Fishing reels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fishing reel equipped with a magnetic sealing mechanism, which can more firmly prevent the magnetic fluid of the magnetic sealing mechanism from invading a one-way clutch located nearby even when a strong impact or vibration is applied thereto. Specifically, the fishing reel of the present invention comprises: a one-way clutch (20) arranged on an inner ring (21); and a magnetic sealing mechanism (50) having a sealing film composed of a magnetic fluid formed in a gap between the magnetic sealing mechanism and the outer surface of the inner ring (21) to prevent foreign matter from invading the one-way clutch (20). The invention is characterized in that a circumferential groove (21A) is formed on the inner ring (21) to prevent the magnetic fluid from invading the one-way clutch (20), and an O-ring (21B) is installed in the circumferential groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fishing reel equipped with a magnetic sealing mechanism for waterproofing and dustproofing a one-way clutch provided on a drive shaft. Background Art

[0002] Fishing reels, particularly spinning reels, are typically equipped with a reverse rotation prevention mechanism that allows the rotor to rotate in the line-reeling direction when the handle is rotated, while preventing the rotor from rotating when the handle is reversed. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the reverse rotation prevention mechanism typically comprises a one-way clutch (bearing component) comprising an inner ring that is locked and engaged with a pinion gear; a retainer disposed radially outward of the inner ring and retaining a plurality of rolling elements; and an outer ring disposed radially outward of the retainer and locked relative to the reel body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that achieves waterproofing and dustproofing by providing a magnetic seal mechanism on the opening side of the one-way clutch. The magnetic seal mechanism is constructed by providing an annular pole plate with a magnet mounted thereon, separating the plate from the outer surface of the inner ring (drive shaft) of the one-way clutch by a gap filled with a magnetic fluid. This prevents foreign matter such as moisture and dust from entering the one-way clutch.

[0004] The magnetic seal mechanism described above cannot eliminate the possibility that the magnetic fluid held in the gap may intrude into the one-way clutch due to strong shock or vibration, such as when the reel is dropped, moved, or transported. Therefore, Patent Document 1, mentioned above, discloses forming a groove on the drive shaft between the magnetic fluid and the one-way clutch to prevent the magnetic fluid from mixing with the grease in the one-way clutch.

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-23965 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, simply forming grooves in the inner ring may not completely prevent the magnetic fluid from entering the one-way clutch when the reel body is subjected to strong shock or vibration. Deepening the grooves is an option, but this could reduce the strength of the inner ring. Furthermore, while Patent Document 1 discloses a method of forming a step in the inner ring and utilizing this step to create a groove, this configuration fails to ensure sufficient inner ring strength and, after the pole plate portion of the magnetic seal mechanism is installed, prevents the inner ring from being installed, resulting in poor assembly.

[0008] The present invention is made with the above-mentioned problems in mind, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide an invention that can more stably prevent the magnetic fluid of the magnetic sealing mechanism from invading the one-way clutch located near the fishing reel even if a strong impact or vibration is applied thereto.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the fishing reel involved in the present invention comprises: a drive shaft, which is rotationally driven by rotating the handle rotatably supported on the reel body; a one-way clutch, which has an inner ring that is fixed on the drive shaft and can rotate as a whole and an outer ring that is fixed on the reel body, and a retainer that is arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring to hold a plurality of rolling parts; and a magnetic sealing mechanism, in which a sealing film composed of magnetic fluid is formed in a gap between the inner ring and the outer surface to prevent foreign matter from intruding into the one-way clutch, and is characterized in that a circumferential groove is formed on the inner ring to prevent the magnetic fluid from intruding into the one-way clutch, and an O-ring is installed in the circumferential groove.

[0010] By forming a circumferential groove on the inner ring, the fishing reel constructed as described above prevents the magnetic fluid in the magnetic seal mechanism from intruding toward the one-way clutch, even when subjected to significant impact or vibration. Installing an O-ring in the circumferential groove increases the surface area in contact with the outflowing magnetic fluid, allowing the magnetic fluid to adhere to this area, effectively preventing the magnetic fluid from intruding toward the one-way clutch.

