Electric fishing reel

Abstract

To allow assembly work to be efficiently performed with a low-cost and simple structure, and allow assembly accuracy of a motor holder to be improved.SOLUTION: A fishing electric reel comprises a motor 8 for rotating and driving a spool around which a fishing line is wound, and comprises: a reel body comprising an engagement concave part 65, and a motor housing cylinder 7 housing the motor 8; and a motor holder 9 comprising an engagement convex piece 101 engaged with the engagement concave part 65, and for attaching the motor 8 to the motor housing cylinder 7. The engagement concave part 65 comprises a holding part for holding engagement with the engagement convex piece 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric fishing reel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an electric fishing reel, a configuration is known in which a motor holder that fixes a motor that rotationally drives a spool around which a fishing line is wound is fixed to a frame body by bolts (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional configuration as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the cost of bolts increases, and the size of the motor holder itself and further the size of the reel body increases because a bolt fixing portion is provided in the motor holder. Therefore, a simple structure that does not use a structure with bolts or screws and that accurately and coaxially combines the motor holder with respect to the motor shaft has been demanded.

[0005] Also, as a method of fixing the motor holder without using bolts, there is a method of fixing by pressing the motor holder in the motor shaft direction against a motor housing cylinder with a frame body or the like. However, in this case, when the frame body or the like is removed for repair or the like, the motor holder may come off from the motor housing cylinder, and also at the time of assembly, it is necessary to assemble while pressing the motor holder against the motor housing cylinder, resulting in poor workability and variations in assembly accuracy, and there is room for improvement in that regard.

[0006] This invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electric fishing reel that can be assembled efficiently with a low cost and simple structure, and that can also improve the assembly accuracy of the motor holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) Embodiment 1 of the electric fishing reel according to the present invention is an electric fishing reel equipped with a motor that rotates a spool around which a fishing line is wound, comprising: a reel body having a first engaging portion and a housing cylinder that houses the motor; and a motor holder having a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion and for attaching the motor to the housing cylinder, wherein at least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a holding portion that maintains the engagement between them.

[0008] According to Embodiment 1 of the electric fishing reel of the present invention, when the motor holder is attached to the housing cylinder, the first engaging portion of the housing cylinder of the reel body and the second engaging portion of the motor holder are engaged, and the engagement between them is maintained by a holding portion provided on at least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. As a result, the movement of the second engaging portion in the direction of the motor axis is restricted, so that the motor holder does not come out of the housing cylinder. Furthermore, in this invention, the motor holder is attached to the housing cylinder by the engagement of the first and second engaging parts. This eliminates the need for threading at the mounting portion, as is required when using bolts, and allows for high-precision assembly of the motor holder to the motor housing cylinder (reel body) with a low-cost and simple structure. Moreover, since bolts are not required and difficult tasks such as using the frame body to hold the motor holder to the reel body during assembly are eliminated, work efficiency can be improved.

[0009] (2) A second aspect of the present invention is a fishing electric reel according to aspect 1, wherein either the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion has a protrusion projecting radially from the housing cylinder, the other of the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion has a first recess that accommodates the protrusion in the axial direction of the housing cylinder, and the holding portion preferably has a second recess that extends from the first recess in a first circumferential direction opposite to the rotation direction when the motor winds the fishing line onto the spool, and into which the protrusion can engage.

[0010] In this case, when attaching the motor holder to the housing cylinder, the protrusion of either the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion is accommodated in the first recess of the other engaging portion, and the protrusion can be moved in the first circumferential direction to engage with the second recess extending from the first recess in the first circumferential direction. As a result, the movement of the protrusion in the direction of the motor axis is restricted, preventing the motor holder from coming out of the housing cylinder. Furthermore, in this invention, the second recess extends from the first recess in a first circumferential direction, which is the direction of the torque acting on the motor holder when the motor is being wound up. Therefore, when winding up, a force acts on the protrusion to push against the second recess in the first circumferential direction, that is, the protrusion is prevented from moving in a direction that will cause it to come out of the second recess, and loosening of the assembly of the motor holder to the housing cylinder (reel body) can be suppressed.

[0011] (3) A third aspect of the present invention is a fishing electric reel according to the second aspect, wherein the axial length of the housing cylinder of the second recess is preferably gradually reduced as it is directed toward the first circumferential direction.

[0012] In this case, since the second recess has a tapered portion that narrows as it approaches the first circumferential direction, the convex portion has a wedge effect relative to the second recess, making it difficult for it to move in the direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, and thus preventing the convex portion from coming loose.

[0013] (4) A fourth aspect of the present invention is a fishing electric reel according to aspect 2 or aspect 3, wherein the holding portion has a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the protrusion in a second circumferential direction which is the same as the rotational direction when the motor winds the fishing line onto the spool.

[0014] In this case, the convex portion engaged with the second recess is restricted from moving in the second circumferential direction by the restricting portion provided in the second recess, thereby preventing the convex portion from coming loose.

