Table saw blade guard

Abstract

A blade guard assembly is for a table saw equipped with a riving knife. The blade guard assembly comprises a main body, at least one guard bracket, a fixed locking pin, a movable locking pin, a handle, and a linkage. The main body defines a longitudinal axis, and the at least one guard bracket is rotatably connected to the main body. The fixed locking pin is connected to the main body. The movable locking pin is movable relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis. The handle is connected to the main body at a pivot point. The handle can be moved into a locked position and a released position by rotating it about the pivot point. The linkage is connected to the movable locking pin and the handle. The linkage is connected to the handle at a connection point spaced from the pivot point.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of table saws and in particular to a fastening system for connecting a blade guard to a table saw. background

[0002] Numerous power tools have been developed to facilitate shaping a workpiece into a desired form. One such power tool for shaping a workpiece is the table saw. Craftsmen typically use table saws for crosscutting and rip-cutting workpieces such as hardwood, wood products, lumber, and other materials. Table saws are available as portable or workstation units and as non-portable or stationary table saws.

[0003] Most table saws feature a workpiece support surface and a cutting blade that extends through an opening in the support surface. The support surface is generally a flat surface on which a user positions the workpiece for cutting. The cutting blade, typically a circular saw blade, is configured to rotate by an electric motor located beneath the support surface. An upper portion of the blade extends above the support surface through the opening and is configured to make contact with the workpiece. A riving knife is positioned behind the saw blade and moves through a notch in the workpiece to prevent it from binding during the cutting process.

[0004] Table saws typically feature blade guards connected to the riving knife to provide user safety. Blade guards can be permanently attached to the riving knife or removable. Attaching and removing a removable blade guard is typically a cumbersome process requiring separate tools and careful alignment of the connecting elements. Furthermore, if a removable blade guard has a locking mechanism on the back of the guard, this mechanism prevents dust from being directed to the back of the guard or to a corresponding dust port. Systems with permanently attached blade guards typically also have a separate riving knife that does not have a corresponding blade guard.These systems require removing the blade guard and riving knife to change the table saw's configuration. Permanently attached blade guards are therefore even more cumbersome to use.

[0005] Based on the above, improvements are desired that make it more convenient to remove or attach table saw blade guards to the riving knife, and that optimize the structure of the blade guard for use with a dust collection system. Summary

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a blade guard assembly for a table saw, which includes a riving knife, is provided. The blade guard assembly comprises a main body, at least one guard bracket, a fixed locking pin, a movable locking pin, a handle, and a linkage. The main body defines a longitudinal axis, and the at least one guard bracket is rotatably connected to the main body. The fixed locking pin is connected to the main body. The movable locking pin is movable relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis. The handle is connected to the main body at a pivot point. The handle can be moved into a locked position and a released position by rotating it about the pivot point. The linkage is connected to the movable locking pin and the handle.The linkage is connected to the handle at a joint located a distance from the pivot point, so that rotating the handle around the pivot point causes a cam movement of the linkage. This cam movement causes the movable locking pin to move along its longitudinal axis. When the handle is in the release position, the movable locking pin is at a first distance from the fixed locking pin, and the blade guard assembly can be removed from the splitting wedge. When the handle is in the locked position, the movable locking pin is at a second distance from the fixed locking pin, and the blade guard assembly is connected to the splitting wedge. This second distance is greater than the first.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a table saw comprises a table, a riving knife, and a blade guard assembly. The table defines a workpiece support surface, and the riving knife extends from the workpiece support surface. The blade guard assembly is removably connected to the riving knife and is configured to protect a saw blade of the table saw. The blade guard assembly comprises a main body, at least one guard bracket, a fixed locking pin, a movable locking pin, a handle, and a linkage. The main body defines a longitudinal axis, and the at least one guard bracket is rotatably connected to the main body. The fixed locking pin is connected to the main body and extends transversely through the riving knife. The movable locking pin extends transversely through the riving knife. The movable locking pin is movable relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis.The handle is connected to the main body at a pivot point. The handle can be moved into a locked position and a release position by rotating it around the pivot point. The linkage is connected to the movable locking pin and the handle. The linkage is connected to the handle at a connection point spaced from the pivot point, so that rotating the handle around the pivot point causes a cam movement of the linkage. This cam movement causes the movable locking pin to move along its longitudinal axis. When the handle is in the release position, the movable locking pin is at a first distance from the fixed locking pin, and the blade guard assembly can be removed from the splitting wedge.When the handle is in the locked position, the movable locking pin is at a second distance from the fixed locking pin, and the blade guard assembly is connected to the riving knife. This second distance is greater than the first. Brief description of the characters