[0011] In addition, the fishing reel involved in the present invention comprises: a drive shaft, which is rotationally driven by rotating the handle rotatably supported on the reel body; a one-way clutch, which has an inner ring that is fixed on the drive shaft and can rotate as a whole and an outer ring that is fixed on the reel body, and a retainer that is arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring to hold a plurality of rolling parts; and a magnetic sealing mechanism, in which a sealing film composed of a magnetic fluid is formed in a gap between the inner ring and the outer surface to prevent foreign matter from invading the one-way clutch, and is characterized in that a circumferential groove is formed on the inner ring to prevent the magnetic fluid from invading the one-way clutch, and a concave-convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the circumferential groove.

[0012] By forming the irregularities on the inner surface of the circumferential groove, the surface area in contact with the outflowing magnetic fluid can be increased, allowing the magnetic fluid to adhere to these areas, thereby effectively preventing the magnetic fluid from entering the one-way clutch. The irregularities can be formed on the inner wall and / or bottom of the circumferential groove, for example, by embossing or various roughening processes.

[0013] According to the present invention, a fishing reel incorporating a magnetic seal mechanism can be provided in which, even when a strong shock or vibration is applied, the magnetic fluid of the magnetic seal mechanism does not intrude into the one-way clutch located nearby. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of a fishing reel (spinning reel) according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the fishing reel is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the fixed state of the one-way clutch.

[0018] Figure 5 It means that the anti-corrosion plate is placed on Figure 4 A perspective view of the one-way clutch in the illustrated state.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the main part (part A1).

[0020] Figure 7 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing various modified examples of the circumferential groove formed in the inner ring.

[0021] Explanation of symbols

[0022] 1-Fishing reel; 2-Reel body; 2C-Cylinder; 2c-Notch; 3-Rotor; 20-One-way clutch; 21-Inner ring (drive shaft); 21A-Circumferential groove; 21B-O-ring; 50-Magnetic seal mechanism; 55-Magnetic fluid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This figure shows a first embodiment of the fishing reel according to the present invention (in this embodiment, a spinning reel is shown as a fishing reel). First, the overall structure of the spinning reel of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the front and rear refer to Figure 2 direction shown.

[0024] A spinning reel (hereinafter referred to as a reel) 1 has a reel body 2 integrally formed with a reel foot 2A for attaching to a fishing rod. Disposed in front of the reel body 2 are a rotatably supported rotor 3 and a spool (not shown), which is supported for forward and backward movement in sync with the rotation of the rotor 3.

[0025] The rotor 3 includes a pair of arms 3a that rotate around the spool. A loop support member 3b, for mounting the base end of a loop 5, is rotatably supported at the tip of each arm 3a between a line reeling position and a line unreeling position. At this point, one base end of the loop 5 is attached to a line guide (line roller) 6 integrally formed with the loop support member 3b.

[0026] A handle shaft is rotatably supported within the reel body 2 via a bearing, and a handle is mounted on its protruding end. A driving force transmission mechanism 10 is provided on the handle shaft. When the handle is rotated, the driving force is transmitted to the rotor 3 to rotationally drive the rotor.

[0027] As is well known, the driving force transmission mechanism 10 comprises a drive gear rotatably mounted on the handle shaft, and a pinion 11 having a pinion tooth portion that meshes with the drive gear. The pinion 11 extends in a front-to-back direction perpendicular to the handle shaft and functions as a rotational drive unit (drive shaft). A hollow portion 11a extending axially is formed within the rotational drive unit. A spool shaft extends through the hollow portion 11a. This shaft engages with a known swing mechanism that moves the spool forward and backward when the handle is rotated, and the spool is mounted on the top end of the shaft.

