BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fishing reels, fishing information display devices, and fishing information display systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a fishing reel storing first information on the reel internally, as well as a fishing information display device and a fishing information display system for displaying the first information and second information.

Background Information

A fishing reel is generally furnished with a reel body; a spool mounted to the reel body; a handle for rotating the spool; a counter case mounted above the reel body; and a display device provided on the upper surface of the counter case and including a display unit for displaying water depth. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display and is capable of displaying first information concerning the reel, such as fishing depth zone and current water depth of terminal tackle.

A fishing boat is generally equipped with an information collecting device, such as a fish finder and a global positioning system (GPS), that is adapted for collecting second information concerning fishing. The information collecting device of this kind is provided with a display unit adapted for displaying the second information, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2002-142623. The information collecting device of this kind is often disposed at a location distant from the angler. For this reason, the information displayed on the display unit, which relates to fishing, is conveyed verbally from a boatman to the angler.

It is known from US 2002/0053617 to display both water depth information and information concerning fishing together in numerical format on a single display unit mounted on a fishing reel.

The foregoing fishing reel equipped with the conventional display device displays first information on a display unit in the counter case. In recent years, however, the amount of the first information concerning the reel has increased so that it has become difficult to display all the information on the display unit. In view of this problem, it is conceivable that the size of the display unit itself is increased in the arrangement, but this can cause an increase in the size of the reel. If the size of the reel is increased, "palming" or holding the reel becomes difficult.

Meanwhile, the foregoing conventional information collecting device as disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2002-142623 is provided with a display unit, so that the second information can be obtained. However, since the information collecting device is disposed at a location distant from the angler, the angler is offered the second information, for example, verbally from the boatman, which makes it difficult to obtain the second information on a real-time basis.

JP-A-2002262739 further discloses the displaying of information concerning fishing in graphical format.

In view of the above, there exists a need for fishing reels which overcome the above mentioned problems in the prior art. This invention addresses this need in the prior art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a purpose of the present invention to provide a fishing reel that can display a large amount of information while the size of the reel is kept small.

It is still another purpose of the present invention to improve operability of the fishing reel, the fishing information display device used for the reel, and the fishing information display system in various operations.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing reel in accordance with claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing information display system according to claim 2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric reel;
• Figure 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the standard display of an electric reel;
• Figure 3 is a control block diagram of an electric reel;
• Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process in a main routine of an electric reel;
• Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the content of a key input process of an electric reel;
• Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of processes in various operation modes of an electric reel;
• Figure 7 is a view of an example of display on a fishing information display device;
• Figure 8 is a view of an example of display on a fishing information display device in communication mode;
• Figure 9 is a view of an example of display on a fishing information display device in fishing mode;
• Figure 10 is a control block diagram of the electric reel according to the present invention; and
• Figure 11 is a partially enlarged plan view of the simplified display of an electric reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims.

An electric reel is furnished with, as shown in Figure 1, a reel body 1 mounted on a fishing rod R, a handle 2 disposed sideways on the reel body 1 for rotating a spool, a star drag 3 disposed on the reel body 1 side of the handle 2 for drag adjustment, and a case member 4 provided above the reel body 1.

The reel body 1 is mounted on the fishing rod R and is provided with a frame 7 including a pair of left and right side plates 7a and 7b and a plurality of linking members 8 for linking them, and left and right side covers 9a and 9b for covering the respective left and right sides of the frame 7. With the side cover 9b that is on the handle 2 side, a rotation shaft (not shown) of the handle 2 is supported rotatably.

In the interior of the reel body 1, a spool 10 connected to the handle 2 is supported rotatably. In the interior of the spool 10, a motor 12 is disposed for driving and rotating the spool 10 in a line-winding direction. On the side face of the side cover 9b that is on the handle 2 side, a clutch lever 11 is disposed for operating a clutch mechanism (not shown). At the rear of the side plate 7a side linking member 8, a reel code 19 is attached for connecting an external power supply (not shown) and a later-described fishing information display device 60, which is provided separately.

The case member 4 is, as shown in Figure 1, a case that is made of an aluminum alloy and is arranged above the reel body 1, and the interior space thereof accommodates various electric components. On the upper surface of the case member 4, a first display unit 5 and an operation key unit 6 (an example of first external control means) are provided; the first display unit 5 has a liquid crystal display for displaying, through a display window made of a transparent resin, information concerning the reel such as water depth of terminal tackle and fishing depth zone, with respect to the water surface or the bottom (example of first information). The operation key unit 6 is disposed around the first display unit 5. The operation key unit 6 also functions as switches for carrying out various control operations, such as display control of a later-described second display unit 63 for the fishing information display device 60.

