Braking device and fishing reel

Abstract

Provided is a braking device and a fishing reel capable of not only achieving miniaturization and cost reduction, but also providing optimum braking force in a wider speed range, and more reliably achieving improvement of casting distance and prevention of backlash. A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a spool capable of winding a fishing line; a reel body that rotatably supports the spool; a winding unit capable of operating the spool in a winding direction; a switching unit capable of switching whether the spool can be discharged; an electromagnetic braking unit for electromagnetically braking the spool; a friction braking unit for applying a frictional force to the spool; and an adjustment member for adjusting a braking force to the spool. The adjustment member is configured so as to be capable of adjusting both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit.

Description

Brake device and fishing reel

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-194186 (filed November 15, 2023), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The present invention relates to a braking device and a fishing reel.

[0002] Conventionally, fishing reels have used two separate components to prevent line tangles: an eddy current braking means, whose braking force varies according to the rotation of the spool, and a friction braking means, whose braking force is largely independent of the rotation of the spool.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fishing reel that includes a frame having left and right side frames, a handle disposed on one of the left and right side frames of the frame, side plates disposed on each of the left and right side frames of the frame, and a spool rotatably supported between the side plates, and a braking device that can adjust the rotational braking force of the spool is disposed between the side frame and side plate on the opposite side of the handle, and the braking device has a plurality of operating parts that are each operated by an angler to adjust the rotational braking force of the spool, and a plurality of visual parts that allow the angler to visually check the adjustment status of the operating parts, and the side plate on the opposite side of the handle has a window on its outer surface that allows an angler holding the reel body to view the multiple visual parts through the window from outside the side plate, and the visual part and the operating part exposed within the window are positioned so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the side plate.

[0004] JP 2012-147740 A

[0005] Generally, braking means aim to provide optimal braking force over a wide speed range in order to improve flight distance and prevent backlash, but situations in which braking of the spool is necessary include after reaching maximum speed immediately after casting, when a large braking force is required to prevent backlash, at low speeds before landing on water, when a small braking force is required to increase flight distance, and when landing on water, when a large braking force is desired.

[0006] However, with any fishing reel, including the fishing reel disclosed in Patent Document 1, it has not been possible to improve casting distance and prevent backlash in all of the above situations. In many cases, when the lure hits the water, a large braking force is required, and the angler must perform a thumbing operation to land the lure, which cannot be done at the optimal timing when fishing at night or when the lure has been lost. With conventional known methods, it has been difficult to accurately and reliably improve casting distance and prevent backlash by applying optimal braking force over a wide speed range.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a braking device and a fishing reel that not only achieves miniaturization and cost reduction, but also provides optimal braking force over a wider speed range, thereby improving casting distance and more reliably preventing backlash. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent by reading this entire specification.

[0008] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a spool on which fishing line can be wound, a reel body that rotatably supports the spool, a winding unit that can operate the spool in the winding direction, a switching unit that can switch whether the spool can be released or not, an electromagnetic braking unit that electromagnetically brakes the spool, a friction braking unit that applies a frictional force to the spool, and an adjustment member that adjusts the braking force on the spool, the adjustment member being configured to be able to adjust both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit.

[0009] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic braking unit is configured to include an electromagnetically braked member provided on the spool, a magnetic force generating member provided on the fishing reel for generating a magnetic force on the electromagnetically braked member, and a magnetic force adjustment mechanism for changing the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating member on the electromagnetically braked member as the adjustment member moves.

[0010] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic force generating member is a permanent magnet.

[0011] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the friction braking section is configured to include a friction-bearing member provided on the spool, a contact member that contacts the friction-bearing member, an elastic member that holds the contact member, and an elastic force adjustment mechanism that changes the amount of deformation of the elastic member in accordance with movement of the adjustment member.

[0012] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a drive unit that adjusts the position of the adjustment member, and a control unit that controls the drive unit.

[0013] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit is a motor or an actuator, and the control unit is a microcomputer.