[0015] (5) Embodiment 5 of the present invention is an electric fishing reel in any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the axial length of the housing cylinder of the protrusion is preferably gradually reduced as it is directed toward the first circumferential direction.

[0016] In this case, since a tapered portion is formed that narrows as the convex portion moves toward the first circumferential direction, the convex portion has a wedge effect relative to the second concave portion, making it difficult for it to move in the direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, and thus preventing the convex portion from coming loose.

[0017] (6) Aspect 6 of the present invention is an electric fishing reel in any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein the motor holder preferably has a lid that closes the housing cylinder.

[0018] In this case, when attaching the motor holder to the housing cylinder, the motor holder with the lid can be easily attached to the housing cylinder by engaging the second engaging portion formed on the lid of the motor holder with the first engaging portion formed on the housing cylinder.

[0019] (7) Aspect 7 of the present invention is a fishing electric reel in any one of aspects 2 to 6, wherein the first engaging portion is preferably formed in multiple locations with spacing in the circumferential direction.

[0020] In this case, a plurality of engagement portions between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be provided in the circumferential direction, and the radial load transmitted from the motor to the motor holder can be received at these plurality of engagement portions. Therefore, the load borne by each engagement portion can be reduced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the electric fishing reel of the present invention, the assembly work can be efficiently performed with a low cost and a simple structure, and moreover, the assembly accuracy of the motor holder can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a view showing an embodiment of the present invention, which is a perspective view of an electric fishing reel. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the electric fishing reel shown in FIG. 1 seen from another viewpoint. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the electric fishing reel shown in FIG. 1 seen from yet another viewpoint. [Figure 4] It is a side view of the electric fishing reel shown in FIG. 1 seen from the left side. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing the state where the first side cover is removed from the electric fishing reel shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the periphery of the motor holder shown in FIG. 5 seen from the front side with the front cover removed. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the motor housing cylinder, the motor, and the motor holder along the line A-A shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the motor housing cylinder after removing the motor and the motor holder from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the motor and the motor housing cylinder after removing the motor holder from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the first side cover shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the lid of the motor holder shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the lid from a different viewpoint. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the electric fishing reel according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the scale of each component may be appropriately changed as necessary in order to make each component visible. In this embodiment, a double-bearing reel will be described as an example of an electric fishing reel.

[0024] (Overall structure) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the electric reel 1 of this embodiment (the electric fishing reel according to the present invention) mainly comprises a reel body 2 that can be attached to a fishing rod (not shown), a handle 3 that is rotatably mounted on the reel body 2 around a handle axis O1, a spool 4 that is rotatable on the reel body 2 around a spool axis O2 parallel to the handle axis O1 and around which fishing line (not shown) is wound, and a clutch mechanism 6 having a clutch operating lever 5.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the electric reel 1 of this embodiment includes a motor 8 that rotates the spool 4 and is located inside a motor housing cylinder 7 (housing cylinder) provided in the reel body 2, and a motor holder 9 that is attached to the reel body 2 so as to close the motor housing cylinder 7 and fixes the motor 8 to the reel body 2.

[0026] In this embodiment, the handle axis O1 and the spool axis O2 are arranged parallel to each other, and the direction along these axes is defined as the left-right direction L1. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction L1 and along the direction in which the fishing line wound on the spool 4 is unwound is defined as the front-back direction L2. Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction L2, the direction in which the fishing line is paid out from the spool 4 is defined as the front, and the opposite direction as the rear. Additionally, left and right are defined from the perspective of viewing the electric reel 1 from the rear (angler's side). Therefore, for example, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electric reel 1 from diagonally above and to the left rear.

[0027] (Reel body) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the reel body 2 comprises a main frame 10, side covers 20 that cover both the left and right sides of the main frame 10, and a front cover 30 that covers the front side of the main frame 10.

[0028] The main frame 10 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or a metal (for example, die-cast aluminum) molded part. The main frame 10 includes a first side wall 11 and a second side wall 12 that are arranged facing each other in the left-right direction L1 with the spool 4 in between, and a connecting member 13 that connects the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 to each other in the left-right direction L1.

[0029] The first side wall 11 is the left side wall, positioned to the left (LH) of the spool 4. In contrast, the second side wall 12 is the right side wall, positioned to the right (RH) of the spool 4. The handle 3 is positioned even further to the right (RH) of the second side wall 12 and is attached to the main frame 10 using the second side wall 12. Therefore, the electric reel 1 of this embodiment is a right-hand handle type reel. The second side wall 12 is formed to protrude downward from the first side wall 11 in order to accommodate the connector portion 23 and the like, which will be described later.

[0030] The connecting member 13 is formed in the shape of a plate that connects the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 in the left-right direction L1, and is positioned near the lower part of the first side wall 11. As a result, the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 are firmly connected via the connecting member 13. Furthermore, in the central portion of the connecting member 13 in the left-right direction L1, a mounting leg piece 14 for attaching the electric reel 1 to the fishing rod is formed so as to extend along the front-rear direction L2.

