Club head element forming mold and club head element forming method

Abstract

A golf club head component forming mold and a golf club head component forming method are provided to solve the problem that the conventional golf club head component forming mold cannot form a predetermined shape skirt. The golf club head component forming mold includes a first mold having an end edge portion surrounding a first molding surface and a ring portion connected to the end edge portion, a second mold having a peripheral edge portion surrounding a second molding surface, the peripheral edge portion being positioned opposite the end edge portion in a first mold closing direction, the second mold having at least one limiting block adjacent to the peripheral edge portion, and at least one side forming member having a third molding surface positioned on the ring portion of the first mold in a second mold closing direction. Thus, the golf club head component forming mold can improve the forming yield of the cover plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a molding die, and more particularly to a molding die for a club head component. This invention also relates to a method for molding a club head component. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, to achieve the goal of lightweight golf club heads, thermoplastic materials such as carbon fiber are typically used to mold the components of the club head, thereby reducing the overall weight of the club head. For example, this thermoplastic material is often used to mold a cap, which can be assembled into the crown of the golf club head.

[0003] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, in the existing cover sheet forming method, a thermoplastic sheet 9 is pre-formed by hot pressing in a mold 8. More specifically, the mold 8 has a lower punch 8a, which has a top 81 and a side peripheral portion 82 connected to each other. The mold 8 has an upper cavity 8b to align with the top 81, and two side modules 8c respectively positioned on the side peripheral portion 82. When hot pressing the thermoplastic sheet 9 with the mold 8, the thermoplastic sheet 9 is placed on the top 81 of the lower punch 8a. First, the upper cavity 8b closes the mold to allow the thermoplastic sheet 9 to adhere to the top 81. Then, the two side modules 8c close the mold to allow the thermoplastic sheet 9 to be bent in one direction to adhere to the side peripheral portion 82, thereby pre-forming the thermoplastic sheet 9 into a cover sheet shape with a skirt.

[0004] However, when the upper mold cavity 8b closes with the lower punch 8a, the periphery 91 of the thermoplastic sheet 9 tends to face the two side modules 8c, or even be directly aligned with the two side modules 8c. At this time, when the two side modules 8c close, they will directly squeeze the periphery 91, causing the molded cover to have wrinkles or to be unable to form the skirt of the predetermined shape. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a mold for forming club head components and a method for forming club head components, which can improve the yield of cover plate production.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] The terms “first,” “second,” … and “Nth” used throughout this invention are primarily used to distinguish different elements or features (such as elements, directions, or steps), and do not indicate the maximum or minimum number of these elements or features possessed by a corresponding subject or method, nor do they limit the order of priority.

[0009] The terms "combination," "integration," or "assembly" used throughout this invention mainly refer to the types of connections that allow for separation without damaging the components, or connections that make the components inseparable. 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 rod head component molding die of the present invention includes: a first mold having a first mold core having a first molding surface and an end edge surrounding the first molding surface, the first mold core having a circumferential portion connected to the end edge; a second mold having a second mold core having a second molding surface and a circumferential portion surrounding the second molding surface, the circumferential portion being opposite to the end edge in a first mold closing direction, the second mold having at least one limiting block adjacent to the circumferential portion and protruding toward the first mold in the first mold closing direction; and at least one side molding part having a third molding surface opposite to the circumferential portion of the first mold core in a second mold closing direction, the second mold closing direction being perpendicular to the first mold closing direction.

[0011] Therefore, in the rod head component molding die of the present invention, at least one limiting block of the second mold is adjacent to the peripheral portion of the second molding surface. When the second mold and the first mold are closed, the at least one limiting block can be adjacent to the end edge of the first molding surface, and the closing surface of the at least one limiting block can be laterally opposed to the circumferential portion. Thus, when the thermoplastic sheet is hot-pressed with the rod head component molding die, the at least one limiting block can bend the thermoplastic sheet to fit close to the circumferential portion of the first mold core. In this way, the periphery of the thermoplastic sheet will not be subjected to unintended compression with the at least one side of the molded part, allowing the thermoplastic sheet to be molded into a predetermined skirt shape, thereby improving the yield of the cover sheet molding.

[0012] The first mold core protrudes from a base, and the first mold core has a narrowed diameter from the first molding surface toward the base, giving the circumferential portion a beveled surface. This beveled surface can thus be used to form an inwardly bent skirt.

[0013] The at least one limiting block has a parting surface facing the first mold. When the second mold and the first mold are closed, the parting surface is positioned in the second parting direction relative to the circumferential portion of the first mold core. Thus, the at least one limiting block allows the thermoplastic sheet to fit close to the circumferential portion of the first mold core.

[0014] The at least one molded part and the molded surface of the at least one limiting block form a mold closing direction in the first mold closing direction. In this way, the at least one molded part can mold the bent thermoplastic sheet into a predetermined skirt shape.