[0008] The features and advantages described above, as well as others, should be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 shows a table saw system comprising a portable table saw which is operatively connected to a dust collection system, wherein the table saw has a blade guard arrangement; Fig. 2 the leaf protection arrangement from Fig. 1 shows the one connected to the table saw; Fig. 3 the leaf protection arrangement Fig. 1 shows the one connected to the table saw; Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of a section of the leaf guard arrangement along line IV-IV from Fig. 2 is; Fig. 5 a handle and a linkage of the leaf guard assembly Fig. 1 and a riving knife for the table saw Fig. 1 shows; Fig. 6 a section of the table saw with the riving knife Fig. 1 connected leaf protection arrangement made of Fig. Figure 1 shows the handle in the locked position; Fig. 7 a section of the table saw with the riving knife Fig. 1 connected leaf protection arrangement made of Fig. Figure 1 shows the handle in the locked position; Fig. 8 a section of the table saw with the riving knife Fig. 1 connected leaf protection arrangement made of Fig. Figure 1 shows the handle in the unlocked position; and Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of the leaf protection arrangement along line IV-IV from Fig. 2 is. Detailed description

[0009] To further an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written description. It is understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. It is further understood that this disclosure includes any changes and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and further applications of the principles of the disclosure, such as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in the field to which this disclosure relates.

[0010] Aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the accompanying description. Alternative embodiments of the disclosure and their equivalents may be developed without departing from the essence or scope of the disclosure. It should be noted that any discussion herein relating to “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” and the like indicates that the described embodiment may have a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and that such a particular feature, structure, or characteristic need not necessarily be included in every embodiment. Furthermore, references to the foregoing do not necessarily imply references to the same embodiment.Finally, it would be readily understood by a person skilled in the art, regardless of whether this is explicitly described, that each of the respective features, structures or characteristics of the given embodiments may be used in conjunction or combination with those of any other embodiment discussed herein.

[0011] For the purposes of revelation, the expression “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of revelation, the expression “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0012] The terms “comprise”, “exhibit”, “have” and the like, as used in relation to embodiments of the disclosure, are synonymous.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a table saw system 100 includes a dust collection system 104, which is operatively connected to a table saw 108. The table saw 108 has a riving knife 112 to which a blade guard 116 is removably connected. The dust collection system 104 is connected to the blade guard 116 to collect sawdust generated by a saw blade 120 of the table saw 108. The blade guard 116 is easy and convenient to connect to and disconnect from the riving knife 112. When connected to the riving knife 112, the blade guard 116 is positioned to prevent unintentional contact with the saw blade 120. When the blade guard assembly 116 is separated from the riving knife 112, the table saw 108 is configured for convenient transport or for changing the saw blade 120.Furthermore, the blade guard assembly 116 has features to optimize airflow through the blade guard assembly 116, so that the sawdust is efficiently captured and collected by the dust collection system 104. Each element of the table saw system 100 is described herein.

[0014] The dust collection system 104 from Fig. The device 1 comprises a vacuum 124, a storage unit 128, and a suction hose 132. The suction hose 132 is a flexible hose connected to the storage unit 128 and the blade guard assembly 116 of the table saw 108. The vacuum 124 is configured to generate a vacuum and a corresponding airflow 136 through the suction hose 132. The airflow 136 draws sawdust and other cutting residues through the suction hose 132. The sawdust and other cutting residues are deposited in the storage unit 128, which is configured as a container.

