Golf club head and method for manufacturing ball striking body of golf club head

Abstract

The invention relates to a golf club head and a manufacturing method of a ball hitting body of the golf club head, which are used for solving the problem that the existing golf club head needs to be manufactured in two stages. Comprising a ball hitting body which is integrally formed and provided with a hitting face and an opening, the hitting face and the opening are located on the two opposite sides of the ball hitting body respectively, and a lap joint part is arranged along the periphery of the opening; and the shell is provided with a first end and a second end which are opposite to each other, and the shell is combined with the lap joint part through the first end. And the manufacturing steps can be simplified so as to reduce the production cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a golf club head, particularly a golf club head with an integrally molded striking face and striking body, and a method for manufacturing the striking body of the golf club head. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing golf club heads are made using casting and forging techniques. The striking face is mostly forged, which involves hammering metal, while the striking body is made using casting, which involves pouring molten metal into a mold. This requires two stages of production, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires more human resources, making it impossible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0003] Furthermore, due to limitations in the mold design of current casting technology, the structure of this golf club head cannot be molded to form an internal striking chamber with a specific shape, which restricts the production of golf club heads.

[0004] In view of this, there is indeed a need to improve the existing manufacturing methods of golf club heads and the striking body of the golf club head. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a golf club head that may have a strike body chamber of a predetermined shape.

[0006] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a golf club head and a method for manufacturing the striking body of the golf club head, wherein the striking face and the striking body of the golf club head can be integrally formed to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0007] The directions or similar terms used throughout this invention, such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," are mainly for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. These directions or similar terms are only used to assist in explaining and understanding the various embodiments of this invention and are not intended to limit this invention.

[0008] The use of the quantifiers “a” or “an” for the elements and components described throughout this invention is for convenience and to provide the general meaning of the scope of the invention; in this invention, it should be interpreted as including one or at least one, and a single concept also includes multiple cases, unless it clearly means otherwise.

[0009] The terms "combination," "integration," or "assembly" used throughout this invention mainly refer to forms such as those in which the components can be separated without damaging them after connection, or those in which the components cannot be separated after connection. Those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate term based on the material of the components to be connected or the assembly requirements.

[0010] The golf club head of the present invention includes: a striking body integrally formed having a striking face and an opening, the striking face and the opening being located on opposite sides of the striking body, and an overlapping portion having a periphery of the opening; and a shell having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the shell being joined to the overlapping portion by the first end.

[0011] Therefore, the striking face of the golf club head of the present invention can be integrally formed with the striking body, which has the advantages of simplifying the manufacturing process, processing steps and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0012] The golf club head also includes a shaft portion, which is integrally formed with the striking body. This design facilitates manufacturing and reduces production costs.

[0013] The clubhead has a striking chamber, which can be formed by a recess in the opening. This reduces the weight of the golf clubhead and increases the elasticity of the striking face upon impact.

[0014] The clubhead features a protrusion within its cavity, comprising a first protruding section and a second protruding section. The first protruding section extends from the bottom to the top of the clubhead, while the first end of the second protruding section connects to the first protruding section and extends towards the striking face. The second end of the second protruding section is not connected to the back of the striking face, thus creating a gap. This design increases the ball's elasticity when struck with the clubhead's striking face.

[0015] The spacing is greater than 0.3 centimeters. This increases the bounce when the ball is struck by the clubhead's striking face.

[0016] The overlapping portion has a height difference relative to the surface of the striking body. When the first end of the outer shell is attached to the overlapping portion, the outer surface of the outer shell is approximately flush with the surface of the striking body. Thus, when the outer shell is attached to the overlapping portion, it achieves a better aesthetic effect.

[0017] The outer shell consists of an upper shell and a lower shell, which are respectively joined to the overlapping portion at the first end. This design facilitates manufacturing.

[0018] The overlapping portion has at least one positioning part, and the periphery of the first end of the upper shell and the lower shell abuts against the at least one positioning part for positioning. This provides the advantage of convenient assembly.

[0019] The golf club head further includes an end shell that is attached to a second end of the outer shell. Thus, the end shell serves to complete the outer surface of the golf club head and to enhance the appearance of the second end of the outer shell.

