Fishing reel

A fishing reel configured to forwardly release a fishing line includes a reel unit, a spool rotatably supported by the reel unit, an electric power generator that generates an electric power upon a rotation of the spool, an electric component including a controller, an overvoltage protection circuit, and a bypass circuit. The controller operates using the electric power generated by the electric power generator. The overvoltage protection circuit is electrically connected to the electric power generator and the electric component, the overvoltage protection circuit limits a voltage of the electric power output from the electric power generator to a predetermined magnitude. The bypass circuit supplies the electric power generated by the electric power generator to the electric component by bypassing the overvoltage protection circuit upon a determination that the voltage of the electric power generated by the electric power is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-010629 filed on Jan. 22, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a fishing reel, and particularly to a fishing reel that generates electric power by rotation of a spool.

Background Information

As a type of fishing reel, there has been known a dual-bearing reel that performs dynamic braking by generating electric power and braking a spool with the generated electric power and simultaneously controls a braking force with the generated electric power, during a casting in which the spool is rotated at high speed in a fishing line releasing direction (see e.g., Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2004-208630). In the well-known dual-bearing reel, a brake mechanism includes a magnet that unitarily rotates with the spool and a plurality of coils disposed in the surroundings of the magnet. The magnet has a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in alignment in a rotational direction. The plural coils are disposed in alignment in the rotational direction. In the well-known dual-bearing reel, a controller adjusts the braking force by controlling a duty cycle through pulse width modulation to be performed for electric current to be generated and to flow through the coils.

In a well-known mechanism for dynamic braking, there can be a concern that when the rotational velocity of the spool gets fast, voltage rises and exceeds the upper limit allowable for an electric component including a control circuit. To prevent this, an overvoltage protection circuit between the electric component and an electric power generator can be installed. However, in installation of the overvoltage protection circuit, there can be a concern that sufficient operating voltage cannot be reliably obtained while the spool is rotated at a low velocity and accordingly the electric component unstably operates.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to, in a fishing reel that makes a controller operate with electric power generated by power generation, make an electric component including the controller stably operate both when the voltage of the generated electric power is high and when the voltage of the generated electric power is low.

A fishing reel according to the present disclosure is a type of fishing reel that forwardly releases a fishing line. The fishing reel includes a reel unit, a spool, an electric power generator, an electric component, a rotation detector, an overvoltage protection circuit and a bypass circuit. The spool is supported by the reel unit so as to be rotatable in a fishing line winding direction and a fishing line releasing direction. The electric power generator generates an electric power when the spool is rotated at least in the fishing line releasing direction. The electric component includes a controller. The controller operates with the electric power generated by the electric power generator. The rotation detector is provided for detecting a rotational velocity of the spool. The overvoltage protection circuit is mounted between the electric power generator and the electric component, and protects the electric component from an overvoltage caused by the electric power generated by the electric power generator. The bypass circuit is mounted between the electric power generator and the electric component. The bypass circuit includes a switch. The switch switches the bypass circuit from an on state to an off state in accordance with an increase in the electric power outputted from the electric power generator. When switched into the on state, the bypass circuit allows electric conduction between the electric power generator and the electric component though the bypass circuit. Contrarily, when switched into the off state, the bypass circuit blocks electric conduction between the electric power generator and the electric component though the bypass circuit.

In the fishing reel, when the rotational velocity of the spool increases and thereby the voltage of the generated electric power rises, the bypass circuit is switched from the on state to the off state by the switch and the electric power of the electric power generator is supplied to the electric component including the controller through the overvoltage protection circuit. Contrarily, when the rotational velocity of the spool decreases and thereby the voltage of the generated electric power lowers, the bypass circuit is switched from the off state to the on state by the switch, and the electric power of the electric power generator is supplied to the electric component including the controller through the bypass circuit. The bypass circuit herein provided is switched from the on state to the off state in accordance with an increase in the electric power outputted from the electric power generator. Hence, either the overvoltage protection circuit or the bypass circuit is selected in accordance with the rotational velocity of the spool. With this configuration, when the voltage of generated electric power is high, the generated electric power can be supplied to the electric component including the controller through the overvoltage protection circuit to limit the voltage of the generated electric power. By contrast, when the voltage of generated electric power is low, the generated electric power can be supplied to the electric component including the controller through the bypass circuit to not limit the voltage of the generated electric power. Therefore, the electric component including the controller stably operates both when the voltage of generated electric power is high and when the voltage of generated electric power is low.

The electric power generator can include at least one magnet and a plurality of coils. The at least one magnet can be coupled to the spool in a unitarily rotatable state, and can have a plurality of magnetic poles aligned in a rotational direction of the spool. The plurality of coils can be disposed in opposition to the at least one magnet and aligned in the rotational direction. According to this construction, electric power can be easily generated by the rotation of the spool.

The electric power generator can be a spool brake that brakes the spool when the spool is rotated at least in the fishing line releasing direction. The controller can control the spool brake. According to this configuration, the electric component stably performs a brake action both when the voltage of the generated electric power is high and when the voltage of the generated electric power is low.

The controller can control and cause the spool brake to brake the spool with a maximum braking force when the rotational velocity detected by the rotation detector has a greater value than an allowable rotational velocity at which the voltage of the electric power has a chance of exceeding an allowable value for the electric component. According to this configuration, by braking the spool with the maximum braking force, the amount of electric current output from the electric power generator increases, and thereby, the rotational velocity of the spool decreases. Accordingly, the voltage of the generated electric power decreases and malfunctioning becomes unlikely to occur in the electric component including the overvoltage protection circuit. In other words, the electric component including the overvoltage protection circuit stably operates.

The fishing reel can further include an operating mechanism that operates with the electric power generated by the electric power generator. The controller can control the operating mechanism. According to this construction and configuration, the controller controls the operating mechanism such that the operating mechanism stably operates both when the voltage of the generated electric power is high and when the voltage of the generated electric power is low.

The operating mechanism can be a display that displays a water depth of a terminal tackle attached to a tip of the fishing line wound about the spool. The controller can control a display action of the display. According to this configuration, the controller stably controls the display action of the display both when the voltage of the generated electric power is high and when the voltage of the generated electric power is low.

The fishing reel can further include an electric storage element that stores the electric power generated by the electric power generator and supplies the stored electric power to the controller and the rotation detector. According to this construction, electric power can be stored in the electric storage element. Hence, even when the electric power generator stops generating electric power, the control action can be maintained until the electric storage element becomes incapable of supplying electric power.

