Electric fishing reel

Abstract

To provide an electric fishing reel that can reduce the weight of a reel main body and has high production efficiency.SOLUTION: An electric fishing reel of the present invention comprises a drive motor 8 that is provided in a frame 3 of a reel main body and rotationally drives a spool 7 around which a fishing line is wound. A motor case 8A houses a motor component of the drive motor 8 and constitutes an external component and is formed separately from the frame 3, and the frame 3 fits and supports the motor case 8A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric fishing reel that winds a fishing line onto a spool using the output from a drive motor supported on a reel body. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, electric fishing reels are structured to rotate a spool by driving a drive motor supported on a frame of a reel body to wind up a fishing line, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. The output from the drive motor is reduced through a reduction mechanism such as a planetary gear mechanism and transmitted to the drive shaft of the spool. The drive motor is housed in a motor case integrally formed with the frame, and a set plate that supports the planetary gear mechanism, bearing parts, etc. that constitute the reduction mechanism is attached to the frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-51272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, by forming the motor case integrally with the frame, the inner diameter of the portion that houses the motor components can be maximized, making it possible to improve motor output. In addition, because the frame and the motor case are integrated, it is easier to achieve precision in the motor output shaft.

[0005] Incidentally, to integrate the motor case with the frame inexpensively, it is necessary to simultaneously mold the motor case and the frame structure by resin molding or die casting. However, this method creates excess material due to the mold's strength and durability, which increases the weight of the entire reel. In addition, since the motor case and the frame are integrated, the motor components cannot be installed until the molding and processing of the frame is completed, which causes a delay in the entire production process.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVETION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an electric fishing reel which has a lightweight reel body and can be produced with good production efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the electric fishing reel of the present invention comprises a drive motor that is mounted on a frame of a reel body and drives to rotate a spool around which fishing line is wound, a motor case that houses the motor components of the drive motor constitutes an external part and is formed separately from the frame, and the frame fits and supports the motor case.

[0008] In the electric fishing reel described above, the motor case that houses the motor components of the drive motor constitutes an external part and is formed separately from the frame, so that the production processes for the two are separate, improving the efficiency of the production process. Also, since a frame with little excess material (a frame without a motor case) can be formed by the die casting method, it is possible to reduce the weight of the entire reel. Furthermore, since the motor case that houses the motor components is attached to the frame and becomes an external part as it is, it is possible to simplify the structure and reduce the weight, and since it is a separate member from the frame, it is possible to freely select the material. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an electric fishing reel having a lighter reel body and with high production efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an electric fishing reel according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric fishing reel shown in FIG. 1 with the left cover removed, as viewed diagonally from the front. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4A is a side view showing the fixed state of a motor case, which is a component of the drive motor, and FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a front perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a frame that constitutes a reel body and a set plate that is attached to the frame; FIG. [Diagram 5] (a) is a side view of the frame, and (b) is a rear view of the frame. [Figure 6] (a) is a plan view of the frame, and (b) is a front view of the frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a set plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the motor case is assembled into the set plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the output shaft of the drive motor, showing a state in which the frame and the motor case are fixed to each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of an electric fishing reel according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the following description, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined as the directions shown in Figure 1, the front-rear direction is defined as the axial direction of the fishing rod when the fishing rod is attached, the left-right direction is defined as the axial direction of the output shaft of the drive motor, and the up-down direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, an electric fishing reel 1 according to this embodiment has a reel body 5 equipped with left and right side plates 5A, 5B formed by attaching left and right covers 4a, 4b to left and right frames 3a, 3b. The left and right frames 3a, 3b are connected in the left-right direction to form an integrated structure as shown in Figures 4 to 6 (the integrated structure is also referred to as frame 3).

[0013] A manual handle 6 for winding is provided on one of the side plates (right side plate 5B) constituting the reel body 5, and a spool 7 around which the fishing line is wound is rotatably supported between the left and right side plates 5A, 5B. In this embodiment, a drive motor 8 is held between the left and right frames 3a, 3b on the front side of the spool 7 (FIGS. 2 to 6). The spool 7 is rotated in the fishing line winding direction by the winding operation of the manual handle 6 and the rotational drive of the drive motor 8. Incidentally, the drive motor 8 may be configured to be installed inside the spool 7, but by installing it in front of the spool 7 as in this embodiment, it is possible to make the reel body 5 as compact as possible while ensuring the amount of line wound on the spool 7.

[0014] A box-shaped control case 10 that houses a control unit that controls the drive motor 8 is disposed above the spool 7 between the left and right side plates 5A, 5B. An operating member 12 that adjusts the output of the drive motor 8 is disposed in the rear portion of the control case 10. The operating member 12 in this embodiment is in the form of a dial provided on a support shaft that is rotatably supported at the rear of the control case 15, and is configured so that the output of the drive motor can be adjusted by rotating the operating member 12 in the front-rear direction.

