Folding knife

Abstract

The utility model provides a folding knife which comprises a knife handle, a knife handle and a knife cover. The blade is rotatably arranged on the knife handle, and the blade rotates to be switched between an opening state and a closing state; the locking component is movably arranged on the knife handle in the front-back direction of the knife handle, the locking component moves and can be switched between a locking state and an unlocking state, the locking component is provided with an unlocking operation part, the unlocking operation part is exposed out of the top of the knife handle, and the unlocking operation part is used for being held by a hand to drive the locking component to move; the first end of the elastic component is connected with the knife handle, and the second end of the elastic component is connected with the locking component. Due to the fact that the unlocking operation portion is arranged at the top of the knife handle, the locking component can be driven by holding or pressing the unlocking operation portion with the hand, the operation direction and the rotation track of the knife edge are not crossed, fingers do not need to enter the rotation range of the knife edge, and the scratch risk can be greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cutting tool technology, and more particularly to a folding knife. Background Technology

[0002] Folding knives are widely used in outdoor work, everyday tools, and tactical equipment due to their portability and safety. Their core technical requirements are: ensuring the blade is securely locked when unfolded and enabling quick and safe storage when folded. Among existing folding knife locking mechanisms, the liner lock is one of the most widely used structures, which locks the blade by using the lateral bias of a spring-loaded metal plate inside the handle to press against the base of the blade.

[0003] However, traditional wire locks have significant security risks: unlocking (that is, when the blade can switch from the open to the closed state) requires the user to directly press the metal plate to release the bias pressure. This operation forces the finger to be involved in the rotation trajectory of the blade, which can easily lead to finger cuts due to operational errors. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a folding knife to solve the problems existing in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] This application provides a folding knife, including:

[0006] A tool holder, the bottom of which has a receiving groove;

[0007] A blade, rotatably mounted on the handle, is rotatable to switch between an open state and a closed state, wherein the blade edge is exposed on the handle in the open state and at least the blade edge is located within the receiving groove in the closed state.

[0008] A locking component is movably disposed on the handle along the front-rear direction of the handle. The locking component is movable and can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking component abuts against the blade to restrict the blade to an open or closed state. In the unlocked state, the locking component disengages from the blade, allowing the blade to switch from the open state to the closed state. The locking component has an unlocking operation part exposed at the top of the handle, which is used for hand gripping to drive the locking component to move.

[0009] An elastic component, the first end of which is connected to the knife handle, and the second end of which is connected to the locking component, the elastic component being used to provide elastic force to the locking component to restrict the locking component to the locked state.

[0010] In one embodiment, the knife handle has a plurality of connecting portions, which are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the locking member;

[0011] The first end of the elastic component can be connected to any of the connecting parts.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connecting portion includes a connecting hole, and the first end of the elastic member is inserted into the corresponding connecting hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the blade is provided with a first mating portion and a second mating portion, the first mating portion and the second mating portion being spaced apart around the rotation center line of the blade;

[0014] The locking component is provided with a first locking part and a second locking part;

[0015] When the blade is in the open state, the first locking part abuts against the first mating part;

[0016] When the blade is in the closed state, the second locking part abuts against the second mating part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the knife handle has a first guide groove and a second guide groove, the first guide groove and the second guide groove are spaced apart along the front-rear direction of the knife handle, and the first guide groove extends obliquely downward toward the rotation center of the blade.

[0018] The locking component is provided with a first guide post and a second guide post. The first guide post is movably inserted into the first guide groove and is located at one end close to the first locking part and the second locking part. The second guide post is movably inserted into the second guide groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second end of the elastic member is connected to the first guide post.

[0020] In one embodiment, both the first mating part and the first locking part are planar parts, the second mating part includes an arcuate groove, and the second locking part is adapted to the arcuate groove.

[0021] In one embodiment, the folding knife further includes a first stop component and a second stop component. The first stop component and the second stop component are both disposed on the handle. The first stop component and the second stop component are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the end of the locking component having the first locking part and the second locking part. The first stop component and the second stop component are offset along the front-back direction of the handle. The first stop component and the second stop component are movably engaged with the end of the locking component having the first locking part and the second locking part.

