Reel seat base material, reel seat, and fishing rod

Abstract

The aim is to improve the strength of the fitting adhesive joint where the hood into which the reel mounting legs are inserted and the member to be mounted are bonded together. [Solution] The reel seat base material 10 has a gripping portion 11, a reel leg mounting portion 12 on which the reel's mounting legs are placed, and a hood 13 on which the reel's mounting legs are fixed, and is a hollow cylindrical shape formed entirely of a prepreg sheet in which reinforcing fibers are impregnated with synthetic resin. At one or both ends in the axial direction, cylindrical fitting and bonding portions 14, 15 are formed to which the member to be attached is fitted and bonded. The hood 13 and the fitting and bonding portions 14, 15 are formed to be thicker than the other parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reel sheet base material, a reel sheet, and a fishing rod.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a reel sheet provided with a hood into which the mounting leg portion of a reel is inserted is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this reel sheet, a resin sheet containing reinforcing fibers is disposed on the inner wall surface and the mounting surface inside the hood, and the hood is reinforced. On the other hand, a fishing rod disclosed in Patent Document 2 is known as a structure for reinforcing a hood. In this fishing rod, a reinforcing material is disposed in a portion forming the hood, and a prepreg sheet is wound around to fix the reinforcing material to the rod body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, measures have been advanced to reduce the weight of reel sheets and fishing rods, and in such measures, further improvement in the strength of the fitting adhesive portion to which the hood and the attached member are adhered has been required.

[0005] The present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a reel sheet base material, a reel sheet, and a fishing rod capable of improving the strength of a hood into which a mounting leg portion of a reel is inserted and a fitting adhesive portion to which an attached member is adhered.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the reel seat base material of the present invention has a gripping portion, a reel leg mounting portion on which the reel's mounting legs are placed, and a hood on which the reel's mounting legs are fixed, and is a hollow cylindrical shape formed entirely of a prepreg sheet in which reinforcing fibers are impregnated with synthetic resin. A cylindrical fitting adhesive portion is formed at one or both ends in the axial direction, to which the member to be attached is fitted and bonded. The hood and the fitting adhesive portion are formed to be thicker than the other parts.

[0007] In this invention, a reel seat base material is obtained that is lightweight due to the hollow cylindrical shape made of prepreg sheets, while ensuring strength by forming the hood and fitting adhesive parts, which are subjected to external forces, with sufficient thickness. Furthermore, because it is a hollow cylindrical shape and is formed by laminating prepreg sheets, it is easier to sense the bite transmitted from the rod during actual fishing, and an improvement in fishing results can be expected.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the reel seat base material includes an inner layer and an outer layer that covers the inner layer. In this configuration, the reel sheet base material is constructed by layering prepreg sheets, making it easy to create areas where weight reduction is desired and areas where strength is required.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that a reinforcing layer is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the hood. This configuration, with its reinforced layer, improves the strength of the hood. In particular, the hood is a part that is easily subjected to stress when the mounting legs are inserted, so improving the strength of this part is effective in ensuring the strength of the reel seat base material.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fitting adhesive portion has an inner diameter adjustment layer in addition to the inner layer and the outer layer, for adjusting the size of the inner diameter to correspond to the outer diameter of the member to be attached. In this configuration, the inner diameter of the mating adhesive portion can be set to a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the member to be attached by adjusting the thickness of the inner diameter adjustment layer. This results in a highly versatile reel seat base material that can be used with various members to be attached.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the inner circumferential surface of the fitting and bonding portion has the same inner diameter along the axial direction. In this configuration, the inner circumferential surface of the mating and bonding portion has a straight shape with the same inner diameter, making it easier to adjust the size of the inner diameter to correspond to the outer diameter of the member to be attached, and improving the accuracy of the adjustment.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the gripping portion has a bulge that extends radially on the side opposite to the side where the reel leg mounting portion is located. This configuration provides a reel seat base material that is easy to grip and conforms to the angler's fingers. In addition, since the reel leg mounting section is relatively closer to the rod body, the distance between the reel and the rod body is shortened, improving fishing operability.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable to place a thickened portion inside the hood. In this case, it is preferable that the thickened portion is made of a synthetic resin material that expands in volume when heated.

[0014] In this configuration, the inner part of the hood can be replaced with a thicker section, making it easy to form the hood. Furthermore, replacing the inner part with a thicker section also reduces the weight of the hood. Additionally, since the thicker section expands in volume when heated, pressure can be applied from the inside of the hood during molding, effectively pressing the hood material against the outer mold. This ensures that the hood material adheres tightly to the outer mold, preventing the formation of voids and other defects. Therefore, moldability is improved. For example, when a hood is formed by laminating prepreg sheets, the expansion of the thicker section effectively prevents voids from forming between the layers of the prepreg sheets.

[0015] Further, it is preferable that the synthetic resin material contains at least one of thermally expandable microcapsules and a foaming agent. In this configuration, due to the action of at least one of the thermally expandable microcapsules and the foaming agent, the volume of the thick portion expands preferably, so that the material of the hood adheres more closely to the outer shape and the like, and it is possible to more preferably prevent the generation of voids and the like.