[0020] The golf club head further includes an extension connected to the opening of the club head and extending in a direction opposite to the striking face. The extension is generally C-shaped and is located adjacent to the toe and heel of the club head. This facilitates the manufacturing of the golf club head.

[0021] The extension and the opening form a hollow structure, and the extension has a second overlapping portion located on the upper and lower sides of the extension. This design improves the stability of the connection between the upper and lower shells.

[0022] The striking body is integrally formed using metal 3D printing, comprising the striking face, toe, heel, and neck. This facilitates the manufacture of the golf club head striking body and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0023] The method for manufacturing the striking body of a golf club head according to the present invention includes: forming a half-finished product of the shape of the striking body by metal 3D printing using a metal powder, wherein the metal powder comprises, by weight percentage, 17.0-19.0% nickel, 8.5-9.5% cobalt, 4.6-5.2% molybdenum, 0.6-0.8% titanium, 0.05-0.15% aluminum, ≤0.10% and not 0% manganese, ≤0.10% and not 0% silicon, ≤0.01% and not 0% phosphorus, ≤0.02% and not 0% carbon, ≤0.01% and not 0% sulfur, ≤0.03% and not 0% oxygen, ≤0.02% and not 0% nitrogen, and a balanced amount of iron.

[0024] Therefore, the present invention can adjust the composition ratio of the metal powder according to different needs of the golf club head striking body, and has the effect of manufacturing a variety of golf club head striking bodies with different functions.

[0025] The semi-finished striking body is subjected to a solution treatment at 830–940°C for 30–90 minutes; then, the solution-treated semi-finished striking body is subjected to an aging treatment at 450–500°C for 210–270 minutes. This process allows it to be used to manufacture golf club heads for FW (Fairway Wood) clubs, giving the striking body superior strength.

[0026] The method for manufacturing the striking body of a golf club head according to the present invention includes: forming a half-finished product of the shape of the striking body by metal 3D printing using a metal powder, wherein the metal powder comprises, by weight percentage, 5.50-6.50% aluminum, 3.50-4.50% vanadium, ≤0.25% and not 0% iron, ≤0.08% and not 0% carbon, ≤0.10% and not 0% oxygen, ≤0.03% and not 0% nitrogen, ≤0.015% and not 0% hydrogen, and a balanced amount of titanium.

[0027] Therefore, the present invention can adjust the composition ratio of the metal powder according to different needs of the golf club head striking body, and has the effect of manufacturing a variety of golf club head striking bodies with different functions.

[0028] The semi-finished striking body is vacuum annealed at 600–800°C for 90–150 minutes. This process allows it to be used to manufacture golf club heads suitable for DR (Driver) clubs, resulting in powerful impacts. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 : An exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 The present invention follows Figure 1 AA-line cross-section; Figure 3 : An exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 : An exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 : Combination structure diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1: The ball itself 11: Hitting area 12: Opening 13: Overlap section 13a: Positioning section 14: The chamber of the striking body 15: Protrusion 15a: First prominent section 15b: Second prominent section 16: Extension 17: Second lap joint 2: Outer shell 2a: First end 2b: Second end 21: Upper shell 22: Lower shell 3: End shell C: Top D1: Spacing H: Follow-up Department N: Neck S: Bottom T: Toe area E: Pipe handle X: First direction Y: Second direction Z: Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings; in addition, the same symbols in different drawings are considered to be the same and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this is a first embodiment of the golf club head of the present invention. The golf club head includes a striking body 1 and a housing 2, which are combined with the striking body 1.

