Article holding apparatus

摘要

An article holding apparatus includes a pair of sliding plates selectively movable toward or away from each other while being maintained parallel to each other. A distance between the sliding plates is adjustable. Suction pads are provided on inner surfaces of the sliding plates respectively. The suction pads may include first suction pads for holding a large article and second suction pads for holding a small article. Sensor elements may be mounted on the plates to sense whether a large or a small article is present to be handled thereby.