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the reel sheet of the present invention includes the reel sheet base material, and a mounting member is fitted and adhered to the fitting and adhering portion of the reel sheet base material. In the present invention, a reel sheet having strength can be obtained while achieving weight reduction. Further, due to the weight reduction, the fishing operationability is improved. Also, it is easy to sense the fish signal transmitted from the mounting member during actual fishing, and an improvement in the fishing result can be expected.

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, the fishing rod of the present invention includes the reel sheet. In the present invention, a fishing rod having strength can be obtained while achieving weight reduction. Further, due to the weight reduction, the fishing operationability is improved. Also, it is easy to sense the fish signal transmitted from the rod body of the fishing rod during actual fishing, and an improvement in the fishing result can be expected.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the reel sheet base material, the reel sheet, and the fishing rod of the present invention, it is possible to improve the strength of the hood into which the mounting leg portion of the reel is inserted and the fitting and adhering portion to which the mounting member is adhered.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a fishing rod to which a reel sheet including a reel sheet base material according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing a reel sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is also a cross-sectional view of the reel sheet. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing a reel sheet base material, (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a screw member is attached to the reel sheet base material. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixed hood. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the layer structure of the reel sheet base material, (a) is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the layer structure of the reel sheet base material, (b) is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the layer structure of the fixed hood, and (c) is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the layer structure of the fitting and bonding part. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the reel sheet base material and the prepreg sheet. [Figure 8] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outline of the layer structure in the fixed hood. [Figure 9] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the first modification example of the layer structure in the fixed hood. [Figure 10] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the second modification example of the layer structure in the fixed hood. [Figure 11] It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the outline of the arrangement structure of the thick part in the fixed hood of the reel sheet according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is also a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the first modification example of the arrangement structure of the thick part. [Figure 13] It is also a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the second modification example of the arrangement structure of the thick part. [Figure 14] It is also a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the third modification example of the arrangement structure of the thick part. [Figure 15] It is also a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the fourth modification example of the arrangement structure of the thick part.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The reel seat base material, reel seat, and fishing rod according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when referring to "front and back," "left and right," and "up and down," the directions shown in Figure 1 will be used as the reference. The reel seat base material, reel seat, and fishing rod according to the embodiment are examples for spinning reels for fishing (hereinafter simply referred to as "reels"), but this is not intended to limit the form of the reel. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the reel seat 1 equipped with the reel seat base material 10 of this embodiment is a member for fixing a reel (not shown) to a fishing rod R, and the mounting legs (not shown, the same applies hereinafter) of the reel are attached to it. The fishing rod R is equipped with a cylindrical rod body R1 and a rear grip G, etc. The rod body R1 is constructed by connecting a middle section, a tip section, etc., although not shown. The rod body R1 can be connected by a telescopic method, a parallel joint method, a reverse parallel joint method, a spigot method, or any other known joint method. The rod body R1 may be composed of a single rod body. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the reel seat 1 comprises a reel seat base material 10, a screw member 20 (see Figures 3 and 4(b)), and a movable hood 30 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0022] The reel seat base material 10 is the part that is gripped by the angler's fingers and is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape as shown in Figures 3 and 4(a) and 4(b). The entire reel seat base material 10 is formed from a prepreg sheet in which reinforcing fibers are impregnated with synthetic resin. A detailed explanation of the prepreg sheet will be given later. The reel seat base material 10 comprises a gripping part 11 that forms the outer shell, a reel leg mounting part 12 on which the reel's mounting legs are placed, a fixing hood 13 which serves as a hood into which the front end of the reel's mounting legs are inserted and fixed, and front and rear fitting adhesive parts 14 and 15. As shown in Figure 3, the rod body R1 is inserted through the hollow part inside the reel seat base material 10. The front spacer 41 is bonded to the front fitting adhesive part 14. The screw member 20 is bonded to the rear fitting adhesive part 15. The rear spacer 42 is bonded to the inside of the screw member 20. The reel seat base material 10 is glued and fixed to the rod body R1 via front and rear spacers 41 and 42.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the gripping portion 11 has a bulge 11a that curves upward. The bulge 11a bulges radially away from the side where the reel leg mounting portion 12 is formed. As a result, the volume in the upper region of the hollow portion of the reel seat base material 10 is larger than the volume in the lower region, with the rod body R1 as the boundary. The reel leg mounting section 12 extends in the front-rear direction and has a flat surface in cross-sectional view (see Figures 2 and 3) on which at least a portion of the reel's mounting legs are placed.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the fixing hood 13 has a concave shape, and the opening 13a into which the front end of the reel mounting leg is inserted opens towards the rear. The fixing hood 13 is integrally formed with the reel seat base material 10 from a prepreg sheet, which will be described later. The fixing hood 13 is formed to be thicker than other parts of the reel seat base material 10, such as the gripping portion 11, the reel leg mounting portion 12, and the fitting adhesive portions 14, 15.