[0015] The second mold has multiple limiting blocks that surround the periphery. Thus, the multiple limiting blocks can form a cover sheet with circumferential side skirts.

[0016] The at least one limiting block protrudes 15-25 mm from the periphery toward the first mold. This allows the part where the at least one molded part and the at least one limiting block meet to be close to the end edge, ensuring that the third molding surface can effectively mold the thermoplastic sheet into a skirt of a predetermined shape.

[0017] The present invention discloses a rod head component molding method, which uses the aforementioned rod head component molding mold for molding. The method includes: hot-pressing a thermoplastic sheet in a first mold-closing direction using a first molding surface of the first mold and a second molding surface of the second mold; bending the thermoplastic sheet at its peripheral and end edges using at least one limiting block to conform to the circumference of the first mold core; and hot-pressing the thermoplastic sheet in the second mold-closing direction using a third molding surface of at least one side of the molded part and the circumference together. In this way, the peripheral edge of the thermoplastic sheet will not be subjected to unintended compression with the at least one side of the molded part, allowing the thermoplastic sheet to be molded into a predetermined skirt shape, thereby improving the yield rate of cover plate molding.

[0018] The thermoplastic sheet is heated to over 280°C for hot pressing with the first and second molds. This allows the thermoplastic sheet to be preheated to a softening temperature.

[0019] In the second mold-closing direction, the third molding surface of at least one side of the molded part, together with the circumferential portion, hot-presses the thermoplastic sheet for 10-12 seconds. Thus, the third molding surface can mold the thermoplastic sheet into a skirt of a predetermined shape.

[0020] The first mold, the second mold, and the molded part on at least one side are preheated to above 200°C. This allows the rod head component molding die to maintain the softening temperature of the thermoplastic sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A drawing of an existing rod head component molding die; Figure 2 A top view of a first mold and the at least one side molded part according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 : A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a mold assembly diagram of the first mold and the second mold. Figure 5 :like Figure 4 The molded part diagram of at least one side is shown.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: [This invention] 1: First mold 1a: First Model 1b: Base 11: First Shaping Surface 12: End edge 13: Circumferential part 131: Circular Inclined Plane 2: Second mold 2a: Second mold kernel 2b: Base 21: Second molding surface 22: Peripheral section 23: Limiting block 231: Mold fitting surface 3: Side-formed parts 31: Third Shaping Surface D1: First mold closing direction D2: Second mold closing direction W: Thermoplastic sheet W1: Zhou Yuan H: Prominent distance T: Heating element ﹝existing﹞ 9: Thermoplastic sheets 91: Zhou Yuan 8: Mold 8a: Lower punch 8b: Upper mold cavity 8c: Side module 81: Top 82: Lateral part. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, it is a preferred embodiment of the rod head component forming mold of the present invention, including a first mold 1, a second mold 2 and at least one side forming part 3. The second mold 2 is located opposite the first mold 1 in a first mold closing direction D1, and the at least one side forming part 3 is located opposite the first mold 1 in a second mold closing direction D2.

[0025] Specifically, the first mold 1 has a first mold core 1a, which can be used to place a thermoplastic sheet W. The first mold core 1a can be a punch, for example, the first mold core 1a can be located on a base 1b of the first mold 1, so that the first mold core 1a protrudes from the base 1b. The first mold core 1a can have an outline corresponding to the cover plate of a golf club head, and more specifically, the outline of the first mold core 1a can correspond to the inner surface of the cover plate.

[0026] The first mold core 1a has a first molding surface 11, which can be a curved surface or a flat surface depending on the shape of the cover plate. The first molding surface 11 has an end edge 12 surrounding the first molding surface 11. The first mold core 1a has a circumferential portion 13, which can extend from the end edge 12 toward the base 1b. The circumferential portion 13 can have a circumferential surface corresponding to the skirt shape of the cover plate. Thus, the circumferential portion 13 can be used to form the skirt of the cover plate. In this embodiment, the first mold core 1a can be tapered from the first molding surface 11 toward the base 1b, so that the circumferential portion 13 can have an annular inclined surface 131. The annular inclined surface 131 can be inclined from the end edge 12 relative to the interior direction of the first mold core 1a. Thus, the annular bevel 131 of the circumferential portion 13 can be used to form an inwardly bent (i.e., non-right-angled) skirt.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second mold 2 can be closed with the first mold 1 in the first mold-closing direction D1. Specifically, the second mold 2 can have a second mold core 2a, which can be a concave mold, for example, the second mold core 2a can be recessed into a base 2b of the second mold 2. The second mold core 2a can have a shape corresponding to the cap of a golf club head; further, the shape of the second mold core 2a can correspond to the outer surface of the cap. The second mold core 2a has a second molding surface 21, which can be positioned opposite to the first molding surface 11 of the first mold 1 in the first mold-closing direction D1. The second molding surface 21 can have a shape that can be matched with the first molding surface 11 (e.g., a corresponding curvature). The second molding surface 21 has a peripheral portion 22 surrounding the second molding surface 21, and the peripheral portion 22 can be positioned opposite to the end edge portion 12 of the first molding surface 11 in the first mold closing direction D1.

