A safe folding knife unlocking structure

Abstract

This invention discloses a secure unlocking structure for a folding knife. It includes a blade head and two handles, which are mounted opposite each other with a pre-drilled gap between them to accommodate the blade head. The blade head has a locking slot at the end opposite the blade edge and is connected to the handle via a pivot. One handle has a spring-loaded tab that curves towards the mounting gap; one end of the spring-loaded tab is integrated with the handle, and the other end has a locking pin that can be placed within the locking slot. A button is located on the same end of the spring-loaded tab as the locking pin. This invention unlocks by pressing, eliminating the need for pushing, which is more effortless than previous methods and avoids the need to grip the handle forcefully, thus preventing fingers from getting caught in the road. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for stacked springs and other components, effectively simplifying the parts design and allowing for a thinner body, making it suitable for slim designs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of folding knife technology, and in particular to a secure folding knife unlocking structure. Background Technology

[0002] While knives and other cutting tools certainly pose inherent risks in their use, they can bring many conveniences to daily life when used properly. One type of folding knife is the frame lock folding knife, which allows the blade to be folded into the handle. It is favored by users for its ease of storage and portability, and is especially suitable for use in the wild. Folding knives are a type of folding knife, which mainly features a storage cavity between the blade and the handle. The blade is folded into the handle by rotating it and secured by a locking mechanism.

[0003] Currently, most existing frame-lock folding knives use springs or spring levers as locking mechanisms. For example, the folding knife disclosed in patent number CN202211454624.1 requires gripping the handle and pushing forcefully in the unlocking direction when unlocking or folding. This deforms the first elastic element (i.e., the spring lever), causing the lever to retract and creating space for the blade to rotate. To maintain structural stability during use and storage, two spring levers are typically used (mainly symmetrically, with force applied to both sides), and the force applied must avoid impacting the blade. The blade rotates on its own, so a certain amount of force is required when unlocking or closing it. Although the normal operation is to grip the side of the handle and not place your fingers on the blade path (i.e., the blade storage cavity) to avoid cutting your hand when closing the knife, the limited space in the handle, especially in small or thin handles, means that when users grip the handle and push with their thumb, they will naturally grip tighter or seek a more stable grip point. Their fingers will naturally be placed closer to the blade path, which naturally increases the risk of danger.

[0004] Therefore, the existing folding knife unlocking mechanism needs to be optimized. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a safe folding knife unlocking structure.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A secure folding knife unlocking mechanism includes a blade head and two handles. The two handles are mounted opposite each other, with a pre-drilled gap between them to accommodate the blade head. The blade head has a locking slot at the end opposite to where the blade edge is located and is connected to the handle via a pivot. One of the handles has a spring-loaded tab that curves towards the mounting gap. One end of the spring-loaded tab is integrated with the handle, and the other end has a locking pin that can be placed inside the locking slot. A button is located at the same end of the spring-loaded tab as the locking pin. The handle has a clearance relative to the button, allowing the top of the button to be placed outside the handle.

[0008] Preferably, the knife handle is provided with a rotatable roller at the end of the spring piece, and when the end of the spring piece is tilted up, the roller contacts the side of the locking pin.

[0009] Preferably, the cutter head has an arc-shaped surface relative to the edge with the locking groove, and the arc-shaped surface is in contact with the roller shaft.

[0010] Preferably, a top pressure plate made of wear-resistant material is laid at the end of the spring sheet, and a locking pin is formed at one end of the top pressure plate.

[0011] Preferably, the top plate is provided with a top bead that only exposes half of the spherical surface, and the cutter head is provided with a groove corresponding to the top bead. When the cutter head is retracted into the installation gap, the top bead is placed in the groove.

[0012] Preferably, a limiting protrusion is provided on the other end of the top pressure plate, and a limiting groove is provided at the position of the knife handle opposite to the limiting protrusion. When the limiting protrusion contacts the bottom of the limiting groove, the locking pin disengages from the locking opening.

[0013] Preferably, the back of the blade is provided with a push block for the user to press with their fingers.

[0014] Preferably, one of the knife handles has a boss edge on its inner side, the height of which is greater than the thickness of the knife head. When the knife handles are mounted together, the boss edge provides limiting support and forms an installation gap.

[0015] Preferably, the side of the boss is located outside the handle and has an anti-slip surface.