[0025] The fixed hood 13 comprises a mounting portion 13b, an inner wall portion 13c, and an outer wall portion 13d. The mounting portion 13b is formed continuously with the front end of the reel leg mounting portion 12 (see Figure 4(a)) and has a flat surface in cross-section on which the front end of the reel's mounting leg portion is mounted. The inner wall portion 13c is provided opposite to the mounting portion 13b and has an inclined surface that clamps the front end of the reel's mounting leg portion between itself and the mounting portion 13b. The inner wall portion 13c is inclined downward toward the opening 13a. The outer wall portion 13d is located outside the inner wall portion 13c and forms part of the outer surface of the fixed hood 13. The outer wall portion 13d is inclined upward toward the front.

[0026] A first curved portion 16 is formed between the mounting portion 13b and the inner wall portion 13c. The first curved portion 16 has a curved concave shape and is the part that connects the mounting portion 13b and the inner wall portion 13c. The first curved portion 16 forms the inner corner of the recess of the fixed hood 13. On the other hand, a second curved portion 17 is formed between the inner wall portion 13c and the outer wall portion 13d. The second curved portion 17 has a curved protrusion shape and is the part that connects the inner wall portion 13c and the outer wall portion 13d. The second curved portion 17 forms the opening edge of the opening 13a of the fixed hood 13. The first curved portion 16 and the second curved portion 17 only need to be curved as a whole, and may include flat portions.

[0027] The front and rear fitting and bonding portions 14 and 15 are formed at both axial ends of the reel seat base material 10, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), and are cylindrical in shape. The fitting and bonding portions 14 and 15 are the parts to which the spacer 41 and screw member 20, which are to be attached, are fitted and bonded, and are integrally formed with the reel seat base material 10 by a prepreg sheet, which will be described later. The fitting and bonding portions 14 and 15 are formed to be thicker than other parts of the reel seat base material 10, such as the gripping portion 11 and the reel leg mounting portion 12. Alternatively, the rod body R1 may be directly bonded to the front fitting and bonding portion 14.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the rod body R1 is fitted and bonded to the front fitting and bonding portion 14 via a front spacer 41. The inner circumferential surface of the fitting and bonding portion 14 is formed to have the same inner diameter along the axial direction. The front spacer 41 extends forward of the tip of the fitting and bonding portion 14, preventing the tip of the fitting and bonding portion 14 from directly contacting the outer circumferential surface of the rod body R1. This prevents stress concentration from occurring when the rod body R1 is bent due to contact between the fitting and bonding portion 14 and the rod body R1.

[0029] The front spacer 41 functions as a buffer between the fitting adhesive portion 14 and the rod body R1, and is made of a material that is more flexible than the rod body R1, such as ABS resin with a low modulus of elasticity. This reduces the difference in rigidity between the rod body R1 and the fitting adhesive portion 14, thereby reducing the load on the rod body R1 and improving the rod body R1's resistance to bending loads. The tip of the front spacer 41 is covered by the cover member 43.

[0030] A screw member 20 is fitted and bonded to the rear fitting and bonding portion 15. The inner circumferential surface of the fitting and bonding portion 15 is formed to have the same inner diameter along the axial direction. The inner circumferential surface of the fitting and bonding portion 15 is formed to have a larger diameter than the inner circumferential surface of the front fitting and bonding portion 14. The front end of the fitting and bonding portion 15 is continuous with the gently curved portion at the rear end of the gripping portion 11.

[0031] The screw member 20 has an insertion portion 21 that is fitted and bonded to the fitting and bonding portion 15, and a threaded portion 22 formed on the outer circumferential surface of its rear end. The insertion portion 21 is the part that is bonded to the inner circumferential surface of the fitting and bonding portion 15 via adhesive, and has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the fitting and bonding portion 15, and a length corresponding to the axial length of the fitting and bonding portion 15. The outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 21 has the same outer diameter along the axial direction. The movable hood 30 is screwed into the threaded portion 22.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the rod body R1 is fitted and bonded to the screw member 20 via the rear spacer 42. The front end 42a of the rear spacer 42 extends forward of the front end 21a of the insertion portion 21. As a result, a circumferential stepped space 45 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the front end 42a of the rear spacer 42 and the front end 20a of the insertion portion 21.

[0033] The movable hood 30 is a component that is screwed onto the threaded portion 22 of the screw member 20 and is provided to be axially movable in order to clamp the mounting leg portion of the reel. The movable hood 30 includes a rear end mounting portion (not shown) on which the rear end portion of the mounting leg portion of the reel is placed.

[0034] Next, the prepreg sheets constituting the reel seat base material 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows the layer structure of the reel seat base material, where (a) is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the layer structure of the reel seat base material, (b) is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the layer structure of the fixed hood, and (c) is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the layer structure of the fitting adhesive part. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the reel seat base material and the prepreg sheets.

[0035] A prepreg sheet is a fiber-reinforced resin prepreg in which reinforcing fibers are impregnated with a resin such as a matrix resin. Examples of reinforcing fibers that can be included in the prepreg sheet include carbon fibers, glass fibers, and any other known reinforcing fibers. Furthermore, examples of resins that can be included in the prepreg sheet include thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins and thermoplastic resins such as PET. Examples of thermosetting resins include urea resin, melamine resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, and urethane resin.

