EXCHANGE OF TOOL OF MACHINE TOOL

The tool changer comprises a plurality of gripper hands (29) adapted to be moved laterally to the flange (31) of a tool (13). The gripper hand is provided with a locking means (39) which is unlocked by a connecting link guide (49) when the gripper hand is at the tool holding fixture (12). Said locking means (39) supports locking elements (48) protecting the flange (31) at the gripper hand from being extracted. Due to a wrench (51), the shaft (30) of the tool (13) is released and locked inside the tool holding fixture (12). By a driving means, the holder carrying the gripper hands (29) is movable relative to a block displaceable transversly to the axis of the tool holding fixture (12) so that it may be moved in parallel to the axis of the tool holding fixture (12) while the wrench (51) is in engagement with the locking screw (35). Therefore, it is possible to perform a complete tool interchange without the need of disengaging wrench (51) and locking screw (35). As a result, the tool changing operation is speeded up along with a simpler control thereof.