Drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel

Drag adjustment knob adjusts the braking force applied to a spool mounted on a spool shaft that has a single-thread first male screw on its front end. The drag adjustment knob includes first and second adjustment units, a transmission unit, and a pressing unit. The first adjustment unit includes a first female screw that screws onto the first male screw. The transmission unit is non-rotatably but axially movably mounted onto the spool shaft to be in contact with the first adjustment unit, and includes a multi-thread second male screw. The second adjustment unit includes a second female screw, which screws onto the second male screw and has a greater screw lead than that of the first female screw. The pressing unit is disposed between the second adjustment unit and the drag mechanism so as to come into contact with both, and is non-rotatable but axially movable with the spool shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drag adjustment knob. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel that adjusts the drag force of a drag mechanism that brakes a spool rotatably mounted on a spool shaft, the spool shaft being movable forward and backward with respect to a reel unit of the spinning reel and having a first screw on its front end, the spool being rotatably mounted to the spool shaft while being restricted from moving rearward.

One type of conventional drag adjustment knob that adjusts the drag force of a front drag mechanism provided on a spool of a spinning reel includes a first adjustment unit that sets the initial drag force, and a second adjustment unit that adjusts the drag force to be higher than the initial drag force (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. H06-29032, FIGS. 8 and 10). The first adjustment unit is used to set the minimum initial drag force, e.g., the force at which the fishing line will not snap. The first adjustment unit is screwed onto a male screw formed at the front end of a spool shaft. The second adjustment unit includes an operating portion that is arranged outward in the radial direction of the first adjustment unit, and which screws onto a transmission member non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft. Forward movement of the transmission member is restricted by the first adjustment unit. The second adjustment unit is in contact with the drag mechanism, and can set the drag force to be higher than the initial drag force. The screw pitch of both adjustment units is set to be the same or different.

In a conventional drag adjustment knob having this type of configuration, the initial load of the drag force is set by rotating the first adjustment unit. Then, with the initial drag force set, the drag force can be increased from the initial drag force by the second adjustment unit. This allows one to prevent a fish from escaping and the fishing line from breaking due to the drag force being set to a level lower than necessary.

With a conventional drag adjustment knob having the two aforementioned adjustment units, by increasing the screw pitch of the second adjustment unit so as to be larger than that of the first adjustment unit, the percentage increase in the drag force with respect to the amount of rotation of the second adjustment unit can enlarged, and thus the desired drag force can be quickly set. However, if the screw pitch is too large, the number of engaged screw threads will be reduced and the strength of the screw will be compromised. Because of this, with the aforementioned conventional configuration, there may be damage to the screws when a large drag force is set.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel that overcomes the above-described problems. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to both maintain the strength of the screws and quickly set a desired drag force with a drag adjustment knob that includes two adjustment units.

A drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the first aspect of the present invention adjusts a drag force of a drag mechanism that brakes a spool. The spool is rotatably mounted such that a rearward movement of the spool relative to the spool shaft is restricted. The spool shaft is movable forward and backward with respect to a reel unit of the spinning reel and has a first male screw portion formed on its front end. The drag adjustment knob includes a first adjustment unit, a transmission unit, a second transmission unit, and a pressing unit. The first adjustment unit includes a first female screw portion that is adapted to screw onto the first male screw portion. The transmission unit is adapted to be non-rotatably but axially movably mounted on the spool shaft so as to be in contact with a rear of the first adjustment unit, the transmission unit having a second male screw portion. The second adjustment unit includes a second female screw portion that screws onto the second male screw portion. The pressing unit is disposed between the second adjustment unit and the drag mechanism so that it can come into contact with both the second adjustment unit and the drag mechanism. The pressing unit is non-rotatable with respect to the spool shaft but movable in the axial direction. The number of threads of one of the first and second female screw portions that has a greater screw lead is greater than that of the other of the first and second female screw portions.

With this drag adjustment knob, the initial drag is adjusted with one of the first adjustment unit and second adjustment unit that has a screw portion with a smaller number of threads, for instance, a single thread screws with s small screw lead. For example, if the first female screw portion of the first adjustment unit is a single thread screw, the first adjustment unit will be rotated to adjust the initial drag. When the first adjustment unit is rotated in a direction in which the screw is tightened, the portion of the first adjustment unit that screws onto at least the first male screw moves rearward with respect to the spool shaft. When this occurs, the second adjustment unit is pressed via the transmission unit, the drag mechanism is pressed via the pressing unit, and the drag force of the drag mechanism increases. When the first adjustment unit is rotated in the opposite direction, the drag force will be reduced. When the second adjustment unit that has a female screw portion with a large screw lead, such as a multi-thread screw, is rotated in the tightening direction after the initial drag is set, then at least the second female screw portion of the second adjustment unit will move rearward with respect to the transmission unit. Then, the drag mechanism will be pressed via the pressing unit, and the drag force of the drag mechanism will gradually increase from the initial drag.

The same is true even when the first adjustment unit is the one that has a multi-thread screw. In this situation, when the second adjustment unit is rotated, the second female screw portion of the second adjustment unit moves rearward with respect to the transmission member with the transmission member in contact with the first adjustment unit, the drag mechanism is pressed via the pressing unit, and the drag force can be set to the desired initial drag. When the multi-thread screw portion of the first adjustment unit is rotated in this state, the pressing unit is pressed rearward via the second adjustment unit, and the drag force is gradually increased from the initial drag force.

Here, even if a multi-thread screw portion is employed in one adjustment unit and a single thread screw portion that has the same pitch as that of the multi-thread screw portion is employed in another adjustment unit, the amount of rearward movement (screw lead) with respect to the amount of rotation of the adjustment unit that employs the multi-thread screw portion will be several times greater than the amount of rearward movement (screw lead) of the adjustment unit that employs single thread screw portion. Moreover, it is also possible to make both the pitch and the number of threads being engaged the same in both the single thread screw portion and the multi-thread screw portion. Accordingly, there will no longer be any need to increase the screw pitch, and the strength of the screws can be maintained and the desired drag force can be quickly set.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the second aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in the first aspect, in which the one of the first and female screw portions that has a larger screw lead also has a larger pitch. With this configuration, the amount of movement with respect to the amount of rotation of the adjustment unit can be further increased, and the desired drag force can be set more quickly, because the pitch of the screw portion is also large.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the third aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in the first or second aspect, in which the second female screw portion is a double thread screw, while the first female screw portion is a single thread screw. With this configuration, the second female screw portion can be inexpensively manufactured because it is a double thread screw, which can be manufactured relatively easily.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in any of the first through third aspects, in which the second adjustment unit further includes a cover portion. The cover portion covers and partially exposes the first adjustment unit. With this configuration, by partially covering the front end portion of the first adjustment unit, it will be difficult for fishing line to become snagged even if the first adjustment unit has a projection that projects outward. In addition, the second adjustment unit includes a cover portion that covers the periphery of the first adjustment unit while allowing operation of the first adjustment unit. Therefore, the first adjustment unit does not rotate due to a foreign matter that contacts or collide against the first adjustment unit. Accordingly, it is unlikely that the first adjustment unit of the drag adjustment knob according to the present aspect of the invention, which has two adjustment units, to rotate inadvertently.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in the fourth aspect, in which the second adjustment unit further includes a bridge portion that partially covers a front end of the first adjustment unit. By covering the front end of the first adjustment unit, it will be even more difficult for fishing line to become snagged, even where the first adjustment unit has a projection.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in any of the first through fifth aspects, in which the cover portion includes a tubular cover body portion that covers a periphery of the first adjustment unit, and a pair of cut-out portions that are formed on opposing positions on the tubular cover body portion and partially expose the periphery of the first adjustment unit. In this case, the fisherman can operate the first adjustment unit by pinching the cut-out portions, which are formed on opposing positions on the tubular cover body member, with two of his fingers.

In addition, because the periphery of the first adjustment unit is partially covered and partially exposed, it will be possible to operate the first adjustment unit with the exposed portion. In such cases, it will be even more difficult for fishing line to become snagged on the first adjustment unit.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in any of the first through sixth aspects, further including a first retaining portion that retains the transmission unit to the first adjustment unit so that the transmission unit is relatively rotatable with the first adjustment unit. With this configuration, the transmission unit and the first adjustment unit will not become separated from each other when the drag adjustment knob is removed, because the transmission unit is retained to the first adjustment unit by the first retaining portion.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the knob disclosed in the seventh aspect, in which the first adjustment unit includes a tubular first adjustment unit body and a nut member. The tubular first adjustment unit body has a circular first recess formed to open on a rear end surface of the first adjustment unit body, and a plurality of engagement grooves that are formed along the axial direction on a front end surface spaced apart in a circular shape to be partially connected to the. The nut member has a first female screw and is mounted in the first recess of the first adjustment unit body such that the nut member is non-rotatable relative to the first adjustment unit body and forward movement of the nut relative to the first adjustment unit body is restricted. The transmission unit includes a first brim portion that is accommodated in the first recess. The first retaining portion is an elastic spring member that is mounted to the first recess in order to retain the transmission unit, and includes a plurality of engagement portions that are engaged in the plurality of engagement grooves, and contact portions that are unitarily formed with the engagement portions and contact the first brim portion of the transmission unit.

With this configuration, the first brim portion of the transmission unit is accommodated in the first recess of the first adjustment unit from the opening side thereof, the first retaining portion is then placed inside the first recess from the opening side while compressing the first retaining portion so that it can pass through the opening, and the compression is released after positioning the engagement portions of the first retaining portion in the engagement grooves formed in the outer edge portion of the first recess. When this occurs, the bottom surfaces of the engagement grooves produce engage the engagement portion s of the first retaining portion. Accordingly, the first retaining portion is prevented from moving towards the opening of the first recess of the first adjustment unit body. In addition, the contact portions are in contact with the opening side of the transmission unit, which is inserted into the first recess. Thus, the transmission unit will also not be able to move toward the opening of the first recess. Because of this, the transmission unit is retained within the first recess of the first adjustment unit body. The engagement grooves can be formed by die-casting because they are formed from the front end surface towards the rear end surface. Here, because the structure that serves to engage with the first retaining portion can be formed by die-casting, the engagement structure of the first retaining portion can be achieved without machining and thus manufacturing costs can be reduced.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in any of the first through eighth aspects, further including a second retaining portion that retains the pressing unit to the second adjustment unit so that the pressing unit is rotatable relative to the second retaining portion. With this configuration, when the first adjustment unit is loosened and removed from the spool shaft, it is possible to remove the entire drag adjustment knob without having to take it apart because the pressing unit is retained in the second adjustment unit.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in the ninth aspect, in which the second adjustment unit includes a cover portion having a second recess that is open on a rear end surface of the cover portion. The pressing unit includes a second brim portion that is accommodated in the second recess. The second retaining member is a screw member that engages the second brim portion and is screwed onto the second adjustment unit. With this configuration, the head portion of the screw member can be used to rotatably engage the pressing unit in a simple manner.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in any of the first through tenth aspects, further including a first sound generating portion that generates sound through relative rotation between the first adjustment unit and the transmission unit. With this configuration, the operation of the first adjustment unit can be clearly recognized.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the drag adjustment knob disclosed in any of the first through eleventh aspects, further including a second sound generating portion that generates sound through relative rotation between the second adjustment unit and the pressing unit. With this configuration, the operation of the second adjustment unit can be clearly recognized.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the knob disclosed in the twelfth aspect, in which the first sound generating portion generates clicking sounds having a finer pitch that those generated by the second sound generating portion. With this configuration, the adjustment units can be distinguished from each other during operation due to different intervals of the sounds generated by the first and second sound generating portions.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the knob disclosed in any of the first through thirteenth aspects, in which one of the first and second adjustment units that has a screw with larger leads has a range of rotation that is limited to less than 360 degrees. With this configuration, the range of forward and backward movement of the adjustment unit that has a larger amount of forward and backward movement in one rotation (screw lead) can be limited, and thus changing the drag force to a set value can be simplified.

The drag adjustment knob for a spinning reel according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the knob disclosed in any of the first through fourteenth aspects, in which the first female screw portion is a double thread screw, while the second female screw portion is a single thread screw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIG. 1, a spinning reel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a handle1, a reel unit2that rotatably supports the handle1, a rotor3, and a spool4. The rotor3is rotatably supported on the front of the reel unit2. The spool4has fishing line wound around the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is supported on the front of the rotor3so that it can be moved forward and backward.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the reel unit2includes a reel body2ahaving an opening2con a side portion thereof, a lid2dthat serves to close the opening2cin the reel body2a, and a T-shaped rod attachment leg2bthat is formed unitarily with the lid2dand extends diagonally upward and frontward.

The reel body2aincludes a space in the interior thereof. A rotor drive mechanism5that rotates the rotor3in association with the rotation of the handle1, and an oscillating mechanism6that serves to move the spool4forward and backward to uniformly wind fishing line thereon, are arranged inside this space.

A circular flange portion2eis formed with a front portion of the reel body2aand the lid2d, so as to cover the rear of the rotor3. A circular wall2gis formed on the rear of the flange portion2eon the reel body2aside, and a circular space is formed on the rear of the wall2g.

Configuration of the Rotor3

As shown inFIG. 1, the rotor3includes a cylindrical portion30that is open on the rear end thereof, and a first rotor arm31and a second rotor arm32that are respectively arranged opposite one another on the sides of the cylindrical portion30. The cylindrical portion30, the first rotor arm31, and the second rotor arm32are unitarily formed as a one piece member.

The cylindrical portion30is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the flange portion2eof the reel body2a. The open rear portion of the cylindrical portion30is covered by the flange portion2e. A front wall33is formed on the front of the cylindrical portion30, and a boss33ais formed in the central portion of the front wall33. A male threaded portion12eof the pinion gear12and the spool shaft15pass through the through hole in the boss33a. A nut34is disposed at the front of the front wall33, and this nut34screws onto the male threaded portion12eon the front end of the pinion gear12to fix the rotor3to the pinion gear12.

A bail arm44that serves to guide fishing line to the spool4is mounted to the front ends of the first rotor arm31and the second rotor arm32so as to be pivotable between a line winding posture and a line releasing posture.

A reverse rotation check mechanism50of the rotor3is disposed inside the space on the front side of the wall2gof the cylindrical portion30of the rotor3. The reverse rotation prevention mechanism50includes a roller-type one-way clutch51, and a control mechanism52for switching the one-way clutch51between an operating state and a non-operating state. The one-way clutch51has an outer ring fixed to the reel body2a, and an inner ring non-rotatably mounted to the pinion gear12. The control mechanism52includes a control lever53disposed on the rear of the reel body2a, and the one-way clutch51is switched between its two states by pivoting the control lever53. In the operational state, the rotor3cannot rotate in the reverse direction, and in the non-operational state, the rotor3can rotate in the reverse direction.

Rotors are conventional components that are well-known in the art. Accordingly, the rotor3will not be explained or illustrated in further details herein.

Configuration of the Rotor Drive Mechanism5

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the rotor drive mechanism5includes a main gear shaft10on which the handle1is non-rotatably mounted, a main gear11(a face gear) that rotates together with the main gear shaft10, and the pinion gear12that meshes with the main gear11.

The pinion gear12is rotatably mounted on the reel body2aso that the pinion gear12rotates in a different direction from that of the main gear11. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the pinion gear12is a tubular member that rotates in association with the handle1and the spool shaft15that extends from front to rear and passes through the central portion of the pinion gear12. The pinion gear12includes a gear portion12athat meshes with the main gear11and a large diameter gear19(described below), a tubular portion12bthat is formed on the front end side of the gear portion12a, and a cut-out portion12cthat is disposed forward of the gear portion12ain the axial direction (left side inFIG. 4) and formed to have a diameter that is smaller than that of the gear portion12a. The tubular portion12band the rear side of the gear portion12aof the pinion gear12are rotatably supported on the reel body2avia bearings14aand14b. The gear portion12ais a crossed helical gear that meshes with the main gear11(the face gear). Parallel chamfered portions12dand a male threaded portion12eare formed on the front end of the tubular portion12b. The rotor3is non-rotatably mounted on the chamfered portions12d, and the rotor3is fixedly coupled to the front end of the tubular portion12bof the pinion gear12by a nut34that screws onto the male threaded portion12e. The cut-out portion12cis an annular groove that is formed in the circumferential direction, and the axial length of the groove is longer than the axial length of the gear portion of a driven gear16(described below).

Rotor drive mechanisms are conventional components that are well-known in the art. Accordingly, the rotor drive mechanism5will not be explained or illustrated in further details herein.

Configuration of the Oscillating Mechanism6

The oscillating mechanism6reciprocates the spool4forward and backward via the spool shaft15in association with the rotation of the handle1. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the oscillating mechanism6includes a stepped gear13that has a large diameter gear19and a small diameter gear20and is rotatably mounted on the reel unit2so that the stepped gear13rotates in different axial direction from that of the main gear11, a driven gear16that meshes with the small diameter gear20, a worm shaft21on which the driven gear16is non-rotatably mounted, a slider22that engages with the worm shaft21and moves forward and backward, and the pinion gear12noted above.

The stepped gear13is provided in order to greatly decelerate the rotation of the pinion gear12and transmit this rotation to the driven gear16. The stepped gear13is disposed inside the circular space on the rear side of the wall2g(left side ofFIG. 4). The stepped gear13is rotatably supported on a mounting shaft18that is mounted on the wall2gto be parallel with the spool shaft15. Both ends of the mounting shaft18are supported by the wall2gand a bracket2hdisposed to the rear of the wall2g. The large diameter gear19of the stepped gear13is a crossed helical gear that meshes with the gear portion12aof the pinion gear12. The gear teeth of large diameter gear19are, for example, formed therein after the large diameter gear19is stamped, and the large diameter gear19includes an oblong engagement hole19ain the center thereof. The small diameter gear20is a helical gear disposed to be concentric with the large diameter gear19. The small diameter gear20is, for example, formed by die-casting. An engagement projection20athat non-rotatably engages with the engagement hole19ais formed on the small diameter gear20to project toward the large diameter gear19. The mounting shaft18passes through the center of the small diameter gear20.

Furthermore, both gears19,20are formed separately and are made from different materials. However, both gears19,20may be unitarily formed in order to make the manufacture of the stepped gear13easier and improve the specific strength of the small gear20relative to that of the large diameter gear19.

In addition, the cut-out portion12cis disposed forward of the gear portion12a. However, the cut-out portion12cmay be disposed to the rear of the gear portion12a. In this configuration, it is preferable that the small diameter gear20be disposed to the rear of the large diameter gear19rather than forward thereof.

The driven gear16is a helical gear that meshes with the small diameter gear20, and the outer peripheral portion of the driven gear16is disposed inside the cut-out portion12cof the pinion gear12. The outer peripheral portion of the driven gear16is disposed such that there is a slight gap between it and the bottom portion of the cut-out portion12cformed as an annular groove.

Thus, by forming the cut-out portion12cin the pinion gear12and disposing the outer peripheral portion of the driven gear16inside the cut-out portion12c, the driven gear16and the worm shaft21can be brought close to the spool shaft15, and the reduction ratio can be maintained while compactly arranging the gears in the reel unit2.

The worm shaft21is disposed parallel to the spool shaft15, and is rotatably supported by the reel body2a. In addition, spiral intersecting grooves21aare formed around the outer peripheral portion of the worm shaft21. As described above, the driven gear16is non-rotatably mounted to the tip of the worm shaft21.

The slider22includes a slider unit25and an engagement member26that is accommodated inside the slider unit25. The slider unit25is guided parallel to the spool shaft15by two guide shafts24a,24b. The engagement member26is rotatably mounted inside the slider unit25, and the front end of the engagement member26meshes with the grooves21aof the worm shaft21.

Oscillating mechanisms are conventional components that are well-known in the art. Accordingly, the oscillating mechanism6will not be explained or illustrated in further details herein.

Configuration of the Spool4

The spool4is disposed between the first rotor arm31and the second rotor arm32of the rotor3, and is rotatably mounted on the front end of the spool shaft15such that the rearward movement of the spool4is restricted. As shown inFIG. 6, the spool shaft15is stepped such that the diameter of the spool4gradually shortens toward the front end thereof. The spool shaft15includes a first male screw15athat is formed on a small diameter portion on the front end of the spool shaft15. The first male screw15ais a single thread screw. In addition, mutually parallel chamfered portions15aare provided on the base end sides of the first male screw15a. The spool shaft15includes a slider mounting portion15con the base end thereof, on which a slider22of the oscillating mechanism6is non-rotatably and axially non-movably mounted.

The spool4is a member made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, and includes a bobbin4aaround the outer periphery of which fishing line is wound, a large diameter skirt portion4bunitarily formed with the rear of the bobbin4a, and a small diameter front flange portion4cthat is unitarily formed with the front of the bobbin4a. The bobbin4ais a cylindrical member that extends toward the outer peripheral sides of the cylindrical portion30of the rotor3. The bobbin4aincludes a disk-shaped mounting portion4din which a boss portion is formed. The spool shaft15is mounted in the inner peripheral side of the boss portion. The mounting portion4dis rotatably mounted on the spool shaft15via a brimmed bush55. A tubular drag accommodation portion4ethat accommodates a drag mechanism60that brakes the spool4is formed in the front portion of the mounting portion4d. A pair of engagement grooves4fis formed along the axial direction in the inner circumferential surface of the drag accommodation portion4e.

Spools are conventional components that are well-known in the art. Accordingly, the spool4will not be explained or illustrated in further details herein.

Configuration of the Drag Mechanism60

The drag mechanism60brakes the spool4, and allows the drag force to be adjusted by a drag adjustment knob61that screws onto the first male screw15aof the spool shaft15. The drag mechanism60includes first and second drag washers70,71that are non-rotatably engaged with the chamfered portions15bof the spool shaft15, and a third drag washer72that is non-rotatably engaged with the engagement grooves4fof the spool4. The third drag washer72is disposed between the first and the second drag washers70,71. Drag disks74made, for example, from felt are interposed between the first drag washer70and the third drag washer72, the third drag washer72and the second drag washer71, and the second drag washer71and the mounting portion4dof the spool4. A seal member56is mounted between the drag accommodation portion4eand the rear end of the outer peripheral portion of the drag adjustment knob61, and serves to prevent foreign matter such as liquid from entering the drag mechanism60from this gap.

Drag mechanisms are conventional components that are well-known in the art. Accordingly, the drag mechanism60will not be explained or illustrated in further details herein.

Configuration of the Drag Adjustment Knob61

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 9, the drag adjustment knob61includes a first adjustment unit80that includes a first female screw91that screws onto the first male screw15a, a transmission unit81that can rotate relative to the first adjustment unit80, a second adjustment unit82that can rotate relative to the transmission unit81, and a pressing unit83that cannot rotate relative to the transmission unit81. In addition, the drag adjustment knob61includes a first knob sound generating portion84that generates sound through relative rotation between the first adjustment unit80and the transmission unit81, and a second knob sound generating portion85that generates sound through relative rotation between the second adjustment unit82and the pressing unit83.

The first adjustment unit80includes a first adjustment unit body90, and a first nut92in which the first female screw91is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof.

The first adjustment unit body90serves to rotate the first adjustment unit80. The first adjustment unit body90includes a circular transmission unit accommodation recess90b, and, for example, four engagement grooves90d. The transmission unit accommodation recess90bis formed in a rear end surface90ato be open and concentric with the axis of the spool shaft15. The engagement grooves90dare formed from a front end surface90cwhich is a surface on the other side of the rear end surface90a, past the outer edge of the transmission unit accommodation recess90bthrough the rear end surface90a, and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and formed in a circular shape along the axial direction. A retaining spring95(described below, an example of first retaining portion) is mounted in the engagement grooves90d. A first nut accommodation portion (first recess)90eis formed in the inner peripheral portion of the tubular first adjustment unit body90, and serves to prevent the rotation and the forward movement of the first nut92. In addition, a shallow ring groove90fis formed in the front end surface of the first nut accommodation portion90where the engagement grooves90dare open, and a plate seal93that covers the open portions of the engagement grooves90dis adhered to the ring groove90f. Covering the open portions with this type of plate seal93will both prevent foreign matter such as liquid from entering or adhering, and improve the exterior appearance of the spinning reel. In addition, circular pin accommodation recesses90gare formed in two locations diametrically opposed to each other in the bottom surface of the transmission unit accommodation recess90bof the first adjustment unit body90, and serve to accommodate the first knob sound generating portion84. Furthermore, a central hole90his formed in the center of the front surface of the first nut accommodation portion90.

The first nut92is hexagonal, and has the first female screw91formed in the inner peripheral surface thereof. The first nut92is mounted in the first nut accommodation portion90eof the first adjustment unit body90so as to be prevented from rotating and moving in the forward direction. The first nut92contacts with the transmission unit81retained in the first adjustment unit90via a washer96. Because of this, the first nut92is interposed between the first adjustment unit body90and the transmission unit81.

The transmission unit81is in contact with the rear of the first adjustment unit80, and mounted on the spool shaft15to be non-rotatable but movable in the axial direction. The transmission unit81is a substantially tubular member that includes on the outer periphery thereof a second male screw98having a different screw lead from that of the first made screw15a. The transmission unit81includes a large diameter first brim81aon the front end portion thereof. The outer diameter of the first brim81ais smaller that the inner diameter of the transmission unit accommodation recess90bof the first adjustment unit body90, and the first brim81acan be inserted into the transmission unit accommodation recess90b. The front end surface of the first brim portion81ais in contact with the bottom surface of the transmission unit accommodation recess90b. In addition, a plurality of sound producing recesses84athat make up the first knob sound generating portion84are formed spaced apart in the circumferential direction in the front end surface of the first brim portion81a. A second male screw98is formed to the rear of the first brim portion81aand separated from the first brim portion81aacross a gap. The second male screw98is a double thread screw that has a pitch larger than the first male screw15a. Because of this, the lead of the second male screw98is larger than the lead of the first male screw15a. A small diameter retaining recess81bis formed between the first brim portion81aand the second male screw98. The retaining recess81bis provided in order to mount the retaining spring95. A rotation engagement portion81dhaving mutually parallel chamfered portions81cis provided at the rear of the second male screw98. The rotation engagement portion81dis provided in order to mount the pressing unit83so that the pressing unit83is non-rotatable and movable in the axial direction. In addition, an engagement hole81ethat is elliptically shaped in cross-section and non-rotatably engages with the chamfered portions15bof the spool shaft15is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the transmission unit81.

The retaining spring95is a metal wire member bent into a curved shape. The retaining spring95can be mounted from the open side of the transmission unit accommodation recess90bin order to rotatably retain the transmission unit81in the first adjustment unit80. The retaining spring95includes engagement portions95acomposed of corner portions that are engaged with the four engagement grooves90din a state in which its rearward its movement is restricted, and contact portions95bthat are unitarily formed with the engagement portions95aand contact with the rear surface of the first brim portion81aof the transmission unit81from the open side of the transmission accommodation recess90bto restrict rearward movement of the first brim portion81a. Here, the structure that serves to engage the retaining spring95can be formed by a circular die, and thus the engagement structure of the retaining spring95can be achieved without machining and machining costs can be reduced.

The second adjustment unit82includes a disk-shaped second adjustment unit body100, a second nut102that includes a second female screw101that screws onto the second male screw98, and a knob portion103that is fixedly coupled to the front surface of the second adjustment unit body100.

The second adjustment unit body100includes a knob body100a, a pair of knob connectors100bthat project forward from the knob body100a, and a cover portion100cthat projects on the knob body100ain a tapered tubular shape between the knob connectors100b. In addition, the second adjustment unit body100includes a tubular second nut accommodation portion100dthat projects rearward from the knob body100a, and a pressing unit accommodation recess (second recess)100ethat projects rearward on the outer peripheral side of the second nut accommodation portion100d.

The knob body100ais a plate shaped portion that has a through hole formed in the central portion thereof. The knob connectors100bproject diagonally forward toward the approximate center from diametrically opposing end portions of the knob body100a. Through holes100fthat serve to mount the knob portion103are formed in the knob connectors100b, and the knob portion103is screwed onto the knob connectors100band fixedly attached to the knob body100a. In addition, a circular pin accommodation recess100gthat serves to accommodate the second knob sound generating portion85is formed in the rear surface of knob body100a. The cover portion100cis formed such that its tubular portion (cover body portion)100hcovers and partially exposes the periphery of the first adjustment unit body90of the first adjustment unit80at the same time. More specifically, the periphery of the first adjustment unit body90is partially exposed by forming a pair of cut-out portions100hon opposing positions of the periphery of the tapered tubular portion100h. The first adjustment unit80can be pressed and rotated at the exposed portion thereof. The second nut accommodation portion100dprevents the second nut102from rotating and moving forward. A second brim portion110a(described above) of the pressing unit83is rotatably accommodated in the pressing unit accommodation recess100e. In addition, a C-shaped rotation restriction groove100iis formed on the inner peripheral side of the pressing unit accommodation recess10eto be concentric with the axis of the spool shaft15, and serves to restrict the rotation of the second adjustment unit82to within an approximate 330 degree range. In other words, the second adjustment unit82, which has the second female screw101that has a greater screw lead than that of the first female screw91, the rotation of the second adjustment unit82is limited to a range less than 360 degrees.

The second nut102is hexagonal, and has the second female screw101formed in the inner peripheral surface thereof. The second nut102is mounted in the nut accommodation portion100dof the second adjustment unit body100in a state in which the second nut102is prevented from rotating and moving in the forward direction. The second nut102is in contact with the pressing unit83retained on the second adjustment unit82. Because of this, the second nut102is interposed between the second adjustment unit body100and the pressing unit83.

The knob portion103serves to rotate the second adjustment unit82. The knob portion103includes a bridge portion103athat extends in a straight line on the second adjustment unit body100, a pair of attachment cylinders103bthat extend rearward from the bridge portion103a, a shaft portion103cthat extends rearward from the center of the bridge portion103aand is inserted into the central hole90hof the first adjustment unit body90, and a wide portion103dthat spreads out into a bowl shape from the central portion of the bridge portion103a. The pair of attachment cylinders103bpasses through the through holes10f. Screws105are screwed into the rear end surface of the attachment cylinders103bto fixedly couple the knob portion103to the second adjustment unit body100. The bridge portion103aand the wide portion103dpartially cover the front end surface of the first adjustment unit body90of the first adjustment unit80. Here, by partially covering the front end portion of the first adjustment unit80, it will be difficult for fishing line to become snagged on the first adjustment unit80. In addition, because one portion of the periphery of the first adjustment unit80is exposed and another portion thereof is covered with the cover portion100c, it will be possible to operate the first adjustment unit80with the exposed portion while it is difficult for fishing line to become snagged on the first adjustment unit80.

The pressing unit83is disposed between the second adjustment unit82and the drag mechanism60and in contact with both, and is non-rotatable with respect to the spool shaft15but movable in the axial direction. The pressing unit83includes a disk-shaped pressing unit body110that has a second brim portion110a, and a toothed washer111that serves to non-rotatably link the pressing unit body110with the transmission unit81non-rotatably mounted to the spool shaft15.

The pressing unit body110is rotatably mounted on the transmission unit81, and includes the second brim portion110awhose outer peripheral edge is accommodated in the pressing unit accommodation recess100e. The second brim portion110ais rotatably retained on the second adjustment unit body100by two screws105that serve to fix the knob103to the second adjustment unit body100. An engagement recess110bthat non-rotatably engages with the toothed washer111is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the pressing unit body110. In addition, a restriction projection110cthat engages with the rotation restriction groove100iprojects forward on the front end surface of the second brim portion110a. The rotational range of the second adjustment unit82is restricted by engaging the restriction projection110cwith the rotation restriction groove100i. Thus, the set value of the drag force can be easily changed by restricting the rotational range. Furthermore, a plurality of sound producing recesses85athat make up the second knob sound generating portion85are formed spaced apart in the circumferential direction in the front end surface of the second brim portion110a, except where the restriction projection110cis formed.

The toothed washer111is provided in order to make the pressing unit body110non-rotatable with respect to the spool shaft15. More specifically, the toothed washer111is non-rotatably mounted to the transmission unit81that is non-rotatable with respect to the spool shaft15, thereby making the pushing unit83non-rotatable with respect to the spool shaft15. The toothed washer111includes a plurality of engagement teeth11athat are formed in a spaced relationship in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery thereof and project radially outward. The engagement teeth11aare spaced apart with a uniform gap, except that one tooth is missing. This allows the pressing unit83to be placed in a predetermined rotational displacement with respect to the second adjustment unit82. An oblong shaped engagement hole111bthat non-rotatably engages with the rotation engagement portion81dof the transmission unit81is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the toothed washer111. The engagement hole111bis formed with a predetermined rotational displacement with respect to the engagement teeth111a.

The first knob sound generating portion84includes sound producing recesses84athat are formed in the transmission unit81, two sound producing pins115that are accommodated in two pin accommodation recesses90gand that can extend toward and retract away from the sound producing recesses84a, and sound producing springs116that urge the sound producing pins115toward the sound producing recesses84a.

The second knob sound generating portion85includes sound producing recesses85athat are formed in the brim portion110a, a sound producing pin120that is accommodated in the pin accommodation recess100gand that can extend toward and retract away from the sound producing recesses85a, and a sound producing spring121that urges the sound producing pin120toward the sound producing recesses85a.

The diameter of the head portions of the sound producing pins115of the sound generating portion84is smaller than the diameter of the head portion of the sound producing pin120of the sound generating portion85. In addition, the gap between the sound producing recesses84ais narrower than the gap between the sound producing recesses85a. Because of this, the first knob sound generating portion84will produce finer clicking sounds than those of the second knob sound generating portion85.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 6, a drag sound generating portion62that generates sound when the drag mechanism60operates and the spool4rotates with respect to the spool shaft15is disposed to be in sliding contact with the rear of the spool4. As shown inFIG. 6, the drag sound generating portion62includes a sound producing member125that is mounted to the rear surface of the brim portion of the brimmed bush55via a washer65, a closed-end tubular sound producing claw126that is pivotably mounted on the spool4and capable of contacting the sound producing member125, and a coil spring (not shown in the figures) that urges the sound producing claw126to a position that contacts with the sound producing member125. The sound producing member125is rotatably mounted on the spool shaft15. The sound producing member125is non-rotatably engaged with a spool washer66that is non-rotatably mounted on the rear end portion of the chamfered portion15bof the spool shaft15in a state in which rearward movement of the spool washer66is restricted. This allows the sound producing member125to be non-rotatable with respect to the spool shaft15. Note that the spool washer66restricts rearward movement of the spool4via the sound producing member125and the washer65. The sound producing member125includes a sound producing cylinder125awhose outer periphery is disposed on the outer periphery of the boss portion of the mounting portion4dof the spool4, and a plurality of sound producing projections125bthat are formed spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the sound producing cylinder125a.

The sound producing claw126is pivotably supported by a pivot pin127press fitted into the end surface of a mounting cylinder4g. The mounting cylinder4gis formed into a cylindrical shape to project rearward on the mounting portion4dof the spool4. A washer128is interposed between the sound producing claw126and the end surface of the mounting cylinder4g. By interposing the washer128in this manner, the sound producing claw126can be supported by the washer128such that the sound producing claw126will not oscillate in a direction perpendicular to the pivot direction, and it will no longer be necessary to provide a surface that supports the sound producing claw126on the mounting cylinder4g. Because of this, the thickness of the mounting cylinder4gin the radial direction can be reduced, and thus the weight of a spool4forged from aluminum can be reduced.

Operation and Function of the Reel

With this spinning reel, the drag force thereof will be adjusted before engaging in fishing in accordance with the fishing method and the type of fish that one is attempting to catch. When the drag force is to be adjusted, the first adjustment unit80is first rotated, and the initial drag force is set. When the first adjustment unit80rotates in the screw tightening direction, the first nut92moves rearward to press the drag mechanism60via the transmission unit81, the second nut102, and the pressing unit83, and the drag force increases thereby. When the first adjustment unit80is rotated in the opposite direction, the drag force will be reduced. When this occurs, the initial drag can be precisely set because the first male screw15aand the first female screw91are single thread screws having a fine pitch.

When the initial drag force has been set, the second adjustment unit82is rotated to set the usual drag force used when a fish has been caught. When the second adjustment unit82rotates in the screw tightening direction, the second nut102moves rearward to press the drag mechanism60via the pressing unit83, and the drag force increases thereby. When this occurs, the second nut102moves more rearward in response to the rotation of the second adjustment unit82than compared to the case where the first nut92is rotated because the second male screw98and the second female screw101are double thread screws and have a broad pitch. Since the first female screw91is a single thread screw, the second female screw101has a greater screw pitch and a greater number of threads than the first female screw91. Thus, the drag force can be significantly changed simply by moving the second adjustment unit82by a small distance.

Here, even if the pitches are the same in the double thread screws of the second adjustment unit82and the single thread screws of the first adjustment unit80, the amount of rearward movement with respect to the amount of rotation of the second adjustment unit82that employs double thread screws will be several times greater than that of the first adjustment unit80that employs single thread screws. Moreover, because the double thread screws are employed, it is possible to make both the pitch and the number of engaged threads be the same in the adjustment unit that employs single thread screws and the adjustment unit that employs double thread screws. Because of this, there will no longer be any need to increase the screw pitch, and the strength of the screws can be maintained and the desired drag force can be quickly set.

When casting with this spinning reel, the bail arm44is pushed over from the line-winding posture to the line-releasing posture. Then, the fishing rod is swung and the tackle is cast out. When this occurs, fishing line is released in a helical fashion from the front of the spool4. At this point, there is little release resistance because the fishing line is densely wound onto the spool4.

When the fishing line is to be wound onto the spool4, the bail44is returned to the line retrieving posture. This is performed automatically by a cam and a spring (not shown in the figures) when the handle1is rotated in the line winding direction. When the handle1is rotated in the line winding direction, rotational force is transmitted to the pinion gear12via the main gear shaft10and the main gear11. The rotational force transmitted to the pinion gear12is transmitted to the rotor3via the front portion of the pinion gear12, and the rotor3rotates in the line winding direction.

Meanwhile, the stepped gear13is rotated by the large diameter gear19that meshes with the pinion gear12, and this rotation is transmitted to the driven gear16via the small diameter gear20. As a result, the worm shaft21rotates at the rotational speed of the pinion gear12, i.e., a rotation speed that is less than the rotational speed of the rotor3. The rotation of the worm shaft21causes the slider22that meshes with the grooves21aof the worm shaft21to move forward and backward, guided by the guide shafts24aand24b. The fishing line guided by the bail arm44to the spool4is wound onto the bobbin4aof the spool4, and the fishing line is densely wound onto the spool4. Because of this, fishing line is wound onto the spool4more efficiently.

In addition, the pinion gear12includes the cut-out portion12cthat is cut out in the circumferential direction with a diameter that is smaller than that of the gear portion12a, and the outer peripheral portion of the driven gear16can be disposed in the cut-out portion12c. Thus, even if the accommodation space of the reel unit2is small, the reduction ratio can be maintained, and various gears can be compactly arranged in the reel unit2, by disposing the driven gear16having the same reduction ratio in the cut-out portion12c.

Other Embodiments

Referring now toFIG. 10, a drag adjustment knob in accordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

In the foregoing embodiment, the initial drag force is precisely set with the first adjustment unit and the usual drag force is set with the second adjustment unit, but the reverse is also possible. In other words, the second adjustment unit may have single thread screws and the first adjustment unit may have double thread screws.

InFIG. 10, a drag adjustment knob161includes a first adjustment unit180, a transmission unit181, a second adjustment unit182, and a pressing unit183.

The first adjustment unit180includes a disk-shaped first adjustment unit body190having a projection190athat extends in a straight line on the front surface thereof, and a first nut192that is non-rotatably mounted in the interior of the first adjustment unit body190in a state in which forward movement is restricted. The first male screw15aon the front end of the spool shaft15is a double thread screw, and a first female screw191on a first nut192that screws onto the first male screw15ais also a double thread screw.

The transmission unit181is rotatably retained on the first adjustment unit body190. A description of the retaining structure is omitted because it is the same as that of the aforementioned embodiment. A second male screw198formed in the outer peripheral surface of the transmission unit181is a single thread screw having the same pitch as that of the first male screw15a.

The second adjustment unit182is a disk-shaped member that is formed on the rear surface of the first adjustment unit180to have a large diameter that covers the outer peripheral surface of the first adjustment unit180. The second adjustment unit182includes a disk-shaped second adjustment unit body200, and a second nut202having a second female screw that is screwed onto the second male screw198. The second adjustment unit body200has the same configuration as that of the aforementioned embodiment, with the exception of the shape thereof.

The pressing unit183includes a disk-shaped pressing unit body210, and a toothed washer211that serves to non-rotatably link the pressing unit body210with the transmission unit181that is non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft15.

With a drag adjustment knob161having this type of configuration, when the initial drag force is to be set, the outer peripheral surface, for example, of the second adjustment unit182is rotated to adjust the drag force and not the first adjustment unit180. In addition, the projecting portion190ais pushed down and the first adjustment unit180is rotated when the normal drag force is to be set. Even with this embodiment, the same effects as in the foregoing embodiment will be obtained.

(b) In the aforementioned embodiment, the transmission unit81is retained by the retaining spring95and the pressing unit83is retained by the screws105. However, the retaining structure is not limited to a retaining spring or screws. For example, a projection that elastically retains may be provided to retain the first and second adjustment units, the transmission unit, or the pressing unit.

(c) In the aforementioned embodiment, double thread screws were illustrated as the multi-thread screws, but triple or greater thread screws may also be employed as an example of the multi-thread screws.

According to the present invention, even if multi-thread screws employed in one adjustment unit and single thread screws employed in another adjustment unit have the same pitch, the amount of rearward lead movement with respect to the amount of rotation of the adjustment unit that employs the multi-thread screws will be several times greater than the rear lead movement of the adjustment unit that employs single thread screws. Moreover, both the pitch and the number of threads can be the same in the adjustment unit that employs single thread screws and the adjustment unit that employs multi-thread screws. Because of this, there will no longer be any need to increase the screw pitch, and the strength of the screws can be maintained and the desired drag force can be quickly set.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a device equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a device equipped with the present invention.

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Applications No. 2003-137329, No. 2003-143818, and No. 2003-346035. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2003-137329, No. 2003-143818, and No. 2003-346035 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.