Golf club head and golf club

Abstract

The present invention relates to a club head (1) for a golf club, including a striking plate (4) for striking a golf ball. The club head includes a shell (2) made of a first material to which the striking plate (4) is attached, a core (3) made of a second material at least partially surrounded by the shell (2), and at least one weight element (6; 6a, 6b) made of a third material. The second material of the core (3) has a lower density than the first material of the shell (2). The third material of the weight element (6; 6a, 6b) has a higher density than the first material of the shell (2) and / or the second material of the core (3). The club head preferably includes at least one sensor unit (5) at least partially disposed within the core (3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a club head for a golf club, and to a golf club having such a club head. [Background technology]

[0002] Golf is a well-known sport in which both the performance of the golfer and the technical characteristics of the golf club are of central importance. From a technical point of view, it is important to be able to hit the golf ball as close to the hole as possible, in a controlled and targeted manner, from a variety of surrounding conditions. In the field of golf club development and manufacture, one of the objectives is therefore to improve both the directional accuracy of the shot and the achievable distance.

[0003] In addition to these purely technical demands on the golf club, the playing skills of the golfer are undoubtedly important. It is therefore highly desirable to provide him with the opportunity to improve his performance. In order to improve his playing skills, it is necessary for him to be able to understand the shortcomings of his play. Measuring and analysing devices which are able to record and analyse the golfing competition of a golfer as accurately as possible could greatly assist the training of the golfer himself.

[0004] For example, US Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0139994 discloses a measurement device attached to a golf club, which transmits data regarding the accuracy of the impact and the swing motion wirelessly to a portable evaluation device, for example a mobile phone, smartphone or PDA, while the hitting accuracy is measured with a sensor plate attached to the hitting surface of the club head, as well as the rotation direction, angular velocity, angular position and duration of the backswing and downswing phases of the club head.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,999,943 describes a golf club with a measuring device disposed on the club head for measuring the club head speed and / or speed profile. The maximum speed or speed profile during a stroke is displayed on a display device attached to the golf club.

[0006] Another technical possibility, attached to the club head itself, to record or analyze each golf swing, is known, for example from US Pat. No. 5,399,433, in which physical parameters such as angular velocity movements or impact forces are measured directly by sensors in the club head and used to analyze the golf swing. For this purpose, the striking surface can comprise an outer metal layer and an inner metal layer, between which a pressure sensor is arranged.

[0007] It is known from US Pat. No. 5,399,633 to detect the motion of a golf swing by means of a sensor module integrated in or mounted on the club head. The sensor module comprises a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor.

[0008] Golf clubs, golf equipment in general and all training accessories are often very expensive, especially due to their high technical requirements. Another need for golfers is therefore to be able to protect their equipment from the risk of theft. At the same time, it is also in their interest to avoid buying counterfeit products, but to buy genuine products that meet their quality requirements, especially their technical requirements.

[0009] US Patent No. 5,999,333 discloses an HF or RFID tag that is attached to the grip of a golf club. The device periodically transmits a signal to the tag. As long as the tag is within a predefined distance from the device, a feedback signal is transmitted from the tag to the device. If the tag is outside the defined distance, the device transmits a notification to the golfer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 118019 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 10103449 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0093458 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2005 / 118086 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2006 / 124091 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In golf, the golf ball is often struck with a very strong force by the club head. As a result of this, it is known that, similar to tennis, the vibration or rocking of the golf club during or after impact with the ball can lead to the so-called "tennis elbow". In addition to the health aspects, the vibration or rocking of the golf club affects the stroke, the shot, and therefore the overall motion and stroke profile, and therefore also has a significant impact on the performance of the golfer. The recoil (kickback) and vibration of the golf club also causes a loss of energy of the impact that should be utilized for the acceleration of the ball. The measuring or analyzing device attached to the golf club is also affected by this vibration or rocking, which may result in inaccurate measuring or analyzing results depending on the degree of the vibration or rocking.

