Fishing rod assembly with built-in energy storage function

Abstract

The fishing rod assembly for the electric reel features a battery power supply integrated into the detachable rod butt of the fishing rod. The rod butt assembly of the fishing rod connects to the lower end of the reel seat via male / female ferrules and electrical connectors. The wiring harness runs through the inside of the reel seat to the power connector output located at the top of the reel seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (1) Field of the Invention: The present disclosure relates generally to fishing rods and reels, and more specifically to a fishing rod that utilizes a power-assisted electric reel system requiring a power source.

[0002] (2) Description of the Related Art: The fishing rod 10 generally consists of a rod blank 12 provided with guides 14, a reel seat 16, a reel 18, a butt stock 20 located at the lower end of the reel seat, and a rod butt 22 including a gimbal 24 (see Figure 1).

Background Art

[0003] Electric reel systems are known in the art, and are equipped with an electric motor that assists in winding the fishing line. Electric reels are usually also provided with a manual handle for use when no power source is employed. Electric reels can be used as an aid when winding long lines during deep-sea fishing, or as an aid when people with disabilities or young people wind the fishing line. Such reels require an external power source for operation, which is normally supplied by an external battery pack that can be hung or attached to the rod, or an external power connection provided on a boat.

[0004] Generally, electric reels have a standardized plug port for receiving a power cord from a battery pack or the boat's power system. It is known that an external battery pack hanging from the rod may interfere with the operation and use of the rod. In addition, the battery pack adds considerable weight to the rod, and in many cases the weight is added to an inconvenient or undesirable location that unbalances the rod and makes it difficult to hold. When power is supplied from the boat via a long power cord, the hanging cord obstructs the user's movement, may tangle with the user or other people on the boat, and cause falls and injuries.

[0005] Attempts have been made to integrate the battery compartment and electric reel into a single rod-reel system, but these conventional systems have remained fixed, single-configuration systems and lacked features that allowed for easy reel replacement or easy replacement of depleted battery packs. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] As electric reels become increasingly prevalent on the market, there is a growing need to provide improved rod systems that can more easily adapt to the wide variety of electric reel and other rod options available. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fishing rod assembly described herein comprises an integrated energy source located within a detachable rod butt assembly of the fishing rod. The rod butt assembly of the fishing rod is detachably bonded to a customized reel seat assembly, which includes a compatible mechanical ferrule, an electrical connector, and a wiring harness that passes through the inside of the reel seat and extends to a wiring / power connector outlet at the top of the reel seat. The rod butt assembly can be selectively removed from the reel seat assembly and easily replaced during use.

[0008] The rod butt assembly may comprise a tubular battery housing, a gimbal fixed to the end of the battery housing, a rechargeable battery cell assembly housed within the battery housing, a power switch with a built-in charge level indicator, a female ferrule connector body at the top of the battery housing, and an electrical connector located at the inner end of the female ferrule connector. The battery cell assembly includes an integrated circuit board with a battery management control system that monitors charging, discharging, energy level, temperature, and moisture ingress for safe shutdown. A wiring harness extends from the battery cell assembly to the power switch for control, and further extends from the switch to the electrical connector.

[0009] The reel seat assembly may consist of a tubular reel seat body having an upper and lower end, and a conventional threaded reel fixing nut on its outer surface. A wire guide insert is fixed to the lower end of the reel seat, and a male ferrule connector body and ferrule nut are fixed to the lower end of the wire guide insert. A housing tube for the rod blank extends through the tubular interior of the reel seat and is spaced inward from the inner wall of the reel seat by a wire guide shim. The shim is not a perfect annular shape, forming a narrow wire passage between the inside of the reel seat and the outside of the rod blank housing tube.

[0010] The power connector outlet is fixed to the upper end of the reel seat body.

[0011] The end face of the male ferrule connector body is fitted with a mating electrical connector, and the wiring harness extends from the connector through an internal channel in the wire guide insert, through a reel seat wire routing path, to the connector fitting housed in the opening of the power connector outlet. The power connector cord extends from the connector fitting to the reel, completing the electrical circuit from the battery assembly to the reel.