[0031] In the main frame 10 configured as described above, at least a motor housing cylinder 7 for housing the motor 8, a spool 4, and a clutch operating lever 5 are arranged between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12.

[0032] The spool 4 is positioned between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 so as to be located behind the handle axis O1. The motor housing cylinder 7 is positioned between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 so as to be located in front of the handle axis O1. Therefore, the electric reel 1 of this embodiment is a so-called spool-out motor type, in which the motor 8 is positioned in front of the spool 4. The motor housing cylinder 7 is positioned between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 such that an opening 62 is formed in the first side wall 11.

[0033] The side cover 20 includes a first side cover 21 that is attached to the main frame 10 so as to cover the first side wall 11, in which the opening of the motor housing cylinder 7 is formed, from the left side (LH), and a second side cover 22 that is attached to the main frame 10 so as to cover the second side wall 12 from the right side (RH).

[0034] The first side cover 21 is formed to bulge outwards towards the left side (LH) and is, for example, screwed to the first side wall 11. This creates a predetermined storage space between the first side cover 21 and the first side wall 11. The first side cover 21 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The second side cover 22 is formed to bulge outwards to the right (RH) and is, for example, screwed to the second side wall 12. This creates a predetermined storage space between the second side cover 22 and the second side wall 12. The lower front portion of the second side cover 22 is fitted with a connector 23 for connecting a power reel cord for supplying power from an external power source or a portable battery, with the connection end (not shown) facing downwards. In each drawing, the connection end is shown to be protected by a protective cap 24.

[0036] The front cover 30 is assembled to the main frame 10 so as to cover the front of the main frame 10 from the front. Specifically, the front cover 30 is assembled to the front of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 so as to cover the motor housing cylinder 7 from the front, and is fastened to the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, for example, with screws. The front cover 30 is installed so as not to obstruct the movement area of ​​the level wind 55, which will be described later.

[0037] (Counter case) A counter case 40 is provided on the upper part of the main frame 10 configured as described above. The counter case 40 is positioned between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 and is fixed to the upper part of the first side wall 11 and the upper part of the second side wall 12, for example, by screws. The counter case 40 mainly comprises a thin case body 41 that is longer in the front-to-back direction L2 than in the left-to-right direction L1, a display unit 42 provided on the case body 41, and a motor control unit (not shown) provided inside the case body 41.

[0038] The display unit 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and is exposed on the top surface of the case body 41, protected by a glass cover or the like. The motor control unit is composed of, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, and controls the motor 8, as well as performing display control to display various information on the display unit 42. The motor control unit receives, for example, control signals from a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) operation buttons 43 located on the top surface of the case body 41, control signals from an operation switch 44 located on the top surface of the case body 41, and control signals from a spool sensor (not shown) (for example, a sensor that detects the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the spool 4).

[0039] As a result, the motor control unit can display various information on the display unit 42 based on various control signals, such as the time it takes to deploy the fishing gear, the depth of the fishing gear, and the winding speed or winding torque of the motor 8. It can also control the rotation of the motor 8 in response to the operation of the operation switch 44, and adjust the winding speed or winding acceleration as desired. Therefore, anglers can perform manual winding operations by operating the handle, as well as automatic winding operations using the operation switch 44.

[0040] (handle) The handle 3 is positioned to the right (RH) of the main frame 10 and the first side cover 21. The handle 3 comprises a handle shaft portion 50 rotatably arranged around the handle axis O1, a handle arm 51 non-rotatably mounted on the handle shaft portion 50, and a handle knob 52 rotatably mounted on the end of the handle arm 51 around an axis parallel to the handle axis O1. A drag 53 (star drag) is provided between the handle arm 51 and the first side cover 21, and is positioned coaxially with the handle axis O1. This drag 53 applies an arbitrary drag force to the spool 4 when winding the fishing line, thereby braking the rotation of the spool 4 and contributing to preventing the fishing line from breaking.

[0041] The rotational torque from the handle 3 configured in this way is transmitted directly to the spool 4 via a rotational transmission mechanism (not shown) when the clutch mechanism 6 is clutched. In this embodiment, a so-called single-handle type, in which a handle knob 52 is attached to one end of the handle arm 51, is used as an example for explanation, but the invention is not limited to this case. For example, an electric reel 1 of the so-called double-handle type may also be used, in which handle knobs 52 are attached to both ends of the handle arm 51, and the central part of the handle arm 51 is non-rotatably attached to the handle shaft 50.

[0042] (spool) The spool 4 is positioned between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 of the frame body and is rotatably supported around the spool axis O2 via bearings (not shown) on each of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12. The spool 4 comprises a spool rotation shaft portion (not shown) that rotates around the spool axis O2, and a spool winding body portion 4a that is arranged coaxially with the spool rotation shaft portion and rotates in conjunction with the spool rotation shaft portion.

