The present application claims priority on Patent Application No. 2015-208630 filed in JAPAN on Oct. 23, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a golf club head.
Description of the Related Art
There has been known an iron type golf club head including a head body and a face plate attached to the head body. Japanese Patent No. 2691496 discloses a head, wherein a projection engaged with a recess of a face body to fix the face body to a head body is formed by the plastic deformation of a part of the head body.
The present inventors have found that a non-conventional new structure is allowed in a head to which a face plate is attached. This new structure can exhibit an effect heterogeneous from the effect of the conventional technique.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf club head having a structure where a face plate is attached to a head body, and having a new effect.
A preferable golf club head includes a head body and a face plate fixed to the head body. The face plate includes a plate front surface having a hitting face, a plate back surface which is a surface opposite to the plate front surface, and a plate side surface. The head body includes a body side surface opposed to the plate side surface. A gap is provided at at least apart between the plate side surface and the body side surface.
Preferably, the plate side surface includes a plate recess. Preferably, the plate recess forms the gap.
Preferably, the body side surface includes a body recess. Preferably, the body recess forms the gap.
Preferably, a peripheral part of the plate front surface includes a level difference surface located at back with respect to the hitting face. Preferably, the head body includes a plastic deforming part covering front of the level difference surface. Preferably, the level difference surface and the plastic deforming part are provided in at least apart of a region corresponding to the gap.
Preferably, the head further includes a resin member. Preferably, the resin member is disposed in the gap.
Preferably, the plate side surface includes a top side region, a sole side region, a toe side region, and a heel side region. Preferably, the plate side surface is brought into contact with the body side surface in each of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to the preferred embodiments with appropriate references to the accompanying drawings.
In the present application, the following terms are defined.
The base state is in a state where a head is placed at a specified lie angle and real loft angle on a level surface h. In the base state, a center axis line (shaft axis line) of a shaft hole of the head is provided in a vertical plane VP1. The vertical plane VP1 is a plane perpendicular to the level surface h. In the base state, a face surface (hitting face) is inclined at a real loft angle with respect to the vertical plane VP1. The specified lie angle and real loft angle are described in, for example, a product catalog or the like.
In the head of the base state, a direction of an intersection line between the vertical plane VP1 and the level surface h is the toe-heel direction. A toe side and a heel side used in the present application should be based on the toe-heel direction.
A direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and parallel to the level surface h is the face-back direction. A face side and a back side used in the present application should be based on the face-back direction.
A direction perpendicular to the hitting face is defined as the front-rear direction. In other words, a normal direction of the hitting face is defined as the front-rear direction. Front and rear used in the present application should be based on the front-rear direction.
A direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and parallel to the hitting face is the up-down direction. Above and below used in the present application should be based on the up-down direction.
A direction of a straight line perpendicular to the level surface h is the vertical up-down direction. Vertically above and vertically below used in the present application should be based on the vertical up-down direction.
The head 2 includes a face 4, a hosel 6, and a sole 8. The hosel 6 has a hosel hole 10. The face 4 is the hitting face. Although face grooves is formed in the surface of the face 4, the description of the face grooves is omitted. A weight member wt is disposed in the sole 8. The head 2 is an iron type golf club head.
A back cavity 12 is provided on a side opposite to the face 4. The head 2 is a cavity back iron.
The head 2 includes a head body h1 and a face plate p1 fixed to head body h1. The head body h1 is made of a metal. In the present embodiment, the head body h1 is made of stainless steel. The face plate p1 is made of a metal. In the present embodiment, the face plate p1 is made of a titanium-based metal. The titanium-based metal means pure titanium or a titanium alloy. The materials of the head body h1 and face plate p1 are not limited.
