Fishing reel

Abstract

To provide a fishing reel capable of more appropriately exhibiting a spool rotation assist function by a motor by accurately and reliably detecting rotation torque generated in an operation part and controlling output torque from the motor on the basis of the rotation torque.SOLUTION: A fishing reel 1 includes: a spool 3; an operation part 10; a motor 4; a power transmission part; a drag mechanism that enables relative rotation between the power transmission part and the spool when a tension of a predetermined value or more is generated in a fishing line wound around the spool; a rotation torque detection part 30 that detects rotation torque of the operation part; and a control part that drives the motor on the basis of the detected rotation torque. A torque merging point where the rotation torque input from the operation part and the rotation torque input from the motor merge with each other is located in the drag mechanism or on the operation part side upstream from the drag mechanism, and the rotation torque detection part is provided on the operation part side upstream from the torque merging point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fishing reel having a function of assisting spool rotation by a motor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional fishing reels allow for various methods of driving the spool, such as manually rotating the spool or using an electric motor with an independent switch to start and stop the electric motor to rotate the spool.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric fishing reel that includes a spool rotatably supported between left and right side frames, a human-powered drive system that rotates the spool using a manual handle, and an electric drive system that is provided in parallel to the human-powered drive system and rotates the spool using a motor.The electric fishing reel also includes a human-power detection means that detects the amount of human power provided in the human-powered drive system, and an auxiliary drive force control means that controls the auxiliary drive force from the motor at a predetermined ratio based on the value detected by the human-power detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-308949 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the fishing reel disclosed in Patent Document 1, the position where torque is detected for the handle is located closer to the spool than the drag mechanism, so it is impossible to distinguish whether the generated rotational torque is rotational torque input by the operator or rotational torque input from the spool side, making it difficult to accurately detect the rotational torque applied to the handle. Also, the fishing reel disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a planetary gear mechanism as a driving force transmission gear, with the handle connected to the carrier, the motor connected to the actuation sun gear, and the spool connected to the internal gear, so when the motor is driven, the reaction force must be received by the handle, which creates the problem of increasing the torque required for the operator to turn the handle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a fishing reel that can more appropriately perform the motor's assist function in rotating the spool by accurately and reliably detecting the rotational torque generated in the operating unit and controlling the output torque from the motor based on this. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by reading this entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a spool that can take up fishing line, an operating unit that rotates the spool, a motor that rotates the spool, a power transmission unit that transmits rotational torque input from the operating unit to the spool, a drag mechanism that allows relative rotation between the power transmission unit and the spool when a predetermined level of tension is generated in the fishing line wound around the spool, a rotational torque detection unit that detects the rotational torque of the operating unit that is rotated, and a control unit that drives the motor based on the rotational torque detected by the rotational torque detection unit, wherein a torque junction where the rotational torque input from the operating unit and the rotational torque input from the motor join is located at the drag mechanism or upstream of the drag mechanism on the operating unit side, and the rotational torque detection unit is located upstream of the torque junction on the operating unit side.

[0008] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission unit is configured to include a drive gear, a pinion gear, and a main shaft.

[0009] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the torque meeting point is configured to be any one of a drive gear, a pinion gear, or a main shaft.

[0010] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational torque detection unit is configured to be disposed in any one of the operation unit, the drive gear, or the pinion gear.

[0011] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational torque detection unit is configured to include a photointerrupter, a magnetic sensor, or a laser displacement sensor. Also, in a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational torque detection unit is configured to include a strain gauge or a magnetostrictive sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a fishing reel that can more appropriately perform the motor's assist function in rotating the spool by accurately and reliably detecting the rotational torque generated in the operating unit and controlling the output torque from the motor based on this. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating each component including a control unit in a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of each gear in a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a confluence point (junction point) of rotational torque from an operating unit 10 and rotational torque from a motor in a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating possible positions for arranging a rotational torque detection unit 30 in a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rotational torque applied to the operating unit 10 and the drive voltage of the motor 4 in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fishing reel according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components common to multiple drawings are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. Please note that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for ease of explanation.