[0022] In one embodiment, the blade has a stop groove, and the handle is provided with a third stop component. When the blade is in the open state, the third stop component and the stop groove cooperate to restrict the blade to the open state.

[0023] In one embodiment, the number of elastic components is two, and the two elastic components are respectively placed on the left and right sides of the locking component.

[0024] The advantages or beneficial effects of the above technical solutions include at least the following:

[0025] This utility model of a folding knife features a locking component that can move in the forward and backward direction of the handle, allowing for unlocking via axial movement and preventing fingers from contacting the blade area. Since the unlocking mechanism is located at the top of the handle, the locking component is driven by gripping or pressing it. The operating direction does not intersect with the blade's rotation trajectory, thus eliminating the need for fingers to enter the blade's rotation range and significantly reducing the risk of cuts. Furthermore, the unlocking mechanism is ergonomically designed, allowing for simultaneous unlocking and folding actions with one hand, greatly improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the elastic component provides a stable locking force, ensuring the blade's stability in both open and closed states. Active external force is required for unlocking, reducing the probability of accidental unlocking and improving safety. After unlocking, the knife automatically returns to the locked state.

[0026] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of this application will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding knife of this utility model from a first-person perspective, wherein the blade is in the open state;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding knife of this utility model from a second perspective, wherein the blade is in the open state;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding knife of this utility model from a third-person perspective, wherein the blade is in the open state;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A in the image;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding knife of this utility model from a fourth-person perspective, wherein the blade is in the closed state;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding knife of this utility model from a fifth-person perspective, wherein the blade is in the closed state;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first liner in this utility model;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the blade in this utility model.

[0036] Figure Labels

[0037] 1. Handle; 11. First handle body; 12. Second handle body; 13. First liner; 131. Connecting part; 132. First guide groove; 133. Second guide groove; 14. Second liner; 15. Receiving groove; 2. Blade; 21. First mating part; 22. Second mating part; 23. Stop groove; 3. Locking component; 31. Unlocking operation part; 32. First locking part; 33. Second locking part; 34. First guide post; 35. Second guide post; 4. Elastic component; 5. First stop component; 6. Second stop component; 7. Third stop component; 8. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0039] See Figures 1-8This invention illustrates a preferred embodiment of a folding knife, comprising:

[0040] The handle 1 has a receiving groove 15 at its bottom;

[0041] Blade 2 is rotatably mounted on handle 1. Blade 2 can rotate to switch between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the cutting edge of blade 2 is exposed on handle 1. In the closed state, at least the cutting edge of blade 2 is located in receiving groove 15.

[0042] A locking component 3 is movably mounted on the handle 1 along its front-rear direction. The locking component 3 can switch between a locked and unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking component 3 abuts against the blade 2, restricting the blade 2 to either an open or closed state. This ensures the blade 2 is reliably kept open, preventing it from rotating freely and ensuring proper cutting. Alternatively, it ensures the blade 2 is reliably kept closed, preventing it from detaching from the receiving slot 15 and improving the carrying safety of the folding knife. In the unlocked state, the locking component 3 disengages from the blade 2, allowing the blade 2 to switch from the open to the closed state. The locking component 3 has an unlocking operation part 31, which is exposed at the top of the handle 1. The unlocking operation part 31 is for hand gripping to drive the locking component 3 to move, allowing it to switch from the locked to the unlocked state, thereby allowing the blade 2 to switch from the open to the closed state.

[0043] The elastic component 4 has a first end connected to the handle 1 and a second end connected to the locking component 3. The elastic component 4 is used to provide elastic force to the locking component 3 to restrict the locking component 3 to the locked state, thereby ensuring that the blade 2 can reliably maintain the open or closed state.

