Golf ball

Abstract

To provide a golf ball that can lower a maximum height on driver shots by a golfer with a fast head speed.SOLUTION: A golf ball includes a spherical core, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer cover having a plurality of dimples. The spherical core is formed of a rubber composition containing a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, and a crosslinking initiator. The base rubber contains a natural rubber, and the co-crosslinking agent contains methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof. A total volume of a lower part of the plurality of dimples is 365 mm3 or more. An occupation ratio of a total area of the plurality of dimples in a surface area of a virtual sphere that is assumed not to have the plurality of dimples is 75% or more on the outermost layer cover.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf ball, and more particularly to a golf ball having a spherical core, a mid layer, an outermost cover, and dimples. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, spherical cores made of various rubber materials have been proposed as the spherical cores of golf balls. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a driving range golf ball obtained by vulcanizing a composition containing 3 to 35 parts by weight of low-resilience rubber, 20 to 30 parts by weight of methacrylic acid, and 20 to 50 parts by weight of a metal compound capable of forming a metal salt with methacrylic acid, per 100 parts by weight of base rubber (see Patent Document 1 (Claim 1, page 3, upper left column, lines 11 to 17)).

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a golf ball for use at driving ranges obtained from a composition containing 100 parts by weight of a base rubber, 3 to 35 parts by weight of 10 to 60 mol % epoxidized natural rubber, 20 to 35 parts by weight of methacrylic acid, and 20 to 50 parts by weight of zinc oxide (see Patent Document 2 (Claim 1, page 2, lower left column, line 4 to lower right column, line 2)). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-92780 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-71069 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For golfers, reducing the number of OB (out of bounds) is an important factor in scoring. There are several possible reasons why golfers hit OB, including inconsistency in the impact point, an unstable swing, and the slope of the landing point. If the impact point is inconsistent or the swing is unstable, the ball will deviate significantly horizontally or vertically from the intended direction, making it more likely to go OB. Also, if the landing point is sloped, the ball may roll too much after landing, resulting in OB.

[0006] Here, a golfer with a fast head speed has a high initial velocity and a large amount of backspin, so the ball is likely to fly up high on a driver shot. A ball that flies up high like this easily goes over the slope between the courses and obstacles, so it is likely to go out of bounds. Therefore, a golfer with a fast head speed has a problem that if the direction of the ball deviates horizontally on a driver shot, it is likely to go out of bounds. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a golf ball that can reduce the highest point height when hit with a driver by a golfer with a fast head speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The golf ball of the present invention, which has been able to solve the above problems, comprises a spherical core, an intermediate layer which encases the spherical core, and an outermost cover layer which is located outside the intermediate layer and has a plurality of dimples formed thereon, the spherical core being formed from a rubber composition which contains a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, and a crosslinking initiator, the base rubber containing natural rubber, the co-crosslinking agent containing methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof, and the total lower volume of the plurality of dimples is 365 mm 3 The outermost cover is characterized in that the total area of ​​the plurality of dimples occupies 75% or more of the surface area of ​​a virtual sphere if the plurality of dimples did not exist.

[0008] The golf ball of the present invention has a spherical core formed from a rubber composition containing natural rubber and methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof, and the outermost cover layer has a specific dimple pattern, which reduces the initial velocity on driver shots and suppresses lift due to the dimples. Therefore, the golf ball of the present invention has a reduced peak height on driver shots at high head speeds, which reduces OB. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The golf ball of the present invention has a reduced maximum height on driver shots at a high head speed, and therefore is less likely to go out of bounds even if the direction of the ball deviates laterally on a driver shot by a golfer with a fast head speed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a dimple formed on the outermost cover layer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of dimple patterns Nos. I to VI formed on the outermost cover layer. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of dimple patterns Nos. I to VI formed on the outermost cover layer. [Diagram 5] FIG. 7 is a front view of dimple pattern No. VII formed on the outermost cover layer. [Figure 6] FIG. 7 is a plan view of dimple pattern No. VII formed on the outermost cover layer. [Figure 7] FIG. 8 is a front view of dimple pattern No. VIII formed on the outermost cover layer. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of dimple pattern No. VIII formed on the outermost cover layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The golf ball of the present invention has a spherical core, a mid layer encasing the spherical core, and an outermost cover located outside the mid layer and having a plurality of dimples formed thereon.

[0012] 1 has a spherical core 4, an intermediate layer 6 that encases the core 4, and an outermost cover layer 8 that is positioned on the outside of the intermediate layer 6. The golf ball 2 has a plurality of dimples 10 on its surface. The portion of the surface of the golf ball 2 other than the dimples 10 is land 12. The golf ball 2 has a paint layer and a mark layer on the outside of the outermost cover layer 8, but these layers are omitted from the illustration.

[0013] (Spherical core) The spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, and a crosslinking initiator.

[0014] The base rubber contains natural rubber (NR). By blending natural rubber, it is possible to keep the initial velocity of the ball low when shot with a driver. When the initial velocity of the ball is low, the speed at which the ball rises also decreases, resulting in a lower peak height. The natural rubber is produced by harvesting the latex (milky liquid) from a plant that produces natural rubber, by scratching the plant, and coagulating the rubber component contained in the latex. The natural rubber may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0015] Examples of plants that produce natural rubber latex include Hevea brasiliensis and Hevea serowata of the Euphorbiaceae family, Rubber tree, Panagium, and Lagos of the Mulberry family, Gum arabicum, Tragacanth, Curculionidae, Zanzibar vine, Huntsumia elastica, and Urceola of the Fabaceae family, Guayule, and Rubber dandelion of the Asteraceae family, Gutta-percha, Balata, and Sapodilla of the Sapotaceae family, Morning glory of the Asclepiadaceae family, and Eucommia of the Eucommaceae family.

[0016] The natural rubber may be a CV grade in which the rubber viscosity is stabilized by adding a viscosity stabilizer or the like to the raw latex, or a non-CV grade in which the rubber viscosity is not stabilized. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, a CV grade having a particularly stable viscosity is preferred. The natural rubber may be either SMR (standard Malaysian rubber) or SVR (standard Vietnam rubber).

