Anti-backlash baitcast fishing reel

Abstract

The fishing reel includes a frame, a spool coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, a light source, a first optical component, a sensor, a second optical component, a controller, and a brake mechanism. The spool includes a first flange and a second flange. The first optical component is positioned such that light emitted from the light source and passing through the first optical component produces a substantially collimated band of light parallel to the axis of rotation. The second optical component is positioned and configured to focus the substantially collimated band of light toward the sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and generate a brake signal. The brake mechanism is electrically coupled to the controller, and in response to the brake signal, the brake mechanism applies a brake force that slows the spool.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Baitcast fishing reels suffer from a flaw called backlash, which occurs when the reel spool rotates more than the outgoing line, causing the outgoing line to catch on the rotating spool and be pulled back, resulting in a knotted tangle of line commonly known as a "bird's nest."

[0002] Several patents have disclosed solutions to the backlash problem, including U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,724 (B2), which is directed to a non-contact line sensor that captures image data of a fishing line's backlash condition as the line progresses through a backlash zone over time. Given the components listed in this patent, the control loop results in a time of around 100 milliseconds for determining a backlash condition. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,290 (B2) uses a line behavior sensor with digital imaging means that generates an output signal derived from recording images of the line as it unwinds. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,290 (B2), a computer is associated with the sensor and compares the output signals to control a braking mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,076 (B1) discloses a light emitter that emits a beam of light, a portion of which strikes a tightly wound bundle of line on a spool and is totally reflected back to a photodetector. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,076 B1, the portion of the light beam that is not reflected from the tightly wound bundle of thread is transmitted and absorbed by an infrared absorbing material on the other side of the spool, so that it does not affect the detection of the reflected light.

[0003] In light of the foregoing, fishing reels that use mechanisms for determining a backlash condition may be improved to determine a backlash condition more quickly and to reduce the size of the mechanism for determining a backlash condition. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In light of the foregoing, a fishing reel includes a frame, a spool coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, a light source, a first optical element, a sensor, a second optical element, a controller, and a brake mechanism. The spool includes a first flange at or near one end of the spool and a second flange at or near an opposite end of the spool. The first optical element is positioned relative to the light source and the spool such that light emitted from the light source and passing through the first optical element generates a substantially collimated band of light parallel to the axis of rotation. The second optical element is positioned relative to the light source, the spool, and the sensor and configured to focus the substantially collimated band of light toward the sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and generate a brake signal based on the received signal from the sensor. The brake mechanism is electrically coupled to the controller and, in response to the brake signal from the controller, applies a brake force to slow the spool.

[0005] For the above fishing reel, the first flange and the second flange can each include at least one respective flange opening extending therethrough, and the substantially collimated band of light passes through the respective flange opening. More specifically, the first flange and the second flange can each include a plurality of respective flange openings extending therethrough.

[0006] For any of the fishing reels described in the preceding paragraph or the paragraph before, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED). More particularly, the light source may be a single LED.

[0007] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the first optic or the second optic may be a Fresnel lens or an aspheric lens.

[0008] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the first optic may be positioned relative to the light source such that a band of substantially collimated light extends outwardly outside the outer diameter of the first flange and / or second flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0009] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the second optic may be identical in configuration to the first optic and rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the first optic about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0010] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the sensor may be a PIN diode that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal.

[0011] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the controller can be a low-power 8-bit or 32-bit microcontroller.

[0012] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the sensor can cooperate with the controller to detect differences in gain.

[0013] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the controller may be configured to generate and send a braking signal to the braking mechanism upon detecting a non-linear decrease in gain.

[0014] For any of the fishing reels described in the above paragraphs, the fishing reel may include a regenerative power source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the relevant components of a fishing reel. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spool and a spool shaft of the fishing reel shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates example components of a fishing reel 10, including a frame 12, a spool 14, a light source 16, a first optical element 18, a sensor 20, a second optical element 22, a controller 24, and a braking mechanism 26. The fishing reel 10 may further include a power source 28 for powering the light source 16, the sensor 20, the controller 24, and the braking mechanism 26. The power source may be, for example, a battery or a regenerative power source operatively connected to a spool drive (only a portion of which is shown). The spool drive may be conventionally known and is operable with the spool 14, a line guide (also not shown), and a crank handle (not shown). The spool drive typically includes at least one gear train, and when driven by the crank handle, the spool drive rotates the spool 14, reciprocating the line guide in a conventional manner to reel in fishing line wound on the spool 14. The spool drive may also include a clutch (also not shown) operatively coupled between the spool 14 and the spool drive, along with a drag mechanism, as is known in the art. When the clutch is engaged, the spool drive and drag are operatively coupled to the spool 14. As a result, rotation of the crank handle rotates the spool 14 to reel in fishing line. Simultaneously, the drag mechanism slows the reverse rotation of the spool 14 to release fishing line. When the clutch is disengaged to decouple the spool 14 from the spool drive and drag mechanism, the spool 14 is substantially free to rotate in the reverse direction to release fishing line, such as during casting. If not properly braked during casting, the spool 14 may rotate at a speed faster than the speed of the bait or lure and the line being cast, resulting in backlash.