[0044] The folding knife of this invention features a locking component 3 that can move in the front-to-back direction of the handle 1, enabling unlocking via axial movement and preventing fingers from contacting the blade area. Since the unlocking operation part 31 is located at the top of the handle 1, the locking component 3 can be driven by gripping or pressing the unlocking operation part 31. The operation direction does not intersect with the blade's rotation trajectory, thus eliminating the need for fingers to enter the blade's rotation range and significantly reducing the risk of cuts. Furthermore, the unlocking operation part 31 is ergonomically designed, allowing for simultaneous unlocking and folding actions when held with one hand, greatly improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the elastic component 4 provides a stable locking force, ensuring the stability of the blade 2 in both open and closed states. Unlocking requires active external force, reducing the probability of accidental unlocking and improving safety. After unlocking, it automatically returns to the locked state.

[0045] See Figure 3In one embodiment, the handle 1 has a plurality of connecting parts 131, which are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the locking member 3.

[0046] The first end of the elastic component 4 can be connected to any of the connecting parts 131, that is, the first end of the elastic component 4 is allowed to selectively connect to different connecting parts 131, thereby adjusting the preload and locking force of the elastic component 4, which can flexibly adapt to different locking requirements; secondly, the user can select the most suitable connection point according to the weight of the blade 2, the usage scenario (such as tactical needs or daily use) or personal preference, to optimize the locking stability or unlocking feel.

[0047] See Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the connecting part 131 includes a connecting hole, and the first end of the elastic member 4 is inserted into the corresponding connecting hole. In this way, the first end of the elastic member 4 can be directly inserted into the selected connecting hole without the need for additional fasteners, simplifying the assembly process and reducing production costs. Secondly, the insertion structure achieves a firm fixation through the friction or elastic deformation between the hole wall and the end of the elastic member 4, avoiding loosening due to vibration or impact during use. In addition, the connecting hole physically constrains the movement direction of the elastic member 4, ensuring that it only applies force along the designed path, improving the accuracy of locking or unlocking actions.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting part 131 may also include a connecting protrusion. By wrapping the first end of the elastic member 4 around the selected connecting protrusion, the first end of the elastic member 4 can be connected to the handle 1.

[0049] See Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the blade 2 is provided with a first mating part 21 and a second mating part 22, which are arranged at intervals around the rotation center line of the blade 2.

[0050] Locking component 3 is provided with a first locking part 32 and a second locking part 33;

[0051] When the blade 2 is in the open state, the first locking part 32 abuts against the first mating part 21 to reliably lock the blade 2, so that the blade 2 is stably maintained in the open state, ensuring that the blade 2 is stable and does not spring back during cutting, piercing and other operations.

[0052] When the blade 2 is in the closed state, the second locking part 33 abuts against the second mating part 22 to form a closed locking structure, thereby reliably locking the blade 2, keeping it stably closed, preventing accidental unfolding, and improving carrying safety. Specifically, the first locking part 32 and the first mating part 21 form an open locking structure, while the second locking part 33 and the second mating part 22 form a closed locking structure. These two locking structures do not interfere with each other, avoiding the overall functional failure caused by wear of a traditional single locking part.

[0053] In one embodiment, the handle 1 has a first guide groove 132 and a second guide groove 133, the first guide groove 132 and the second guide groove 133 are spaced apart along the front and rear direction of the handle 1, and the first guide groove 132 extends obliquely downward toward the rotation center of the blade 2.

[0054] The locking component 3 is provided with a first guide post 34 and a second guide post 35. The first guide post 34 is movably inserted into the first guide groove 132 and is located at one end near the first locking part 32 and the second locking part 33. The second guide post 35 is movably inserted into the second guide groove 133. Since the first guide groove 132 extends obliquely downward, the first guide post 34 generates a combined axial and radial displacement when moving, ensuring that the locking component 3 first radially disengages from the blade 2 and then slides axially when unlocking, greatly reducing the unlocking resistance. The horizontally set second guide groove 133 provides an axial movement reference to prevent the locking component 3 from deflecting and to ensure the alignment accuracy between the first locking part 32 (or the second locking part 33) and the first mating part 21 (or the second mating part 22).