[0014] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the braking force of the electromagnetic braking unit is at a minimum, the contact member does not come into contact with the frictional member, and when the braking force of the electromagnetic braking unit is at a maximum, the deformation of the elastic member is at a maximum.

[0015] A braking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an electromagnetic braking unit that electromagnetically brakes a spool of a fishing reel, a friction braking unit that applies a frictional force to the spool, and an adjustment member that adjusts the braking force on the spool, and the adjustment member is configured to be able to adjust both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit.

[0016] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a braking device and a fishing reel that not only achieves miniaturization and cost reduction, but also applies optimal braking force over a wider speed range, thereby more reliably improving casting distance and preventing backlash.

[0017] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a braking device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a braking device provided for a fishing reel. (A) Diagrams illustrating the braking torque and spool speed characteristics of an electromagnetic braking unit, (B) Diagrams illustrating the braking torque and spool speed characteristics of a friction braking unit, and (C) Diagrams illustrating the braking torque and spool speed characteristics of a braking device of the present invention. (B) Diagrams illustrating a specific example of throwing a throwing object such as a lure using a braking device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a braking device 7 provided for a fishing reel 1. (C) Diagrams illustrating an exploded perspective view of a braking device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a braking device 7 provided for a fishing reel 1. (D) Diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional view of an assembled braking device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a braking device 7 provided for a fishing reel 1, taken along a plane passing through the spool rotation axis, where (A) shows the maximum braking force and (B) shows the minimum braking force. (D) Diagrams illustrating another method of adjusting the electromagnetic braking unit in a braking device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a braking device 7 provided for a fishing reel 1. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating another method of adjusting the friction braking portion (friction braking means) of the braking device 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 of the fishing reel 1. (A) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the braking torque of the electromagnetic braking portion and the position θ of the adjustment member, (B) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position θ of the braking torque adjustment member of the friction braking portion, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position θ of the braking torque adjustment member of the braking device.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of a braking device and 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 multiple drawings. Please note that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for the sake of convenience.

[0019] The fishing reel of the present invention is a type known as a dual-bearing reel. First, the structure of a typical dual-bearing reel, including the fishing reel of the present invention, and the causes of backlash and methods for preventing it will be briefly described.

[0020] In such dual-bearing reels, a spool onto which fishing line can be wound is rotatably supported on a fishing reel body (frame). A user can rotate the spool in the forward direction (winding direction) using a conventionally known operating device such as a handle, thereby winding fishing line onto the spool. Dual-bearing reels have a known clutch (not shown), which, in the engaged state, can transmit driving force from the operating device to the spool 2. On the other hand, in the disconnected state, the spool is freely rotatable, and in this state, applying an external force to the fishing line can rotate the spool in the release direction.

[0021] At this time, if the rotation speed of the spool exceeds the release speed of the lure or other object being thrown, line fuzz will occur, and if the amount of line fuzz becomes too great, line tangles (backlash) will occur. To prevent line tangles (backlash), a braking force is generated on the spool by a braking device, but if this braking force is too great, it will lead to a decrease in casting distance, and on the other hand, if the braking force is too small, the risk of line tangles (backlash) will increase.

[0022] Next, a braking device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a braking device provided in a fishing reel will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 include an electromagnetic braking section (electromagnetic braking means) 71 that applies an electromagnetic braking force to the spool 2, and a friction braking section (friction braking means) 72 that comes into contact with the spool 2 and applies a braking force by friction.

[0024] The electromagnetic braking unit 71 is generally called an eddy current brake, and is composed of an inductor rotor (braked member) 21 made of a conductor such as aluminum that is integral with the spool 2, and a permanent magnet 711 that is attached to the reel body. When the spool 2 rotates, an eddy current is generated on the inductor rotor 21 due to the magnetic field created by the permanent magnet 711. This generates a braking torque on the spool 2 that is proportional to the rotational speed and the strength of the magnetic field on the inductor rotor.