[0012] There is also a risk of damage to the sensor unit due to the high energy of the impact. Such risk of damage can be reduced by a more robust design of the sensor unit. However, this usually increases the weight of the golf club, which may lead to unintended changes in the stroke behavior. This may increase the vibration or oscillation of the golf club and therefore increase the risk of tennis elbow as mentioned above.

[0013] Since the greatest swing movement of a golf club is made by the club head from the backswing to the moment of impact, a measuring or analyzing device provided on the club head is highly suitable for recording the movement of the golfer's club as completely as possible. However, since the club head is most exposed to the greatest forces of the tee shot, providing a measuring or analyzing device on the club head is associated with certain disadvantages and / or risks, for example due to the aforementioned vibrations or vibrations. For example, the vibrations or vibrations may have an undesirable effect on the measuring or analyzing results. Furthermore, the measuring or analyzing device has its own weight, which may bring about undesirable changes in the swing behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a club head for a golf club, which has improved hitting performance. This object is achieved by a club head comprising the features of claim 1.

[0015] Thus, there is provided a club head for a golf club including a striking plate for striking a golf ball. The club head includes a shell of a first material to which the striking plate is attached, a core of a second material at least partially surrounded by the shell, and at least one weight element of a third material. The second material of the core has a lower density than the first material of the shell. Additionally, the third material of the weight element has a higher density than the first material of the shell and / or the second material of the core.

[0016] Due to the different material densities of the core and shell, a particularly lightweight club head can be produced that also has good vibration and recoil damping. The weight elements allow the weight distribution of the club head to be optimized with respect to its hitting performance and / or to achieve a given weight specification. In particular, the weight elements can be arranged at precisely defined, preferably pre-calculated, positions in the club head in order to achieve optimal hitting performance. By increasing the moment of inertia of the club head and / or modifying its center of gravity with at least one weight element, for example, high directional accuracy and long hitting distances can be achieved.

[0017] The damping of vibration and recoil allows for ergonomic handling, better utilization of the energy of the impact to increase the ball's acceleration, and less trajectory variation. It also protects the golfer from the standpoint of ergonomic handling and allows for precise stroke control. Thus, the club head has a particularly excellent hitting performance.

[0018] In particular, the second material of the core may be softer and / or more elastic than the first material of the shell.

[0019] The shell may be partially surrounded by the striking plate. The shell may be partially or completely surrounding the core. However, it is preferred that the shell surround at least a major portion of the core.

[0020] The striking plate is attached directly to the exterior of the shell, and preferably directly on top of the shell. The striking plate is typically made of a relatively hard material, particularly a material that is harder than the material of the core and shell. For example, the striking plate may be made of a metal, particularly steel.

[0021] Preferably, the core occupies a larger volume of the club head than the shell, however, it is contemplated that the club head and shell may be of similar volume, such as may be the case in a thin filigree club head.

[0022] The first material of the shell may in particular be a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic. A composite material is understood here to be a composite material consisting of two or more bonded materials having different properties than each individual component. Basically, a composite material consists of a base material, called a matrix, and a reinforcing material, such as a fiber. Exemplary materials for the matrix material include thermoplastic materials, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and thermosetting materials, such as resins. Examples of fibers include materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid, and Kevlar fiber. In this regard, a large number of composite materials suitable for club heads are known to those skilled in the art.

[0023] However, the shell of the club head may also comprise other materials, such as steel, amorphous metals, ceramics, carbon, carbon fiber, and other fibrous materials.

[0024] As mentioned above, the second material of the core has a lower density than the first material of the shell. The second material of the core can therefore be a foamed material. Here, foamed material means a material that is usually artificially produced and has a cellular structure with low density. Foamed and suitable materials for this application are, for example, many plastics in the sense of organic polymeric solids such as thermoplastics, thermosetting resins or elastomers, and are materials that can reduce their volume under pressure, i.e., exhibit compressibility.

