Tool support and locking device in sheet metal bending brakes

A tool support and locking device for a sheet metal bending brake, comprising an intermediate member (10), elongate in a horizontal direction and fixed to an upper toolplate of the brake, and at least one jaw (20) connected to the intermediate member (10) and rotatable about a horizontal axis (R) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the intermediate member (10), lower portions (20′) of the jaw (20) and of the intermediate member (10) being arranged to clamp and alternately release a tool shank (8) following rotation of the jaw (20) in one direction or another, pressing members (30) carried by the intermediate member (10) and connected thereto in such a manner as to be able to slide in a transverse direction, to thrustingly act on an upper portion (20″) of the jaw to cause it to rotate, and a thrust member (40) having a longitudinal axis (B) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intermediate member (10), wherein said thrust member (40) is connected to the intermediate member (10) in such a manner as to be able to slide in an axial direction without rotating about the longitudinal axis (B) thereof, and acts on the pressing members (30) in such a manner to move the pressing members in a transverse direction as a result of axial movement thereof, and can also be moved axially when actuated to produce consequent rotation of the jaw.