Golf club head

Abstract

To provide a head that has increased an effect related to a weight body by a new weight body fixing structure.SOLUTION: A head 100 includes: a face member 122 constituting at least part of a striking face 102; a head body 120 having a face opening 134; and a weight body wt1 fixed to the head body 120. The face opening 134 is closed by the face member 122. The weight body wt1 includes an externally exposed surface 180 constituting at least one of a sole surface 104a and a back surface 116. The head body 120 includes a weight body insertion part h2 where the weight body wt1 is inserted from one side and retained. The weight body insertion part h2 penetrates the head body 120 from one side to the other side. The externally exposed surface 180 is formed on the other side of the weight body wt1. On the one side of the weight body wt1, a weld zone is formed in a boundary between the weight body wt1 and the head body 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club head. [Background technology]

[0002] From the viewpoint of achieving a low center of gravity, a head in which a weight is disposed in the sole portion has been proposed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-204864). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-204864 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is preferable that the weight is fixed firmly without compromising the appearance. It is also preferable that there is a high degree of freedom in designing the center of gravity of the head. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a golf club head which enhances the effect of the weight by using a novel weight fixing structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a golf club head has a striking face including a face center, a sole surface, and a back surface. The head has a face member constituting at least a portion of the striking face, a head body with a face opening, and a weight body fixed to the head body. The face opening is closed by the face member. The weight body has an externally exposed surface constituting at least one of the sole surface and the back surface. The head body has a weight body insert portion into which the weight body is inserted from one side and held. The weight body insert portion penetrates the head body from one side to the other side. The externally exposed surface is formed on the other side of the weight body. A weld is formed on one side of the weight body at the boundary between the weight body and the head body. Effect of the Invention

[0006] As one aspect, the effect of the weight body can be improved by the novel fixing structure of the weight body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a golf club head according to a first embodiment as viewed from the front of the striking face. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 is the same view as Figure 1. In Figure 2, hidden lines are shown as dashed lines. [Diagram 3] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are perspective views of the head of Figure 1 as seen from the back side. In Figure 3(b), the weight body is hatched. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the head main body seen from the same perspective as FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the head body as viewed from the back side. [Figure 7] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view before the weld is formed. [Figure 8]Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view before the weld is formed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 with the weight removed. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a part of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, and Fig. 11(b) is a part of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8. In Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b), the welded parts are shown in black. [Figure 12] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are cross-sectional views of a modified example, where Figure 12(a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 11(a), and Figure 12(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 11(b). [Figure 13] Fig. 13 is a view of the head seen from the toe side, cut along the line AA in Fig. 1. In Fig. 13, the head is in a reference state. [Figure 14] Figure 14(a) is a perspective view of the head of the second embodiment seen from the back side, Figure 14(b) is a perspective view of the head of the third embodiment seen from the back side, Figure 14(c) is a perspective view of the head of the fourth embodiment seen from the back side, and Figure 14(d) is a perspective view of the head of the fifth embodiment seen from the back side. [Figure 15] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a head according to a sixth embodiment, taken at a toe reference position, and corresponding to Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the seventh embodiment, taken at the toe reference position, and corresponding to Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the eighth embodiment, taken at the toe reference position, and corresponding to Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the ninth embodiment, taken at the toe reference position, and corresponding to Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the reference state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0009] As used herein, the following terms are defined.

[0010] [Reference condition] In the case of an iron head, when the striking face is flat, the reference state is when the head is placed on the ground plane HP with the score lines parallel to the ground plane HP. In the case of a wood head, when the striking face is curved, the reference state is when the head is placed on the ground plane HP at a specified lie angle. In these reference states, the center line Z of the shaft hole of the head (shaft axis Z) is located within the vertical plane VP (see FIG. 19). The vertical plane VP is a plane perpendicular to the ground plane HP.

[0011] When the hitting face is curved, the face angle is set to 0 degrees in the above-mentioned reference state. That is, in a plan view seen from above, the normal line at the geometric center of the hitting face is set to be perpendicular to the intersection line NL. The intersection line NL is the intersection line between the vertical plane VP and the ground plane HP. When the hitting face is flat, the intersection line NL is parallel to the scoreline.

[0012] There is known a club equipped with a variable mechanism that adjusts the loft angle, lie angle, and face angle by changing the rotational position of a sleeve or the like provided at the tip of the shaft. In the head used in such a club, in the above-mentioned reference state, all adjustment items are set to neutral, and the shaft axis Z is specified. Neutral means the center of the adjustment range.

[0013] [Toe-heel direction] The direction of the intersection line NL is the toe-heel direction. When the hitting face is flat, the toe-heel direction is parallel to the scoreline.

[0014] [Anteroposterior direction] A direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and parallel to the ground plane HP is the front-to-rear direction.

[0015] [Face-back direction] The direction of the normal to the striking face at the face center is the face-back direction. If the striking face is planar, the face-back direction is the direction perpendicular to the striking face.