[0015] Further, a known clutch mechanism 17 (FIGS. 4 and 5) for switching the spool 7 between a fishing line winding state and a free rotation state is disposed on the frame 3 (right frame 3b in this embodiment). This clutch mechanism 17 has a function of connecting and disconnecting the power transmission from the manual handle 6 and the drive motor 8 to the spool 7, and is configured to switch from the clutch-on state to the clutch-off state by a clutch operating member 18 disposed on the rear side of the spool 7 so as to be displaceable in the up and down direction. That is, when the clutch operating member 18 is pressed down in the clutch-on state (power transmission state) shown in FIG. 1, the clutch is switched to the clutch-off state.

[0016] Incidentally, the return from the clutch-off state to the clutch-on state can be performed automatically by winding the manual handle 6, driving the drive motor 8, or the like.

[0017] A set plate 20, which will be described later, is disposed between the right frame 3b and the right cover 4b. An engagement hole 22 is formed on the rear end side of the set plate 20, and the engagement hole 22 is fitted into a protrusion 3d formed on the right frame 3b to perform identification, and in this state, a plurality of screws 23a to 23d are screwed from the outside into screw holes (which may be screw holes formed in bosses) 3f to 3i formed in the right frame 3b, thereby preventing the set plate from rotating and fixing it to the right frame 3b.

[0018] Next, the configurations of the drive motor 8 and the set plate 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. As is well known, the drive motor 8 is equipped with motor components such as magnets that form a field magnet along the circumferential direction, an armature with coils wound opposite the magnets, and a commutator attached to the end of the output shaft 8a, and these motor components are housed radially inside the motor case 8A which is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0019] The motor case 8A is open on both axial sides, with the right frame side closed by a set plate 20 and the left frame side closed by a lid member 26 fixed to the left frame 3a. The output from the output shaft 8a of the drive motor 8 is reduced in speed reduction mechanism 30 installed on the right frame side and transmitted to the spool 7 via a power transmission mechanism 40.

[0020] Moreover, the motor case 8A is not formed integrally with the frame 3, but is formed in a cylindrical shape as a separate member from the frame, using a material such as a metal, such as aluminum, titanium, or magnesium, a resin, or FRP. In other words, it can be formed from a material different from that of the frame 3, and the above-mentioned output shaft 8a and motor components such as a magnet, an armature, and a commutator are mounted inside such a motor case.

[0021] In this way, the motor case 8A of the drive motor 8 is formed separately from the frame 3, and is not affected by the delivery state of the frame 3 as in the past, and can be produced separately, so there is no delay in the overall production process. In addition, the motor case 8A is not left with excess material that would occur if it were formed integrally with the frame, and the material can be freely selected, which provides the effects of weight reduction (thinning and thickening) and reduction in friction. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, it is an exterior part whose appearance can be grasped, so that the design can be improved by adding colors, patterns, etc.

[0022] The set plate 20 accommodates the reduction gear mechanism 30 on the right frame side, and supports the gears 41, 42 and bearing parts 50 that constitute the power transmission mechanism 40. That is, the set plate 20 of this embodiment includes an accommodation portion 20A that accommodates the reduction gear mechanism 30 provided on the output shaft 8a of the drive motor 8, and a gear support portion 20B that supports the gears 41, 42 that constitute the power transmission mechanism.

[0023] The housing portion 20A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape bulging in the axial direction with respect to the gear support portion 20B, and the reduction mechanism 30 is housed in its internal space. As is well known, the reduction mechanism 30 of this embodiment includes a planetary gear mechanism (two stages) attached to the output shaft 8a of the drive motor 8, and includes sun gears 31a and 31b attached to the output shaft 8a, planetary gears 32a and 32b meshing with the sun gears 31a and 31b, and an internal gear 33 having internal teeth 33a meshing with the planetary gears 32a and 32b. External teeth 33b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the internal gear 33, and the rotational drive reduced by the reduction mechanism 30 is output to gears 41 and 42 constituting the power transmission mechanism 40 via the external teeth 33b.

[0024] Normally, the side plate (the cover) is an exterior component and often has a curved surface, so the reduction gear mechanism 30 and the power transmission mechanism 40 cannot be fixed and positioned appropriately using the side plate alone. In contrast, by providing the set plate 20 as described above, the reduction gear mechanism 30 and the power transmission mechanism 40 can be positioned appropriately, and ease of installation and maintenance can be improved. In addition, by providing the set plate 20 with a bulging housing portion 20A that houses the reduction gear mechanism 30, the reel body can be made more compact in the width direction.

