to the holding unit or in a direction farther from the holding unit.

4. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein in at least a portion of a conveyance path of the article, the conveyance direction is in a straight-line direction.

5. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the article is a container, the conveyance device is part of a labeling system that labels the container.

6. The conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first guide rail and a second guide rail are further possessed, the holding unit is caused to move along the axial direction by switching the position of the holding unit in the axial direction between a state defined by the first guide rail and a state defined by the second guide rail.

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