Folding knife locking structure

Abstract

A folding knife locking structure. The locking structure comprises a lock bar, a button washer, a screw washer, a button, a pivot, a pivot screw, a locking spring, and a button spring. Under the push of the locking spring and on the basis of the rotation angle of a blade, the lock bar can be automatically inserted into a locking slot or a closing slot formed in the blade, thereby automatically achieving a locking effect. The lock bar is provided with a locking contact surface, and the locking contact surface is divided into a flat section and an inclined section at different angles, thereby achieving the dual effects of wear compensation and firm locking. The locking structure requires only one pivot screw for fastening, occupies a small space as a whole, and has the advantages of a simple and beautiful appearance and space saving.

Description

A folding knife locking structure Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of folding knives, and more specifically, to a locking structure for folding knives. Background Technology

[0002] Folding knives with a locking mechanism are common tools used in daily life and work. The blade can rotate within a certain angle range. When the blade is extended to its maximum angle, the locking mechanism automatically pops out to lock the blade in place, making it convenient for the user. The locking mechanism has an unlocking switch, which can be operated with a finger to release the lock, allowing the blade to rotate and retract into the handle. This design offers the advantages of compact storage space and a combined handle and sheath. With the development of productivity and the improvement of people's living standards, higher demands are being placed on tools, moving beyond simply "usable" to "easy to use." In the field of folding knives, the following are some common user needs.

[0003] Easy to operate: It can be operated with one hand using comfortable gestures to control the opening, unlocking, and closing of the blade. It would be even better if the process was smooth and without any stickiness.

[0004] Secure locking: The locking mechanism should not break or slip during forceful use, preventing the blade from snapping back and injuring your hand. Some folding knives add a second manual safety lock or pin on top of the automatic lock, which increases security but defeats the purpose of ease of operation.

[0005] Prevents accidental operation: During normal use, the blade will not retract and injure your hand due to accidental activation of the unlock switch. During normal unlocking, your hand will not be injured if your finger is in the path of the blade's retraction. When storing, the blade will not accidentally unfold due to vibrations from walking or transportation, thus preventing injury to people or objects.

[0006] Simple and aesthetically pleasing: Every locking mechanism, especially the unlocking switch, inevitably adds protrusions or openings to the structure. Protrusions are generally for unlocking switches that require finger pressing, while openings can take the form of screws, holes, slots, or segmented seams. Users who value a simple and aesthetically pleasing design will prefer these protrusions or openings to be as few and as small as possible, ideally hidden from view.

[0007] Space saving: The locking mechanism inevitably occupies a certain amount of space, which conflicts with the blade. The larger the locking mechanism, the more exposed area the blade will have when closed, or the blade will need to make a notch to avoid it, resulting in a loss of usable cutting edge length. Users would prefer to waste as little space as possible.

[0008] In the current market, there are many popular locking structures, such as liner locks, back locks, and shaft locks. Liner locks are the most popular, offering advantages such as easy operation, a simple and aesthetically pleasing design, and space saving. However, they have drawbacks in terms of locking security and preventing accidental operation. Back locks are perhaps the best on the market in terms of locking security, but they have significant shortcomings in terms of ease of operation, preventing accidental operation, and space saving. Shaft locks perform well in terms of ease of operation, locking security, and preventing accidental operation, but they have disadvantages in terms of simplicity, aesthetics, and space saving. Each type of lock has its strengths and weaknesses, but currently, no single locking structure can meet all customer requirements in all aspects.

[0009] Therefore, this invention specifically proposes a locking structure that meets customer requirements in the current market in terms of convenient operation, secure locking, prevention of accidental operation, simplicity and aesthetics, and space saving.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] 1. Technical problems to be solved

[0012] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a folding knife locking structure that can solve the problem that existing locking structures cannot simultaneously meet user needs such as convenient operation, secure locking, prevention of accidental operation, simplicity and aesthetics, and space saving.

[0013] 2. Technical Solution

[0014] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0015] A folding knife locking structure includes a lock bridge, a button washer, a screw washer, a button, a spindle, a spindle screw, a locking spring, and a button spring. The spindle has a threaded hole in the middle, the button washer is threadedly connected to the upper end of the spindle, and the screw washer is set at the lower end of the spindle through the spindle screw.

[0016] One end of the button extends through the button washer into the threaded channel of the spindle. A button spring is provided inside the threaded channel between the button and the spindle screw. A clearance hole is provided on the side of the button washer, and a locking spring placement hole is provided on the screw washer. A locking spring is provided in the locking spring placement hole. Each end of the locking bridge has a first contact block that is engaged in the button washer and contacts the button through the clearance hole, and a second contact block that is engaged in the other end of the locking spring. Both sides of the locking bridge have a locking contact surface that matches the blade locking groove and a closing contact surface that matches the blade closing groove.

[0017] With the above structure, pressing the button causes the button washer to point downwards, driving the locking bridge downwards. This changes the position of the locking bridge, disengaging its locking contact surface from the blade locking groove. This allows the blade to rotate around the handle, enabling folding or unfolding. During rotation, the blade is not subjected to direct or indirect pressure from any spring, resulting in minimal frictional resistance. This allows for one-handed operation, eliminating the need for a second hand to assist in rotating the blade, thus providing convenient control. Furthermore, since pressing the button does not require fingers to be in the blade's folding path, it prevents hand injuries and accidental operation. During pressing, both the button and locking bridge compress the button spring and locking spring respectively. Upon releasing the force, the button and locking bridge return to their original positions under the action of elasticity. Depending on whether it is folded or unfolded, the locking bridge can be locked by the locking contact surface that matches the blade locking groove, or by the closing contact surface that matches the blade's closing groove, providing a certain threshold of closing resistance. This prevents the blade from accidentally unfolding and injuring people or objects due to vibrations during walking or transportation.

[0018] Preferably, the button has a groove at its insertion end, and a retaining ring is provided on the groove to fix the insertion end of the button in the threaded hole of the main shaft; the button washer has an inner step in the middle to hold the retaining ring.

[0019] As can be seen, the button has a groove at its insertion end and a retaining ring, which, together with the inner step, fixes the button's position without affecting its use. The structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0020] Preferably, the upper surface of the button washer has a first groove that matches the size of the button, the first groove has a button insertion end hole, and the side of the first groove also has a lock bridge contact opening for contact between the lock bridge and the button.

[0021] Therefore, the first groove, which fits the button's size, allows the button to be placed inside the button washer. The locking bridge contact opening allows the button and the first contact block of the locking bridge to make contact. The entire structure is concealed within the handle, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Simultaneously, the opening matches the handle and prevents the button washer from rotating. This avoids the problem of friction between the rotating button washer and the moving locking bridge, which could affect normal use. Furthermore, the flushness between the button and the button washer, besides being aesthetically pleasing, also prevents accidental operation. Without a rigid protective ring around the button, accidental activation could easily occur, leading to blade unlocking and potential finger injury. With the protective ring, the small opening and deep hole require the fingertip to press to the required depth for unlocking, preventing unlocking by other means and thus solving the problem of accidental activation and injury.

[0022] Preferably, the screw washer has a raised ring in the middle and a spindle hole for the spindle to pass through, and the raised ring has an arc-shaped notch on the side for matching the shank and locking spring.

[0023] As can be seen, the arc-shaped opening facilitates the fixing of the locking spring and the fixing handle. The entire structure is concealed within the upper and lower handles, resulting in a simple and aesthetically pleasing overall structure. The arc-shaped opening also serves to prevent rotation.

[0024] Preferably, an upper shim and a lower shim are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the spindle. The area between the upper shim and the lower shim forms a blade setting area, the area between the upper shim and the button washer forms an upper handle fixing area, and the area between the lower shim and the screw washer forms a lower handle fixing area.

[0025] As can be seen, by using fixed upper and lower shims, the blade setting area, upper handle fixing area, and lower handle fixing area are formed, so that the entire structure is hidden inside the handle, making the overall structure more aesthetically pleasing.

