Fishing reel with braking section

Abstract

To provide a fishing reel capable of continuing control by a control part including log storage and communication with external equipment even when spool stops in the fishing reel having a brake part imparting a brake force to the spool.SOLUTION: A fishing reel includes: a spool 3 rotatably axially supported by a reel body 2 of the fishing reel; a brake part 4 imparting a brake force to the spool by interaction between a permanent magnet 41 fitted to the spool and a coil 42 fitted to the reel body; a control part 5 controlling the brake part; a power source 7 capable of feeding the control part with power; a power generation part 8 capable of generating power as the brake part brakes; and a power source selection part 9 capable of choosing power to be supplied for the control part from at least between generated power by the power generation part and power stored in a power supply unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fishing reel having a braking unit that brakes a spool rotatably attached to a reel body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, dual-bearing reels, particularly bait-casting reels that use a fishing line with a lure or other rig attached to the end for casting, have been provided with a braking means for braking the spool to prevent backlash during casting.

[0003] As an example of a fishing reel equipped with such a braking means, Patent Document 1 discloses a fishing reel with an electrically controllable braking means to suppress backlash during casting. In the fishing reel of Patent Document 1, a permanent magnet provided on the spool and a coil provided on the stator (reel body) generate electricity when the spool rotates at high speed, and the induced electromotive force generated there is converted to direct current and voltage stabilized by a rectifier circuit, and the power is supplied to a storage element to drive a control board and appropriately control the conduction state of the coil, thereby realizing the application of an appropriate braking force to the spool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-208630 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The fishing reel disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a detection means, such as a spool rotation detection sensor, which allows it to detect reel status such as line length and winding speed. The detected reel status can be saved as a log or communicated with an external device such as a smartphone, improving user convenience. However, the fishing reel disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot supply power to the control board when the spool rotation speed is below a predetermined value (when the reel is stopped or at a low speed), making it practically difficult to save the reel status when the spool is rotating at a low speed and to perform various controls, including communicating with the outside world.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fishing reel having a braking unit that applies a braking force to a spool, in which the control unit can continue to perform control, including log storage and communication with external devices, even when the spool is stopped. 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 is configured to include a spool rotatably supported on a reel body of the fishing reel, a braking unit that applies a braking force to the spool through the interaction between a permanent magnet attached to the spool and a coil attached to the reel body, a control unit that controls the braking unit, a power supply unit that can supply power to the control unit, a power generation unit that can generate power in response to braking by the braking unit, and a power supply selection unit that can select at least either the power generated by the power generation unit or the power stored in the power supply unit as the power to be supplied to the control unit.

[0008] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power generating unit is configured to generate electricity through interaction between the coil and the permanent magnet.

[0009] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit is a rechargeable secondary battery, and is configured so that when the power generated by the power generation unit exceeds the driving power of the control unit, the power supply unit can be charged by the power generated by the power generation unit.

[0010] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an environmental power generation unit, and the power source selection unit is configured to be able to select the power to be supplied to the control unit from at least one of power generated by the power generation unit, power generated by the environmental power generation unit, or power stored in the power source unit.

[0011] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a detection unit that detects the state of the fishing reel, and the control unit includes at least one of a storage unit that stores the detection information detected by the detection unit and a transmission unit that transmits the detection information detected by the detection unit to an external device, and the control unit is configured to exclusively use the power stored in the power supply unit when the storage unit stores the detection information or the transmission unit transmits the detection information.

[0012] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to exclusively use the electric power generated by the power generation unit when controlling the braking force applied to the spool.

[0013] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a spool rotatably supported on a reel body of the fishing reel, a braking unit that applies a braking force to the spool through the interaction between a permanent magnet attached to the spool and a coil attached to the reel body, a control unit that controls the braking unit, a power supply unit that can supply power to the control unit, a power generation unit that can generate power in response to braking by the braking unit, and a power source selection unit that can select at least one of power generated by the power generation unit and power supplied from an external source of the fishing reel as power to charge the power source unit.The fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an energy harvesting unit, and the power source selection unit is configured to select at least one of power generated by the power generation unit, power generated by the energy harvesting unit, and power supplied from an external source of the fishing reel as power to charge the power source unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a fishing reel having a braking means for applying a braking force to the spool, in which even when the spool is stopped, the control unit can continue to perform control, including saving logs and communicating with external devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a control method for a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a control method for a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a control method for a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a control method for a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a control method for a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a control method for a fishing reel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a fishing reel 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] 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.