[0025] The second material of the core may be, in particular, a gaseous material such as air. In this case, the shell surrounds a cavity, and the gaseous material filling the cavity forms the core. Thus, the core is particularly light. Surprisingly, particularly advantageous hitting performance has been observed with club heads in which the core is either foamed or gaseous.

[0026] In particularly preferred embodiments, the club head further comprises at least one sensor unit disposed at least partially within the core.

[0027] The at least one sensor unit is adequately protected by being at least partially disposed inside the core, so that the sensor unit has a minimal effect on the hitting performance. Thus, the sensor unit is at least partially surrounded by the second material of the core, but is preferably disposed completely inside the core, i.e. is completely surrounded by the second material of the core. Advantageously, at least a major portion of the sensor unit is disposed inside the core.

[0028] The lower density and preferably existing compressibility of the core results in a damping or weakening of the vibrations or oscillations caused by the high impacts of the downswing, thereby on the one hand protecting the sensor unit from these undesirable forces, and on the other hand attenuating the energy of the impact acting on the sensor unit also allows the dynamic characteristics of the impact to be accurately measured and analyzed.

[0029] The sensor unit can, for example, have a signal transmitter and / or an electronic unit or signal evaluation unit, the signal transmitter being mounted on the striking plate and the electronic unit or signal evaluation unit being at least partially arranged inside the core. Preferably, the main volume of the sensor unit, in particular the electronic unit associated with the sensor unit, is arranged inside the core.

[0030] The low density of the second material of the core in which the at least one sensor unit is disposed attenuates impacts on the sensor unit when striking a golf ball, thereby enabling accurate detection and / or analysis of the motion of the club during the backswing and downswing.

[0031] The core may partially or completely surround the sensor unit, however it is preferred that the sensor unit is at least completely surrounded by the shell.

[0032] The sensor unit may include at least one sensor for detecting dynamic characteristics of the impact. The sensor for detecting dynamic characteristics of the impact may be an angular velocity sensor and / or an acceleration sensor and / or a magnetic sensor. The sensor may also be a sensor for measuring the accuracy of the impact, for example, attached to the striking plate of the golf club. It is contemplated that the sensor unit comprises two or more sensors for detecting dynamic characteristics of the impact, for example, one such sensor is an angular velocity sensor and another sensor is an acceleration sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0033] The sensor unit may comprise at least one sensor ensuring protection against counterfeiting. In this case, the sensor ensuring protection against counterfeiting may be designed as an RFID transponder suitable for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. It is also conceivable that the sensor unit has two or more sensors ensuring protection against counterfeiting.

[0034] RFID stands for "Radio Frequency Identification", a commonly known technology for a transmitting and receiving system for contactless identification or location of objects by means of radio waves. An RFID system typically consists of a transponder placed on or in an object, containing an identifier, and a suitable reader for reading this identifier.

[0035] For example, the sensor unit may include one or more sensors for detecting dynamic characteristics of an impact, or one or more sensors for ensuring anti-counterfeiting. However, the sensor unit may include one or more sensors for detecting dynamic characteristics of an impact and one or more sensors for ensuring anti-counterfeiting. In other words, it can be said that the sensor unit may include any number of sensors for detecting dynamic characteristics of an impact and / or for ensuring anti-counterfeiting.

[0036] The sensor unit may in particular comprise one or more sensors in the form of one or more chips, such as RFID transponders.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit may include a position sensor, in particular a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, to detect the swing and / or position of the hitter. The position sensor may be combined with another sensor, for example disposed on the shaft or grip of the golf club, in particular to measure the position of the club or club head. A tilt sensor may also be provided on the club head, shaft or grip.