[0017] Only a portion of the frame 12 is depicted in FIG. 1. The frame 12 supports the spool 14, light source 16, first optic 18, sensor 20, second optic 22, controller 24, and brake mechanism 26, along with other components of the fishing reel 10. The frame 12 may additionally house the above-mentioned components along with a spool drive and drag mechanism. The frame 12 may be made from a variety of materials and may be available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0018] The spool 14 is coupled to the frame 12 for rotation about a rotation axis 30. The spool 14 is mounted on a spool shaft 32 and includes a first flange 34 at or near one end of the spool 14 and a second flange 36 at or near the opposite end of the spool 14. The spool 14 is also operatively coupled to a spool drive and a drag mechanism. The spool 14 carries fishing line (not shown) wound between the first flange 34 and the second flange 36 of the spool 14. In the illustrated embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 2 , the first flange 34 includes first flange spokes 40 that separate and partially define first flange openings 42 extending through the first flange 34. Similarly, the second flange 36 includes second flange spokes 44 that separate and partially define second flange openings 46 extending through the second flange 36. The first flange 34 and the second flange 36 are each shown as including six flange openings 42, 46, respectively, although a fewer or greater number may be provided in each of the flanges 34, 36. The flange openings 42, 46 are each offset inwardly from the respective outer diameters 48, 50 of each flange 34, 36.

[0019] 1 , the light source 16 is positioned offset outward from an outer side 54 of the first flange 34 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 30. The outer side 54 is the side of the first flange 34 opposite the side facing the fishing line wound on the spool 14. The light source 16 may be a light emitting diode (LED). More specifically, the light source 16 may be a single LED, which may aid in the miniaturization of the anti-backlash system.

[0020] The first optical element 18 is positioned relative to the light source 16 and the spool 14 so that light emitted from the light source 16 and passing through the first optical element 18 produces a substantially collimated band of light 56 ​​parallel to the rotational axis 30 of the spool 14. Examples of such optical elements that can be used as the first optical element 18 include Fresnel-like lenses and aspheric lenses. The light source 16 and the first optical element 18 are cooperatively designed so that the substantially collimated band of light 56 ​​passes through the flange openings 42, 46 of the respective flanges 34, 36. The light source 16 and the first optical element 18 can also be cooperatively designed so that the substantially collimated band of light travels parallel to the rotational axis 30 radially outward of the respective outer diameters 48, 50 of the first and second flanges 34, 36 relative to a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis 30. The first optical component 18 is also positioned offset outward from the outside 54 of the first flange 34 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 30 and inserted between the light source 16 and the first flange 34.

[0021] The sensor 20 is offset outward from the outer side 58 of the second flange 36 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 30. The sensor 20 may be a photodiode. More specifically, the sensor 20 may be a PIN diode that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. The sensor 20 cooperates with the controller 24 to detect differences in gain (received light), which may indicate a loop of line emerging from the spool 14 immediately prior to a backlash condition. Gain typically increases as the line emerges from the spool 14 during a cast because the diameter of the wrapped line gradually decreases as the line unwinds, allowing more light from the substantially collimated band of light 56 ​​to reach the sensor 20. This results in a linear decrease in gain as the cast progresses. The controller 24 may be configured to detect a nonlinear decrease in gain, which may indicate a loop condition. Upon detecting a nonlinear decrease in gain, the controller 24 generates a braking signal to the braking mechanism 26. Although other types of optical sensors than PIN diodes can be used, the use of PIN diodes can aid in the miniaturization of anti-backlash systems.

[0022] The second optical element 22 is positioned relative to the light source 16, the spool 14, and the sensor 20 and is configured to focus a substantially collimated band of light 56 ​​toward the sensor 20. The second optical element 22 is also positioned offset outward from the outer side 58 of the second flange 36 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 30. The second optical element 22 is positioned between the sensor 20 and the outer side 58 of the second flange 36. The second optical element 22 may have the same configuration as the first optical element 18, but the orientation of the second optical element 22 differs from the orientation of the first optical element 18 in that the second optical element 22 is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the first optical element 18 about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis 30. Such an orientation enables the second optical element 22 to focus the collimated band of light 56 ​​toward the sensor 20, which can enable a compact anti-backlash system.