[0017] The natural rubber is cis-1,4-polyisoprene, and either sheet rubber or block rubber can be used. Natural rubber also includes modified natural rubbers, such as epoxidized natural rubber, methacrylic acid modified natural rubber, halogen modified natural rubber, deproteinized natural rubber, maleic acid modified natural rubber, sulfonic acid modified natural rubber, and styrene modified natural rubber. Of these, it is preferable that the natural rubber does not contain epoxidized natural rubber.

[0018] The natural rubber is preferably Technical Specified Rubbers (TSR) or Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS). The natural rubber may contain a viscosity stabilizer.

[0019] The Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 (100°C)) is preferably 30 or more, more preferably 35 or more, and even more preferably 40 or more, and is preferably 80 or less, more preferably 75 or less, and even more preferably 70 or less. In this specification, the Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 (100°C) is the value measured in accordance with JIS K6300 (2013) using an L rotor with a preheating time of 1 minute, rotor rotation time of 4 minutes, and at 100°C.

[0020] The base rubber may contain only natural rubber, or may contain natural rubber and synthetic rubber. The content of natural rubber in 100% by mass of the base rubber is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, and even more preferably 40% by mass or more, and is preferably 100% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less. If the content is 10% by mass or more, the hitting feel upon driver shots will be good, and if it is 100% by mass or less, the ball will roll well upon putting, making it easier to get the distance right.

[0021] Examples of the synthetic rubber include diene rubbers such as polybutadiene rubber (BR), polyisoprene rubber (IR), styrene polybutadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), butyl rubber (IIR), and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR); and non-diene rubbers such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), urethane rubber, silicone rubber, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polysulfide rubber, fluororubber, and chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0022] The base rubber may contain a diene rubber as a synthetic rubber. In this case, the content of the diene rubber in 100% by mass of the base rubber is preferably 0% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and is preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less.

[0023] The base rubber preferably contains polybutadiene rubber as a diene rubber. In particular, it is more preferable that the base rubber contains high-cis polybutadiene having cis-1,4-bonds in an amount of 40% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, and more preferably 90% by mass or more. The content of high-cis polybutadiene in the diene rubber is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more. It is also preferable that the diene rubber contains only high-cis polybutadiene rubber.

[0024] The high-cis polybutadiene preferably has a 1,2-vinyl bond content of 2.0% by mass or less, more preferably 1.7% by mass or less, and further preferably 1.5% by mass or less.

[0025] The high-cis polybutadiene is preferably one synthesized using a rare earth element catalyst. In particular, the use of a neodymium-based catalyst using a neodymium compound, which is a lanthanum series rare earth element compound, is preferred because it can produce a polybutadiene rubber having a high content of 1,4-cis bonds and a low content of 1,2-vinyl bonds with excellent polymerization activity.

[0026] The high cis polybutadiene preferably has a molecular weight distribution Mw / Mn (Mw: weight average molecular weight, Mn: number average molecular weight) of 2.0 or more, more preferably 2.2 or more, even more preferably 2.4 or more, and preferably 6.0 or less, more preferably 5.0 or less, even more preferably 4.0 or less. If the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of the high cis polybutadiene is within the above range, the workability is improved. The molecular weight distribution is measured by gel permeation chromatography (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, "HLC-8120GPC") using a differential refractometer as a detector under the conditions of column: GMHHXL (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation), column temperature: 40°C, and mobile phase: tetrahydrofuran, and is calculated as a standard polystyrene equivalent value.

[0027] The Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 (100° C.) is preferably 30 or more, more preferably 32 or more, and even more preferably 35 or more, and is preferably 140 or less, more preferably 120 or less, and even more preferably 100 or less.

[0028] The co-crosslinking agent has the effect of crosslinking rubber molecules by graft polymerization with the molecular chains of the base rubber. The co-crosslinking agent contains methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof. By including methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof as the co-crosslinking agent, the initial velocity of the ball upon a driver shot is suppressed, and an excellent effect of suppressing the peak point height is achieved.

[0029] Examples of metal ions constituting the metal salt of methacrylic acid include monovalent metal ions such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, divalent metal ions such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, barium, and cadmium, trivalent metal ions such as aluminum, and other ions such as tin and zirconium. The above metal components can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds.

[0030] The rubber composition preferably uses methacrylic acid as a co-crosslinking agent.

[0031] The co-crosslinking agent may contain, in addition to methacrylic acid and / or its metal salt, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) and / or its metal salt. Examples of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) include acrylic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, and crotonic acid.

[0032] Examples of metals constituting the metal salt of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) include monovalent metal ions such as sodium, potassium, and lithium; divalent metal ions such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, barium, and cadmium; trivalent metal ions such as aluminum; and other ions such as tin and zirconium. The metal components can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds. Among these, divalent metals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, barium, and cadmium are preferred as the metal components. By using a divalent metal salt of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, metal crosslinking is easily formed between rubber molecules.

[0033] When the co-crosslinking agent contains, in addition to methacrylic acid and / or its metal salt, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) and / or its metal salt, the content of methacrylic acid and / or its metal salt in the co-crosslinking agent component is preferably 15% by mass or more, more preferably 17% by mass or more, even more preferably 19% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 50% by mass or more. If the content of methacrylic acid and / or its metal salt is within the above range, the reactivity in the rubber becomes uniform and the quality is stable. It is also preferable to contain only methacrylic acid and / or its metal salt as the co-crosslinking agent, and it is more preferable to contain only methacrylic acid.

[0034] The amount of the co-crosslinking agent, relative to 100 parts by weight of the base rubber, is preferably at least 15 parts by weight, more preferably at least 16 parts by weight, and even more preferably at least 17 parts by weight, and is preferably at most 40 parts by weight, more preferably at most 37 parts by weight, and even more preferably at most 35 parts by weight. If the amount of the co-crosslinking agent is 15 parts by weight or more, the core formed will have an appropriate hardness and the durability of the golf ball will be improved, and if it is 40 parts by weight or less, the core formed will not be too hard.

[0035] The crosslinking initiator is blended to crosslink the base rubber component. As the crosslinking initiator, an organic peroxide is suitable. Specific examples of the organic peroxide include dicumyl peroxide, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane, and di-t-butyl peroxide. These organic peroxides may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, dicumyl peroxide is preferably used.

