Tool changer for machine tools

A tool changer for replacing a machining tool held by a working unit with another machining tool to be held by the working unit, the tool changer comprising:

• a housing;
• a supporting column rotationally coupled to said housing, a portion of said supporting column being configured for linear movement so as to be selectively raised and lowered, said supporting column being rotatable relative to said housing about a first axis;
• at least one tool gripper mounted on said supporting column for linear movement with the portion of said supporting column and for rotational movement with the supporting column;
• a Maltese wheel rotatably mounted to said housing on a first shaft having a longitudinal rotation axis parallel to said first axis;
• cam gear apparatus coupled to said supporting column for raising, lowering, and rotating said at least one tool gripper, said cam gear apparatus comprising:
• a drive motor;
• a cam barrel having a longitudinal rotation axis parallel to said first axis;
• and
• an intermediate gear arrangement coupled between said Maltese wheel and said supporting column;
• a first tappet on said cam barrel, said first tappet being configured to engage and rotationally drive said Maltese wheel;
• a cam curve on said cam barrel;
• a second tappet mounted to said supporting column and engaging said cam curve for raising and lowering said portion of said supporting column and said at least one tool gripper, said second tappet being at least one end of a member that is configured to be linearly guided along the first axis along a guide rod whose longitudinal axis is coaxial with the first axis.