Guide ring

Abstract

The guide ring comprises a substrate and an oxide layer. The substrate is ring-shaped, made of non-oxide ceramic, and has a concave portion. The oxide layer has an oxide as its main component. Additionally, the concave portion has a first surface, and the oxide layer is located on the first surface of the concave portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] An embodiment of the disclosure relates to a guide ring. Background Technology

[0002] In order to maintain a thread member (hereinafter also referred to as a thread) in a movable state, an annular guide ring is used in fishing rods, textile machinery, etc. Since this guide ring comes into contact with a thread moving at high speed or with foreign matter such as sand attached to the thread, it is required to have excellent sliding properties (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 10-136844 The problem to be solved

[0004] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a guide ring with excellent sliding properties. means of solving the problem

[0005] A guide ring according to one embodiment comprises a substrate and an oxide layer. The substrate is ring-shaped, made of non-oxide ceramic, and has a concave portion. The oxide layer has an oxide as its main component. In addition, the concave portion has a first surface, and the oxide layer is located on the first surface of the concave portion. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0006] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a guide ring according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken from the arrow of line AA shown in Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fishing line guide according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a fishing rod according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the region (X) shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the region (Y) shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a drawing showing an SEM observation photograph of the first surface of the guide ring and the vicinity of the first surface. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the concentration distribution of silicon in the first surface of the guide ring and near the first surface. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the carbon concentration distribution in the first surface of the guide ring and near the first surface. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the oxygen concentration distribution on the first surface of the guide ring and near the first surface. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the guide ring disclosed herein will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below.

[0008] In order to maintain a thread (hereinafter also referred to as a thread) in a movable state, an annular guide ring is used in fishing rods, textile machinery, etc. Since this guide ring comes into contact with a thread moving at high speed or with foreign matter such as sand attached to the thread, it is required to have excellent sliding properties.

[0009] If there is a problem with the sliding properties, there is a risk that the thread may wear out and break due to the heavy load applied to it when moving at high speeds. However, there was room for improvement regarding the sliding properties of the guide ring in conventional technology.

[0010] Therefore, it is expected that the aforementioned problems will be overcome and a guide ring with excellent sliding properties will be realized.

[0011] <Embodiment>

[0012] First, the configuration of the guide ring, the guide for the fishing line, and the fishing rod according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the guide ring (1) according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken from the arrow of line AA shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the guide ring (1) according to the embodiment has a ring-shaped substrate (2), and the substrate (2) has a first surface (3). Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the cross-section of the substrate (2) is approximately circular. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the cross-section of the substrate (2) is not limited to approximately circular and may be, for example, elliptical.

[0014] In this guide ring (1), the space on the inner side of the substrate (2) becomes a guide hole for the thread (24) (see FIG. 4). Then, the thread (24) is inserted and passes through the space on the inner side of the substrate (2) along the direction of travel. That is, among the first surfaces (3) of the substrate (2), the inner surface becomes the connecting surface of the thread (24).

[0015] The substrate (2) is made of ceramic. Examples of ceramics constituting the substrate (2) include non-oxide ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), aluminum nitride (AlN), titanium nitride (TiN), and titanium carbide (TiC).

[0016] Among these, from the perspective of improving the sliding properties of the thread (24), it is preferable that the substrate (2) contains silicon carbide or silicon nitride as a main component.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fishing line guide (10) according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the fishing line guide (10) according to an embodiment comprises a guide ring (1) and a frame body (11). Additionally, the frame body (11) has a retaining part (12), a supporting part (13), and an attachment part (14).

[0018] The retaining part (12) retains the guide ring (1). The support part (13) supports the retaining part (12). The attachment part (14) attaches the support part (13) to the fishing rod (20) (see FIG. 4). Additionally, the guide (10) for the fishing line according to the embodiment is not limited to the example of FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of a fishing rod (20) according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the fishing rod (20) according to an embodiment is equipped with a rod portion (21), a reel (22), a handle portion (23), a thread (24), and a plurality of fishing line guides (10).

[0020] In this fishing rod (20), a pole section (21) and a reel (22) are each attached to a handle section (23). Additionally, a plurality of fishing line guides (10) are attached to a predetermined location on the pole section (21) connected to the handle section (23). A thread (24) wound on the reel (22) is inserted and passed through the guide ring (1) (see FIG. 3) of the plurality of fishing line guides (10) and is drawn out from the tip of the pole section (21).

[0021] And, when using the fishing rod (20) for fishing, a device such as a lure, a fishing hook, a sinker, and a fishing float (not shown) can be attached near the tip of the thread (24) drawn from the reel (22), and the handle (23) of the fishing rod (20) can be held and the rod (21) shaken to use the weight of the device to send out the thread (24) wound on the reel (22).