[0025] The friction braking section 72 is composed of a friction target member 22 provided on the spool 2, a contact member 721 that comes into contact with the friction target member 22, and an elastic member 722 that biases the contact member 721. A friction force (Coulomb friction) proportional to the biasing force of the elastic member 721 is generated in the friction target member 22. As a result, a braking torque that is independent of the rotational speed is generated in the spool 2.

[0026] The adjustment member 73 can simultaneously adjust the braking torque of both the electromagnetic braking unit 71 and the friction braking unit 72. In the braking device 7 and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment member 73 is supported rotatably within a certain range (e.g., 0° to 180°) relative to the reel body 3. The permanent magnet 711 of the electromagnetic braking unit 71 is moved in response to the rotation of the adjustment member 73, thereby changing the strength of the magnetic field acting on the induct rotor 21. At the same time, the deformation amount of the elastic member is also changed by a predetermined mechanism 723 in response to the rotation of the adjustment member 73. This makes it possible to adjust the braking torque of both the electromagnetic braking unit 71 and the friction braking unit 72 in response to the rotation of the adjustment member 73.

[0027] At this time, it is preferable to set the friction braking unit 72 to generate a maximum braking torque when the electromagnetic braking unit 71 generates a maximum braking torque. Also, it is preferable to set the contact member 721 not to come into contact with the friction target member 21 when the electromagnetic braking unit 71 generates a minimum braking torque.

[0028] Next, the characteristics of the braking torque and spool speed of the electromagnetic braking unit (FIG. 2(A)), the characteristics of the braking torque and spool speed of the friction braking unit (FIG. 2(B)), and the characteristics of the braking torque and spool speed of the braking device of the present invention (FIG. 2(C)) will be described with reference to Figure 2. Also, the relationship between the braking torque of the electromagnetic braking unit and the position θ of the adjustment member (FIG. 8(A)), the relationship between the position θ of the braking torque adjustment member of the friction braking unit (FIG. 8(B)), and the relationship between the position θ of the braking torque adjustment member of the braking device (FIG. 8(C)) will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0029] The braking torque generated by the electromagnetic braking unit 71 is proportional to the spool speed and the strength of the magnetic field generated in the inductor rotor 21. When the magnetic field strength is configured to be proportional to the position of the adjustment member 73, the braking torque on the spool 2 has the characteristics shown in FIG. 2A. The braking torque generated by the friction braking unit 72 does not depend on the spool speed, but generates a braking force proportional to the normal force generated in the friction-receiving member 21. Therefore, the braking torque generated by the friction braking unit 72 has the characteristics shown in FIG. 2B. Note that when the contact member 721 is not in contact with the friction-receiving member 22, the braking torque generated by the friction braking unit 72 is zero. Taking advantage of this, if the position θ when the contact member 721 contacts the friction-receiving member 22 is θ1°, the contact member 721 is in a non-contact state when the position θ of the adjustment member is smaller than θ1°, and the biasing force of the elastic member 722 increases as the position θ becomes equal to or exceeds θ1°, the characteristics shown in FIG. 8B can be achieved.

[0030] Figure 2(C) is a combination of the braking torque due to the electromagnetic braking unit shown in Figure 2(A) and the braking torque due to the friction braking unit shown in Figure 2(B), and shows the braking torque characteristics of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 included in the fishing reel 1. In this way, by changing the position of the adjustment member, the braking torque characteristics can be significantly changed.

[0031] The following describes the effects of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1. The braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 can generate both braking torque due to eddy current, which is a non-contact force, and braking torque due to frictional force, which is a contact force, on the spool 2, and the amounts can be adjusted with a single adjustment member 73, making it possible to provide a braking means that combines the advantages of both braking torques.

[0032] Here, braking torque due to eddy currents has the advantage that it is a non-contact force, so it can avoid the effects of wear, and it does not depend on the surface friction coefficient, so it can avoid the effects of wetting, etc. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage that the braking torque is small at low speeds, so if backlash occurs at low speeds, the required braking force / torque cannot be obtained. Since braking torque due to contact friction can be considered as Coulomb friction, it can generate a nearly constant braking force / torque at both low and high speeds, so it can apply the required braking force / torque even if backlash occurs at low speeds.

