GB2260472A - Fishing reel having a mode switching mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A fishing reel includes a clutch mechanism (C) (Figure 3) disposed between a spool (5) and a line winding system, and a clutch controller 6 movable between a first control position for engaging the clutch mechanism (C), and a second control position for disengaging the clutch mechanism (C). The clutch mechanism (C) is operable through a slidable clutch plate 28, and a contact type intermediate controller 32 disposed between the clutch plate 28 and the clutch controller 6 for converting an operating force received from the clutch controller 6 into a sliding movement. A switching mechanism A acts on the clutch plate 28 for selecting between a toggle mode for retaining the clutch mechanism (C) in a disengaged position when the clutch controller 32 is released after being moved to the second control position, and a momentary mode for allowing the controller 32 to return to the first control position and the clutch mechanism (C) to an engaged position when the controller 32 is released after being moved to the second control position. <IMAGE>

Description

FISHING REEL HAVING A MODE SWITCHING MECHANISM This invention relates to fishing reels, and more particularly to a fishing reel having a clutch mechanism disposed between a spool and a line winding system and operable to make or break drive transmission therebetween, and a switching mechanism for selecting between a toggle mode and a momentary mode operable when the clutch mechanism is disengaged. In the toggle mode, the clutch mechanism is retained in a disengaged position after a clutch operating force is removed. In the momentary mode, the clutch mechanism returns to an engaged position, with a clutch controller also returning to a clutch engaging position.

A fishing reel having the above construction is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication Kokai No. 1990-46296, for example. The prior fishing reel includes a U-shaped clutch plate slidable to operate a clutch for making or breaking drive transmission between the spool and line winding system. This U-shaped clutch plate is connected to a thumb rest type controller through a link-like lever. The clutch mechanism includes a first spring and a second spring. The first spring is a toggle type spring for retaining the clutch plate in a drive transmitting position or a drive breaking position. The second spring is stronger than the first spring, and biases the clutch plate toward the drive transmitting position.This fishing reel includes a mechanism for canceling the biasing force of the 'second spring in the toggle mode, and allowing this biasing force to be effective in the momentary mode. In the momentary mode, the drive transmission is broken only while the clutch plate is operated to and maintained in the drive breaking position.

After the clutch operating force is removed, the clutch plate immediately returns to the drive transmitting position under the biasing force of the second spring.

A construction having such a mechanism is employed mainly in a baitcasting reel for fishing bass and the like. The momentary mode is used in what is known as flipping fishing in which a fishing line is repeatedly unwound and stopped in minute steps.

In the prior art noted above, a selection is made between the two modes only by controlling the biasing force of the first spring. This is advantageous in terms of structure. However, a relatively strong force resulting from the biasing force of the first spring is applied to the clutch control system.

Consequently, when the clutch mechanism is operated, the biasing force of the spring and a manual operating force concentrate on a connection between the clutch plate and lever. This could produce chattering of the connection.

In a fishing reel having a thumb rest type controller as in the above prior construction, the controller is operable toward a reel foot in order to achieve excellent operability. However, where the clutch plate is slidable as noted above, the fishing reel would require a construction to alter the direction of an operating force for transmission from the controller to the clutch plate.

In the prior construction in which the controller and clutch plate are simply connected to each other, a smooth operation tends to be impaired such as by twisting of the connection. Thus, there is room for improvement.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved fishing reel which retains the function to operate the clutch in the toggle mode and momentary mode, respectively, and allows a smooth manual operation of the clutch mechanism with no chattering occurring in the clutch control system even if a strong force is applied to the control system.

The above object is fulfilled, according to the present invention, by a fishing reel comprising a clutch controller for engaging and disengaging a clutch mechanism, and a switching mechanism for selecting between a toggle mode and a momentary mode. In the toggle mode, the clutch mechanism is retained in a disengaged position when the clutch controller is released after being moved to the second control position. In the momentary mode, the clutch controller retums to a clutch engaging position and the clutch mechanism to an engaged position when the clutch controller is released after being moved to the second control position.

The clutch mechanism includes a clutch plate slidable between a position for allowing drive transmission, and a position for breaking the drive transmission. A contact type intermediate controller is disposed between the clutch plate and clutch controller for converting an operating force received from the clutch controller into a sliding movement. The switching mechanism applies a biasing force to the clutch plate or to a control system between the clutch plate and clutch controller.

The fishing reel according to the present invention has the following functions and effects.