[0038] The signals detected by the sensor unit can be transmitted to a signal evaluation unit. For example, at least one sensor for detecting the dynamic characteristics of the stroke can detect the movement of the club during the backswing and downswing by an acceleration sensor for measuring the acceleration or an angular velocity sensor for measuring the position of the club head. These measurement parameters or data can be transmitted, for example by wire, Bluetooth or wireless LAN, to an analysis device, for example a mobile phone or a portable device such as an iPAD. For example, in the portable device, the consistency of the stroke or the accuracy of the stroke can be evaluated to support the learning process of the user. Similarly, the transmission or evaluation of security information can be performed by at least one sensor or chip that ensures anti-counterfeiting, for example by using a reader that generates a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field to which the RFID transponder is exposed and thereby activated. In this way, the activated RFID transponder, preferably in the form of an activated microchip in an RFID tag, affects the electromagnetic transmission field of the reader and thus a decision regarding anti-counterfeiting can be derived.

[0039] The sensor unit may be fixed to the core of the club head such that it cannot be removed from the club head non-destructively. However, it is also conceivable that the sensor unit may be non-destructively removed from the club head. For example, in a modular construction of the club head, assembled by means of a screw-type or plug-type connection, the sensor unit may be non-destructively removed. In the case of a modular construction of the club head or club, it is also possible to replace the individual modules.

[0040] The club head may further include an energy supply unit for supplying energy to the sensor unit. The energy supply unit may be arranged in the club head, preferably in the core, either fixedly or removably. For example, the energy supply unit may be a battery that is fixed in the club head and cannot be removed. Or, for example, it may be a battery that can be removed from the club head and recharged or replaced with a new battery. Such supply of energy to the sensor unit is an active operation of the sensor unit. Here, it is also conceivable that the energy supply unit is arranged not in the club head but in another position of the golf club, for example in the shaft. For example, it is also conceivable that the movement of the club head or the golf club causes the swinging mass to induce an induced voltage in the induction system, which can be used as an energy supply to the sensor unit, so that an independent energy supply of the sensor unit is provided.

[0041] However, it is also conceivable to operate the sensor unit passively, i.e. by means of an energy supply unit arranged outside the club head. Thus, at least one of the sensors, for example an RFID transponder, can be supplied with energy from the signal of an analysis device or a reading device. Preferably, a coil as a receiving antenna can be used to charge a capacitor by induction, similar to a transformer.

[0042] As already mentioned, the sensor unit often has its own weight, which may adversely affect the impact dynamics or cause undesirable changes in the swing behavior. The at least one weight element may be particularly useful, among others, to compensate for the swing behavior changes caused by the sensor unit. The weight element or elements are preferably designed and arranged in the club head to compensate for the influence of the sensor unit on the impact dynamics. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the sensor unit itself forms a weight element that is designed and arranged to specifically improve the hitting performance of the club head.

[0043] The weight elements are preferably immovably disposed in or on the club head, however, the club head may further comprise a cavity whereby the weight elements are displaceably disposed within the cavity.

[0044] The displaceably arranged weight element allows kinetic energy to be stored in the displaceable weight element during the stroke, and when the club head contacts the ball and thus decelerates as the weight element moves freely in the direction of impact, this stored kinetic energy is released in addition to the impact energy transferred from the club head to the ball. In other words, when hitting the ball, the forces acting on the club as "recoil shock" are compensated and a large additional rebound force contributes to the acceleration of the ball, whereby particularly long hitting distances can be achieved.

[0045] The weight elements may be disposed completely or at least partially, particularly a major portion, within the shell. Preferably, the weight elements are disposed completely or at least partially, particularly a major portion, within the core. Preferably, the weight elements are disposed in an underside region of the club head.

[0046] The weight elements may be designed according to a desired weight distribution, for example, semicircular or annular, and may be located in a lower region or a central region of the club head.

[0047] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a first weight element and a second weight element are provided, which are each arranged transversely to the striking plate, the striking plate being advantageously arranged between the first and second weight elements. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the two weight elements are each attached to the outside of the shell. This has the advantage not only of an optimal weight distribution with respect to striking performance, but also of a particularly simple attachment of the weight elements and, for example, of the possibility of replacing them with other elements.