[0033] According to the brake device 7 and the brake device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the spool speed is low, the required braking force and braking torque can be secured mainly by the friction braking unit. Furthermore, when the spool speed is high, the required braking force and braking torque can be secured mainly by the electromagnetic braking unit. This allows a predetermined braking force and braking torque to be secured over a wide range of spool speeds. Furthermore, because the required braking torque can be generated by both the friction braking unit and the electromagnetic braking unit, the torque capacity required for each braking unit can be reduced compared to when each braking unit is configured independently. This allows each braking unit to be made smaller, have a longer lifespan, and be less expensive.

[0034] When only the electromagnetic braking unit is operating, the braking force is proportional to the product of the spool speed and the magnetic force acting on the inductor rotor. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the spool speed is low, a large braking force cannot be applied regardless of the position θ of the adjustment member. On the other hand, when both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit are operating, as in the braking device 7 and the braking device 7 of the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the friction braking unit can generate sufficient braking torque even when the spool speed is low. Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the adjustment member, the braking torque can be reduced in situations where braking torque is not required, thereby increasing the casting distance of a thrown object such as a lure.

[0035] Furthermore, compared to generating the required braking torque solely with the friction braking unit, this has the advantage of being less susceptible to wear and less dependent on the surface friction coefficient. If the braking torque of two braking devices can be adjusted with a single adjustment member, as in the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided on the fishing reel 1, there is no need to adjust each braking device independently. This is because, when used as a casting brake for a fishing reel, there are almost no disadvantages due to the inability to control them independently.

[0036] When braking torque is required, the braking torque of both the friction braking unit and the electromagnetic braking unit can be increased, and when braking torque is not required, the braking torque of both the friction braking unit and the electromagnetic braking unit can be decreased. On the other hand, by adjusting the two braking torques with one adjustment member, only one adjustment member is required, making it possible to reduce the size and cost of the entire device.

[0037] The braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 included in the fishing reel 1 may be more preferably position-controlled by a motor 9, as shown in FIG. 1 . The braking device 7 may further include a motor 9 for driving the adjustment member and a control means (microcomputer) 11 for controlling the motor 9. In this case, a speed reduction mechanism may be provided between the motor and the adjustment member as needed. A sensor may also be provided to detect the position of the adjustment member, allowing the adjustment member to be accurately positioned sequentially by feedback control or the like.

[0038] This allows the braking torque characteristics of the braking device to be adjusted even during casting. If necessary, a detection unit (detection means) for detecting the spool speed and the amount of line fuzz, and a motion sensor for detecting the user's fishing rod operation, can be provided, and the braking torque can be adjusted based on the detected values, making it easier to optimize the braking torque. In this case, with the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1, the range in which the braking torque can be set can be widened by adjusting the position of the adjustment member, as shown in FIGS. 2(C) and 8(C). In this way, it is possible to optimize the braking torque under various conditions.

[0039] Furthermore, by adjusting two braking torques with one adjustment member, as in the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided on the fishing reel 1, only one motor and motor driver are required, which makes it possible to reduce the size and cost of the entire device and also simplifies the control program.

[0040] Next, a specific example of using the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 included in the fishing reel 1 to throw a lure or other throwable object will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the change over time in the spool rotation speed when a lure or other throwable object is thrown. The vertical axis represents the spool rotation speed, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0041] Here, the process from casting a lure to landing on the water will be explained in four regions: (1) acceleration region, (2) maximum speed region, (3) cruising region, and (4) landing region. First, in (1) acceleration region, when the user swings the fishing rod, the thrown object (e.g., lure) receives tension from the fishing line and is given an initial velocity. Then, when the user releases the spool at the appropriate time, the spool receives tension from the fishing line and begins to rotate. As long as the amount of fishing line released from the spool does not exceed the lure's speed, the spool continues to receive tension from the fishing line and accelerate. During this time, the lure's trajectory is gradually changed by the tension from the fishing line. This acceleration region often lasts from 80 to 150 ms after the start of casting. Furthermore, in this acceleration region, the spool is constantly under tension from the lure, so line slack does not occur and the braking device does not need to generate a large braking torque.