[0015] In another embodiment, the dust collection system 104 is provided as a fabric bag that is mounted on the leaf guard assembly and does not have the vacuum 124 or the suction hose 132.

[0016] With further reference to Fig. The table saw 108 comprises a housing 140, a table 144, a motor 148, a saw blade 120, and a riving knife 112. The housing 140 of the table saw 108 is designed for placement on the floor or a suitable frame. The housing 140 is made of plastic or metal and can be made of any other similar material. The housing 140 is lightweight to allow the table saw 108 to be easily carried by most people.

[0017] The motor 148 is located inside the housing 140 and is configured to rotate the saw blade 120 for cutting workpieces. The motor 148 is typically powered by a mains power supply, but in some embodiments, the motor 148 is powered by a removable and rechargeable battery pack (not shown).

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the table 144 is connected to the housing 140 and defines a flat workpiece support surface 152. Workpieces to be cut by the table saw 108 are positioned on the workpiece support surface 152 and moved relative to the saw blade 120.

[0019] The saw blade 120 and the riving knife 112 extend upwards through an opening 156 in the table 144. The distance to which the saw blade 120 and the riving knife 112 are positioned above the workpiece support surface 152 is adjustable to allow workpieces of different thicknesses to be cut. The saw blade 120 and the riving knife 112 are also adjustable to change the cutting angle of the saw blade 120 for making bevel cuts. The saw blade 120, the riving knife 112, and the blade guard assembly 116 move together as a single unit during adjustments to the blade height and blade angle.

[0020] The 120 saw blade is removable and replaceable by the user. The 120 saw blade is a circular saw blade. The user selects the type of 120 saw blade based on the material of the workpiece to be cut.

[0021] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the riving knife 112 defines a curved surface that corresponds to the curvature of the saw blade 120. The curved surface of the riving knife 112 is typically positioned less than two centimeters from the saw blade 120. The riving knife 112 defines a longitudinal axis 160 that extends in a cutting direction of the table saw 108. The riving knife 112 extends from the workpiece support surface 152. In particular, the riving knife 112 extends through the opening 156 ( Fig. 1) and is positioned above the workpiece support surface 152. In one embodiment, the riving knife 112 cannot be removed from the table saw 108.

[0022] Referring to the cross-sectional view from Fig. Section 4 defines a fixing groove 164 for connection to the blade guard assembly 116. The fixing groove 164 defines a first curved end 168 and an opposing second curved end 172. The curved ends 168, 172 are located at the end faces of the groove 164. A groove opening 176 is defined between the curved ends 168, 172. Each curved end 168, 172 has a corresponding pin 180, 184.

[0023] With renewed reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the leaf protection arrangement 116 has a main body 188, at least one protective bar 192, a fixed locking pin 196 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), a movable locking pin 200 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), a handle 204, a rod 208 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) and a front fork 212. The main body 188 is formed in one embodiment from injection-molded thermoplastic, but in other embodiments it is formed from other sufficiently strong and rigid materials, including composite materials and metals such as aluminum. The main body 188 is a box- or container-like structure having outer walls and defining an interior 216 ( Fig. 4) The main body 188 is hollow. As shown in the cross-sectional view from Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the main body 188 is open on one underside (i.e., a side facing the workpiece support surface 152) to allow at least partial entry of the riving knife 112 and the saw blade 120 (in Fig. (4 not shown) to enable. The main body 188 is closed on the left side, the right side and the top. The main body 188 further defines and / or also defines the longitudinal axis 160.

[0024] The main body 188, and here its rear side, defines a dust outlet 220. The dust outlet 220 is an opening in the main body 188 through which the sawdust generated by the saw blade 120 exits the main body 118. The interior 216 is operatively connected to the dust outlet 220. In one embodiment, a dust-carrying airflow 224 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 9) from the interior 216 and through the dust outlet 220.