[0015] First, the configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a frame (reel body) 2 is configured to be attachable to a fishing rod (not shown). The fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has an operating unit 10 (e.g., a handle) that can be operated by a user (operator) to rotate a spool 3 in the forward direction and reel in fishing line. The rotational torque of the operating unit 10 (e.g., a handle) is transmitted to the spool 3 by transmission means such as a drive gear 12, a pinion gear 13, and a drag mechanism (friction coupling mechanism) 20, which are arranged on a handle shaft 11 and a main shaft 14, respectively.

[0016] The fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a drag mechanism (friction coupling mechanism) 20 that prevents the fishing line from breaking by causing the spool 3 to spin freely when torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is generated, and may also be provided with a reverse rotation prevention unit or reverse rotation prevention means (not shown) that prevents the operating unit from rotating in the reverse direction. The fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can also be configured with a clutch unit (clutch means), and a user (operator) can select whether to connect or disconnect power transmission to the spool 3 by operating the clutch unit (clutch means). When power transmission to the spool 3 is connected, winding of the fishing line is possible using the operating unit. On the other hand, when power transmission to the spool 3 is disconnected, the spool can be freely rotated forward and backward, allowing the fishing line to be released.

[0017] The spool 3 is supported by the reel body 2 so as to be rotatable about a main shaft 14 provided on the reel body 2, and when the spool 3 rotates in the forward direction, fishing line can be wound around the outer periphery of the spool 3. On the other hand, when casting a lure or the like, the spool 3 rotates in the reverse direction, allowing the wound fishing line to be released. In this case, if the amount of fishing line released is greater than the amount of movement of the lure or the like, the excess fishing line can cause line tangles known as backlash, which can interfere with normal use of the fishing reel 1. For this reason, such backlash is prevented by applying an appropriate braking force to the spool 3 using a braking unit (not shown), which will be described later.

[0018] The main shaft 14 is also configured to hold the spool 3. As a result, when rotational torque is generated in the spool 3, the spool 3 is rotatable relative to the main shaft 14. The drag mechanism 20 described above is provided between the spool 3 and the pinion gear 13. When the drag mechanism 20 is provided, the spool 3 will rotate freely relative to the pinion gear 13 when torque greater than a predetermined level is generated. This makes it possible to prevent tension greater than a predetermined level from being applied to the fishing line, thereby preventing or reducing breakage of the fishing line.

[0019] The reel body 2 is also provided with a motor 4, and the driving force (rotational torque) of the motor 4 is transmitted to the spool 3 by transmission means such as a motor output gear 15 and a drive gear fixed gear 16 fixed to the drive gear 12. The motor 4 is configured to perform rotational driving in response to instructions from a control unit 5, which will be described later.

[0020] Next, the functions and roles of the control unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating each component, including the control unit, of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, upon receiving a detection value related to rotational torque from a rotational torque detection unit 30 (described later), the control unit 5 instructs the motor 4 to rotate based on the detection value of the rotational torque. The control unit 5 also controls a braking unit 33 to appropriately brake the spool 3. The control unit 5 also includes a ROM storing a predetermined program, a RAM for temporarily storing detected information during program processing, a CPU for controlling these, a memory unit 31 such as a flash ROM that can retain data even after power is turned off, and a communication unit 32 for communicating with the outside world via wireless communication using wireless communication network technology or wired communication via a USB connector or the like. Each component is located within a single semiconductor component or on a circuit board on which an electrical circuit is printed. The control unit 5 can also be configured to include an output unit 34 such as an LED, LCD, or buzzer.