[0017] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figures 1(a), (b), and (c) are system diagrams showing the electrical functional configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] First, the component configuration of a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 1. As shown in the figure, the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a frame (reel body) 2, a spool 3, a braking section (braking means) 4, a control section (control means) 5, a detection section (detection means or sensor section) 6, and a power supply section 7, but may also include other components.

[0019] The frame (reel body) 2 is configured to be attachable to a fishing rod (not shown). Like conventional fishing reels, the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has an operating unit or operating means (e.g., a handle) (not shown), which can be operated by a user to rotate the spool 3 in the forward direction and reel in the fishing line. The rotation of the operating unit or operating means (hereinafter referred to as the operating unit) is transmitted to the spool 3 by a transmission means such as a gear (not shown).

[0020] Furthermore, the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a clutch unit (clutch means) (not shown), and a user 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 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 in both forward and reverse directions, allowing the fishing line to be released.

[0021] The fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a drag unit or drag means (not shown) 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 a reverse rotation prevention unit or reverse rotation prevention means (not shown) that prevents the operating unit from rotating in the reverse direction. Furthermore, the fishing reel 1 may also be provided with an oscillator device (not shown) that evenly winds the fishing line by reciprocating the position of a fishing line guide that guides the fishing line in accordance with the rotation of the spool 3.

[0022] The spool 3 is supported on the reel body 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the reel body 2. When the spool 3 rotates in the forward direction, the 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 the brake unit 4, which will be described later.

[0023] Next, we will explain the braking unit 4. The braking unit 4 is composed of a permanent magnet 41 provided on the spool 3, a coil 42 held integrally with the frame 2, and a switch element 43 provided in the control unit 5.

[0024] The permanent magnet 41 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape coaxial with the rotation axis of the spool 3, and its outer periphery is divided into n equal parts and magnetized with alternating north and south poles. The coil 42 is wound in a roughly rectangular shape so that the wound core wire faces the permanent magnet 41 and is positioned within the magnetic field of the magnet 41. When multiple coils 42 are arranged, the coils are electrically connected in series or parallel, and both ends of the coils are connected to the switch element 43.

[0025] The switch element 43 is configured, for example, by two parallel-connected field effect transistors (FETs) that can be turned on and off at high speed, and can select electrical connection / disconnection of the coil .

[0026] This configuration makes it possible to apply braking to the spool 3 using so-called dynamic braking. That is, as the spool 3 rotates at high speed, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 41 moves relative to the coil 42. When the coil 42 is electrically connected by the switch element 43 at this time, an electromotive force is generated in the coil 42. This electromotive force generates a current in the circuit formed by the coil 42, which generates a magnetic force in the permanent magnet 41 acting in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation. This generates a braking torque in the spool 3 that is proportional to the square of the rotation speed. Furthermore, when the coil 42 is electrically disconnected by the switch element 43, the generation of this braking torque can be stopped.

[0027] By appropriately switching between connection and disconnection of the switch element 43, a predetermined braking torque can be generated in the spool 3. While braking torque is being generated in the spool 3, the mechanical energy of the spool 3 is converted into electrical energy in the circuit formed by the coil 42.

[0028] In this specification, such a conversion means is referred to as a power generation unit (power generation means or power generation mechanism) 8 or a spool power generation unit 8. Here, the power generation unit 8 is composed of a permanent magnet 41, a coil 42, a switch element 43, a rectifier circuit, and a storage element, but may include components other than these. The power generation unit 8 generates electrical energy, and the generated electrical energy is supplied to the control unit 5 to operate and drive the control unit 5. In this specification, the power generation produced by the power generation unit 8 is referred to as spool power generation. Note that a yoke may be disposed around the outer periphery of the coil 42 to efficiently generate a magnetic field from the permanent magnet 41 in the coil 42.

[0029] Next, the control unit 5 controls the braking unit 4 to apply appropriate braking to the spool 3. The control unit 5 has a ROM that stores a predetermined program, a memory unit (RAM) that temporarily stores detection information and the like during program processing, and a CPU (not shown) that controls these components, and each of these components is disposed within a single semiconductor component or on a board on which an electric circuit is printed. The control unit 5 may also have a storage means (storage unit) such as a flash ROM that can store data even after power is turned off, a display unit such as an LED or LCD, and a communication means (communication unit) that communicates with the outside via wireless communication network technology, a USB connector, etc.