[0016] [Top-sole direction] The direction of the line of intersection between the hitting face and a plane perpendicular to the toe-heel direction is the top-sole direction. If the hitting face is not flat, a tangent plane at the face center can be used instead of the hitting face. In other words, the direction of the line of intersection between the tangent plane and a plane perpendicular to the toe-heel direction can be the top-sole direction.

[0017] [Toe reference position] The toe reference position is the position 18.5 mm away from the most toe side point on the hitting face toward the heel side (see Figure 1). In a typical iron-type golf club head, the position of the toe side end of the scoreline coincides with the toe reference position. The toe reference position is the position in the toe-heel direction.

[0018] [Heel reference position] Each of the scorelines has a heel-side end. The position of the heel-side end among these heel-side ends is set as the heel reference position. In a typical iron-type golf club head, the position of the heel-side end of the longest scoreline coincides with the heel reference position. The heel reference position is a position in the toe-heel direction.

[0019] [Center position of scoreline] The position that divides the distance between the toe reference position and the heel reference position into two equal parts is the scoreline center position. In a typical iron-type golf club head, the center position of the longest scoreline is the scoreline center position. The scoreline center position is a position in the toe-heel direction.

[0020] [Toe center position] The position that bisects the toe reference position and the scoreline center position is the toe middle position. The toe middle position is a position in the toe-heel direction.

[0021] [Heel mid position] The position that bisects the heel reference position and the scoreline center position is the heel middle position. The heel middle position is a position in the toe-heel direction.

[0022] Profile A cross section along the face-back direction and the top-sole direction is a vertical cross section.

[0023] [Leading Edge] In the longitudinal section of the head, a point located at the frontmost side in the front-to-rear direction is determined. This point is determined at each position in the toe-heel direction. The set of these points is the leading edge.

[0024] [Trailing Edge] When the radius of curvature of the sole surface is measured sequentially toward the rear on the longitudinal section of the head, the point where the radius of curvature is first 5 mm or less is determined. The set of these points is defined as the trailing edge. The trailing edge is the rear edge of the sole surface.

[0025] [Face Center] The point that divides the width of the striking face in half at the center position of the scoreline is the face center (see Figure 1). In heads where the center positions of the scorelines cannot be defined, the geometric center (centroid) of the striking face in a plan view can be regarded as the face center.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a view of the head 100 of the first embodiment as seen from the front side of the hitting face. Fig. 2 is the same view as Fig. 1, and the lines of the head body hidden by the face member are shown by dashed lines. Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b) are perspective views of the head 100 as seen from the back side. In Fig. 3(b), the weight body is hatched.

[0027] The head 100 has a hitting face 102, a sole portion 104, a top blade 106, and a hosel 108. The sole portion 104 has a sole surface 104a. The sole surface 104a is the outer surface of the sole portion 104. The hosel 108 has a hosel hole 110. The hosel portion 110 has a center line Z. A shaft (not shown) is attached to the hosel hole 110.

[0028] 3(a), the head 100 has a leading edge Le and a trailing edge Te. The trailing edge Te is the rear edge of the sole surface 104a. The sole surface 104a has a ridge line 112 extending from the toe side toward the heel side. The ridge line 112 is located between the leading edge Le and the trailing edge Te.

[0029] 1, the striking face 102 has a plurality of face lines gv. The plurality of face lines includes a longest face line gv1. All of the score lines gv are formed on the face member 122.

[0030] The head 100 is an iron-type golf club head. The striking face 102 is flat. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the head 100 has a back cavity 114. The back cavity 114 is a cavity formed on the back side of the head 100. An iron head having the back cavity 114 is referred to as a cavity back iron head by those skilled in the art. The head 100 is a cavity back iron head.

[0031] The head 100 has a back surface 116. The back surface 116 is located on the top side of the trailing edge Te. Note that a portion inside the back cavity 114 (such as the rear surface 152 of the face member 122) may be excluded from the back surface 116.

[0032] It should be noted that the head 100 does not have to be an iron type head. The head 100 may be a wood type head, a utility type head, or a putter type head. The hitting face 102 does not have to be flat. Preferably, the head 100 is an iron type head.

[0033] 1, the head 100 has a face center Fc, a toe reference position Pt, a heel reference position Ph, a scoreline center position Pc, a toe middle position Pt1, and a heel middle position Ph1. The definitions of these positions are as described above. In this embodiment, the toe reference position Pt is the position of the end of the scoreline gv on the toe side.

[0034] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the head 100. Fig. 5 is a view of the head body 120 seen from the same viewpoint as Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the head body 120 seen from the back side. Note that in Fig. 4, the score lines gv on the face member 122 are omitted.

[0035] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view at the toe reference position Pt. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view at the scoreline center position Pc. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view at the heel reference position Ph. Note that Figs. 7 and 8 show the state before welding, and the welded parts are omitted.

