Roller of variable outer diameter type and carrying apparatus and method using the same

摘要

A roller of variable outer diameter type has a holding member having a plurality of through holes radially along a side surface and provided with a hollow portion communicating with these through holes; a sealing member having diaphragms arranged so as to correspond to the respective through holes; and sliders respectively fitted slidably in the through holes and forming an outer peripheral surface of the roller, the sealing member causing the sliders to urge and displace the sliders via the diaphragms by a fluid supplied thereinto in such a direction that the outer diameter of the roller is enlarged. This roller of variable outer diameter type is mounted on a rotary shaft portion in an apparatus for transferring articles such as a transporting conveyer or the like.