[0025] In some embodiments, a dust port 228 ( Fig. 4) is connected to the main body 188 and is received by the dust outlet 220. The dust port 228 is configured for connection to the dust collection system 104. In particular, the dust port 228 is configured to connect to the suction hose 132 ( Fig. 1) and / or to be connected to a suitable coupler or suction hose connection. The airflow 224 passes through the dust port 228. The dust port 228 can accommodate dust hose connections according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the blade guard assembly 116 has two guard brackets 192 that are rotatably connected to the main body 188. The guard brackets 192 extend from the main body 188 to the table 144 and come into contact with the workpiece support surface 152. The guard brackets 192 have a curved front surface which causes them to lift away from the workpiece support surface 152 when they come into contact with the workpiece to be cut. The guard brackets 192 are independently movable about the pivot point 236 and are configured to protect the saw blade 120 from unintentional contact. A stop screw 242 is received through an opening in the guard brackets 192 and limits their rotation.

[0027] With further reference to Fig. 2 The front fork 212 is operatively connected to the main body 188. The front fork 212 extends from the main body 188 along the longitudinal axis 160. The front fork 212 is divided so that the operator can see the saw blade 120 when viewing it from above the table saw 108.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The locking pins 196, 200 are movable relative to each other in order to removably connect and / or attach the blade guard assembly 116 to the mounting groove 164 of the splitting wedge 112. In one embodiment, the locking pins 196, 200 are cylindrical metal rods. In other embodiments, the locking pins 196, 200 are made of other rigid materials, including plastics and composite materials. The movable locking pin 200 is in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is shown in a locked position and can be moved along the longitudinal axis 160 into an unlocked position that is closer to the fixed locking pin 196.

[0029] The movable locking pin 200 is located at least partially within the interior 216 of the main body 188. The movable locking pin 200 is inserted into a first elongated receiving slot 232 ( Fig. 4) and a second elongated receiving slot 236 ( Fig. 6) of the main body 188. The receiving slots 232, 236 are elongated along the longitudinal axis 160. The first receiving slot 232 is located on a left side plate of the main body 188 and the second receiving slot 236 is located on a right side plate of the main body 188. The receiving slots 232, 236 are aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 160. The movable locking pin 200 is movable within the receiving slots 232, 236 relative to the main body 188 along the longitudinal axis 160. That is, the movable locking pin 200 is movable along a substantially horizontal path of movement towards the front and rear of the main body 188. A substantially horizontal path of movement lies within five degrees horizontal.When the leaf guard assembly 116 is connected to the splitting wedge 112, the movable locking pin 200 extends transversely through the splitting wedge 112 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 160.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the fixed locking pin 196 is connected to the main body 188. The fixed locking pin 196 extends from the left to the right side of the main body 188 and is located at least partially within the interior 216. The fixed locking pin 196 is fixed in its position relative to the main body 188 and the movable locking pin 200 and is not movable relative to the main body 188 and the movable locking pin 200. In one embodiment, a longitudinal axis 240 ( Fig. 5) of the fixed locking pin 196 for each position of the movable locking pin 200 substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 244 ( Fig. 5) of the movable locking pin 200. Furthermore, the longitudinal axes 240, 244 of the locking pins 196, 200 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 160 of the riving knife. The longitudinal axis 160 of the riving knife is also referred to as a cutting axis of the saw blade 120. When the blade guard assembly 116 is connected to the riving knife 112, the fixed locking pin 196 extends transversely through the riving knife 112 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 160. As used herein, “substantially parallel” means within five degrees parallel and “substantially perpendicular” means within five degrees perpendicular.

[0031] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the handle 204 is connected to a front face of the main body 188 at a pivot point 248. In particular, a handle pin 252 extends ( Fig. 5) through the handle 204 and the main body 188 to connect the handle 204 to the main body 188. The handle 204 is in a Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown locked positions and one in Fig. The release position shown in Figure 8 is movable. The handle 204 pivots about the pivot point 248 as it moves into the locked and release positions. The handle 204 has a grip section 256 that can be grasped by a user to move the handle 204.

