Folding knife

Abstract

The utility model discloses a folding knife, include: handle, blade, lock piece, first stop pin and second stop pin, and the blade one end is through the rotation axle rotation connection in one end of handle, lock piece includes fixed part and cantilever part, fixed part with handle fixed connection, the fixed end of cantilever part is connected with fixed part, first stop pin and second stop pin are connected in handle, the free end of cantilever part is equipped with the limit hole, and the second stop pin is equipped in the limit hole, the folding knife has the unfolded state and closed state, in unfolded state, the first limit surface of blade abuts the first stop pin to limit the unfolding angle of blade, the free end of cantilever part abuts the second limit surface of blade to maintain unfolded state, and the second stop pin abuts the lateral wall of limit hole to limit the movement or deformation of cantilever part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cutting tool technology, and in particular to a folding knife equipped with a locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Throughout history, cutting tools such as knives have been crucial to human progress, driving civilization and evolution. Among them, folding knives are widely popular due to their versatility and compact design. Folding knives have two main states: unfolded and closed. In the unfolded state, the blade is fully extended, in the first usable extended position, ready for immediate use. In the closed state, the blade is retracted into the handle, in the second closed position, making folding knives more portable and shorter than fixed-blade knives. However, folding knives can be dangerous if the blade lacks a secure locking mechanism to keep it in the unfolded state or prevent accidental opening when closed.

[0003] Numerous attempts have been made to provide locking mechanisms that prevent accidental opening, closing, or both of the blade. One of the most common locking mechanisms is the "rear lock." The rear lock uses a rigid material of longitudinal length that pivots around a pivot point near the front of the rear lock. By applying pressure to the rear of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism rotates around the pivot point and releases the shank engagement mechanism from the heel of the blade. As the heel portion is released, the blade is released from the locking mechanism and is allowed to rotate from a first extended position to a second closed position. While convenient to use, the rear lock is not particularly robust and tends to fail when excessive pressure is applied to the upper edge of the blade.

[0004] Another type of locking mechanism commonly used in folding knives is often called a "pad lock." A pad lock typically includes a leaf spring that is biased and positioned within a cavity in the handle. When the blade is opened to the first extended use position, the tip of the leaf spring extends outward and behind the heel of the blade, preventing the blade from closing without pushing it. The leaf spring locks to one side of the heel, allowing the blade to rotate to a second closed position. Despite its simple design, the pad lock can fail if excessive force is applied to the upper edge of the blade. During failure, the pad lock tends to bend or otherwise deform due to its extended length and the thin nature of the material.

[0005] Another type relies on a spring inside the handle, along with a pivot, to engage with the blade shank, securing it in the open position. Pressing a button releases the lock, but this method can easily malfunction under excessive pressure. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a folding knife that can improve the strength and stability of the open and closed positions.

[0007] The folding knife according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0008] Handle;

[0009] The blade is rotatably connected to one end of the handle via a rotating shaft;

[0010] The locking plate includes a fixing part and a cantilever part, wherein the fixing part is fixedly connected to the tool holder, and the fixed end of the cantilever part is connected to the fixing part;

[0011] The first stop pin is connected to the tool holder;

[0012] The second stop pin is connected to the tool holder;

[0013] The free end of the cantilever is provided with a limiting hole, and the second stop pin passes through the limiting hole. The folding knife has an unfolded state and a closed state. In the unfolded state, the first limiting surface of the blade abuts against the first stop pin to limit the unfolding angle of the blade. The free end of the cantilever abuts against the second limiting surface of the blade to maintain the unfolded state. The second stop pin abuts against the side wall of the limiting hole to limit the movement or deformation of the cantilever.