[0036] The head 100 is formed of a plurality of members. The head 100 has a head body 120, a face member 122, and a weight body wt1. The face member 122 is fixed to the head body 120. The weight body wt1 is fixed to the head body 120. As shown in FIG. 7, the weight body wt1 is located at the toe reference position Pt. As shown in FIG. 8, the weight body wt1 is located at the scoreline center position Pc. As shown in FIG. 9, the weight body wt1 is not located at the heel reference position Ph.

[0037] The head body 120 is formed of a metal. Examples of this metal include stainless steel, soft iron, maraging steel, and titanium alloy. In this embodiment, the material of the head body 120 is stainless steel. The face member 122 is formed of a metal. Examples of this metal include titanium alloy, stainless steel, chrome vanadium steel, and maraging steel. In this embodiment, the material of the face member 122 is titanium alloy. The materials of the head body 120 and the face member 122 are not limited. From the viewpoint of tolerance, it is preferable that the specific gravity of the face member 122 is smaller than the specific gravity of the head body 120.

[0038] The weight body wt1 is made of metal. The specific gravity of the weight body wt1 is greater than the specific gravity of the head body 120. The specific gravity of the weight body wt1 is greater than the specific gravity of the face member 122. From the viewpoint of high specific gravity, the material of the weight body wt1 is preferably an alloy containing tungsten and / or nickel. Taking formability into consideration, an alloy containing tungsten and nickel is more preferable. The material of the weight body wt1 may be a material that can be welded to the head body 120, or a material that cannot be welded to the head body 120.

[0039] From the viewpoint of the degree of freedom of the head center of gravity design, the specific gravity of the weight wt1 is preferably 9.0 or more, more preferably 9.1 or more, and more preferably 9.2 or more. Considering the available materials, the specific gravity of the weight wt1 is preferably 20.0 or less, more preferably 19.9 or less, and more preferably 19.8 or less. Considering the material having the necessary strength for the head body 120, the specific gravity of the head body 120 is preferably 4.0 or more, more preferably 4.1 or more, and more preferably 4.2 or more. In order to increase the degree of freedom of the head center of gravity design, it is preferable that the difference between the specific gravity of the head body 120 and the specific gravity of the weight wt1 is large. From this viewpoint, the specific gravity of the head body 120 is preferably 8.0 or less, more preferably 7.95 or less, and more preferably 7.9 or less. Considering the material having the necessary strength for the face member 122, the specific gravity of the face member 122 is preferably 4.0 or more, more preferably 4.1 or more, and more preferably 4.2 or more. To increase the degree of freedom in designing the center of gravity of the head, it is preferable that there is a large difference between the specific gravity of the face member 122 and the specific gravity of the weight wt1. From this viewpoint, the specific gravity of the face member 122 is preferably equal to or less than 8.0, more preferably equal to or less than 7.95, and still more preferably equal to or less than 7.9.

[0040] The head body 120 is integrally molded as a whole. The head body 120 may be formed by joining a plurality of members together by welding or the like.

[0041] The head body 120 has a face opening 134. The face opening 134 penetrates the head body 120 in the face-back direction. The face opening 134 is closed by the face member 122. The head body 120 forms a frame portion that surrounds the periphery of the face opening 134.

[0042] The head body 120 has a receiving surface 136. The receiving surface 136 is a surface facing the face side. The receiving surface 136 supports the peripheral portion of the face member 122 from the back side. In this embodiment, the receiving surface 136 is provided along the face opening 134 and outside the face opening 134. The receiving surface 136 is formed along an opening edge 138 on the face side of the face opening 134. The receiving surface 136 forms a plane. This plane is parallel to the hitting face 102.

[0043] The head body 120 has a heel step surface 140. The heel step surface 140 extends forward from the receiving surface 136. The height of the heel step surface 140 corresponds to the thickness of the face member 122. The heel step surface 140 abuts against a side surface 142 on the heel side of the face member 122.

[0044] In this embodiment, the face member 122, which is larger than the face opening 134, covers the face opening 134, thereby closing the face opening 134. The face member 122 may be fitted into the face opening 134.

[0045] The head body 120 has a through hole h1 that holds the weight body wt1. In a plan view seen from the front side of the striking face 102, the shape of the through hole h1 corresponds to the shape of the weight body wt1 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The head body 120 has a wall portion 144 that forms the upper portion of the through hole h1.

[0046] The through hole h1 is an example of the weight body insertion portion h2. The weight body insertion portion does not have to be a through hole. For example, the weight body insertion portion h2 may be a groove that extends from one side to the other side and into which the weight body can be slidably inserted.

[0047] The face member 122 is generally plate-shaped. The face member 122 has a front surface 150 and a rear surface 152. The front surface 150 constitutes at least a portion of the hitting face 102. In this embodiment, the front surface 150 constitutes the entire hitting face 102. The rear surface 152 is the surface opposite the front surface 150. The peripheral portion of the rear surface 152 abuts against the receiving surface 136. The face member 122 does not have to be plate-shaped. For example, the face member 122 may be, for example, a cup face.

