Gripping device for shells

A gripping device for shells, the gripping device including at least one pair of jaws intended to clamp a shell, each jaw being able to pivot between an open position and a closed position about a pivot pin parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shell, the pivot pin of each jaw being secured to a frame and located between a lower end and an upper end of the jaw, the application of the upper end of each jaw on the shell causing the closing of the jaws, wherein the device includes a locking means linking the upper ends of the jaws and comprising two connecting rods and a central segment linking these connecting rods, the connecting rods being articulated relative to the jaws by a first articulation and articulated by a second articulation to the central segment, wherein an elastic return means links each first articulation at a so-called central point positioned in the middle of the central segment, the device including at least one movable stop secured to a maneuvering lever, the stop being located above the locking means and able to push the locking means downward until the locking means is below an unstable equilibrium position of the locking means.