[0030] The CPU (not shown) of the control unit 5 is configured to acquire information from the detection unit 6 that detects the state of the fishing reel. The detection unit 6 may include, for example, a spool rotation detection unit or means 61 that detects the rotation state of the spool, a handle rotation detection unit or means 62 that detects the rotation state of the handle, a clutch detection unit or means 63 that detects the engaged / disengaged state of the clutch, a tension detection unit or means 64 that detects the tension of the fishing line, a set drag force detection unit or means 65 that detects the set drag force, a motion sensor 66 that detects the movement of the fishing reel and fishing rod, a braking force detection unit 67 that detects the braking force in the braking unit 4, etc., but the control unit 5 may be configured to include some or all of these.

[0031] The spool rotation detector 61 can detect whether the spool is rotating or not by an electrical signal generated when a detectable part, such as a magnet, provided on the spool approaches a detector, such as a coil, provided on the reel body (frame). As the detection means, a conventionally known method such as a photosensor or magnetic sensor can be used, and an appropriate detectable part can be provided on the spool depending on the detection means.

[0032] The handle rotation detector 62 can be implemented by attaching a rotation sensor to the handle or a gear that rotates in conjunction with the handle. It can be implemented by known means, such as an incremental rotation sensor that uses a photointerrupter or a magnetic sensor. A non-contact rotation sensor is desirable to ensure smooth handle rotation. By calculating the difference between the handle rotation detector 62 and the spool rotation detector 61, the amount of rotation idling caused by the drag device can be calculated.

[0033] The clutch detection means 63 can detect whether the fishing line can be released from the spool by attaching a limit switch, proximity sensor, or other sensor to a part of the clutch operating member. The tension detection unit 64 can be realized by various conventionally known technologies, such as using a strain sensor to detect the force acting on the rotating shaft of the pulley that guides the fishing line.

[0034] The set drag force detection unit 65 detects the set tension that is the threshold at which the spool spins freely. This can be achieved by detecting the charging force acting on the friction member in the drag device using a pressure sensor or the like.

[0035] The motion sensor 66 can detect the movement of the fishing rod or reel. This can be achieved by using a gyro sensor, a conventionally known technology, such as a method of detecting frequency changes in a vibrating piezoelectric element. By using a sensor called a nine-axis motion sensor that detects the direction, acceleration, and angular velocity of each of three orthogonal axes, the sensor can function as a direction detector, acceleration detector, and angular velocity detector. The set braking force detector 67 can detect the set value of the braking force for suppressing backlash.

[0036] The control unit 5 can generate a predetermined braking torque on the spool 3 by appropriately switching between connection and disconnection of the switch element 43 at known switching timing in accordance with the detection result of the above-mentioned detection unit 6. This can increase the casting distance of a lure or the like while avoiding the occurrence of backlash.

[0037] In the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 5 may be configured to store the reel status. One example of such a method is to acquire the detection results of the detection unit at predetermined timing (e.g., every predetermined time). Then, as necessary, the detection results are calculated and stored in a temporary memory area or a storage unit or means. This allows the time-varying reel status of the fishing reel to be stored. Specifically, it is possible to obtain a detailed understanding of the time-varying change in the spool rotation speed during casting, or to record the change in the fishing line length and reeling speed when retrieving a lure. The stored information may also be transmitted via the communication unit (communication means) to an external device, such as a personal computer or smartphone, or another fishing reel or fish finder equipped with the communication unit. The information may also be output to an output unit (output means), such as an LCD or speaker, to inform the user.

[0038] A fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a spool 3 rotatably supported on a reel body 2 of the fishing reel 1, a braking unit 4 that applies a braking force to the spool 3 through the interaction between a permanent magnet 41 attached to the spool 3 and a coil 42 attached to the reel body 2, a control unit 5 that controls the braking unit 4, a power supply unit 7 that can supply power to the control unit 5, a power generation unit 8 that can generate power in response to braking by the braking unit 4, and a power source selection unit 9 that can select at least either the power generated by the power generation unit 8 or the power stored in the power supply unit 7 as the power to be supplied to the control unit 5.