[0022] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the region (X) shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, in the embodiment described so far, a concave portion (4) is disposed on the first surface (3) of the substrate (2) in the guide ring (1). For example, a plurality of such concave portions (4) are disposed on the first surface (3). Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the first surface (3) has a first surface (3a) and a first surface (3b). The first surface (3a) is the surface of the substrate (2) in the concave portion (4). Meanwhile, the first surface (3b) is the surface of the substrate (2) other than the first surface (3a). When the concave portion (4) is viewed from the top surface, the shape of the concave portion (4) may be, for example, circular or irregular. The cross-sectional shape of the concave portion (4) may be observed, for example, in a cross-section that crosses the vicinity of the deepest position of the concave portion (4).

[0023] And, on the first surface (3a) of the substrate (2) in the concave portion (4), an oxide layer (5) having an oxide as its main component is disposed. For example, if the substrate (2) contains silicon carbide or silicon nitride as its main component, the oxide layer (5) contains silicon oxide (SiO2) as its main component.

[0024] In the embodiment, when a thread (24) (see FIG. 4) to which seawater or freshwater is attached is wound, if such seawater or freshwater is attached to the first surface (3) of the guide ring (1), the attached seawater or freshwater is captured in the concave portion (4) formed on the first surface (3). Additionally, since the second surface (5a) of the oxide layer (5) has high water repellency, the seawater or freshwater captured in the concave portion (4) is quickly discharged when the thread (24) slides along the first surface (3).

[0025] That is, in the embodiment, the sliding resistance of the first surface (3) can be reduced because the sliding of the first surface (3) is improved by the seawater or fresh water captured in the concave portion (4). Therefore, according to the embodiment, a guide ring (1) with excellent sliding properties can be realized.

[0026] In addition, in the embodiment, an oxide layer (5) is disposed on the first surface (3a) of the substrate (2) in the concave portion (4), thereby reinforcing the bottom portion (4a) of the concave portion (4) (see FIG. 6), which is the area where stress is concentrated. Accordingly, according to the embodiment, the guide ring (1) can be prevented from being damaged by external stress.

[0027] In addition, the concave portion (4) in the present disclosure does not include naturally formed ultrafine concave portions. The concave portion (4) in the present disclosure is, for example, a concave portion with a depth of 1 (μm) or more. In addition, the concave portion (4) in the present disclosure is composed of a mortar-shaped tapered portion having a pair of tapered surfaces when viewed from a cross-section.

[0028] In addition, in the embodiment, a groove (6) (see FIG. 7) with a width smaller than the width of the concave portion (4) may be disposed at the bottom of the concave portion (4) formed by this tapered portion. By doing so, the amount of seawater or freshwater that can be captured can be increased in that seawater or freshwater can be captured in the groove (6) in addition to the concave portion (4).

[0029] In addition, since capillary action occurs in the narrow groove (6), seawater or freshwater captured in this groove (6) is discharged over a long period of time. That is, in the embodiment, good sliding properties can be maintained over a long period of time by placing the groove (6) at the bottom of the concave portion (4).

[0030] In addition, in the present disclosure, a horizontal groove (7) (see FIG. 7) or the like may be further arranged on the side of the groove (6). Also, in the present disclosure, an oxide layer (5) may be arranged on the surface of the groove (6) and the horizontal groove (7), just like the concave portion (4). By doing so, good sliding properties can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0031] In addition, in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the oxide layer (5) does not need to be placed on the first surface (3b) other than the first surface (3a) of the concave portion (4). In this way, the oxide layer (5), which has relatively high frictional resistance, is not placed on the first surface (3b) that slides directly with the seal (24), thereby making the sliding resistance of the first surface (3b) smaller. Accordingly, according to the embodiment, a guide ring (1) with superior sliding properties can be realized.

[0032] In addition, in the embodiment, the width of the concave portion (4) may be greater than the depth of the concave portion (4). In other words, when the concave portion (4) is viewed from a cross-section, the line segment connecting both ends of the concave portion (4) is designated as the first virtual line segment, and the line segment that is perpendicular to the first virtual line segment and has the maximum length of the line segment inside the concave portion (4) is designated as the second virtual line segment, the first virtual line segment may be longer than the second virtual line segment.

[0033] By this, a guide ring (1) with superior sliding properties can be realized in that seawater or freshwater trapped in the concave portion (4) is easily discharged.

[0034] In addition, in the embodiment, when the concave portion (4) is viewed from a cross-section, the angle formed by a pair of tapered surfaces in the concave portion (4) may be obtuse. Also, if there is an irregularity on the tapered surface in the concave portion (4), in the embodiment, the angle formed by the outer tangents of a pair of tapered surfaces may be obtuse.