[0043] (Clutch mechanism) The clutch mechanism 6 can be switched between a clutch-on state, in which rotational torque from the handle 3 can be transmitted to the spool 4 via a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown), and a clutch-off state, in which transmission is not possible, by operating the clutch operating lever 5. Therefore, in the clutch-on state, by rotating the handle 3, the rotational torque associated with the rotation of the handle 3 can be transmitted to the spool 4, making it possible to rotate the spool 4 around the spool axis O2. This enables manual winding. Furthermore, when the clutch mechanism 6 is in the clutch-off state, the rotational torque associated with the rotation of the handle 3 is not transmitted to the spool 4, and the spool 4 becomes capable of free rotation (spool-free state).

[0044] The clutch operating lever 5 is a switching lever for switching the clutch mechanism 6 between the clutch-on state and the clutch-off state. The clutch operating lever 5 is located behind the spool 4, between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12, and is movable up and down so as to swing around the spool axis O2.

[0045] Furthermore, the rotation transmission mechanism is configured to transmit rotational torque to the spool 4 while the rotation of the handle 3 is accelerated. In addition, when the clutch mechanism 6 is in the clutch-engaged state, the rotation transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the rotational torque associated with the rotation of the handle 3 not only to the spool 4 but also to a level wind mechanism (not shown) having a level wind 55. The level wind 55 is positioned between the motor housing cylinder 7 and the counter case 40, and is capable of reciprocating in the left-right direction L1 between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 as the spool 4 rotates (see Figure 3). This makes it possible to wind the fishing line onto the spool 4 evenly and without bias.

[0046] Furthermore, the rotational transmission mechanism is capable of transmitting the rotational torque associated with the motor 8's operation to the spool 4 when the motor 8 is driven while the clutch mechanism 6 is in the clutch-engaged state. This enables automatic winding operation. The rotational transmission mechanism transmits the rotational torque to the spool 4 while the motor 8's rotation is reduced.

[0047] (Motor housing) As shown in Figure 3, the motor housing cylinder 7 is positioned between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 12 on the side in front of the handle axis O1, and is formed as a top-shaped cylinder that is coaxial with the motor axis O3 extending in the left-right direction L1. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the motor housing cylinder 7 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, having a housing cylinder body 60 formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the motor axis O3, and a bottom wall 61 that closes the opening 62 on the right side (RH) of the housing cylinder body 60. As a result, the motor housing cylinder 7 has an opening 62 in the first side wall 11, which opens to the left side (LH).

[0048] In the illustrated example, the storage cylinder body 60 and the bottom wall 61 are formed integrally, but this is not the only way. For example, the storage cylinder body 60 and the bottom wall 61 may be formed separately and then combined integrally by screw connection, screwing, or fitting. In this embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the motor axis O3, the direction intersecting the motor axis O3 is called the radial direction, and the direction that circles around the motor axis O3 is called the circumferential direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the housing cylinder body 60 is positioned between the front of the first side wall 11 and the front of the second side wall 12 so as to be located below the level wind 55. Therefore, the motor housing cylinder 7 is positioned to be exposed facing forward. However, the motor housing cylinder 7 is partially protected from the front by the front cover 30.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, a larger diameter enlarged cylinder 63 is formed in the portion of the housing cylinder body 60 located on the opening 62 side, compared to the other portions. Therefore, the motor housing cylinder 7 is integrally formed with the first side wall 11 via the enlarged diameter cylinder 63. In addition, a cylindrical boss portion 64 protruding to the right (RH) is formed in the central portion of the bottom wall 61.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the inner circumferential surface of the enlarged diameter cylinder 63 is formed of a first inner circumferential portion 631 and a second inner circumferential portion 632 located on the opening 62 side (LH) of the first inner circumferential portion 631. The second inner circumferential portion 632 is formed such that its inner diameter is larger than that of the first inner circumferential portion 631 and its thickness is smaller than that of the second inner circumferential portion 632. In other words, the inner surfaces of the first inner circumferential portion 631 and the second inner circumferential portion 632 are formed in a stepped shape that increases in diameter towards the opening 62.

[0052] An engagement recess 65 (first engagement portion) for attaching the lid 100 of the motor holder 9 is formed in the first inner circumference 631. The engagement recess 65 is cut out from the opening 62 side (LH) of the housing cylinder body 60 toward the right side (RH), and multiple recesses (four in this embodiment) are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the engagement recess 65 consists of a first engagement recess 65A, a second engagement recess 65B, a third engagement recess 65C, and a fourth engagement recess 65D (see Figure 8). The engagement recess 65 is formed extending to the right side (RH) from the end 631a on the opening 62 side (LH) of the first inner circumference 631 and has a guide groove portion 651 (first recess) for accommodating the engagement projection 101 of the lid 100, and a holding portion 652 (second recess) connected to the guide groove portion 651 for maintaining mutual engagement with the engagement projection 101.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the guide groove 651 extends in the left-right direction L1 (the axial direction of the motor housing cylinder 7). The axial direction of the motor housing cylinder 7 is coaxial with the motor axis O3. The holding portion 652 extends from the guide groove 651 in the first circumferential direction E1, which is opposite to the rotation direction when the motor 8 winds the fishing line onto the spool 4, and can be engaged with the engaging projection 101, which will be described later. The first engaging recess 65A, the second engaging recess 65B, the third engaging recess 65C, and the fourth engaging recess 65D are designed so that the four engaging protrusions 101A, 101B, 101C, and 101D formed on the fitting cylinder 102 of the lid 100 can each engage in the first circumferential direction E1.