[0048] The weight body wt1 has a front surface 160, a rear surface 162, and a side surface 164. The weight body wt1 has a first surface 166 and a second surface 168. The first surface 166 and the second surface 168 form the side surface 164. The first surface 166 is the upper surface of the weight body wt1. The second surface 168 is the lower surface of the weight body wt1. In FIG. 8, the double arrow D1 indicates the face-back direction width of the weight body wt1. The width D1 changes. Due to this change, the front surface 160 has two stages with a transition portion therebetween. The width D1 on the toe side is larger than the width D1 on the heel side. As shown in FIG. 2, the weight body wt1 has a center position P1 in the toe-heel direction width W1. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 is located on the toe side of the center position P1. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 is located on the toe side of the scoreline center position Pc. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 is located on the toe side of the toe middle position Pt1. The weight body wt1 contributes to positioning the center of gravity of the head on the toe side.

[0049] The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 is located on the sole side of the face center Fc. The entire weight body wt1 is located on the sole side of the face center Fc. The weight body wt1 contributes to lowering the center of gravity of the head.

[0050] The position of the weight body wt1 is not limited. In this embodiment, the weight body wt1 has a portion located on the toe side of the scoreline center position Pc. The weight body wt1 has a portion located on the toe side of the toe reference position Pt. The weight body wt1 has a portion located between the toe reference position Pt and the scoreline center position Pc. The weight body wt1 does not exist at the heel reference position Ph. The entire weight body wt1 is located on the toe side of the heel reference position Ph. The weight body wt1 does not exist at the heel middle position Ph1. The entire weight body wt1 is located on the toe side of the heel middle position Ph1. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 is located on the sole side of the face center Fc. The entire weight body wt1 is located on the sole side of the face center Fc.

[0051] 7, 8 and 9, the head 100 has a pocket space SP1. The pocket space SP1 is a gap having a width in the face-back direction. The pocket space SP1 is a part of the cavity space formed by the back cavity 114. The face side of the pocket space SP1 is defined by the rear surface 152 of the face member 122. The back side of the pocket space SP1 is defined by a surface opposed to the rear surface 152. The pocket space SP1 is connected to an external space of the head 100.

[0052] The surface that defines the back side of the pocket space SP1 includes the front surface 160 of the weight body wt1. The front surface 160 faces the pocket space SP1. Between the front surface 160 and the rear surface 152 is the pocket space SP1. The front surface 160 faces the rear surface 152.

[0053] The head body 120 has an opposing surface 170 that faces the rear surface 152 of the face member 122. The opposing surface 170 has a top side opposing surface 172 that is located on the top side of the weight body wt1. The top side opposing surface 172 faces the pocket space SP1. Between the top side opposing surface 172 and the rear surface 152 of the face member 122, the pocket space SP1 is defined. In this embodiment, the top side opposing surface 172 is the front surface of the wall portion 144.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in which the weight body wt1 is removed in FIG. 7. The through hole h1 has a first opening k1 and a second opening k2. The first opening k1 has an opening edge k10. The second opening k2 has an opening edge k20. The second opening k2 forms an opening in the sole surface 104a. The second opening k2 is formed in a region from the sole surface 104a to the back surface 116. In the through hole h1, the first opening k1 is an opening on one side, and the second opening k2 is an opening on the other side. In this embodiment, the first opening k1 is an opening on the face side, and the second opening k2 is an opening on the back side. In the through hole h1, the second opening k2 is an opening on the opposite side to the first opening k1. The first opening k1 faces the pocket space SP1. The through hole h1 penetrates from the first opening k1 to the second opening k2. The through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) penetrates the head body 120 from one side to the other side. The through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) penetrates the head body 120 from the face side to the back side.

[0055] The weight body wt1 is inserted into the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) from one side. The through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) has a shape that prevents the weight body wt1 from passing from one side to the other side. The weight body wt1 is engaged in the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) at a predetermined relative position. The weight body wt1 is engaged in the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) so as not to move to the other side from this relative position. The weight body wt1 is held in the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) at this relative position. The relative position means the position of the weight body wt1 with respect to the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2).