Overall, according to the present disclosure, in a fishing reel that makes an electric component including a controller operate with electric power generated by power generation, the electric component stably operates both when the voltage of the generated electric power is high and when the voltage of the generated electric power is low. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, each of the expressions “when the voltage of the generated electric power is high” and “when the voltage of the generated electric power is low” indicates a range of voltage at which an electric circuit has chances of abnormally operating in comparison with a range of voltage at which the electric circuit is enabled to normally operate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 7, a dual-bearing reel100is a compact bait-casting reel and is provided as a fishing reel according to a first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The dual-bearing reel100includes a reel unit1, a handle2, a spool12, an electric power generator14, an electric component18(seeFIG. 7), a rotation detector31(seeFIG. 7), an overvoltage protection circuit33(seeFIG. 7) and a bypass circuit35(seeFIG. 7).

The reel unit1includes a frame5, a first side cover6and a second side cover7. The frame5is an integrally formed component. The first side cover6is disposed laterally to the frame5on the opposite side of the handle2. The second side cover7is disposed laterally to the frame5on the same side as the handle2.

As shown inFIG. 2, the frame5includes a first side plate5a, a second side plate5b, a plurality of coupling portions5cand a thumb rest9. The first side plate5ais disposed on the opposite side of the handle2. The second side plate5bis opposed to the first side plate5a. The coupling portions5ccouple the first side plate5aand the second side plate5b. The first side plate5aincludes a circular opening5denabling the spool12to pass through the first side plate5a. Among the plural coupling portions5c, the one coupling the first side plate5aand the second side plate5bon the bottom side is provided with a fishing rod attachment leg5eto be attached to a fishing rod. The spool brake mechanism20is detachably mounted to a position about the opening5don the first side plate5aof the frame5. The first side cover6is detachably mounted to the first side plate5aof the frame5. The first side cover6includes a cover body6aand a shaft support portion8mounted to an inner surface6bof the cover body6a.

A plurality of (e.g., three) fixation bosses6care provided on the inner surface6bof the cover body6aso as to fix the shaft support portion8to the cover body6a. Additionally, a first mount boss6dand a second mount boss6eare separately provided on the inner surface6bso as to enable a first selector32(to be described) and a second selector34(to be described) of the spool brake mechanism20to be rotatably mounted to the inner surface6b. The first mount boss6dhas a tubular shape formed about a first axis X1. The second mount boss6ehas a shape formed about a second axis X2, and the second axis X2is arranged in parallel to the first axis X1. The second axis X2is arranged forward of the first axis X1and adjacently to the fishing rod attachment leg5e. The first axis X1is arranged coaxially to a spool shaft16(to be described) in a condition that the cover body6ais mounted to the first side plate5a.

The cover body6ais disposed in contact with the thumb rest9and is covered with a first bulge9a(to be described) of the thumb rest9. The part of the cover body6a, covered with the first bulge9a, includes a first opened part6fThe first opened part6fhas a rectangular shape and enables the first selector32to be exposed though the first opened part6fTherefore, as shown inFIG. 4, the first selector32is inoperable unless the first side cover6is detached from the frame5. The cover body6ahas a second opened part6gbelow the second mount boss6e. The second opened part6ghas a rectangular shape and enables the second selector34to outwardly protrude through the second opened part6g. Therefore, the second selector34is operable even when fishing is carried out.

One end of the spool shaft16of the spool12is rotatably supported by the shaft support portion8. The shaft support portion8is a flat cylindrical member having a partially closed end. The shaft support portion8includes a tubular bearing accommodation part8ain its center. The bearing accommodation part8aprotrudes from the inner surface of the shaft support portion8and accommodates a bearing19whereby the aforementioned one end of the spool shaft16is rotatably supported. An attachment/detachment ring21is rotatably mounted to an outer peripheral surface8bof the shaft support portion8. The attachment/detachment ring21is provided for attaching/detaching the shaft support portion8to/from a position about the opening5don the first side plate5a. The attachment/detachment ring21detachably attaches the shaft support portion8to the first side plate5awith a conventional bayonet structure. The attachment/detachment ring21has a plurality of (e.g., three) pawls21aand an operation knob21b. The pawls21aprotrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the attachment/detachment ring21. The operation knob21bis provided for performing an attachment/detachment operation. The plural pawls21arespectively have a slope with a gradually decreasing thickness, and are engaged with a plurality of engaging grooves (not shown in the drawings) provided about the opening5d.

When the attachment/detachment ring21is rotated in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction inFIG. 2) by downwardly operating the operation knob21bwith a fingertip, the pawls21aare disengaged from the engaging grooves, and the shaft support portion8and the first side cover6are unlocked from the first side plate5a. Contrarily, when the attachment/detachment ring21is rotated in the other direction by, for instance, upwardly operating the operation knob21bwith the fingertip, the pawls21aare engaged with the engaging grooves, and the shaft support portion8and the first side cover6are locked to the first side plate5a. The shaft support portion8is fixed to the first side cover6together with part of the constituent elements of the spool brake mechanism20by a plurality of (e.g., three) bolt members23. In the condition that the shaft support portion8is fixed to the first side cover6, the attachment/detachment ring21is restricted from moving in a spool shaft direction and is rotatable with respect to the shaft support portion8.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the thumb rest9includes the first bulge9a, a second bulge9band a third bulge9c. The first bulge9aoutwardly bulges from the upper part of the first side plate5a. The second bulge9boutwardly bulges from the upper part of the second side plate5b. The third bulge9cforwardly bulges, and couples the first side plate5aand the second side plate5bat the front part of the frame5.

The handle2is rotatably supported by the reel unit1. The spool12is rotatably held by the reel unit1and is disposed between the first side plate5aand the second side plate5b. Rotation of the handle2is transmitted to the spool12through a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown in the drawings). A clutch mechanism is mounted to an intermediate part of the rotation transmission mechanism. The clutch mechanism switches the spool12between an off state and an on state. In the off state, the spool12becomes freely rotatable. In the on state, the rotation of the handle2is transmitted to the spool12.

As shown inFIG. 3, the spool12includes a bobbin trunk12a, a tubular part12band a pair of flanges12c. The bobbin trunk12ais capable of having the fishing line wound about the bobbin trunk12a. The tubular part12bis integrated with the bobbin trunk12aand is fixed onto the spool shaft16. The flanges12care provided on both axial ends of the bobbin trunk12aand respectively have a large diameter. The spool shaft16is coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular part12bin a unitarily rotatable state. The aforementioned one end of the spool shaft16is rotatably supported by the shaft support portion8through the bearing19. The other end of the spool shaft16is rotatably supported by the second side cover7through a bearing (not shown in the drawings).