The contact type intermediate controller provided for converting an operating force received from the clutch controller into a sliding movement enables the clutch plate to operate through an increased stroke without increasing an operating stroke of the clutch controller. As a result, a greater stability is secured for positions of the clutch plate for engaging and disengaging the clutch mechanism. Further, since a cam surface formed on the clutch plate may have a reduced inclination, the clutch plate is smoothly operable in the momentary mode.

The intermediate controller has a contact structure to be in a constantly interiocked condition Thus, even if its contact positions may be worn, there is no possibility of chattering.

Moreover, even if an operating direction of the clutch controller differs greatly from an operating direction of the clutch plate, the clutch mechanism is operable with no twisting occurring at a connection between the clutch controller and clutch plate.

Thus, the present invention provides an improved fishing reel which allows the clutch to be operated steadily and smoothly in the toggle mode and momentary mode, respectively, and enables a smooth manual operation of the clutch mechanism with no chattering occurring in the clutch control system even after a long period of use.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a clutch control system in a toggle mode of a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a side view of the clutch control system in a momentary mode, Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a right half of the fishing reel, Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a left half of the fishing reel, Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a structure for preventing lifting of a contact piece, Fig. 6 is a rear view of the fishing reel, and Fig. 7 is a side view of a modified clutch control system.

A fishing reel according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figs. 3 through 6 showabaitcasting reel according to one embodiment of the present invention. The reel comprises right and left casings 1 and 2 constituting a reel body, and a level wind mechanism mounted in a front position between the two casings 1 and 2. The level wind mechanism includes a screw shaft 3,and a line guide 4 reciprocable right and left with rotation of the screw shaft 3.

Further, the reel body has a spool 5 mounted centrally thereof and a clutch controller 6 mounted in a rear position. The right casing 2 supports a handle 7, a drag controller 8, and a cast controller 9.

In this reel, basic parts are formed into an integral unit by aluminum die casting. These parts include portions of the left'casing 1 and right casing 2, an upper thumb rest 10 extending between upper portions of the two casings 1 and 2, and a pair of lower frames 11 arranged in a lower position of the reel body. To form part of the reel body, a cover 2A is disposed to extend over an outer side of the right casing 2. A mounting foot 12 extends between the pair of lower frames 11 to be secured to a fishing rod.

Outside surfaces of the reel body as constructed above are finished with bright alumite.

As shown in Fig. 4, the left casing 1 contains a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism include a pin 14 engaged with a cam groove 13A formed in an inside surface of a dial 13, a rod 15, a plate 16 and a magnet 17 interlocked to one another. The brake mechanism is operable by the dial 13 to vary a distance between the magnet 17 and a metallic side wall of the spool 5, thereby adjusting a braking force based on eddy currents generated on the spool 5. A lid-like member 1A is detachably attached to the left casing 1. The lid-like member 1A is secured to inner portions of the left casino 1 through screws 1C engaged with nuts 1B welded or screwed to inner surfaces of the lid-like member 1A.

As shown in Figs. 1 through 3, the handle 7 and drag controller 8 are mounted on a handle shaft 18 extending from the right casing 1. The handle shaft 18 supports a drag mechanism D and a ratchet wheel 19 mounted on an inward end portion thereof. A spool shaft 20 rotatable with the spool 5 supports a clutch sleeve 21 slidably mounted thereon, and a pin 22 fixed to the spool shaft 20 to be engageable with the clutch sleeve 21. The clutch sleeve 21 and pin 22 constitute a clutch mechanism C. The clutch sleeve 21 has an input gear 21A meshed with an output gear 23 of the drag mechanism D, whereby torque from the handle 7 is transmitted to the spool 5 through the drag mechanism D and clutch mechanism C. The ratchet wheel 19 defines teeth 19A engageable with a ratchet pawl 24 to prevent backward turning of the handle 7.

The clutch sleeve 21 is engaged with a yoke 25 slidably supported on a pair of support shafts 26. Compression springs 27 are mounted on the support shafts 26 for biasing the yoke 25 toward a clutch engaging position.

The yoke 25 is shiftable by a slide type clutch plate 28 defining a pair of cam surfaces 28A. The clutch controller 6 and clutch plate 28 are interlocked through a control system which transmits an operating force to the clutch plate 28 from a pin 6A projecting from a side surface of the clutch controller 6. The control system includes a control frame 30 movable aIong a guide 29, and an intermediate controller 32 rotatable about an axis 31 and having an output pin 32A for contacting the clutch plate 28. The intermediate controller 32 also includes an input pin 32B for receiving the operating force from the control frame 30. The clutch plate 28 defines a contact surface 28B for receiving the operating force from the output pin 32A of the intermediate controller 32.