[0056] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the weight body wt1 has an external exposed surface 180. The external exposed surface 180 constitutes the outer surface of the head 100. The external exposed surface 180 has a portion (sole exposed surface 180a) that constitutes a part of the sole surface 104a. The sole exposed surface 180a is formed on the rear surface 162 of the weight body wt1. The external exposed surface 180 has a portion (back exposed surface 180b) that constitutes a part of the back surface 116. The back exposed surface 180b is formed on the rear surface 162 of the weight body wt1. The weight body wt1 has a trailing edge Te. In the weight body wt1, the trailing edge Te is the boundary between the sole exposed surface 180a and the back exposed surface 180b.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) has a main body tapered portion 184 that narrows toward the other side. The main body tapered portion 184 is composed of a first tapered surface 184a and a second tapered surface 184b that face each other. In this embodiment, the distance between the first tapered surface 184a and the second tapered surface 184b (distance in the top-sole direction) narrows toward the other side from one side. In this embodiment, the first tapered surface 184a is located on the top side relative to the second tapered surface 184b. In this embodiment, the one side is the face side, and the other side is the back side.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the weight body wt1 has a tapered contact surface 186 that contacts the main body tapered portion 184. In this embodiment, the tapered contact surface 186 is composed of the first surface 166 and the second surface 168 described above. The distance between the first surface 166 and the second surface 168 (top-sole direction distance) becomes smaller toward the other side. The first surface 166 contacts the first tapered surface 184a. The second surface 168 contacts the second tapered surface 184b.

[0059] As described above, the first surface 166 is the upper surface of the weight body wt1. This upper surface 166 is a surface that extends toward the sole side as it moves toward the back side. This surface is called a downward surface. The downward surface 166 constitutes a tapered contact surface 186.

[0060] Fig. 11(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of Fig. 7. Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of Fig. 8. Unlike Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b) show welded parts. Note that in Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b), the cross section of the welded part is shown as a rectangle or the like, but in reality, the cross-sectional shape of the welded part is irregular.

[0061] The head 100 has a welded portion 190. In Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b), a cross section of the welded portion 190 is shown by filling in black. The welded portion 190 is formed in a region including the boundary between the weight body wt1 and the head body 120. The welded portion 190 is provided on one side of the weight body wt1. The welded portion 190 is provided only on one side of the weight body wt1. The welded portion 190 is provided at one end of the boundary between the weight body wt1 and the head body 120. The welded portion 190 is formed on one surface (front surface 160) of the weight body wt1. The welded portion 190 is not provided on the other side of the weight body wt1. The welded portion 190 is not provided on the outer surface of the head 100. The welded portion 190 is not provided on the sole surface 104a. The welded portion 190 is not provided on the back surface 116. The welded portion 190 is provided only at a position facing the pocket space SP1. The welded portion 190 is provided only at a position facing the rear surface 152 of the face member 122.

[0062] The welded portion 190 is a portion formed by welding. In the present application, welding includes fusion welding, pressure welding, and brazing. In the present application, welding may be performed by melting only one of the base materials (the head body 120 and the weight body wt1), or both of the base materials. Also, in the present application, welding may be performed by melting only the filler material (including the brazing material) without melting both base materials. The filler material may or may not be used. The welded portion 190 is a concept that includes the following configurations a, b, c, d, and e. A weld bead is an example of the welded portion 190. (Configuration a) The weight body wt1 is not melted, and is a portion formed by the head main body 120 melting and then solidifying. (Configuration b) A portion formed by melting the head body 120 and the weight body wt1 and then solidifying them. (Configuration c) The weight body wt1 is not melted, and is a portion formed when the head body 120 and the filler metal melt and then solidify. (Configuration d) A portion formed by the head body 120, the weight body wt1, and the filler metal melting and then solidifying. (Configuration e) The head body 120 and the weight body wt1 are not melted, and only the filler metal (brazing material) is melted and then solidified to form this portion.

[0063] The weight body wt1 may be integrated with the head body 120 by the welded portion 190. The weight body wt1 may not be integrated with the head body 120, but may be physically engaged with the welded portion 190 integrated with the head body 120. The head 100a described below is an example of this form. The weight body wt1 may not be integrated with the head body 120, but may be joined with a brazing material. When the welded portion 190 is located on one side of the weight body wt1 and is engaged with the through hole h1 (weight body insertion portion h2) so that the weight body wt1 cannot move to the other side, the welded portion 190 can fix the weight body wt1 even if it is only physically engaged with the weight body wt1. The weight body wt1 is fixed in the head 100a described below as well.

[0064] In the head 100, the welded portion 190 has the above-mentioned configuration d. That is, the welded portion 190 is formed by melting the head body 120, the weight wt1, and the filler material and then solidifying them.

[0065] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are cross-sectional views of a head 100a, which is a modified example of the head 100. Figure 12(a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 11(a). Figure 12(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 11(b). Except for the configuration of the welded portion 190, the head 100a is the same as the head 100.