[0033] The ball-hitting body 1 can be defined with a virtual first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z. The first direction X is from a striking surface 11 of the ball-hitting body 1 pointing to the direction of the shot. The second direction Y is from the heel H of the ball-hitting body 1 pointing to the toe T of the ball-hitting body 1. The third direction Z is from the bottom S of the ball-hitting body 1 pointing to the top C of the ball-hitting body 1. The ball-hitting body 1 has an opening 12 located in the direction opposite to X, that is, the striking surface 11 and the opening 12 are located on opposite sides of the ball-hitting body 1. An overlap 13 can be formed along the periphery of the opening 12. Preferably, the overlap 13 has a difference relative to the surface of the ball-hitting body 1.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 2As shown, the ball-hitting body 1 has a ball-hitting body chamber 14, which can be formed by the recess of the opening 12. The ball-hitting body chamber 14 has a protrusion 15, which may have a first protruding section 15a and a second protruding section 15b. The first protruding section 15a can extend from the bottom S (Sole) of the ball-hitting body 1 towards a third direction Z. The first end of the second protruding section 15b can be connected to the first protruding section 15a and extend towards the first direction X. The second end of the second protruding section 15b is not connected to the back surface of the hitting face 11 with a distance D1, which is preferably greater than 0.3 cm. Thus, the protrusion 15 allows the ball-hitting body 1 to have a generally L-shaped ball-hitting body chamber 14, so that when the ball-hitting body 1 is hit by the hitting face 11, the ball-hitting body chamber 14 has an increased elasticity. Furthermore, actual measurements show that the maximum indentation of the striking surface 1 when hitting the ball is 0.3 cm. Therefore, the aforementioned spacing D1 allows the striking surface 11 to have a certain rebound space to generate a spring effect, thereby increasing the hitting distance.

[0035] The outer shell 2 has a first end 2a and a second end 2b. The outer shell 2 can be joined to the overlapping portion 13 of the striking body 1 via the first end 2a. This joining can be done by existing methods such as gluing, welding, or snap-fitting. The material of the outer shell 2 is not limited in this invention. In this embodiment, the outer shell 2 can be made of carbon fiber, which helps to reduce the weight of the golf club head. When the overlapping portion 13 has a certain difference from the surface of the striking body 1, when the first end 2a of the outer shell 2 is joined to the overlapping portion 13, the outer surface of the outer shell 2 can be substantially flush with the surface of the striking body 1, resulting in a better appearance.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 3 As shown, this is a second embodiment of the golf club head of the present invention. The outer shell 2 can be composed of an upper shell 21 and a lower shell 22. The overlapping portion 13 can also have at least one positioning portion 13a. The positioning portion 13a can be a protrusion protruding from the overlapping portion 13. The upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22 can be respectively connected to the overlapping portion 13 by the first end 2a. The periphery of the first end 2a of the upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22 can abut against the at least one positioning portion 13a for positioning. In this way, it has the effect of convenient assembly.

[0037] Optionally, the golf club head of this embodiment may further include an end shell 3, which can be attached to the second end 2b of the outer shell 2. The end shell 3 has the function of modifying the second end 2b of the outer shell 2. In particular, when the outer shell 2 is composed of the upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22, the end shell 3 has the function of stabilizing the upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22, completing the outer surface of the golf club head, and modifying the second end of the end shell 3.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, this is a third embodiment of the golf club head of the present invention. Compared with the second embodiment, in addition to having the same striking face 11, opening 12, striking body chamber 14, and protrusion 15, this embodiment further includes an extension 16 connected to the opening 12 of the striking body 1 and extending in a direction opposite to the first direction X. The extension 16 is generally C-shaped and is adjacent to the toe (T) and heel (H) of the striking body 1, respectively. A hollow structure can be formed between the extension 16 and the opening 12. The extension 16 has a second overlapping portion 17, which is located on both sides of the extension 16 in the third direction Z and its opposite direction (i.e., the upper and lower sides of the extension 16). The upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22 can be joined to the overlapping portion 13 and each of the second overlapping portions 17. This further improves the stability of the connection between the upper shell 21 and the lower shell 22.

[0039] Furthermore, the striking body 1 can be integrally formed, which may include the striking body 1, the striking face 11, the toe T, the heel H, the neck N, and the shaft E. Preferably, the striking body 1 can be integrally formed by metal 3D printing. The metal 3D printing technology can utilize the principle of selective laser melting (SLM). First, a thin layer of metal powder is laid on the printing platform, and then the thin layer of metal powder is melted with laser light to form the shape of a specific cross-section of the 3D model. Then, the next layer of metal powder is placed, and the above operation is repeated until the model is completely formed.