[0032] The Fig. Figures 5-7 also show that the handle 204 defines a connection point 260 to which the linkage 208 is connected. The connection point 260 is spaced apart from the pivot point 248. The handle 204 therefore causes a cam movement of the connection point 260 when it is rotated about the pivot point 248. In some embodiments, the handle 204 is described as a locking lever having a locking lever cam. A cam pin 264 ( Fig. 5) extends through the handle 204 to connect with the rod 208.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cam pin 264 extends through the main body 188 in a curved cam slot 268 ( Fig. 4) From the reference point of Fig. 4. The cam slot 268 extends approximately from the six o'clock position to the nine o'clock position through the main body and around the pivot point 248. In other embodiments, the cam slot 268 extends to a greater or lesser extent around the pivot point 248. The cam slot 268 is formed on a left and a right side of the main body 188 and can be considered as two slots 268. When the handle 204 is connected to the main body 188, the cam slot 268 is concealed or covered by the handle 204.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 5 The linkage 208 is connected to the movable locking pin 200 and the handle 204 at the connection point 260. The illustrated linkage 208 has a first outer linkage rod 272 located on a left side of the main body 188 and a second outer linkage rod 276 located on a right side of the main body 188. In particular, the movable locking pin 200 extends through the elongated receiving slots 232, 236 and a first distal end of both linkage rods 272, 276. The cam pin 264 extends through the connection point 260, the cam slot 268, and both linkage rods 272, 276 at a second opposite distal end of both linkage rods 272, 276. The linkage 208 transmits the cam movement of the connection point 260 to the movable locking pin 200.That is, in response to a rotation of the handle 204 relative to the main body 188 about the pivot point 248, the cam pin 264 moves in the curved cam slot 268, and the movable locking pin 200 is moved and / or displaced by the linkage 208 in the receiving slots 232, 236 due to the cam movement. The movable locking pin 200 generally moves horizontally along the longitudinal axis 160. The linkage rods 272, 276 are connected to the pins 196, 200 by C-clips, snap connections, screws, or the like.

[0035] As used herein, cam motion refers to a linear motion resulting from a rotational motion. In the example of the leaf guard assembly 116, the rotational motion of the handle 204 results in a linear motion of a section of the linkage 208 and the movable locking pin 200. The cam motion is a consequence of the connection point 260 and the cam pin 264 being offset or spaced apart from the pivot point 248 in an eccentric configuration. The movable locking pin 200 acts as a driver for the cam formed by the handle 204 and the cam pin 264.

[0036] Fig. Figure 7 shows the handle 204 in the locked position, which causes the linkage 208 to move the movable pin 200 away from the fixed locking pin 196 to secure the blade guard assembly 116 to the mounting groove 164 of the splitting wedge 112. Fig. Figure 8 shows the handle 204 in the release position, which causes the linkage 208 to move the movable pin 200 towards the fixed locking pin 196 into a position that allows the pins 196, 200 to be removed from the fastening groove 164 through the groove opening 176 in order to separate the blade guard assembly 116 from the splitting wedge 112.

[0037] With renewed reference to Fig. The blade guard assembly 116 further comprises a first conical bushing 280 and a second conical bushing 284, which are mounted on the movable locking pin 200. When the blade guard assembly 116 is connected to the splitting wedge 112, the first conical bushing 280 is located on a left side (a first side) of the splitting wedge 112, and the second conical bushing 284 is located on a right side (a second side) of the splitting wedge 112. A receiving space 288 is defined between the first conical bushing 280 and the second conical bushing 284 to receive the splitting wedge 112. That is, the movable locking pin 200 is free between the bushings 280 and 284. The bushings 280 and 284 each have a conical surface configured such that the smallest section of the cone is closest to the receiving space 288.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the main body 188 has a plurality of ribs 292 (at least one rib) which are located at least partially in the interior 216. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 9 contains four of the ribs 292. The main body 188 has between one and ten of the ribs 292. The first rib 292 is located on a front side of the main body 188, and the fourth rib 292 is located on a rear side of the main body 188 along the longitudinal axis 160. In one embodiment, each rib 292 has a section that extends outside the interior 216. The ribs 292 each define a curved surface configured to direct an airflow 296 through the dust outlet 220 and the dust port 228. The airflow 296 is generated at least partially by the saw blade 120 of the table saw 108 and may also be generated at least partially by a blower (not shown) associated with the motor 148. When the table saw 108 is used to cut a workpiece W ( Fig. 9) is used, the airflow 296 is a dust-carrying airflow. Thus, the ribs 292 optimize the passage of the airflow 296, which carries dust from the workpiece W through the main body 118 and through the dust outlet 220 and the dust port 228 to the suction hose 132.