The electric power generator14generates electric power when the spool12is rotated at least in the fishing line releasing direction. The electric power generator14is an example of an electric power generating means. In the first preferred embodiment, the electric power generator14is a spool brake22composing part of the spool brake mechanism20. The spool brake mechanism22brakes a rotation of the spool12by power generation. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 7, the spool brake mechanism20includes the spool brake22and a spool controller25for controlling the spool brake22through the electric component18. The spool brake22is an exemplary electric power generator.

The spool brake22brakes the spool12in an electrically controllable manner. The spool brake22includes at least one magnet44mounted to the spool12in a unitarily rotatable state and a plurality of coils46connected in series. In the first preferred embodiment, the at least one magnet44is mounted to the spool shaft16in a unitarily rotatable state. In the first preferred embodiment, the at least one magnet44is made in the form of a single molded magnet, and is fixed to the spool shaft16by adhesion. The magnet44is a cylindrical magnet magnetized to have magnetic anisotropy. The magnet44has a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in alignment in the rotational direction of the spool12.

The plural coils46are disposed in opposition to the magnet44. In the first preferred embodiment, the plural coils46are disposed on the outer peripheral side of the magnet44and are aligned at predetermined intervals in a tubular arrangement. The coils46are attached to a circuit board36(to be described) through a coil attaching member47. Coreless coils are herein employed as the plural coils46for preventing cogging in order to smoothly rotate the spool12. Moreover, the coils46are not provided with any yoke. Wires of the plural coils46are respectively wound in a roughly rectangular shape. The wound wires are opposed to the magnet44and are disposed within the magnetic field of the magnet44. For example, four coils46are herein provided. Each of the coils46has a circular-arc curved shape. The plural coils46are circumferentially disposed at intervals and the entirety of each of the plural coils46has a roughly tubular shape. Both ends of the plural coils46connected in series are electrically connected to a switch element48through a rectifier circuit49. The rectifier circuit49rectifies electric power output from the coils46such that an alternating current of the electric power is converted into a direct current. The switch element48can turn on and off electric current generated by a relative rotation between the magnet44and the coils46in the spool brake22in accordance with a duty cycle D output from the spool controller25. In the present preferred embodiment, the switch element48is implemented by, for instance, a field effect transistor. The switch element48can be on/off controlled by the duty cycle D output by a braking force setter29.

The electric component18includes the spool controller25, a power source circuit37and an electric storage element51. The electric component18is an example of an electric power consuming means. The electric component18is mounted to the circuit board36(to be described). The spool controller25is an exemplary controller. The power source circuit37includes a voltage reduction regulator and stabilizes rectified electric power from a direct current. The electric storage element51is implemented by, for instance, an electrolytic capacitor that stores the rectified electric power of the direct current. The electric storage element51stores electric power generated by the coils46during a casting. The electric storage element51is an example of an electric power storing means. The electric storage element51functions as a power source that supplies electric power to the spool controller25and the electric component18connected to the spool controller25. The electric storage element51is implemented by, for instance, an electrolytic capacitor, a film capacitor, a ceramic capacitor, a paper capacitor, or a battery.

The rotation detector31is mounted to the circuit board36. The rotation detector31electrically detects the rotation of the spool12. The rotation detector31is an example of a rotation detecting means. As shown inFIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the rotation detector31includes a hall element31aThe hall element31ais mounted to the inner peripheral region of a first surface36aof the circuit board36, and is located in a position opposed to a gap between an adjacent two of the four coils46. The hall element31acan be a low-cost sensor that only turns on and off in accordance with a plurality of predetermined rotational phases of the magnet44. The rotation detector31is provided for calculating a rotational velocity ω of the spool12. Additionally, it is possible to calculate a rotational acceleration ωa, and to estimate a tension F acting on the fishing line based on variation in the rotational velocity ω of the spool12with time.

As shown inFIG. 7, the overvoltage protection circuit33is disposed between the electric power generator14and the electric component18. The overvoltage protection circuit33protects the electric component18from overvoltage caused by the electric power generated by the electric power generator14. Thus, the overvoltage protection circuit33is an example of an overvoltage protecting means. The overvoltage protection circuit33includes an anti-pulse resistor and a rated voltage diode, for instance, and limits the voltage of the electric power output from the electric power generator14to a predetermined magnitude (e.g., a value of 75 volts). In the first preferred embodiment, the overvoltage protection circuit33is disposed between the rectifier circuit49and the power source circuit37.

The bypass circuit35is mounted between the electric power generator14and the electric component18. In the first preferred embodiment, the bypass circuit35is mounted in parallel to the overvoltage protection circuit33. The bypass circuit35includes a switch35a. The switch35aswitches between an on state and an off state in accordance with an increase in an output from the electric power generator14. In the on state, electric conduction is allowed between the electric power generator14and the electric component18. Contrarily in the off state, electric conduction is blocked between the electric power generator14and the electric component18. Specifically, when the voltage of generated electric power is less than a predetermined magnitude (e.g., a value of 8 volts), the switch35ais switched into the on state. Contrarily, when the voltage of generated electric power is greater than or equal to the predetermined magnitude, the switch35ais switched into the off state. The bypass circuit35is an example of a bypassing means. The predetermined magnitude of voltage (threshold voltage) is arbitrarily settable. In the first preferred embodiment, the bypass circuit35is disposed in parallel to the overvoltage protection circuit33, and is disposed between the rectifier circuit49and the power source circuit37. When the bypass circuit35is switched into the on state, the overvoltage protection circuit33is disabled. Contrarily, when the bypass circuit35is switched into the off state, the overvoltage protection circuit33is enabled.

The spool brake22changes the duty cycle D by causing the switch element48to switch on and off electric current generated by a relative rotation between the magnet44and the coils46. Accordingly, the spool12is braked with a variable magnitude of braking force. The braking force generated by the spool brake22can be increased by an increase in a length of a switch-on time by the switch element48(i.e., with an increase in a magnitude of the duty cycle D).