[0066] In the head 100a, the welded portion 190 has the above-mentioned configuration c. That is, in this embodiment, the welded portion 190 is formed by melting the head body 120 and the filler material and then solidifying them. In this configuration c, in the welded portion 190, the weight body wt1 is not melted.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a view of the head cut along line AA in FIG. 1 from the toe side. The welded portion 190 is located at a position that is not visible from the outside of the head 100. The welded portion 190 is not visible from any position on the outside of the head 100. There are no welded portions other than the welded portion 190. The head 100 does not have any welded portions that are visible from the outside of the head 100. In FIG. 13, the dashed two-dot line indicates a straight line L1 that is tangent to the back side of the head 100. A vertical section is determined at every position in the toe-heel direction, and a straight line L1 is determined at each vertical section. A virtual lid surface L2 is defined as a set of these straight lines L1. The space partitioned by the virtual lid surface L2 may define a cavity space formed by the back cavity 114. The outside of the head 100 may be defined as the outside of the space partitioned by the virtual lid surface L2.

[0068] Figure 14(a) is an oblique view of the head 200 of the second embodiment seen from the back side, Figure 14(b) is an oblique view of the head 300 of the third embodiment seen from the back side, Figure 14(c) is an oblique view of the head 400 of the fourth embodiment seen from the back side, and Figure 14(d) is an oblique view of the head 500 of the fifth embodiment seen from the back side.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 14(a), in the head 200, the entire external exposed surface 180 of the weight body wt1 is located on the toe side. The entire external exposed surface 180 is located on the toe side of the face center Fc. The entire external exposed surface 180 is located on the toe side of the toe middle position Pt1. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 may be located on the toe side of the toe middle position Pt1. The external exposed surface 180 is provided at one location. The external exposed surface 180 constitutes a part of the sole surface 104a and also constitutes a part of the back surface 116.

[0070] 14(b), in the head 300, the weight body wt1 has multiple (three) externally exposed surfaces 180. In this case, there may be multiple (three) weight bodies wt1, or there may be one weight body wt1 with the externally exposed surface 180 divided into multiple (three) locations.

[0071] 14(c), in the head 400, the external exposed surface 180 is long in the toe-heel direction. The external exposed surface 180 extends from a position on the toe side of the toe reference position Pt to a position on the heel side of the heel middle position Ph1. The external exposed surface 180 extends from a position on the toe side of the toe reference position Pt to a position on the heel side of the heel reference position Ph. The external exposed surface 180 constitutes a part of the sole surface 104a and also constitutes a part of the back surface 116.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 14(d), in the head 500, the entire external exposed surface 180 of the weight body wt1 is located on the heel side. The entire external exposed surface 180 is located on the heel side of the face center Fc. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 may be located on the heel side of the face center Fc. The center of gravity of the weight body wt1 may be located on the heel side of the heel middle position Ph1. The external exposed surface 180 constitutes a part of the sole surface 104a and also constitutes a part of the back surface 116.

[0073] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the head 600 of the sixth embodiment. This cross-sectional view corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. In the head 600, the weight body insertion part h2 (through hole h1) has a step part 192. The weight body wt1 has an abutment step part 194 that abuts against the step part 192. Due to the engagement between the step part 192 and the abutment step part 194, the weight body wt1 is locked to the weight body insertion part h2 so as not to move to the other side from a predetermined relative position. At this relative position, the weight body wt1 is held by the weight body insertion part h2. The welded part 190 is provided only on one side of the weight body wt1. The welded part 190 is not provided on the other side of the weight body wt1. In this embodiment, the one side is the face side, and the other side is the back side. In this embodiment, the main body taper part 184 and the taper abutment surface 186 are provided, but they may not be provided. The weight wt1 may be locked to the weight inserting portion h2 by only engaging the stepped portion 192 with the contact stepped portion 194 so as not to move to the other side beyond a predetermined relative position.

[0074] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a head 700 of the seventh embodiment. This cross-sectional view corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. In the head 700, the externally exposed surface 180 of the weight body wt1 does not constitute the sole surface 104a. The externally exposed surface 180 of the head 700 does not have a sole exposed surface 180a. On the other hand, the externally exposed surface 180 constitutes the back surface 116. The externally exposed surface 180 of the head 700 has a back exposed surface 180b.

[0075] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a head 800 of an eighth embodiment. This cross-sectional view corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. In the head 800, the externally exposed surface 180 of the weight body wt1 does not constitute the back surface 116. The externally exposed surface 180 of the head 800 does not have a back exposed surface 180b. On the other hand, the externally exposed surface 180 constitutes the sole surface 104a. The externally exposed surface 180 of the head 800 has a sole exposed surface 180a.

[0076] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the head 900 of the ninth embodiment. This cross-sectional view corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, one side is the top side, and the other side is the sole side. In the head 900, the weight body insertion part h2 (through hole h1) penetrates the head body 120 from the top side toward the sole side. The external exposed surface 180 is formed on the sole side of the weight body wt1. The external exposed surface 180 constitutes a part of the sole surface 104a. On the top side of the weight body wt1, a welded part 190 is formed at the boundary between the weight body wt1 and the head body 120. All the welded parts 190 face the pocket space SP1. The head body 120 has a wall part 145. The wall part 145 is located on the top side of the welded part 190. The wall part 145 hides the welded part 190 from the outside line of sight. The welded part 190 is not visible from the outside of the head 900.