[0023] The controller 24 is coupled to the sensor 20 and configured to receive a signal from the sensor 20 and generate a braking signal based on the received signal from the sensor 20. The controller 24 may be, for example, a low-power 8-bit or 32-bit microcontroller. The braking mechanism 26 may be a conventional braking mechanism, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,724 B2 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,722 B1, and is coupled to the controller 24. In response to the braking signal received from the controller 24, the braking mechanism 26 applies a braking force that slows the spool 14.

[0024] First optic 18 cooperates with light source 16 to allow a single LED to distribute light evenly over a typically small rectangular area, such as a 10 mm by 2 mm area, if needed. This substantially collimated band of light 56 ​​can be received by second optic 22, which refocuses the collimated band of light 56 ​​to a small diameter that is received by sensor 20, which may be a single photodiode. Providing a substantially collimated band of light 56 ​​allows sensor 20 to "see" a loop of thread anywhere within the rectangular area. As an example, if spool 14 is full of thread and a long cast is made, the diameter of the thread on spool 14 will decrease as the thread comes out. Over a long cast, this can equate to a significant diameter change. If the first optic 18 produced a round beam of light, the sensor 20 could only detect gain changes over a small area as the diameter changed during casting, and the round beam would have to continue to grow larger for the sensor 20 to detect a possible thread loop. This is more problematic with monofilament threads because the thread's restoring force prevents large loops from forming. The roughly rectangular beam of light, depicted as a substantially collimated band of light 56, allows for the use of a single LED and a single photodetector, thereby miniaturizing the anti-backlash detection system. Even if a small thread loop begins to form on the spool, it can be detected regardless of how much thread remains on the spool 14 during casting. This results in an anti-backlash system with significantly more resolution than simply using a round beam photodetector and a highly divergent output from an LED. Using the components and configuration described above, the control loop results in a time of around 50 microseconds for determining a backlash condition, which is much faster than prior art designs.

[0025] It will be appreciated that various features of the above-described embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or variations thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications, and various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. It should be noted that the present specification discloses the following aspects. [Aspect 1] The frame and a spool coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, the spool including a first flange at or near one end of the spool and a second flange at or near an opposite end of the spool; A light source and a first optical component positioned relative to the light source and the spool such that light emitted from the light source and passing through the first optical component produces a substantially collimated band of light parallel to the axis of rotation; and A sensor, a second optical component disposed relative to the light source, the spool, and the sensor and configured to focus the substantially collimated band of light toward the sensor; and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and generate a braking signal based on the received signal from the sensor; a braking mechanism electrically coupled to the controller, the braking mechanism applying a braking force to slow the spool in response to the braking signal from the controller; A fishing reel equipped with [Aspect 2] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the first flange and the second flange each include at least one respective flange opening extending therethrough, and wherein the substantially collimated band of light passes through the respective flange opening. [Aspect 3] 3. The fishing reel of claim 2, wherein the first flange and the second flange each include a plurality of respective flange openings extending therethrough. [Aspect 4] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode (LED). [Aspect 5] 5. The fishing reel of claim 4, wherein the light source is a single LED. [Aspect 6] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the first optical component or the second optical component is a Fresnel lens or an aspherical lens. [Aspect 7] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the first optical element is positioned relative to the light source such that the substantially collimated band of light extends outward outside the outer diameter of the first flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. [Aspect 8] A fishing reel as described in aspect 1, wherein the first optical component is positioned relative to the light source such that the substantially collimated band of light extends outwardly outside the respective outer diameters of the first flange and the second flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. [Aspect 9] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the second optical component has an identical configuration to the first optical component and is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the first optical component about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis. [Aspect 10] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a PIN diode that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. [Aspect 11] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the controller is a low-power 8-bit or 32-bit microcontroller. [Aspect 12] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the sensor cooperates with the controller to detect a difference in gain. [Aspect 13] 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate and send the braking signal to the braking mechanism upon detecting a nonlinear decrease in gain. [Aspect 14] 10. The fishing reel of claim 1, further comprising a regenerative power supply. [Aspect 15] The frame and a spool coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, the spool including a first flange at or near one end of the spool and a second flange at or near an opposite end of the spool, the first flange and the second flange each including a plurality of respective flange openings extending therethrough; a single light emitting diode (LED) positioned outside the first flange and offset outward in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation; a first optical component, which is a Fresnel lens or an aspheric lens, positioned between the single LED and the spool such that light emitted from the single LED and passing through the first optical component produces a substantially collimated band of light parallel to the axis of rotation, the substantially collimated band of light being disposed parallel through the respective flange openings and outwardly outside the respective outer diameters of the first flange and the second flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a PIN diode disposed outside the second flange and shifted outward in a direction parallel to the rotation axis; a second optical component, the second optical component being a Fresnel lens or an aspheric lens, positioned between the spool and the PIN diode relative to the single LED, the second optical component configured to focus the substantially collimated band of light toward the PIN diode; a controller electrically coupled to the PIN diode and configured to receive a signal from the PIN diode and generate a damping signal based on detecting a nonlinear reduction in gain by the PIN diode; a braking mechanism electrically coupled to the controller, the braking mechanism applying a braking force to slow the spool in response to the braking signal from the controller; A fishing reel equipped with [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 10. Fishing Reels 12 frames 14 spools 16 light source 18 First Optical Component 20 sensors 22 Second Optical Component 24 Controller 26 Braking mechanism 28 Power supply 34 First flange 36 Second flange 40 First flange spoke 42 first flange opening 44 Second flange spoke 46 Second flange opening 30 Rotation axis 54 Outside 56 Belt of Light 48, 50 outer diameter 58 Outside