As shown inFIG. 7, the spool controller25is implemented by a microcomputer including a ROM (such as a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a Flash EEPROM, an optical memory, a magnetic memory, or a flash memory), a RAM (such as a SDRAM, a DDR SDRAM, or a Rambus DRAM), and a CPU (such as a RISC microprocessor, a CISC microprocessor, an ASIC microprocessor, a Superscalar Processor, or a Digital Signal microprocessor). The CPU of the spool controller25can also be a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a programmable logic array device (PLA), a programmable array logic device (PAL), a generic array logic device (GAL), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field-programmable gate array device (FPGA). The spool controller25is an example of a control means. A storage26is connected to the spool controller25. The storage26is implemented by a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, a ferroelectric RAM, an optical memory, or a flash memory. The rotation detector31, a first detector52and a second detector56are electrically connected to the spool controller25. The rotation detector31, the first detector52and the second detector56are implemented at least partially by hardware mounted to the circuit board36.

The spool controller25includes a tension estimator27, a rotational velocity calculator28and the braking force setter29as functional constituent elements implemented by software and/or hardware. The rotational velocity calculator28calculates the rotational velocity ω of the spool12based on an output signal from the rotation detector31. The tension estimator27estimates the tension F acting on the fishing line based on the information outputted from the rotational velocity calculator28. The braking force setter29sets a first duty cycle D1and a second duty cycle D2. The first duty cycle D1varies with an elapse of time and is used as a base duty cycle. The second duty cycle D2is used for correcting the first duty cycle D1.

The tension F can be estimated by a rate of change (Δω/Δt) of the rotational velocity ω of the spool12and an inertia moment J of the spool12. When the rotational velocity ω of the spool12varies during a casting, the rotational velocity at this time is different from the rotational velocity of the spool12independently and freely rotating without receiving a tension from the fishing line. The difference is attributed to a rotational driving force (i.e., torque) generated by the tension from the fishing line. A driving torque T can be expressed with the following equation (1), where the rate of change of the rotational velocity at this time is set to be (Δω/Δt).
T=J×(Δω/Δt)  (1)

When the driving torque T is calculated by the equation (1), the tension F can be estimated with the radius of a point of action of the fishing line (normally 15 to 20 mm). Therefore, in the present preferred embodiment, the tension F can be estimated by a calculation using the rate of change of the rotational velocity ω.

The spool controller25changes the braking force (duty cycle D) by performing a duty control for the switch element48. The spool controller25changes the braking force in accordance with the tension F estimated by the tension estimator27and a reference tension Fr. The magnitude of the reference tension Fr is set in accordance with a plurality of brake modes. It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment, the reference tension Fr is set to be “0”. The storage26stores a plurality of data sets associated with the plurality of brake modes.

Moreover, the spool brake mechanism20further includes the rotation detector31shown inFIGS. 5 and 7, the first selector32, the second selector34, the circuit board36, a cover member38, a first magnetic flux shield member39and a second magnetic flux shield member40, which are shown inFIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

The first selector32is provided for selecting any one of a plurality of brake modes of the spool brake22in accordance with a plurality of types of fishing line or so forth. In the present preferred embodiment, for instance, one of four brake modes is selectable in accordance with one of the types of fishing line being used.

The first selector32includes a first selection operating portion50and the first detector52(seeFIGS. 6 and 7). The first selection operating portion50includes at least one (e.g., two) first magnet50a. The first detector52is opposed to the two first magnets50aand detects the selection position of the first selection operating portion50.

The first selection operating portion50is mounted to the reel unit1such that the first selection operating portion50is movable within a first range divided into positions corresponding to a plurality of levels. In the present preferred embodiment, the first selection operating portion50is rotatably mounted to the inner surface6bof the cover body6asuch that the first selection operating portion50is settable in, for instance, any one of the positions corresponding to three levels within the first range. The first selection operating portion50includes a lever member50bto which the (e.g., two) first magnets50aare mounted. The lever member50bincludes a first exposed part50con its tip. The first exposed part50ccurves in a circular-arc shape and includes a plurality of convex parts50d. The convex parts50dare located on the surface of the first exposed part50c, and are circumferentially aligned at intervals. The lever member50bis attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first mount boss6dsuch that the lever member50bis rotatable about the first axis X1within the first range. The first range is an angular range of, for instance, 30 degrees or less. In the present preferred embodiment, the first mount boss6dis disposed concentrically to the spool shaft16. Thus, the first selection operating portion50is rotated about the spool shaft16. In the condition that the first selection operating portion50is mounted to the first side cover6, the first exposed part50cis exposed through the first opened part6fwhile protruding from the first opened part6f. However, in the condition that the first side cover6is mounted to the first side plate5a, the first opened part6fis covered with the thumb rest9and thus the first exposed part50cof the first selection operating portion50hides in the reel unit1. With the aforementioned construction, it is possible to avoid a situation that the adjusted condition is changed against a user's intention while fishing.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the first detector52is disposed on an outer peripheral region of a second surface36bof the circuit board36, and is away from the magnet44. The first detector52includes two hall elements52aand52b. The hall elements52aand52bare disposed on the second surface36bsuch that they can be opposed to the two first magnets50a. The two hall elements52aand52bcan be low-cost elements similarly to the hall element31a, and are disposed about the first axis X1at an interval away from the first axis X1.

The second selector34is provided for selecting any one of a plurality of brake types. The magnitude of braking force to be used as a basis is differently set for the brake types. In the present preferred embodiment, any one of eight brake types is selectable by the second selector34. The eight brake types are composed of Type 1 to Type 8. In the eight brake types, the magnitude of the braking force increases in the order of Type 1 to Type 8. The second selector34includes a second selection operating portion54and the second detector56. The second selection operating portion54includes at least one (e.g., three) second magnet54a. The second detector56is opposed to three second magnets54aand detects the adjustment position of the second selection operating portion54.

The second selection operating portion54is mounted to the reel unit1such that the second selection operating portion54is movable within a second range divided into positions corresponding to a plurality of levels. In the present preferred embodiment, the second selection operating portion54is rotatably mounted to the inner surface6bof the cover body6asuch that the second selection operating portion54is settable in, for instance, any one of the positions corresponding to five levels within the second range. The second range is an angular range of, for instance, 120 degrees or less. The second selection operating portion54includes an operating portion body54band a second exposed part54c. The operating portion body54bis a member to which the (e.g., three) second magnets54aare mounted. The second exposed part54cis fixed to the operating portion body54bby, for instance, an elastic coupling. The operating portion body54bis attached to the inner surface6bof the cover body6aby a screw member55screwed into the second mount boss6esuch that the operating portion body54bis rotatable about the second axis X2. In the condition that the first side cover6is mounted to the first side plate5a, the second exposed part54cis exposed through the second opened part6g. With the aforementioned construction, the position of the second selection operating portion54can be adjusted with a fingertip of the user's hand holding the dual-bearing reel100on the palm while fishing.