[0042] Next, in the (2) maximum speed range, the spool continues to receive tension from the fishing line, and eventually the lure's flight speed and the line's release speed balance out. At this point, the spool reaches its maximum speed. For a typical dual-bearing reel, the spool's maximum speed is often around 10,000 to 40,000 rpm, depending on the conditions. If no braking torque is applied to the spool, the line's tension at this time will be zero. After casting, the lure continues to decelerate due to air resistance, while the spool continues at its maximum speed due to inertia. As a result, the line's release speed exceeds the lure's flight speed, resulting in line slack or backlash. Because the spool is at its maximum speed, backlash that occurs at this point tends to grow rapidly. To prevent this, a braking torque is applied to the spool using a braking device.

[0043] The braking torque should preferably be approximately equal to the air resistance experienced by the lure and fishing line multiplied by the spool radius. Because the air resistance experienced by a lure increases as its flight speed increases, the required braking torque also increases in accordance with the lure's flight speed. Furthermore, the required braking torque is easily affected by various factors, such as the lure's posture, trajectory, weight, and shape, the fishing rod's swing style and characteristics, and the influence of wind. In the braking device 7 and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the braking torque required in such cases is generated primarily by an electromagnetic braking unit. This allows the braking torque to change in response to changes in the lure's flight speed, making it easier to optimize the braking torque using the same setting member position.

[0044] Next, in the (3) cruising region, after reaching its maximum speed, the lure continues to be cast diagonally while being subjected to air resistance and gravity, and the spool continues to decelerate due to the braking device. If the braking torque becomes too large, the lure receives rearward tension from the fishing line, shortening the casting distance. If the braking torque becomes too small, the speed at which the fishing line is released from the spool exceeds the flight speed of the lure, resulting in line fray or backlash. For this reason, it is desirable to set the braking torque at a level equivalent to the air resistance experienced by the lure and fishing line. Because the air resistance experienced by the lure increases as the flight speed increases, the required braking torque also increases according to the flight speed of the lure. Therefore, even in the cruising region, it is desirable to generate braking torque primarily using an electromagnetic braking unit.

[0045] Next, in the (4) water landing region, when the lure hits the water or lands, it experiences significant resistance from the water surface and the ground, causing it to rapidly decelerate. With a typical reel, the lure often hits the water within 1 to 4 seconds of the start of the cast. In this case, the spool speed is often around 2000 to 5000 rpm, and the spool continues to rotate due to inertial force. Therefore, if the spool is not braked, line fuzz or backlash will occur. In the brake device 7 and the brake device 7 of the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, braking torque is preferably generated primarily by the friction braking unit. This allows for sufficient braking torque to be obtained even when the spool slows down, such as when the lure hits the water.

[0046] Conventional braking devices require the user to visually observe the lure's landing on the water and apply braking force (thumbing) with their fingers, or to apply a large braking force (braking torque) in advance. When the user performs a thumbing operation, depending on the user's skill, there are problems such as a loss of casting distance or backlash. Visual observation of the lure's landing on the water can be difficult, particularly at night, in bad weather, or when casting a lure far away, making it difficult to optimize the braking torque. Furthermore, generating a braking torque that does not cause backlash when the lure hits the water requires a large braking torque throughout the entire cast, resulting in a loss of casting distance.

[0047] In contrast, the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 included in the fishing reel 1 can adjust the position of the adjustment member to generate a large braking torque when it detects that the reel is about to land on water, for example by detecting that the spool speed has dropped below a predetermined value. This makes it possible to effectively suppress backlash when the reel hits water, without requiring a thumbing operation when the reel hits water. In this way, the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 included in the fishing reel 1 can adjust the braking torque of both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit with a single adjustment member, making it possible to optimize the braking torque according to various situations.