[0040] For example, in a first manufacturing method, a semi-finished product may be included, formed from a first metal powder. This first metal powder may include, by weight percentage, 17.0–19.0% nickel, 8.5–9.5% cobalt, 4.6–5.2% molybdenum, 0.6–0.8% titanium, 0.05–0.15% aluminum, ≤0.10% (not zero) manganese, ≤0.10% (not zero) silicon, ≤0.01% (not zero) phosphorus, ≤0.02% (not zero) carbon, ≤0.01% (not zero) sulfur, ≤0.03% (not zero) oxygen, ≤0.02% (not zero) nitrogen, and a balanced amount of iron. Thus, the striking body 1 formed from this first metal powder can be used to manufacture golf club heads for FW (Fairway Wood) golf clubs. Preferably, the semi-finished product can be subjected to a solution treatment at 830-940°C for 30-90 minutes, followed by an aging treatment at 450-500°C for 210-270 minutes, which can give the ball body 1 better strength.

[0041] Alternatively, in a second manufacturing method, the striking body 1 may include a semi-finished product formed from a second metal powder, which may include, by weight percentage, 5.50–6.50% aluminum, 3.50–4.50% vanadium, ≤0.25% (not zero) iron, ≤0.08% (not zero) carbon, ≤0.10% (not zero) oxygen, ≤0.03% (not zero) nitrogen, ≤0.015% (not zero) hydrogen, and a balanced amount of titanium. Thus, the striking body 1 formed from the second metal powder can be used to manufacture the golf club head for a DR (Driver) club. Preferably, the semi-finished product can be further vacuum annealed at 600–800°C for 90–150 minutes, thus enabling its use in manufacturing a golf club head suitable for a DR club, providing a powerful striking effect.

[0042] In summary, the striking face of the golf club head of the present invention can be integrally molded with the striking body to form the striking body cavity within the striking body, giving the striking body a predetermined striking body cavity shape. This allows for the manufacture of golf club heads that meet customer requirements. Furthermore, the integral molding of the striking face and the striking body simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces processing steps, and lowers manufacturing costs. In addition, the present invention allows for the adjustment and alteration of the metal powder composition ratio according to different requirements of the golf club head striking body, enabling the manufacture of golf club head striking bodies with various functions.

[0043] Although the present invention has been disclosed using the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention includes all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, when the above embodiments can be combined, the present invention includes any combination of embodiments.

Claims

1. A golf club head characterized by, The golf club head comprises: a ball striking body integrally formed with a striking face and an opening, the striking face and the opening being located at opposite sides of the ball striking body, the ball striking body having a joint portion along a periphery of the opening; and a shell having opposite first and second ends, the shell being coupled to the joint portion at the first end.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein, The golf club head further comprises a hosel portion integrally formed with the ball striking body.

3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein, The ball striking body has a ball striking body cavity formed by the opening.

4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein, The ball striking body cavity has a protrusion therein, the protrusion having a first protrusion segment extending from a bottom of the ball striking body to a top and a second protrusion segment having a first end connected to the first protrusion segment and extending toward the striking face, the second protrusion segment having a second end spaced apart from a back surface of the striking face.

5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein, The spacing is greater than 0.3 cm.

6. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein, The joint portion has a step relative to a surface of the ball striking body, and when the first end of the shell is coupled to the joint portion, an outer surface of the shell is flush with the surface of the ball striking body.

7. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein, The shell is formed by an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being coupled to the joint portion at the first end.

8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein, The joint portion has at least one locating portion, and the first end of the upper shell and the lower shell abuts against the at least one locating portion for positioning.

9. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein, The golf club head further comprises an end shell coupled to the second end of the shell.

10. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein, The ball striking body has an extension connected to the opening of the ball striking body and extending in a direction opposite to the striking face, the extension being C-shaped and adjacent to a toe portion and a heel portion of the ball striking body.

11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein, The extension and the opening form a hollow structure, and the extension has a second joint portion located at upper and lower sides of the extension.

12. The golf club head of any of claims 1-11, wherein, The ball striking body is integrally formed by metal 3D printing, and the integrally formed ball striking body includes the ball striking body, the striking face, the toe portion, the heel portion, and a hosel portion.

