Magnesium alloy spool and fishing reel including same

Abstract

Provided is a fishing reel having a spool made of a magnesium alloy having a coating that provides corrosion resistance, in which the size of the gap between the frame and the spool flange can be precisely controlled. A coating is formed by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment on the surface of at least a portion of the spool including the flange.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnesium alloy spool and a fishing reel including the same, and more particularly to a magnesium alloy spool having a coating for preventing corrosion and a fishing reel including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Fishing reels include spinning reels, dual-bearing reels, and single-bearing reels. In dual-bearing and single-bearing reels, the spool is supported on the reel body so that it can rotate freely, while in spinning reels, the spool is attached to the reel body so that it can move back and forth. The spools of these fishing reels are made of synthetic resin, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or the like.

[0003] A synthetic resin spool can be manufactured inexpensively and is lightweight, but it has a low flexural modulus and needs to be thick to maintain rigidity, and it is difficult to achieve a high-quality texture or a luxurious feel.

[0004] Aluminum alloy spools have a higher flexural modulus than synthetic resins, and have a good texture and a high-quality feel. However, as a metal, it does not have a high flexural modulus, so it still needs to be thick to maintain sufficient rigidity, and there is a limit to how much it can be made lighter.

[0005] Compared to spools made of these materials, magnesium alloy spools have high rigidity and can be made thinner, making them lighter. However, magnesium alloys are prone to corrosion, so this type of spool requires a corrosion-resistant structure.

[0006] To address this issue, magnesium alloy spools are generally coated with paint such as urethane resin paint, but this type of paint has low surface hardness and can leave traces of the fishing line on the spool surface.

[0007] In response to this, a spool has been proposed that has, on the surface of a magnesium alloy spool body, an oxide film layer formed by anodization, a low-hardness underlayer formed with a cationic electrocoating paint mainly composed of polyamine, a low-hardness intermediate layer formed with a urethane resin paint, and a high-hardness surface layer formed with an ultraviolet curing paint, in that order (Patent Document 1). This type of coating increases the hardness of the surface while improving the adhesion between the coating and the spool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2000-14288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the spool of a fishing reel, particularly a bait casting reel, requires precise control of the outer diameter of the spool to prevent the line from getting into the gap between the frame and the spool flange, and in this regard, the conventional spools with multi-layer coatings were unable to address this issue because the coating thickness was basically large and it was difficult to precisely control the coating thickness. In view of these problems, the present invention has an object to provide a fishing reel equipped with a magnesium alloy spool having a coating that provides corrosion resistance, in which the thickness of the coating can be precisely controlled, and ultimately the size of the gap between the reel frame and the spool flange can be precisely controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve this object, the inventors have investigated various coatings and found that this problem can be solved by forming a coating by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment, thus arriving at the present invention.

[0011] That is, the present invention provides a spool made of a magnesium alloy, characterized in that the spool has a coating formed on its surface by a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the coating has a thickness of 15 to 25 μm, and particularly preferably 17 to 23 μm. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a fishing reel including the above-mentioned spool. In a preferred embodiment, the gap between the reel frame and the spool flange is 0.05 to 0.25 mm. Effect of the Invention

[0012] The coating created by the Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) process is extremely thin and the thickness can be precisely controlled, which allows the outer diameter of the spool to be precisely controlled, and the size of the gap between the reel frame and the spool flange to be precisely controlled and repeatedly created to prevent the line from slipping into the gap between the frame and the spool flange. In addition, the coating formed by the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process can produce a spool that is non-conductive, has high hardness, and is excellent in corrosion resistance and scratch resistance. In addition, because the spool is made from a magnesium alloy, it is possible to make a thin-walled spool with high rigidity, enabling the reel to be made lighter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates the side plate, reel frame and spool assembly of the fishing reel according to the embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the fishing reel according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the structure in the vicinity of the gap between the reel frame and the spool flange in FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a schematic view of the coating on the spool surface in the fishing reel according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the following embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a side plate, a reel frame, and a spool assembly of the fishing reel according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the fishing reel according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing the structure near the gap between the reel frame and the spool flange in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the coating state of the spool surface in the fishing reel according to this embodiment. This fishing reel 1 is a dual-bearing reel, a low-profile reel for bait casting. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this fishing reel 1 comprises a reel body 2, a handle assembly 3 arranged on the side of the reel body 2, and a spool assembly 4 for winding the line that is rotatably and detachably attached inside the reel body 2. A star drag 5 for adjusting the drag is provided on the reel body 2 side of the handle assembly 3.