[0039] In operation, the blade guard assembly 116 can be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the table saw 108. Specifically, to connect the blade guard assembly 116 to the table saw 108, the handle 204 is moved into the release position, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the movement away from the main body 188. Moving the handle 204 into the release position moves the cam pin 264 in the cam slot 268, generating the cam movement. This causes the linkage 208 and the movable locking pin 200 to move along the longitudinal axis 160 toward the fixed locking pin 196. The movable locking pin 200 moves in the receiving slot 236 toward the fixed locking pin 196. When the handle 204 is in the release position, the movable locking pin 200 is at a first distance from the fixed locking pin 196.

[0040] Next, with reference to Fig. 5. The fixed locking pin 196 is inserted into the mounting groove 164 through the groove opening 176 and against the curved end 172 under the pin 184. Then, the movable locking pin 200 is inserted through the groove opening 176 into the mounting groove 164. When the handle 204 is in the release position, the distance between the movable locking pin 200 and the fixed locking pin 196 (i.e., the first distance) is smaller than the distance between the pins 180 and 184. Thus, both locking pins 196 and 200 can be inserted through the mounting opening 176 into the mounting groove 164 when the handle 204 is in the release position.

[0041] With further reference to Fig. 5 and Fig.7 To connect the blade guard assembly 116 to the splitting wedge 112, the handle 204 is moved into the locked position towards the main body 188. Moving the handle 204 from the release position to the locked position causes the cam movement of the linkage 208, which moves the linkage 208 and the movable locking pin 200 away from the fixed locking pin 196 and towards the curved surface 168. The movable locking pin 200 moves in the receiving slot 236 towards the front of the main body 188. As the handle 204 approaches the locked position, the bushings 280, 284 come into contact with the pin 180, and the receiving space 288 is aligned with the pin 180 by the conical surfaces of the bushings 280, 284. The conical surfaces of the bushings 280, 284 limit the lateral play of the leaf guard arrangement 116.When the handle 204 reaches the locked position, the movable locking pin 200 is pressed against the curved surface 168 to lock the blade guard assembly 116 to the riving knife 112. In the locked position of the handle 204, the distance between the movable locking pin 200 and the fixed locking pin 196 is a second distance that is greater than the groove opening 176, so that the blade guard assembly 116 cannot be removed from the mounting groove 164 and the blade guard assembly 116 is connected to the riving knife 112. The second distance is also greater than the first distance and is greater than a distance between the pins 180, 184. In the locked position of the handle 204, the linkage 208 exerts a force on the movable locking pin 200, which presses the movable locking pin 200 against the curved surface 168 and which presses the fixed locking pin 196 against the curved surface 172.The pressure force connects the leaf protection arrangement 116 with the splitting wedge 112.

[0042] The handle 204 is in the locked position in an over-center configuration, which prevents the handle 204 from rotating about the pivot point 248. Thus, the structure of the blade guard assembly 116 has an over-center linkage configured to hold or secure the blade guard assembly 116 in the connected configuration when the handle 204 is in the locked position. In one embodiment, the handle 204 cannot be moved from the locked position to the released position by gravity or by movement of the table saw 108, such as when carrying the table saw 108.

[0043] When the blade guard assembly 116 is connected to the table saw 108 and during the cutting of a workpiece W, the ribs 292 optimize the airflow 296 generated by the saw blade 120 to clean the main body 188 of sawdust and residue. When used in conjunction with the dust collection system 104, the airflow 136 from the vacuum 124 also creates and / or increases the intensity of the airflow 296 to further optimize the dust collection and removal from the interior 216 of the main body 188.