[0036] The reel sheet base material 10 is formed by internal pressure molding, in which multiple prepreg sheets are layered on an outline (not shown) and pressure is applied from the radially inner side. As shown in Figure 6(a), the reel sheet base material 10 has a basic layer structure consisting of an inner layer 2 and an outer layer 3 that covers the inner layer 2. The inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 are each composed of multiple layers S. Each layer S of the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 is configured to form a single cylindrical layer in the circumferential direction by arranging at least two laminated sheets, each formed by stacking multiple prepreg sheets radially, in the circumferential direction. In other words, each layer S of the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape by connecting multiple laminated sheets in the circumferential direction. In Figure 7, the prepreg sheets constituting each layer S of the inner layer 2 are denoted by reference numeral 2a, and the prepreg sheets constituting each layer S of the outer layer 3 are denoted by reference numeral 3a. In Figure 7, prepreg sheets 2a and 3a are schematically shown one by one. The prepreg sheets 2a and 3a have a total length that corresponds to at least the axial size of the reel sheet base material 10.

[0037] In the inner layer 2 and outer layer 3, at least some of the prepreg sheets 2a and 3a use reinforcing fibers with different fiber directions. The prepreg sheets 2a and 3a of each layer S may have the same fiber direction or different fiber directions for the reinforcing fibers. The fiber direction of the prepreg sheets 2a and 3a can be, for example, oriented at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, or in a grid pattern (plain weave or twill weave) of 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the circumferential direction of the reel sheet base material 10, or even oriented obliquely to the circumferential direction. In this case, the oblique direction of the fiber direction is preferably in the range of 20 to 70 degrees relative to the circumferential direction, and more preferably ±45 degrees relative to the circumferential direction. By changing the fiber direction pattern, the rigidity and strength of each layer S can be freely changed.

[0038] Here, the prepreg sheet with obliquely oriented reinforcing fibers has the property that the reinforcing fibers tend to spread (stretch) radially outward during internal pressure molding, so it can flexibly conform (deform) to the shape of the hollow cylindrical reel seat base material 10 which has multiple curved surfaces. Therefore, by using a prepreg sheet with obliquely oriented reinforcing fibers, the advantage of stabilizing the molding quality of the reel seat base material 10 can be obtained. Furthermore, each layer S of the inner layer 2 and outer layer 3 is not limited to being formed by stacking multiple prepreg sheets 2a and 3a, but may be composed of a single prepreg sheet 2a or 3a. Also, the number of layers S of the inner layer 2 and outer layer 3 can be set arbitrarily.

[0039] Next, the layer structure of the fixed hood 13 will be explained with reference to Figures 6(b) and 8. Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the general outline of the layer structure in the fixed hood. As shown in Figures 6(b) and 8, the fixed hood 13 comprises an inner layer 2, an outer layer 3, and a reinforcing layer 4. The fixed hood 13 is a part that is integrally formed during the molding process of the reel sheet base material 10. The configuration of each layer S of the inner layer 2 and outer layer 3 in the fixed hood 13 is the same as the configuration described above. The fixed hood 13 also includes a thickened portion 2A that is formed continuously with the inner layer 2. The thickened portion 2A is formed by stacking multiple layers of prepreg sheets (not shown). As described above, the fiber direction of the prepreg sheets in the thickened portion 2A can be in various directions.

[0040] The reinforcing layer 4 is positioned between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3, and as shown in Figure 8, it is continuously positioned from the mounting section 13b to the first curved section 16, the inner wall section 13c, the second curved section 17, and the outer wall section 13d. The reinforcing layer 4 covers both the first curved section 16 and the second curved section 17 simultaneously. In this embodiment, the reinforcing layer 4 covers the first curved section 16 and the second curved section 17 not only from the vertical direction but also from the horizontal direction. The number of layers S1 of the reinforcing layer 4 can be set arbitrarily.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6(b), the reinforcing layer 4 is composed of multiple layers S1. Each layer S1 of the reinforcing layer 4 is formed by stacking multiple prepreg sheets radially. The prepreg sheets of the reinforcing layer 4 are made of reinforcing fibers that are oblique to the circumferential direction of the fixed hood 13 (reel sheet base material 10). In this case, the fiber direction is preferably in the range of 20 to 70 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction, and more preferably ±45 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction. In Figure 7, each prepreg sheet constituting the reinforcing layer 4 S1 is denoted by the symbol 4a. In Figure 7, one prepreg sheet 4a is schematically shown. Thus, since the reinforcing layer 4 is placed only in the areas where reinforcement is needed in the fixed hood 13, the entire reinforced portion does not become large in diameter, unlike in configurations where prepreg is wrapped around to fix the reinforcing material (see Patent Document 2). Therefore, a reel seat 1 is obtained that fits easily to the fingers and has excellent fishing operability.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, the reinforcing layer 4 is configured such that the end positioned on the mounting portion 13b side extends onto the mounting portion 13b, and the end positioned on the outer wall portion 13d side extends onto the outer wall portion 13d. This ensures that the reinforcing layer 4 is reliably positioned (reliably covers) the curved surfaces of the first curved portion 16 and the second curved portion 17.