As shown inFIG. 6, the second detector56is disposed on the outer peripheral region of the second surface36bof the circuit board36, and is away from the magnet44. The second detector56is disposed on the second surface36bof the circuit board36, and is away from the first detector52substantially at an angular interval of 180 degrees. The second detector56includes three hall elements56a,56band56c. The three hall elements56a,56band56care disposed on the second surface36bof the circuit board36such that they can be opposed to the three second magnets54a. The three hall elements56a,56band56ccan be low-cost elements similarly to the hall element31a, and are disposed about the second axis X2at intervals.

The circuit board36has a disc shape having a through hole36c. The circuit board36is mounted to one of the surfaces of the shaft support portion8, i.e., the surface opposed to the spool12, and is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the bearing accommodation part8a. The circuit board36includes the first surface36aand the second surface36b. The first surface36ais the surface to which the coils46are mounted. The second surface36bis on the opposite side of the first surface36a. The circuit board36is fixed to the first side cover6together with the shaft support portion8, the cover member38and the second magnetic flux shield member40by the bolt members23.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the cover member38is a stepped tubular member made of synthetic resin and is provided for insulating the circuit board36, the coils46and the electric component18mounted to the circuit board36. The cover member38includes a first cover part38aand a second cover part38b. The first cover part38acovers the tips, the inner peripheral parts and the outer peripheral parts of the plural coils46. The second cover part38bis integrated with the first cover part38a, and covers the outer peripheral part, the inner peripheral part, the first surface36aand the second surface36bof the circuit board36. The first cover part38ais disposed on the outer peripheral side of the magnet44. Put differently, the cover member38seals the circuit board36by covering the entire surface of the circuit board36to which the coils46and the electric component18including the detectors are mounted.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first magnetic flux shield member39is mounted to the inner peripheral surface of the bobbin trunk12aof the spool12, and is thereby unitarily rotatable with the spool12. The first magnetic flux shield member39is a tubular member made of iron. The first magnetic flux shield member39is provided for increasing the magnetic flux density of the magnet44in the surroundings of the coils46. The first magnetic flux shield member39is also provided for making the rotation detector31unlikely to be affected by the magnetic flux of the magnet44.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the second magnetic flux shield member40is a circular member made of, for instance, an iron plate. The second magnetic flux shield member40is provided for shielding the magnetic flux of the magnet44directed toward the first detector52and the second detector56. With the second magnetic flux shield member40being provided, the first detector52and the second detector56can accurately detect the first magnets50aand the second magnets54awithout being affected by the magnetic flux of the magnet44. The second magnetic flux shield member40is fixed by the bolt members23to the first side cover6together with the shaft support portion8and the circuit board36sealed by the cover member38.

The second magnetic flux shield member40includes a first shield part40ahaving a ring shape and a pair of second shield parts40b. The first shield part40ais fixed to the coil attaching member47by, for instance, adhesion. The second shield parts40bextend from the first shield part40a, and each has a cross section made in the shape of a circular arc arranged about the first axis X1. The first shield part40ais opposed to the first surface36aof the circuit board36at an interval away from the first surface36aof the circuit board36.

The pair of second shield parts40bis located at an angular interval of 180 degrees about the first axis X1so as to prevent the magnetic flux of the magnet44from being directed to the first detector52and the second detector56. The second shield parts40bare disposed in positions opposed to the first detector52and the second detector56. The axial length of each second shield part40bis such that each second shield part40bprotrudes from the second surface36bof the circuit board36but does not quite reach the first side cover6—side end surface of the cover member38. With the aforementioned construction, the magnetic flux of the magnet44is prevented from being directed to the first detector52and the second detector56. It should be noted that the second magnetic flux shield member40is covered with the cover member38, and is thus invisible from outside of the dual bearing reel100.

When using a different type of fishing line from a previously used fishing line, the spool brake mechanism20, when constructed as described above, requires a detachment of the first side cover6from the reel unit1. Specifically, when the attachment/detachment ring21is rotated in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction inFIG. 2) by downwardly operating the operating knob21bdisposed in the rear part of the dual-bearing reel100with a fingertip, the spool brake mechanism20, including the circuit board36, the first side cover6and so forth, can be detached from the reel unit1. This condition is shown inFIG. 4. Consequently, the first selection operating portion50of the first selector32is exposed through the first opened part6fThis enables an operation of selecting a suitable brake mode in accordance with the type of fishing line. After this operation is finished, the spool brake mechanism20can be reattached to the reel unit1. During reattachment, the spool brake mechanism20contacts the first side plate5a. Then, when the attachment/detachment ring21is rotated in the other direction by, for instance, upwardly operating the operation knob21bwith a fingertip, the spool brake mechanism20is attached to the frame5.

Next, a control action performed by the spool controller25during a casting will be schematically explained with reference to the chart ofFIG. 8. It should be noted that inFIG. 8, an elapse of a time t from a starting of a casting is represented in the horizontal axis, whereas the rotational velocity ω of the spool12and the duty cycle D of the braking force are represented in the vertical axis. It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment, the duty cycle D is determined by the first duty cycle D1as a base duty cycle and the second duty cycle D2. The first duty cycle D1gradually reduces with the elapse of the time t from the starting of the casting. The second duty cycle D2is set for increasing the first duty cycle D1when the estimated tension F is smaller than the reference tension Fr. Therefore, when the estimated tension F is smaller than the reference tension Fr, the following relation is established: the duty cycle D=D1+D2. Contrarily, when the estimated tension F is greater than or equal to the reference tension Fr, the second duty cycle D2is set to be “0” and the following relation is established: the duty cycle D=D1.

When the casting is started and the spool12is rotated, electric power is supplied to the spool controller25from the electric storage element51and a spool control is started. When electric power is supplied to the spool controller25, data of the first duty cycle D1and data of the second duty cycle D2are read out of the storage26in accordance with a brake mode selected in accordance with the operating position of the first selector32and the operating position of the second selector34, and are set in the spool controller25. At this time, as depicted with a solid line, the rotational velocity ω of the spool12becomes a brake starting velocity ωs in an early stage of the casting. This timing is the timing to start braking. The brake starting velocity ωs falls in a range of, for instance, 4000 to 6000 rpm. In the present preferred embodiment, the brake starting velocity ωs is 4000 rpm.

The spool controller25herein calculates the rotational velocity ω and the rotational acceleration ωa based on an output from the rotation detector31. Based on the calculated rotational acceleration ωa (=Δω/Δt), the spool controller25estimates the tension F. Moreover, the spool controller25outputs the second duty cycle D2in accordance with the estimated tension F and the reference tension Fr.