[0016] By adopting the above solution, this invention relies on a raised spring piece on one of the knife handles. The raised end of the spring piece automatically inserts the locking pin into the locking slot, thereby achieving rotational locking of the knife head after unlocking. At the same time, a button is provided on the side, which is pressed to retract the spring piece and unlock. With this design, on the one hand, the unlocking is done by pressing, eliminating the need for pushing, which is more effortless than the original method. It also eliminates the need to grip the knife handle tightly, thus preventing fingers from being placed in the road. On the other hand, it eliminates the need for the stacked design of components such as springs. The spring piece is punched out of the handle and connected in one piece, allowing the spring piece to be directly stored on the handle. This effectively simplifies the parts design and allows the body to be made thinner, making it suitable for use in slim designs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the blade head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the blade after it is stored according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the structure of the blade after it has been stored according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a secure folding knife unlocking structure, including a blade head 1 and two handles 2. The two handles 2 are mounted opposite each other, and a mounting gap is reserved between the handles 2 to accommodate the blade head 1. The blade head 1 has a locking slot 3 at the other end where the blade edge is provided and is connected to the handle 2 via a pivot 4. One of the handles 2 has a spring piece 5 punched out, which is raised towards the mounting gap. One end of the spring piece 5 is integrated with the handle 2, and the other end of the spring piece 5 is provided with a locking pin 6 that can be placed in the locking slot 3. The spring piece 5 has a button 7 at the same end where the locking pin 6 is provided. The handle 2 has a clearance 8 at the button 7, so that the top of the button 7 can be placed outside the handle 2.

[0027] This embodiment relies on a raised spring 5 on one of the handles 2. The raised end of the spring 5 automatically inserts the locking pin 6 into the locking slot 3 to achieve rotational locking of the blade head 1 after unlocking. At the same time, a button 7 is provided on the side. Pressing the button 5 will retract the spring 5 and unlock the blade. This design eliminates the need for pushing and is more effortless than the original method. It also avoids the need to grip the handle 2 tightly, thus preventing fingers from getting stuck. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for stacked springs and other components. The spring 5 is punched from the handle and connected as a single piece, allowing it to be directly stored on the handle 2. This effectively simplifies the parts design and allows the body to be made thinner, making it more suitable for slim designs.

[0028] In practical use of this embodiment, under default conditions, the spring piece 5 remains in a spring-up state due to its elasticity. When the blade head 1 is retracted into the installation gap, the end of the spring piece 5 will always maintain a tendency to press against the blade head 1. When the locking slot 3 aligns with the locking pin 6 on the spring piece 5, the spring piece 5 automatically springs up, and the locking pin 6 is placed inside the locking slot 3. In this way, the locking pin 6 forms a limit to the continued rotation of the blade head 1, thus locking it. When it is to be rotated back for storage, simply press the button 7 on the side of the handle 2. The required force is only the force of pressing down on the spring piece 5. When the locking pin 6 is pressed, it will retract, causing the locking pin 6 to disengage from the limiting effect on the locking slot 3. In this way, the blade head 1 can be rotated back to complete the unlocking.

[0029] Furthermore, since the spring piece 5 is punched, there will be gaps around the spring piece 5. If the spring piece 5 is used as a limiting cutter head for rotation, it will force the spring piece 5 to move to one side. Because of this gap, the spring piece 5 may move to the side, which is unstable and unsafe. Therefore, the cutter handle 2 is provided with a rotatable roller 9 at the end of the spring piece 5. When the end of the spring piece 5 is raised, the roller 9 contacts the side of the locking pin 6. In this way, the presence of the roller 9 restricts the lateral movement of the spring piece 5.

[0030] Meanwhile, to make the cutter head more stable during rotation, the cutter head 1 in this embodiment has an arc-shaped surface 10 relative to the edge with the locking groove 3. The arc-shaped surface 10 is in contact with the roller shaft 9. In this way, the roller shaft 9 can always keep the edge of the cutter head 1 in a limited position, providing support for movement and thus making it more stable. It should be noted that the curved path of the arc-shaped surface must correspond to the contact relationship between the cutter head 1 and the roller shaft 9 during rotation, that is, satisfy the corresponding functional relationship. The specific curved path changes according to the position coordinates of the roller shaft 9.