[0028] The pinion gear 11 is rotatably supported on the reel body 1. Furthermore, the pinion gear 11 extends toward the spool, and the rotor 3 is integrally rotatably mounted on the top end of the pinion gear 11. A through-hole formed in a protrusion 3A formed on the center portion of the rotor 3 fits over the top end of the pinion gear 11, and the rotor 3 is secured by a tightening nut (not shown). Furthermore, a one-way clutch 20 is provided on the pinion gear 11, which serves as a reverse rotation prevention mechanism.

[0029] With this configuration, when the handle is operated to reel in the line, the rotor 3 is rotated by the driving force transmission mechanism 10, and the spool is reciprocated in the forward and backward directions by the swing mechanism and the spool shaft. As a result, the fishing line is evenly wound onto the spool through the line guide 6 of the rotating rotor 3.

[0030] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The one-way clutch 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a base portion 2B having a generally disc-shaped structure is provided on the spool side of the reel body 2. A cylindrical portion 2C is formed on the surface of the base portion 2B in the axial direction. The pinion gear 11 extends through the center of the cylindrical portion 2C and is rotatably supported. A one-way clutch 20 is provided in the middle of the pinion gear 11.

[0032] The pinion 11 is rotated by the driving gear by rotating the handle. The one-way clutch 20 is provided at the middle portion of the pinion 11 to prevent reverse rotation while allowing the pinion 11 to rotate in the fishing line reeling direction.

[0033] The one-way clutch 20 includes an inner ring 21, an outer ring 27, and a retainer 23 for retaining a plurality of rolling elements 25, and a cover member 23A (see FIG. Figure 5 ). These elements (or some of the elements) can be unitized in advance.

[0034] The inner ring 21 is fixed against rotation with respect to the pinion 11 and functions as a drive shaft that rotates integrally with the pinion 11. Specifically, the pinion 11 has a partially non-circular cross-section. By fitting the non-circular portion of the inner ring 21 into this portion, the inner ring 21 rotates integrally with the pinion 11. Furthermore, the inner ring 21 has a predetermined axial length. In this embodiment, it is formed into a cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter and thickness along the axial direction.

[0035] The retainer 23 is arranged radially outward of the inner ring 21 and has retaining portions 23a arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. A biasing spring 24 is arranged on each retaining portion 23a. Figure 3 In the counterclockwise rotation direction; in the reverse direction), the rolling member 25 disposed between the retaining portions is forced.

[0036] The outer ring 27 is positioned radially outward from the retainer 23 and is formed into a generally annular shape. The inner circumference of the outer ring 27 is formed with a wedge region 27a that prevents the rotation of the rolling elements 25 and a free region 27b that allows the rolling elements 25 to rotate freely. Each rolling element 25 retained by the retainer 23 is constantly biased toward the wedge region by the biasing spring 24. In this embodiment, the outer circumference 27d of the outer ring 27 is circular, except for the portion where the protruding piece 27c is formed.

[0037] A protruding piece 27c is provided on a portion of the outer ring 27, protruding radially outward. This protruding piece functions as a stopper to restrict the rotation of the outer ring 27. One or more protruding pieces 27c are integrally formed, protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 27d of the outer ring 27. When a large torque is applied to the outer ring, there is a possibility of stress concentration at a single point, causing imbalance, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to form two or more protruding pieces 27c at equal intervals. In this embodiment, two protruding pieces 27c are provided at intervals of 180°, facing each other across the center axis X. The protruding piece 27c has a constant width in the circumferential direction, and two circumferentially opposite sides 27e and 27f function as a rotation stop.

[0038] A notch 2c is formed in the cylindrical portion 2C protruding from the reel body 2, extending radially through the circumferential wall 2a thereof. The notch 2c is formed to a size that allows the protruding piece 27c of the outer ring 27 to fit within it. By fitting the protruding piece 27c into the notch 2c and arranging the exposed surface 27g radially exposed, the outer ring 27 is fixed (rotation restricted).