[0028] The second mold 2 may have at least one limiting block 23, which protrudes from the base 2b toward the first mold 1. The at least one limiting block 23 has a mold closing surface 231, which may be located at the end face of the at least one limiting block 23. The mold closing surface 231 faces the first mold 1 and can be used to form a mold closing with the at least one side molded part 3 (details to follow).

[0029] Please continue reading. Figure 4 As shown, further, the at least one limiting block 23 is adjacent to the peripheral edge 22 of the second molding surface 21. When the second mold 2 and the first mold 1 are closed, the at least one limiting block 23 can be adjacent to the end edge 12 of the first molding surface 11. Furthermore, when the second mold 2 and the first mold 1 are closed, the closing surface 231 can laterally oppose the circumferential portion 13 of the first mold core 1a. Therefore, when the second mold 2 and the first mold 1 are closed, the at least one limiting block 23 can bend the thermoplastic sheet W at the peripheral edge 22 and the end edge 12, so that the peripheral edge W1 of the thermoplastic sheet W is close to the circumferential portion 13 of the first mold core 1a.

[0030] Furthermore, the number of the at least one limiting block 23 may vary depending on the position of the skirt to be formed. For example, when forming a cover with a skirt on one side (L-shaped cover), the second mold 2 may have one limiting block 23 to bend one side of the thermoplastic sheet W; when forming a cover with skirts on opposite sides (U-shaped cover), the second mold 2 may have two limiting blocks 23, which may be located on opposite sides of the periphery 22 of the second molding surface 21; when forming a cover with a circumferential side skirt (C-shaped cover), the second mold 2 may have multiple limiting blocks 23 to surround the periphery 22, or the second mold 2 may have one encircling limiting block 23 to surround the periphery 22.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the at least one molded part 3 is positioned opposite the first mold core 1a in the second mold closing direction D2. The second mold closing direction D2 can be perpendicular to the first mold closing direction D1, allowing the at least one molded part 3 to be molded from the side. Furthermore, the at least one molded part 3 has a third molding surface 31, which is positioned opposite the circumferential portion 13 of the first mold core 1a. The third molding surface 31 can have a shape that can mate with the circumferential portion 13. Thus, the third molding surface 31 and the circumferential portion 13 can shape the bent thermoplastic sheet W into a predetermined skirt shape. It is worth noting that after the at least one molded part 3 is molded in the second mold closing direction D2, it can be positioned between the first mold 1 and the second mold 2, and the at least one molded part 3 can form a mold closing in the first mold closing direction D1 with the mold closing surface 231 of the at least one limiting block 23. In this way, the bent thermoplastic sheet W is molded into a predetermined skirt shape.

[0032] It should be noted that the third molding surface 31 of the at least one molded part 3 is used to form the shape of the skirt. The third molding surface 31 must be aligned with the circumferential portion 13 near the end edge portion 12 in the second mold closing direction D2. That is, the third molding surface 31 must be aligned with the part of the thermoplastic sheet W to be bent into a skirt, so as to ensure that the third molding surface 31 can mold the thermoplastic sheet W into a skirt of a predetermined shape. Therefore, the protrusion distance H of the at least one limiting block 23 from the circumferential portion 22 toward the first mold 1 is preferably 15 to 25 mm, so that the mold closing point of the at least one molded part 3 and the mold closing surface 231 of the at least one limiting block 23 is near the end edge portion 12.

[0033] Furthermore, the number of at least one side molding member 3 can vary depending on the position of the skirt to be formed. For example, when forming a cover sheet with a skirt on one side (L-shaped cover sheet), a predetermined skirt can be formed on one side of the thermoplastic sheet W by a limiting block 23; when forming a cover sheet with skirts on opposite sides (U-shaped cover sheet), predetermined skirts can be formed on opposite sides of the thermoplastic sheet W by two side molding members 3; when forming a cover sheet with a circumferential side skirt (C-shaped cover sheet), a plurality of side molding members 3 can be used to jointly form a circumferential side skirt.