The first display unit 5 has, as shown in Figure 2, a water depth display area 5a that is a four-digit seven segment display arranged at its center, a three-digit bottom water depth display area 5b arranged therebelow, and a gear speed display area 5c arranged on the right hand side of the water depth display area 5a as seen in Figure 2. The first display unit 5 is capable of displaying eight sets of characters, "From-bottom," "Learn," "Designate," "Pre-wind," "Correct," "Input," "Stop Line Feed," and "Set Zero." The word "From -bottom" is displayed when the water depth display mode is in From -bottom. The "From -bottom" mode is a mode in which the water depth of the terminal tackle is displayed with reference to the sea bottom. It should be noted that the water depth of the terminal tackle is normally displayed with reference to the water surface ("Surface" mode). The characters "Learn" through "Input" indicate types of line-winding modes, and when one of them is selected, the characters corresponding to the selected line-winding mode are displayed.

The operation key unit 6 includes "Change Speed" key SK and "Motor" key PW arranged vertically on the right side, in Figure 2, of the first display unit 5, and "Bottom Memory" key SM and "Mode" key MD arranged vertically on the left side, as seen in Figure 2.

The Motor key PW is a toggle switch for turning the motor 12 on and off and for increasing the speed of the motor 12 according to ON time.

The Change-Speed key SK is a key for increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor 12 that is being driven, and it is a "see-saw" type switch having two switches (an upper switch SK1 and a lower switch SK2) and a neutral position. When the upper switch SK1 is pressed, the speed increases, whereas when the lower switch SK2 is pressed, the speed decreases. When the upper switch SK1 is kept pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer while the motor 12 is not being driven, the display mode can be switched between "Surface" and "Off-bottom". When the lower switch SK2 is kept pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer, a forced unreeling mode (a mode in which when the line is reeled out, the speed of unreeling is increased by driving the motor 12 with the clutch being disengaged) can be turned on and off.

The Bottom Memory key SM is a switch that is to be pressed when the terminal tackle reaches the bottom, and the water depth at that time is set as a "bottom". When the Bottom Memory key SM is kept pressed for a predetermined period of time or longer, the zero point of water depth display can be set to a new position, for example, when the fishing line breaks.

The Mode key MD is a key for setting five kinds of line-winding modes. For example, the line-winding mode is set as follows; a Learn mode is turned on when it is pressed one time, a Designation mode when pressed two times consecutively, Pre-wind mode three times, a Correction mode four times, and an Input mode five times.

The operation key unit 6 may also be used for display control or the like of the later-described second display unit 63 of the fishing information display device 60. For example, by operating the operation key unit 6, selection of menus displayed on the second display unit 63 is possible.

As shown in Figure 3, in the interior of the case member 4 is a reel control unit 30, which includes a microcomputer including a CPU, which performs a water depth display control and motor drive control, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an I/O interface, and so forth. The microcomputer of the reel control unit 30 includes a control program, which controls the reel 1 as discussed below. Operatively connected to the reel control unit 30 in conventional manners are various keys in the operation key unit 6, a spool sensor 41 for detecting rotational positions and directions of the spool 10, and a spool counter 42 in which a count value changes with every predetermined pulse from the spool sensor 41. The sensor and counter used herein may be any conventional ones. The spool sensor 41 and the spool counter 42 are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since the spool sensor and spool counter are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Also operatively connected to the reel control unit 30 in conventional manners are a buzzer 43 for outputting various alarms, the first display unit 5 for various displays, a memory unit 45 (an example of information storing means) for storing various data for performing various displays, a PWM drive circuit 44 including a FET for PWM-driving the motor 12, and other input/output units. Herein, the control unit 30 functions as the first information display means. The buzzer 43, the memory unit 45, and the PWM drive circuit 44, used herein are components. The buzzer, the memory unit, the PWM drive circuit are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since the buzzer 43, the memory unit 45, and the PWM drive circuit 44 are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Further connected to the reel control unit 30 are an information communication unit 50 (an example of information output means) for transmitting the first information concerning the reel externally, and for receiving the second information concerning fishing from a fish finder 53 or a GPS 54 (examples of information collection means) through the fishing information display device 60 and an information coordinating device 70. The fish finder GPS are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54 are well known in the art, its structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. The reel control unit 30 is capable of selectively controlling any of the components operatively coupled thereto in accordance with the control program. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the precise structure and algorithms for the reel control unit 30 can be any combination of hardware and software. In other words, "means plus function" clauses as utilized in the specification and claims should include any structure or hardware and/or algorithm or software that can be utilized to carry out the function of the "means plus function" clause.