The titanium alloy is an alloy containing 50% by weight or greater of titanium. Examples of the titanium alloy include α titanium, αβ titanium, and β titanium. Examples of the α titanium include Ti-5Al-2.5Sn and Ti-8Al-1V-1Mo. Examples of the αβ titanium include Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo, Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn, and Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Fe-2Mo. Examples of the β titanium include Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al, Ti-20V-4Al-1Sn, Ti-22V-4Al, Ti-15Mo-2.7Nb-3Al-0.2Si, and Ti-16V-4Sn-3Al-3Nb. Examples of the pure titanium include industry pure titanium. Examples of the industry pure titanium include pure titanium of type 1, pure titanium of type 2, pure titanium of type 3, and pure titanium of type 4 which are prescribed by Japanese Industrial Standard.
Preferably, the specific gravity of the face plate p1 is smaller than the specific gravity of the head body h1. The face plate p1 having a smaller specific gravity contributes to the distribution of the weight of the head 2 to the circumference.
The head body h1 includes a receiving surface u1 which supports the plate back surface b1 of the face plate p1, and a body side surface v1 which is opposed to the plate side surface s1. The whole receiving surface u1 is constituted by a single plane. The receiving surface u1 is provided over the whole circumference of the opening part 14. The body side surface v1 is provided over the whole circumference of the face plate p1. A part of the plate back surface b1 is brought into contact with the receiving surface u1. In
The outer peripheral edge part 16 includes a contour line 20 of the plate back surface b1. That is, the outer contour line of the outer peripheral edge part 16 is the contour line 20. The outer peripheral edge part 16 has a width Wa. The width Wa is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, and more preferably equal to or greater than 1.3 mm. The width Wa is preferably equal to or less than 6 mm, and more preferably equal to or less than 5 mm.
A center of a figure of the plate back surface b1 is shown by reference character CF in
In the plan view of FIG.8, a straight line x and a straight line y are defined. The straight line x is a straight line passing through the center of a figure CF and being parallel to the toe-heel direction. The straight line y is a straight line passing through the center of a figure CF and being parallel to the up-down direction.
As shown in
The head 2 may be comparted into four by three-dimensionally enlarging these straight lines. A plane Pa including the straight line La and being perpendicular to the hitting face, a plane Pb including the straight line Lb and being perpendicular to the hitting face, a plane Pc including the straight line Lc and being perpendicular to the hitting face, and a plane Pd including the straight line Ld and being perpendicular to the hitting face are defined (see
The four-section region is applied to all the portions of the head 2. For example, the plate side surface s1 includes the toe side region, the heel side region, the top side region, and the sole side region. For example, the receiving surface u1 includes the toe side region, the heel side region, the top side region, and the sole side region. For example, the body side surface v1 includes the toe side region, the heel side region, the top side region, and the sole side region.
The outer peripheral edge part 16 forms a protruded part protruded to back of the inner side part 18. The thickness of the outer peripheral edge part 16 is greater than the thickness of the inner side part 18. As shown in
A protruded part corresponding to the outer peripheral edge part 16 can also be provided on the head body h1. However, when the specific gravity of the head body h1 is greater than the specific gravity of the face plate p1, the setting of the protruded part leads to an increase in a head weight. In addition, the shape of the head body h1 is more complicated than the shape of the face plate p1, which is less likely to subject the head body h1 to a process (for example, NC process). The face plate p1 has a plate shape, which is easily processed.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
From the viewpoint of fixing the face plate p1, a width Wt1 (see
In a method for forming the plastic deforming part d1, first, a head body h1p including an undeformed projection d2 (see
Such a process method may cause a stress to remain in the plastic deforming part d1. The plastic deforming part d1 may press the face plate p1. The plastic deforming part d1 may press the level difference surface t1.
Since the plastic deforming part d1 is located at front of the face plate p1, the plastic deforming part d1 physically prevents the face plate p1 from coming off to front. Furthermore, since the plastic deforming part d1 is formed by plastic deformation, the plastic deforming part d1 presses the face plate p1. The plastic deforming part d1 contributes to the fixation of the face plate p1.
In the present embodiment, the undeformed projection d2 is provided over the whole circumference of the opening part 14. The process is entirely applied to the undeformed projection d2. As a result, the plastic deforming part d1 is provided over the whole circumference of the face plate p1.