[0048] The weight elements can be arranged only inside the shell, only inside the core, or both inside the shell and inside the core. As already mentioned, the low density of the second material of the core, especially when hitting the ball with the club head, compared to the high density of the first material of the shell, dampens vibrations or recoil, which also has a corresponding effect on the weight elements. That is, the weight elements, on the one hand, bring additional forces at impact and correspondingly additional "recoil shock", but the different densities of the shell or core materials allow damping in terms of cushioning. The effect of such recoil shock on the possible sensor unit and the golfer can be reduced or prevented, so that, despite the additional recoil force of the weight elements, accurate detection and / or analysis of the club's movements and ergonomic handling are still possible.

[0049] Similar to the above type of weight element arrangement, the cavity can be disposed in the shell and / or in the core, preferably in the area below the club head, so that the weight element can be present therein composed of a plurality of components, preferably a powder or pellet mixture. However, it is also conceivable that the weight element can be present as a liquid in the cavity, or that the weight element is an integrally formed solid weight element that is movably disposed in the cavity. In other words, a cavity can be formed in the club head that is filled with a solid mass, for example a foam material, or filled with a movable mass, for example a powder, pellets or liquid.

[0050] The third material of the weight element may be a metal or alloy, especially when the weight element is integrally formed. The metal may be, for example, lead or tungsten. The weight element in the form of a powder or pellet mixture may include a high density component, for example, tungsten, or a compound component, for example, copper or tin. Various materials suitable for such weight elements are known to those skilled in the art. The weight element, such as a powder, pellet mixture, or liquid, disposed in the cavity first slides in the cavity from the club head toward the shaft during the backswing motion, and then slides back to the club head during the swing. This allows for a faster club head speed swing, which allows for high directional accuracy and long hitting distance.

[0051] To individually adjust the swing weight of a golf club, weight elements can be non-destructively removable from the club head, allowing the club to be individually tuned to the golfer, so that weight elements can be selected as needed to generate a large moment of inertia while at the same time providing the desired dynamic response at impact.

[0052] In general, it should be understood herein that one or more weight elements may be disposed within the shell and / or within the core, and / or one or more weight elements may be disposed within one or more cavities within the shell and / or within the core.

[0053] For example, if the weight elements are disposed only within the core, the shell immediately adjacent the core may completely surround the core, whereas if the weight elements are disposed both within the core and within the shell, the shell only partially surrounds the core immediately adjacent the shell, i.e., in the area where there are no weight elements between the core and the shell.

[0054] There is further provided a golf club comprising a club head as described above. The golf club may comprise a shaft, a grip, and a connecting piece, the shaft being attached to the club head via the connecting piece.

[0055] Further embodiments are given by the dependent claims.

[0056] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a club head according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club including a club head according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a club head according to a ninth embodiment, with the striking plate removed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the club head of FIG. 9, including the striking plate. [Figure 11] 10 is an exploded front view of the club head of FIG. 9, including a striking plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Each of the figures 1 to 11 shows a club head 1 for a golf club, comprising a shell 2 made of a first material and a core 3 made of a second material completely or at least partially surrounded by the shell 2. In each case, a striking plate 4 for striking a golf ball is attached to the outside of the shell 2. A sensor unit 5 is disposed inside the core 3, which completely or at least partially surrounds the sensor unit 5. In each case, the core 3 occupies a larger volume of the club head 1 than the shell 2. In each case, at least one weight element 6, 6a, 6b made of a third material is disposed in or on the club head, and various designs and arrangements of the weight element are possible, as shown in figures 1 to 11. In figures 1 to 11, identical or similarly designed elements with the same or similar functions are respectively given the same reference numbers.