[0039] The cutouts 2c only need to be formed at one or more locations on the circumferential wall 2a. However, in this embodiment, two cutouts 2c are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (two locations symmetrically spaced 180° apart with respect to the axis X). In other words, the number of cutouts only needs to be the same as the number of protruding pieces formed on the outer ring.

[0040] The outside of the protruding piece 27c is exposed radially on the notch 2c portion of the cylindrical portion 2C, and can be pressed against and pinched by fingers. Therefore, the protruding piece can be easily pinched to hold the outer ring 27, and the improvement of the assembly and disassembly workability of the one-way clutch 20 can be achieved.

[0041] Furthermore, the above configuration is designed so that the diameter of the circumferential wall 2a of the cylindrical portion 2C (the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall) is the same as the outermost diameter of the outer ring 27 (the diameter of the exposed surface 27g of the protruding piece 27c). In this configuration, the outer ring 27 is fitted into the circumferential wall 2a with a gap between the two. This ensures rotational performance, prevents looseness, and allows for radial miniaturization. Furthermore, the slight gap facilitates assembly and disassembly.

[0042] The one-way clutch 20 constructed as described above is unitized and installed in the cylindrical portion 2C. Figure 4 On the surface portion of the outer ring 27 shown, as shown Figure 5As shown, a cover body (cover member) 23A is installed to cover the retainer 23 and the outer ring 27, and the outer ring 27 is clamped by the retainer 23 and the cover member 23A. In addition, an electrochemical corrosion prevention plate (anti-corrosion plate) 28 or the like can also be installed on the cover body (cover member) 23A.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the corrosion-resistant plate 28 comprises an annular main body 28a and a pair of legs 28c for clamping the protruding piece 27c. Specifically, the legs 28c are interposed between the protruding piece 27c and the cutout portion 2c, thereby suppressing the flow of current between the two components and preventing corrosion of the reel body. Furthermore, a limiting plate may be provided adjacent to the one-way clutch 20 to restrict axial movement of the one-way clutch 20.

[0044] According to the one-way clutch 20 having the above-described structure, the handle (rotor 3) can be prevented from rotating (reversing) in the fishing line releasing direction.

[0045] That is, when the operating handle is rotated in the fishing line reeling direction to rotate the driving pinion 11 (in Figure 3 When the inner ring 21 is driven in the clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 2 ), the inner ring 21 also rotates in the same direction as the pinion 11. At this time, because the rolling elements 25 held by the retainer 23 move to the free area 27b of the outer ring 27, the rotational force of the inner ring 21 is not transmitted to the outer ring 27, and the rotor 3 can rotate smoothly together with the pinion 11.

[0046] Conversely, when the inner ring 21 rotates reversely along with the pinion 11 (rotor 3 rotates in the line-releasing direction), the rolling member 25 held by the retainer 23 rotates counterclockwise and, through the biasing spring 24, is positioned in the wedge region 27a of the outer ring 27. This allows the rotational force of the inner ring 21 to be transmitted to the outer ring 27. Since the outer ring 27 is restricted in rotation by the protruding piece 27c, it acts as a stopper, preventing the pinion 11 and rotor 3 from rotating in reverse.

[0047] Moreover, in the above-mentioned structure, a cutout portion 2c is formed on the circumferential wall 2a of the cylindrical portion 2C on the side of the reel body, and the protruding piece 27c formed on the outer ring 27 of the one-way clutch 20 is arranged to be exposed in the radial direction, thereby preventing the outer ring 27 from rotating.

[0048] That is, since the outer ring 27 is not fixed by grooves or protrusions formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion as in the prior art, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 2C can be reduced as much as possible and the wall thickness can be reduced, thereby achieving miniaturization and weight reduction of the reel body.