[0012] While embodiments of the present invention have been described as having the features described, it is understood that specific embodiments of the present invention also include various combinations of such features, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims rather than the specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] This specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly assert certain embodiments of the present invention. However, various embodiments of the present invention can be more easily understood and grasped by referring to the following descriptions of each embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are as follows: [Figure 1-2] Figure 1 is a diagram of a fishing rod and reel as an example of the prior art. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a fishing rod and reel as an example, in which a novel energy storage system is mounted on the rod butt, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the fishing rod assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view focusing on the reel seat and rod butt. [Figure 5] Figures 5 and 6 are top and bottom perspective views of the same structure. [Figure 6] Figures 5 and 6 are top and bottom perspective views of the same structure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of the reel seat and rod butt in a state without a reel attached. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded view showing the battery butt removed from the reel seat. [Figure 9-10] Figure 9 is an end view of the reel seat showing the male ferrule connection and electrical connector. Figure 10 is an end view of the rod butt showing the female ferrule connection and mating electrical connector. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage rod butt assembly. [Figure 12]Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the rod butt assembly. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the reel seat assembly. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the reel seat assembly. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a top view of the connector housing of the rod butt and the reel seat, showing the position of the power button. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an enlarged view showing a power button and a built-in battery capacity illumination using an LED that changes color within the button surface. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a block diagram and description of the battery management system. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a thermally conductive butt assembly that promotes dissipation of heat generated from the battery system during battery discharge. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an alternative rod assembly and system in which the energy storage unit is housed within the reel seat portion of the rod. [Figure 20-21] Figure 20 shows a novel electrical connection between the electric reel and the reel seat, with contacts incorporated into the engagement region of the reel seat. Figure 21 shows a novel electric rod assembly in which the energy storage system is integrated directly into the rod butt, but the rod butt cannot be separated from the reel seat. [Figure 22-23] Figures 22 to 25 show another bent butt rod assembly in which the electrical connector take-out portion is located under the reel seat. [Figure 24] Figures 22 to 25 show another bent butt rod assembly in which the electrical connector take-out portion is located under the reel seat. [Figure 25] Figures 22 to 25 show another bent butt rod assembly in which the electrical connector take-out portion is located under the reel seat. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, several exemplary embodiments are described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and principles of use of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are not limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in relation to one exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, in this disclosure, components of the same number in embodiments generally have similar features, so within a particular embodiment, not every feature of each component of the same number is necessarily fully detailed. Also, where linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatus, and methods, these dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in combination with such systems, apparatus, and methods. Those skilled in the art will understand that dimensions equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometric shape. Furthermore, even when terms indicating direction such as up, down, upward, and downward are used, they do not limit the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that these terms are merely relative to the systems and apparatus being discussed and are not universal.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, a fishing rod assembly 26 used with an electric reel 28 according to the present invention generally comprises a rod blank 30 having eyelets 32, a reel seat assembly 34, and a rod butt assembly 36.

[0016] The reel 28, which operates electrically, manually, or both, can be mounted to the reel seat 34 in a conventional manner without modifying the reel 28 (see Figures 2-10). The electric reel 28 can be equipped with an electrical connector port 38, as is common in the current market.

[0017] The fishing rod assembly 26 incorporates an integrated energy source within the fishing rod's butt assembly 36. One advantage of placing the battery cells in the butt section is that the battery's weight is used to balance the overall weight of the assembly, making the fishing rod more comfortable to operate and improving overall usability. The butt assembly 36 is detachably connected to the reel seat assembly 34 and features a ferrule / electrical connector and wiring harness that extends from the rod butt assembly 36 through the inside of the reel seat assembly 34 to the wiring / power connector outlet at the top of the reel seat body. The rod butt assembly 36 can be selectively removed from the reel seat assembly 34 and easily replaced during use.

[0018] Referring to Figures 11-12, the rod butt assembly 36 generally comprises a tubular battery housing 40, a gimbal 42 fixed to the end of the battery housing, a rechargeable battery cell assembly 44 housed within the battery housing, a power switch 46 with a built-in power level indicator 48, a female ferrule connector body 50 at the upper end of the battery housing 40, and an electrical connector 52 located at the inner end of the female ferrule connector body. More specifically, the electrical connector 52 is held in a separate connector body 54 housed at the lower end of the ferrule connector body 50. The handle / grip housing sleeve 56 surrounds the upper end of the tubular battery housing 40, the switch 46, the ferrule connector 50, and the electrical connector body 54.

[0019] The outer surface of the upper end of the ferrule body 50 is threaded to receive a nut that is complementary to the reel seat configuration on the opposite side.

[0020] The gimbal 42, tubular battery housing 40, female ferrule connector body 50, electrical connector body 54, and handle / grip housing sleeve 56 may be made of suitable materials such as plastic, aluminum or other metals, carbon fiber, or other composite materials known in the art that can withstand the structural stresses associated with fishing and environmental factors such as wind, weather, salt, and temperature.

[0021] The battery cell assembly 44 is configured as a single unit and may include multiple rechargeable battery cells 58 connected in series to meet the charge and discharge specifications required to drive the electric reel 28 (see Figures 11-12). The battery cells 58 may consist of any suitable rechargeable battery chemical composition, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, or lithium polymer batteries. However, the chemical compositions described should not be considered limiting. The battery cell assembly 44 includes an integrated circuit board 60 with a battery management control system 62 that monitors charge, discharge, energy level, and all other aspects of battery function, including temperature levels and safety shutoff due to moisture ingress (see Figure 17). The battery management system 62 is also effective for balancing the charge of a series-connected multi-battery cell connector, shutting off input charge in the event of voltage problems, stopping output current in the event of a short circuit, exceeding the temperature threshold, or electrical short circuit due to water or moisture ingress, stopping output current when the voltage load exceeds the battery operating specifications, stopping output current when damage to the battery system is detected, monitoring and displaying the battery charge level, recording charge / discharge cycles for warranty and troubleshooting purposes, and monitoring operating temperature to prevent overheating and potential fire problems.

[0022] The battery cell assembly 44 can be charged via the connector 52 (Figures 10-12) or via an auxiliary charging port 64 (e.g., a built-in USB port) (see Figures 2 and 17). In this regard, the battery management system 62 may include a USB low-voltage boost circuit for boosting a low-voltage USB power supply to a voltage and current suitable for charging the multi-cell battery pack (see Figure 17).

[0023] The switch 46 can be any electrical switch suitable for providing various touch and tactile functions. It may also have an integrated power level indicator in the form of a lit LED indicator 48, which changes color according to the battery level. For example, green (70-100% charge), blue (30-70% charge), red (10-30% charge), flashing red (0-10% charge), or pre-charge (see Figures 15-16). A transparent or translucent neoprene rubber cover 66, or other waterproof cover, can be placed over the switch button that is exposed through the tubular battery housing 40 and the handle / grip housing sleeve 56.

[0024] The electrical connector 52 can be any reliable mating contact assembly, but is preferably a male XT30 connector (see Figure 10). As will be described later, the reel seat assembly 34 includes a mating female XT30 connector.

[0025] The wiring harness 68 extends from the battery cell assembly 44 to the power switch 46 and is used for selection control and transmission of the battery level signal to the LED indicator, and a pair of two wires 70 extends from the switch 46 to the XT30 electrical connector 52.

[0026] The O-ring 72 may be placed inside the external threaded head of the ferrule connection 50 to form a watertight seal between the reel seat ferrule and the battery butt ferrule 50.

[0027] Referring to Figures 13-14, the reel seat assembly 34 may comprise a tubular reel seat body 76 having an upper and lower end, and a reel seat 74 having a conventional threaded reel fixing nut 78 on its outer surface. The reel seat body 76 may be a commercially available common reel seat configuration made from a metal with good durability and weather resistance, as known in the art. To enable connection with the rod butt assembly 36, a wire guide / ferrule connector insert 80 is fixed to the lower end of the reel seat body 76, and a male ferrule connector body 82 and an internally threaded ferrule nut 84 are fixed to the lower end of the insert 80. A housing tube 86 for housing the rod blank extends through the tubular interior of the reel seat 76 and is spaced inward from the inner wall of the reel seat by a C-shaped wire guide shim 88. The C-shaped shim 88 is not a perfect ring, but cooperates to form a narrow wire routing passage 90 between the inner surface of the reel seat 76 and the outer surface of the rod blank housing tube 86, along the underside of the reel seat 76 (see Figure 14).

[0028] The V-shaped power connector outlet 92 is fixed to the upper end of the reel seat body 76. It should be noted that, as is known from conventional rod assemblies, any conventional rod blank 30 can be received through the outlet 92 and fixed into the rod blank tuner inside 86 within the reel seat 76.