[0048] Furthermore, by configuring the brake device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the adjustment member of the brake device 7 provided on the fishing reel 1 to be adjusted in position by a motor, the necessary braking torque can be generated at any time even during casting, making it possible to achieve both an extension of flight distance and prevention of backlash over a wide range.

[0049] Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, specific configuration examples of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 will be shown. Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1, and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1, taken along a plane passing through the spool rotation axis, where Figure 5(A) shows the case where the braking force is at its maximum, and Figure 5(B) shows the case where the braking force is at its minimum.

[0050] A fishing reel 1 equipped with a braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a spool 2, a fixed member (set plate) 8, an electromagnetic braking means 71, an inductor rotor 21, a fixed magnet 711A, a rotating magnet 711B, a magnet gear 73, a friction braking portion 72, a contact member 721, a linear member 723, a biasing spring 722, a guide rod 724, a cap 81, and a motor 9.

[0051] The spool 2 is a generally cylindrical body, and fishing line can be wound around its outer periphery. It is rotatably supported by the fixed member 8. An inductor rotor 21 (described later) is fixed to one end face, and it has a friction braking surface 22. The friction braking surface 22 is preferably made of a material that is wear-resistant, has a high coefficient of friction, and exhibits minimal fluctuation in the coefficient of friction, such as grease-impregnated felt, carbon fiber, metal, or resin. The fixed member 8 and cap 81 are structural members that are fixed to the reel body 3. The magnet gear 73 and the linear member 723 are disposed between the fixed member 8 and the cap 81, thereby allowing the magnet gear 73 to rotate and the linear member 723 to move in translation.

[0052] The induct rotor 21 has a generally cylindrical shape and is made of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or copper. The fixed magnet 711A is cylindrical. It is fixed to the fixed member 8 and is divided into N parts (e.g., six parts) in the circumferential direction, and is magnetized alternately to north and south poles. The fixed magnet 711A is arranged coaxially inside the induct rotor 21 with a predetermined gap therebetween. The rotating magnet 711B is cylindrical. It is fixed to the magnet gear 73 and is divided into N parts (e.g., six parts) in the circumferential direction, and is magnetized alternately to north and south poles. The rotating magnet 711B is arranged coaxially outside the induct rotor 21 with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0053] The magnet gear 73 is rotatably supported by the fixed member 8. The magnet gear 73 corresponds to the adjustment member in the fishing reel 1 equipped with the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5(A), when the rotating magnet 711A and the fixed magnet 711B face each other with opposite poles, the strength of the magnetic field penetrating the induct rotor 21 is maximized. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(B), when the position of the magnet gear 73 is adjusted so that the rotating magnet 711A and the fixed magnet 711B face each other with the same poles, the strength of the magnetic field penetrating the induct rotor 21 is minimized.

[0054] The magnet gear 73 can be driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). By controlling the position of the motor using conventionally known means, it is possible to adjust the strength of the eddy current brake acting on the inductor rotor 21. Note that the magnet gear 73 may be configured so that the user can directly adjust its position using an operating unit (operating means) such as a dial.

[0055] The rectilinear member 723 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the fixed member 8 by guiding a guide rod 724 held by the fixed member 8 in a guide hole 7233. The rectilinear member 723 also has a spiral cam 7231 provided on its side surface (in the example shown in FIG. 4, three spiral cams 7231 are provided at intervals of 120°). The spiral cam 7231 follows a follower 731 provided on the outer periphery of the magnet gear 73. This allows the rectilinear member 723 to translate in the axial direction in response to the rotation of the magnet gear 73. The rectilinear member 723 has a contact member holding portion 7232 (in the example shown in FIG. 4, three spiral cams 7231 are provided at intervals of 120°). The contact member holding portion 7232 can accommodate the biasing spring 722 and the contact member 721.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5(A), when the rectilinear member 723 is in the axially forward position, the contact member 721 comes into contact with the frictional braking surface 22 provided on the spool end face, and the amount of deformation of the biasing spring 722 is maximized. Therefore, the braking force applied by the contact member 721 to the spool 2 is maximized. If the rectilinear member 723 is gradually moved rearward from this state, the amount of deformation of the biasing spring 722 gradually decreases, and the braking force also decreases accordingly. If the rectilinear member 723 is moved further rearward, the contact member 721 moves away from the frictional braking surface 22, and the braking force becomes zero, as shown in Figure 5(B).