[0035] By this, since the water repellency inside the concave part (4) is increased, a guide ring (1) with better sliding properties can be realized.

[0036] In addition, in the embodiment, the oxide layer (5) may include at least one of the crystalline phases of cristobalite and tridymite. As such, by including the crystalline phases of the oxide layer (5), the peeling of the oxide layer (5) can be suppressed in that the strength of the oxide layer (5) is improved. Therefore, according to the embodiment, good sliding properties can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0037] In addition, in the embodiment, the oxide layer (5) includes at least one of the crystalline phases of cristobalite and tridymite, thereby strengthening the chemical bonding with silicon carbide, which is the substrate (2). Therefore, according to the embodiment, good sliding properties can be maintained for a longer period of time, as peeling of the oxide layer (5) can be further suppressed.

[0038] In addition, in the embodiment, the oxide layer (5) contains a crystalline phase of cristobalite, so the oxide layer (5) can be chemically stabilized at an environmental temperature (e.g., -30°C to 50°C) when fishing. Therefore, according to the embodiment, good sliding properties can be maintained for a longer period of time, as peeling of the oxide layer (5) can be further suppressed.

[0039] In addition, in the embodiment, the oxide layer (5) may include an amorphous phase. By doing so, peeling of the oxide layer (5) can be suppressed compared to the case where the oxide layer (5) is composed only of a crystalline phase.

[0040] This is because, if the oxide layer (5) is composed only of a crystalline phase, a crystallinity mismatch occurs in the boundary region between the substrate (2) and the oxide layer (5), and there is a risk that the oxide layer (5) may peel off due to this mismatch, whereas the oxide layer (5) can suppress this mismatch by including an amorphous phase.

[0041] That is, in the embodiment, the oxide layer (5) includes an amorphous phase, so that peeling of the oxide layer (5) can be suppressed, and thus good sliding properties can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0042] In addition, in the embodiment, the thickness of the oxide layer (5) may be smaller than the maximum crystal grain size of the substrate (2). For example, in the embodiment, the thickness of the oxide layer (5) may be 5 μm or less. By doing so, good sliding properties can be maintained over a long period of time, as peeling of the oxide layer (5) can be suppressed.

[0043] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the region (Y) shown in FIG. 5, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bottom (4a) of the concave portion (4). As shown in FIG. 6, in the embodiment, the radius of curvature of the second surface (5a) of the oxide layer (5) at the bottom (4a) of the concave portion (4) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the first surface (3a) of the substrate (2).

[0044] By this, the concentration of stress at the bottom (4a) of the concave portion (4) can be reduced. Therefore, according to the embodiment, the guide ring (1) can be further prevented from being damaged by external stress.

[0045] In addition, in the embodiment, the oxide layer (5) includes an amorphous phase, so the radius of curvature of the second surface (5a) of the oxide layer (5) can be made larger. Accordingly, according to the embodiment, the guide ring (1) can be further suppressed from breaking due to external stress.

[0046] (Example)

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In addition, the embodiments described below show a guide ring (1) having silicon carbide as the main component, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0048] First, a powder of silicon carbide, which is the main component, and a powder of a sintering aid (e.g., alumina or yttrium oxide (Y2O3)) are prepared. Then, the powder of silicon carbide and the powder of the sintering aid are mixed in a predetermined ratio, water and a dispersant are added, and the mixture is mixed for a predetermined time using a ball mill or a bead mill to form a primary slurry.

[0049] Next, an organic binder is added to the obtained primary slurry and mixed to form a secondary slurry. Then, the obtained secondary slurry is spray-dried to obtain granules whose main component is silicon carbide.

[0050] Next, the obtained granules are filled into a predetermined mold and press-molded into a ring shape under a suitably set pressure. Then, the obtained molded body is fired in an argon atmosphere. In addition, when silicon nitride is used as the main component, it is preferable to fire it in a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0051] In this firing process, the temperature is first maintained at a temperature 50°C to 100°C lower than the predetermined sintering temperature for 2 to 10 hours. Then, the temperature is maintained at the predetermined sintering temperature for 1 to 10 hours, and then cooled to room temperature to obtain a fired body.

[0052] Next, primary barrel polishing is performed on the obtained sintered body. For example, the sintered body and GC (green carbon) polishing particles, which are the media, are placed in a processing vessel, and the media is slid over the surface of the sintered body in a wet manner using water. In addition, the diameter of the GC polishing particles, which are the media, is, for example, about 1 (mm) to 20 (mm), and it is preferable to use a larger media as the inner diameter of the guide ring (1) increases.