[0077] In the head 900, the weight body wt1 is inserted into the weight body insertion portion h2 (through hole h1) from the top side. The weight body insertion portion h2 has a main body tapered portion 184 that narrows toward the sole side. The weight body wt1 has a tapered abutment surface 186 that abuts against the main body tapered portion 184. Due to the engagement between the main body tapered portion 184 and the tapered abutment surface 186, the weight body wt1 is locked in the weight body insertion portion h2 so as not to move toward the sole side beyond a predetermined relative position.

[0078] Each of the embodiments described above provides the following advantages.

[0079] The weight body wt1 has an external exposed surface 180 that constitutes at least one of the sole surface 104a and the back surface 116. This allows the weight body wt1 to be positioned closer to the outer surface of the head. Positioning the weight body wt1 closer to the outer surface of the head improves the freedom of designing the center of gravity of the head. Furthermore, positioning the weight body wt1 closer to the outer surface of the head allows the moment of inertia of the head to be increased.

[0080] When the external exposed surface 180 constitutes the sole surface 104a, the weight body wt1 is disposed closer to the sole surface. This allows the center of gravity of the head to be lowered. When the external exposed surface 180 constitutes the back surface 116, the weight body wt1 is disposed closer to the back surface. This allows the depth of the center of gravity of the head to be increased. When the external exposed surface 180 constitutes the sole surface 104a and the back surface 116, this allows the center of gravity of the head to be lowered and the depth of the center of gravity of the head to be increased.

[0081] The welded portion 190 is provided on one side of the weight body wt1. This side is the opposite side to the other side having the externally exposed surface 180. Therefore, the welded portion 190 provided on one side of the weight body wt1 is not noticeable, improving the appearance of the head.

[0082] The weight body wt1 is inserted into the weight body insertion portion h2 from one side. The weight body wt1 passes through the face opening 134 and is inserted into the weight body insertion portion h2. The weight body insertion portion h2 has a shape that does not allow the weight body wt1 to pass from one side to the other side, and locks the weight body wt1 so that it does not move to the other side beyond a predetermined relative position. Therefore, even if the welded portion 190 is provided only on one side, the weight body wt1 is securely held. A head is achieved in which there are no welded portions 190 on the outer surface of the head, the weight body wt1 is securely fixed, and an external exposed surface 180 is formed.

[0083] By engaging the main body tapered portion 184 with the tapered abutment surface 186, even if a dimensional error occurs in the weight body inserting portion h2 or the weight body wt1, it is possible to achieve surface contact. Therefore, the weight body wt1 can be reliably locked by the weight body inserting portion h2.

[0084] The downward surface 166, which extends toward the sole side as the weight body wt1 moves toward the back side, contributes to lowering the center of gravity of the head. In particular, the downward surface 166 contributes to lowering the sweet spot height. The sweet spot is the intersection point between the hitting face and a straight line that is perpendicular to the hitting face and passes through the center of gravity of the head. The sweet spot height is the height from the ground plane HP of the head in the standard state, and is measured along a direction perpendicular to the ground plane HP.

[0085] In an embodiment in which the weight body wt1 is disposed on the toe side, the center of gravity of the head can be located on the toe side. In particular, in an iron head, the center of gravity of the head tends to be shifted toward the heel side. The effect of disposing the weight body wt1 on the toe side is highly effective in an iron head.

[0086] The welded portion 190 is concealed by the face member 122. Therefore, the welded portion 190 is not noticeable, improving the appearance of the head.

[0087] The face opening 134 of the head body 120 is closed by the face member 122. With this structure, the weight body wt1 can be attached to the head body 120 before the face member 122 is attached to the head body 120. This makes it easy to insert the weight body wt1 into the weight body insertion portion h2 from one side. Also, by performing the welding work without the face member 122, the welded portion 190 can be easily formed on one side of the weight body wt1.

[0088] In Fig. 7, what is indicated by the double-headed arrow D2 is the distance between the face component 122 and the weight body wt1. This distance D2 is measured along the face-back direction. By providing the weight body wt1 close to the face component 122, the volume of the weight body wt1 can be increased. From this viewpoint, the minimum value of the distance D2 is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less. From the viewpoint of increasing the depth of the center of gravity of the head, the minimum value of the distance D2 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and more preferably 2.5 mm or more.

[0089] As described above, what is indicated by the double-headed arrow D1 in Fig. 8 is the width of the weight body wt1 in the face-back direction. From the viewpoint of increasing the volume of the weight body wt1, the maximum value of the width D1 is preferably 8 mm or more, more preferably 12 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more. By providing an externally exposed surface 180 on the sole surface 104a and / or the back surface 116, the maximum value of the width D1 can be increased. Considering the dimensions of the head and the distance D2, the maximum value of the width D1 is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 19 mm or less, and more preferably 18 mm or less.