[0036] The content of the crosslinking initiator may be appropriately adjusted depending on the desired hardness of the spherical core. The content of the crosslinking initiator is preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.7 parts by mass or more, and is preferably 5.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 2.5 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the base rubber.

[0037] When the rubber composition contains only methacrylic acid or an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) as a co-crosslinking agent, it is preferable that the rubber composition further contains a metal compound. By neutralizing methacrylic acid or an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) with a metal compound in the rubber composition, substantially the same effect as when a metal salt of methacrylic acid or a metal salt of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) is used as a co-crosslinking agent, a metal compound may also be used.

[0038] The metal compound is not particularly limited as long as it can neutralize methacrylic acid or an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) in the rubber composition. Examples of the metal compound include metal hydroxides such as magnesium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and copper hydroxide; metal oxides such as magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide; and metal carbonates such as magnesium carbonate, zinc carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lithium carbonate, and potassium carbonate. The metal compound is preferably a divalent metal compound, and more preferably a zinc compound. The divalent metal compound reacts with methacrylic acid or an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms (excluding methacrylic acid) to form a metal crosslink. These metal compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0039] The rubber composition may further contain an organic sulfur compound, but it is also preferable that the rubber composition does not contain an organic sulfur compound. The organic sulfur compound is not particularly limited as long as it is an organic compound having a sulfur atom in the molecule, and examples thereof include organic compounds having a thiol group (-SH) or a polysulfide bond (-SS-, -SSS-, or -SSSS-) having 2 to 4 sulfur atoms, or metal salts thereof (-SM, -SMS-, etc., where M is a metal atom). The organic sulfur compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0040] Examples of the organic sulfur compounds include thiophenols, thionaphthols, polysulfides, thiurams, thiocarboxylic acids, dithiocarboxylic acids, sulfenamides, dithiocarbamates, thiazoles, etc. As the organic sulfur compounds, diphenyl disulfides (e.g., diphenyl disulfide, bis(pentabromophenyl) disulfide), thiophenols, and thionaphthols (e.g., 2-thionaphthol) can be suitably used.

[0041] The content of the organic sulfur compound may be appropriately adjusted according to the desired resilience performance of the spherical core. The content of the organic sulfur compound is, for example, preferably 0.05 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more, and is preferably 5.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 3.0 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the base rubber.

[0042] The rubber composition may further contain a carboxylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof. The carboxylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof is preferably a carboxylic acid having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and / or a salt thereof. The carboxylic acid may be either an aliphatic carboxylic acid (saturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid) or an aromatic carboxylic acid (benzoic acid, etc.). When the carboxylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof is blended, the amount of the carboxylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof is preferably 1 part by mass or more and 40 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of the base rubber.

[0043] The rubber composition may contain additives such as a filler for adjusting the weight, an antioxidant, a peptizer, and a softener, as required.

[0044] The filler used in the rubber composition is mainly used as a weight adjusting agent for adjusting the weight of the final golf ball product, and may be added as needed. Examples of the filler include inorganic fillers such as barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, tungsten powder, and molybdenum powder.

[0045] The rubber composition is obtained by kneading the base rubber, the co-crosslinking agent, the crosslinking initiator, and other components that are mixed as necessary. The kneading method is not particularly limited, and may be performed using a known kneading machine such as a kneading roll, a Banbury mixer, or a kneader.

[0046] The spherical core can be molded, for example, by hot pressing the rubber composition for the core. The hot press molding conditions for the rubber composition for the core may be appropriately set depending on the rubber composition, but it is usually preferable to heat the rubber composition at 130°C to 200°C for 10 to 60 minutes, or to heat the rubber composition at 130°C to 150°C for 20 to 40 minutes, and then heat the rubber composition at 160°C to 180°C for 5 to 15 minutes in two stages.

[0047] The diameter of the spherical core is preferably 34.8 mm or more, more preferably 36.8 mm or more, still more preferably 38.0 mm or more, preferably 42.2 mm or less, more preferably 41.8 mm or less, still more preferably 41.2 mm or less, and most preferably 40.8 mm or less.

[0048] When the diameter of the spherical core is 34.8 mm to 42.2 mm, the amount of compression deformation (the amount by which the spherical core shrinks in the compression direction) from the state of applying an initial load of 98 N to the state of applying a final load of 1275 N is preferably 2.0 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, still more preferably 3.0 mm or more, preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 4.5 mm or less, still more preferably 4.0 mm or less. If the amount of compression deformation is within the above range, the hitting feeling will be better.

[0049] The spherical core has the hardness at the center of the spherical core (H0), the hardness at a point 2.5 mm from the center of the spherical core in the radial direction (H 2.5 ), the hardness at a point 5.0 mm from the center of the spherical core in the radial direction (H 5.0 ), the hardness at a point 7.5 mm from the center of the spherical core in the radial direction (H 7.5 ), the hardness at a point 10 mm from the center of the spherical core in the radial direction (H 10 ), the hardness at a point 12.5 mm from the center of the spherical core in the radial direction (H 12.5 ), the hardness at a point 15 mm from the center of the spherical core in the radial direction (H 15 ), and the surface hardness (Hs) satisfying the relationship of H0 < H 2.5 < H 5.0 < H 7.5 < H 10 < H 12.5 < H 15 < Hs. When the hardness distribution of the spherical core satisfies the above requirements, the deformation of the spherical core during hitting occurs smoothly, and the hitting feeling is good.

[0050] The spherical core has the center hardness (H0), the hardness (H 2.5 ), the hardness (H 5.0 ), the hardness (H 7.5), hardness (H 10 ), hardness (H 12.5 ), hardness (H 15 ) and surface hardness (Hs) in Shore C hardness, H 2.5 -H0<4, H 5.0 -H 2.5 <4, H 7.5 -H 5.0 <4, H 10 -H 7.5 <4, H 12.5 -H 10 <4, H 15 -H 12.5 <4, and Hs-H 15 It is preferable that the relationship <4 is satisfied. Hardness difference (H 2.5 -H0), hardness difference (H 5.0 -H 2.5 ), hardness difference (H 7.5 -H 5.0 ), hardness difference (H 10 -H 7.5 ), hardness difference (H 12.5 -H 10 ), hardness difference (H 15 -H 12.5 ) and hardness difference (Hs-H 15 ) within the above range, deformation of the spherical core occurs smoothly upon impact, resulting in a better shot feeling.