[0054] The circumferential groove width D1 of the guide groove 651 is approximately equal to the circumferential length dimension D3 (see Figure 12) of the motor housing cylinder 7 in the engaging projection 101. The length D2 (width dimension) of the left-right direction L1 in the holding portion 652 is approximately equal to the thickness dimension D4 (see Figure 12) of the left-right direction L1 in the engaging projection 101.

[0055] The holding portion 652 may be formed such that the length D2 of the left-right direction L1 gradually decreases as it moves toward the first circumferential direction E1. Furthermore, the holding portion 652 may be provided with a restricting portion (not shown) that restricts the movement of the engaging projection 101 in the second circumferential direction E2, which is the same as the rotational direction when the motor 8 winds the fishing line onto the spool 4. As the restricting portion, for example, an elastically deformable claw-shaped projection can be adopted at the end portion 652a of the holding portion 652 on the guide groove portion 651 side, restricting the movement of the engaging projection 101 engaged within the holding portion 652 in the second circumferential direction E2.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the first side wall 11 functions as the left side wall of the main frame 10 and is normally covered by the first side cover 21. The first side wall 11 is formed to be longer in the front-to-back direction L2 than in the vertical direction, and as mentioned earlier, the motor housing cylinder 7 is integrally formed on the front side, and the lower front contour of the main frame 10 is formed concentrically with the motor housing cylinder 7. The rear side of the first side wall 11 is formed in a semicircular shape in side view that bulges toward the rear.

[0057] As mentioned earlier, a counter case 40 is positioned above the first side wall 11. The counter case 40 is screwed to the upper side of the first side wall 11 by fixing screws 70. In the portion of the first side wall 11 located behind the motor housing cylinder 7, various components that make up the electric reel 1 (for example, bearings, gears, support members, etc.) are arranged. Furthermore, an edge portion 71 projecting toward the left side (LH) is continuously formed along the outer edge of the first connecting wall.

[0058] Furthermore, the first side wall 11 has connecting screws 72, screw holes 73, and a receiving cylinder portion 74 formed therein for attaching the first side cover 21. The screw hole 73 is formed on the lower side of the first side wall 11 so as to be located in the central part in the front-rear direction L2. The receiving cylinder portion 74 is a cylindrical member that is hollow inside and opens toward the left side (LH), and is formed on the part of the first side wall 11 that is located forward of the screw hole 73.

[0059] (motor) As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the motor 8 comprises a motor output shaft 80 that rotates around the motor axis O3, and a motor body 81 that rotates the motor output shaft 80, and is housed in a motor housing cylinder 7.

[0060] The motor output shaft 80 is positioned coaxially with the motor axis O3 so as to penetrate the motor body 81 in the direction of the motor axis O3. In this configuration, the motor output shaft 80 is formed to protrude to the left (LH) of the first side wall 11 and to the right (RH) of the boss portion 64. Note that the motor output shaft 80 is shown in a simplified manner in each drawing. The motor output shaft 80 is stably supported by multiple bearings, including, for example, a bearing 83 mounted inside the boss portion 64. An annular motor waterproof seal 84 is mounted inside the boss portion 64, adjacent to the right (RH) of the bearing 83.

[0061] At the left end of the motor output shaft 80, outside the first side wall 11 (on the left side (LH)), a serration (sawtooth-shaped groove) 85 is formed. A one-way clutch 86, mounted on the motor holder 9 (described later), is coupled to the serration 85. This restricts the motor output shaft 80 from rotating in the direction that the fishing line is paid out (reverse rotation). Therefore, the motor 8 is only allowed to rotate in one direction, which is to wind up the fishing line. Note that the mounting position of the one-way clutch 86 is not limited to the motor holder 9 and may be changed as appropriate.

[0062] The motor body 81 includes a bottomed cylindrical case body 81a with an opening on the left side (LH), and an end cap 81b that closes the left-side opening of the case body 81a. A connecting cable 87 connecting the motor body 81 and the motor control unit located inside the counter case 40 is inserted through the end cap 81b, for example, at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, two connecting cables 87 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (specifically, they are arranged facing each other radially with the motor axis O3 in between). Furthermore, the motor body 81 mainly comprises a rotor having, for example, a coil and fixed to the motor output shaft 80, a stator having a permanent magnet and arranged inside the case body 81a so as to surround the rotor from the radial outside, a commutator and brushes. As described above, the motor 8 is electrically connected to the motor control unit via a connecting cable 87 (see Figure 5), and its drive is controlled by the motor control unit.