The information communication unit 50 is connected to, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, an information communication unit 51 (an example of first information acquiring means and second information acquiring means) that is provided in the fishing information display device 60 via cable communication through the reel code 19.

The fishing information display device 60 is furnished with, as shown in Figure 1, a unit body 64, a second display unit 63 that is mounted to the unit body 64 and is adapted for displaying various information, an operation key unit 62 that is disposed around the second display unit 63 and is for various operations, an antenna unit 65 that is disposed on both sides of the unit body 64 and is connected to the information communication unit 51.

The unit body 64 includes, as shown in Figure 1, a first member 64b that is made of a metal and is for accommodating various electric components, and a second member 64a that is made of a synthetic resin and is for fitting the second display unit 63. The antenna unit 65, which includes a protruding portion made of a metal, is formed on either side of the second member 64a.

In the interior of the fishing information display device 60, an information display control unit 61 (an example of second information display means and third information display means) is provided. The information display control unit 61 includes a microcomputer including a CPU which controls the display, a RAM, a ROM, an I/O interface, and so forth, as shown in Figure 3. The information display control unit 61 is operatively connected to the information communication unit 51, various keys in the operation key unit 62, and the second display unit 63 for performing various displays.

The information communication unit 51 can, as shown in Figure 3, communicate with the information communication unit 50 that is provided in the reel through a cable. The information communication unit 51 can also communicate wirelessly with an information communication unit 52 provided in the information coordinating device 70. As shown in Figure 1, the reel and the fishing information display device 60 are linked through the reel code 19, which is of socket type, so that electric power and information can be sent to and received from each other. The fishing information display device 60 and an external power supply, which is not shown in the figures, are linked with a code with an alligator type clip, through which electric power is supplied. The fishing information display device 60 and the information coordinating device 70 are connected using a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Bi-directional communications are possible between the reel and the fishing information display device 60, as well as between the fishing information display device 60 and the information coordinating device 70.

The operation key unit 62 has switches for performing various controls such as display control of the second display unit 63. The operation key unit 62 can control not only the control of the fishing information display device 60 side devices but also the reel side devices. For example, the fishing-depth-zone-stoppage and rotation of the motor 12 can be controlled by operating the operation key unit 62.

The second display unit 63 is, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, a multi-color TFT liquid crystal display, which can display the first information which concerns the.reel, and the second information which concerns fishing. The first information has been obtained from the reel. The second information has been obtained from the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54 through the information coordinating device 70. The first and second information can be displayed with one being superimposed over the other. For example, fishing line load data, line length data, or the like obtained from the reel can be displayed after being corrected based on the data from the fish finder 53. Also, a history of the water depth display can be displayed in graphical representation while the information from the fish finder 53 and the information from the reel are being displayed in a combination screen.

The information coordinating device 70 is connected to the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54, as shown in Figure 3. It coordinates and stores the information obtained from the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54, and is capable of bi-directional communication with the fishing information display device 60. In the interior of the information coordinating device 70, an information coordinating-and-controlling unit 71 is accommodated which includes a microcomputer including a CPU which performs display control, a RAM, a ROM, an I/O interface, and so forth, as shown in Figure 3. The information communication unit 52, various keys in an operation key unit 72, and a memory unit 73 for storing various information are operatively connected to the information coordinating-and-controlling unit 71. The information coordinating-and-controlling unit 71 is capable of selectively controlling any of the components operatively connected thereto in accordance with the control program. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the precise structure and algorithms for the information coordinating-and-controlling unit 71 can be any combination of hardware and software. In other words, "means plus function" clauses as utilized in the specification and claims should include any structure or hardware and/or algorithm or software that can be utilized to carry out the function of the "means plus function" clause.

The information communication unit 52 can communicate wirelessly with the information communication unit 51, which is provided for the fishing information display device 60 as shown in Figure 3. The information communication unit 52 can also communicate with the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54 through a cable.