[0043] Next, the layer structure of the mating adhesive portions 14 and 15 will be described with reference to Figure 6(c). Since the layer structure of the mating and bonding portions 14 and 15 is generally similar, the layer structure of the rear mating and bonding portion 15 will be used as an example for explanation. As shown in Figure 6(c), the mating adhesive portion 15 comprises an inner layer 2, an outer layer 3, and an inner diameter adjustment layer 5. The mating adhesive portion 15 is a part that is integrally formed during the molding process of the reel seat base material 10. The configuration of the inner layer 2 and outer layer 3 in the mating adhesive portion 15 is the same as the configuration described above.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6(c), the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 is positioned between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3. The inner diameter adjustment layer 5 is formed by multiple layers S2. Each layer S2 of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 is formed by stacking multiple prepreg sheets radially. As shown in Figure 7, the prepreg sheets of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 have a total length corresponding to the circumference of one full turn of the mating adhesive portion 15. In Figure 7, the prepreg sheets constituting each layer S2 of the front and rear inner diameter adjustment layers 5, 5 are denoted by the symbols 5a, 5a. In Figure 7, the front and rear prepreg sheets 5a, 5a are schematically shown as one sheet each. The number of layers S2 of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 can be set arbitrarily.

[0045] The prepreg sheets 5a of each layer S2 of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 are oriented so that the fiber direction is oblique to the circumferential direction. Preferably, the oblique fiber direction is in the range of 20 to 70 degrees relative to the circumferential direction, and more preferably, it is in the range of ±45 degrees relative to the circumferential direction. By using such prepreg sheets 5a for each layer S2 of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5, the fibers tend to spread (stretch) radially outward during internal pressure molding, so that sufficient molding pressure can be obtained to press against the outer mold (not shown). In this case, the prepreg sheets 5a may be those with a predetermined thickness and whose fiber direction is pre-oriented in a plain weave or twill weave, and which are used so that the fiber direction is oblique to the circumferential direction in the range of 20 to 70 degrees. By using such prepreg sheets 5a, it is possible to form layers of any thickness without using sheets with multiple orientation patterns, thus simplifying the lamination work during internal pressure molding. In addition, since partial overlap of the fiber direction orientation does not occur, it is possible to ensure uniform physical properties.

[0046] Furthermore, the end of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 is covered by the inner layer 2, as shown in Figure 6(c). This helps to mitigate the steps caused by lamination. In addition, since the molding pressure during internal pressure molding acts on the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 and the outer layer 3 via the inner layer 2, it is easier to obtain molded layers of stable quality.

[0047] Next, a method for molding the reel sheet base material 10 according to this embodiment will be described. For molding, for example, an internal pressure bag (internal mold) is prepared to apply internal pressure to a tube or the like. Then, prepreg sheets 2a that make up the inner layer 2 layer S are stacked around this internal pressure bag, and prepreg sheets 4a, 5a, and 5a that make up the reinforcing layer 4 and the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 layers S1 and S2 are stacked on top of that. Finally, a prepreg sheet 3a that makes up the outer layer 3 layer S is stacked on top of the inner layer 2, reinforcing layer 4, and inner diameter adjustment layer 5.

[0048] Subsequently, the internal pressure bag, made up of stacked prepreg sheets 2a to 5a, is placed inside the outer mold, and the outer mold is clamped with a press machine. Then, while heating, internal pressure is applied to the internal pressure bag using air, liquid, or a heat-expanding powder to form the product. Then, after molding, the internal pressure back is removed to complete the hollow cylindrical reel seat base material 10.

[0049] As described above, the reel seat base material 10 of this embodiment allows for weight reduction through the hollow cylindrical shape formed by the prepreg sheets 2a to 5a, while ensuring strength by forming the fixed hood 13 and fitting adhesive parts 14 and 15, which are the parts on which external forces act, with sufficient thickness. Furthermore, since the reel seat base material 10 is hollow and cylindrical and formed by laminating prepreg sheets 2a to 5a, it is easier to sense the bite transmitted from the rod body R1 during actual fishing, and an improvement in fishing results can be expected.

[0050] Furthermore, the reel seat base material 10 is composed of an inner layer 2 and an outer layer 3, and the reel seat base material 10 is constructed by layering prepreg sheets 2a to 5a, so that parts where weight reduction is desired and parts where strength is desired can be easily formed.

[0051] Furthermore, since a reinforcing layer 4 is formed on the fixed hood 13, the strength of the fixed hood 13 can be improved. In particular, the fixed hood 13 is a part that is easily subjected to load when the mounting legs are inserted, so improving the strength of this part is effective in ensuring the strength of the reel seat base material 10.

[0052] Furthermore, by adjusting the thickness of the inner diameter adjustment layer 5, the inner diameter of the fitting adhesive portions 14 and 15 can be set to a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the mounting member (spacer 41, screw member 20). This provides a highly versatile reel seat base material 10 that can accommodate various mounting members.

[0053] Furthermore, since the inner circumferential surfaces of the mating and bonding portions 14 and 15 are straight with the same inner diameter, it is easier to adjust the size of the inner diameter to correspond to the outer diameter of the mounting member (spacer 41, screw member 20), and the accuracy of the adjustment is also improved.