[0055] In one embodiment, the second end of the elastic member 4 is connected to the first guide post 34, so that the elastic member 4 acts directly on the first guide post 34 without the need for an additional transmission structure (such as a lever or linkage), thereby reducing the complexity of the parts and improving assembly efficiency.

[0056] In one embodiment, both the first mating part 21 and the first locking part 32 are planar parts, that is, the first mating part 21 and the first locking part 32 are in planar contact, providing rigid support and ensuring the absolute stability of the blade 2 in the open state, avoiding micro-wobbling during cutting. Secondly, the planar contact has a large contact area, which disperses pressure and reduces wear caused by long-term use. The second mating part 22 includes an arc-shaped groove, and the second locking part 33 is adapted to the arc-shaped groove. In this way, the arc-shaped guiding effect makes the closing process of the blade 2 smoother and reduces friction noise. Secondly, the tolerance or slight deformation is manufactured by adaptive compensation of the curved surface to ensure that the second locking part 33 always fits tightly against the arc-shaped groove in the closed state, preventing the blade 2 from accidentally popping open.

[0057] See Figure 4In one embodiment, the folding knife further includes a first stop component 5 and a second stop component 6. Both the first stop component 5 and the second stop component 6 are disposed on the handle 1. The first stop component 5 and the second stop component 6 are respectively positioned on the upper and lower sides of the end of the locking component 3 having the first locking part 32 and the second locking part 33. The first stop component 5 and the second stop component 6 are offset along the front-rear direction of the handle 1. Both the first stop component 5 and the second stop component 6 are movably engaged with the end of the locking component 3 having the first locking part 32 and the second locking part 33. Thus, the upper first stop component 5 restricts the upward displacement of the locking component 3, preventing excessive lifting during unlocking and disengagement. The lower second stop component 6 restricts downward displacement, preventing it from sinking under pressure in the locked state. Furthermore, since the first stop component 5 and the second stop component 6 are offset along the front-rear direction of the handle 1, a stepped limiting mechanism is formed, which increases the effective contact area compared to a symmetrical layout. Additionally, the asymmetrical force distribution can counteract the deflection torque of the blade 2 under different working states.

[0058] See Figure 3 In one embodiment, the blade 2 has a stop groove 23, and the handle 1 is provided with a third stop component 7. When the blade 2 is in the open state, the third stop component 7 and the stop groove 23 cooperate to restrict the blade 2 to the open state. In this way, by embedding the third stop component 7 into the stop groove 23, a physical limit is formed to prevent the blade 2 from accidentally folding back during cutting, piercing, or other operations, significantly improving the safety of use. In addition, the cooperation between the stop groove 23 and the third stop component 7 can withstand high load impacts, making it suitable for harsh scenarios such as tactical and outdoor environments. Furthermore, when the blade 2 is fully extended, the engagement of the third stop component 7 and the stop groove 23 will produce a clear "click" sound or tactile sensation, indicating to the user that the lock is in place, reducing the risk of misjudgment. In addition, when unlocking, only a slight external force (such as pressing or sliding) is required for the third stop component 7 to disengage from the stop groove 23, making the operation smooth and effortless.

[0059] In one embodiment, there are two elastic components 4, which are respectively placed on the left and right sides of the locking component 3. Thus, by having the left and right elastic components 4 act synchronously on the locking component 3, the problem of uneven load caused by unilateral force application is eliminated, ensuring that the blade 2 is subjected to symmetrical force in the open or closed state, avoiding accidental unlocking due to uneven force. Furthermore, the double-sided elastic support can effectively absorb multidimensional impact forces (such as lateral impacts or vibrations), maintaining a stable locked state. Additionally, the two elastic components 4 counteract the unilateral frictional resistance when the locking component 3 moves, making the unlocking / locking action smoother. Moreover, the double-sided elastic elements share the workload, reducing the fatigue rate of a single component by more than 50%. Furthermore, if one side of the elastic component 4 fails, the other side can still maintain basic locking function, preventing sudden complete failure.

[0060] In one embodiment, the elastic component 4 can be an omega spring. The unique three-dimensional wrap-around structure of the omega spring saves more installation space than traditional linear springs, enabling the design of an ultra-thin tool holder 1. In addition, the omega spring provides both radial clamping force and axial restoring force, replacing the traditional multi-spring combination scheme.

