Method for manufacturing a spool

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a reel seat includes annealing an aluminum ingot at a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 500° C. for 5˜10 hours and the temperature is then reduced to 220° C.˜280° C. The aluminum ingot is then cold-forged. Next, property of the aluminum ingot is adjusted by heating the aluminum ingot to a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 600° C. for 3˜8 hours and the cooling the aluminum ingot in water. Then, the aluminum ingot is heated to a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 250° C. for 7˜11 hours. The aluminum ingot is then cut to a precise size and shape.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a reel seat for, e.g., a fishing rod.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A typical reel seat for a fishing rod is generally formed by means of squeezing a tube by a die from an outer periphery of the tube to form a semi-product. However, during formation of the semi-product, burrs tend to formed on the bending portions and thus require trimming. In addition, the strength of the semi-product is not uniform and stress concentration occurs after formation. It was further found that conventional reel seats thus formed tend to deform and even break and are poor in stability and durability and the precision thereof is not satisfactory. In addition, the bad production rate is high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved method for manufacturing a reel seat for, e.g., a fishing rod. The method comprises:

[0006] (a) annealing an aluminum ingot at a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 500° C. for 5˜10 hours and the temperature is then reduced to 220° C.˜280° C.;

[0007] (b) cold-forging the aluminum ingot after step (a);

[0008] (c) adjusting property of the aluminum ingot after step (b) by heating the aluminum ingot after step (b) to a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 600° C. for 3˜8 hours and the cooling the aluminum ingot in water;

[0009] (d) heating the aluminum ingot after step (c) to a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 250° C. for 7˜11 hours; and

[0010] (e) cutting the aluminum ingot to a precise size and shape.

[0011] The cutting step (e) is processed by computer numerical control. The method may further include a step of treating an outer surface of the aluminum ingot after step (e). The treating includes chemical polishing, anode treatment, coloring, and closing in.

[0012] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a reel seat in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aluminum ingot for manufacturing the reel seat.

[0015] FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic sectional views illustrating cold-forging of the aluminum ingot.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reel seat formed by the method in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partly cutaway, of the reel seat in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a reel seat (for, e.g., a fishing rod) in accordance with the present invention. Firstly, an aluminum ingot 2 (FIG. 1) is annealed at a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 500° C. for 5˜10 hours and the temperature is then reduced to 220° C.˜280° C. (Step 100). This step reduces rigidity of the aluminum ingot 2 and increases toughness of the aluminum ingot 2 such that the aluminum ingot 2 can be deformed easier.

[0019] Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the annealed aluminum ingot 2 is placed between two dies 3 and 4 each having a protrusion 32, 42 to proceed with cold forging (Step 102). The dies 3 and 4 are chosen according to need for forming the required shape and size of the reel seat.

[0020] After cold forging, strength of the deformed aluminum ingot 2 is not uniform and stress concentration occurs. In the next step 104, property of the forged aluminum ingot 2 is adjusted by heating to a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 600° C. for 3˜8 hours and the aluminum ingot 2 is then cooled in water (quenching) (Step 104). The inner molecules of the aluminum ingot 2 are rearranged in a more uniform manner such that the bending portions of the aluminum ingot 2 have the same rigidity as other portions. Quenching the aluminum ingot 2 quickly increases the strength and rigidity of the aluminum ingot 2; namely, the aluminum ingot 2 has the highest strength and rigidity at this time, yet the toughness is reduced.

[0021] Next, the aluminum ingot 2 is subjected to heat treatment by heating it to a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 250° C. for 7˜11 hours (Step 106). This step increases toughness of the aluminum ingot 2 slightly such that the aluminum ingot 2 is rigid yet not fragile.

[0022] Thereafter, the aluminum ingot 2 after heat treatment is cut by CNC (Computer Numerical Control) to a more precise size and shape (Step 108). Finally, the aluminum ingot 2 after cutting is proceeded with surface treatment such as chemical polishing, anode treatment, coloring, and closing in (Step 110) to obtain a product 112 of reel seat.

[0023] It is found that the thickness of the reel seat manufactured by the method in accordance with the present invention is thinner yet the strength and rigidity are improved. The bending portions of the reel seat may bear relatively high torque and pull force. The reel seat is less likely to deform and fatigue even after a long-term use, thereby providing a good stability and durability. In addition, the bad production rate is lowered. Furthermore, unnecessary steps that are required for conventional methods are omitted in the method of the present invention. Further, the reel seat has a smooth outer surface (no burr is generated) as it is formed by cold-forging.

[0024] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a reel seat, comprising:

(a) annealing an aluminum ingot at a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 500° C. for 5˜10 hours and the temperature is then reduced to 220° C.˜280° C.;

(b) cold-forging the aluminum ingot after step (a);

(c) adjusting property of the aluminum ingot after step (b) by heating the aluminum ingot after step (b) to a temperature ranging from 450° C. to 600° C. for 3˜8 hours and the cooling the aluminum ingot in water;

(d) heating the aluminum ingot after step (c) to a temperature ranging from 150° C. to 250° C. for 7˜11 hours; and

(e) cutting the aluminum ingot to a precise size and shape.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aluminum ingot is cut in step (e) by computer numerical control.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of treating an outer surface of the aluminum ingot after step (e).

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the treating includes chemical polishing, anode treatment, coloring, and closing in.