Device for effecting automatic exchange of measuring tools in a measuring robot or machine

For use in conjunction with a measuring machine including a movable measuring arm;

• and in conjuction with a plurality of measuring tools supportable one at a time by said arm, each tool possessing a tool axis;
• the combination comprising:
• a plurality of tool carriers each receiving an individual one of said measuring tools thereon, each carrier including a tang defining a tang axis, said tang axis being substantially coincident with the tool axis of the individual tool received on each tool carrier, and each carrier including three bearings disposed about said tang in a plane perpendicular to said tang axis;
• a rack having a plurality of seats, each seat adapted to support thereon an individual one of said measuring tools;
• a plurality of bearing surfaces on said arm adapted for abutment by and alignment of said bearings on said tool carriers;
• connecting means on said arm for releasably gripping the tang of any individual one of said tool carriers;
• and
• displacement means on said arm for moving said tool carrier in the direction of said tool axis from a first position whereat said bearings are spaced from said bearing surfaces, and to a second position whereat said bearings abut against and are aligned by said bearing surfaces, whereby said tool is positioned precisely with respect to said arm.