[0031] Furthermore, because repeated unlocking is required during use, the end of the spring piece 5 is repeatedly rubbed. Over time, this friction can easily damage the end of the spring piece 5 (for example, when the spring piece 5 is made of plastic), especially the locking pin 6. Once the locking pin 6 is damaged by friction, it is easy for the product to become loose after locking, or even unable to lock, directly affecting the product's service life. Therefore, in order to improve the product's service life, in this embodiment, a top pressure plate 11 made of wear-resistant material is laid on the end of the spring piece 5. One side of the top pressure plate 11 forms the locking pin 6. In this way, the top pressure plate 11 replaces the end of the spring piece. The material can be wear-resistant steel, which makes it more wear-resistant and more durable.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to lock the tool after it is stored, the top pressure plate 11 of this embodiment is provided with a top bead 12 that only exposes half of the spherical surface, and the tool head 1 is provided with a groove 13 corresponding to the top bead 12. When the tool head 1 is stored in the installation gap, the top bead 12 is placed in the groove by the elastic force of the spring piece 5, so that locking can be formed.

[0033] Furthermore, to avoid excessive pressing force during pressing, which could damage the spring piece 5, a limiting protrusion 14 is provided on the other end of the top pressure plate 11 in this embodiment. A limiting groove 15 is provided on the knife handle 2 opposite to the limiting protrusion 14. When the limiting protrusion 14 contacts the bottom of the limiting groove 15, the locking pin 6 disengages from the locking port 3. With this design, after pressing the button 7 downwards, the limiting groove 15 can effectively limit the pressing distance, ensuring that the spring piece 5 always moves within the designed safe range.

[0034] Furthermore, to facilitate the user in pushing out the blade head 1, the blade head 1 in this embodiment is provided with a push block 16 for the user to push with their fingers. In this way, when necessary, the user can rely on the force of their fingers to push the push block 16 to push out the blade head 1 directly.

[0035] Furthermore, regarding the assembly between the handles 2 and the handles 2, in this embodiment, one of the handles 2 has a boss edge 17 on its inner side. The height of the boss edge 17 is greater than the thickness of the blade head 1. When the handles 2 are assembled together, they rely on the boss edge 17 for limiting support and forming an installation gap. In this way, there is a support point during assembly, eliminating the need for the design of shims or pads. In order to prevent the user from slipping when gripping, the side of the boss edge 17 in this embodiment is placed on the outside of the handle 2 and is provided with an anti-slip surface 18.

[0036] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A secure folding knife unlocking structure, comprising a blade head and two handles, wherein the two handles are fitted together opposite each other, and a clearance is provided between the handles to accommodate the blade head, characterized in that: The cutter head has a locking slot at the end opposite to the end with the cutting edge and is connected to the handle via a pivot. One of the handles has a spring piece punched out that curves towards the installation gap. One end of the spring piece is integrated with the handle, and the other end of the spring piece has a locking pin that can be placed in the locking slot. The spring piece has a button at the same end as the locking pin. The handle has a clearance relative to the button so that the top of the button can be placed outside the handle.

2. A safety folding knife unlocking structure as defined in claim 1, wherein: The shank is provided with a rotatable roller at the end of the spring piece, and when the end of the spring piece is tilted up, the roller contacts the side of the locking pin.

3. The safety folding knife unlocking structure of claim 1, wherein: The cutter head has an arc-shaped surface relative to the edge with the locking groove, and the arc-shaped surface is in contact with the roller shaft.

4. The secure folding knife unlocking structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the spring is covered with a top pressure plate made of wear-resistant material, and one side of the top pressure plate forms a locking pin.

5. The secure folding knife unlocking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top plate is provided with a top bead that only exposes half of the spherical surface, and the cutter head is provided with a groove corresponding to the top bead. When the cutter head is retracted into the installation gap, the top bead is placed in the groove.

6. The secure folding knife unlocking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting protrusion is provided on the other side of the top pressure plate, and a limiting groove is provided at the position of the knife handle opposite to the limiting protrusion. When the limiting protrusion contacts the bottom of the limiting groove, the locking pin disengages from the locking opening.

7. The secure folding knife unlocking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The back of the blade is provided with a push block for the user to press with their fingers.

8. The secure folding knife unlocking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One of the knife handles has a boss edge on its inner side. The height of the boss edge is greater than the thickness of the knife head. When the knife handles are mounted together, they are supported by the boss edge and a mounting gap is formed.

9. The secure folding knife unlocking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the boss is located outside the handle and is provided with an anti-slip surface.

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