[0014] The folding knife according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: by setting a first stop pin, the blade is kept in the unfolded position; by setting a second stop pin, which passes through the end of the cantilever portion near the blade and fixes it in place, the deformation center of the cantilever portion is closer to the rotation axis, shortening the deformation lever arm length of the cantilever portion and preventing the cantilever portion from moving or bending under pressure. This ensures higher stability and resistance to deformation, and improves the reliability of the locking plate even under great force, preventing accidental closure in the unfolded state.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the closed state, the third limiting surface of the blade abuts against the second stop pin to limit the closing angle of the blade.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knife handle has a front end, a rear end, and a cavity extending between the front end and the rear end. The locking piece is located in the cavity. The free end of the cantilever portion can swing along the second stop pin. When the free end of the cantilever portion is in the first position, the free end of the cantilever portion abuts against the second limiting surface. When the free end of the cantilever portion is in the second position, the free end of the cantilever portion disengages from the second limiting surface.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first stop pin is located in the cavity and near the front end and upper edge of the tool handle, and the second stop pin is located in the cavity and on the side of the first stop pin near the rear end of the tool handle.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blade has a front tip, a rear end, a cutting edge, and a blade back. The rear end of the blade is rotatably connected to the front end of the handle via the rotating shaft, allowing the blade to move between an extended position and a closed position. The first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are provided at the rear end of the blade.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blade includes a transition surface located between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface. The first limiting surface and the transition surface are planes, and the included angle between the first limiting surface and the transition surface is greater than 90° and less than 180°. The transition surface and the second limiting surface are configured as a concave position.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the knife handle includes a left handle and a right handle, the blade and the locking plate are located between the left handle and the right handle, the fixing part is attached to the inner surface of the left handle, and the extension direction of the cantilever part is offset towards the right handle from the fixed end to the free end, so that in the free state, the fixing part and the cantilever part are in different planes.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing part includes a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section is located on the rear side of the cantilever part and is connected to the fixing end of the cantilever part. The second section is located on the lower side of the cantilever part. The third section is located on the front side of the cantilever part. There is a gap between the second section and the third section and the cantilever part.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first stop pin and the rotating shaft pass through the third segment.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the second limiting surface gradually increases along the direction from the left handle to the right handle.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1This is an exploded view of the folding knife according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a folding knife in its unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The front view of the folding knife is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A top view of the blade and locking plate shown;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram after adding the second stop pin;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the folding knife in its closed state.

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A top view of the blade and locking plate shown;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram after adding the second stop pin;

[0034] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the blade is shown;

[0035] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The front view of the lock plate is shown;

[0036] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The top view of the lock plate is shown;

[0037] Figure 12 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the locking plate is shown.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 100. Blade; 101. Tip; 102. Heel end; 103. Cutting edge; 104. Back of blade; 105. First limiting surface; 106. Second limiting surface; 107. Third limiting surface; 108. Transition surface; 110. First stop pin; 120. Second stop pin; 130. Washer; 140. Right handle; 150. First blade shaft screw; 160. Connecting screw; 170. Back buckle; 180. Spacer; 1 90. Spacer sleeve; 200. Second cutter shaft screw; 210. Left handle; 220. Locking plate; 221. Fixing part; 222. Cantilever part; 223. Fixed end; 224. Free end; 225. Limiting hole; 226. First section; 227. Second section; 228. Third section; 229. Through hole; 230. Tool holder; 231. Front end; 232. Rear end; 240. Cavity; 250. Rotating shaft; 260. Clearance. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0044] Reference Figure 1The folding knife of this utility model embodiment includes a blade 100, a first stop pin 110, a second stop pin 120, a washer 130, a right handle 140, a first blade shaft screw 150, multiple connecting screws 160, a back buckle 170, a spacer 180, a spacer sleeve 190, a second blade shaft screw 200, a left handle 210, and a locking piece 220.

[0045] The right handle 140, spacer 180, and left handle 210 are connected by multiple connecting screws 160 and spacer sleeves 190 to form a tool holder 230. Specifically, the spacer sleeve 190 passes through the right handle 140, spacer 180, and left handle 210. Then, one connecting screw 160 is fixed to the spacer sleeve 190 from the outside of the right handle 140, and another is fixed to the spacer sleeve 190 from the outside of the left handle 210, thereby maintaining the relative position of the right handle 140 and left handle 210 and forming a cavity 240. The tool holder 230 has a front end 231 and a rear end 232, and the cavity 240 extends between the front end 231 and the rear end 232. A locking plate 220 is located in the cavity 240, and the rear end 232 of the blade 100 is also located in the cavity 240. A washer 130 is provided on each side of the rear end 232 of the blade 100. The back buckle 170 is detachably attached to the right handle 140, making it easy to attach the folding knife to other items.

