Abstract: An article gripping device includes a device body, a first ring fixed to the device body, a plurality of gripping members, a second ring, a driving mechanism and a plurality of linking mechanisms. The plurality of gripping members are arranged in a circumferential direction on an inner periphery side of the first ring with the gripping members capable of moving in a radial direction of the first ring. Corresponding end portions of each of the adjacent gripping members of the gripping members engage with each other. The second ring is capable of turning in the circumferential direction with respect to the first ring. The driving mechanism turns the second ring in the circumferential direction and is mounted to the first ring. The plurality of linking mechanisms move the gripping members in a radial direction of the first ring in association with the turning of the second ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article gripping device capable of gripping an article to be gripped always in a state of a nearly complete round. Both end portions in the circumferential direction of a gripping member are constructed so that the end portions of the adjacent gripping members engage with each other. Therefore, the outer periphery of a tire to be gripped can be gripped without a gap, and hence the quality of completed tire can be improved. Also, there are provided a second ring capable of turning in the circumferential direction with respect to the first ring, a driving mechanism for turning the second ring in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of link mechanisms for moving the gripping members in the radial direction of a first ring in association with the turning of the second ring.