[0057] The braking force due to the eddy current brake and the braking force due to the frictional force can both be adjusted by changing the position of the magnet gear 73. In other words, the magnet gear 73 corresponds to a position adjustment member, and can achieve the above-mentioned effects. Note that the method of adjusting the adjustment member and the electromagnetic braking means, and the method of adjusting the adjustment member and the frictional brake are not limited to the examples in this embodiment.

[0058] Another method of adjusting the electromagnetic braking means is shown in Figure 6. In this example, the width of the axial gap between one pole of the permanent magnet 712 and the spool 2 is adjusted by a pinion gear (not shown) provided on the adjustment member 173 and a rack gear (not shown) provided on the permanent magnet 712. This makes it possible to adjust the strength of the magnetic field on the spool, and therefore the electromagnetic braking force. The motor 9 and control means (microcomputer) 11 are as described above, and therefore their description will be omitted here.

[0059] Next, with reference to Figure 7, we will explain another method of adjusting the friction braking portion (friction braking means) of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the friction braking portion broken away from a plane perpendicular to the spool rotation axis, with Figure 7(A) showing the minimum braking force and Figure 7(B) showing the maximum braking force.

[0060] In another method for adjusting the friction braking portion (friction braking means) of the braking device 7 and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the contact member (elastically deformable portion) 1721 is configured as an elastically deformable cantilever. One end of the contact member 1721 (cantilever) is connected to the rotating shaft 1621, and the rotating shaft 1621 is connected by a gear or the like (not shown) so that the rotating shaft 1621 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the adjustment member 1073. The other end of the contact member 1721 (cantilever) is capable of contacting a friction braking member 1521 provided on a part of the spool (not shown).

[0061] When the position of the adjustment member 1073 is adjusted to the minimum braking state, the contact member 1721 moves to a position where it does not come into contact with the friction braking member 1521, as shown in Fig. 7(A). On the other hand, when the position of the adjustment member 1073 is adjusted to the maximum braking state, the contact member 1721 comes into contact with the friction braking member 1521, and the amount of elastic deformation as a cantilever beam is maximized, as shown in Fig. 7(B). In this way, the maximum friction braking torque is generated in the friction braking member 1521.

[0062] In another method for adjusting the friction braking portion (friction braking means) of the brake device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the fishing reel 1, a mechanism that generates a contact force in the radial direction of the spool (not shown) may be used. In this case, as in the brake device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the other method for adjusting the friction braking portion (friction braking means) of the brake device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the fishing reel 1, by arranging the multiple contact members 1721 as evenly spaced as possible in the circumferential direction, it becomes possible to generate a balanced braking force without generating an extra load on the rotating shaft.

[0063] As described above, other methods are possible for adjusting the electromagnetic braking portion (electromagnetic braking means) of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1, and this can be achieved, for example, by a mechanism that moves a portion of the permanent magnet. Furthermore, other methods are possible for adjusting the friction braking portion (friction braking means) of the braking device 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the braking device 7 provided in the fishing reel 1, and this can be achieved, for example, by a mechanism that adjusts the normal force acting on the spool. A method of adjusting both the electromagnetic braking portion and the friction braking portion with a single adjustment member can be achieved by combining the above mechanisms.

