A dual-bearing reel is provided that basically includes a reel main body, a spool, a clutch operating member and a first barrier portion. The reel main body has a first side plate and a second side plate. The second side plate is disposed at a distance from the first side plate in an axial direction. The clutch operating member is movably supported on the reel main body in a vertical direction between the first side plate and the second side plate behind the spool. The clutch operating member switches between a transmitting and disconnecting of a rotational force to the spool. The first barrier portion is provided on one of the clutch operating member and the reel main body. The first barrier portion prevents the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the first side plate of the reel main body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-214572, filed Nov. 7, 2017. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-214572 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a fishing reel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dual-bearing reel capable of unreeling a fishing line.

Background Information

In a dual-bearing reel, a clutch operating member is provided behind the spool for switching between transmitting and disconnecting the rotational force from the handle to the spool (See Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. Hei 4-133178 referred to herein after as Patent Document 1). In addition, the clutch operating member is movably supported on the reel main body to move in the vertical direction.

SUMMARY

With a clutch operating member, the movement in the vertical direction becomes smoother as the axial length becomes shorter. However, if the axial length of the clutch operating member becomes shorter than the axial length of the spool, as in the case of the clutch operating member of Patent Document 1, then the fishing line tends to readily enter between the clutch operating member and the reel main body, which could cause the line to become entangled.

One object of the present invention is to prevent the line from becoming entangled between the clutch operating member and the reel main body, even when the axial length of the clutch operating member is made shorter than the axial length of the spool.

A dual-bearing reel according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to unreel a fishing line. The dual-bearing reel basically comprises a reel main body, a spool, a clutch operating member and a barrier portion. The reel main body comprises a first side plate, and a second side plate that is spaced apart from the first side plate in an axial direction. The spool comprises a bobbin trunk, a first flange portion disposed on a side of the bobbin trunk adjacent to the first side plate, and a second flange portion disposed on a side of the bobbin trunk adjacent to the second side plate. The the first and second flange portions have larger outer diameters than an outer periphery of the bobbin trunk. The spool is rotatably supported on the reel main body between the first side plate and the second side plate for winding the fishing line around the outer periphery of bobbin trunk. The clutch operating member includes an operating part that has an axial length that is shorter than the axial length of the spool. The clutch operating member is movably supported on the reel main body behind the spool to move in a vertical direction with respect to the reel main body between the first side plate and the second side plate. The clutch operating member is configured to switch between transmitting and disconnecting a rotational force inputted to the spool. The barrier portion is provided on one of the clutch operating member and the reel main body. The barrier portion is arranged to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the first side plate of the reel main body.

In this dual-bearing reel, if a fishing line attempts to enter between the clutch operating member and the reel main body, the fishing line comes into contact with the barrier portion. That is, the barrier portion serves as a wall and restricts the entry of the fishing line. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the reel main body. It is thereby possible to prevent the line from becoming entangled between the clutch operating member and the reel main body. In addition, because the axial length of the operating part of the clutch operating member is shorter than the axial length of the spool, the movement of the clutch operating member in the vertical direction becomes smooth.

Preferably, the barrier portion projects from one of the clutch operating member and the first side plate side of the reel main body toward the other of the clutch operating member and the reel main body on the first side plate side. In this case, it is possible to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the reel main body with a simple configuration, which increases the freedom of design of the dual-bearing reel.

Preferably, the barrier portion projects from the clutch operating member toward the first side plate of the reel main body, and the barrier portion moves integrally with the clutch operating member. In this case, because the barrier portion moves integrally with the clutch operating member, it is possible to prevent fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the reel main body by, for example, simply providing a barrier portion at the upper end of the clutch operating member.

Preferably, the barrier portion is disposed in a position where at least a part of the barrier portion overlaps with the first flange portion of the spool in a front-rear direction of reel main body. In this case, it is possible effectively to prevent fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the first side plate of the reel main body by means of a barrier portion.