[0063] (First side cover) As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 10, the first side cover 21 is formed to be longer in the front-to-back direction L2 than in the up-to-down direction, corresponding to the shape of the first side wall 11, and is a cover member that covers the first side wall 11 from the left side (LH). More specifically, the first side cover 21 is assembled to the main frame 10 so as to cover not only the first side wall 11, but also the motor holder 9 which is attached to close the motor housing cylinder 7, the front cover 30, and a part of the counter case 40 from the left side (LH).

[0064] The first side cover 21 comprises a cover body 90 formed to bulge outwards towards the left side (LH), and a peripheral edge 91 that is bent outwards towards the right side (towards the first side wall 11) from the outer peripheral edge of the cover body 90 along its entire circumference. The peripheral edge 91 of the first side cover 21 is designed to make seamless contact with the edge 71 of the first side wall 11, the side edge of the front cover 30, and the side surface of the counter case 40. This makes it difficult for water, dust, etc., to enter the interior of the first side cover 21. Furthermore, the peripheral edge 91 on the lower front side of the first side cover 21 is formed concentrically with the motor housing cylinder 7 to match the main frame 10.

[0065] Furthermore, the cover body 90 is formed so that a screw receiving cylinder portion 92 and a connecting pin 93 protrude toward the first side wall 11, and a through hole 95 is formed through which a connecting screw 94 is inserted. The screw receiving cylinder portion 92 is into which the connecting screw 72 is screwed. The connecting pin 93 is made capable of entering the inside of the receiving cylinder portion 74 formed in the first side wall 11.

[0066] (Motor holder) As shown in Figures 5 to 7, 11 and 12, the motor holder 9 is assembled to the first side wall 11 of the reel body 2 so as to close the motor housing cylinder 7, and plays the role of fixing the motor 8 to the reel body 2. The motor holder 9 is equipped with a top-shaped cylindrical cover 100 (cover portion) that closes the opening 62 of the motor housing cylinder 7.

[0067] (Lid) The lid 100 comprises a fitting cylinder 102 that fits inside the enlarged diameter cylinder 63 of the motor housing cylinder 7, and a closing wall 103 that closes the left-side opening of the fitting cylinder 102, and is arranged coaxially with the motor axis O3. Furthermore, a top-shaped housing cylinder portion 104 that protrudes toward the left side (LH) is formed in the central part of the closing wall 103 and is arranged coaxially with the motor axis O3. As a result, the lid 100 is formed in a top-shaped form with the central part of the closing wall 103 partially bulging toward the left side (LH).

[0068] An annular groove 105 is formed on the outer circumference of the fitting cylinder 102, recessing radially inward along its entire circumference. An O-ring 106 is installed in this annular groove 105, making close contact with the first inner circumference 631 of the expanding diameter cylinder 63 (see Figure 7). This allows the O-ring 106 to properly seal the space between the fitting cylinder 102 and the expanding diameter cylinder 63, preventing water or dust from entering the motor housing cylinder 7 from the first side wall 11. The annular groove 105 does not necessarily have to be formed on the outer circumference of the fitting cylinder 102; for example, it may be formed on the inner circumference of the expanding diameter cylinder 63. Even in this case, it is still possible to properly seal the space between the fitting cylinder 102 and the expanding diameter cylinder 63 using the O-ring 106.

[0069] The outer periphery of the fitting cylinder 102 is a slightly enlarged diameter cylinder 107. The outer periphery of the closing wall 103 is connected to this enlarged diameter cylinder 107. The enlarged diameter cylinder 107 is located radially inward of the second inner circumferential portion 632 of the enlarged diameter cylinder 63.

[0070] The closing wall 103 has through-holes 108 formed so as to penetrate the closing wall 103, allowing a connecting cable 87 (see Figure 5) that connects the motor 8 and the motor control unit to be inserted. In the illustrated example, four through-holes 108 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and two of these through-holes 108 are each inserted through two of the connecting cables 87 that pass through the end cap 81b. This makes it possible to wire the connecting cable 87 between the motor 8 and the motor control unit. Motor fixing screws 109, which are screwed into screw holes 109a (see Figure 9) formed in the end cap 81b, are attached to the remaining two through-holes 108. This fixes the motor body 81 to the motor holder 9, and houses the motor body 81 inside the motor housing cylinder 7. Note that Figure 9 shows the state in which the motor holder 9 has been deliberately removed from the state shown in Figure 6.

[0071] The one-way clutch 86 mentioned earlier is mounted inside the storage cylinder 104, and the left end of the motor output shaft 80 is also housed there.