[0026] Technical advantages of the present invention:

[0027] The locking structure of this invention requires only one spindle screw for fastening, and has no special structural features exposed in appearance, making it simple and aesthetically pleasing.

[0028] This invention features a button that returns to its original position after the user releases the button. Unlike existing locking mechanisms that place the button on the spindle, where the button sometimes moves along with the locking components, resulting in a recessed position and an unsightly appearance, the button in this invention remains perfectly flush, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing design.

[0029] This invention uses an arched locking bridge that bypasses the outer ring of the blade, maximizing the distance between the locking contact surface and the center of the circle, i.e., maximizing the locking lever arm. This reduces the locking force under the same external torque, making the lock more secure.

[0030] In this invention, the locking contact surface of the locking bridge is divided into two segments with different angles: one flat and one inclined. The inclined segment is a compensating slope, the normal locking contact surface, and provides wear compensation to ensure there are no gaps between the blade and the locking bridge, preventing wobbling. The flat segment is a safety plane, which does not normally contact the blade. However, when the blade is impacted by external force and slides against the slope, such as when it gets stuck while chopping firewood in the wild and is being pulled out forcefully, the flat plane appears at the end of the slope, blocking the blade's return path. Due to the flat contact, the pressure of the blade on the locking bridge causes the component of the force in the translational direction of the locking bridge to abruptly become 0 (the component of the force on the inclined plane). Thus, the locking bridge loses its translational power and only has friction, preventing further movement and ensuring the blade is locked and will not injure the hand. The function of these two locking surfaces is equivalent to the manual safety added to some folding knives on the market, but this solution is fully automatic. It simultaneously meets the requirements of convenient operation and secure locking.

[0031] This invention allows for comfortable one-handed operation, controlling the unfolding, unlocking, and closing of the blades with a simple gesture. The process involves minimal friction, resulting in a smooth and convenient operation.

[0032] This invention features a closing resistance to prevent accidental opening due to vibration when closed, a protective ring around the button to prevent accidental activation when unfolded, and the ability to prevent hand injury by ensuring that fingers do not need to be in the blade's return path when unlocking. It has multiple advantages in preventing accidental operation.

[0033] The assembled appearance of the button, button washer, spindle, spindle screw, and screw washer of this invention is indistinguishable from the spindle structure of a common folding knife, without taking up any extra space. The rubber ring, button spring, and locking spring are completely hidden internally and cannot be seen, thus also not taking up extra space. The locking bridge is in a semi-hidden state, only visible from a specific angle, and does not interfere with the exposed part of the blade outside the handle. All influences are hidden within a very small area inside the handle, thus saving space. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the locking structure in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 is a front view of the overall structure of the locking structure in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the folding knife structure in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the folding knife in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the button structure in this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 is a top view of the button washer in this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the button washer structure in this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the front and back of the lower handle in this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the screw washer structure in this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 11 is a top view of the screw washer in this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the blade structure in this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the lock bridge structure in this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 14 is a top view of the lock bridge in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] Example:

[0050] Please refer to Figures 1-14. A folding knife locking structure 100 includes a locking bridge 1, a button washer 2, a screw washer 3, a button 4, a spindle 5, a spindle screw 6, a locking spring 7, and a button spring 8. The spindle 5 has a threaded hole in the middle. The button washer 2 is threadedly connected to the upper end of the spindle 5, and the screw washer 3 is set at the lower end of the spindle 5 through the spindle screw 6.

[0051] One end of button 4 passes through button washer 2 and extends into the threaded channel of spindle 5. A button spring 8 is provided between button 4 and spindle screw 6 in the threaded channel. A clearance hole is provided on the side of button washer 2. A locking spring 7 placement hole is provided on screw washer 3. A locking spring 7 is provided in the locking spring 7 placement hole. A first contact block 101 is provided at both ends of the locking bridge 1, which is inserted into button washer 2 and contacts button 4 through clearance hole. A second contact block 102 is provided at the other end of locking spring 7. Locking bridge 1 has a locking contact surface 104 for locking groove 200a of blade 200 and a closing contact surface 103 for locking groove 200b of blade 200.