[0051] The central hardness (H0) of the spherical core and the hardness (H 2.5 ) and hardness difference (H 2.5 -H0) is Shore C hardness, which is preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0052] The hardness (H 2.5 ) and the hardness (H 5.0 ) and hardness difference (H 5.0 -H 2.5) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, and even more preferably 0.7 or more, in Shore C hardness, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0053] The hardness (H 5.0 ) and the hardness (H 7.5 ) and hardness difference (H 7.5 -H 5.0 ) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, and even more preferably 0.7 or more, in Shore C hardness, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0054] The hardness (H 7.5 ) and the hardness (H 10 ) and hardness difference (H 10 -H 7.5 ) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, and even more preferably 0.7 or more, in Shore C hardness, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0055] The hardness (H 10 ) and the hardness (H 12.5 ) and hardness difference (H 12.5 -H 10 ) is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, and even more preferably 0.7 or more, in Shore C hardness, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0056] The hardness (H 12.5 ) and the hardness (H 15 ) and hardness difference (H15 -H 12.5 ) is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more, and even more preferably 0.3 or more, in Shore C hardness, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0057] The hardness (H 15 ) and the surface hardness (Hs) of the spherical core. 15 ) is a Shore C hardness that is preferably greater than 0, more preferably 0.1 or more, and even more preferably 0.2 or more, and is preferably less than 4, more preferably 3.8 or less, and even more preferably 3.5 or less.

[0058] The hardness difference (Hs-H0) between the center hardness (H0) and the surface hardness (Hs) of the spherical core is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 9.7 or less, and even more preferably 9.5 or less, in Shore C hardness. If the hardness difference (Hs-H0) is 10 or less, spin is easily imparted upon iron shots, and good controllability is obtained. The hardness difference (Hs-H0) is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, and further preferably 4 or more.

[0059] The spherical core has a center hardness (H0) of preferably 55 or more, more preferably 58 or more, and even more preferably 60 or more, in Shore C hardness, and preferably 77 or less, more preferably 75 or less, and even more preferably 73 or less.

[0060] The surface hardness (Hs) of the spherical core is preferably 60 or more, more preferably 63 or more, and even more preferably 65 or more, in Shore C hardness, and is preferably 87 or less, more preferably 85 or less, and even more preferably 83 or less.

[0061] (Middle class) The golf ball of the present invention has an intermediate layer that encases the spherical core.

[0062] The intermediate layer composition constituting the intermediate layer preferably has a slab hardness (Hm) of 50 or more, more preferably 55 or more, and even more preferably 60 or more, in Shore D hardness. If the slab hardness (Hm) is 50 or more, the flight distance performance at the time of shot with a fairway wood is good. Moreover, the slab hardness (Hm) is preferably 74 or less, more preferably 72 or less, and even more preferably 70 or less, in Shore D hardness. When there are multiple intermediate layers, the material hardness Hm is the material hardness of the intermediate layer composition constituting the outermost intermediate layer.

[0063] The thickness (Tm) of the intermediate layer is preferably 0.8 mm or more, more preferably 0.9 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and is preferably 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.2 mm or less. When there are multiple intermediate layers, the total thickness of all the intermediate layers is defined as the thickness Tm of the intermediate layers.

[0064] (Outermost cover) The golf ball of the present invention has an outermost cover layer located outside the intermediate layer.

[0065] The cover composition constituting the outermost cover layer preferably has a slab hardness (Hc) of 40 or less, more preferably 38 or less, and even more preferably 36 or less, in Shore D hardness. If the slab hardness (Hc) is 40 or less, the shot feeling during approach shots is good. Furthermore, the slab hardness (Hc) is preferably 20 or more, more preferably 22 or more, and even more preferably 24 or more, in Shore D hardness. If the slab hardness (Hc) is 20 or more, the amount of spin during shots with a long iron is not too large, and the flight distance performance is good.

[0066] The intermediate layer composition preferably has a slab hardness (Hm) greater than the slab hardness (Hc) of the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer. If the slab hardness (Hm) is greater than the slab hardness (Hc), the controllability of the flight distance on approach shots can be improved, and the spin rate on shots with long irons can be suppressed.

[0067] The hardness difference (Hm-Hc) between the slab hardness (Hm) and the slab hardness (Hc), in Shore D hardness, is preferably more than 0, more preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 48 or less, and even more preferably 46 or less.

[0068] The thickness (Tc) of the outermost cover layer is preferably 0.4 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.6 mm or more; and is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or less.

[0069] (Cover composition, intermediate layer composition) The outermost cover layer and the intermediate layer are preferably formed from a resin composition containing a base resin.

[0070] Examples of base resins used in the resin compositions forming the outermost cover layer and the intermediate layer include ionomer resins, urethane resins (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, thermosetting polyurethane elastomers), thermoplastic styrene elastomers, thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, and thermoplastic polyester elastomers.

[0071] Examples of the ionomer resin include a binary ionomer resin in which at least a portion of the carboxyl groups in a binary copolymer of an olefin and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms are neutralized with a metal ion; a ternary ionomer resin in which at least a portion of the carboxyl groups in a ternary copolymer of an olefin, an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester are neutralized with a metal ion; and a mixture thereof.

[0072] Examples of the binary ionomer resin include Himilan (registered trademark) 1555 (Na), 1557 (Zn), 1605 (Na), 1706 (Zn), 1707 (Na), AM7311 (Mg), AM7329 (Zn), and AM7337 (manufactured by Mitsui Dow Polychemicals); Surlyn (registered trademark) 8945 (Na), 9945 (Zn), 8140 (Na), 8150 (Na), 9120 (Zn), 9150 (Zn), 6910 (Mg), 6120 (Mg), 7930 (Li), 7940 (Li), and AD8546 (Li) (manufactured by DuPont); and Iotek (registered trademark) 8000 (Na), 8030 (Na), 7010 (Zn), and 7030 (Zn) (manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemicals).