[0015] The reel body 2 has a reel frame 6 , side plates 7 attached to both sides of the reel frame 6 , and a front cover 8 that covers the front of the reel frame 6 .

[0016] The spool 4a is a magnesium alloy member obtained by injection molding, for example, by a die casting method. The spool 4a has a cylindrical bobbin trunk 4a-1 and flanges 4a-2 that are integrally formed on both sides of the bobbin trunk 4a-1 and protrude outward. The spool 4a is fixed to a spool shaft 4b, which is a rod-shaped member made of, for example, stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, by, for example, serration connection so as not to rotate, thereby forming the spool assembly 4. This fixing method is not limited to fixing methods using projections and recesses such as serration connection, and various other fixing methods such as adhesion and insert molding can be used. In another embodiment, the spool assembly 4 includes a spool shaft 4b, a spool 4a, and a sleeve (not shown) interposed therebetween, and the spool 4a is fixed to the spool shaft 4b via the sleeve (not shown). In this spool assembly 4, for example, the spool shaft 4b is made of a stainless steel alloy or the like, and the sleeve (not shown) is made of an aluminum alloy or the like.

[0017] The spool 4a is made of a magnesium alloy, and as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a coating 11 is formed by MAO treatment on at least a portion of the spool 4a including the flange portion 4a-2, preferably at least a portion including the flange portion 4a-2 and the inner circumferential side 4c of the spool body 4a-1, and particularly preferably the entire surface. The coating 11 formed by MAO treatment is made of oxides such as MgO, MgAl2O4, MgSiO3, Cu3MgO4, V2O5, V2O3, and VAlO4, depending on the electrolytic compounds in the electrolytic bath used to form it, and completely isolates the coated spool portion from the outside environment. In addition, the coating 11 is non-conductive and has a very high hardness. For this reason, the coating 11 can prevent corrosion of the spool 4a for a long period of time, and also provides the spool 4a with excellent scratch resistance and UV weather resistance.

[0018] The coating 11 formed by the MAO treatment is also extremely thin and the thickness can be precisely controlled, and can be usually 1 μm to 50 μm thick, preferably 5 μm to about 40 μm, more preferably 10 μm to 30 μm, even more preferably 15 μm to 25 μm, and particularly preferably 17 μm to 23 μm thick. Furthermore, by keeping the treatment conditions constant, the thickness can be controlled usually within a range of ±5 μm, preferably ±3 μm. Therefore, the size of the gap 10 between the reel frame 6 and the spool flange portion 4a-2 shown in FIG. 4 can be precisely controlled, and for example, the gap 10 can be set to a size that can prevent the line from entering the gap 10 while ensuring smooth operation of the spool. The size of such a gap 10 is usually 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, preferably 0.10 mm to 0.20 mm, and more preferably 0.08 mm to 0.18 mm.