As shown in
A position in which the gap gp is provided is shown by a thick line in
As shown in
A recess rh is formed in the body side surface v1 of the head body h1 in order to form the gap gp. In order to distinguish the recess rh from another recess, the recess rh is also referred to as a body recess. The body side surface v1 includes a body recess rh. The body recess rh is easily formed. For example, when the head body h1 is a cast article, the body recess rh can be integrally formed by the casting. The body recess rh may be formed by an NC process. The body side surface v1 is opened in the head body h1p before the face plate p1 is fitted. Therefore, the body recess rh is easily processed to the body side surface v1.
As shown in
The body recess rh reduces the rigidity of the head body h1. The body recess rh reduces the rigidity of the head body h1 on the circumference of the face plate p1. The reduction in the rigidity can promote the elastic deformation of the face plate p1. The elastic deformation of the face plate p1 contributes to an improvement in rebound performance. The body recess rh functions as a face deformation promoting part.
The gap gp formed by the body recess rh has a weight distribution effect. The gap gp is a redistribution weight creating part. The weight reduced by forming the gap gp can be redistributed to other sites of the head 2. The gap gp improves the degree of freedom of head designs.
For example, the gap gp can be disposed so that the center of gravity of the head is low. For example, the gap gp located vertically above the center of gravity of the head contributes to the lowering of the center of gravity of the head.
For example, the gap gp can be disposed so that the upper-and-lower moment of inertia of the head is increased. If an axis passing through the center of gravity of the head and being parallel to the toe-heel direction is defined as Ax, the upper-and-lower moment of inertia is a moment of inertia about the axis Ax. The gap gp located in the toe side region and the heel side region can contribute to an increase in the upper-and-lower moment of inertia.
For example, the gap gp can be disposed so that the left-and-right moment of inertia of the head is increased. If an axis passing through the center of gravity of the head and being parallel to the vertical up-down direction is defined as Ay, the left-and-right moment of inertia is a moment of inertia about the axis Ay. The gap gp located in the top side region and the sole side region can contribute to an increase in the left-and-right moment of inertia. Particularly, the gap gp in which a toe-heel direction distance between the gap gp and the center of a figure CF is short can contribute to an increase in the left-and-right moment of inertia.
In the head 2, the level difference surface t1 and the plastic deforming part d1 are provided in a region corresponding to the gap gp (body recess rh) (see
The head 30 includes a head body h1 and a face plate p1 fixed to the head body h1. The face plate p1 includes a plate front surface f1, a plate back surface b1, and a plate side surface s1. The plate front surface f1 includes a hitting face. The hitting face is a plane except for face grooves. The plate back surface b1 is a surface opposite to the plate front surface f1. The plate side surface s1 extends between the plate front surface f1 and the plate back surface b1. The head body h1 includes a receiving surface u1 which supports the plate back surface b1 of the face plate p1, and a body side surface v1 which is opposed to the plate side surface s1. A part of the plate back surface b1 (the protruded part 16) is brought into contact with the receiving surface u1. The body side surface v1 of the head body h1 includes a body recess rh. The body recess rh is a recess formed in the head body h1.
The head 30 includes the gap gp. The body recess rh forms the gap gp. The gap gp is formed between the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1.
The gap gp includes a front part gp10 located at front with respect to a level difference surface t1. The front part gp10 contributes to a further reduction in the rigidity of the head body h1. The front part gp10 can contribute to a further improvement in rebound performance.
The front part gp10 can effectively reduce the rigidity of the head body h1 in a portion closer to a face surface of the head body h1. The front part gp10 highly contributes to rebound performance.