[0025] The motor case 8A and the set plate 20 have a fitting structure in which the motor case 8A fits into the set plate 20. That is, unlike the conventional structure in which the motor case is supported by a frame and the set plate is fixed to the frame, the motor case 8A is configured to be fitted into the set plate 20.

[0026] In this way, by fitting the motor case 8A to the set plate 20, it is possible to reduce the cumulative tolerance from the motor case to the frame and from the frame to the set plate, which was previously the case, and it becomes easier to achieve a coaxial connection between the output shaft 8a of the drive motor 8 and the reduction mechanism 30, bearing parts, etc., making it possible to suppress a reduction in motor output.

[0027] In the fitting structure in this embodiment, a protrusion 8b is formed on the motor case 8A side, and a recess 20b into which the protrusion 8b can be fitted is formed on the set plate 20 side. In this case, since the motor case 8A is configured in a cylindrical shape with a cross section having a substantially circular shape centered on the output shaft 8a, the protrusion 8b is configured in an annular shape with the outer end edge having the maximum diameter extending in the axial direction. In addition, the recess 20b on the set plate 20 side is configured as an annular groove extending in the axial direction on the inner surface of the inner tip edge so that the accommodation portion 20A is similarly circular and the annularly formed protrusion 8b can be fitted therein.

[0028] Specifically, the fitting structure of this embodiment is composed of the outer peripheral surface of an annular convex portion 8b and the inner peripheral surface of an annular concave portion 20b, and both the convex portion 8b and the concave portion 20b are configured in a circular shape centered on the output shaft 8a of the drive motor 8.

[0029] According to such a circular fitting structure, the orbit of the reduction mechanism 30 such as a planetary gear connected to the output shaft 8a becomes circular, so that it is possible to realize a fitting structure that ensures the minimum space required for rotation. Also, by making the fitting part an annular convex part formed on the radially outer end of the end of the motor case 8A, it becomes easy to install it into the concave part 20b, and since it fits at the position of maximum diameter, a stable fixed state without rattling can be obtained.

[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a gap (relief portion) G is formed between the axial end face of the protrusion 8b and the receiving surface of the recess 20b of the storage portion 20A. As shown in Fig. 5, the set plate 20 is fixed to the right frame 3b at a reference surface by screwing a plurality of screws 23a to 23d from the outside. In this case, if the protrusion 8b and the recess 20b are received in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, it may not be possible to fix them well in relation to some parts such as a reduction mechanism.

[0031] By providing the gap G as described above and allowing the protrusions 8b and the recesses 20b to be received along the circumferential direction without coming into contact with each other in the axial direction, it becomes possible to stably fix the set plate 20.

[0032] In this embodiment, since an internal gear 33 that outputs power to the outside is arranged inside the storage section 20A, an arc-shaped cutout portion 20d is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the storage section 20A so that the external teeth 33b can mesh with the gear 41 (Figures 7 and 8).

[0033] Further, the protrusion 8b formed on the motor case 8A in the present embodiment serves as an installation mark for positioning the set plate 20 attached to the frame 3. That is, as shown in FIG 9, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 8b of the motor case 8A protrudes axially outward from the frame 3 and serves as an installation mark for the set plate 20 relative to the frame 3.

[0034] In this way, by making the motor case 8A also function as the assembly mark for positioning the set plate 20 relative to the frame 3, there is no need to provide a separate boss or the like to position the set plate 20 on the frame 3, and the internal structure can be simplified to make it smaller and lighter.

[0035] The opening of the motor case 8A on the left frame side is closed by a cover member 26 fixed to the left frame 3a. The end of the motor case 8A on the left frame side protrudes axially from the surface of the left frame 3a, as shown in Figure 3(b), and by abutting and fixing a cover member 26 to the axial end face of this protruding portion, the opening on the left side of the motor case 8A is closed and fixed.

[0036] That is, a plurality of protrusions 8d are formed in the circumferential direction of the motor case 8A, and a radially protruding protrusion 26a is formed in the cover member 26 at a corresponding position. The screw holes in both are aligned and screws 27 are screwed in from the outside, whereby the cover member 26 is fixed to the motor case 8A (the opening on the left frame side of the motor case 8A is closed).

[0037] The cover member 26 closes the opening of the motor case 8A, and is preferably positioned and fixed in the axial and rotational directions relative to the right frame 3a. For example, as shown in Fig. 3(a), a protrusion 8d' having a through hole penetrating in the axial direction is formed in the cover member 26, and the through hole is fitted into a boss 3k formed in the frame 3a, thereby preventing the cover member 26 from rotating relative to the right frame 3a. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(b), a boss 3a' is provided on the frame 3a adjacent to the plurality of protrusions 8d, and a screw 28 is screwed into the boss 3a' from the outside, thereby fixing the cover member 26 to the right frame 3a in the axial direction.