[0019] When the spool assembly 4 is formed by directly bonding the spool 4a to the spool shaft 4b, even if the spool shaft 4b is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy or a stainless steel alloy, the surface of the spool 4a has a non-conductive coating 11, so that a local battery is not formed when seawater enters the reel, and no corrosion occurs. In a preferred embodiment, the spool shaft 4b is made of an anodized aluminum alloy. In this case, the surfaces of both the spool 4a and the spool shaft 4b are formed with a non-conductive coating, so that the two are more reliably in a non-electrical contact state. In the spool assembly 4, which includes a spool shaft 4b, a spool 4a, and a sleeve (not shown) interposed therebetween, and in which the spool 4a is fixed to the spool shaft 4b via the sleeve (not shown), for example, the spool shaft 4b is made of a stainless steel alloy or the like, and the sleeve (not shown) is made of an aluminum alloy or the like. Even in this case, since the spool 4a has a non-conductive coating 11 on its surface, even if seawater enters the reel, a local battery is not formed between these members, and corrosion does not occur. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is made of an anodized aluminum alloy, and therefore a local battery is not formed between the sleeve and the spool shaft, and corrosion does not occur. In another embodiment, the spool shaft 4b and the sleeve (not shown) are also made of a magnesium alloy, and have a coating 11 formed on the surfaces of the spool shaft 4b and the sleeve (not shown) by MAO treatment. The coating 11 makes the surfaces of each component completely non-conductive, reliably preventing corrosion.

[0020] The coating 11 formed by the MAO treatment can be formed by immersing the spool, and optionally other components such as the spool shaft 4b and sleeve (not shown), in an electrolytic bath and then oxidizing the Mg on the surface of the spool by micro-discharge.

[0021] The electrolytic bath is usually an aqueous solution of an electrolytic compound at a concentration of 5% by mass to 30% by mass, preferably 7% by mass to 18% by mass, and more preferably 10% by mass to 15% by mass. Electrolytic compounds include, for example, silicates, hydroxides, fluorides, phosphates, aluminates, and combinations thereof contained in the film-forming compounds. Examples of silicates include sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), and examples of alkali metal hydroxides include sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Examples of fluorides include sodium fluoride (NaF), and examples of phosphates include sodium phosphate (Na3PO4). Examples of aluminates include sodium aluminum dioxide (NaAlO2) and sodium aluminate tetrahydroxide (Na[Al(OH)4]). Among these, silicates, phosphates, or combinations thereof are preferred.

[0022] Micro-discharge is carried out by applying a high voltage current to a spool immersed in an electrolytic bath to generate plasma on the surface of the spool. In this process, the spool immersed in the electrolytic bath functions as one electrode, and the counter electrode is an electrode made of any inert metal immersed in the same electrolytic bath. The counter electrode can be, for example, a stainless steel electrode. A direct or alternating voltage is applied between the two electrodes. The voltage may be typically about 200V or more, preferably about 200V to about 700V, more preferably about 300V to about 600V, and even more preferably about 400V to about 550V. There is no particular restriction on the temperature of the electrolytic bath, but it is usually about 20°C to about 40°C, preferably about 25°C to about 35°C. However, temperatures outside these ranges may be used. The MAO treatment time may be about 5 minutes to 1 hour, preferably 10 to 30 minutes, and more preferably 15 to 25 minutes.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the coating 11 formed by the MAO treatment constitutes the outer surface of the spool without the need for any additional layers. The coating 11 formed by the MAO treatment can have different colors depending on the type of oxide that constitutes it. For example, by forming a coating with the above-mentioned oxides or a combination of these, a coating with a unique black or white texture can be obtained. The unique color provided by the coating 11 formed by such MAO treatment can directly constitute the design of the reel, resulting in a reel with a unique texture.

[0024] The spool according to the present invention is made of a magnesium alloy, so it is highly rigid and can be thinned, making it possible to make the reel lighter. Due to these characteristics, it is preferable to apply it to a low-profile reel, and it is possible to design a low-profile reel that allows easy casting of an extremely light rig of about 3g. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it can also be applied to spools of other fishing reels, such as lever-drag and electric dual-bearing reels, spinning reels, and single-bearing reels. EXAMPLES

[0025] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0026] 1. Spool manufacturing 120 magnesium alloy spools of the following sizes were manufactured by cutting from round bar material and applying MAO treatment. Spool flange diameter: 30mm Spool width: 25.5mm

[0027] The spool is then washed with sodium silicate (Na 2 SiO 3 ) and sodium phosphate (Na 3 PO 4 ) at a concentration of 15 to 20 mass % and adjusted to a pH of 9 to 13, and then MAO treatment was performed under the following conditions. Voltage / current requirements: 10-15A / dm 2 Constant current, voltage of 500V-550V ·Current supply method: DC constant current Frequency: 500Hz Duty ratio: 20% ·Positive / negative current ratio: 3:1 Anodizing time: 15-25 minutes in recycle cooling device at 25℃

[0028] After the treatment, the spools were cut and the cut surfaces were observed under an electron microscope to confirm the thickness of the oxide film that had formed. It was confirmed that the thickness of the film formed on each of the 120 spools was 20±3μm.

[0029] 2.UV weather resistance test The spool with the MAO coating obtained above was subjected to a UV weather resistance test under the following test conditions. (Test conditions) The test was conducted according to the SAE J1960 standard. Specifically, the spool manufactured as described above was subjected to 33KJ / m2 of the following cycles using the "Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using Controlled Irradiance Water-Cooled Xenon Arc Apparatus." 2 to 1000kJ / m 2 14 levels of UV intensity (up to 33KJ / m 2 , 66KJ / m 2 , 100KJ / m 2 , 233KJ / m 2 , 300KJ / m 2 , 366KJ / m 2 , 500KJ / m 2 , 600KJ / m 2 , 700KJ / m 2 , 800KJ / m 2 , 833KJ / m 2 , 933KJ / m 2 , 966KJ / m 2 , and 1000KJ / m 2 ) and exposed to ultraviolet light. [Table 1]

[0030] (evaluation) The surfaces of the treated spools were visually inspected for discoloration, cracks, peeling, and blisters. Spools that showed any of these were rated as ×, and spools that showed none were rated as ◯.

[0031] (Test Results) The spools subjected to the tests with different amounts of UV rays were evaluated as follows: [Table 2] Anodized spool: 500KJ / m 2 However, in the spool of this example, which has a coating formed by MAO treatment, no discoloration, cracking, peeling, or blisters were observed up to 600KJ, and higher UV weather resistance was observed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 1. Fishing reels 2. Reel body 3.Handle Assembly 4. Spool Assembly 4a. Spool 4a-1. Thread bobbin body 4a-2. Flange part 4b. Spool shaft 5. Star Drag 6. Reel Frame 7. Side plate 8. Front cover 9. Sleeves 10. Gap 11. Coating formed by MAO treatment

Claims

1. A spool assembly comprising: a magnesium alloy spool having a coating formed on an entire surface of the spool by a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process; and a spool shaft to which the spool is attached directly or via a sleeve, (1) The spool shaft is made of an anodized aluminum alloy, and has a non-conductive coating formed on the outer surface of the spool shaft by the anodizing process; or (2) The spool is attached to the spool shaft via the sleeve, the spool shaft is made of a stainless steel alloy, the sleeve is made of an aluminum alloy that has been anodized, and the outer surface of the sleeve has a non-conductive coating formed by the anodizing process; or (3) The spool shaft is made of a magnesium alloy that has been subjected to an MAO treatment, and the outer surface of the spool shaft has a non-conductive coating formed by the MAO treatment; or (4) A spool assembly, wherein the spool is attached to the spool shaft via the sleeve, the spool shaft and the sleeve are made of an MAO-treated magnesium alloy, and the outer surfaces of the spool shaft and the sleeve have a non-conductive coating formed by the MAO treatment.

2. 2. The spool assembly of claim 1, wherein the coating has a thickness of 20±3 μm.

3. A fishing reel comprising the spool assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 4. The fishing reel according to claim 3, wherein the gap between the reel frame and the flange of the spool is 0.08 mm to 0.18 mm.

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