As shown in
The head 40 includes a head body h1 and a face plate p1 fixed to the head body h1. The face plate p1 includes a plate front surface f1, a plate back surface b1, and a plate side surface s1. The plate front surface f1 includes a hitting face. The hitting face is a plane except for face grooves. The plate back surface b1 is a surface opposite to the plate front surface f1. The plate side surface s1 extends between the plate front surface f1 and the plate back surface b1. The head body h1 includes a receiving surface u1 which supports the plate back surface b1 of the face plate p1, and a body side surface v1 which is opposed to the plate side surface s1. A part of the plate back surface b1 (the protruded part 16) is brought into contact with the receiving surface u1. The body side surface v1 of the head body h1 includes a body recess rh. The body recess rh is a recess formed in the head body h1.
The head 40 includes the gap gp. The body recess rh forms the gap gp. The gap gp is formed between the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1.
The gap gp includes a back part gp20 located at back with respect to the receiving surface u1. The back part gp20 contributes to a further reduction in the rigidity of the head body h1. The back part gp20 can contribute to a further improvement in rebound performance.
The back part gp20 can effectively reduce the rigidity of the head body h1 near the receiving surface u1. The back part gp20 promotes the elastic deformation of the receiving surface u1, and promotes the displacement of the face plate p1 as a result. The back part gp20 can contribute to a further improvement in rebound performance.
As shown in
The head 50 includes a head body h1 and a face plate p1 fixed to the head body h1. The face plate p1 includes a plate front surface f1, a plate back surface b1, and a plate side surface s1. The plate front surface f1 includes a hitting face. The hitting face is a plane except for face grooves. The plate back surface b1 is a surface opposite to the plate front surface f1. The plate side surface s1 extends between the plate front surface f1 and the plate back surface b1. The head body h1 includes a receiving surface u1 which supports the plate back surface b1 of the face plate p1, and a body side surface v1 which is opposed to the plate side surface s1. A part of the plate back surface b1 (the protruded part 16) is brought into contact with the receiving surface u1. The body side surface v1 of the head body h1 includes a body recess rh. The body recess rh is a recess formed in the head body h1.
The head 50 includes the gap gp. The body recess rh forms the gap gp. The gap gp is formed between the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1.
A front-rear direction width T1 of the gap gp is smaller than a front-rear direction width T2 between a level difference surface t1 and the receiving surface u1. From viewpoint of the rule regulation of rebound performance or the like, the coefficient of restitution in the center of a face may be desired to be lowered. The small width T1 is useful for adjusting the coefficient of restitution.
A up-down direction width Wg of the gap gp is greater than a width Wt of the level difference surface t1. The greater width Wg can contribute to an improvement in rebound performance.
A up-down direction distance between a lowest point of a sole 8 and the gap gp is shown by a double-pointed arrow Ws in
[Front-Rear Direction Width T1 of Gap gp (Front-Rear Direction Width T1 of Body Recess rh)]
From the viewpoint of improving the above-mentioned weight distribution effect and the degree of freedom of head designs, the width T1 is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 1.5 mm, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm. In light of the restriction on the size oup-down directionf the head, the width T1 is preferably equal to or less than 5 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 4 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 3 mm.
[Up-Down Direction Width Wg of Gap gp (Up-Down Direction Width Wg of Body Recess rh)]
From the viewpoint of improving the above-mentioned weight distribution effect and the degree of freedom of head designs, the width Wg is preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 mm, more preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm. In light of the restriction on the size of the head, the width Wg is preferably equal to or less than 5 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 4 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 3 mm.
[Sectional Shape of Gap gp]
The sectional shape of the gap gp is not limited. In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the sectional shape of the gap gp is a quadrangle (rectangle), but it may be any other sectional shape. Examples of the sectional shape of the gap gp include a triangle, a quadrangle, and a semicircle. The sectional shape of the gap gp may be an irregular shape.
The gap gp is not limited to one formed by the recess such as the plate recess rp and the body recess rh. For example, the gap gp may be formed by inclining at least a part of the plate side surface s1. For example, the gap gp may be formed by inclining at least a part of the body side surface v1.