[0073] Examples of the ternary ionomer resin include Himilan AM7327(Zn), 1855(Zn), 1856(Na), and AM7331(Na) (manufactured by Mitsui Dow Polychemicals); Surlyn 6320(Mg), 8120(Na), 8320(Na), 9320(Zn), 9320W(Zn), HPF1000(Mg), and HPF2000(Mg) (manufactured by DuPont); and Iotec 7510(Zn), 7520(Zn) (manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemicals). Note that Na, Zn, Li, Mg, and the like written in parentheses after the trade name of the ionomer resin indicate the metal species of these neutralizing metal ions.

[0074] The urethane resin has a urethane bond in its molecule. The urethane bond can be formed by a reaction between a polyol and a polyisocyanate. The polyol, which is a raw material for the urethane bond, has a plurality of hydroxyl groups, and a low molecular weight polyol and a high molecular weight polyol can be used.

[0075] Specific examples of the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer include Elastollan (registered trademark) NY80A, NY84A, NY88A, NY95A, ET885, and ET890 (manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.).

[0076] As the thermoplastic styrene-based elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer containing a styrene block can be preferably used. The styrene block-containing thermoplastic elastomer has a polystyrene block as a hard segment and a soft segment.

[0077] The styrene block-containing thermoplastic elastomer includes styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SIBS), hydrogenated SBS, hydrogenated SIS, and hydrogenated SIBS. Hydrogenated SBS includes styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS). Hydrogenated SIS includes styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS). Hydrogenated SIBS includes styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEEPS).

[0078] Examples of the thermoplastic styrene-based elastomer include TEFABLOC (registered trademark) T3221C, T3339C, SJ4400N, SJ5400N, SJ6400N, SJ7400N, SJ8400N, SJ9400N, and SR04 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0079] The resin composition (cover composition) forming the outermost cover layer preferably contains a urethane resin and / or an ionomer resin as a base resin, and more preferably contains a urethane resin. When the outermost cover layer contains a urethane resin as a base resin, the spin performance of the golf ball is further improved, and the spin amount in approach shots in particular is further improved.

[0080] When the cover composition contains a urethane resin as a base resin, the content of the urethane resin in the base resin is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more. The cover composition may contain only a urethane resin (preferably a thermoplastic urethane elastomer) as a base resin. When the cover composition contains an ionomer resin as a base resin, the content of the ionomer resin in the base resin is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more. When the ionomer resin is contained, it is also preferable to use a thermoplastic styrene elastomer in combination.

[0081] The resin composition (composition for intermediate layer) forming the intermediate layer preferably contains an ionomer resin as a base resin. The content of the ionomer resin in the base resin of the composition for intermediate layer is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more. When the ionomer resin is contained, it is also preferable to use a thermoplastic styrene elastomer in combination.

[0082] The resin composition forming the outermost cover layer and the intermediate layer may contain, in addition to the base resin described above, pigment components such as white pigments (e.g., titanium oxide), blue pigments, and red pigments, weight adjusters such as zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, and barium sulfate, dispersants, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers, fluorescent materials, or fluorescent brighteners.

[0083] The content of the white pigment (e.g., titanium oxide) is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 1 part by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5 parts by mass or more, and preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 8 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 6 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the base resin. By making the content of the white pigment 0.5 parts by mass or more, it is possible to impart hiding power to the intermediate layer and the outermost cover layer. In addition, if the content of the white pigment is 10 parts by mass or less, the durability of the obtained intermediate layer and the outermost cover layer is good.

[0084] The method for forming the intermediate layer is not particularly limited, but examples include a method in which the intermediate layer composition is first molded into a hemispherical half shell, two of which are used to encase a spherical core and then pressure molded, or a method in which the intermediate layer composition is directly injection molded onto the spherical core to encase the sphere.

[0085] Methods for molding the cover include, for example, a method in which a hollow shell is molded from the cover composition, and a sphere (a sphere with a spherical core or an intermediate layer) is coated with the multiple shells and compression molded (preferably, a method in which a hollow half shell is molded from the cover composition, and the sphere is coated with two half shells and compression molded), or a method in which the cover composition is directly injection molded onto the sphere.

[0086] The golf ball body with the molded cover is removed from the mold, and is preferably subjected to surface treatment such as deburring, cleaning, and sandblasting, as necessary.

[0087] If desired, a coating film or mark can be formed. The thickness of the coating film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 6 μm or more, even more preferably 7 μm or more, preferably 50 μm or less, more preferably 40 μm or less, and even more preferably 30 μm or less. If the thickness is 5 μm or more, the coating film is less likely to wear away even with continuous use, and if the thickness is 50 μm or less, the effect of the dimples can be fully obtained. Note that the coating film is very thin, so it does not impair the effect of the present invention.

[0088] (dimple) The golf ball of the present invention has an outermost cover layer on which a plurality of dimples are formed. The dimples are recesses formed in the outermost cover layer. The dimples formed in the outermost cover layer of the golf ball of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0089] 1, a large number of dimples 10 are provided on the surface of the outermost cover of the golf ball 2. The outline of each dimple 10 is a circle.

[0090] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the golf ball 2 along a plane passing through the center of the dimple 10 and the center of the golf ball 2. The up-down direction in FIG. 2 is the depth direction of the dimple 10. A phantom sphere is indicated by a two-dot chain line 14 in FIG. 2. The surface of the phantom sphere 14 is the surface of the golf ball 2 when it is assumed that the dimple 10 does not exist. The diameter of the phantom sphere 14 is the same as the diameter of the golf ball 2. The dimple 10 is recessed from the surface of the phantom sphere 14. The land 12 coincides with the surface of the phantom sphere 14. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the dimple 10 is substantially a circular arc. The radius of curvature of this circular arc is indicated by the symbol CR in FIG. 2.

[0091] 2 indicates the diameter of the dimple 10. This diameter Dm is the distance between one tangent point Ed and the other tangent point Ed when a tangent line Tg common to both sides of the dimple 10 is drawn. The tangent point Ed is also the edge of the dimple 10. The edge Ed defines the contour of the dimple 10.