[0046] The second cutter shaft screw 200 passes through the outside of the left handle 210 to reach the right handle 140. The first cutter shaft screw 150 passes through the outside of the right handle 140 and connects with the second cutter shaft screw 200. The first cutter shaft screw 150 and the second cutter shaft screw 200 form a rotating shaft 250. The rotating shaft 250 passes through the hole in the blade 100, so that the blade 100 can be rotatably connected to the front end 231 of the tool holder 230 through the rotating shaft 250.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 The blade 100 has a tip 101, a heel end 102, a cutting edge 103, and a back 104. The heel end 102 of the blade 100 is rotatably connected to the front end 231 of the shank 230 via a rotating shaft 250. (Refer to...) Figure 2 At this point, the folding knife is in the unfolded state, with the blade 100 fully extended in the first extended position, exposing the cutting edge 103 of the blade 100 to achieve the cutting function. (Refer to...) Figure 6 At this time, the folding knife is in the closed state, and the cutting edge 103 of the blade 100 is stored in the cavity 240. The blade 100 is in the second closed position, which prevents the cutting edge 103 from being exposed and shortens the overall length of the folding knife, making it more convenient to carry.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The first stop pin 110 is typically connected to the tool holder 230 near the front end 231 and upper edge of the tool holder 230 and extends within the cavity 240. The first stop pin 110 is used to limit the position of the blade 100 during the unfolding process and limit the unfolding angle of the blade 100 to prevent the unfolding angle of the blade 100 from being too large and affecting normal use. Specifically, during the unfolding process of the blade 100, the first limiting surface 105 of the blade 100 abuts against the first stop pin 110, and the first stop pin 110 prevents the blade 100 from continuing to rotate in the original direction.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 The locking plate 220 includes a fixing part 221 and a cantilever part 222. The fixing part 221 is fixedly connected to the handle 230. The fixed end 223 of the cantilever part 222 is connected to the fixing part 221, and the free end 224 of the cantilever part 222 is suspended. When the folding knife is in the unfolded state, the blade 100 is in the first extended use position. The free end 224 of the cantilever part 222 abuts against the blade 100 to maintain the unfolded state. The locking plate 220 and the first stop pin 110 cooperate to keep the blade 100 in the first extended use position. The spacer sleeve 190 passes through the fixing part 221, thereby connecting the fixing part 221 to the handle 230. In the figure, the fixing part 221 is connected to the left handle 210, and the spacer 180 presses the right side of the fixing part 221 so that the fixing part 221 is close to the left handle 210. Furthermore, the left handle 210 is also provided with a positioning groove whose shape is adapted to the locking plate 220, so as to better fix and limit the locking plate 220.

[0050] It is understood that the fixing part 221 can also be fixed to the left handle 210 by means of adhesive or other methods. The fixing part 221 can also be set on the right handle 140 according to the manufacturer's and / or user's preferences.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 The cantilever portion 222 operates by positioning itself on the second limiting surface 106 of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is in the first extended position of use. Therefore, when a downward force is applied to the back 104 of the blade 100, the free end 224 of the cantilever portion 222 presses against the second limiting surface 106, restricting the rotation of the blade 100 and preventing the blade 100 from rotating downward and potentially cutting the user's fingers.

[0052] Reference Figures 10 to 12In its free state, the free end 224 of the cantilever 222 is in the first position, and the fixed part 221 and the cantilever 222 are in different planes. When the locking plate 220 is installed in the tool holder 230, the cantilever 222 gradually shifts towards the right handle 140 along the path from the fixed end 223 to the free end 224. That is, the fixed end 223 of the cantilever 222 is on the same plane as the fixed part 221, and the free end 224 of the cantilever 222 is located on the side of the fixed part 221 closer to the right handle 140. The cantilever 222 can swing left and right around the fixed end 223. In order to disengage the second limiting surface 106 from the free end 224 of the cantilever 222, the upper side of the cantilever 222 can be pushed to provide lateral pressure towards the left handle 210. This allows the fixed part 221 and the cantilever part 222 to be in essentially the same plane, with the free end 224 of the cantilever part 222 located in the second position. The free end 224 of the cantilever part 222 disengages from the second limiting surface 106, allowing the blade 100 to rotate downwards to the second closed position.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The length direction of the fixed part 221 is consistent with the length direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) of the handle 230, and the length direction of the cantilever part 222 is also consistent with the length direction of the handle 230. It can be seen that when a downward force is applied to the back 104 of the blade 100, the fixed end 223 of the cantilever part 222 serves as the fulcrum, and the free end 224 of the cantilever part 222 serves as the force-bearing point. The lever arm of the cantilever part 222 is relatively long, resulting in a large torque, making it prone to bending or other deformation. The folding knife of this invention solves this problem by providing a second stop pin 120.