When the clutch plate 28 is operated toward the yoke 25, the clutch mechanism C is disengaged to break drive transmission. When the clutch plate 28 is operated in the opposite direction, the clutch mechanism C is engaged to effect drive transmission. The output pin 32A is a greater distance apart than the input pin 32B from the axis 31 of the intermediate controller 32. Thus, the intermediate controller 32 alters the operating direction of the control frame 30, and at the same time increases an operating stroke of the control frame 30, in transmitting the operating force to the clutch plate 28.

The clutch controller 6 is movable between a first control position P1 for engaging the clutch mechanism C, and a second control position P2 for disengaging the clutch mechanism C. A switching mechanism A is provided for selecting between a toggle mode and a momentary mode. In the toggle mode, the clutch mechanism C is retained in the engaged position when the clutch controller 6 is released after being moved to the second control position P2. In the momentary mode, the clutch controller 6 returns to the first control position P1, and the clutch mechanism C to the engaged position, when the clutch controller 6 is released after being moved to the second control position P2.

Specifically, the right casing 2 includes a control element 34 pivotable about an axis 33A interlocked to a switch lever 33. A helical spring 36 extends between a free end of the control element 34 and the clutch plate 28.

When the switch lever 33 is set to a toggle mode position T as shown in Fig.

I, a connection between the clutch plate 28 and helical spring 36 moves past a dead point DPT with movement of the clutch plate 28. Consequently, the clutch plate 28 is retained in the position to engage the clutch mechanism C, or in the position to disengage the clutch mechanism C. When the switch lever 33 is set to a momentary mode position T as shown in Fig. 2, the connection between the clutch plate 28 and helical spring 36 cannot move past the dead point DIT. As a result, the clutch controller 6 returns to the first control position P1, and the clutch mechanism C to the engaged position, when the clutch controller 6 is released after being moved to the second control position P2.

The clutch plate 28 includes a contact piece 28C formed on an end thereof for contacting the ratchet wheel 19. When the handle 7 is turned in a line winding direction after the clutch mechanism C is disengaged in the toggle mode, the clutch plate 28 is operable through the contact piece 28C to reinstate the clutch mechanism C in the engaged position. As shown in Fig.

5, lifting of the contact piece 28C during the above operation is prevented by a projection 37B formed integral with a flange 37A of a tubular frame 37 supporting the handle shaft 18.

The foregoing embodiment may be modified as shown in Fig. 7, in which the output pin 32A of the intermediate controller 32 extends into a slot 28B formed in the clutch plate 28. Further, the switching mechanism A in this modification includes a tension spring 38 having one end thereof connected to the intermediate controller 32, and the other end connected to a displaceable element 39.

Claims (7)

1. A fishing reel comprising: a spool; a clutch mechanism disposed between said spool and a line winding control system; a controller movable between a first control position for engaging said clutch mechanism, and a second control position for disengaging said clutch mechanism; and a switching mechanism for selecting between a toggle mode for retaining said clutch mechanism in a disengaged position when said controller is released after being moved to said second control position, and a momentary mode for allowing said controller to return to said first control position and said clutch mechanism to return to an engaged position when said controller is released after being moved to said second control position;; wherein said clutch mechanism is operable through a control system including a clutch plate slidable between a position for allowing drive transmission, and a position for breaking the drive transmission, and a contact type intermediate controller disposed between said clutch plate and said controller for converting an operating force received from said controller into a sliding movement, said switching mechanism applying a biasing force to said clutch plate or to a portion of the control system between said clutch plate and said controller.

2. A fishing reel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clutch mechanism includes a clutch sleeve slidably mounted on a spool shaft rotatable with said spool, and a pin fixed to said spool shaft to be engageable with said clutch sleeve.

3. A fishing reel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion of the control system between said clutch controller and said clutch plate includes a control frame movable along a guide, said intermediate controller and a contact pin formed on said controller, for transmitting an operating force to said clutch plate from a pin projecting from a side surface of said clutch controller.

4. A fishing reel as claimed in claim 3, wherein said intermediate controller includes an input pin for receiving the operating force from said control frame, and said clutch plate defines a contact surface for receiving the operating force from said contact pin of said intermediate controller.

5. A fishing reel as claimed in claim 4, wherein said contact pin is a greater distance apart than said input pin from an axis of said intermediate controller.

6. A fishing reel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein switching mechanism includes a contact pin formed on said intermediate controller and extending into a slot formed in said clutch plate, and an elastic element having one end thereof connected to said intermediate controller, and the other end connected to a displaceable element,

7. A fishing reel substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6 or Figs. 1, 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.