[Sectional Area S of Gap gp]
The sectional area S of the gap gp is not limited. From the viewpoint of improving the above-mentioned weight distribution effect and the degree of freedom of head designs, the sectional area S is preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 mm2, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.4 mm2, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.6 mm2. In light of the restriction on the size of the head, the sectional area S is preferably equal to or less than 12 mm2, more preferably equal to or less than 8 mm2, and still more preferably equal to or less than 4 mm2. The sectional area S is measured in the section of a plane along the width direction of the outer peripheral edge part 16 and perpendicular to a hitting face. The width direction of the outer peripheral edge part 16 means the direction of a shortest line segment getting across the outer peripheral edge part 16, and is also a direction where the width Wa is measured.
The head 100 includes a face 104, a hosel 106, and a sole 108. The hosel 106 has a hosel hole 110. The face 104 is a hitting face. Although face grooves is formed in the surface of the face 104, the description of the face grooves is omitted. A weight member wt is disposed in the sole 108. The head 100 is an iron type golf club head. The head 100 is a cavity back iron.
The head 100 includes a head body h1 and a face plate p1 fixed to the head body h1. The head body h1 is made of a metal. In the present embodiment, the head body h1 is made of stainless steel. The face plate p1 is made of a metal. In the present embodiment, the face plate p1 is made of a titanium-based metal. The specific gravity of the face plate p1 is smaller than the specific gravity of the head body h1.
The face plate p1 includes a plate front surface f1, a plate back surface b1, and a plate side surface s1. The plate front surface f1 includes a hitting face. The hitting face is a plane except for face grooves. The plate back surface b1 is a surface opposite to the plate front surface f1. The plate side surface s1 extends between the plate front surface f1 and the plate back surface b1.
The head body h1 includes a receiving surface u1 which supports the plate back surface b1 of the face plate p1, and a body side surface v1 which is opposed to the plate side surface s1. A part of the plate back surface b1 is brought into contact with the receiving surface u1. The head body h1 includes a plastic deforming part d1 located at front of the face plate p1.
As shown in
A position in which the gap gp is provided is shown by a thick line in
As shown in
In the head 100, a recess rp is provided in the face plate p1. In order to distinguish the recess rp from another recess, the recess rp is also referred to as a plate recess. As shown in
As shown in
The gap gp formed by the plate recess rp has a weight distribution effect. The gap gp is a redistribution weight creating part. The weight reduced by forming the gap gp can be redistributed to other sites of the head 100. The gap gp improves the degree of freedom of head designs.
For example, the gap gp can be disposed so that the center of gravity of the head is low. For example, the gap gp located vertically above the center of gravity of the head contributes to the lowering of the center of gravity of the head. For example, the gap gp can be disposed so that the upper-and-lower moment of inertia of the head is increased. For example, the gap gp can be disposed so that the left-and-right moment of inertia of the head is increased.
As described above, the gap gp is easily formed. For example, the gap gp can be easily formed by forming a recess in the plate side surface s1 of the face plate p1, or the body side surface v1 of the head body h1p. The recess can be produced by a NC process, for example. The position and the volume of the gap gp can be optionally selected. Furthermore, the gap gp is formed in the joining part of the face plate p1 and the head body h1, which can effectively promote the deformation of the face plate p1.
The head 200 is a head in which a resin member 202 is disposed in a gap gp of a head 100. That is, in the head 200, the resin member 202 is provided in the gap gp. Except for the existence of the resin member 202, the head 200 is the same as the head 100. The existence of the gap gp may cause abnormal noise. The abnormal noise occurs when the head is vibrated, for example. The resin member 202 contributes to a reduction in the abnormal noise.
The resin member 202 may be previously molded, and then disposed. The resin member 202 may be disposed by a method including filling the recess (body recess rh or plate recess rp) with a resin by means such as application or injection and thereafter curing the resin.