[0092] In the present invention, the "volume of the lower part of the dimple" is the volume of the lower part of the dimple surrounded by a plane connecting the intersection points Ed-Ed on the dimple surface and the surface of the dimple 10. The "total volume Vi of the lower part of the dimple" is the sum of the volumes of the lower parts of all the dimples.

[0093] The golf ball has a lower total volume Vi of the plurality of dimples of 365 mm 3 More than 385mm, preferably 385mm 3 More preferably, 400 mm 3 The total lower volume Vi is 365 mm 3 If the total lower volume Vi is 500 mm or more, the maximum height can be suppressed, particularly in driver shots at high head speeds. 3 It is preferable that the length is less than 480 mm. 3 More preferably, it is 460 mm or less. 3 It is more preferable that the total lower volume Vi is 500 mm or less. 3 If the ball has a diameter not larger than this, sufficient lift is obtained upon driver shots, resulting in good flight distance performance.

[0094] The diameter Dm of the dimple 10 is preferably 2.0 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.8 mm or more, and is preferably 6.0 mm or less, more preferably 5.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 5.0 mm or less. If the diameter Dm is 2.0 mm or more, the dimples are more likely to contribute to turbulence, and if it is 6.0 mm or less, the essence of a golf ball being substantially spherical can be maintained.

[0095] The plurality of dimples may be formed with a single diameter, or may be a combination of dimples with a plurality of different diameters. For example, the golf ball 2 shown in Figures 3 and 4 has five types of dimples: dimple A with a diameter of 4.400 mm, dimple B with a diameter of 4.285 mm, dimple C with a diameter of 4.150 mm, dimple D with a diameter of 3.875 mm, and dimple E with a diameter of 3.000 mm.

[0096] 2, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow Dp1 is the first depth of the dimple 10. This first depth Dp1 is the distance between the deepest part of the dimple 10 and the surface of the phantom sphere 14. The first depth Dp1 is preferably 0.15 mm or more, more preferably 0.17 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.20 mm or more, and is preferably 0.45 mm or less, more preferably 0.43 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.40 mm or less. If the first depth Dp1 is 0.15 mm or more, the lift provided by the dimples can be sufficiently generated, and if it is 0.45 mm or less, the essence of a golf ball being substantially spherical can be maintained.

[0097] 2, what is indicated by the double-headed arrow Dp2 is the second depth of the dimple 10. This second depth Dp2 is the distance between the deepest part of the dimple 10 and the tangent line Tg. The second depth Dp2 is preferably 0.08 mm or more, more preferably 0.10 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.12 mm or more, and is preferably 0.30 mm or less, more preferably 0.28 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.26 mm or less. If the second depth Dp2 is 0.08 mm or more, the dimples are likely to contribute to turbulence, and if it is 0.30 mm or less, the lift force obtained by the dimples is not too large, resulting in good distance performance on driver shots.

[0098] The area A of the dimple 10 is the area of ​​the region surrounded by the outline of the dimple 10 when viewing the center of the golf ball 2 from infinity. In the case of a circular dimple 10, the area A is calculated by the following formula. A = π × (Dm / 2) 2

[0099] For example, in the golf ball 2 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the area of ​​the dimple A is 15.21 mm 2 and the area of ​​dimple B is 14.42 mm 2 and the area of ​​dimple C is 13.53 mm 2 and the area of ​​dimple D is 11.79 mm 2 and the area of ​​dimple E is 7.07 mm 2 It is.

[0100] In the outermost cover layer, the ratio of the total area of ​​the dimples to the surface area of ​​a hypothetical sphere if the dimples did not exist (total area of ​​dimples / surface area of ​​hypothetical sphere) is referred to as the occupation ratio So. The occupation ratio So is preferably 75% or more, more preferably 78% or more, and even more preferably 81% or more, and is preferably 95% or less, more preferably 92% or less, and even more preferably 90% or less. If the occupation ratio So is within the above range, the dimples can perform to their full potential.

[0101] The number of dimples may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the diameter and occupation rate of the dimples. Taking into consideration the occupation rate and the effect of each individual dimple, the total number of dimples 10 is preferably 250 or more, more preferably 280 or more, and even more preferably 300 or more, and is preferably 450 or less, more preferably 410 or less, and even more preferably 390 or less.

[0102] (Golf ball structure) The golf ball of the present invention has a spherical core, an intermediate layer covering the spherical core, and an outermost cover covering the intermediate layer. The structure of the golf ball includes a three-piece golf ball consisting of an intermediate layer covering the spherical core and an outermost cover covering the intermediate layer, and a multi-piece golf ball (four-piece golf ball, five-piece golf ball, etc.) consisting of a single-layer spherical core, two or more intermediate layers covering the spherical core, and an outermost cover covering the intermediate layer.

[0103] The diameter of the golf ball of the present invention is preferably 40 mm to 45 mm. From the viewpoint of satisfying the standards of the United States Golf Association (USGA), the diameter is particularly preferably 42.67 mm or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing air resistance, the diameter is more preferably 44 mm or less, and particularly preferably 42.80 mm or less. In addition, the mass of the golf ball of the present invention is preferably 40 g to 50 g. From the viewpoint of obtaining large inertia, the mass is more preferably 44 g or more, and particularly preferably 45.00 g or more. From the viewpoint of satisfying the standards of the USGA, the mass is particularly preferably 45.93 g or less.

[0104] When the golf ball has a diameter of 40 mm to 45 mm, the amount of compressive deformation (amount of shrinkage in the compressive direction) when a final load of 1275 N is applied from an initial load of 98 N is preferably 2.0 mm or more, more preferably 2.1 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.2 mm or more, and is preferably 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.8 mm or less. If the amount of compressive deformation is within the above range, the golf ball provides a good shot feeling.