[0061] Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic component 4 can be other ordinary springs, or the elastic component 4 can be a spring sheet.

[0062] See Figures 1-6 In one embodiment, the knife handle 1 specifically includes:

[0063] First handle body 11;

[0064] The second handle body 12 is connected to the first handle body 11. The second handle body 12 and the first handle body 11 are spaced apart along the left and right direction of the handle 1 to form a receiving groove 15.

[0065] See Figures 1-6 In one embodiment, the knife handle 1 further includes:

[0066] The first liner 13 is disposed inside the first handle body 11 and is located within the receiving groove 15. The first liner 13 has the aforementioned connecting portion 131, first guide groove 132, and second guide groove 133; and

[0067] The second liner 14 is disposed inside the second handle 12 and is located in the receiving groove 15. The second liner 14 has the aforementioned connecting part 131, first guide groove 132 and second guide groove 133.

[0068] In one embodiment, the blade 2 has a protrusion 8 near its root, which is used to contact the finger. Thus, when the blade 2 needs to be unfolded, the finger can contact the protrusion 8 to push the blade 2 to unfold, realizing the unlocking and unfolding operation in one step.

[0069] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0070] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0071] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding knife, characterized in that, include: A tool holder, the bottom of which has a receiving groove; A blade, rotatably mounted on the handle, is rotatable to switch between an open state and a closed state, wherein the blade edge is exposed on the handle in the open state and at least the blade edge is located within the receiving groove in the closed state. A locking component is movably disposed on the handle along the front-rear direction of the handle. The locking component can move to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking component abuts against the blade to restrict the blade to the open or closed state. In the unlocked state, the locking component disengages from the blade to allow the blade to switch from the open state to the closed state. The locking component is provided with an unlocking operation part, which is exposed at the top of the handle and is used for hand gripping to drive the locking component to move. as well as An elastic component, the first end of which is connected to the knife handle, and the second end of which is connected to the locking component, the elastic component being used to provide elastic force to the locking component to restrict the locking component to the locked state.

2. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knife handle has multiple connecting parts, and the multiple connecting parts are arranged sequentially along the moving direction of the locking component; The first end of the elastic component can be connected to any of the connecting parts.

3. The folding knife according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part includes a connecting hole, and the first end of the elastic member is inserted into the corresponding connecting hole.

4. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade is provided with a first mating part and a second mating part, which are arranged at intervals around the rotation center line of the blade; The locking component is provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; When the blade is in the open state, the first locking part abuts against the first mating part; When the blade is in the closed state, the second locking part abuts against the second mating part.

5. The folding knife according to claim 4, characterized in that, The knife handle has a first guide groove and a second guide groove, the first guide groove and the second guide groove are spaced apart along the front and rear direction of the knife handle, and the first guide groove extends obliquely downward toward the rotation center of the blade. The locking component is provided with a first guide post and a second guide post. The first guide post is movably inserted into the first guide groove and is located at one end close to the first locking part and the second locking part. The second guide post is movably inserted into the second guide groove.

6. The folding knife according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second end of the elastic component is connected to the first guide post.

7. The folding knife according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first mating part and the first locking part are planar parts, and the second mating part includes an arc-shaped groove, and the second locking part is adapted to the arc-shaped groove.

8. The folding knife according to claim 4, characterized in that, The folding knife also includes a first stop component and a second stop component. The first stop component and the second stop component are both disposed on the handle. The first stop component and the second stop component are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the end of the locking component having the first locking part and the second locking part. The first stop component and the second stop component are offset along the front-back direction of the handle. The first stop component and the second stop component are movably engaged with the end of the locking component having the first locking part and the second locking part.

9. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade has a stop groove, and the handle is provided with a third stop component. When the blade is in the open state, the third stop component and the stop groove cooperate to restrict the blade to the open state.

10. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of elastic components is two, and the two elastic components are respectively placed on the left and right sides of the locking component.

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