The operation key unit 72 is adapted for inputting information that a boatman wishes to convey, for example, information for instructing lowering of the terminal tackle. The input information is stored in the memory unit 73, and is transmitted to the fishing information display device 60 on which the input information is displayed. Herein, since contents that have been conveyed by the boatman through a microphone are displayed on the fishing information display device 60, transmission of the information is made easier and more reliable.

Next, major control processes for the reel that are carried out by the reel control unit 30 are described with reference to control flowcharts of Figures 4-6.

When an external power supply is connected to the electric reel, an initial configuration is set in step S1 shown in Figure 4. More specifically, various flags are reset, and the display mode is reset to "Fishing" mode.

In step S2, a display process is executed for the first display unit 5 and the second display unit 63. More specifically, if the display mode of the second display unit 63 is in the Fishing mode, the water depth and speed that have been computed are displayed, as shown in Figure 7. If the second display unit 63 is in "Communication" mode, an initial display for the Communication mode shown in Figure 8 is displayed. In the initial display for the Communication mode, two menu items "Fish Finder Information" and "GPS Information" are displayed as the communication menu. These two types of information concerning fishing can be selected by operating the operation key unit 6.

Herein, the item "Fish Finder Information" is for processing the second information concerning fishing that is obtained from the fish finder 53. The item "GPS information" is for displaying positional information, which is the second information concerning fishing that is obtained from the GPS 54. Thus, as shown in Figure 9, information concerning fishing regarding a fishing location, such as information concerning fish shoals or water temperatures, can be obtained through graphics and/or numerical values.

In step S3, it is determined whether there has been a key input interruption through operation of the various keys on the operation key unit 6. If there has been a key input in step S3, the process flow proceeds to step S6 to perform the process required by the key operation.

In step S4, it is determined whether the spool 10 has rotated. The determination is made based on the output from the spool sensor 41. If it is determined that the spool 10 is rotating, the process flow proceeds from step S4 to step S7. In step S7, it is determined whether the Communication mode is on, and if the Communication mode is on, the process flow proceeds to step S8 to switch the display mode from the Communication mode to the Fishing mode. If the Communication mode is off and if the process of step S8 finishes, the process flow proceeds to step S9 processes corresponding to the operation mode (Fishing mode) are performed.

In step S5, it is determined whether there have been any other instructions. If other instructions are made, the process flow proceeds to step S10 to execute other processes corresponding to the instructions.

In the key input process of step S6, it is determined whether the Mode key MD has been operated in step S11 shown in Figure 5. In step S12, it is determined whether the Change-Speed key SK or the Motor key has been operated. In step S13, it is determined whether other keys have been operated.

If it is determined that the Mode key MD has been operated, the process flow proceeds from step S11 to step S15 to determine whether the display mode is in the Fishing mode. If the Fishing mode is on, the process flow proceeds to step S16 to switch the display mode to the Communication mode. If the Communication mode is on, the process flow proceeds to step S17 to switch the display mode to the Fishing mode. When the display mode is switched to the Communication mode, the information communication unit 50 is controlled so that communication with the fishing information display device 60 is possible, and an initial display shown in Figure 8 is presented in the display processing at step S2 shown in Figure 4.

If the Change-Speed key SK or the Motor key is operated, the process flow proceeds from step S12 to step S18. In step S18, it is determined whether the display mode is in the fishing mode. If the display mode is determined to be in the fishing mode, the process flow proceeds to step S19 to execute a motor control process according to the operated key, which is either the Change-Speed key SK or the Motor key. For example, if the Motor key is press-operated, the motor 12 is turned on or off. In the case of the Change-Speed key SK, if the upper switch SK1 is press-operated, an accelerating process is executed, while if the lower switch SK2 is press-operated, a decelerating process is executed.

In the case of the Communication mode, the process flow proceeds to step S20 to execute a menu control process, in which menus are controlled by cursor movement.

In the menu control process of step S20, a cursor on the first display unit 5 is moved by operating the upper switch SK1 or the lower switch SK2 shown in Figure 2, and menu selection is made by pressing the center switch, which is located between the upper switch SK1 and the lower switch SK2. For example, in the communication menu shown in Figure 8, when the upper switch SK1 or the lower switch SK2 is pressed, a cursor moves vertically between menu items. The menu item is selected by press-operation of the center switch, whereafter information is received from the information communication unit 50, and the process flow moves to the next process. Then, when the cursor is moved vertically by operating the upper switch SK1 or the lower switch SK2 and some selection operations are performed, the second information as shown in Figure 9 concerning fishing at the fishing location obtained from the fish finder 53 is displayed.