[0064] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a spool on which fishing line can be wound, a reel body that rotatably supports the spool, a winding unit that can operate the spool in the winding direction, a switching unit that can switch whether the spool can be released or not, an electromagnetic braking unit that electromagnetically brakes the spool, a friction braking unit that applies a frictional force to the spool, and an adjustment member that adjusts the braking force on the spool, the adjustment member being configured to be able to adjust both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit.

[0065] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic braking unit is configured to include an electromagnetically braked member provided on the spool, a magnetic force generating member provided on the fishing reel for generating a magnetic force on the electromagnetically braked member, and a magnetic force adjustment mechanism for changing the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating member on the electromagnetically braked member as the adjustment member moves.

[0066] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic force generating member is a permanent magnet.

[0067] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the friction braking section is configured to include a friction-bearing member provided on the spool, a contact member that contacts the friction-bearing member, an elastic member that holds the contact member, and an elastic force adjustment mechanism that changes the amount of deformation of the elastic member in accordance with movement of the adjustment member.

[0068] A fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a drive unit that adjusts the position of the adjustment member, and a control unit that controls the drive unit.

[0069] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit is a motor or an actuator, and the control unit is a microcomputer.

[0070] In a fishing reel according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the braking force of the electromagnetic braking unit is at a minimum, the contact member does not come into contact with the frictional member, and when the braking force of the electromagnetic braking unit is at a maximum, the deformation of the elastic member is at a maximum.

[0071] A braking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an electromagnetic braking unit that electromagnetically brakes a spool of a fishing reel, a friction braking unit that applies a frictional force to the spool, and an adjustment member that adjusts the braking force on the spool, and the adjustment member is configured to be able to adjust both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit.

[0072] 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.

[0073] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fishing reel 3 Spool 4 Reel body 7 Brake device 8 Fixed member (set plate) 9 Motor 11 Control means (microcomputer) 21 Inductor rotor 71 Electromagnetic braking section 72 Friction braking section 73 Adjustment member (magnetic gear) 81 Cap 711 Permanent magnet 721 Contact member 722 Urging spring 723 Linear member 724 Guide rod

Claims

1. A fishing reel comprising: a spool around which a fishing line can be wound; a reel body rotatably supporting the spool; a winding section capable of operating the spool in the winding direction; a switching section capable of switching whether or not the spool can be released; an electromagnetic braking section that electromagnetically brakes the spool; a friction braking section that applies a frictional force to the spool; and an adjustment member that adjusts the braking force applied to the spool, wherein the adjustment member is capable of adjusting both the electromagnetic braking section and the friction braking section.

2. The fishing reel as described in claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic braking section comprises: an electromagnetically braked member provided on the spool; a magnetic force generating member provided on the fishing reel for generating a magnetic force on the electromagnetically braked member; and a magnetic force adjustment mechanism for changing the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating member on the electromagnetically braked member as the adjustment member moves.

3. The fishing reel according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic force generating member is a permanent magnet.

4. A fishing reel as described in claim 1, wherein the friction braking portion comprises: a friction-bearing member provided on the spool; a contact member that contacts the friction-bearing member; an elastic member that holds the contact member; and an elastic force adjustment mechanism that changes the amount of deformation of the elastic member in accordance with movement of the adjustment member.

5. The fishing reel according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive unit that adjusts the position of the adjustment member; and a control unit that controls the drive unit.

6. The fishing reel according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit is a motor or an actuator, and the control unit is a microcomputer.

7. The fishing reel as set forth in claim 4, wherein when the braking force of the electromagnetic braking portion is at a minimum, the contact member does not come into contact with the frictional member, and when the braking force of the electromagnetic braking portion is at a maximum, the deformation amount of the elastic member is at a maximum.

8. A braking device comprising: an electromagnetic braking unit that electromagnetically brakes a spool of a fishing reel; a friction braking unit that applies a frictional force to the spool; and an adjustment member that adjusts the braking force applied to the spool, wherein the adjustment member makes both the electromagnetic braking unit and the friction braking unit adjustable.

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