[0052] Preferably, a groove is provided at the insertion end of the button 4, and a retaining ring 401 is provided on the groove to fix the insertion end of the button 4 in the threaded channel of the main shaft 5; an inner step 201 is provided in the middle of the button washer 2 to hold the retaining ring 401.

[0053] Preferably, the upper surface of the button washer 2 has a first groove 202 that fits the size of the button 4, the first groove 202 has a button insertion end hole 203, and the side of the first groove 202 also has a lock bridge contact opening 204 for contact between the lock bridge 1 and the button 4.

[0054] Preferably, the screw washer 3 has a raised ring in the middle and a spindle 5 hole for the spindle 5 to pass through. The raised ring has an arc-shaped notch 301 on its side for matching the shank and locking spring 7.

[0055] Preferably, an upper washer 9 and a lower washer 10 are respectively provided on the upper and lower ends of the main shaft 5. The blade setting area A is formed between the upper washer 9 and the lower washer 10. The upper handle fixing area B is formed between the upper washer 9 and the button washer 2. The lower handle fixing area C is formed between the lower washer 10 and the screw washer 3.

[0056] In this embodiment, the locking bridge is constrained within a pair of rectangular holes 401 symmetrically arranged inside the tool holder, and can only slide in one direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, the locking contact surface 104 of the locking bridge 1 is divided into two segments with different angles: one flat and one inclined. The inclined segment is the compensating inclined surface 104a, which is the normal locking contact surface 104 and provides wear compensation to ensure that there is no gap between the blade 200 and the locking bridge 1 and that it will not wobble. The flat segment is the safety plane 104b, which does not normally contact the blade 200. However, when the blade 200 is impacted by an external force and slides against the inclined surface, such as when it gets stuck while chopping firewood in the wild and is pulled outwards with force, the flat surface appears at the very end of the inclined surface, blocking the path of the blade 200 as it folds back. Due to planar contact, the pressure of the blade 200 on the locking bridge 1 causes the component of the locking bridge in the direction of translation to suddenly become 0 (the component of the force on the inclined plane). As a result, the locking bridge 1 loses the power of translation and only has friction, so it will not continue to move, ensuring that the blade 200 is locked and will not hurt the hand. Compared with ordinary folding knives, this avoids the problem of the blade 200 folding back and hurting the hand when it is unlocked under the same conditions.

[0058] Detailed implementation: In this embodiment, the blade 200 is set on the main shaft 5 between the upper pad 9 and the lower pad 10 through the blade setting area A. The upper handle fixing area B and the lower handle fixing area C are respectively fixed with the upper handle 300 and the lower handle 400. The blade 200 is provided with an exposed part for finger operation to push the blade 200 to rotate around the main shaft 5. It is worth noting that the exposed part of the blade includes many forms such as protrusions, nail grooves, openings, push buttons, and push plates.

[0059] A stop post is provided between the upper handle 300, the lower handle 400 and the blade 200 to prevent the blade 200 from rotating counterclockwise. The stop post is existing technology, and its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail in this application. In this embodiment, the upper handle 300 and the lower handle 400 are mirror images.

[0060] In this embodiment, the folding knife is initially in a closed state. In this closed state, on one hand, the counter-clockwise rotation of the blade 200 is blocked by the blade post; on the other hand, the locking bridge 1, pushed by the locking spring 7, enters the closing groove of the blade 200, preventing the blade 200 from rotating clockwise. The resistance in both directions restricts the blade 200 to a fixed position. However, the resistance of the locking bridge 1 is provided by the closing contact surface 103, meaning it can be opened simply by applying a force exceeding a certain threshold with a finger.

