Golf club head

Abstract

To provide a golf club head which has enhanced performance by the thickness distribution of a sole part.SOLUTION: A golf club head 2 is provided with a face part 4 including a striking face 4a, a sole part 8, a crown part 6, and a hosel part 10. The sole part 8 is provided with a central thin wall part 20 which is formed in a region including the geometric center C1 of the sole part 8 and an outer thick part 30 which is formed in the sole outer edge side of the central thin wall part 20 and which is thicker than the central thin wall part 20. The outer thick part 30 is provided with a first thick part 31 which is formed in a region including the position in the face back direction of a head gravity center CG and a second thick part 32 which is situated on the back side of the first thick part 31 and which is thicker than the first thick part 31. The outer thick part 30 of the sole part 8 is situated on the back side of the second thick part 32 and may be further provided with a third thick part 33 which is thinner than the second thick part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A golf club head with an adjusted sole thickness has been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-293 discloses a golf club head in which the sole portion includes a first thin-wall portion and a first thick-wall portion that extends from the toe side of the first thin-wall portion to the heel side of the first thin-wall portion via the back side and has a greater thickness than the first thin-wall portion. In this golf club head, the left and right moments of inertia can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A higher-performance head is required. Regarding the sole portion, the present inventor has found that a novel thickness distribution can provide an effect different from the conventional ones.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a golf club head with improved performance due to the thickness distribution of the sole portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the golf club head has a face portion including a striking face, a sole portion, a crown portion, and a hosel portion. The sole portion has a central thin portion formed in a region including the geometric center of the sole portion, and an outer thick portion formed on the outer edge side of the central thin portion and thicker than the central thin portion. The outer thick portion has a first thick portion formed in a region including the face-back position of the head's center of gravity, and a second thick portion located on the back side of the first thick portion and thicker than the first thick portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] One aspect of this could be the provision of golf club heads with enhanced performance due to the distribution of thickness in the sole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of a golf club head according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the golf club head shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the golf club head shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the golf club head shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the head body of the golf club head shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the golf club head shown in Figure 1. In Figure 7, each region of the sole is clearly divided and shown. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is the same bottom view as Figure 7. In Figure 8, the projected area of ​​the head is shown with dashed hatching, and the projected area of ​​the central thin-walled section is shown with solid hatching. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the baseline state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0010] In this application, the reference state, reference vertical plane, toe-heel direction, face-back direction, vertical direction, and face center are defined.

[0011] The reference state is when the club head is placed on the ground plane HP at a predetermined lie angle. As shown in Figure 9, in this reference state, the shaft axis Z is contained within the plane VP perpendicular to the ground plane HP. The shaft axis Z is the center line of the shaft. Typically, the shaft axis Z coincides with the center line of the hosel hole. The plane VP is considered the reference vertical plane. The predetermined lie angle is listed, for example, in the product catalog.

[0012] It is known that the loft angle, lie angle, and face angle can be adjusted by the rotational position of a sleeve provided at the tip of the shaft. In this club, the sleeve may be detachably fixed to the head with a fixing means such as a screw. Therefore, the shaft can be attached to and detached from the head in this club. In a club having such a detachable mechanism, all adjustment items are set to neutral in the above-mentioned standard state. Neutral means the center of the adjustment range. The club of the present invention may have such a detachable mechanism.

[0013] In this standard state, the face angle is considered to be 0 degrees. That is, in a plan view from above, the normal to the face center of the striking face is considered to be perpendicular to the toe-heel direction. The definitions of the face center and the toe-heel direction are described below.

[0014] In this application, the toe-heel direction is the direction of the intersection line NL between the reference vertical plane VP and the ground plane HP (see Figure 9). The toe side in the toe-heel direction is also simply referred to as the "toe side." The heel side in the toe-heel direction is also simply referred to as the "heel side."

[0015] In the present application, the face-back direction is a direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and parallel to the ground plane HP. The face side in the face-back direction is also simply referred to as the "face side". The face side is also referred to as the front. The back side in the face-back direction is also simply referred to as the "back side". The back side is also referred to as the rear.

[0016] In the present application, the vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and perpendicular to the face-back direction. In other words, in the present application, the vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to the ground plane HP.

[0017] In the present application, the face center Fc is determined as follows. First, in the vertical direction and the toe-heel direction, an arbitrary point Pr near the approximate center of the striking face is selected. Next, a plane is determined that passes through this point Pr, extends along the normal direction of the striking face at this point Pr, and is parallel to the toe-heel direction. An intersection line between this plane and the striking face is drawn, and the midpoint Px thereof is determined. Next, a plane is determined that passes through this midpoint Px, extends along the normal direction of the striking face at this point Px, and is parallel to the vertical direction. An intersection line between this plane and the striking face is drawn, and the midpoint Py thereof is determined. Next, a plane is determined that passes through this midpoint Py, extends along the normal direction of the striking face at this point Py, and is parallel to the toe-heel direction. An intersection line between this plane and the striking face is drawn, and the midpoint Px is newly determined. Next, a plane is determined that passes through this new midpoint Px, extends along the normal direction of the striking face at this point Px, and is parallel to the vertical direction. An intersection line between this plane and the striking face is drawn, and the midpoint Py is newly determined. This process is repeated, and Px and Py are sequentially determined. During the repetition of this process, the position Py (the last position Py) when the distance between the new midpoint Py and the immediately preceding midpoint Py first becomes 0.5 mm or less is the face center Fc.