[0054] Specifically, the second stop pin 120 is connected to the tool holder 230 and is located on the side of the first stop pin 110 near the rear end 232 of the tool holder 230. The free end 224 of the cantilever portion 222 is provided with a limiting hole 225, the length direction of which is substantially the same as the length direction of the cantilever portion 222. The second stop pin 120 passes through the limiting hole 225. The vertical dimension of the limiting hole 225 is substantially the same as the dimension of the second stop pin 120, so that in the unfolded state, the second stop pin 120 abuts against the lower sidewall of the limiting hole 225. Furthermore, when the locking plate 220 is subjected to an impact force from above, the second stop pin 120 abuts against the upper sidewall of the limiting hole 225, effectively supporting the cantilever portion 222 and reducing the possibility of deformation or movement of the cantilever portion 222. The front-to-back dimension of the limiting hole 225 is larger than the dimension of the second stop pin 120, so that when the upper side of the cantilever 222 is pushed to make the cantilever 222 swing left and right, the limiting hole 225 can avoid the second stop pin 120, thus reducing resistance.

[0055] Understandably, in the deployed state, the second stop pin 120 abuts against the lower sidewall of the limiting hole 225, and there is a clear contact point between the second stop pin 120 and the cantilever portion 222. This contact point, as a force-bearing point, is located closer to the pivot, thereby shortening the lever arm of the cantilever portion 222 and reducing the torque it experiences, preventing the cantilever portion 222 from moving or bending under pressure. This ensures higher stability and resistance to deformation, improving the reliability of the locking plate 220 even under large forces. By maintaining a constant tension on the cantilever portion 222, the second stop pin 120 ensures that the cantilever portion 222 remains engaged with the blade 100, thereby preventing the blade 100 from accidentally closing.

[0056] In addition, the second stop pin 120 has an extra function: it acts as a limiting structure when the tool is in the second closed position. (See reference...) Figure 6 In the closed state, the third limiting surface 107 of the blade 100 abuts against the second stop pin 120 to limit the closing angle of the blade 100. The third limiting surface 107 and the cutting edge 103 are located on the lower side of the blade 100, and the third limiting surface 107 is located on the side of the cutting edge 103 near the rotating shaft 250.

[0057] By combining two stop pins with different functions, the folding knife reduces wear on individual stop pins, significantly extending the knife's service life. The separation of responsibilities between the first stop pin 110 and the second stop pin 120 ensures that the parts withstand less pressure and wear, making the folding knife more durable and reliable. This embodiment of the folding knife employs two different stop pins with specialized functions, providing a robust and efficient solution for the blade 100 in both open and closed positions. This design increases strength, prevents failure under pressure, and ensures that the blade 100 remains securely locked during use, thus providing greater safety, durability, and reliability.

[0058] Reference Figure 9 The blade 100 includes a transition surface 108 located between a first limiting surface 105 and a second limiting surface 106. The transition surface 108, the first limiting surface 105, and the second limiting surface 106 are located at the heel end 102 of the blade 100. The first limiting surface 105 and the transition surface 108 are planar. In the unfolded state, the transition surface 108 is nearly vertical. The angle between the first limiting surface 105 and the transition surface 108 is greater than 90° and less than 180°. The first limiting surface 105 is inclined relative to the transition surface 108, allowing the first limiting surface 105 to guide the blade 100 during rotation, enabling it to rotate more effectively to the first extended use position or from the first extended use position towards the second closed position. The angle between the transition surface 108 and the second limiting surface 106 is close to 90°, forming a recess for easy engagement with the locking plate 220.