[0038] In this way, by forming a protrusion 26a on the outer periphery of the cover member 26 and utilizing this portion, it is possible to prevent the cover member 26 that closes the opening of the motor case 8A from rotating relative to the left frame 3a and to prevent it from displacing in the axial direction. As is well known, a one-way clutch 29 is provided inside the cover member 26 to support the output shaft 8a so that the manual handle does not rotate when the drive motor 8 is driven.

[0039] The motor case 8A described above has motor components mounted therein and is supported by the frame 3 so as to serve as an external appearance component. In this embodiment, as described above, the motor case 8A is configured in a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and the right frame side is closed by the set plate 20, and protrudes axially outward from the right frame 3b to serve as a proof of installation of the set plate 20 into the frame 3. The opening on the left frame side of the motor case 8A is closed by a cover member 26, and is fixed to the left frame 3a.

[0040] In this configuration, a fitting portion is provided to fit and support the motor case 8A to the frame 3 so that the motor case 8A can be stably fixed to the frame 3, and the motor case 8A and the frame 3 are formed to be integrated with each other through a fitting structure. In this case, for example, it is preferable to provide a pair of fitting portions on both ends in the axial direction on each of the frame 3 and the motor case 8A, and such a fitting support structure allows the motor case 8A to be stably supported without being cantilevered.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, the mating portion in this embodiment is composed of an arc-shaped convex portion 8e formed along the circumferential direction on both end sides of the outer peripheral surface of the motor case 8A, and an arc-shaped concave groove 3e formed at a corresponding position on the frame 3, into which the convex portion 8e of the motor case 8A fits.

[0042] In this way, by forming two convex portions spaced apart in the axial direction on the motor case 8A and forming the frame 3 so as to correspond to the concave groove 3e into which the convex portion 8e fits, it is possible to stably hold the motor case 8A and improve the accuracy of the output shaft 8a. Also, by making the fitting and supporting portion the outer circumferential surface of the motor case 8A, the motor case portion does not become longer in the axial direction, and the width is suppressed, making it possible to make the main body 5 more compact.

[0043] In the above-mentioned configuration, it is preferable to provide a waterproof packing 60 at the mating portion between the motor case 8A and the frame 3 (although in FIG. 9 it is provided only at the mating portion on the right frame side, a similar arrangement is provided at the mating portion on the left frame side). By providing the waterproof packing 60 at the mating portion between the two in this manner, it is possible to prevent seawater and the like from entering the interior. Also, the mating portion may be configured such that a recessed groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the motor case 8A, and a protrusion that fits into the recessed groove is provided at a corresponding position on the frame 3 side.

[0044] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. For example, the portion where the motor case 8A and the frame 3 are fitted and supported may be two or more places, and the forming portion thereof can be modified appropriately.

[0045] The fitting structure between the motor case 8A and the set plate 20 may be configured so that a recess is formed on the motor case side and a protrusion is formed on the set plate side, or the inner surface of the protrusion 8b of the motor case 8A may be fitted into the outer surface of the accommodating portion 20A of the set plate 20.

[0046] Moreover, the power transmission mechanism 40 supported by the set plate 20 can be modified in various ways, for example by transmitting power by a transmission belt, etc., so long as it has the function of transmitting the rotational driving force of the drive motor 8 to the spool 7 side. The set plate 20 and the manual handle 6 may be disposed on the left side plate side. Furthermore, the clutch mechanism can also be modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Electric fishing reel 3 Frame 3a, 3b Left and right frames 3e Concave groove 3e (fitting part) 5 Reel body 6 Manual Handle 7 Spool 8 Drive motor 8A motor case 8a Output shaft 8b Convex portion (fitting structure) 8e Convex part (fitting part) 20 Set Plates 20A Storage Unit 20B Gear support part 30 Reduction mechanism 40 Power transmission mechanism

Claims

1. An electric fishing reel is provided with a drive motor that is provided on a frame of a reel body and drives a spool around which a fishing line is wound, a motor case that houses motor components of the drive motor constitutes an external appearance component and is formed separately from the frame, The electric fishing reel is characterized in that the frame supports the motor case by fitting it thereto.

2. 2. The electric fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the frame and the motor case are provided with a pair of fitting portions that fit and support the frame and the motor case at both axial ends.

3. 3. The electric fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion has a convex portion or a concave portion formed circumferentially on both ends of the outer peripheral surface of the motor case, and a concave portion or a convex portion formed at a corresponding position of the frame, into which the convex portion or the concave portion of the motor case fits.

4. 4. The electric fishing reel according to claim 3, wherein the fitting portion has a gap between the protrusion and the recess, and is received along a circumferential direction without contacting in an axial direction.

5. 5. The electric fishing reel according to claim 3, wherein a waterproof packing is provided at the fitting portion.

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