[0054] Furthermore, since the gripping portion 11 is equipped with a bulging portion 11a, a reel seat base material 10 that is easy to grip and conforms to the angler's fingers is obtained. In addition, the reel leg mounting portion 12 is relatively closer to the rod body R1, so as a result the distance between the reel and the rod body R1 is shortened, improving fishing operability.

[0055] Furthermore, the reel seat 1 of this embodiment achieves both lightness and strength. The reduced weight also improves fishing operability. Additionally, it makes it easier to sense fish bites transmitted from the attached component during actual fishing, which can lead to improved catch rates.

[0056] Furthermore, the fishing rod R of this embodiment achieves both lightness and strength. The reduced weight also improves fishing operability. Additionally, it makes it easier to sense fish bites transmitted from the rod body R1 during actual fishing, leading to improved catch rates.

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the layer structure in the fixed hood. In this first modified example, the reinforcing layer 4 is individually placed for the first curved portion 16 and the second curved portion 17. The reinforcing layer 4 of the first curved section 16 is positioned to cover the first curved section 16 from both the vertical and horizontal directions. The reinforcing layer 4 of the second curved section 17 is also positioned to cover the second curved section 17 from both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0058] In the first curved section 16, one end of the reinforcing layer 4 is located on the straight portion of the front end of the mounting section 13b. The other end of the reinforcing layer 4 is located on the straight portion of the front end of the inner wall section 13c. In other words, the reinforcing layer 4 of the first curved section 16 is provided so as to extend across the adjacent mounting section 13b and inner wall section 13c. On the other hand, in the second curved section 17, one end of the reinforcing layer 4 is located on the straight portion of the rear end of the inner wall section 13c. Also, in the second curved section 17, the other end of the reinforcing layer 4 is located on the approximately straight portion of the rear end of the outer wall section 13d. In other words, the reinforcing layer 4 in the second curved section is provided so as to extend across the adjacent inner wall section 13c and outer wall section 13d. Furthermore, the size and number of layers S1 (see Figure 6(b)) of the reinforcing layer 4 can be arbitrarily set for the first curved section 16 and the second curved section 17.

[0059] According to this first modified reel sheet 1, the reinforcing layer 4 can be formed and positioned to the first curved section 16 and the second curved section 17 in an optimal size and shape, thereby precisely reinforcing the necessary parts. Furthermore, since the load due to external forces is distributed, durability is improved. In addition, it is possible to change the prepreg sheet characteristics and the number of layers for the first curved section 16 and the second curved section 17, thereby achieving precise reinforcement.

[0060] Furthermore, both ends of the reinforcing layer 4 extend to the portions adjacent to the first curved portion 16 and the second curved portion 17, respectively. This allows the first curved portion 16 and the second curved portion 17 to be suitably covered with the reinforcing layer 4. In addition, the reinforcing layer 4 can be easily positioned during molding, and changes in rigidity at both ends of the reinforcing layer 4 are less likely to occur.

[0061] Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the layer structure in the fixed hood. In this second modification, the thickened portion 2A, which is part of the inner layer 2, is formed from an integrally molded product 2B made of synthetic resin material. The integrally molded product 2B is sized to occupy a relatively wide area of ​​the thickened portion 2A and is integrated with the prepreg sheet 2a (see Figure 7) that constitutes the inner layer 2.

[0062] According to this second modified reel seat 1, a portion of the inner layer 2 can be replaced with an integrally molded product 2B, which simplifies the formation of the fixed hood 13 and, consequently, the reel seat base material 10.

[0063] (Second Embodiment) Next, the fixing hood of the reel seat according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15. Figure 11 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the general arrangement structure of the thickened portion in the fixing hood of the reel seat according to the second embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a thickened portion 2C made of a synthetic resin material that expands in volume when heated is placed inside the fixed hood 13. The arrangement shown in Figure 11 shows the thickened portion 2C in a primary foamed state (not fully foamed) placed inside the inner layer 2. Since the thickened portion 2C expands in volume when heated, it is acceptable for there to be a small gap S11 between the outer surface of the thickened portion 2C and the inner surface of the inner layer 2 when it is placed.

[0064] The thickened portion 2C contains thermally expandable microcapsules and is a molded product in a primary foamed state as described above. The thickened portion 2C can be made using thermally expandable microcapsules alone, a compound material containing thermally expandable microcapsules, or other foaming agents. Alternatively, the thickened portion 2C may be constructed by laminating synthetic resin sheets (synthetic resin material) containing thermally expandable microcapsules. Examples of thermally expandable microcapsules include thermally expandable thermoplastic microcapsules and those containing an external coating of aminoplast resin such as melamine or urea / formaldehyde resin. The thickened portion 2C formed from such materials has a lower specific gravity (lower density) compared to that of the first embodiment.

[0065] On the other hand, the thickened portion 2C may be composed of a foaming agent. Any known foaming agent that has the property of foaming when heated during molding can be used. Furthermore, the thickened portion 2C can be formed from a synthetic resin material that expands in volume upon heating, and can be made from materials that do not contain foaming agents, such as shape memory polymers or gas storage polymers.