13. A method of manufacturing a ball striking body of a golf club head, characterized by, The golf club head comprises: a ball striking body integrally formed with a striking face and an opening, the striking face and the opening being located at opposite sides of the ball striking body, the ball striking body having a joint portion along a periphery of the opening; and 14. The method of manufacturing a ball striking body for a golf club head of claim 13, wherein, a shell having opposite first and second ends, the shell being coupled to the joint portion at the first end.

15. A method of manufacturing a ball striking body of a golf club head, characterized by, The golf club head further comprises a hosel portion integrally formed with the ball striking body. The ball striking body has a ball striking body cavity formed by the opening. The ball striking body cavity has a protrusion therein, the protrusion having a first protrusion segment extending from a bottom of the ball striking body to a top and a second protrusion segment having a first end connected to the first protrusion segment and extending toward the striking face, the second protrusion segment having a second end spaced apart from a back surface of the striking face. The spacing is greater than 0.3 cm. The joint portion has a step relative to a surface of the ball striking body, and when the first end of the shell is coupled to the joint portion, an outer surface of the shell is flush with the surface of the ball striking body. The shell is formed by an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being coupled to the joint portion at the first end. The joint portion has at least one locating portion, and the first end of the upper shell and the lower shell abuts against the at least one locating portion for positioning. The golf club head further comprises an end shell coupled to the second end of the shell. The ball striking body has an extension connected to the opening of the ball striking body and extending in a direction opposite to the striking face, the extension being C-shaped and adjacent to a toe portion and a heel portion of the ball striking body. The extension and the opening form a hollow structure, and the extension has a second joint portion located at upper and lower sides of the extension. The ball striking body is integrally formed by metal 3D printing, and the integrally formed ball striking body includes the ball striking body, the striking face, the toe portion, the heel portion, and a hosel portion. The golf club head comprises: a ball striking body integrally formed with a striking face and an opening, the striking face and the opening being located at opposite sides of the ball striking body, the ball striking body having a joint portion along a periphery of the opening; and a shell having opposite first and second ends, the shell being coupled to the joint portion at the first end. The golf club head further comprises a hosel portion integrally formed with the ball striking body. The ball striking body has a ball striking body cavity formed by the opening. The ball striking body cavity has a protrusion therein, the protrusion having a first protrusion segment extending from a bottom of the ball striking body to a top and a second protrusion segment having a first end connected to the first protrusion segment and extending toward the striking face, the second protrusion segment having a second end spaced apart from a back surface of the striking face. The spacing is greater than 0.3 cm. The joint portion has a step relative to a surface of the ball striking body, and when the first end of the shell is coupled to the joint portion, an outer surface of the shell is flush with the surface of the ball striking body. The shell is formed by an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being coupled to the joint portion at the first end. The joint portion has at least one locating portion, and the first end of the upper shell and the lower shell abuts against the at least one locating portion for positioning. The golf club head further comprises an end shell coupled to the second end of the shell. The ball striking body has an extension connected to the opening of the ball striking body and extending in a direction opposite to the striking face, the extension being C-shaped and adjacent to a toe portion and a heel portion of the ball striking body. The extension and the opening form a hollow structure, and the extension has a second joint portion located at upper and lower sides of the extension. The ball striking body is integrally formed by metal 3D printing, and the integrally formed ball striking body includes the ball striking body, the striking face, the toe portion, the heel portion, and a hosel portion. forming a semi-finished product in the shape of a ball striking body by metal 3D printing from a second metal powder, wherein the second metal powder comprises, in percent by weight, 5.50-6.50% aluminum, 3.50-4.50% vanadium, ≤0.25% and not 0 iron, ≤0.08% and not 0 carbon, ≤0.10% and not 0 oxygen, ≤0.03% and not 0 nitrogen, ≤0.015% and not 0 hydrogen, and the balance titanium.

16. The method of manufacturing a ball striking body for a golf club head of claim 15, wherein, vacuum annealing the semi-finished product of the ball striking body at 600-800°C for 90-150 minutes.

Images