[0049] In addition, in order to improve the waterproof and dustproof effect, a magnetic seal mechanism 50 is provided adjacent to the one-way clutch 20. Figure 1 、 2 and Figure 6 The structure of the magnetic seal mechanism 50 will be described.

[0050] As is well known, the magnetic sealing mechanism 50 is constructed to include: annular pole plates (magnetic plates) 51, 52, which are arranged to have a small gap between them and the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft (inner ring 21); and an annular magnet 53, which is clamped between the magnetic plates, and the gap G between the drive shaft and the pole plates is filled with magnetic fluid 55 to form a sealing film.

[0051] The pole plate 51 is annular and has an opening in the center for the inner ring 21, which is fixed to the pinion 11, to pass through. Furthermore, the pole plate 52 is similarly annular with an opening for the inner ring 21 to pass through, and has a smaller diameter than the pole plate 51. The annular magnet 53 is adhesively fixed to the pole plates 51 and 52 in a sandwiched state.

[0052] Such pole plates 51, 52 and magnet 53 may be unitized into a magnet assembly, and may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 2C of the reel body, or incorporated into a waterproof cover 60 to be described later.

[0053] Furthermore, a circumferential groove 21A is formed on the inner ring 21 to prevent the magnetic fluid 55 from entering the magnetic seal mechanism 50. Although the circumferential groove 21A may be formed in the region where the one-way clutch 20 is provided, for example, in the same plane as the outer ring 27 or the retainer (cover member 23A) which is the end of the one-way clutch, Figure 6 As shown, it is preferably formed between the pole plate 51 of the portion of the magnetic seal mechanism 50 that holds the magnetic fluid and the one-way clutch 20 .

[0054] In this way, since the circumferential groove 21A is formed on the inner ring 21, even if a large impact or vibration is applied to the reel body and the magnetic fluid 55 wants to invade the one-way clutch 20 side, the movement can be restricted by the circumferential groove 21A (the magnetic fluid is kept in the circumferential groove), thereby preventing the magnetic fluid from invading the one-way clutch side.

[0055] Furthermore, an O-ring 21B made of rubber or the like is mounted on the circumferential groove 21A.

[0056] The O-ring 21B is provided to increase the surface area in contact with the magnetic fluid 55 flowing out of the magnetic seal mechanism 50. As described above, the circumferential groove 21A formed between the pole plate 51 and the one-way clutch 20 facilitates installation of the O-ring 21B. Furthermore, installing the O-ring 21B within the circumferential groove 21A increases the surface area, allowing the magnetic fluid 55 to adhere more easily to this increased area, thereby more effectively preventing the magnetic fluid 55 from entering the one-way clutch 20. Furthermore, installing the O-ring 21B eliminates the need for a deeper circumferential groove, thereby preventing a reduction in the strength of the inner ring 21.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the O-ring 21B is preferably formed so that, when mounted in the circumferential groove 21A, its outermost diameter R is greater than or equal to the outer diameter R1 of the inner ring 21 and is within the range of the gap G. In other words, the O-ring 21B preferably protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 21a of the inner ring 21, does not exceed the gap G, and is higher than the opening edge of the electrode plates 51 and 52.

[0058] With this configuration, the O-ring 21B forms a wall, making it difficult for the magnetic fluid 55 to pass to the one-way clutch. Furthermore, since the components are assembled by attaching the one-way clutch 20 and magnetic seal mechanism 50 to the pinion 11 and fitting the inner ring 21 thereto, the inner ring 21, with the O-ring 21B attached, can be passed through the openings of the pole plates 51 and 52 of the magnetic seal mechanism 50. This facilitates assembly and prevents damage to the pole plates.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the circumferential groove 21A be formed to have a size that produces a gap G1 (play) in the axial direction between the circumferential groove 21A and the mounted O-ring 21B.

[0060] In this way, by slightly creating a gap G1 in the axial direction between the circumferential groove 21A and the O-ring 21B, the surface area can be further increased, the retention amount of the outflowing magnetic fluid 55 can be increased, and the magnetic fluid in contact with the O-ring 21B can be easily retained in the circumferential groove 21A.