[0044] To separate the blade guard assembly 116 from the table saw 108, the handle 204 is moved into the release position, causing the cam movement of the linkage 208 to move the movable locking pin 200 towards the fixed locking pin 196, so that the movable locking pin 200 is spaced from the fixed locking pin 196 by the first distance. Next, the movable locking pin 200 is lifted out of the mounting groove 164 through the mounting opening 176, followed by the removal of the fixed locking pin 196 from the mounting groove 164. The blade guard assembly 116 can be removed from the riving knife 112 when the handle 204 is in the release position. A force is applied to the handle 204 to move it from the locked position to the release position.In particular, in one embodiment the applied force must overcome the over-dead center configuration of the over-dead center linkage of the leaf guard assembly 116 in order to move the handle 204 out of the locked position.

[0045] No separate tools are required to connect and disconnect the blade guard assembly 116 from the table saw 108. Instead, the blade guard assembly 116 is connected and disconnected by moving the handle 204.

[0046] The blade guard assembly 116 features the handle 204 located at the front of the main body 188. This placement allows the main body 188 to have the dust opening 220 and the dust port 228 at the rear, providing an optimal position for collecting dust generated during cutting operations. Additionally, the user does not need to reach as far over the saw blade 120 as with other blade guard designs to operate the blade guard assembly 116.

[0047] In other embodiments, the handle 204 is placed at any other desired location on the main body 118. The configuration of the linkage 208 is then adjusted to connect the handle 204 to the movable locking pin 200. The structure of the linkage 208 and the handle 204 moves the movable locking pin 200 into the locked and unlocked positions to connect and disconnect the blade guard assembly 116 from the splitting wedge 112.

[0048] The disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, but this should be considered illustrative and not limiting. It is understood that only preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications, and further applications that fall within the scope of the disclosure are to be protected.