[0021] The CPU (not shown) of the control unit 5 is configured to acquire detection information from a detection unit that detects the state of the fishing reel 1. For example, this detection unit is a rotational torque detection unit 30 that detects the rotational torque of the operation unit 10 (e.g., the handle) described below, and other units may be provided as appropriate, such as a spool rotation detection unit (not shown) that detects the rotational state of the spool, a clutch detection unit (not shown) that detects the engaged / disengaged state of the clutch, a tension detection unit (not shown) that detects the tension of the fishing line, a set drag force detection unit (not shown) that detects the set drag force, a motion sensor (not shown) that detects the movement of the fishing reel and fishing rod, and a braking force detection unit (not shown) that detects the braking force of the braking unit.

[0022] The rotational torque detection unit 30, which detects the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 (e.g., a steering wheel), can be realized by attaching a rotation sensor to the operating unit 10 (e.g., a steering wheel) or a gear that rotates in conjunction with the operating unit 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the rotational torque detection unit 30 is configured as a sensor and a detected member that partially rotates the operating unit 10 (e.g., a steering wheel) and the handle shaft 11, converting the torsion of both components into the axial movement of a linearly moving member using a cam mechanism, and reading the axial movement of the linearly moving member using an optical position sensor to calculate (estimate) the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 (e.g., a steering wheel). The sensor of the rotational torque detection unit 30 can also be an incremental rotation sensor using a photointerrupter or a magnetic sensor. A non-contact rotation sensor can be used to ensure smooth rotation of the operating unit (e.g., a steering wheel). Alternatively, the sensor of the rotational torque detection unit 30 may be a laser displacement sensor, a strain gauge, or a magnetostrictive sensor.

[0023] Next, a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference again to Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of each gear in a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the confluence point of the rotational torque from the operating unit 10 and the rotational torque from the motor in a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating possible positions for arranging the rotational torque detection unit 30 in a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a spool 3 on which fishing line can be wound, an operating unit 10 for operating the spool 3 to rotate, a motor 4 for driving the spool 3 to rotate, a power transmission unit 6 for transmitting rotational torque input from the operating unit 10 to the spool 3, a drag mechanism 20 for enabling relative rotation between the power transmission unit 6 and the spool when a predetermined level of tension or more is generated in the fishing line (not shown) wound around the spool 3, a rotational torque detection unit 30 for detecting the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 when it is rotated, and and a control unit 5 that drives the motor 4 based on the rotational torque detected by the rotational torque detection unit 30, wherein a torque confluence point where the rotational torque input from the operation unit 10 and the rotational torque input from the motor 4 converge is disposed on the drag mechanism 20 or upstream of the drag mechanism 20 on the operation unit 10 side (in FIG. 6, this refers to the side above the drag mechanism 20), and the rotational torque detection unit 30 is configured to be provided upstream of the torque confluence point on the operation unit side (in FIG. 6, this refers to the side above the drag mechanism 20). Here, the torque confluence point refers to the position (position where the rotational torques converge) of a component (for example, a gear or a shaft) that receives (accepts) both the rotational torque generated as a result of the operation of the operation unit 10 by the operator and the rotational torque from the motor 4 that is rotationally driven under the control of the control unit 5. In the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission section 6 is configured to include a drive gear 12 and a pinion gear 13 provided on the main shaft 14.Here, the example shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where a torque junction point where the rotational torque input from the operating unit 10 and the rotational torque input from the motor 4 join is provided in the drag mechanism 20, and in this case, the rotational torque detection unit 30 is configured to be provided upstream of the torque junction point on the operating unit side (referring to the side above the drag mechanism 20 in FIG. 6). However, if the torque junction point is provided in the pinion gear 13, the rotational torque detection unit 30 is configured to be provided upstream of the torque junction point on the operating unit side (referring to the side above the pinion gear 13 in FIG. 6), and if the torque junction point is provided in the drive gear 12 (the embodiment shown as an example in FIG. 1), the rotational torque detection unit 30 is configured to be provided upstream of the torque junction point on the operating unit side (referring to the side above the drive gear 12 in FIG. 6), and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6.