Preferably, the barrier portion includes an inclined portion that is inclined to guide the fishing line from the first side plate side of the reel main body towards the operating part of the clutch operating member. In this case, because fishing line that comes into contact with the barrier portion is guided by the inclined portion to a position away from the space between the clutch operating member and the reel main body, it is possible to better prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member and the reel main body.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a fishing line from becoming entangled between the clutch operating member and the reel main body, even when the axial length of the clutch operating member is made shorter than the axial length of the spool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, a dual-bearing reel100is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. The dual-bearing reel100basically comprises a reel main body2, a spool3, a handle4and a clutch operating member20. The dual-bearing reel100is capable of unreeling a fishing line in a forward direction. The dual-bearing reel100is also capable of reeling the fishing line in a rearward direction. In particular, the spool3is rotatable supported on the reel main body2to rotate about an axis of rotation A.

In the present disclosure, when fishing is performed, the direction in which the fishing line is unreeled is referred to as a front or forward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear or rearward direction. Additionally, left and right refer to left and right as seen from the rear of the dual-bearing reel100. In addition, the direction in which the spool3rotates is referred to as an axial direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the reel main body2comprises a frame6, a first side cover7aand a second side cover7b. The frame6has a first side plate6a, a second side plate6band a plurality of connecting portions6c.

The first side plate6ais disposed on a right side of the frame6. The first side plate6ahas a first guide plate16athat is mounted on an inner circumferential surface of a rear portion of the first side plate6a. The second side plate6bis disposed on a left side of the frame6that is spaced apart from the first side plate6ain the axial direction. The second side plate6bhas a second guide plate16bthat is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the rear portion of the second side plate6b. The first guide plate16aand the second guide plate16beach have a guide groove16fthat extends substantially in the vertical direction. The connecting portions6cextend in the axial direction and connect the first side plate6aand the second side plate6b. The first side plate6aand the second side plate6bcan be formed integrally with the frame6.

The first side cover7acovers the right side of the first side plate6aof the frame6. The second side cover7bcovers the left side of the second side plate6bof the frame6.

The spool3is rotatably supported on the reel main body2between the first side plate6aand the second side plate6b. Specifically, the spool3is fixed to a spool shaft10. The spool shaft10extends through the center of the spool3in the axial direction. The spool3rotates integrally with the spool shaft10. The spool shaft10is rotatably supported on the reel main body2via a pair of axle bearings, which are not shown. The axle bearings are disposed in the reel main body2.

The spool3comprises a bobbin trunk3a, a first flange portion3b, and a second flange portion3c. A fishing line can be wound around an outside or outer periphery of the bobbin trunk3a. The first flange portion3bis disposed on a side of the bobbin trunk3aadjacent to the first side plate6a. The first flange portion3bhas a larger diameter than an outer diameter of the bobbin trunk3a. The second flange portion3cis disposed on a side of the bobbin trunk3aadjacent to the second side plate6b. The second flange portion3chas a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the bobbin trunk3a.

The handle4is rotatably supported on the reel main body2. The rotation of the handle4is transmitted to the spool3via a rotation transmission mechanism, not shown. Thus, the handle4is operatively coupled to the spool3to rotate the spool3as the handle4is rotated while the clutch operating member20is switched to transmit a rotational force to the spool3as explained below. Because the rotation transmission mechanism has the same configuration as a conventional rotation transmission mechanism, a description thereof has been omitted.

The clutch operating member20is an operating member for switching between transmitting and disconnecting a rotational force to the spool3in response to a rotation operation of the handle4. The clutch operating member20is disposed behind the spool3. The clutch operating member20is supported on the reel main body2so as to be movable in a vertical direction between the first side plate6aand the second side plate6b.FIG. 3is a side elevational view of the clutch operating member20. The clutch operating member20is capable of moving between a first position, indicated by the solid line, and a second position, indicated by the broken line. When the clutch operating member20is in the first position, the rotational force of the handle4is transmitted to the spool3. When the clutch operating member20is in the second position, on the other hand, the rotational force of the handle4is not transmitted to the spool3.FIGS. 1 to 4show a state in which the clutch operating member20is in the first position (a rotational force transmitting position).