Claims

[1] Blade guard assembly for a table saw which has a riving knife, comprising the blade guard assembly: a main body defining a longitudinal axis; at least one protective bar rotatably connected to the main body; a fixed locking pin connected to the main body; a movable locking pin that is movable relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis; a handle connected to the main body at a pivot point, wherein the handle can be moved into a locked position and a released position by rotating it about the pivot point; and a linkage connected to the movable locking pin and the handle, wherein the linkage is connected to the handle at a connection point spaced from the pivot point, such that a rotation of the handle about the pivot point causes a cam movement of the linkage, wherein the cam movement of the linkage causes the movable locking pin to move along the longitudinal axis, wherein, when the handle is in the release position, the movable locking pin is at a first distance from the fixed locking pin and the blade guard assembly is removable from the splitting wedge, wherein, when the handle is in the locked position, the movable locking pin is at a second distance from the fixed locking pin and the blade guard assembly is connected to the riving knife, and where the second distance is greater than the first distance. [2] Leaf guard arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the splitting wedge defines a fastening groove having a first curved end and an opposing second curved end, wherein: In the locked position of the handle, the linkage pushes the movable locking pin towards the first curved end of the mounting groove and the fixed locking pin is pushed towards the second curved end of the mounting groove to connect the blade guard assembly to the riving knife, and In the release position of the handle, the movable locking pin and the fixed locking pin can be removed from the mounting groove through a mounting opening in the mounting groove. [3] Leaf guard arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: the main body defines a dust outlet on a rear side of the main body along the longitudinal axis, and The handle is located on the front of the main body along the longitudinal axis. [4] Leaf protection arrangement according to claim 3, further comprising: a dust port that is connected to the main body at the dust outlet and is configured for connection to a dust collection system. [5] Leaf guard arrangement according to claim 3, wherein: the main body defines an interior space in which the splitting wedge, the fixed locking pin and the movable locking pin are each at least partially located, and The interior is connected to the dust outlet, so that an airflow, which is at least partially generated by the rotation of a saw blade of the table saw, passes from the interior and through the dust outlet. [6] Leaf protection arrangement according to claim 5, further comprising: at least one rib located at least partially inside the interior, wherein the at least one rib is configured to direct the airflow from the interior to the dust outlet. [7] Leaf protection arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: a first conical bushing mounted on the movable locking pin; and a second conical bushing mounted on the movable locking pin, wherein a receiving space is defined between the first conical bushing and the second conical bushing to receive the riving knife, and wherein the first conical bushing and the second conical bushing each have a corresponding conical surface configured such that the smallest section of the conical surface is closest to the receiving space. [8] Leaf protection arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: a front fork that is functionally connected to the main body and extends away from the main body along the longitudinal axis. [9] Leaf guard arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: the main body defines a first elongated receiving slot and a second elongated slot, each configured to receive the movable locking pin, the main body defines an interior space in which the movable locking pin is at least partially positioned, and the linkage is located outside the interior. [10] Table saw, comprising: a table that defines a workpiece support surface; a riving wedge extending from the workpiece support surface; and a leaf guard assembly that is removable and connected to the splitting wedge and configured to protect a table saw blade, featuring the blade guard arrangement: a main body that defines a longitudinal axis; at least one protective bar that is rotatably connected to the main body; a fixed locking pin connected to the main body and extends across the splitting wedge; a movable locking pin extending transversely through the splitting wedge, wherein the movable locking pin is movable relative to the main body along the longitudinal axis; a handle connected to the main body at a pivot point, wherein the handle can be moved into a locked position and a released position by rotating it about the pivot point; and a linkage connected to the movable locking pin and the handle, wherein the linkage is connected to the handle at a connection point spaced from the pivot point, such that a rotation of the handle about the pivot point causes a cam movement of the linkage, wherein the cam movement of the linkage causes the movable locking pin to move along the longitudinal axis, wherein, when the handle is in the release position, the movable locking pin is at a first distance from the fixed locking pin and the blade guard assembly is removable from the splitting wedge, wherein, when the handle is in the locked position, the movable locking pin is at a second distance from the fixed locking pin and the blade guard assembly is connected to the riving knife, and where the second distance is greater than the first distance. [11] Table saw according to claim 10, wherein: The splitting wedge defines a fixing groove that has a first curved end and an opposing second curved end, In the locked position of the handle, the linkage pushes the movable locking pin towards the first curved end of the mounting groove and the fixed locking pin is pushed towards the second curved end of the mounting groove to connect the blade guard assembly to the riving knife, and In the release position of the handle, the movable locking pin and the fixed locking pin can be removed from the mounting groove through a mounting opening in the mounting groove. [12] Table saw according to claim 10, wherein: the main body defines a dust outlet on a rear side of the main body along the longitudinal axis, and The handle is located on the front of the main body along the longitudinal axis. [13] Table saw according to claim 12, further comprising: a dust port that is connected to the main body at the dust outlet and is configured for connection to a dust collection system. [14] Table saw according to claim 12, wherein: the main body defines an interior space in which the splitting wedge, the fixed locking pin and the movable locking pin are each at least partially located, and the interior is operatively connected to the dust outlet, so that an airflow, which is at least partially generated by the rotation of the saw blade, from the interior and through the dust outlet. [15] Table saw according to claim 14, further comprising: at least one rib located at least partially inside the interior, wherein the at least one rib is configured to direct the airflow from the interior to the dust outlet. [16] Table saw according to claim 10, further comprising: a first conical bushing mounted on the movable locking pin and located on a first side of the splitting wedge; and a second conical bushing, which is mounted on the movable locking pin and is located on a second side of the splitting wedge, wherein a receiving space is defined between the first conical bushing and the second conical bushing to receive the riving knife, and wherein the first conical bushing and the second conical bushing each have a corresponding conical surface configured such that the smallest section of the conical surface is closest to the receiving space. [17] Table saw according to claim 10, further comprising: a front fork that is functionally connected to the main body and extends away from the main body along the longitudinal axis. [18] Table saw according to claim 10, wherein: the main body defines a first elongated receiving slot and a second elongated slot, each configured to receive the movable locking pin, the main body defines an interior space in which the movable locking pin is at least partially positioned, and the linkage is located outside the interior.

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