[0090] In each of the above embodiments, when the face member 122 is attached to the head main body 120, the weight body wt1 cannot be inserted into the weight body insertion part h2 (through hole h1). The weight body wt1 cannot be inserted into the pocket space SP1 formed by the head main body 120 to which the face member 122 is attached. In addition, the weight body wt1 cannot be inserted into the weight body insertion part h2 (through hole h1) from the other side facing the outside of the head. The weight body wt1 is inserted from one side into the head main body 120 to which the face member 122 is not attached. Even if the weight body wt1 falls off from the weight body insertion part h2, the weight body wt1 cannot fall off from the head.

[0091] A method for manufacturing the head of each of the above embodiments may include the following steps (1a) to (3a). (1a) A first step of inserting a weight body wt1 from one side of a weight body insertion portion h2 in the head body 120 before the face member 122 is attached. (2a) A second step of forming a weld at the boundary between the weight body wt1 and the weight body insertion portion h2 on one side of the weight body wt1 of the member obtained in the first step. (3a) A third step of attaching a face member 122 to the head body 120 of the member obtained in the second step.

[0092] The following notes are part of the invention contained in this application. [Appendix 1] A golf club head having a striking face including a face center, a sole surface, and a back surface, The golf club has a face member that constitutes at least a portion of the hitting face, a head body having a face opening, and a weight body fixed to the head body, the face opening is closed by the face member, the weight body has an external exposed surface that constitutes at least one of the sole surface and the back surface, the head body has a weight body insertion portion into which the weight body is inserted from one side and held, the weight body insertion portion penetrates the head body from one side to the other side, The external exposed surface is formed on the other side of the weight body, A golf club head, comprising: a weld formed on one side of the weight body at a boundary between the weight body and the head body. [Appendix 2] 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the external exposed surface constitutes a part of the sole surface. [Appendix 3] the weight body insertion portion has a shape that prevents the weight body from passing from the one side to the other side, 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight body is engaged with the weight body insertion portion so as not to move to the other side from a predetermined relative position. [Appendix 4] The weight body insertion portion has a main body tapered portion that narrows toward the other side, 4. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight body has a tapered contact surface that contacts the main body tapered portion. [Appendix 5] The upper surface of the weight body has a downward surface that extends toward the sole side as it moves toward the back side, 5. The golf club head according to claim 4, wherein the downward surface constitutes the tapered abutment surface. [Appendix 6] 6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the external exposed surface constitutes a part of the sole surface and a part of the back surface. [Appendix 7] 7. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the weight body is located on the toe side of the face center. [Appendix 8] The one side is a face side, The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the other side is a back side. [Appendix 9] 9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight body insertion portion is a through hole. [Appendix 10] 10. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the weld is located in a position that is not visible from outside the head. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900...Golf club heads 102... Striking face 104 Sole part 104a···Sole surface 108···Hosel 114 Back cavity 116 Back side 120···Head body 122...Face member 152... Rear surface of face member 180...externally exposed surface 180a···Exposed sole surface 180b Back exposed surface 184 ···Main body tapered part 186 Tapered contact surface 190... Welded section Fc···Face Center SP1: Pocket space h1...Through hole h2: Weight body insertion part k1...1st aperture k2...Second aperture wt1: Heavy body gv...score line gv1...longest scoreline Pt Toe reference position Pc...Score line center position Ph: Heel reference position Le... Leading Edge Te Trailing Edge

Claims

1. A golf club head having a striking face including a face center, a sole surface, and a back surface, The golf club has a face member that constitutes at least a portion of the hitting face, a head body having a face opening, and a weight body fixed to the head body, the face opening is closed by the face member, the weight body has an external exposed surface that constitutes at least one of the sole surface and the back surface, the head body has a weight body insertion portion into which the weight body is inserted from one side and held, the weight body insertion portion penetrates the head body from one side to the other side, The external exposed surface is formed on the other side of the weight body, A golf club head, comprising: a weld formed on one side of the weight body at a boundary between the weight body and the head body.

2. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the externally exposed surface constitutes a part of the sole surface.

3. the weight body insertion portion has a shape that prevents the weight body from passing from the one side to the other side, 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight is engaged with the weight inserting portion so as not to move to the other side from a predetermined relative position.

4. The weight body insertion portion has a main body tapered portion that narrows toward the other side, 4. The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the weight has a tapered contact surface that contacts the main body tapered portion.

5. The upper surface of the weight body has a downward surface that extends toward the sole side as it moves toward the back side, 5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein said downwardly facing surface defines said tapered abutment surface.

6. 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the externally exposed surface constitutes a part of the sole surface and a part of the back surface.

7. 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the weight body is located on the toe side of the face center.

8. The one side is a face side, 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the other side is a back side.

9. 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight insertion portion is a through hole.

10. 3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the welded portion is located at a position that is not visible from the outside of the head.

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