[0105] The surface hardness of the golf ball, in Shore D hardness, is preferably at least 45, more preferably at least 48, and even more preferably at least 50, and is preferably at most 65, more preferably at most 63, and even more preferably at most 61. If the surface hardness of the golf ball is within the above range, it will have excellent impact resistance and will be less susceptible to surface scratches. EXAMPLES

[0106] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and all modifications and embodiments that do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0107] [Evaluation method] (1) Compressive deformation amount (mm) A Yamada compression tester "SCH" was used to measure the amount of compressive deformation. In this tester, a golf ball or spherical core is placed on a metal hard plate. A metal cylinder is gradually lowered toward the golf ball or spherical core. The golf ball or spherical core is deformed when sandwiched between the bottom of the cylinder and the hard plate. The distance traveled by the cylinder from when an initial load of 98N is applied to the golf ball or spherical core until a final load of 1275N is applied is measured. The amount of compressive deformation (mm) is this distance traveled. The speed of travel of the cylinder until the initial load is applied is 0.83mm / s. The speed of travel of the cylinder from when the initial load is applied to when the final load is applied is 1.67mm / s.

[0108] (2) Core hardness (Shore C hardness) The hardness measured on the surface of the core was taken as the core surface hardness. The core was cut into a hemisphere, and the hardness was measured at the center of the cut surface and at a specified distance in the radial direction from the center. Each hardness was calculated by measuring the hardness at four points and averaging these values. The hardness was measured using an automatic hardness tester (Digitest II, manufactured by H. Burleith Co.). The detector used was "Shore C".

[0109] (3) Slab hardness (Shore D hardness) A sheet with a thickness of about 2 mm was prepared by injection molding using the resin composition and stored at 23° C. for two weeks. The hardness was measured using an automatic hardness tester (Digitest II, manufactured by H. Burleith Co.) in a state where three or more sheets were stacked so as not to be affected by the measurement substrate, etc. The detector used was "Shore D."

[0110] (4) Golf ball surface hardness The hardness of the land portion of the surface of the golf ball was measured and taken as the ball surface hardness. Hardness was measured at four points and calculated by averaging these values. Hardness was measured using an automatic hardness tester (Digitest II, manufactured by H. Burleith Co., Ltd.). The detector used was "Shore D".

[0111] (5) W#1 shot (head speed 50m / s) A driver W#1 (manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., "SRIXON (registered trademark) ZX7", shaft hardness: X, loft angle: 10.5 degrees) was attached to a swing machine manufactured by Golf Laboratory, and the impact point was set to the face center. The golf ball was hit under the condition of a head speed of 50 m / sec, and the spin rate (rpm), ball speed (m / s), launch angle (°) and peak height (m) immediately after impact were measured. The average of the data obtained by measuring 12 times for each golf ball was used as the measured value for that golf ball. The spin rate, ball speed and launch angle were measured by taking continuous photographs of the golf ball immediately after it was hit. The peak height was measured using a trajectory measuring device (manufactured by TrackMan, "TRACKMAN (registered trademark) 4").

[0112] [Manufacturing of golf balls] (1) Preparation of spherical cores The raw materials were kneaded with a kneading roll so as to obtain the composition shown in Table 1, thereby obtaining a core composition. The core composition shown in Table 1 was hot-pressed in upper and lower molds having hemispherical cavities to obtain a spherical core. An appropriate amount of barium sulfate was added so that the mass of the resulting golf ball would be 45.3 g.

[0113] [Table 1]

[0114] The materials used in Table 1 are as follows: Polybutadiene rubber: JSR Corporation, "BR-730" (high cis polybutadiene rubber, cis-1,4-bond content 95% by mass, 1,2-vinyl bond content 1.3% by mass, Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 (100℃))55, molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn)3) Natural rubber: Dau Tieng Rubber Corporation, "CV60" (Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 (100℃))=60) Methacrylic acid: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. Zinc diacrylate: Nisshoku Techno Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., "ZN-DA90S" Zinc oxide: "Ginrei R" manufactured by Toho Zinc Co., Ltd. Barium sulfate: Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., "Barium Sulfate BD" Benzoic acid: Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (purity 98% or more) Bis(pentabromophenyl) disulfide: Kawaguchi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Diphenyl disulfide: Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Dicumyl peroxide: NOF Corporation, "Percumyl (registered trademark) D"

[0115] (2) Preparation of Resin Compositions (Composition for Intermediate Layer, Composition for Cover) The raw materials were extruded using a twin-screw kneading extruder so as to obtain the composition shown in Table 2, to prepare a pellet-shaped resin composition.

[0116] [Table 2] Surlyn® 8150: Sodium ion neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin manufactured by DuPont Himilan (registered trademark) 1605: Sodium ion-neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin manufactured by Mitsui Dow Polychemicals Himilan (registered trademark) AM7329: Sodium ion neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin manufactured by Mitsui Dow Polychemicals Himilan (registered trademark) 1555: Sodium ion-neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin manufactured by Mitsui Dow Polychemicals Himilan (registered trademark) 1557: Manufactured by Mitsui Dow Polychemicals, zinc ion neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer ionomer resin Tefablock (registered trademark) T3221C: Thermoplastic styrene-based elastomer manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Elastollan (registered trademark) NY80A: BASF Japan, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer Elastollan (registered trademark) NY84A: BASF Japan, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer Elastollan (registered trademark) NY88A: BASF Japan, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer Elastollan (registered trademark) NY95A: BASF Japan, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer Tinuvin (registered trademark) 770: BASF Japan, hindered amine light stabilizer Titanium dioxide: Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, A-220

[0117] (3) Formation of the mid-layer and cover The resin composition (composition for intermediate layer) was injection molded onto a spherical core to obtain an intermediate layer-coated sphere. The obtained intermediate layer-coated sphere was placed into a final mold having a large number of pimples on the cavity surface. A half shell was obtained from the resin composition (composition for cover) by compression molding. Two half shells were coated onto the intermediate layer-coated sphere placed in the final mold to obtain a golf ball in which a large number of dimples were formed on the outermost cover, the shapes of which were the inverse of the pimples on the cavity surface. The specifications of the dimples formed on the outermost cover are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The evaluation results of the obtained golf balls are shown in Tables 5 and 6.

[0118] [Table 3]

[0119] [Table 4]

[0120] [Table 5]

[0121] [Table 6]

[0122] Golf balls No. 1 to 12 each have a spherical core formed of a rubber composition containing natural rubber and methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof, and the total volume of the lower part of the plurality of dimples is 365 mm 3 or more, and the surface coverage of the plurality of dimples is 75% or more. In these golf balls Nos. 1 to 12, the highest point height on a driver shot is suppressed.

