GRIPPING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To grip an object, even though the object is situated in an attitude and a position conventionally presenting difficulties in gripping, when the object is gripped by an expansion body. SOLUTION: A gripping device for gripping the object having an opening 1a includes the expandable expansion body 3 inserted from the opening 1a into an interspace 1b of the object 1. The expansion body 3 expands within the interspace 1b and thereby exerts a contact pressure on the inner surface of the object 1, and grips the object 1 by the contact pressure. An insertion guide portion 5 is attached to the expansion body 3. The insertion guide portion 5 is projected from the expansion body 3 so as to guide the insertion of the expansion body 3 into the opening 1a. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT