SPINNING REEL FOR FISHING

A spinning reel for fishing includes a spool shaft movable in the reel body, a spool including a bobbin trunk onto which fishing line is capable of being wound and rotatably supported by the spool shaft, and a first drag mechanism having a first drag washer disposed in the forward direction forward of the bobbin trunk and configured to brake the rotation of the spool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-095076, filed on Jun. 8, 2023. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-095076 are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a spinning reel for fishing.

Background Information

Conventional spinning reels for fishing can cast fishing line in a forward direction and are generally equipped a reel body, a spool shaft that is movable relative to the reel body, a spool with a bobbin trunk onto which fishing line can be wound and which is rotatably supported by the spool shaft, and a drag mechanism that is disposed within the bobbin trunk. See for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-122176.

SUMMARY

It has been determined that in the spinning reel for fishing described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-122176, when the drag washer of the drag mechanism is disposed inside the bobbin trunk, the drag washer becomes hot due to the heat generated by the drag operation, and there is the risk that the fishing line wound around the bobbin trunk will deteriorate due to the heat.

Further, in the case of the prior art, since the space inside the bobbin trunk is narrow, the outer diameter of the drag washer is restricted, resulting in increased surface pressure, which causes durability problems.

The present disclosure was made in consideration of these circumstances, and the object thereof is to provide a spinning reel for fishing which can prevent the deterioration of fishing line due to the heat generated during a drag operation and which can enhance the durability of the drag washer.

A first aspect of the spinning reel for fishing according to the present disclosure concerns a spinning reel for fishing that can cast (throw out) fishing line in a forward direction and that comprises a reel body, a spool shaft that is movable relative to the reel body, a spool rotatably supported by the spool shaft and with a bobbin trunk onto which fishing line can be wound, and a first drag mechanism, which has a first drag washer disposed forward of the bobbin trunk and which can brake the rotation of the spool.

According to the first aspect of the spinning reel for fishing of the present disclosure, the first drag mechanism with the first drag washer is disposed forward of the front end of the bobbin trunk of the spool, which enables the outer diameter of the first drag washer to be larger than in the case of the prior art, in which the drag mechanism is disposed inside the bobbin trunk. Therefore, the drag contact area of the first drag washer can be increased, and the surface pressure applied to the first drag washer can be minimized, thereby enhancing drag durability.

Further, in the present disclosure, by disposing the first drag mechanism at a position forward of and away from the bobbin trunk, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the fishing line wound around the bobbin trunk due to the heat generated by the drag operation. Further, since the heat generated in the bobbin trunk due to a drag operation can be minimized in this way, the wall thickness of the bobbin trunk, which was increased in the prior art in consideration of the conducted heat, can be thinner, and, as a result, the weight of the spool can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the spinning reel for fishing according to the first aspect, the first drag washer is preferably disposed on a front end surface of the bobbin trunk.

In this embodiment, since the first drag washer is disposed on the front end surface of the bobbin trunk, the heat generated by the drag operation is more easily dissipated and the deterioration of the fishing line can be reduced, compared to a case in which the drag washer is disposed in a space in which heat accumulates, such as inside the bobbin trunk.

Further, in the present disclosure, the first drag washer can be held by using the space forward of the bobbin trunk, so that, compared to a case in which the drag washer is placed inside the bobbin trunk, the holding structure of the first drag washer can be simplified and the weight of the spool can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the spinning reel for fishing according to the first or second aspect, it is preferable to have a second drag mechanism with a second drag washer, which device is installed rearward of the bobbin trunk and brakes the rotation of the spool.

In this embodiment, the first drag mechanism and the second drag mechanism can be respectively positioned forward of and rearward of the bobbin trunk, so that the first drag washer and the second drag washer can each be of larger outer diameter. Therefore, the drag contact area of both the first and second drag washers can be increased, and the surface pressure applied to the first and second drag washers can be minimized, thereby enhancing drag durability.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the spinning reel for fishing according to the third aspect, a drag knob is included to adjust the pressing force on the first drag washer and/or the second drag washer.

In this embodiment, the drag knob can adjust the pressing force on the first drag washer and/or the second drag washer.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the spinning reel for fishing according to the third or fourth aspect, the drag knob can adjust the pressing force on the first drag washer and on the second drag washer at the same time.

In this embodiment, the drag knob can be used to adjust the pressing force on the first drag washer and on the second drag washer at the same time.

With the spinning reel for fishing according to the present disclosure, a long-term reduction in braking force can be minimized, and during reverse high-speed rotation, the rotor can be automatically braked.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the spinning reel for fishing will now be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in each drawing the scale of each component can be changed as necessary in order to bring each component to a discernible size.

First Embodiment

As shown inFIG.1, the spinning reel for fishing1according to the present embodiment has a reel body10and is a reel that can cast (throw out) fishing line in a forward direction. The spinning reel for fishing1comprises a reel body10, a handle2rotatably supported by the reel body10, a rotor3, a spool4, a drag mechanism5, and a drag adjustment mechanism6.

In the following, the direction in which a spool shaft40(described below) of the spool4extends is defined as the axial direction X. The axial direction X also includes the direction along the spool shaft40. Further, in the axial direction X, the direction in which the fishing line is cast is defined as the forward (front) direction X1, and the direction opposite to forward (front) X1is defined as rearward (rear) direction X2. Further, in a plan view as seen from the axial direction X, a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation O is defined as the radial direction, and a direction encircling axis of rotation O is defined as the circumferential direction.

The rotor3is rotatably supported at the front of the reel body10. The spool4is capable of winding fishing line around its outer circumferential surface and is arranged at the front of the rotor3so as to be movable back and forth. The handle2can be attached to either the right or left side of the reel body10during use.

Handle

The handle2has a handle grip (not shown) and a handle arm (not shown) to the end of which the handle grip is rotatably attached. The base end of the handle arm is non-rotatably attached to a handle shaft21that extends in a direction intersecting the handle arm. The handle shaft21is integrally rotatably and detachably connected to a master gear shaft71, described further below.

Reel Body

The reel body10has a reel body portion11with an interior space, and a cover member12that is detachably attached to the reel body portion11to close the space of the reel body portion11.

The reel body portion11is integrally molded with a leg portion110extending upward and a T-shaped rod attachment portion111extending in the front and rear directions from the upper end of the leg110.

The reel body portion11has an internal attachment space for the attachment of each mechanical part. A rotor drive mechanism7and an oscillating mechanism8include the attachment space of the reel body portion11.

The cover member12covers the rear part of the reel body portion11and is attached to the reel body portion11at a plurality of locations.

The reel body portion11houses a bearing43A through which the spool shaft40of the spool4passes from the forward direction X1and which rotatably supports the rear end of the spool shaft40. The reel body portion11and the cover member12each have a circular through-hole, not shown, through which the handle shaft21can be inserted. The handle shaft21is rotatably supported in the through-holes in the inner surface of the reel body portion11and the cover member12.

The rotor drive mechanism7rotates the rotor3in conjunction with the handle2. The oscillating mechanism8moves the spool4in reciprocating fashion via the spool shaft40in conjunction with the rotation of the handle2.

The rotor drive mechanism7has a master gear shaft71to which the handle2is fixed for integral rotation therewith, a master gear72that rotates with the master gear shaft71, and a pinion gear73that meshes with the master gear72.

The master gear shaft71is integrally formed with the master gear72and is rotatably supported by the reel body portion11. The pinion gear73is cylindrical in shape. The front part of the pinion gear73extends toward the spool4side at the forward direction X1forward of the rotor3. The front part of the pinion gear73is fixed by a nut74to the rotor3for integral rotation therewith. The pinion gear73is rotatably supported in the reel body portion11by bearings at the rear and middle portions, respectively.

The oscillating mechanism8is a traverse cam type. The oscillating mechanism8comprises a screw shaft81that is mounted in the reel body portion11so as to rotate about an axis parallel to the spool shaft40and a slider82that moves in reciprocating fashion due to the rotation of the screw shaft81.

Rotor

The rotor3is rotatably supported by the reel body10. The rotor3comprises a rotor body31, a pair of bail arms32A,32B that are attached to the end of the rotor body31so as to be pivotable between the fishing line open position and the fishing line winding position, and a bail reversing mechanism33attached to the rotor body31to return the bail arms32A,32B from the fishing line open position to the fishing line winding position.

The rotor body31has a cylindrical portion310that is mounted in the reel body portion11so as to rotate about the spool shaft40. The pair of bail arms32A and32B are disposed on the sides of the cylindrical portion310so as to oppose each other. The cylindrical portion310and bail arms32A,32B are made of an aluminum alloy, for example, and are integrally molded. A bail (not shown) in the form of a wire rod bent into a U-like shape for guiding the fishing line to the spool4is fixed between the ends of the opposing bail arms32A,32B.

A front wall313is formed at the front of the cylindrical portion310. A through-hole through which the spool shaft40passes is formed in the center of a front wall313.

Spool

FIG.2shows the spool4disposed between the pair of opposing bail arms32A,32B of the rotor3shown inFIG.1to move freely along the axial direction X (front-rear direction) at forward direction X1forward of the rotor3. The spool4is attached to the end of the spool shaft40via drag mechanisms5A,5B. The spool4moves in reciprocating fashion together with the spool shaft40along the axial direction X due to the oscillating mechanism8(seeFIG.1).

The spool4comprises a bobbin trunk41around which fishing line can be wound, a pair of flanges42A,42B integrally formed at the front and rear ends of the bobbin trunk41, and a cylindrical skirt43.

A fishing line is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin trunk41. Inside the bobbin trunk41, a first bearing44A is disposed on the front inner surface41a, and a second bearing44B is disposed on the rear inner surface41b. The first bearing44A is disposed between the bobbin trunk41and a washer of a first drag mechanism5A (described below). The second bearing44B is disposed between the bobbin trunk41and a support part of a second drag mechanism5B (described below). The bobbin trunk41is rotatably supported on parts of the drag mechanisms5A,5B via the first bearing44A and the second bearing44B, respectively. Here, since the washer of the first drag mechanism5A and the support part of the second drag mechanism5B non-rotatably engage the spool shaft40, the bobbin trunk41is rotatably supported by the spool shaft40via the first bearing44A and the second bearing44B.

The pair of flanges42A,42B are disposed at the front and rear ends of the bobbin trunk41respectively. The pair of flanges42A,42B are each formed in an annular shape. Of the pair of flanges42A,42B, the front side is denoted as the front flange42A, and the rear side is denoted as the rear flange42B. The front flange42A and the rear flange42B are each integrally formed with the bobbin trunk41.

A cylindrical front drag attachment part421is integrally formed on the front surface42aof the front flange42A. The front drag attachment part421is disposed in the radial center of the front flange42A. The front flange42A and the front drag attachment part421constitute a first housing recess45A. The first housing recess45A is open in the forward direction X1and houses the first drag mechanism5A.

A cylindrical rear drag attachment part422is integrally formed on a rear surface42bof the rear flange42B. The rear drag attachment part422is disposed inside the skirt43, separately from the skirt43. Male threads422bare formed on the outer circumferential surface422aof the rear drag attachment part422. The rear flange42B and the rear drag attachment part422constitute a second housing recess45B. The second housing recess45B is open in the rear direction X2and houses the second drag mechanism5B.

The skirt43is an integral part of the rear flange42B and extends from the outer circumferential end of the rear flange42B to the rear X2. The skirt43is formed in a cylindrical shape.

Spool Shaft

As shown inFIG.1, the spool4is connected to front end40aof the spool shaft40which is made from a stainless steel alloy, via the drag mechanisms5A and5B, and the slider82of the oscillating mechanism8is connected to the rear end. The spool shaft40is movable in the axial direction X (front-rear direction) with respect to the reel body10by the oscillating mechanism8. Further, the spool shaft40can be moved with the spool4in the axial direction X by the drag mechanisms5A and5B. The spool shaft40passes through the inner circumferential surface of the pinion gear73and rotatably supports the spool4with a pair of first and second bearings44A,44B farther towards the outer circumference of the spool shaft40in the forward direction X1than the cylindrical portion310of the rotor body31. The front end40aof the spool shaft40is essentially elliptical (non-circular) so as to have a non-circular external shape.

Drag Mechanism

As shown inFIG.2, the drag mechanism5is used for braking the rotation of the spool4. The drag mechanisms5A and5B are disposed in the forward direction X1and the rearward direction X2respectively forward of and rearward of the bobbin trunk41of the spool4. That is, the first drag mechanism5A is disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the front flange42A. The second drag mechanism5B is disposed in the rearward direction X2rearward of the rear flange42B. The drag mechanism5has a first drag mechanism5A, a second drag mechanism5B, and a drag adjustment mechanism6. The first drag mechanism5A and the second drag mechanism5B are non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40.

First Drag Mechanism

The first drag mechanism5A includes a plurality (here, two) of first drag washers51(51A,51B) disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41. The first drag washers51are arranged on the front end surface of the bobbin trunk41(front surface42aof the front flange42A). The first drag washer51includes a stepped first drag washer51A with a stepped shape located on the front side and a flat drag washer51B. The first drag washer51generates a drag force by the relative rotation of the stepped drag washer51A and the flat drag washer51B.

The stepped drag washer51A is mounted on the spool shaft40so as to be movable in the axial direction X together with the spool shaft40. The stepped drag washer51A has a cylindrical first bearing attachment portion511, a friction portion512located forward of the outer circumferential side of the first bearing attachment portion511, and a stepped portion513connecting the first bearing attachment portion511to the friction portion512.

The first bearing attachment portion511is non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40and supports the inner race of the first bearing44A. The cross-sectional shape of the first bearing attachment portion511has an essentially elliptical (non-circular) shape corresponding to the external shape of the front end40aof the spool shaft40. In the stepped drag washer51A, the first bearing attachment portion511and the rear part of the stepped portion513are disposed inside the bobbin trunk41, and the friction portion512and the front part of the stepped portion513are disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the front flange42A.

The stepped portion513extends radially outward from the front end of the first bearing attachment portion511and also bends toward the forward direction X1to form a stepped shape. A housing recess513a, which is open in the forward direction X1, is disposed inside the stepped portion513. Part of the drag adjustment mechanism6is accommodated in this housing recess513a.

The outer diameter of the stepped drag washer51A is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the front drag attachment part421. That is, the stepped drag washer51A has a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the bobbin trunk41of the spool4, such that that the outer circumferential part of the friction portion512does not contact the inner surface421aof the front drag attachment part421. The friction portion512is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first housing recess45A formed in the forward direction X1forward of the front flange42A.

The flat drag washer51B is held between the friction portion512of the stepped drag washer51A and the front surface42aof the front flange42A. The flat drag washer51B is disk-shaped and has a hole51aat the center. The stepped portion513of the stepped drag washer51A is inserted into this hole51a.

Second Drag Mechanism

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the second drag mechanism5B has a support component52, a regulating component53, and a second drag washer54. The support component52is attached to the spool shaft40so as to be movable in the axial direction X together with the spool shaft40. The support component52includes a cylindrical second bearing attachment portion521and a regulating component attachment portion522located on the outer circumferential side of the second bearing attachment portion521. The second bearing attachment portion521is non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40and supports the inner race of the second bearing44B. The regulating component53is secured to the rear surface of the regulating component attachment portion522with a fixing bolt523.

The regulating component53regulates the rotation of the support component52with respect to the spool shaft40. The regulating component53is fixed to the rear surface of the regulating component attachment portion522of the support component52with the fixing bolt523. The regulating component53is non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40. The regulating component53is disk-shaped and has a hole53aat the center. By non-circular engagement of the spool shaft40with the hole53a, the regulating component53is fixed to the spool shaft40in non-rotatable fashion. The support component52non-rotatably engages the spool shaft40via the regulating component53.

The regulating component53holds the friction portion (second drag washer54described further below) of the second drag mechanism5B in the axial direction X between the regulating component and the rear surface42bof the rear flange42B. Specifically, the regulating component53is fixed to the support component52via a heat sink15. This configuration limits the movement of the second drag washer54in the rearward direction X2.

A plurality of second drag washers54(here, four) are disposed in the rearward direction X2rearward of the bobbin trunk41. The second drag washers54are arranged on the rear end surface of the bobbin trunk41(rear surface42bof the rear flange42B). For the second drag washer54, large-diameter flat drag washers54A,54B and small-diameter flat drag washers54C,54D are alternately arranged in the axial direction X from the front side to the rear side. These flat drag washers54A,54B,54C and54D are housed in the second housing recess45B of the spool4. The flat drag washers54A,54B,54C,54D are held between the regulating component53and the rear surface42bof the rear flange42B. The second drag washers54generate a drag force by the relative rotation among the flat drag washers54A,54B,54C, and54D.

The flat drag washers54A,54B,54C, and54D each are disk-shaped with a hole54aat the center. The regulating component attachment portion522of the support component52is provided to the hole54ausing non-circular engagement. The flat drag washers54A,54B,54C, and54D are non-rotatably mounted on the support component52. When the first drag washer51is pushed in the rearward direction X2, the second drag washer54is pushed in the axial direction X between the regulating component53and the spool4.

Drag Adjustment Mechanism

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the drag adjustment mechanism6is attached to the front end40aof the spool shaft40. The drag adjustment mechanism6comprises a nut member61that is screwed onto the male threads40bat the front end40aof the spool shaft40, a drag knob62that is rotatably supported by the spool shaft40and fits into the nut member61in a manner preventing rotation and movement in the axial direction X, a coil spring63that applies a pressing force to the first drag washer51of the first drag mechanism5A, and a pressing portion64that houses a coil spring63.

The pressing portion64is a cylindrical member that has a bottom and that opens toward the forward direction X1. The rear portion of the pressing part64is accommodated in a housing recess513aof the stepped drag washer51A. The coil spring63is housed in the interior of the pressing portion64. A through-hole64bthat passes through the front-rear direction is formed in a bottom part64aof the pressing portion64, and the front end40aof the spool shaft40is inserted into the through-hole64b. The inner peripheral surface of the through-hole64bhas an essentially elliptical (non-circular) cross-sectional shape corresponding to the external shape of the front end40aof the spool shaft40.

The inner and outer circumferential surfaces of cylindrical part64cof the pressing portion64have an essentially circular shape. The pressing portion64can rotate relative to the drag knob62and move in the axial direction X relative to the drag knob.

The drag knob62is used to adjust the pressing force on the first drag washer51and on the second drag washer54at the same time. The drag knob62is non-rotatably fitted into the nut member61and is movable in the axial direction X together with the nut member61. A finger rest (not shown) is formed on the front part of the drag knob62to be grasped by the fisherman. When the fisherman grasps the finger rest and rotates the drag knob62, the nut member61rotates together with the drag knob62, and the nut member61moves in the forward direction X1or the rearward direction X2.

The coil spring63is disposed between the bottom part64aof the pressing portion64and the nut member61. The coil spring63is installed in the compressed state in the axial direction X. Therefore, the coil spring63continuously exerts a biasing force to move the pressing portion64in the rearward direction X2.

It should be noted that when the drag knob62is rotated and the nut member61is moved in the rearward direction X2, the biasing force exerted by the coil spring63(the pressing force applied to the pressing portion64) increases.

On the other hand, when the drag knob62is rotated and the nut member61is moved in the forward direction X1, the biasing force exerted by the coil spring63(the pressing force applied to the pressing portion64) decreases.

In the present embodiment, when the drag knob62is rotated and the biasing force of the coil spring63acts on the first drag washer51and the second drag washer54via the pressing portion64, that is, the first drag washer51and the second drag washer54are pressed in the axial direction X, thereby generating a drag force (braking force), and a gap S is formed between the support component52and the rear surface42bof the rear flange42B of the spool4. Therefore, the operation of rotating the drag knob62can cause the pressing portion64to move in the rearward direction X2to apply a pressing force to the first and second drag mechanisms5A,5B by an amount equivalent to the size of the gap S. The size of the gap S corresponds to the range (predetermined range) of braking force that can be adjusted by the drag adjustment mechanism6.

When the rotation of the drag knob62moves the pressing portion64in the rearward direction X2and closes the gap S, the rear surface42bof the rear flange42B of the spool4contacts the support component52to regulate the movement of the pressing portion64in the rearward direction X2. This prevents the pressing force from being applied to the first and second drag mechanisms5A,5B even if the drag knob62is rotated further, and the generation of drag force beyond a predetermined range is limited. Thus, by adjusting the relative positional relationship (size of gap S) between the support component52and the rear surface42bof the rear flange42B, drag force within a predetermined range can be generated.

The operation of the spinning reel for fishing1configured as described above will now be explained in detail based on the drawings.

As shown inFIGS.3and5, the spinning reel for fishing1according to the present embodiment is equipped with the spool shaft40that is movable in the reel body10, the spool4with the bobbin trunk41onto which fishing line is wound and which spool is rotatably supported by the spool shaft40, and the first drag mechanism5A, which has a first drag washer51disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41and which brakes the rotation of the spool4.

By the above-described configuration, the first drag mechanism5A having the first drag washer51is disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the front end surface of the bobbin trunk41of the spool4, which makes it possible for the outer diameter of the first drag washer51to be larger, compared to the conventional case in which the drag mechanism is disposed inside the bobbin trunk41. Therefore, the drag contact area of the first drag washer51can be increased, and the surface pressure applied to the first drag washer51can be minimized, thereby enhancing drag durability.

Further, in the present embodiment, by disposing the first drag mechanism5A in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41, the deterioration of the fishing line wound around the bobbin trunk41due to the heat generated by the drag operation can be prevented. Further, since the heat generated in the bobbin trunk41due to the drag operation can be prevented, the wall thickness of the bobbin trunk41, which was increased in the prior art in light of the conducted heat, can be thinner, resulting in a bobbin trunk41of decreased wall thickness; thus, the overall weight of the spool4can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the first drag washer51is disposed on the front end surface of the bobbin trunk41, the heat generated by the drag operation can be more easily dissipated, thereby reducing deterioration of the fishing line, compared to the case in which the drag washer is located in a space where heat accumulates, such as inside the bobbin trunk41.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the first drag washer51can be held by utilizing the space in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41, compared to the case in which the drag washer is located inside the bobbin trunk41, the holding structure of the first drag washer51can be simplified, and the weight of the spool4can be reduced.

Further, the present embodiment includes a second drag mechanism5B that has a second drag washer54disposed in the rearward direction X2rearward of the bobbin trunk41, and that brakes the rotation of the spool4. Therefore, the first and second drag mechanisms5A,5B can be arranged in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41of the spool4and in the rearward direction X2rearward of the bobbin trunk, respectively, so that first and second drag washers51,54with larger outer diameters can be used. Therefore, the drag contact area of both the first and second drag washers51,54can be increased, and the surface pressure applied to the first and second drag washers51and54can be minimized, thereby enhancing drag durability.

Further, the present embodiment includes a drag knob62to adjust the pressing force on the first drag washer51and/or the second drag washer54(first drag washer51in this embodiment). Thus, the pressing force for pressing the first drag washer51and/or the second drag washer54can be adjusted with the drag knob62.

The spinning reel for fishing1according to the present embodiment with the above-described configuration can prevent the deterioration of fishing line due to the heat generated by the drag operation, thereby enhancing the durability of the drag washer.

Other embodiments of the spinning reel for fishing according to the present disclosure will now be described. Those components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

Second Embodiment

As shown inFIG.4, the first drag mechanism5C of the drag mechanism5in the spinning reel for fishing1A according to a second embodiment has a plurality of (here, two) first drag washers51(51C,51D) disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41. The first drag washers51C and51D are arranged on the front end surface of the bobbin trunk41(front surface42aof front flange42A). The first drag washers51include a first flat drag washer51C located on the front side and a second flat drag washer51D held between the first flat drag washer51C and the front surface42aof the front flange42A. The first drag washer51generates drag force by means of the relative rotation between the first and second flat drag washers51,51D.

The first flat drag washer51C is mounted on the spool shaft40so as to be movable in the axial direction X together with the spool shaft40. The first flat drag washer51C has a friction portion514on the outer circumferential side. The first flat drag washer51C has an engagement portion515formed at the center, and the engagement portion515is non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40. The cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion515is formed with an essentially elliptical (non-circular) cross-sectional shape, corresponding to the external shape of the front end40aof the spool shaft40. The bottom part64aof the pressing portion64of the drag adjustment mechanism6comes in contact with the front surface51bof the radially inner side of the first flat drag washer51C from the forward direction X1. That is, in the second embodiment, the drag adjustment mechanism6is disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the first drag washer51.

The outer diameter of the first flat drag washer51C is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the front drag attachment portion421. That is, the stepped drag washer51C is set to have a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the bobbin trunk41of the spool4, such that the outer circumference of the friction portion514does not contact the inner surface421aof the front drag attachment portion421. The friction portion514is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the first housing recess45A formed in the forward direction X1forward of the front flange42A.

The second flat drag washer51D is held between the friction portion514of the first flat drag washer51C and the front surface42aof the front flange42A. The second flat drag washer51D is disk-shaped with a hole51cat the center. The spool shaft40is inserted into the hole51c.

The second drag mechanism5B of the second embodiment includes a cylindrical retaining member55that extends in the forward direction X1from the support component52and is non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40. The retaining member55is integral with the support component52. The retaining member55supports the inner races of the first and second bearings44A,44B. Since the nut member61is fixed to the front end40aof the spool shaft40, the pressing force from rotation of the drag knob62acts on both the first drag washer51and the second drag washer54via the retaining member55and the support component52, which are non-rotatably mounted on the spool shaft40. In the second embodiment, the pressing force that acts on the first drag washer51and the second drag washer54at the same time can be adjusted by the drag knob62.

Thus, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first drag mechanism5C with the first drag washers51(51C,51D) is placed in the forward direction X1forward of the front end surface of the bobbin trunk41of the spool4, so that it possible to make the outer diameters of the first drag washers51C,51D larger than in the prior art, in which the drag mechanism is placed inside the bobbin trunk41. Therefore, the drag contact area of the first drag washers51C,51D can be increased, and the surface pressure applied to the first drag washers51C,51D can be minimized, thereby enhancing drag durability.

Further, in this second embodiment, the first drag mechanism5C is arranged in the forward direction X1forward of the bobbin trunk41, so that the deterioration of fishing line wound around the bobbin trunk41due to the heat generated by the drag operation can be minimized. Further, since the heat generated in the bobbin trunk41by the drag operation can also be minimized in this manner, the wall thickness of the bobbin trunk41can be reduced, thereby decreasing the weight of the spool4.

Further, in the second embodiment, the first drag washers51C,51D are fully disposed in the forward direction X1forward of the front flange42A of the spool4. That is, in this case, no parts of the first drag washers51C,51D are disposed inside the bobbin trunk41of the spool4, and the internal space the bobbin trunk41can be increased. Therefore, the distance in the axial direction X between the first bearing44A and the second bearing44B, which are disposed inside the bobbin trunk41, can be larger, and the diagonal play of the spool4can be prevented.

Embodiments of the spinning reel for fishing were described above; however, these embodiments were presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made insofar as they do not depart from the essence of the disclosure. Embodiments and variants thereof include, for example, those that can be readily envisaged by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that are of equal scope.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, in the stepped drag washer51A of the first drag mechanism5A, the first bearing attachment portion511, the friction portion512, and the stepped portion513are integrally provided, but the present disclosure is not limited in this way. For example, in the spinning reel for fishing1B according to the variant shown inFIG.5, the friction portion512and the stepped portion513of the stepped drag washer51A can be divided. In this embodiment, the first bearing attachment portion511and the stepped portion513are integrally provided, and the stepped portion513and the friction portion512are fixed together by a screw516.

Further, the shape and size of the reel body10, handle2, rotor3, and spool4can be changed as necessary.