[0061] In addition, the inner surface of the circumferential groove 21A is formed with, for example, Figure 7 In the case of the concave and convex shown in FIG, the above-mentioned O-ring 21B can also be omitted.

[0062] Figure 7 (a) shows an example in which roughened concave and convex portions are formed on the entire inner surface (inner walls 21c, 21d and bottom 21e) of the circumferential groove 21A. Figure 7 (b) shows an example in which concavities and convexities (eg, crease-shaped concavities and convexities) are formed on the bottom 21e of the circumferential groove 21A. Figure 7(c) shows an example in which projections and depressions are formed on the inner surface (inner walls 21c and 21d) of the circumferential groove 21A.

[0063] While the method for forming these projections and recesses is not particularly limited, they can be formed, for example, by cutting. By forming the projections and recesses on the inner surface of the circumferential groove 21A, the surface area in contact with the flowing magnetic fluid 55 is increased, allowing the magnetic fluid to adhere to the projections and recesses, thereby effectively preventing the magnetic fluid from entering the one-way clutch. Furthermore, the aforementioned O-ring 21B can be installed in the circumferential groove 21A having these projections and recesses, thereby further increasing the surface area in contact with the magnetic fluid.

[0064] In the above embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, a waterproof cover 60 may be provided on the reel body to cover the cylindrical portion 2C and the one-way clutch 20. The waterproof cover 60 is formed into a shape including a cylindrical portion 61 surrounding the one-way clutch 20 and a cover portion 62 closing the opening on the spool side, and the magnetic plate 51 of the magnetic seal mechanism 50 may be fixed to the inner surface of the cover portion 62.

[0065] In this way, by arranging the magnetic sealing mechanism 50 on the drum side of the one-way clutch 20 and providing a waterproof cover 60 to cover the cylindrical portion 2C and the one-way clutch 20, foreign matter such as moisture and dust can be effectively prevented from penetrating into the one-way clutch 20, thereby improving durability.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0067] The present invention is characterized in that a circumferential groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft between the magnetic sealing mechanism 50 and the one-way clutch (bearing component) 20, and an O-ring is provided in the circumferential groove, or a concave and convex part is formed in the circumferential groove. Therefore, there is no particular restriction on the structure of the above-mentioned one-way clutch 20 or magnetic sealing mechanism 50. In addition, in addition to the one-way clutch, the above-mentioned structure can also be used for various bearing components such as rolling bearings, and can also be applied to various fishing reels other than spinning reels (double-bearing reels, etc.).

Claims

1. A fishing reel comprising: a drive shaft that is rotationally driven by a rotational operation of a handle rotatably supported on the reel body; a one-way clutch having an inner ring that is fixed on the drive shaft and can rotate integrally therewith, an outer ring that is fixed on the reel body and is fixed to rotate, and a retainer that is arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring to retain a plurality of rolling elements; and a magnetic sealing mechanism, wherein a sealing film composed of a magnetic fluid is formed in a gap between the inner ring and the outer surface of the inner ring so as to prevent foreign matter from invading the one-way clutch, characterized in that: A circumferential groove is formed on the inner ring to prevent the magnetic fluid from invading the one-way clutch, and an O-ring is installed in the circumferential groove. The circumferential groove is formed to a size that creates a gap (G1) in the axial direction between the circumferential groove and the O-ring. When the O-ring is installed in the circumferential groove, the outermost diameter (R) of the O-ring is greater than the outer diameter (R1) of the inner ring, and the O-ring protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring and is lower than the opening end edge of the pole plate of the magnetic sealing mechanism for retaining the magnetic fluid.

2. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein The circumferential groove is formed between the pole plate and the one-way clutch.

3. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein Concavities and convexities are formed on the inner surface of the circumferential groove.

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