[0039] According to a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fishing reel 1 that has a braking unit 4 that applies a braking force to the spool 3, and that can continue control by the control unit 5, including log storage and communication with external devices, even when the spool 3 is stopped. Specifically, for example, it is possible to store changes in line length while fishing and check that information on an external device such as a smartphone.

[0040] In a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power generating unit 8 is configured to generate electricity through the interaction between a permanent magnet 41 attached to the spool 3 and a coil 42 attached to the reel body 2. In this way, it is possible to generate electricity for driving the control unit using the kinetic energy generated when the spool 3 rotates.

[0041] In a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 7 is a rechargeable secondary battery, and is configured so that when the power generated by the power generation unit 8 exceeds the drive / operation power of the control unit 5, the power supply unit 7 can be charged with the power generated by the power generation unit 8. In this way, when the rotation speed of the spool reaches a predetermined value or more, the power supply unit 7 can be charged without external power supply.

[0042] The fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an environmental power generation unit 10, and the power source selection unit 9 is configured to be able to select the power to be supplied to the control unit 5 from at least one of the power generated by the power generation unit 8, the power generated by the environmental power generation unit 10, and the power stored in the power source unit 7. In this way, it becomes possible to drive the control unit 5 using environmental energy present around the fishing reel, such as sunlight, temperature differences, and vibrations, thereby enabling the fishing reel's battery life to be extended.

[0043] A fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a detection unit (sensor unit) 6 that detects the state of the fishing reel 1, and the control unit 5 includes at least one of a storage unit 11 that stores detection information detected by the detection unit (sensor unit) 6 and a transmission unit 12 that transmits detection information detected by the detection unit (sensor unit) 6 to an external device. When the storage unit 11 stores the detection information or the transmission unit 12 transmits the detection information, the control unit 5 is configured to exclusively use the power stored in the power supply unit 7. Here, "exclusively" means that the same power source supplies at least the minimum power required to drive the control unit 5. In this way, even when the spool rotation speed is below a predetermined value and the power from the power generation unit 8 is low, the control unit 5 can be stably driven by the power from the power supply unit 8.

[0044] In a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 5 is configured to exclusively use the power generated by the power generation unit 8 when controlling the braking force on the spool 3. Here, "exclusively" means that the same power source supplies at least the minimum power required to drive the control unit 5. In this way, the control unit can be driven by power from the power generation unit 8 during casting, which avoids power consumption within the power supply unit and enables the battery life to be extended. In particular, because the power generated by the power generation unit 8 is consumed by the control unit immediately after generation, it is less susceptible to energy loss due to power storage, allowing for efficient power use.

[0045] A fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a spool 3 rotatably supported on a reel body 2 of the fishing reel 1, a braking unit 4 that applies a braking force to the spool 3 through the interaction between a permanent magnet 41 attached to the spool 3 and a coil 42 attached to the reel body 2, a control unit 5 that controls the braking unit 4, a power supply unit 7 that can supply power to the control unit 5, a power generation unit 8 that can generate power in response to braking of the braking unit 4, and a power source selection unit 9 that can select, as the power to charge the power supply unit 7, at least one of power generated by the power generation unit 8 and power supplied from an external source of the fishing reel 1. The fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an energy harvesting unit, and the power source selection unit is configured to be able to select, as the power to charge the power supply unit, at least one of power generated by the power generation unit, power generated by the energy harvesting unit, and power supplied from an external source of the fishing reel.

[0046] According to a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fishing reel 1 that has a braking unit 4 that applies a braking force to the spool 3, and that can continue to perform control by the control unit 5, including saving logs and communicating with external devices, even when the spool 3 is stopped. Specifically, even when the spool 3 is stopped, such as while waiting for a fish to bite after casting, it is possible to record the operation of the rod with an acceleration sensor and send that data to a smartphone.

[0047] As described above, the source of power supply to the control unit 5 in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is selected by the power source selection unit 9. The options for the power source include at least the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 described above and the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery). Examples of the battery as the power source unit 7 include, but are not limited to, replaceable dry batteries such as button batteries, secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries, and power storage devices such as lithium ion capacitors and electric double layer capacitors, which are capable of storing power to drive the control unit 4 for a certain period of time or more.

[0048] The power source selection unit 9 is a means for electrically selecting a power source for electrical components such as the control unit 5 and the detection unit 6, and is realized by, for example, a power source selector IC, FET, switch, etc. The power source selection unit 9 in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7.

[0049] Next, the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be further described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figures 2 to 7 are diagrams showing the direction of power transfer from each component. When the rotation speed of the spool 3 reaches a predetermined value or more and the power generated by the power generator (spool power generator) 8 exceeds the power consumption of the control unit 5, the power source selection unit 9 switches so that the power generated by the coil 42 is used to operate or drive the control unit 5, as shown in Figure 2.

[0050] This allows the control unit 5 to be operated or driven without consuming the power stored in the power supply unit 7 (e.g., a battery). The momentary voltage drop that occurs during switching can be compensated for by a capacitor or the like. Furthermore, if a rechargeable secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 7 (e.g., a battery) and the generated power is sufficiently large, the charging circuit 13 can be operated with power from the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 to charge the secondary battery in addition to operating or driving the control unit 5. The determination of whether or not the secondary battery can be charged can be made by determining whether or not the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 exceeds a predetermined value within a predetermined time. This allows the user to charge the battery without performing any special operations, even while using the fishing reel. Note that the charging circuit 13 is not required when a primary battery is used.

[0051] On the other hand, when the spool 3 is stopped or rotating at a low speed, or when the rotation speed of the spool 3 is below a predetermined value, the power consumption of the control unit 5 exceeds the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the power source selection unit 9 can be switched so that the control unit 5 is operated or driven using the power stored in the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery). This allows the control unit 5 to be operated or driven at all times, regardless of the amount of rotation of the spool 3. Therefore, even when the spool 3 is stopped or the fishing reel is being slowly reeled in, the reel status, such as the rotation speed of the spool 3, can be saved, the reel status can be displayed, and external communication can be performed.

[0052] Here, the threshold value at which the amount of power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 enables the control unit 5 and the detection unit 6 to operate or drive is determined by the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8. Possible means for increasing the power generation efficiency include increasing the volume of the permanent magnet 41, using a material with a high magnetic flux density, increasing the number of turns of the coil 42, or increasing the diameter of the winding. Also, the threshold value can be reduced by reducing the power consumption of the control unit 5 and the detection unit 6.

[0053] Furthermore, when reeling in the fishing line, the switch element 43 is connected to switch the brake unit 4 to a constant braking state (the braking state refers to a state in which the circuit created by the coil 42 forms a loop, generating a back electromotive force in the coil 42 and applying a braking force to the magnet provided on the spool), thereby increasing the amount of power generated by the power generator (spool power generator) 8. While this increases the operating torque when the user operates the handle, it increases the amount of power stored in the power storage element and extends the time for driving the control unit 5 and the detection unit 6. The detection unit 6 detects the rotation direction of the spool 3, and if the number of rotations in the release direction exceeds a predetermined value, it executes a braking sequence to prevent backlash and intermittently drives the switch element 43 as necessary. If the rotation direction of the spool 3 is the reeling direction, the brake unit 4 is constantly in a braking state, ensuring the amount of power generated by the power generator (spool power generator) 8.

[0054] In another embodiment, the power source selection unit 9 can be provided with a power source combining function that combines multiple power sources in addition to the power source selection function, in which case the following can be performed (for convenience in this specification, this will be referred to as the power source selection unit 9). Here, combining means supplying the total power supplied from multiple power supply sources to the control unit 5. When the rotation speed of the spool 3 is sufficiently high and higher than the power consumption of the control unit 5, the power source selection unit 9 is switched so that the control unit is operated or driven using the power generated in the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8, as shown in FIG. 2, as in the above case.

[0055] When the rotation speed of the spool 3 is below a predetermined value and the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 is generating almost no power, the power source selection unit 9 switches to drive the control unit 5 using the power stored in the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery), as shown in Fig. 3. When the rotation speed of the spool 3 is above a predetermined value and the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 generates a certain amount of power but is lower than the power consumption of the control unit 5, the power source selection unit 9 switches to combine the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 and the power stored in the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery) and supply the combined power to the control unit, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0056] With this method and configuration, the power source selection unit 9 can be configured to reduce the power consumption of the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery) even when the amount of power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 is less than the power consumption of the control unit 5, thereby achieving a longer battery life.

[0057] In a fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply options can include an environmental power generation unit (environmental power generation means) 10. Specifically, the environmental power generation unit 10 can be a photovoltaic cell that converts light energy into electrical energy, a vibration power generation unit / means that converts mechanical vibration energy into electrical energy, a temperature difference power generation unit / means that converts energy corresponding to the temperature difference between two points into electrical power, or the like, but other units are also possible. Furthermore, one of these units may be used, or a combination of two or more units may be used.

[0058] In this configuration, the power source selection unit 9 can function as follows. First, when the rotation speed of the spool 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the amount of power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 is greater than the power consumption of the control unit 5, the power source selection unit 9 switches so that the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 is used to operate or drive the control unit 5, as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, if a secondary battery is used as the power source unit 7 and the generated power is greater than the power consumption, the secondary battery may be charged by the charging circuit 13.

[0059] When the rotation speed of the spool 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the amount of power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 is smaller than the power consumption of the control unit 5, but the amount of power generated by the energy harvesting unit 10 is greater than the power consumption of the control unit 5, the power source selection unit 9 is switched so that the control unit 5 is operated or driven using the power generated by the energy harvesting unit 10, as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, if a secondary battery is used as the power source unit 7 and the generated power is greater than the power consumption, the secondary battery may be charged by the charging circuit 13.

[0060] When the amount of power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 and the amount of power generated by the energy harvesting unit 10 are both smaller than the power consumption of the control unit 5, as shown in Fig. 7, the power source selection unit 9 is switched so that the power stored in the power source unit 7 (for example, a battery) is supplied to the control unit 5. This reduces the frequency with which the power stored in the battery is used, thereby making it possible to extend the life of the battery.

[0061] Furthermore, if the power source selection unit 9 has the function of combining multiple power sources in addition to the function of selecting a power source, as in the method described above, the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 and the environmental power generation unit 10 and the power stored in the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery) can be combined to operate or drive the control unit 5, and the battery can also be charged as necessary.

[0062] Furthermore, the power source selection unit 9 can add an external power supply as an option for the power supply source. Possible external power supplies include, but are not limited to, a wired power supply means in which a connector terminal such as a USB terminal is provided on the fishing reel 1 and a wired cable is connected to the connector terminal to supply power from an external source via a wire, or a wireless power supply means in which a power receiving coil is provided within the device and power is supplied wirelessly from an external antenna. By supplying power to the control unit 5 using externally supplied power in this way, a stable power supply to the control unit 5 is possible, despite the constraints of the wired cable and external antenna, and there is no need to worry about the battery running out while the fishing reel 1 is connected.

[0063] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. In a fishing reel 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, a rechargeable secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 7, and the secondary battery can be used to supply power to the control unit 5. As in the above embodiment, the control unit 5 is able to grasp the reel state of the fishing reel by receiving a signal from the detection unit 6, and can issue a control command to the braking unit 4 accordingly, save the reel state as a log, or output it to an external device.

[0064] When the rotation speed of the spool 3 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 can be supplied to the secondary battery, which is the power supply unit 7, via the charging circuit 13. The power source to be supplied to the charging circuit 13 can be selected by the power source selection unit 9 from one or more of the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8, an external power source 14, and an energy harvesting unit 10. From these options, the one with the greatest power generation may be selected, or if an external power source is connected, the external power source may be selected with priority, or two or more of these may be selected (combined). Note that the energy harvesting unit 10 is not essential and can be omitted.

[0065] Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, the power source selection unit 9 may be configured to have the function of combining multiple power sources, and the power generated from the multiple options serving as the power supply source may be combined and then supplied to the charging circuit 13. This increases the complexity of the charging circuit 13, but allows for effective use of the generated power. With the fishing reel 1 according to the above embodiment of the present invention, even when no external power source is being supplied to the fishing reel 1, the power generated by the power generation unit (spool power generation unit) 8 can be supplied to the power source unit 7 (e.g., a battery). This allows for longer battery life, lower capacity, and lower costs.

[0066] Finally, the effects of the fishing reel 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fishing reel 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit is operated or driven by the power supply unit in addition to the spool power generation unit 8, power can be supplied stably to the control unit even when the spool rotation speed is low and sufficient power cannot be generated by power generation. Therefore, even when the spool is stopped or the fishing line is being reeled in slowly, power can be supplied to the control unit (and detection unit), so reel information can be constantly recorded and displayed on an external device or communicated.

