Cam bolts and tool coupling systems employing the same

A tool coupling system defining a central longitudinal axis and comprising:

• a drawbar disposed substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
• at least one spring-like element;
• at least one follower configured to engage the spring-like element;
• and
• a cam bolt rotatable about a transverse axis substantially normal to the central longitudinal axis, the cam bolt having at least one first cam surface having a first cam profile and at least one second cam surface having a second cam profile differing from the first cam profile,
• wherein rotating the cam bolt moves the drawbar between the locked position and the unlocked position;
• and
• wherein the first cam profile and the second cam profile are non-circular.

A method of locking and unlocking a spindle connector assembly comprising:

• providing a spindle connector assembly having a drawbar movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a follower, a spring-like element engaging the follower and the drawbar, and a cam bolt rotatable about an axis, the cam bolt having an engagement member, at least one first cam surface having a convex portion, and at least one second cam surface having a convex portion differing from the convex portion of the first cam surface,;
• engaging a torque implement with the engagement member of the cam bolt;
• rotating the torque implement in a first direction greater than 180° to engage the convex portion of the first cam surface with the follower to move the drawbar into the locked position;
• and
• rotating the torque implement in a second direction opposite the first direction greater than 180° to disengage the convex portion of the first cam surface and to engage the convex portion of the second cam surface with the drawbar to move the drawbar into the unlocked position.