In each of the processes of respective operation modes in step S9, it is determined in step S41 shown in Figure 6 whether rotational direction of the spool 10 is in a line-Line Feeding direction or not. The judgment is made based on which of the lead switches of the spool sensor 41 emitted a pulse earlier. If it is determined that the rotational direction of the spool 10 is in a line-Line Feeding direction, the process flow proceeds from step S41 to step S42.

In step S42, data stored in the memory unit 45 are read out to compute the line length that has been reeled out, based on a count value indicated by the spool counter 42. The spool counter 42 decreases with every pulse from the spool sensor 41 in a predetermined timing. A water depth LX is then computed from the line length. The water depth LX thus obtained is displayed in the display process of step S2. Examples of the screens shown on the first display unit 5 and on the second display unit 6 are depicted in Figures 2 and 7, respectively. In the processes for the respective operation modes in the fishing mode, the first display unit 5 and the second display unit 63 display such information as water depth of the terminal tackle, fishing depth zone, speed of the spool 10, and the like.

In step S43, it is determined whether the obtained water depth LX matches the fishing depth zone, that is, whether the terminal tackle has reached the depth zone or not. If the terminal tackle has not reached the depth zone yet, the process flow proceeds to step S44.

In step S44, it is determined whether any other fishing mode is on. If no other fishing mode is on, the processes for the respective operation modes are terminated and the process flow returns to the main routine.

If the water depth matches the fishing depth zone, the process flow proceeds from step S43 to step S45, and the buzzer 43 is sounded to report that the terminal tackle has reached the depth zone. If any other fishing mode is on, the process flow proceeds from step S44 to step S46, in order to execute other mode that is turned on.

If it is determined that the rotation of the spool 10 is in the line winding direction, the process flow proceeds from step S41 to step S49. In step S49, data stored in the memory unit 45 are read out and the line length that has been reeled out is computed according to the count value indicated by the spool counter 42, which increases with every pulse from the spool sensor 41 in a predetermined timing. The water depth LX is further computed from the line length. The water depth LX thus obtained is also displayed in the display process at step S2.

In step S50, it is determined whether the water depth matches a boat side stoppage position. If the line has not yet been reeled in up to the boat side stop position, the process flow returns to the main routine.

If the boat side stoppage position is reached, the process flow proceeds from step S50 to step S51. In step S51, the buzzer 43 is sounded to alert that the terminal tackle is at the boat side. In step S44, the motor 12 is turned off. In this manner, in catching a fish, the fish can be positioned such that it is easily taken in. The boat side stoppage position is set, for example, when the water depth is 6 m or less and the spool 10 has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer.

In this electric reel, the fishing information display device 60 is enabled to display the first information obtained from the reel and the second information obtained from the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54 through the information coordinating device 70. In addition, the fishing information display device 60 can be controlled with the operation key unit 6 of the electric reel, and the electric reel can be controlled with the operation key unit 62 of the fishing information display device 60.

Herein, the electric reel is adapted for outputting the first information concerning the reel to outside. Therefore, by displaying the first information on the fishing information display device 60 that is provided separately from the electric reel, a large amount of information can be displayed while the size of the reel is kept small. In addition, since the second information concerning fishing is displayed on the fishing information display device 60, the second information can be obtained quickly.