[0053] As a result, the surface of the sintered body is polished, and a depression is formed on the surface of the sintered body. Furthermore, because the media selectively concentrates and slides over the open pores formed on the surface during the sintering process, these open pores are deeply gouged, forming an additional depression.

[0054] Next, the first barrel-polished sintered body is heat-treated in an atmosphere containing oxygen (e.g., air) to form an oxide layer on the surface. In this oxide layer formation process, the body is maintained at an oxidation temperature of, for example, 1000°C to 1300°C for 0.1 to 10 hours.

[0055] In addition, the oxidation time and oxidation temperature are adjusted so that the thickness of the oxide layer is 5 (㎛) or less. By doing this, cracks can be suppressed in the oxide layer (5) during the firing process.

[0056] After that, the body is cooled from the oxidation temperature to 500°C at a cooling rate of 60°C / hour, and then further cooled to room temperature to obtain a sintered body with an oxide layer formed thereon.

[0057] Next, secondary barrel polishing is performed on the sintered body with the oxide layer formed. For example, the sintered body and GC (Green Carbon) polishing particles, which are the media, are placed in a processing vessel, and the media is slid over the surface of the sintered body in a wet manner using water.

[0058] By this, surfaces other than the surface of the concave part are polished, and most of the oxide layer is removed, while the oxide layer remains on the surface of the concave part. Finally, a cleaning and drying treatment is performed on the secondary barrel-polished sintered body to obtain a ring-shaped sample (guide ring (1)).

[0059] Then, the obtained guide ring (1) was cut, and the first surface (3) of the cross-section and the vicinity thereof were observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an SEM observation photograph of the first surface (3) of the guide ring (1) and the vicinity thereof.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, a concave portion (4) consisting of a mortar-shaped tapered portion was observed on the first surface (3) of the guide ring (1). Additionally, a groove (6) narrower than the concave portion (4) was observed at the bottom of the concave portion (4). Additionally, a transverse groove (7) was observed on the side of the groove (6).

[0061] In addition, the concentration distribution of each constituent element was evaluated using an Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA) for the same region as the area where the above SEM observation was performed.

[0062] FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings showing the concentration distribution of silicon, carbon, and oxygen in the first surface (3) of the guide ring (1) and in the vicinity of the first surface (3). In addition, FIGS. 8 to 10 indicate that the higher the brightness, the higher the concentration of the constituent elements, and the lower the brightness, the lower the concentration of the constituent elements. High brightness can be rephrased as, for example, white. Also, low brightness can be rephrased as, for example, black.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, an oxide layer, i.e., silicon and oxygen, was observed on the surface of the concave portion (4), the surface of the groove (6), and the surface of the transverse groove (7) in the guide ring (1).

[0064] Meanwhile, the oxide layer was hardly observed on the first surface (3b) (see FIG. 5) of the substrate (2) other than the concave portion (4). This is because the oxygen constituting the oxide layer was hardly observed on the first surface (3b) of the substrate (2) other than the concave portion (4).

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate from the spirit thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the guide ring (1) is applied to a fishing rod (20) was shown, but the guide ring (1) may be applied to various products other than a fishing rod.

[0066] For example, the guide ring (1) according to the embodiment may be applied to a textile machine. In this case, the sliding ability of the first surface (3) can be further improved in that the oil applied to the fiber in advance for the purpose of increasing sliding ability can be captured in the concave portion (4) of the first surface (3).

[0067] Additional effects or other aspects can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. For this reason, broader aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0068] 1: Guide ring 2: Material 3, 3a, 3b: 1st surface 4: Concave part 5: Oxide layer 5a: Second surface 6: Home

Claims

Claim 1 A guide ring comprising a ring-shaped substrate made of non-oxide ceramic and having a concave portion, and an oxide layer having an oxide as a main component, wherein the concave portion has a first surface, the oxide layer is located on the first surface in the concave portion, and the oxide layer is an oxide of an element constituting the non-oxide ceramic. Claim 2 A guide ring according to claim 1, wherein at the bottom of the concave portion, the radius of curvature of the second surface of the oxide layer is larger than the radius of curvature of the first surface of the above description. Claim 3 A guide ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the concave portion is greater than the depth of the concave portion. Claim 4 A guide ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a groove with a width smaller than the width of the concave portion is disposed at the bottom of the concave portion. Claim 5 A guide ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oxide layer comprises at least one crystalline phase of cristobalite and tridymite. Claim 6 A guide ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oxide layer comprises at least one of silicon oxide, titanium oxide, and aluminum oxide as a main component. Claim 7 A guide ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oxide layer comprises silicon dioxide as a main component.

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