The clutch operating member20is connected to a clutch control mechanism, not shown, via a coupling member15that is disposed on the first side plate side. The clutch control mechanism connects the spool3and the handle4, or disconnects the spool3and the handle4, according to an operation of the clutch operating member20. The clutch operating member20is moved from the second position to the first position by a clutch return mechanism, not shown, when the handle4is rotated in a fishing line winding direction while the clutch operating member20is in the second position. Since the clutch control mechanism and the clutch return mechanism have the same configurations as conventional ones, the descriptions thereof have been omitted.

The clutch operating member20has an operating part21, a first barrier portion22and a second barrier portion23. The first barrier portion22and the second barrier portion23are each examples of a barrier portion. The second barrier portion23can also be considered an additional barrier portion.

The operating part21is used when the clutch operating member20is moved from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position. Specifically, it is possible to move the clutch operating member20from the first position to the second position by a user pressing the operating part21down with a thumb. In addition, the operating part21also functions as a thumb rest on which a user can place his or her thumb. In addition, as shown inFIG. 4, the axial length L1of the operating part21is shorter than the axial direction L2of the spool3.

The operating part21includes a cover member24and a support member25. The cover member24is fixed to the support member25so as to be integrally movable. The cover member24covers an upper portion and a rear portion of the support member25. As shown inFIG. 4, the cover member24is disposed between the first side surface25aand the second side surface25bof the support member25in the axial direction. In addition, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the cover member24projects further rearward than the support member25. The cover member24can be integrally formed with the support member25.

The support member25supports the cover member24so as to be integrally movable. The first side surface25aof the support member25is disposed facing the first guide plate16ain the axial direction. The first side surface25ais slidable with respect to the first guide plate16a. The second side surface25bof the support member25is disposed facing the second guide plate16bin the axial direction. The second side surface25bis slidable with respect to the second guide plate16b.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the support member25has a penetration portion25cthat extends through the first side surface25aand the second side surface25bof the support member25in the axial direction. The coupling member15is connected to the support member25by passing the coupling member15through the penetration portion25c. Here, the penetration portion25cdefines an opening in each of the first side surface25aand the second side surface25bof the support member25.

The first barrier portion22is provided on one of the clutch operating member20and the reel main body2. The first barrier portion22is configured to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the first side plate6aof the reel main body2. In the present embodiment, the first barrier portion22is provided on the clutch operating member20. More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the first barrier portion22is provided at the upper end of the first side surface25aof the support member25. The first barrier portion22projects from the first side surface25aof the support member25toward the first side plate6aof the reel main body2, as shown inFIG. 4. In addition, as shown inFIG. 4, the first barrier portion22is disposed in a position in which at least a portion thereof overlaps the first flange portion3bof the spool3in a front-rear direction the reel main body2. In other words, at least a portion of the first barrier portion22is disposed axially outward of the bobbin trunk3aof the spool3. The first barrier portion22cam be further provided on the lower end side of the support member25.

The first barrier portion22moves integrally with the clutch operating member20. The first barrier portion22is disposed in a position facing the first guide plate16ain the front-rear direction and is slidable along the outer edge of the first guide plate16a. In addition, the outer side surface22aof the first barrier portion22faces the first side plate6ain the axial direction and is slidable with respect to the first side plate6a.

The first barrier portion22has an inclined portion22bthat is formed on the upper portion of the first barrier portion22. The inclined portion22bguides the fishing line from a side of the reel main body2with the first side plate6atoward the operating part21of the clutch operating member20. In the present embodiment, the inclined portion22bis inclined downwards to the left as seen from the rear of the reel main body2.