[0029] An opening on the end face of the male ferrule connector body 82 houses a corresponding female electrical connector 94 (XT-30) (see Figure 9), and the wiring pair 96 extends from the XT-30 connector 94 through the internal channel of the wire guide insert 80, through the reel seat wire routing passage 90, to an industry-standard reel connector fitting 98 (2-pin GX16 connector) which is inserted (screwed) into the opening of the power connector outlet 92. Adapters for larger GX-12 / SuperAir connections are also available.

[0030] The power connector cord 100 (GX-16 air cable) (see example in Figure 25) extends from connector fitting 98 to reel connector 38, completing the electrical circuit from battery assembly 44 to reel 28.

[0031] A brief reference to Figures 9 and 10 shows that the mating male and female ferrule bodies 50 / 82 have complementary anti-rotation surfaces, i.e., flat areas 50A and 82A, which determine the assembly direction of the butt and reel seat and the internal XT-30 connector 52 / 94, and also prevent the butt and reel seat from rotating after they have been assembled and locked in the threaded ferrule connection.

[0032] The power connector outlet 92, rod blank housing tube 86, wire shim 88, wire guide insert 80, ferrule connector body 82, and ferrule nut 84 can be made from any suitable material known in the art, such as aluminum or other metals, reinforced plastics, carbon fiber or other composite materials, that can withstand the structural stresses associated with fishing and environmental factors such as wind, weather, salt, and temperature.

[0033] Referring to Figure 18, some embodiments of the reel butt assembly 36A may include a thermally conductive material that facilitates the dissipation of heat generated from the battery assembly during battery charging and discharging.

[0034] Referring to Figure 19, one embodiment of the present invention may include an energy storage assembly 44 integrated within a novel reel seat assembly 34A, housing a rod assembly 200. Such an assembly may include a conventional reel electrical connector cable extending from the reel seat assembly 34A.

[0035] Referring to Figure 20, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a rod assembly 300 having a novel direct electrical connection between an electric reel 28A and a novel reel seat 34B, wherein the electrical contacts of the reel 28A are integrated into the engagement area of ​​the reel seat. Such an assembly can be used with an energy storage system 44 located anywhere within the rod assembly, for example, on the rod butt 36 or on the reel seat 34 itself.

[0036] Referring to Figures 21-25, another configuration of the rod butt and reel assembly 400 is shown, in which the power take-off 402 and electrical connector cable 404 are positioned directly above the rod butt assembly 400. Such a configuration can be used for either a straight rod butt configuration, as shown in Figure 21, or a curved rod butt configuration, as shown in Figures 22-25.

[0037] An alternative fishing rod butt and reel seat assembly 400 for an electric reel comprises a tubular battery housing 406, a gimbal 408 fixed to the end of the battery housing, a rechargeable battery cell assembly 410 housed within the battery housing, a power switch 412 electrically connected to the battery cell assembly 410, a ferrule connector body 414 at the upper end of the battery housing, a power outlet 402 fixed to the upper end of the tubular battery housing 406, a wiring harness 416 electrically connected to the power switch 412 and extending to a reel connector fitting 418 housed in an opening in the power outlet 402, and a reel seat assembly 420 housed at the upper end of the power outlet 402, the reel seat assembly 420 having a ferrule connector 422 for accepting virtually any offshore fishing rod blank assembly.

[0038] While specific structures embodying various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the components are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying concepts of the present invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown and described herein, except as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fishing rod assembly for an electric reel, A rod butt assembly, A tubular battery housing, A gimbal fixed to the end of the aforementioned battery housing, A rechargeable battery cell assembly housed within the aforementioned battery housing, A power switch electrically connected to the aforementioned battery cell assembly, The ferrule connector body located at the upper end of the battery housing, An electrical connector disposed within the ferrule connector and electrically connected to the power switch, A rod butt assembly having, A reel seat assembly, A reel seat comprising a tubular body having an upper and lower end and a nut for fixing the reel, A wire guide insert whose upper end is fixed to the lower end of the tubular body of the reel seat, A ferrule connector body is attached to the lower end of the wire guide insert, A housing tube extends through the tubular body of the reel seat and houses a rod blank, wherein the outer surface of this housing tube is separated inward from the inner surface of the tubular body of the reel seat by a plurality of C-shaped shims, thereby forming a wire routing passage between the inner surface of the reel seat and the outer surface of the housing tube. A power supply unit fixed to the upper end of the tubular body of the reel seat, An electrical connector disposed on the end face of the ferrule connector body, A wiring harness extending from the connector, passing sequentially through the wire routing passage in the wire guide insert and the wire routing passage in the reel seat, and extending to a reel connector fitting housed in the opening of the power supply section, A reel seat assembly having, A fishing rod assembly for an electric reel, wherein the rod butt assembly and the reel seat assembly can be selectively attached and secured when assembled with each other, and the power circuit between the rechargeable battery cell assembly and the reel connector fitting is completed when assembled with male and female ferrule connectors and associated electrical connectors mating with each other.

2. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the power switch is equipped with an integrated visual battery level indicator.

3. The fishing rod assembly according to claim 2, wherein the visual remaining battery indicator comprises an LED and an integrated circuit that changes the color of the LED based on the battery level.

4. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell assembly includes an integrated circuit with a battery management control system for monitoring charging, discharging, and energy levels.

5. The fishing rod assembly according to claim 4, wherein the battery management control system includes a moisture sensor that monitors moisture ingress for safety shutoff.

6. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 2, wherein the battery cell assembly includes an integrated circuit with a battery management control system for monitoring charging, discharging, and energy levels.

7. The fishing rod assembly according to claim 6, wherein the battery management control system includes a moisture sensor that monitors moisture ingress for safe shutdown.

8. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 3, wherein the battery cell assembly includes an integrated circuit with a battery management control system for monitoring charging, discharging, and energy levels.

9. The fishing rod assembly according to claim 8, wherein the battery management control system includes a moisture sensor that monitors moisture ingress for safety shutoff.

10. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rod butt assembly comprises a female ferrule connector body at the upper end of the battery housing, the electrical connector is located at the inner end of the ferrule connector, and the reel seat assembly comprises a male ferrule connector body and a ferrule nut at the lower end of the wire guide insert, the electrical connector is located at the end face of the male ferrule connector body.

11. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rod butt assembly includes a female ferrule connector body at the upper end of the battery housing, the electrical connector is located at the inner end of the ferrule connector, and the reel seat assembly includes a male ferrule connector body and a ferrule nut at the lower end of the wire guide insert, the electrical connector is located at the end face of the male ferrule connector body.

12. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 8, wherein the rod butt assembly comprises a female ferrule connector body at the upper end of the battery housing, the electrical connector is located at the inner end of the ferrule connector, and the reel seat assembly comprises a male ferrule connector body and a ferrule nut at the lower end of the wire guide insert, the electrical connector is located at the end face of the male ferrule connector body.

13. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mating ferrule connector bodies are provided with anti-rotation surfaces that mate with each other.

14. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 10, wherein the mating ferrule connector bodies have anti-rotation surfaces relative to each other.

15. A fishing rod butt and reel seat assembly for an electric reel, A tubular battery housing, A gimbal fixed to the end of the aforementioned battery housing, A rechargeable battery cell assembly housed inside the aforementioned battery housing, A power switch electrically connected to the aforementioned battery cell assembly, The ferrule connector body located at the upper end of the battery housing, A power supply unit fixed to the upper end of the tubular battery housing, A wiring harness is electrically connected to the power switch and extends to a reel connector fitting housed in the opening of the power extraction section. A reel seat assembly housed at the upper end of the power extraction section, comprising a ferrule connector for receiving a rod blank assembly, A fishing rod butt and reel seat assembly having [a specific feature / feature].

16. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 15, wherein the power switch includes an integrated battery level indicator.

17. The fishing rod assembly according to claim 16, wherein the remaining charge indicator comprises an LED and an integrated circuit that changes the color of the LED based on the battery level.

18. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 15, wherein the battery cell assembly includes an integrated circuit with a battery management control system for monitoring charging, discharging, and energy levels.

19. The fishing rod assembly according to claim 18, wherein the battery management control system includes a moisture sensor that monitors moisture ingress for safety shutoff.

20. A fishing rod assembly according to claim 16, wherein the battery cell assembly includes an integrated circuit with a battery management control system for monitoring charging, discharging, and energy levels.

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