Examples of the resin of the resin member 202 include a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermosetting resin include a phenol resin, an epoxy resin, a melamine resin, a urea resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, an alkyd resin, polyurethane, and thermosetting polyimide. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, an ABS resin (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin), an AS resin, an acrylic resin, nylon, polyacetal, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, cyclic polyolefin, polyphenylene sulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, and polyether ether ketone. Fiber reinforced resins such as a carbon fiber reinforced resin may also be used.
The head 300 includes a head body h1 and a face plate p1 fixed to the head body h1. The head body h1 is made of a metal. In the present embodiment, the head body h1 is made of stainless steel. The face plate p1 is made of a metal. In the present embodiment, the face plate p1 is made of a titanium-based metal. The specific gravity of the face plate p1 is smaller than the specific gravity of the head body h1.
The face plate p1 includes a plate front surface f1, a plate back surface b1, and a plate side surface s1. The plate front surface f1 includes a hitting face. The hitting face is a plane except for face grooves. The plate back surface b1 is a surface opposite to the plate front surface f1. The plate side surface s1 extends between the plate front surface f1 and the plate back surface b1.
The head body h1 includes a receiving surface u1 which supports the plate back surface b1 of the face plate p1, and a body side surface v1 which is opposed to the plate side surface s1. A part of the plate back surface b1 is brought into contact with the receiving surface u1. The head body h1 includes a plastic deforming part d1 located at front of the face plate p1.
As shown in
A position in which the gap gp is provided is shown by a thick line in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The constitution of the head 300 is different from the constitution of the head 100 (
In the head 300, the level difference surface t1 and the plastic deforming part d1 are provided in the region corresponding to the gap gp (plate recess rp) (see
From the viewpoints of fixing the face plate p1 and of forming the plastic deforming part d1, the level difference surface t1 and the plastic deforming part d1 are preferably provided in at least a part of the region corresponding to the gap gp, and the level difference surface t1 and the plastic deforming part d1 are preferably provided in the whole region corresponding to the gap gp.
“The region corresponding to the gap gp” means a region which overlaps with the gap gp in planar view as shown in
The gap gp formed by the plate recess rp or the body recess rh may be formed so that the gap gp is not visible from the outside. Therefore, the gap gp does not cause the uncomfortable feeling of an external appearance and the restriction on designs. Since golf is a mental sport, the uncomfortable feeling caused by the external appearance can influence the accuracy of shots. The non-visibility of the gap gp can contribute to an improvement in the accuracy of shots.
The gap gp may be provided over the whole circumference of the face plate. The gap gp may be provided on a part of the circumference of the face plate. The gap gp may be entirely provided between the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1, or may be partially provided between the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1.
[Dispersion of Gap gp]
As described above, the gap gp may be provided at one place, or dispersed to two or more places. The gap gp may be provided at two places, three places, or four or more places. Examples of the specification of dispersion include the following constitutions. Two or more selected from the group consisting of these constitutions (1) to (11) may be combined.
(1) The gap gp is dispersed to the toe side of the center of a figure CF and the heel side of the center of a figure CF.
(2) The gap gp is dispersed to the upper side of the center of a figure CF and the lower side of the center of a figure CF.
(3) The gap gp is dispersed to the top side region and the sole side region.
(4) The gap gp is dispersed to the toe side region and the heel side region.
(5) The gap gp is dispersed to two or more places selected from the group consisting of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region.
(6) The gap gp is dispersed to three or more places selected from the group consisting of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region.
(7) The gap gp is dispersed to the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region.
(8) In the top side region, the gap gp is dispersed to the toe side of the center of a figure CF and the heel side of the center of a figure CF.
(9) In the sole side region, the gap gp is dispersed to the toe side of the center of a figure CF and the heel side of the center of a figure CF.
(10) In the toe side region, the gap gp is dispersed to the lower side of the center of a figure CF and the upper side of the center of a figure CF.
(11) In the heel side region, the gap gp is dispersed to the lower side of the center of a figure CF and the upper side of the center of a figure CF.