The second barrier portion23prevents the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the second side plate6bof the reel main body2. The second barrier portion23projects from the second side surface25bof the support member25toward the second side plate6bof the reel main body2. Since the second barrier portion23has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical with the first barrier portion22, a detailed description thereof has been omitted here.

In the dual-bearing reel100configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the first side plate6aof the reel main body2by the first barrier portion22. More specifically, when the dual-bearing reel100is used, particularly when fishing line attempts to enter between the clutch operating member20and the reel main body2from above the clutch operating member20and the reel main body2, the fishing line contacts the first barrier portion22, which restricts entry of the fishing line. Additionally, in the present embodiment, because the first barrier portion22is disposed in a position that overlaps the first flange portion3bof the spool3in the front-rear direction, it is possible effectively to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the first side plate6aof the reel main body2. Furthermore, by providing the inclined portion22bof the first barrier portion22, the fishing line that comes into contact with the first barrier portion22is guided from the side of the reel main body2with the first side plate6atowards the operating part21of the clutch operating member20. Accordingly, it is possible more effectively to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the first side plate6aof the reel main body2.

The second barrier portion23is able to achieve the same effect as the second barrier portion23on the side of the reel main body2with the second side plate6bside. In other words, in the dual-bearing reel100configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the second side plate6bof the reel main body2by the second barrier portion23. More specifically, when the dual-bearing reel100is used, particularly when fishing line attempts to enter between the clutch operating member20and the reel main body2from above the clutch operating member20and the reel main body2, the fishing line contacts the second barrier portion23, which restricts entry of the fishing line. Additionally, in the present embodiment, because the second barrier portion23is disposed in a position that overlaps the second flange portion3cof the spool3in the front-rear direction, it is possible effectively to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the second side plate6bof the reel main body2. Furthermore, by providing an inclined portion (not numbered) of the second barrier portion23, the fishing line that comes into contact with the second barrier portion23is guided from the side of the reel main body2with the second side plate6btowards the operating part21of the clutch operating member20. Accordingly, it is possible more effectively to prevent the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the second side plate6bof the reel main body2.

In addition, because the axial length L1of the operating part21is shorter than the axial length L2of the spool3in the dual-bearing reel100configured as described above, it is possible for the clutch operating member20to move smoothly in the vertical direction while preventing the fishing line from entering between the clutch operating member20and the first side plate6aof the reel main body2.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of the present invention was described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various embodiments described in the present Specification may be combined in any manner as requirements dictate.

While the first barrier portion22and the second barrier portion23are provided on the clutch operating member20in the embodiment described above, the first barrier portion22and the second barrier portion23can be provided on the reel main body2. In this case, as shown inFIG. 5, a first barrier portion122projects from a side of a reel main body102having a first side plate106atowards a clutch operating member120. Also, a second barrier portion123projects from a side of a reel main body102having a second side plate106btowards the clutch operating member120. Here, the first barrier portion122is provided on a first guide plate116a, and the second barrier portion123is provided on a second guide plate116b. The first barrier portion122and the second barrier portion123can be integrally provided with the first side plate106aand the second side plate106b. Also, when the first barrier portion122and the second barrier portion123are provided on the reel main body102, it is preferable to provide the first barrier portion122and the second barrier portion123that are in accordance with a length of a range of movement of the clutch operating member120between the first position and the second position.

In addition, the first barrier portion22can be provided on one of the clutch operating member20and the reel main body2, and the second barrier portion23can be provided on the other one of the reel main body2and the clutch operating member20. Specifically, for example, the first barrier portion22can be provided on the clutch operating member20on a side of the reel main body2having the first side plate6a, and the second barrier portion23can be provided on the reel main body2on a side of the reel main body2having the second side plate6b.

While the dual-bearing reel100comprises the first barrier portion22and the second barrier portion23in the embodiment described above, it suffices if the dual-bearing reel100comprises at least one of the first barrier portion22and the second barrier portion23.