[0059] Reference Figure 9 The height of the second limiting surface 106 gradually increases along the direction from the left handle 210 to the right handle 140. When the folding knife is in the unfolded state, the free end 224 of the cantilever 222 is in the second position. The height of the right side of the second limiting surface 106 is higher than the height of the lower end surface of the free end 224 of the cantilever 222, which can restrict the movement of the free end 224 of the cantilever 222 toward the right handle 140, improving the positional accuracy of the locking plate 220. Moreover, when the free end 224 of the cantilever 222 is subjected to force and moves toward the first position, the resistance of the second limiting surface 106 to the cantilever 222 is reduced.

[0060] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 12 The fixing part 221 includes a first segment 226, a second segment 227, and a third segment 228. The first segment 226 is located on the rear side of the cantilever part 222 and is connected to the fixing end 223 of the cantilever part 222. The second segment 227 is located on the lower side of the cantilever part 222, and the third segment 228 is located on the front side of the cantilever part 222. There is a gap 260 between the second segment 227 and the third segment 228 and the cantilever part 222. The locking piece 220 can form this gap 260 by removing material from a single piece of sheet metal, that is, the locking piece 220 can be a one-piece molded structure. By setting the first segment 226, the second segment 227, and the third segment 228, the proportion of the fixing part 221 in the locking piece 220 is increased, which can improve the structural stability of the locking piece 220.

[0061] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the fixing part 221 may include only the first segment 226, or only the first segment 226 and the second segment 227.

[0062] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 12 The third segment 228 is provided with two through holes 229. The first stop pin 110 and the rotating shaft 250 are respectively inserted through one of the through holes 229. The first stop pin 110 and the rotating shaft 250 can help fix the third segment 228 and improve stability.

[0063] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A folding knife, characterized in that, include: Handle; The blade is rotatably connected to one end of the handle via a rotating shaft; The locking plate includes a fixing part and a cantilever part, wherein the fixing part is fixedly connected to the tool holder, and the fixed end of the cantilever part is connected to the fixing part; The first stop pin is connected to the tool holder; The second stop pin is connected to the tool holder; The free end of the cantilever is provided with a limiting hole, and the second stop pin passes through the limiting hole. The folding knife has an unfolded state and a closed state. In the unfolded state, the first limiting surface of the blade abuts against the first stop pin to limit the unfolding angle of the blade. The free end of the cantilever abuts against the second limiting surface of the blade to maintain the unfolded state. The second stop pin abuts against the side wall of the limiting hole to limit the movement or deformation of the cantilever.

2. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the closed state, the third limiting surface of the blade abuts against the second stop pin to limit the closing angle of the blade.

3. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle has a front end, a rear end, and a cavity extending between the front end and the rear end. The locking piece is located in the cavity. The free end of the cantilever can swing along the second stop pin. When the free end of the cantilever is in the first position, the free end of the cantilever abuts against the second limiting surface. When the free end of the cantilever is in the second position, the free end of the cantilever disengages from the second limiting surface.

4. The folding knife according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first stop pin is located in the cavity and near the front end and upper edge of the tool holder, and the second stop pin is located in the cavity and on the side of the first stop pin near the rear end of the tool holder.

5. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade has a front tip, a rear tip, a cutting edge, and a blade back. The rear tip of the blade is rotatably connected to the front end of the shank via the rotating shaft, allowing the blade to move between an extended position and a closed position. The first limiting surface and the second limiting surface are located at the rear tip of the blade.

6. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade includes a transition surface located between the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface. The first limiting surface and the transition surface are planes, and the included angle between the first limiting surface and the transition surface is greater than 90° and less than 180°. The transition surface and the second limiting surface are configured as a concave position.

7. The folding knife according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle includes a left handle and a right handle. The blade and the locking plate are located between the left handle and the right handle. The fixing part is attached to the inner surface of the left handle. The cantilever part extends in a direction from the fixed end to the free end and is offset toward the right handle, so that in the free state, the fixing part and the cantilever part are in different planes.

8. The folding knife according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing part includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section is located on the rear side of the cantilever part and is connected to the fixed end of the cantilever part. The second section is located on the lower side of the cantilever part, and the third section is located on the front side of the cantilever part. There is a gap between the second section and the third section and the cantilever part.

9. The folding knife according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first stop pin and the rotating shaft pass through the third section.

10. The folding knife according to claim 7, characterized in that, The height of the second limiting surface gradually increases along the direction from the left handle to the right handle.

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