Other Embodiments

• (a) In the foregoing embodiment, the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54 are shown as examples of information collecting means on a fishing boat. However, when the fishing boat has a function of collecting information via the Internet, it is possible to employ a configuration such that the information obtained via the Internet can be displayed. Similarly, when the fishing boat is enabled to collect topographical information of the sea bottom or the like, it is possible to employ a configuration such that the obtained topographical information can be displayed. The information may be digitized, high-density information.
• (b) In the foregoing embodiment, an electric reel was taken as an example of the fishing reel, but another example may be a hand-winding counter reel or the like.
• (c) It is possible to further provide identifying information storage means for holding a unique ID code (identifying information) that specifies a reel, and configure the information communication unit 50 to transmit the ID code to the fishing information display device 60. Alternatively, it is possible to provide identifying information for the fishing information display device 70, and configure the information communication unit 51 to transmit the ID code to the fishing reel. In this case, the information concerning fishing can be made up of information that is related to the ID code sent by the information transmitting means. This way, the information concerning fishing that suits for a variety of reels can be received through bi-directional communications by sending the unique ID code specifying the reel.
• (d) The first display unit 5 and the second display unit 63 may be switchable between a detailed standard display screen that displays all of the first and second information in a detailed manner and a simple display screen that shows the items of the first and second information in a simplified manner. For instance, in the case of the first display unit 5, the simplified screen shown in Figure 11 only shows the water depth display area 5a, the three-digit bottom water depth display area 5b, and the gear speed display area 5c. In other words, the simplified screen shows fewer items than those shown in the standard display depicted in Figure 2. Accordingly, the simplified screen shows the water depth display area 5a and the three-digit bottom water depth display area 5b in larger fonts than those in the standard display.
• (e) Ways of connecting between the electric reel and the fishing information display device 60, and ways of connecting between the fishing information display device 60 and the information coordinating device 70 are not limited to the foregoing embodiment, but may be any combinations of cable communications and wireless communications. Also, the method of wireless communication is not limited to such wireless communication technology as Bluetooth wireless technology or Wi-Fi radio technology, but infrared communications and other communication protocols may be adopted. Further, the information coordinating device 70 may be eliminated and the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54 may be directly connected to the fishing information display device 60. Also, although a plurality of terminals, namely the fish finder 53 and the GPS 54, were described as being connected as information collecting terminals in the afore-described embodiment, this is not meant to be restrictive and only one of these terminals may be connected.
• (f) In the embodiment, the fishing information display device 60 is supplied with power from an external power supply, but power may be supplied by an internal battery. In addition, although the electric reel and the fishing information display device 60 are described as being connected by the reel code 19 in the above-described embodiment, the electric reel and the external power supply may also be directly connected. Further, the shape of the connector for the code is not limited to the socket type or the alligator type.
• (g) In the foregoing embodiment, the fishing information display device 60 is provided externally of, and spaced from the electric reel, but it may be configured so that the fishing information display device can be detachably mounted on a front or an upper portion of the case member 4 of the electric reel. In addition, the fishing information display device 60 may be provided with an openable and closable cover member that covers the second display unit 63, for shielding from external light. In this case, visibility of the second display unit 63 is improved and the surface of the second display unit 63 is protected when the cover member is closed.
• (h) In the foregoing embodiment, the first information and the second information are displayed on the second display unit 63 of the fishing information display device 60, but they may be displayed on the first display unit 5 of the electric reel.
• (i) In the foregoing embodiment, the fishing information display device 60 can be controlled with the operation key unit 6 of the electric reel and the electric reel can be controlled with the operation key unit 62 of the fishing information display device 60. However, the control need not be bi-directional; it is possible to employ a configuration in which control of only one of the directions is possible.
• (j) According to the invention and as shown in Figure 10, a first reel control unit 30 is provided on a side of the reel and is capable of controlling one part of the reel, and a second reel control unit 66 is provided on a side of the fishing information display device 60 and is capable of controlling the other part of the reel. Connected to the first reel control unit 30 is a motor 12 via a PWM driving circuit 44, while various keys of the operational key unit 62, the second display unit 63, and the memory unit for storing various data are connected to the second reel control unit 66.

In this embodiment, the fisherman operates the operational key unit 62 of the fishing information display device 60 based on various data such as a plurality of inducing data stored in the memory unit 67. In this manner, it is possible to conduct controls such as the fishing depth zone stoppage function, the inducing function, and the automatic dangling function, which are reel-controlling functions, via the information communication unit 51, the information communication unit 50, and the first reel control unit 30. In this case, when the fishing information display device 60 is not connected to the reel, it is possible to conduct only minimum-necessary functions such as rotational control of the motor 12. On the other hand, when the fishing information display device 60 is connected to the reel, it is possible to conduct additional controls using the second reel control unit 66 of the fishing information display device 60. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure of the reel control and improve the operability of various operations. It is also possible to expand the functions of only the information display device side incrementally, without having to expand the reel.

Although a memory unit 45 may be connected to the reel control unit 30 on the reel side, the memory unit 67 is connected according to the invention to the second reel unit 66 on the fishing information display unit 60. In this manner, it is possible to simplify the structure of the reel, and store many data in the memory unit 67 of the fishing information display device 60.

According to the present invention, the fishing reel has a first external control means adapted for controlling a fishing information display device used for the reel. Therefore, operability of the reel is improved in various operations.

As used herein, the following directional terms "forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a device equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a device equipped with the present invention.

The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms should be construed as including a deviation of at least ± 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims.