Clamping apparatus

A clamping apparatus which positions and fixes a second block (2) to a first block (1), the clamping apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of positioning means (4, 5) and at least one clamping means (6) spaced apart from each other, the at least one clamping means (6) pulling the second block (2) to the first block (1);
• each of the positioning means (4, 5) including a positioning hole (23) provided by an opening in the second block (2) and having an inner portion, a plug portion (27) projecting from the first block (1) so as to be inserted into the positioning hole (23), and an intermediate member (30) interposed between the plug portion (27) and the positioning hole (23) and able to diametrically expand and contract;
• the intermediate member (30) having a tapered surface (33), and supported by one of the plug portion (27) and the positioning hole (23), the intermediate member being axially movable within a predetermined range and able to make a tapering engagement with the other of the plug portion and the positioning hole, the tapered surface (33) being formed so as to narrow toward the inner portion of the positioning hole (23);
• and
• a resilient member (31) urging the intermediate member (30) in a direction which tightens the tapering engagement.