By the existence of the gap gp, the plate side surface s1 is separated from the body side surface v1. However, when the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1 are partially brought into contact with each other, the face plate p1 can be positioned, and the fixation of the face plate p1 is secured. From this viewpoint, the plate side surface s1 and the body side surface v1 are preferably brought into contact with each other in each of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region. In this case, the face plate p1 is easily positioned with respect to the head body h1.
From the viewpoint of rebound performance, the gap gp preferably exists on the circumference of the face plate p1. From this viewpoint, the gap gp preferably exists at two or more places selected from the group consisting of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region. The gap gp more preferably exists at three or more places selected from the group consisting of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region. The gap gp more preferably exists in each of the top side region, the sole side region, the toe side region, and the heel side region.
The peripheral length of the face plate p1 is defined as Lp, and the extension length of the gap gp is defined as Lg. The length Lp is the length of a contour line 20 of the plate back surface b1. The extension length Lg is the length of the outer edge of the gap gp when the gap gp is seen in planar view as shown in
From the viewpoint of improving the above-mentioned weight distribution effect and the degree of freedom of head designs, Lg/Lp is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.2, and still more preferably equal to or greater than 0.3. From the viewpoint of positioning the face plate p1, Lg/Lp is preferably equal to or less than 0.9, more preferably equal to or less than 0.8, and still more preferably equal to or less than 0.7.
Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be clarified by Examples. However, the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited way based on the description of Examples.
The same head as the above-mentioned head 2 was produced. A face plate p1 and a head body (undeformed body) hip were prepared. The head body h1p was produced by casting. A weight member wt was attached to a sole part of the head body h1p. The weight member wt was made of a tungsten nickel alloy. The head body h1p included an undeformed projection d2. The undeformed projection d2 was formed on the whole circumference of an opening part 14. The head body h1p was made of stainless steel (SUS630). The face plate p1 was cut from a plate material (rolling material). An outer peripheral edge part 16 as a protruded part was produced by an NC process. The face plate p1 was made of a titanium alloy. As the titanium alloy, Super-TIX (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation was used.
A body side surface v1 of the undeformed body h1p was cut by an NC process, to form a body recess rh. The face plate p1 was fitted into the opening part 14 of the head body h1p. Next, by performing the above-mentioned caulking step, the undeformed projection d2 was changed to a plastic deforming part d1. Thus, a head of Example 1 was obtained.
The same head as the above-mentioned head 100 was produced. A face plate p1 and a head body (undeformed body) h1p were prepared. The head body h1p was produced by casting. A weight member wt was attached to a sole part of the head body h1p. The weight member wt was made of a tungsten nickel alloy. The head body h1p included an undeformed projection d2. The undeformed projection d2 was formed on the whole circumference of an opening part 14. The head body h1p was made of stainless steel (SUS630). The face plate p1 was cut from a plate material (rolling material). An outer peripheral edge part 16 as a protruded part was produced by an NC process. Furthermore, the plate side surface s1 was cut by an NC process, to form a plate recess rp. The face plate p1 was made of a titanium alloy. As the titanium alloy, Super-TIX (registered trademark) manufactured by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation was used.
The face plate p1 was fitted into the opening part 14 of the head body h1p. Next, by performing the above-mentioned caulking step, the undeformed projection d2 was changed to a plastic deforming part d1. Thus, a head of Example 2 was obtained.
In Example 1, in the head body h1p before the face plate p1 was attached, the body recess rh was formed in the body side surface v1. In Example 2, in the face plate p1 before being attached to the head body h1p, the plate recess rp was formed in the plate side surface s1. In each of Examples, the recess could be easily formed. That is, in each of Examples, the gap gp was easily formed.
As described above, the advantages of the present invention are apparent.
The description hereinabove is merely for an illustrative example, and various modifications can be made in the scope not to depart from the principles of the present invention.
The present invention can be applied to all golf club heads such as a wood type head, a utility type head, a hybrid type head, an iron type head, and a putter head.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2015-208630 | Oct 2015 | JP | national |