Next, a spool control action of the spool controller25will be specifically explained based on the flowchart ofFIG. 9. It should be noted that the control flowchart shown inFIG. 9is an exemplary control action, and the control action of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

When the spool12is rotated by the casting, electric power is stored in the electric storage element51and is supplied to the spool controller25. When the voltage of electric power output from the electric storage element51exceeds a reset voltage, the spool controller25performs an initial setting in step S1ofFIG. 9. Then, the processing proceeds to step S2. In the initial setting, the spool controller25resets a variety of items (a flag, a timer, data, etc.). In step S2, the spool controller25calculates the rotational velocity ω based on a pulse outputted from the rotation detector31. Then, the processing proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the spool controller25determines whether or not a braking flag BF has been turned on. The braking flag BF indicates that the brake control has been started. When the spool controller25determines that the braking flag BF has not been turned on yet, i.e., that the brake control has not been started yet, the processing proceeds from step S3to step S4. In step S4, the spool controller25determines whether or not the calculated rotational velocity ω has reached the brake starting velocity ωs. When the spool controller25determines that the rotational velocity ω has not reached the brake starting velocity ωs yet, the processing proceeds from step S4to step S2. Contrarily, when the spool controller25determines that the rotational velocity ω has reached the brake starting velocity ωs, the processing proceeds from step S4to step S5. In step S5, the spool controller25turns on the braking flag BF. Then, the processing proceeds from step S5to step S6. In step S6, the spool controller25outputs the aforementioned duty cycle D to the switch element48, and performs the on/off control of the switch element48based on the outputted duty cycle D. Then, the processing proceeds from step S6to step S7.

In step S7, the spool controller25determines whether or not the rotational velocity ω of the spool12has decreased to be less than or equal to a water landing determining rotational velocity ωe for determining a water landing of a terminal tackle. The water landing determining rotational velocity ωe is, for instance, 2300 rpm. When the spool controller25determines that the rotational velocity ω has not decreased to be less than or equal to the water landing determining rotational velocity ωe, the processing proceeds from step S7to step S2. Contrarily, when the spool controller25determines that the rotational velocity ω has decreased to be less than or equal to the water landing determining rotational velocity ωe, the processing proceeds from step S7to step S8. In step S8, the spool controller25stops outputting the duty cycle D. Then, the processing proceeds from step S8to step S9. In step S9, the spool controller25turns off the braking flag BF. Then, the processing proceeds from step S9to step S2. Subsequently, when the voltage of the output from the electric storage element51becomes lower than the reset voltage of the spool controller25, the spool controller25is reset and ends the brake control. When electric power is supplied to the spool controller25from the electric power generator14during the next casting, the spool controller25is restarted and performs the brake control until the output voltage of the electric storage element51reaches the reset voltage.

On the other hand, when the spool controller25determines that the braking flag BF has been already turned on, the processing proceeds from step S3to step S11. In step S11, the spool controller25determines whether or not the calculated rotational velocity ω has exceeded an allowable rotational velocity ω1. At the allowable rotational velocity ω1, the voltage of electric power has a chance of exceeding a value allowable for the electric component18. The allowable rotational velocity ω1falls in a range of, for instance, 30000 to 60000 rpm. In the first preferred embodiment, the allowable rotational velocity ω1is 50000 rpm. When the rotational velocity ω has exceeded the allowable rotational velocity ω1, a malfunction might occur in the electric component18including the overvoltage protection circuit33. Therefore, when the spool controller25determines that the rotational velocity ω has exceeded the allowable rotational velocity ω1, the processing proceeds from step S11to step S12. In step S12, the spool controller25outputs a maximum duty cycle Dmax to the switch element48whereby the maximum braking force available at this point of time is obtained. Then, the processing proceeds from step S12to step S6. As a result, the spool12is braked with the maximum braking force, and thereby, the rotational velocity ω of the spool12decreases. Accordingly, the voltage of electric power lowers, and the malfunction becomes unlikely to occur in the electric component18including the overvoltage protection circuit33. In other words, the electric component18including the overvoltage protection circuit33stably operates.

It should be noted that when the electric power generator14generates electric power in conjunction with a rotation of the spool12and the voltage of the generated electric power becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude (e.g., a value of 8 volts), as described above, the bypass circuit35is turned into the off state whereas the overvoltage protection circuit33is enabled.

On the other hand, when the spool controller25determines that the rotational velocity ω is less than or equal to the allowable rotational velocity ω1, the processing proceeds from step S11to step S6.

When the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator14is high in the former phase of a casting, the electric power can be supplied to the electric component18including the spool controller25through the overvoltage protection circuit33while the voltage of the electric power is limited. On the other hand, when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator14is low in the latter phase of casting, the electric power can be supplied to the electric component18including the spool controller25through the bypass circuit35while the voltage of the electric power is not limited. Therefore, the electric component18including the controller stably operates both when the voltage of generated electric power is high and when the voltage of generated electric power is low.

Modification of First Preferred Embodiment

In the following explanation, when a given constituent element in a modification of the first preferred embodiment has the same construction as its corresponding one in the first preferred embodiment, a reference sign assigned to the corresponding one will be similarly assigned to the given constituent element and the given constituent element will not be explained. A three-digit reference sign will be assigned to a given constituent element constructed differently from its corresponding one in the first preferred embodiment. Here, the last two digits of the three-digit reference sign correspond to a two-digit reference sign assigned to the corresponding one in the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10shows a dual-bearing reel200according to the modification of the first preferred embodiment. In the dual-bearing reel200, a first selector132includes a first detector152implemented not by a hall element but by a first rotation detector152a. A rotation detector (e.g., a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, etc.) is employed as the first rotation detector152a, and detects the rotational operating position of a first selection operating portion150. Likewise, a second selector134includes a second detector156implemented by a second rotation detector156a. A rotation detector (e.g., a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, etc.) is employed as the second rotation detector156a, and detects the rotational operating position of a second selection operating portion154. The first rotation detector152and the second rotation detector156aare other examples of a rotation detecting means. In the modification, potentiometers are used as the first and second rotation detectors152aand156a. The first and second rotation detectors152aand156aare mounted to a circuit board136fixed to a shaft support portion108.

Second Preferred Embodiment

FIGS. 11 and 12show a dual-bearing reel300provided as a fishing reel according to a second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The dual-bearing reel300is a compact left handled reel for boat fishing and has a water depth display function. The dual-bearing reel300includes a reel unit201, a handle202, a spool212, an electric power generator214(seeFIG. 12), an electric component218, a reel controller225, a rotation detector231, the overvoltage protection circuit33(seeFIG. 12) and the bypass circuit35(seeFIG. 12).