[0059] 1 shows a first embodiment of a club head 1, in which a sensor unit 5 and a weight element 6 are each disposed in the center of the lower region of the club head 1. The sensor unit 5 is located in a region adjacent to the lower side of the weight element 6, which is immovably disposed between the shell 2 and the core 3, and is completely surrounded by the core 3. The weight element 6 is designed and disposed so as to achieve optimal hitting performance. In this embodiment, the weight element 6 is substantially rectangular and extends along the entire width of the core 3.

[0060] In the second embodiment of the club head 1 shown in Figure 2, the sensor unit 5 is similarly located in the center of the lower region of the club head 1 and is completely surrounded by the core 3. The core 3 is T-shaped and the weight element 6 is U-shaped and extends along its entire width and over a portion of the height of the core 3, which is partially received in or surrounded by a channel formed by the U-shaped design of the weight element 6. Both the core 3 and the weight element 6 are completely surrounded by the shell 2.

[0061] In the third embodiment of the club head 1 shown in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 5 and the weight element 6 are disposed on one side of the club head. The weight element extends in an L-shape over a part of the height of the shell 2 and the core 3 in the front area of ​​the club head and overhangs the shell 2 and the core 3 in this part of the area. The sensor unit 5 is completely surrounded by the core 3 and is located near the weight element 6. The weight element 6 has an L-shaped profile with two legs at right angles to each other, which span the area where the sensor unit 5 is located. This arrangement allows the sensor unit 5 to be further protected from the forces acting on the club head 1. The striking plate 4 is attached to the front of the club head 1 and also has an L-shaped profile that extends along the entire underside of the club head 1 and on one side along the entire height of the club head 1.

[0062] 4 illustrates a club head 1 for a golf club in which a substantially L-shaped weight element 6 extends along the underside of the core 3 and between the shell 2 and the core 3 along the entire height of the striking plate 4. A sensor unit 5 is centrally located in the underside area of ​​the club head 1 and is completely surrounded by the core 3.

[0063] 5 and 6 each show a club head 1 with a weight element 6. In neither of these figures is the shell and sensor unit of the club head 1 shown. However, in both cases, a shell is provided that at least partially surrounds the core as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, and in both cases, a sensor unit is provided that is at least partially disposed inside the core as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. In contrast to the club head 1 of FIGS. 1 to 4, the flat weight element 6 in the club head 1 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is not disposed inside the shell 2, but is attached to the underside of the shell 2 in both cases.

[0064] The weight element 6 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is formed as a generally flat plate. Moreover, the weight element 6 in Fig. 6 is flat on the side opposite to the side facing the shell 2, and on the side facing the shell 2, a protrusion extending into the shell 2 is provided. The flat side of the weight element 6 extends parallel to the outside of the shell 2. The weight element 6 shown in Fig. 6 is therefore substantially T-shaped, and the central free leg of the T-shaped weight element 6 is received in a recess of the shell 2, which has a substantially U-shaped longitudinal section.

[0065] 7 and 8 differ from the embodiment of FIG 1 in that the sensor unit 5 is only partially, not completely, disposed inside the core 3. However, in these embodiments, the main part of the sensor unit 5 is still disposed inside the core 3, i.e. the main part of the sensor unit 5 is surrounded by the core 3.

[0066] 7, the front of the sensor unit 5 abuts the inner surface of the shell 2 in the area of ​​the striking plate 4, but is otherwise surrounded by the core 3. Thus, the sensor unit 5 is completely surrounded by the shell 2, but only partially surrounded by the core 3.

[0067] In the variant according to Fig. 8, the front side of the sensor unit 5, which is usually formed by a signal transmitter, is in contact with the inner surface of the striking plate 4, but is also at least partially surrounded by the core 3. However, in contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 7, the sensor unit 5 in this embodiment is not completely surrounded by the shell 2, but penetrates the shell 2, with an area facing the striking plate 4. Thus, although the sensor unit 5 is only partially surrounded by the core 3, the main volume of the sensor unit 5 is still located within the core 3.