[0066] Thermally expandable microcapsules can be of various types, including those with low to medium temperature expansion ranges and those with medium to high temperature expansion ranges. For example, those with low to medium temperature expansion ranges have an expansion initiation temperature of approximately 80-100°C and a maximum expansion temperature of approximately 120-140°C. For example, those with medium to high temperature expansion ranges have an expansion initiation temperature of approximately 120-130°C and a maximum expansion temperature of approximately 170-200°C. Here, the primary foaming state is the state heated above the expansion initiation temperature but below the maximum expansion temperature. The secondary foaming state is the state heated to near the maximum expansion temperature.

[0067] Next, a method for molding the area around the fixing hood 13 of the reel seat base material 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment as well, an internal pressure bag (internal mold) is prepared to apply internal pressure, such as that of a tube, during molding. Then, a thick-walled portion 2C formed in a primary foam state using a synthetic resin material containing thermally expandable microcapsules is placed at a predetermined position in this internal pressure bag. After that, prepreg sheets constituting the inner layer 2, reinforcing layer 4, and outer layer 3 are stacked, similar to the first embodiment.

[0068] Subsequently, the internal pressure bag, consisting of the thick section 2C and the prepreg sheet stacked together, is placed inside the outer mold, and the outer mold is clamped with a press machine. Then, while heating to near the temperature at which the expansion of the thick section 2C is maximum, internal pressure is applied to the internal pressure bag using air, liquid, or thermally expanding powder, and the product is molded. Then, after molding, by removing the internal pressure back, a hollow cylindrical reel seat base material 10 is completed in which the expanded thickened portion 2C inside the fixed hood 13 adheres tightly to the prepreg sheet.

[0069] As described above, the reel seat 1 of this embodiment allows the inner portion of the fixed hood 13 to be replaced with the thickened portion 2C, making it easy to form the fixed hood 13. Furthermore, the weight of the fixed hood 13 can be reduced by replacing it with the thickened portion 2C. In addition, since the thickened portion 2C has the property of expanding in volume when heated, pressure can be applied from the inside of the fixed hood 13 during molding, allowing the prepreg sheet of the fixed hood 13 to be suitably pressed against the outer mold, etc. This ensures that the prepreg sheet adheres closely to the outer mold, etc., preventing the formation of voids between the layers of the prepreg sheet. Therefore, moldability is improved. In particular, since the pressing force due to the expansion of the thickened portion 2C can be applied to the first curved portion 16 and the second curved portion 17, where internal pressure is difficult to apply during molding, the shape and strength of the fixed hood 13 are stabilized, and a reel seat 1 with the desired quality can be obtained.

[0070] Furthermore, the volume of the thickened portion 2C expands appropriately due to the action of the thermally expandable microcapsules and foaming agent, so that the prepreg sheet of the fixed hood 13 adheres more closely to the outer mold, etc., and the occurrence of voids can be more effectively prevented. Furthermore, according to the reel seat 1 of this embodiment, the prepreg sheet ensures sufficient strength for the fixed hood 13 while reducing weight through the arrangement of the thickened portion 2C.

[0071] Figure 12 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the arrangement structure of the thickened portion. In this first modification, the thickened portion 2D is surrounded by an inner layer 2 and an outer layer 3 (reinforcement layer 4). The thickened portion 2D is integrally formed from a synthetic resin material containing thermally expandable microcapsules, as described above, and is a molded product in a primary foamed state. The thickened portion 2D is shorter in the front-to-back direction than the thickened portion 2C described above, resulting in weight reduction.

[0072] When forming the fixing hood 13 of the reel seat base material 10 according to the first modified example, for example, a prepreg sheet constituting the inner layer 2 is placed on an internal pressure bag (internal mold) that can be subjected to internal pressure such as a tube, and the thickened portion 2D is placed on top of it. After that, the reinforcing layer 4 and the prepreg sheets constituting the outer layer 3 are stacked in sequence.

[0073] The same effects and benefits as described above can be obtained in this first modified example. Furthermore, since the radially inner portion of the thickened portion 2D is covered by the inner layer 2, the thickened portion 2D can be suitably protected by the inner layer 2. This prevents unexpected damage to the thickened portion 2D.

[0074] Figure 13 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the arrangement structure of the thickened portion. In this second modified example, the structure is such that the thickened portion 2E is surrounded by the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 (reinforcement layer 4), and the dimension of the thickened portion 2E in the front-to-back direction is made even shorter than that of the thickened portion 2D in the first modified example. The thickened portion 2E is integrally formed from a synthetic resin material containing thermally expandable microcapsules, as described above, and is a molded product in a primary foamed state.

[0075] In this second modified example, the same effects and advantages as in the first modified example can be obtained. Furthermore, since the front-to-back dimension of the thickened portion 2E is even shorter than in the second modified example, further weight reduction can be achieved.

[0076] Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the arrangement structure of the thickened portion. In this third modified example, the thickened portion 2F is arranged over almost the entire surface of the fixed hood 13, and the inner layer 2 extends forward, covering the radially inner portion of the thickened portion 2F with the inner layer 2. The thick section 2F is integrally formed from a synthetic resin material containing thermally expandable microcapsules, similar to the above, and is a molded product in a primary foamed state.