[0067] Furthermore, in the fishing reel 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, if a rechargeable secondary battery is used as the power supply, the secondary battery serving as the power supply can be charged by the spool power generation unit or the environmental power generation unit. This allows the secondary battery to be charged depending on the situation even while the fishing reel is in use, thereby extending the battery's life and enabling a smaller size and lower cost due to a lower battery capacity.

[0068] Furthermore, in the fishing reel 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is used to adjust the braking force during casting. Generally, during casting, the spool rotation speed increases and the change in rotation speed also becomes greater. In this case, the control unit must adjust the braking force of the braking unit at high speed, which generally increases power consumption. However, since the power generated by the spool power generator increases in accordance with the spool rotation speed, the power generated increases as power consumption increases. As a result, an increase in power consumption by the power supply unit can be avoided. In this way, during casting, the control unit can be operated or driven primarily using power from the spool power generator.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit can be used to detect the reel state and communicate with the outside world when not being thrown. In this case, the change in the reel state is smaller than when being thrown, so the power consumption of the control unit is generally smaller. Although the power generated by the spool power generation unit is smaller when not being thrown, the power consumption of the control unit is relatively small, so the impact on battery life can be reduced. In this way, when the detection unit is acquiring, saving, or communicating reel information when not being thrown, the control unit can be operated or driven mainly using the power stored in the power supply unit (e.g., a battery).

[0070] 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]

[0071] 1 fishing reel 2 Frame (reel body) 3 spools 4 Braking part 5. Control section 6. Detection unit 7 Power supply section 8 Power Generation Department 9 Power supply selection section 10. Energy Harvesting Department 11 Preservation Department 12 Transmitter 13 Charging circuit 14 External power supply 61 Spool rotation detection unit (spool rotation detection means) 62 Steering wheel rotation detection unit (steering wheel rotation detection means) 63 Clutch detection unit (clutch detection means) 64 Tension detection unit (tension detection means) 65 Set drag force detection unit (set drag detection means) 66 Motion Sensor 67 Braking force detection unit (braking force detection means)

Claims

1. a spool rotatably supported on a reel body of the fishing reel; a braking unit that applies a braking force to the spool by interaction between a permanent magnet attached to the spool and a coil attached to the reel body; a control unit that controls the braking unit; a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the control unit; a power generating unit capable of generating power in response to braking of the braking unit; a power source selection unit that can select, as the power to be supplied to the control unit, at least one of the power generated by the power generation unit and the power stored in the power source unit; A fishing reel comprising:

2. 2. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the power generating unit generates electricity through interaction between the coil and the permanent magnet.

3. the power supply unit is a rechargeable secondary battery, 3. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein when the power generated by the power generating unit exceeds the drive power of the control unit, the power supply unit can be charged with the power generated by the power generating unit.

4. Further comprising an energy harvesting unit, 4. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the power source selection unit is capable of selecting, as the power to be supplied to the control unit, at least one of the power generated by the power generation unit, the power generated by the energy harvesting unit, and the power stored in the power source unit.

5. Further, a detection unit for detecting a state of the fishing reel is provided. the control unit includes at least one of a storage unit that stores detection information detected by the detection unit and a transmission unit that transmits the detection information detected by the detection unit to an external device, 5. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the control unit exclusively uses the power stored in the power supply unit when the storage unit stores the detection information or the transmission unit transmits the detection information.

6. 5. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the control unit exclusively uses the electric power generated by the power generation unit when controlling the braking force applied to the spool.

7. a spool rotatably supported on a reel body of the fishing reel; a braking unit that applies a braking force to the spool by interaction between a permanent magnet attached to the spool and a coil attached to the reel body; a control unit that controls the braking unit; a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the control unit; a power generating unit capable of generating power in response to braking of the braking unit; a power source selection unit that can select the power to be charged to the power source unit from at least one of the power generated by the power generation unit and the power supplied from an external source of the fishing reel; A fishing reel comprising:

8. Further comprising an energy harvesting unit, 8. The fishing reel according to claim 7, wherein the power source selection unit is capable of selecting, as the power to charge the power source unit, at least one of power generated by the power generation unit, power generated by the energy harvesting unit, and power supplied from an external source to the fishing reel.

Images