Quick clamping device for at least one tool of a machine tool

A quick clamping device for securing a machine tool to a tool holder, comprising:

• (a) a tool holder (4) having a clamping surface (4a);
• (b) a clamping plate (5) connected with said tool holder for pivotal movement about an axis parallel with, opposite, and spaced from said clamping surface, said clamping plate being pivotable between a released tool-receiving position generally parallel with and spaced from said clamping surface, and an inclined clamping position in which first (5a) and second (5b) portions of said clamping member are adjacent and spaced from said clamping surface, respectively;
• (c) quick release means (9, 10) for pivoting said clamping plate between said released and clamping positions, respectively, whereby when said clamping plate is in said released position and a machine tool is inserted between said clamping plate and said clamping surface, said quick release means is operable to pivot said clamping member toward said clamping position, thereby to clamp the tool to said clamping surface;
• and
• (d) safety holding means (13, 17) for retaining the machine tool in a space between said clamping member and said clamping surface when said clamping member is pivoted by said quick release means toward said released position, said safety holding means including:
• (1) a retaining member (13) mounted for movement in a corresponding recess (12) contained in the face of said clamping plate first portion for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to said clamping plate;
• (2) resilient means (18) normally biasing said retaining member toward said extended position, thereby to cause the retaining member to extend with a corresponding groove (20) contained within the machine tool;
• and
• (3) safety release lever means (22) for displacing said retaining member toward said retracted position, thereby to release said machine tool for removal from said space.