The reel unit201includes a frame205, a first side cover206and a second side cover207. The frame205is an integrally formed component. The first side cover206is disposed laterally to the frame205on the opposite side of the handle202. The second side cover207is disposed laterally to the frame205on the same side as the handle202. As shown inFIG. 11, the frame205includes a first side plate205a, a second side plate205band a plurality of coupling portions205c. The first side plate205ais disposed on the opposite side of the handle202. The second side plate205bis opposed to the first side plate205a. The coupling portions205ccouple the first side plate205aand the second side plate205b. An electric storage element251is disposed in a space between the first side plate205aand the first side cover206.

A shaft support portion (not shown in the drawings) is fixed to the inner surface of the first side cover206. The shaft support portion is constructed similarly to the shaft support portion8in the first preferred embodiment. A circuit board (not shown in the drawings) is fixed to the shaft support portion. The shaft support portion in the second preferred embodiment is screwed to the outer surface of the first side plate205a.

A counter215is fixed to an upper part of the reel unit201. The counter215is disposed on the top surface of the front part of the frame205and is fixed in an appropriate position. The counter215is provided with a display217implemented by, for instance, a liquid crystal display. The display217is an exemplary operating mechanism. The display217displays the depth of a terminal tackle attached to the tip of the fishing line. The display217also displays the remaining amount of electric power stored in the electric storage element251. Additionally, the counter215is provided with a first switch SW1and a second switch SW2. The first switch SW1turns on/off the display217and switches the display mode from a top-down mode to a bottom-up mode. The second switch SW2sets a shelf position and a ground position and sets the water depth to be “0” when the terminal tackle is disposed on the water surface. Additionally, a variety of operations are enabled by, for instance, a long press of either or both of the first and second switches SW1and SW2. For example, the display217can be turned off by, for instance, a long press of the first switch SW1for three seconds or greater while the display217is being turned on. On the other hand, a user can enter a fishing line winding mode for setting a relationship between the number of rotations of the spool and the length of the fishing line by, for instance, a long press of the first and second switches SW1and SW2for three seconds or greater while the display217is being turned on.

The handle202is rotatably supported on the left side of the reel unit201when the dual-bearing reel300is seen from behind.

As shown inFIG. 11, the spool212is constructed similarly to the spool12according to the first preferred embodiment. The spool212is rotatably supported by the reel unit201. The spool212includes a bobbin trunk212aand a pair of flanges212c. The flanges212care provided on both ends of the bobbin trunk212aand have a large diameter.

The electric power generator214supplies electric power, generated by relative rotation between a magnet244and coils246, to the electric storage element251through a rectifier circuit249. The electric power generator214is another example of an electric power generating means. The electric storage element251is, for instance, a rechargeable button cell (e.g., a lithium ion battery). The electric power generator214includes the magnet244and the coils246. Similarly to the magnet44in the first preferred embodiment, the magnet244is fixed to the spool212. The magnet244has a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in the rotational direction of the spool212. The magnet244and the coils246are constructed similarly to the magnet44and the coils46in the first preferred embodiment.

The electric component218includes the reel controller225and the electric storage element251. The electric component218is another example of an electric power consuming means. The electric component218is mounted to a circuit board (not shown in the drawings). The reel controller225is an exemplary controller. Electric power outputted from the generator214is rectified by the rectifier circuit249such that its alternating current is converted into direct current. Then, the rectified electric power is stored in the electric storage element251. The electric storage element251is another example of an electric power storing means.

The rotation detector231is mounted to the circuit board. The rotation detector231electrically detects the rotation of the spool212. The rotation detector231is another example of a rotation detecting means. Unlike the rotation detector31in the first preferred embodiment, the rotation detector231is a sensor that obtains the rotational direction of the spool212, the rotational velocity of the spool212, and the total number of rotations of the spool212from the beginning to the end of winding the fishing line.

The overvoltage protection circuit33and the bypass circuit35are constructed substantially similarly to those in the first preferred embodiment. The overvoltage protection circuit33and the bypass circuit35are connected in parallel between the rectifier circuit249and the electric storage element251.

The reel controller225is an exemplary controller. As shown inFIG. 12, the reel controller225is implemented by a microcomputer including a ROM (such as a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a Flash EEPROM, an optical memory, a magnetic memory, or a flash memory), a RAM (such as a SDRAM, a DDR SDRAM, or a Rambus DRAM), and a CPU (such as a RISC microprocessor, a CISC microprocessor, an ASIC microprocessor, a Superscalar Processor, or a Digital Signal microprocessor). The CPU of the reel controller225can also be a programmable logic device (PLD) such as a programmable logic array device (PLA), a programmable array logic device (PAL), a generic array logic device (GAL), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field-programmable gate array device (FPGA). The reel controller225is another example of a control means. A storage226is connected to the reel controller225. The storage226is implemented by a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, a ferroelectric RAM, an optical memory, and a flash memory. The rotation detector231, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2and a display217implemented by the liquid crystal display are electrically connected to the reel controller225. The rotation detector231, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2and the display217are implemented at least partially by hardware mounted to the circuit board (not shown in the drawings).

The reel controller225includes a display controller219and a fishing line length calculator221as functional constituent elements implemented by software and/or hardware. The reel controller225is an exemplary controller. The display controller219displays the water depth of the terminal tackle as a result of a calculation by the fishing line length calculator221. The fishing line length calculator221calculates the length of the fishing line to be released from the spool212based on the total number of rotations of the spool212obtained from an output of the rotation detector231.

Next, a schematic control action performed by the reel controller225in carrying out fishing will be explained. When the fishing line is released by the weight of the terminal tackle, the spool212is rotated in the fishing line releasing direction and electric power is stored in the electric storage element251. At this time, when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator214is high, the switch35aof the bypass circuit35is turned into the off state and the overvoltage protection circuit33is enabled. Accordingly, the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator214is restricted to a predetermined magnitude, and an occurrence of a malfunction related to an overvoltage is prevented. Contrarily, when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator214is low, the switch35aof the bypass circuit35is turned to the on state and the overvoltage protection circuit33is disabled. Accordingly, electric power is efficiently stored in the electric storage element251.

Similarly to the first preferred embodiment, even in the second preferred embodiment as described above, the electric component218including the reel controller225can stably operate in both a high output condition and a low output condition of the electric power generator214.