[0024] According to the fishing reel 1 of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fishing reel 1 that can more appropriately perform the function of assisting spool rotation by the motor 4 by accurately and reliably detecting the rotational torque generated in the operating unit 10 and controlling the output torque from the motor 4 based on the detection. More specifically, by providing the rotational torque detection unit 30 in a position before (upstream) the point where the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 and the rotational torque of the motor 4 join together (for example, a component above the drag mechanism 20 shown in FIG. 6), it is possible to detect only the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 without being affected by the rotational (reverse) torque from the spool 3 or the rotational torque from the motor 4, thereby more accurately detecting the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 and more appropriately controlling the motor 4 based on the detected rotational torque.

[0025] Next, Fig. 7 shows the relationship between the rotational torque applied to the operation unit 10 and the motor drive voltage. As a control method for the control unit 5 that drives the motor 4 based on the rotational torque detected by the rotational torque detection unit 30, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 5 can adjust the rotational torque of the motor so that the motor drive voltage increases in a stepped manner in response to an increase in the rotational torque applied to the operation unit 10. The control method for the control unit 5 that drives the motor 4 based on the rotational torque detected by the rotational torque detection unit 30 is not limited to this, and various control methods are possible, but further details will be omitted.

[0026] In the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the torque meeting point is configured to be either the drive gear 12, the pinion gear 13 provided on the main shaft 14, or the drag mechanism 20.

[0027] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational torque detection unit is configured to be disposed in either the operating unit, the drive gear, or the pinion gear. The position where the rotational torque of the operating unit 10 is generated (the position where the rotational torque is easily detected) is disposed closer to the operating unit 10 than the torque junction. By disposing the rotational torque detection unit (rotation sensor) 30 in such a position, it becomes possible to more accurately and reliably detect only the rotational torque of the operating unit 10. Incidentally, a ratchet 40 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 restricts the rotational direction to one direction, thereby preventing the reverse torque from the spool 3 from being transmitted to the power transmission unit 4. By disposing the ratchet 40, the rotational torque detection unit (rotation sensor) 30 can block the reverse torque from the spool 3, leading to more accurately and reliably detecting only the rotational torque of the operating unit 10.

[0028] The dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each component described in this specification are not limited to those explicitly described in the embodiments, and each component can be modified to have any dimensions, materials, and arrangement that can be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, components not explicitly described in this specification can be added to the described embodiments, and some of the components described in each embodiment can be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 1 fishing reel 2 Reel body 3 spools 4 motors 5. Control section 6 Power transmission section 10 Control section 11 Handle shaft 12 Drive gear 13 Pinion gear 14 Main shaft 15 Motor output gear 16 Drive gear fixed gear 20 Drag mechanism 30 Rotational torque detection unit 40 Ratchet

Claims

1. a spool onto which a fishing line can be wound; an operating unit that rotates the spool; a motor for driving the spool to rotate; a power transmission unit that transmits rotational torque input from the operation unit to the spool; a drag mechanism that allows relative rotation between the power transmission unit and the spool when a predetermined tension or more is generated in the fishing line wound around the spool; a rotational torque detection unit that detects the rotational torque of the operating unit when it is rotated; a control unit that drives the motor based on the rotational torque detected by the rotational torque detection unit, a torque confluence point where the rotational torque input from the operating unit and the rotational torque input from the motor confluence is disposed on the operating unit side upstream of the drag mechanism or the drag mechanism, and the rotational torque detection unit is provided on the operating unit side upstream of the torque confluence point.

2. 2. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit includes a drive gear, a pinion gear, and a main shaft.

3. 3. The fishing reel of claim 2, wherein the torque junction is one of a drive gear, a pinion gear, and a main shaft.

4. 3. The fishing reel according to claim 2, wherein the rotational torque detection unit is disposed in one of the operating unit, the drive gear, or the pinion gear.

5. 2. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the rotational torque detection unit includes a photointerrupter, a magnetic sensor, or a laser displacement sensor.

6. 2. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the rotational torque detection unit includes a strain gauge or a magnetostrictive sensor.

Images