Claims

1. The frame and a spool coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, the spool including a first flange at or near one end of the spool and a second flange at or near an opposite end of the spool; A light source and a first optical component positioned relative to the light source and the spool such that light emitted from the light source and passing through the first optical component produces a substantially collimated band of light parallel to the axis of rotation; and A sensor, a second optical component disposed relative to the light source, the spool, and the sensor and configured to focus the substantially collimated band of light toward the sensor; and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and generate a braking signal based on the received signal from the sensor; a braking mechanism electrically coupled to the controller, the braking mechanism applying a braking force to slow the spool in response to the braking signal from the controller; Equipped with The controller is configured to generate and send the braking signal to the braking mechanism upon detecting a nonlinear decrease in gain.

2. 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the first flange and the second flange each include at least one respective flange opening extending therethrough, and the substantially collimated band of light passes through the respective flange opening.

3. 3. The fishing reel of claim 2, wherein the first flange and the second flange each include a plurality of respective flange openings extending therethrough.

4. 10. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

5. 5. The fishing reel of claim 4, wherein the light source is a single LED.

6. 2. The fishing reel according to claim 1, wherein the first optical component or the second optical component is a Fresnel lens or an aspherical lens.

7. 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the first optical element is positioned relative to the light source such that the substantially collimated band of light extends outwardly outside an outer diameter of the first flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

8. 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the first optical element is positioned relative to the light source such that the substantially collimated band of light extends outwardly outside a respective outer diameter of each of the first flange and the second flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

9. 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the second optical component has the same configuration as the first optical component and is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the first optical component about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis.

10. 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a PIN diode that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal.

11. 10. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the controller is a low-power 8-bit or 32-bit microcontroller.

12. 2. The fishing reel of claim 1, wherein the sensor cooperates with the controller to detect a difference in gain.

13. The fishing reel of claim 1 further comprising a regenerative power source.

14. The frame and a spool coupled to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, the spool including a first flange at or near one end of the spool and a second flange at or near an opposite end of the spool, the first flange and the second flange each including a respective plurality of flange openings extending therethrough; a single light emitting diode (LED) positioned outside the first flange and offset outward in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation; a first optical component, which is a Fresnel lens or an aspheric lens, positioned between the single LED and the spool such that light emitted from the single LED and passing through the first optical component produces a substantially collimated band of light parallel to the axis of rotation, the substantially collimated band of light being disposed parallel through the respective flange openings and outwardly outside the respective outer diameters of the first flange and the second flange in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a PIN diode disposed outside the second flange and shifted outward in a direction parallel to the rotation axis; a second optical component, the second optical component being a Fresnel lens or an aspheric lens, positioned between the spool and the PIN diode relative to the single LED, the second optical component configured to focus the substantially collimated band of light toward the PIN diode; a controller electrically coupled to the PIN diode and configured to receive a signal from the PIN diode and generate a braking signal based on detecting a nonlinear reduction in gain by the PIN diode; a braking mechanism electrically coupled to the controller, the braking mechanism applying a braking force to slow the spool in response to the braking signal from the controller; A fishing reel equipped with

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