[0061] At this time, the locking bridge 1 and the button 4 are not in contact. The button 4 is pushed by the button spring 8 to be flush with the surface of the button washer 2. At this time, the continued movement of the button 4 will be restricted by the retaining ring 401 and will not be ejected from the button washer 2. This is the normal state of the button 4. When there is no finger pressing, the button 4 will always be restricted by the button spring 8 and the retaining ring, and will stay at the position flush with the button washer 2.

[0062] By pressing button 4, the restriction of the locking bridge 1 on the blade 200 is unlocked, or the force provided by the finger exceeds a certain threshold, driving the blade 200 to rotate around the main shaft 5. In this intermediate state, the locking bridge 1 is not fixed in the blade 200 closing groove 200b or the blade 200 locking groove 200a, so the blade 200 can rotate freely clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0063] When the blade 200 rotates and unfolds, it enters an unfolded and locked state. In this state, the clockwise rotation of the blade 200 is blocked by the stop post; on the other hand, the locking bridge 1 is pushed by the locking spring 7 and enters the blade 200 locking groove 200a, preventing the blade 200 from rotating counterclockwise. The resistance in both directions keeps the blade in a fixed unfolded position. Unlike the closed state, the slope of the locking contact surface 104 is very small at this time, achieving the friction angle self-locking condition, making the lock very secure.

[0064] When it is necessary to close the device, button 4 needs to be pressed to remove the restriction of the locking bridge 1, forming an open and unlocked state, so that the blade 200 can rotate freely to enter the intermediate state and return to the closed state to complete the storage.

[0065] The difference between the unlocked and locked states depends entirely on whether button 4 is pressed. When button 4 is not pressed, the blade is in the locked state and cannot rotate; when button 4 is pressed, the blade can rotate freely to enter the intermediate state and return to the closed state to complete storage.

[0066] This invention seamlessly integrates the folding knife locking structure 100 into the spindle screw 6 without adding any visually distinctive locking structure 100. Compared to other locking structures 100, which may have additional buttons 4, additional slots, or additional screws, this invention is more concise and aesthetically pleasing.

[0067] It is worth noting that the upper and lower shims can be replaced with thrust ball bearings or other structures that can form a blade setting area. For those skilled in the art, this is existing technology, and the equivalent replacement of this structure can be achieved through simple substitution.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and its improved concepts, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking structure for a folding knife, characterized in that: The locking structure includes a lock bridge, a button washer, a screw washer, a button, a spindle, a spindle screw, a locking spring, and a button spring; The spindle has a threaded hole in the middle, the button washer is threadedly connected to the upper end of the spindle, and the screw washer is set at the lower end of the spindle by the spindle screw. One end of the button passes through the button washer and extends into the threaded channel of the spindle. A button spring is provided inside the threaded channel between the button and the spindle screw. The button washer has a clearance hole on its side, and the screw washer has a locking spring placement hole; a locking spring is provided in the locking spring placement hole. The lock bridge has a first contact block at each end that is inserted into the button washer and contacts the button through the clearance hole, and a second contact block at the other end of the locking spring. The locking bridge has a locking contact surface with a locking groove for locking the blade and a closing contact surface with a closing groove for locking the blade on both sides. The locking contact surface is divided into two sections: flat and inclined.

2. The folding knife locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button has a groove at its insertion end, and a retaining ring is provided on the groove to fix the insertion end of the button in the threaded hole of the main shaft; the button washer has an inner step in the middle to hold the retaining ring.

3. The folding knife locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the button washer is provided with a first groove that fits the size of the button. The first groove is provided with a button insertion end hole. The side of the first groove is also provided with a lock bridge contact opening for the lock bridge and the button to contact.

4. The folding knife locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screw washer has a raised ring in the middle and a spindle hole for the spindle to pass through. The raised ring has an arc-shaped notch on its side for matching the shank and locking spring.

5. The folding knife locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer end of the spindle is provided with an upper shim and a lower shim, respectively. The upper shim and the lower shim form a blade setting area, the upper shim and the button washer form an upper handle fixing area, and the lower shim and the screw washer form a lower handle fixing area.

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