[0123] Golf balls Nos. 13 to 15, 19 and 20 have spherical cores formed from a rubber composition that does not contain natural rubber and methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof. Golf balls No. 16 to 18 have a total lower volume of multiple dimples of 365 mm 3 This is the case when it is less than . Golf balls No. 21 to 23 have a spherical core formed of a rubber composition that does not contain natural rubber and methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof, and the total volume of the lower part of the plurality of dimples is 365 mm 3 This is the case when it is less than . In these golf balls Nos. 13 to 23, the highest point height upon driver shot is not suppressed.

[0124] (Embodiments of the present invention) The present invention (1) is a golf ball having a spherical core, an intermediate layer covering the spherical core, and an outermost cover layer located outside the intermediate layer and having a plurality of dimples formed thereon, the spherical core being formed from a rubber composition containing a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, and a crosslinking initiator, the base rubber containing natural rubber, the co-crosslinking agent containing methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof, and a total lower volume of the plurality of dimples being 365 mm 3 The above is a golf ball characterized in that the outermost cover layer has a total area of ​​the plurality of dimples that occupies 75% or more of the surface area of ​​a phantom sphere if the plurality of dimples did not exist.

[0125] The present invention (2) is characterized in that the central hardness (H0) of the spherical core and the hardness (H 2.5 ), and the hardness (H 5.0 ), and the hardness (H 7.5 ), and the hardness (H 10 ), and the hardness (H 12.5 ), and the hardness (H 15 ) and surface hardness (Hs), H0 <H 2.5 <H 5.0 <H 7.5 <H10 <H 12.5 <H 15 It is a golf ball according to the present invention (1) that satisfies the relationship of Hs.

[0126] In the present invention (3), the center hardness (H0), hardness (H 2.5 ), hardness (H 5.0 ), hardness (H 7.5 ), hardness (H 10 ), hardness (H 12.5 ), hardness (H 15 ) and surface hardness (Hs) are in Shore C hardness, H 2.5 - H0 < 4, H 5.0 - H 2.5 < 4, H 7.5 - H 5.0 < 4, H 10 - H 7.5 < 4, H 12.5 - H 10 < 4, H 15 - H 12.5 < 4, and it is a golf ball according to the present invention (1) or (2) that satisfies the relationship of Hs - H 15 < 4.

[0127] In the present invention (4), the hardness difference (Hs - H0) between the center hardness (H0) of the spherical core and the surface hardness (Hs) of the spherical core is 10 or less in Shore C hardness, and it is a golf ball according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (3).

[0128] In the present invention (5), it is a golf ball according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (4), wherein the total volume of the lower parts of the plurality of dimples is 400 mm 3 or more.

[0129] In the present invention (6), it is a golf ball according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (5), wherein the content rate of the natural rubber is 10% to 80% in 100% by mass of the base rubber.

[0130] The present invention (7) is the golf ball according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (6), wherein the slab hardness of the intermediate layer composition forming the intermediate layer is greater than the slab hardness of the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer.

[0131] The present invention (8) is the golf ball according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (7), wherein the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer is a resin composition containing a urethane resin as a base resin, and the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer has a slab hardness, in Shore D hardness, of 40 or less.

[0132] The present invention (9) is the golf ball according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (8), wherein the intermediate layer composition forming the intermediate layer is a resin composition containing an ionomer resin as a base resin, and the intermediate layer composition forming the intermediate layer has a slab hardness of 50 or more in Shore D hardness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 2: Golf ball, 4: Spherical core, 6: Intermediate layer, 8: Outermost cover, 10: Dimples, 12: Land

Claims

1. A golf ball having a spherical core, a mid layer encasing the spherical core, and an outermost cover layer located outside the mid layer and having a plurality of dimples thereon, the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, and a crosslinking initiator; The base rubber contains natural rubber, The co-crosslinking agent contains methacrylic acid and / or a metal salt thereof, The total lower volume of the plurality of dimples is 365 mm 3 That's all. a total area of ​​the plurality of dimples in the outermost cover layer occupies 75% or more of the surface area of ​​a virtual sphere if the plurality of dimples did not exist;

2. The central hardness (H0) of the spherical core, and the hardness (H 2.5 ), hardness at a radial distance of 5.0 mm from the center of the spherical core (H 5.0 ), hardness at a radial distance of 7.5 mm from the center of the spherical core (H 7.5 ), hardness at a radial distance of 10 mm from the center of the spherical core (H 10 ), hardness at a radial distance of 12.5 mm from the center of the spherical core (H 12.5 ), hardness at a radial distance of 15 mm from the center of the spherical core (H 15 ) and surface hardness (Hs), H0<H 2.5 <H 5.0 <H 7.5 <H 10 <H 12.5 <H 15 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, which satisfies the relationship: <Hs.

3. The center hardness (H0), hardness (H 2.5 ), hardness (H 5.0 ), hardness (H 7.5 ), hardness (H 10 ), hardness (H 12.5 ), hardness (H 15 ) and surface hardness (Hs) in Shore C hardness: H 2.5 -H0<4、 H 5.0 -H 2.5 <4、 H 7.5 -H 5.0 <4、 H 10 -H 7.5 <4、 H 12.5 -H 10 <4、 H 15 -H 12.5 <4, and Hs-H 15 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, which satisfies the relationship: <EMI ID=13.1><4.

4. 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the difference in hardness (Hs-H0) between the center hardness (H0) of the spherical core and the surface hardness (Hs) of the spherical core is 10 or less in Shore C hardness.

5. The total lower volume of the plurality of dimples is 400 mm 3 2. The golf ball according to claim 1,

6. 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the content of the natural rubber is 10% by weight to 80% by weight based on 100% by weight of the base rubber.

7. 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the slab hardness of the intermediate layer composition forming the intermediate layer is greater than the slab hardness of the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer.

8. the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer is a resin composition containing a urethane resin as a base resin, 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the cover composition forming the outermost cover layer has a slab hardness of 40 or less in Shore D hardness.

9. the intermediate layer composition forming the intermediate layer is a resin composition containing an ionomer resin as a base resin, 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer composition forming the intermediate layer has a slab hardness of 50 or more in Shore D hardness.

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