[0077] In this third modified example, the same effects and advantages as in the first modified example can be obtained. Furthermore, since the thickened portion 2F is arranged over almost the entire surface of the fixed hood 13, it is possible to reduce weight while improving moldability and strength over almost the entire surface of the fixed hood 13.

[0078] Figure 15 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fourth modified example of the arrangement structure of the thickened portion. In this fourth modified example, the structure is such that the thickened portion 2F is arranged over almost the entire surface of the fixed hood 13, and the outer surface of the thickened portion 2F is covered with the inner layer 2. In this fourth modified example, the same effects and advantages as in the first modified example can be obtained. Furthermore, during molding, the prepreg sheets constituting the inner layer 2, reinforcing layer 4, and outer layer 3 can be layered on top of the thickened portion 2F, making the molding process easy.

[0079] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, fitting adhesive portions 14 and 15 are provided at both ends of the reel seat base material 10, but the invention is not limited to this, and may be provided at only one end.

[0080] Furthermore, although the fitted adhesive portions 14 and 15 are shown with an inner diameter adjustment layer 5 placed between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3, the arrangement is not limited to this, and the inner diameter adjustment layer 5 may also be placed in the innermost layer, which is radially inward of the inner layer 2.

[0081] Furthermore, although the reel sheet base material 10 is exemplified as being constructed by laminating prepreg sheets 2a to 5a, it is not limited to this, and may also be constructed by laminating SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) sheets, nonwoven fabric sheets, etc. In this case as well, the same effects and advantages as those described in the embodiment can be obtained.

[0082] Furthermore, although the embodiment shows a fixed hood 13 with a reinforcing layer 4, the invention is not limited to this, and the reinforcing layer 4 may also be provided to the movable hood 30. In this case, the movable hood 30 has an inner layer 2 and an outer layer 3 made of prepreg sheets 2a and 3a, similar to the fixed hood 13, and the reinforcing layer 4 is placed between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3. In this case as well, the same effects and advantages as in the embodiment can be obtained.

[0083] Furthermore, the mating and bonding portions 14 and 15 are equipped with inner diameter adjustment layers 5 and 5 and are formed to be thicker than other parts, so it is possible to adjust the inner diameter by cutting or other processes after molding to correspond to the outer diameter of the member to be attached. In this case, the inner circumferential surfaces of the mating and bonding portions 14 and 15 are formed to the same inner diameter, resulting in good machining accuracy.

[0084] Furthermore, although a structure in which a spacer 41 is bonded to the fitting adhesive portion 14 and a screw member 20 is bonded to the fitting adhesive portion 15 has been shown, the structure is not limited to this, and a structure in which the rod body R1 or other members to be attached are bonded to the fitting adhesive portions 14 and 15 may also be used.

[0085] Furthermore, while the second embodiment shows a structure in which the thickened portion 2C and the like are integrally formed from a synthetic resin material that expands in volume when heated, the invention is not limited to this, and multiple components formed individually from similar synthetic resin materials may be combined to form the structure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1 Reel seat 2. Inner layer 3 Outer layer 4. Reinforcement layer 5 Inner diameter adjustment layer 10 Reel seat base material 11 Gripping part 11a Bulge 13 Fixed hood (hood) 14,15 Mating and bonding parts 2C~2F Thick part R fishing rod

Claims

1. A hollow cylindrical reel seat base material having a gripping portion, a reel leg mounting portion on which the reel's mounting legs are placed, and a hood on which the reel's mounting legs are fixed, the entire material being formed from a prepreg sheet made of reinforcing fibers impregnated with synthetic resin, A cylindrical fitting and bonding portion is formed at one or both ends in the axial direction, into which the member to be attached is fitted and bonded. The reel seat base material is characterized in that the hood and the fitting adhesive portion are formed to be thicker than other parts.

2. The reel seat substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an inner layer and an outer layer covering the inner layer.

3. The reel seat base material according to claim 2, characterized in that a reinforcing layer is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the hood.

4. The reel seat substrate according to claim 2, characterized in that, in addition to the inner layer and the outer layer, an inner diameter adjustment layer is formed in the fitting adhesive portion for adjusting the size of the inner diameter in accordance with the outer diameter of the member to be attached.

5. The reel seat base material according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting adhesive portion has the same inner diameter over the axial direction on its inner circumferential surface.

6. The reel seat base material according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping portion has a bulge that bulges radially on the side opposite to the side on which the reel leg mounting portion is arranged.

7. Inside the hood, a thickened section is provided. The reel seat base material according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickened portion is formed of a synthetic resin material that has the property of expanding in volume when heated.

8. The reel seat substrate according to claim 7, characterized in that the synthetic resin material contains at least one of a thermally expandable microcapsule and a foaming agent.

9. A reel seat comprising the reel seat base material described in claim 1, A reel seat characterized in that a member to be attached is fitted and bonded to the fitting and bonding portion of the reel seat base material.

10. A fishing rod characterized by having a reel seat as described in claim 9.

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