Tool connecting mechanism

A tool connecting mechanism for machine tools, comprising:

• a first connecting member adapted to support a tool;
• a second connecting member for supporting said first member, each of said first and second members having three support elements arranged at three locations spaced apart on an axis, the support elements of one of said members extending radially outwardly and defining axially open spaces therebetween, and the support elements of the other member extending radially inwardly and defining axially open spaces therebetween;
• urging means for axially urging said first connecting member in one sense of the direction of said axis into engagement with said second connecting member at said first and second support elements, one of said first and second support elements having axial projections, the other one of said first and second support elements defining axial recesses engageable by said projections under the force of said urging means, said projections and recesses being constituted in a kinematic support means and cooperating to positively locate said first connecting member on said second connecting member against displacement relative thereto transversely to and rotationally about said axis;
• and
• means provided on said second connecting member defining space into which said first connecting member is movable in the other sense of said direction thereby to disengage said projections from said recesses and in which said first connecting member is rotatable into axial alignment between said support elements of said one connecting member and the spaces between said support elements of said other connecting member and thereby to free the first connecting member for axial withdrawal from the second connecting member in said one sense of direction.