Other Preferred Embodiments

One preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been explained above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and a variety of changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, a plurality of embodiments and modifications described in the present specification can be arbitrarily combined on an as-needed basis.

(a) The first preferred embodiment has exemplified the construction in which the electric power generator14is composed of the magnet44fixed to the spool shaft16and the plural coils46that are disposed radially outside in opposition to the magnet44. However, in the present disclosure, the construction of the electric power generator14is not limited to this. For example, the electric power generator can be composed of a plurality of magnets and a plurality of coils. The magnets are herein disposed on the outer lateral surface of at least one flange12cof the spool12and are circumferentially aligned at intervals. On the other hand, the coils are disposed on the reel unit and are opposed to the magnets.

(b) In the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the overvoltage protection circuit33can be selected to be disabled or enabled by switching on or off the bypass circuit35. However, in the present disclosure, the configuration to disable or enable the overvoltage protection circuit33is not limited to this. The overvoltage protection circuit can be disabled or enabled by a bypass circuit (function) installed in the overvoltage protection circuit33.

(c) In the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the switch35aof the bypass circuit35can be directly switched on and off in accordance with the voltage of generated electric power. However, in the present disclosure, the configuration to switch the bypass circuit35between the on state and the off state is not limited to this. The voltage of generated electric power is approximately proportional to the rotational velocity of the spool12. Hence, based on the rotational velocity of the spool12to be detected, the bypass circuit can be switched between the on state and the off state by software and/or hardware.

(d) In the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the dual-bearing reel100of a manual winding type has been disclosed as the fishing reel of the present disclosure. However, the fishing reel of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The fishing reel can be a single-bearing reel or a dual-bearing reel of an electric type. Additionally, when the fishing reel is a type of dual-bearing reel, the present disclosure can be applied to a drag mechanism.

The aforementioned preferred embodiment can be expressed as follows.

(A) The dual-bearing reel100is a type of reel that forwardly releases the fishing line. The dual-bearing reel100includes the reel unit1, the spool12, the electric power generator14, the electric component18, the rotation detector31, the overvoltage protection circuit33and the bypass circuit35. The spool12is supported by the reel unit1so as to be rotatable in the fishing line winding direction and the fishing line releasing direction. The electric power generator14generates an electric power when the spool12is rotated at least in the fishing line releasing direction. The electric component18includes the spool controller25. The spool controller25operates with the electric power generated by the electric power generator14. The rotation detector31detects the rotational velocity ω of the spool12. The overvoltage protection circuit33is mounted between the electric power generator14and the spool controller25, and protects the electric component18from an overvoltage caused by the electric power generated by the electric power generator14. The bypass circuit35is mounted between the electric power generator14and the electric component18. The bypass circuit35includes the switch35a. The switch35aswitches the bypass circuit35between an on state and an off state in accordance with the magnitude of an output from the electric power generator14. When switched into the on state, the bypass circuit35allows electric conduction between the electric power generator14and the electric component18through the bypass circuit35. Contrarily, when switched into the off state, the bypass circuit35blocks electric conduction between the electric power generator14and the electric component18through the bypass circuit35.

In the dual-bearing reel100, when the rotational velocity ω of the spool12increases and thereby the output from the electric power generator14rises, the bypass circuit35is switched from the on state to the off state and the electric power of the electric power generator14is supplied to the electric component18including the spool controller25through the overvoltage protection circuit33. Contrarily, when the rotational velocity ω of the spool12decreases and thereby the output of the electric power generator14lowers, the bypass circuit35is switched from the off state to the on state, and the electric power of the electric power generator14is supplied to the electric component18including the spool controller25through the bypass circuit35. The bypass circuit35herein provided is switched between the on state and the off state in accordance with the magnitude of the output from the electric power generator14. Hence, either the overvoltage protection circuit33or the bypass circuit35is selectable in accordance with the rotational velocity ω of the spool12. With this configuration, when the voltage of generated electric power is high, the generated electric power can be supplied to the electric component18including the spool controller25through the overvoltage protection circuit33that limits the voltage of the generated electric power. By contrast, when the voltage of generated electric power is low, the generated electric power can be supplied to the electric component18including the spool controller25through the bypass circuit35which does not limit the voltage of the generated electric power. Therefore, the electric component18including the spool controller25stably operates both when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator14is high and when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator14is low.

(B) The electric power generator14can include at least one magnet44and a plurality of coils46. The at least one magnet44can be coupled to the spool12in a unitarily rotatable state, and can have a plurality of magnetic poles aligned in the rotational direction of the spool12. The plurality of coils46can be disposed in opposition to the at least one magnet44and aligned in the rotational direction. According to this construction, electric power can be easily generated by the rotation of the spool12.

(C) The generator14can be the spool brake22that brakes the spool12when the spool12is rotated at least in the fishing line releasing direction. The spool controller25can control the spool brake22. According to this configuration, the electric component18stably performs a brake action both when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator14is high and when the voltage of electric power generated by the electric power generator14is low.

(D) The spool controller25can control and cause the spool brake22to brake the spool12with a maximum braking force when the rotational velocity ω detected by the rotation detector31has a greater value than the allowable rotational velocity ω1at which the voltage of the electric power has a chance of exceeding an allowable value for the electric component18. According to this configuration, by braking the spool12with the maximum braking force (duty cycle Dmax), the rotational velocity ω of the spool12decreases. Accordingly, the voltage of the generated electric power lowers and a malfunction becomes unlikely to occur in the electric component18including the overvoltage protection circuit33. In other words, the electric component18including the overvoltage protection circuit33stably operates.

(E) The dual-bearing reel200can further include the display217that operates with the electric power generated by the electric power generator214. The reel controller225can control the display217. According to this construction and configuration, the reel controller225controls the display217such that the display217stably operates both when the output of the electric power generator214is high and when the output of the electric power generator214is low.

(F) The operating mechanism can be the display217that displays the water depth of the terminal tackle attached to the tip of the fishing line wound about the spool212. The display217is an example of an operating means. The reel controller225can control the display action of the display217. According to this configuration, the reel controller225stably controls the display action of the display217both when the output of the electric power generator214is high and when the output of the electric power generator214is low.

(G) The dual-bearing reel100can further include the electric storage element51that stores the electric power generated by the electric power generator14and supplies the stored electric power to the spool controller25and the rotation detector31. According to this construction, electric power can be stored in the electric storage element51. Hence, even when the electric power generator14stops generating electric power, the control action can be maintained until the electric storage element51becomes incapable of supplying electric power.