[0068] Figures 9 to 11 show a further embodiment of a club head 1 according to the invention. Here too, the shell 2 completely surrounds a core, which is not visible in Figures 9 to 11. The core is preferably formed by a foamed or gaseous material, such as air, in particular. In the latter case, the shell 2 therefore surrounds a cavity, the air filling this cavity forming the core. The material of the core preferably occupies a larger volume than the material of the shell 2.

[0069] The embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11 preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a sensor unit 5. The sensor unit 5 can, for example in the form of a sensor plate, be arranged between the shell 2 and a striking plate 4 attached to the front of the shell 2. However, it is particularly preferred that the sensor unit 5 is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, inside the core. For example, the sensor unit 5 can be attached to an inner surface of the shell 2, in particular the inner surface of the front side of the shell 2, or the sensor unit 5 can be arranged completely inside the core, in particular if the core is made of a foam material.

[0070] In the present exemplary embodiment, the club head 1 comprises two weight elements 6a, 6b attached laterally to the shell 2 relative to the outer striking plate 4. To hold the weight elements 6a, 6b, outwardly projecting pins are integrally formed on the shell 2, which are inserted into correspondingly provided openings when attaching the weight elements 6a, 6b. Alternatively or additionally, the weight elements 6a, 6b may be glued and / or screwed to the shell 2. The combination of the weight elements 6a, 6b arranged laterally on the outer side of the striking plate 4 and a core made of foam or gaseous material has proven to be particularly advantageous with regard to the striking performance of the golf club.

[0071] In contrast to the previous embodiment, the striking plate 4 here does not have an L-shaped profile, but rather has a generally flat profile. Instead, a metal sole plate 9 is attached to the shell 2 to reinforce the underside of the club head 1.

[0072] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, and Figures 5 and 6, the club head 1 is connected to a shaft 8. In this regard, the club head 1 of Figures 2, 5 and 6 is integrally formed with the shaft 8, while the club head 1 of Figures 3 and 9-11 is attached to the shaft 8 via a hosel 7.

[0073] Although in all the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11 the sensor unit 5 is present in the club head, it is quite conceivable to provide these club heads without the sensor unit, which still have particularly good hitting performances. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Club head 2. Shell 3 Cores 4 Striking Plate 5 Sensor Unit 6a, 6b, 6c Weight elements 7 Hosel 8 Shaft 9 Sole plate

Claims

1. A club head (1) for a golf club, comprising: A striking plate (4) for striking a golf ball; a shell (2) made of a composite material having an outer surface to which the striking plate (4) is directly attached, the shell (2) being partially surrounded by the striking plate (4); a core (3) of gaseous material at least partially surrounded by said shell (2); A first weight element (6a) and a second weight element (6b) made of another material. Including, the gaseous material of the core (3) being less dense than the composite material of the shell (2); the other material of the first weight element (6a) and the second weight element (6b) is denser than the composite material of the shell (2) and / or the gaseous material of the core (3); The shell (2) completely surrounds the core (3); the first weight element (6a) and the second weight element (6b) are each disposed entirely within the shell (2) and transversely to the striking plate (4); Club head.

2. The club head of claim 1 , wherein the club head (1) further comprises at least one sensor unit (5) disposed at least partially within the core (3).

3. The club head of claim 2 , wherein the core (3) completely surrounds the sensor unit (5).

4. The club head according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor unit (5) includes at least one sensor for detecting dynamic characteristics of an impact.

5. The club head according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sensor unit (5) includes at least one sensor ensuring anti-counterfeiting.

6. The club head according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sensor unit (5) is non-destructively removable from the club head.

7. The club head according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising an energy supply unit for supplying energy to the sensor unit (5), the energy supply unit being disposed within the club head.

8. The club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the core (3) occupies a larger volume of the club head than the shell (2).

9. The club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first weight element (6a) and the second weight element (6b) are immovably disposed within or on the club head.

10. The club head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first weight element (6a) and the second weight element (6b) are disposed inside the core (3).

11. A golf club comprising a club head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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