[0072] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the outer circumferential surface 102a of the fitting cylinder 102 in the lid 100 has a plurality of engaging protrusions 101 (second engaging portion, protrusion) that project radially outward. In this embodiment, four engaging protrusions 101 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the engaging protrusions 101 consist of a first engaging protrusion 101A, a second engaging protrusion 101B, a third engaging protrusion 101C, and a fourth engaging protrusion 101D. The first engaging protrusion 101A, the second engaging protrusion 101B, the third engaging protrusion 101C, and the fourth engaging protrusion 101D are each capable of engaging with an engaging recess 65 formed in the enlarged diameter cylinder 63 of the motor housing cylinder 7 in the first circumferential direction E1. This makes it possible to properly fit the fitting cylinder 102 into the enlarged diameter cylinder 63. Furthermore, the engaging projection 101 may be formed such that the length D3 (width dimension) of the left-right direction L1 gradually decreases as it moves toward the first circumferential direction E1.

[0073] The lid 100 of the motor holder 9, configured as described above, is configured such that its movement in the direction of the motor axis O3 (left-right direction L1) is restricted by engaging the engaging projection 101 with the engaging recess 65 of the motor housing cylinder 7. Specifically, the engaging projection 101 is inserted from the guide groove 651 of the engaging recess 65, and the lid 100 is pushed to the right (RH) to guide the engaging projection 101 into the guide groove 651. When the engaging projection 101 reaches the right end of the guide groove 651, the lid 100 is rotated in the first circumferential direction E1 from that position. As the engaging projection 101 rotates in the first circumferential direction E1, its movement is restricted by the holding portion 652, and it enters the engaged position. As a result, the lid 100 is mounted and assembled onto the motor housing cylinder 7 with the engaging projection 101 restricted by the holding portion 652 from moving in the direction of the motor axis O3.

[0074] Next, the operation of the electric reel 1 configured in this way will be explained in detail based on the drawings. In the electric reel 1 according to this embodiment, when the motor holder 9 is attached to the motor housing cylinder 7, the engaging recess 65 of the motor housing cylinder 7 of the reel body 2 and the engaging projection 101 of the motor holder 9 are engaged, and the engagement between them is maintained by the holding portion 652 provided in the engaging recess 65. As a result, the movement of the engaging projection 101 in the direction of the motor axis O3 is restricted, so that the motor holder 9 does not come out of the motor housing cylinder 7.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the motor holder 9 is mounted to the motor housing cylinder 7 by the engagement of the engaging recess 65 and the engaging projection 101. This eliminates the need for threading at the mounting portion, as is required when using bolts, and allows for accurate assembly of the motor holder 9 to the motor housing cylinder 7 (reel body 2) with a low-cost and simple structure. Moreover, since bolts are not required and difficult tasks such as pressing the motor holder 9 onto the reel body 2 using the frame body are not necessary, work efficiency can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retaining portion 652 of the engaging recess 65 extends from the guide groove 651 in the first circumferential direction E1, which is opposite to the rotation direction when the motor 8 winds the fishing line onto the spool 4, and the engaging projection 101 of the cover 100 can engage with it. Therefore, when attaching the motor holder 9 to the motor housing cylinder 7, the engaging projection 101 can be housed in the guide groove 651 of the engaging recess 65, and then moved in the first circumferential direction E1 to engage with the retaining portion 652 extending from the guide groove 651 in the first circumferential direction. As a result, the movement of the engaging projection 101 in the direction of the motor axis O3 is restricted, preventing the motor holder 9 from coming out of the motor housing cylinder 7.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 652 extends from the guide groove portion 651 in the first circumferential direction E1, which is the direction of the torque acting on the motor holder 9 when the motor 8 is being wound up. Therefore, when winding up, a force acts on the engaging projection 101 to push against the holding portion 652 in the first circumferential direction E1, that is, the engaging projection 101 is prevented from moving in the direction of coming out of the holding portion 652, and loosening of the assembly of the motor holder 9 to the motor housing cylinder 7 (reel body 2) can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the motor housing cylinder 7 so that the axial length (left-right direction L1) of the holding portion 652 gradually decreases as it moves toward the first circumferential direction E1. In this case, since a tapered portion is formed in the holding portion 652 that shrinks toward the first circumferential direction E1, the convex portion has a wedge effect relative to the holding portion 652, making it difficult to move in the direction opposite to the first circumferential direction E1 (second circumferential direction E2), and thus suppressing the disengagement of the engaging convex piece 101.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 652 can also be configured to have a restricting portion (not shown) that restricts the movement of the engaging projection 101 in the second circumferential direction E2, which is the same as the rotational direction when the motor 8 winds the fishing line onto the spool 4. In this case, the movement of the engaging projection 101 engaged with the holding portion 652 in the second circumferential direction E2 is restricted by the restricting portion provided on the holding portion 652, so that the disengagement of the engaging projection 101 can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the motor housing cylinder 7 so that the axial length gradually decreases as the engaging projection 101 moves toward the first circumferential direction E1. In this case, since a tapered portion is formed on the engaging projection 101 that shrinks toward the first circumferential direction E1, the engaging projection 101 has a wedge effect on the holding portion 652, making it difficult to move in the direction opposite to the first circumferential direction E1 (second circumferential direction E2), and thus suppressing the disengagement of the engaging projection 101.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the motor holder 9 has a cover 100 that closes the motor housing cylinder 7. In this case, when attaching the motor holder 9 to the motor housing cylinder 7, the motor holder 9 with the cover 100 can be easily attached to the motor housing cylinder 7 by engaging the engaging projection 101 formed on the cover 100 of the motor holder 9 with the engaging recess 65 formed on the motor housing cylinder 7.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple engagement recesses 65 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, multiple engagement points between the engagement recesses 65 and the engagement protrusions 101 can be provided in the circumferential direction, and the radial load transmitted from the motor 8 to the motor holder 9 can be received at these multiple engagement points. As a result, the load burden at each engagement point can be reduced.

[0083] In the electric reel 1 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, assembly work can be performed efficiently with a low cost and simple structure, and the assembly accuracy of the motor holder 9 can be improved.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, a retaining portion 652 (second recess) is provided in the engaging recess 65 of the motor housing cylinder 7, which is the first engaging portion, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, an engaging recess may be provided instead of the engaging projection 101 of the lid 100. In other words, an engaging recess having a retaining portion (second recess) may be provided on the lid 100 side, and an engaging projection (projection) that can engage with this engaging recess may be provided on the motor housing cylinder 7.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging recess 65 has a retaining portion 652 (second recess), but it is not limited to providing the retaining portion 652, and it is also possible to omit this retaining portion 652.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the motor holder 9 has a lid 100 that closes the motor housing cylinder 7, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration without the lid 100. In short, it is sufficient that the second engaging portion (engaging projection 101 in this embodiment) is provided on the motor holder 9.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the motor housing cylinder 7 that houses the motor 8 is provided separately from the reel body 2, but the motor housing cylinder 7 may be integrated with the reel body 2. In short, it is sufficient that the reel body 2 having the portion for housing the motor 8 is provided with a first engaging portion (engaging recess 65 in this embodiment).

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engagement recess 65, which is the first engagement portion, is configured to have four recesses formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and for example, there may be one engagement recess 65, or two, three, or even five or more recesses. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of engaging protrusions 101 is the same as the number of engaging recesses 65, but this is not limited to the same number, and the number of engaging protrusions 101 may be less than the number of engaging recesses 65. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] O3...Motor axis 1…Electric reel (electric reel for fishing) 2…Reel body 4... Spool 7…Motor housing cylinder 8…motor 9…Motor holder 10…Main frame 11…First side wall 63...Expanding tube 65…Engaging recess (first engaging portion) 100... Lid (lid part) 101...Engaging projection (second engaging portion, projection) 631...First inner peripheral part 632...Second inner circumference 651... Guide groove section (first recess) 652...Retaining part (second recess) 652a...end E1...first circumferential direction E2…Second circumferential direction L1…Left and right direction L2…Anteroposterior direction

Claims

1. An electric fishing reel equipped with a motor that rotates a spool around which fishing line is wound, The first engaging portion and the housing cylinder that houses the motor are supported by a main body frame which is opposed to the spool on both sides, A motor holder having a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and for mounting the motor to the housing cylinder, At least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a retaining portion that holds the engagement between them, The aforementioned housing cylinder is integrally supported by the main body frame in a portion of its circumference, and the other portion of its circumference is positioned to be exposed forward relative to the main body frame. The motor holder comprises a plurality of the second engaging portions and has a lid portion that closes the housing cylinder. The aforementioned storage cylinder is provided with an enlarged diameter cylinder that extends around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction in the portion located on the lid side, The diameter-expanding cylinder has a plurality of first engagement portions provided at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and a portion of the diameter-expanding cylinder in the circumferential direction where at least one of the plurality of first engagement portions is located is integrally supported by the main body frame, while the other portion protrudes from the main body frame. Electric fishing reel.

2. Either the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion has a protrusion that projects radially from the housing cylinder, The other of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a first recess that accommodates the protrusion in the axial direction of the housing cylinder, The aforementioned retaining part is The electric fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the motor extends from the first recess toward a first circumferential direction opposite to the rotational direction when winding the fishing line onto the spool, and has a second recess into which the protrusion can engage.

3. The electric fishing reel according to claim 2, wherein the axial length of the housing cylinder of the second recess gradually decreases as it is directed toward the first circumferential direction.

4. The electric fishing reel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the holding portion has a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the protrusion in a second circumferential direction, which is the same as the rotational direction when the motor winds the fishing line onto the spool.

5. The electric fishing reel according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the axial length of the housing cylinder gradually decreases as the protrusion is directed toward the first circumferential direction.

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