[0034] Please continue reading. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, when forming a cover with a skirt using the mold for forming the rod head element of the present invention, the thermoplastic sheet W is placed in the first mold core 1a. The thermoplastic sheet W can be made of thermoplastic resin impregnated with carbon fibers, and the thermoplastic sheet W has a predetermined shape and size that substantially conforms to the rod head cover. The thermoplastic sheet W can be preheated to a softening temperature so that the thermoplastic sheet W can be easily shaped. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic sheet W can be heated in the first mold core 1a by a heating element T. The heating element T can be, for example, an infrared heating device or a high-frequency heating device. The heating element T can be driven to move by a displacement device such as a robotic arm, slide rail, or linear screw to heat the thermoplastic sheet W. Preferably, the distance between the heating element T and the thermoplastic sheet W can be 8 to 12 cm, and the heating time of the heating element T on the thermoplastic sheet W can be 15 to 25 seconds to raise the temperature of the thermoplastic sheet W to above 280°C.

[0035] The second mold 2 and the first mold 1 are then joined together in the first mold-closing direction D1, so that the second molding surface 21 of the second mold core 2a and the first molding surface 11 of the first mold core 1a are used to hot-press and mold the thermoplastic sheet W. At this time, the at least one limiting block 23 can cause the thermoplastic sheet W to bend at the peripheral portion 22 and the end edge portion 12, so that the thermoplastic sheet W can be bent and close to the circumferential portion 13 of the first mold core 1a. In this way, the periphery of the thermoplastic sheet W can be substantially drooping downwards towards the first mold 1 by the guidance of the at least one limiting block 23.

[0036] The at least one molded part 3 then forms a mold in the second mold-closing direction D2, so that the third molding surface 31 and the circumferential portion 13 of the first mold core 1a jointly perform hot pressing molding on the thermoplastic sheet W, thereby forming the skirt of the cover plate from the thermoplastic sheet W. In this embodiment, the molding time of the at least one molded part 3 on the thermoplastic sheet W can be 10 to 12 seconds. In addition, the first mold 1, the second mold 2, and the at least one molded part 3 can be preheated to above 200°C to maintain the softening temperature of the thermoplastic sheet W.

[0037] In summary, the rod head component molding die and rod head component molding method of the present invention, by having at least one limiting block of the second mold adjacent to the peripheral portion of the second molding surface, when the second mold and the first mold are closed, the at least one limiting block can be adjacent to the end edge of the first molding surface, and the closing surface of the at least one limiting block can be laterally positioned against the circumferential portion. Thus, when the thermoplastic sheet is hot-pressed with the rod head component molding die, the at least one limiting block can bend the thermoplastic sheet to fit close to the circumferential portion of the first mold core. Therefore, the periphery of the thermoplastic sheet will not be subjected to unintended compression with the at least one side of the molded part, allowing the thermoplastic sheet to be molded into a predetermined skirt shape, thereby improving the yield of the cover plate molding.

[0038] Although the present invention has been disclosed using the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present 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 present invention shall still fall within the technical scope protected by the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall include all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rod head component forming mold, characterized in that, include: A first mold has a first mold core having a first molding surface, an end edge surrounding the first molding surface, and a circumferential portion connecting the end edge. A second mold has a second mold core with a second molding surface and a peripheral portion surrounding the second molding surface. The peripheral portion is positioned opposite the end edge in a first mold closing direction. The second mold has at least one limiting block adjacent to the peripheral portion and protruding toward the first mold in the first mold closing direction. and At least one side-formed part has a third molding surface, which is located around the circumference of the first mold core in a second mold closing direction, the second mold closing direction being perpendicular to the first mold closing direction.

2. The rod head component forming mold as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first mold core protrudes from a base, and the first mold core is tapered from the first molding surface toward the base, so that the circumferential portion has a circumferential inclined surface.

3. The rod head component forming mold as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one limiting block has a mold-closing surface facing the first mold. When the second mold and the first mold are closed together, the mold-closing surface is located around the circumference of the first mold core in the second mold-closing direction.

4. The rod head component forming mold as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one side molding part and the mold closing surface of the at least one limiting block form a mold closing in the first mold closing direction.

5. The rod head component forming mold as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second mold has multiple limiting blocks that surround the perimeter.

6. The rod head component forming mold as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one limiting block protrudes 15 to 25 mm from the periphery toward the first mold.

7. A method for forming a club head component, wherein the component is formed using a club head component forming mold as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, include: A thermoplastic sheet is hot-pressed in the first mold-closing direction with the first molding surface of the first mold and the second molding surface of the second mold. The thermoplastic sheet is bent at the peripheral and end edges by the at least one limiting block to fit close to the circumference of the first mold core. and In the second mold closing direction, the thermoplastic sheet is hot-pressed together with the third molding surface of the at least one side molding part and the circumferential portion.

8. The method for forming a rod head element as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The thermoplastic sheet is heated to above 280°C for hot pressing with the first mold and the second mold.

9. The method for forming a rod head element as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In the second mold closing direction, the thermoplastic sheet is hot-pressed for 10 to 12 seconds by the third molding surface of the at least one side molding part together with the circumferential portion.

10. The method for forming a rod head element as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first mold, the second mold, and the at least one side molded part are preheated to above 200°C.

Images