[0018] Figure 1 is a plan view of a golf club head 2 according to one embodiment, viewed from the crown side; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the head 2 viewed from the sole side; Figure 3 is a front view of the head 2 viewed from the face side; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the head 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3.

[0019] Head 2 is a wood-type head. Head 2 is a fairway wood-type head. Head 2 has a hollow structure. Head 2 is formed by joining a cup-shaped face member f1 and a head body h1. This joining is done by welding. In Figures 1, 2, and 4, the boundary line k1 between the face member f1 and the head body h1 is shown by a dashed line. The face member f1 has a base portion f11 that constitutes the face portion 4 and a rearward-extending portion f12 that extends from the periphery of the base portion f11 toward the back. The rearward-extending portion f12 has a crown-forming portion f13 that constitutes part of the crown portion 6 and a sole-forming portion f14 that constitutes part of the sole portion 8.

[0020] The head 2 has a face portion 4, a crown portion 6, a sole portion 8, and a hosel portion 10. The face portion 4 constitutes the front surface of the head 2. The face portion 4 has an outer face surface 4a and an inner face surface 4b. The outer face surface 4a is the striking face (face surface). The striking face 4a has a face center Fc. The crown portion 6 has an outer crown surface 6a and an inner crown surface 6b. The sole portion 8 has an outer sole surface 8a and an inner sole surface 8b. The hosel portion 10 has a hosel hole 12.

[0021] The sole portion 8 extends to the outer edge 6c of the crown portion 6. The outer edge 6c of the crown portion 6 coincides with the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8 is also called the sole outer edge. In this application, the sole portion is defined as including the so-called side portion (skirt portion).

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the sole portion 8 has a geometric center C1. The geometric center C1 is defined as the centroid of the bottom view of the head 2 (Figure 2). The geometric center C1 is the centroid of the figure formed by the contour lines of the head 2. The bottom view of the head 2 is a projection of the bottom surface of the head 2 in the reference state onto a plane parallel to the ground plane HP. This projection is a perpendicular projection. The sole portion 8 has a head center of gravity position G1, which is the head center of gravity position G1 projected onto the sole portion 8. The head center of gravity position G1 is the intersection of a straight line passing through the head center of gravity and extending vertically with the outer surface of the sole 8a.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the sole portion 8 has a port 14. Badges, weights, etc., can be attached to the port 14.

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the head body h1. The inner surface of the sole portion 8 has irregularities. The thickness of the sole portion 8 varies depending on the location. The thickness of the sole portion 8 can be measured along the direction normal to the outer surface 8a of the sole. This normal direction is determined for each measurement point where the thickness is measured.

[0025] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the head 2, similar to Figure 2. In Figure 7, each region of the sole 8 is shown as a separate area, and each region is given a different hatching pattern.

[0026] The sole portion 8 has a central thin-walled portion 20. The central thin-walled portion 20 is formed in a region including the geometric center C1 (Figure 2). The central thin-walled portion 20 is formed in a region including the head center of gravity position G1 (Figure 2). The central thin-walled portion 20 is formed in a region including the toe-heel direction position of the face center Fc. The central thin-walled portion 20 does not reach the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8.

[0027] The sole portion 8 has an outer thickened portion 30. The outer thickened portion 30 is formed on the outer edge side of the central thinned portion 20. The outer thickened portion 30 is formed around the central thinned portion 20. The outer thickened portion 30 is thicker than the central thinned portion 20. The minimum thickness of the outer thickened portion 30 is greater than the thickness of the central thinned portion 20. The outer thickened portion 30 does not reach the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The outer thickened portion 30 is thicker than the face vicinity portion 40 (described later).

[0028] The central thin-walled portion 20 has a geometric center 20C. The geometric center 20C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2.

[0029] The outer thickened portion 30 has a first thickened portion 31. The first thickened portion 31 is formed in a region that includes the face-back position of the head's center of gravity CG. The first thickened portion 31 is located on the toe side of the central thinned portion 20. The first thickened portion 31 is adjacent to the central thinned portion 20. The entirety of the first thickened portion 31 is located on the toe side of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0030] The first thickened portion 31 has a geometric center 31C. The geometric center 31C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. The geometric center 31C is located to the toe side of the geometric center 20C.

[0031] The outer thickened portion 30 has a second thickened portion 32. The second thickened portion 32 is located on the back side of the first thickened portion 31. The second thickened portion 32 is adjacent to the first thickened portion 31. That is, the second thickened portion 32 is adjacent to the first thickened portion 31. The second thickened portion 32 does not have to be adjacent to the first thickened portion 31. The second thickened portion 32 is adjacent to the central thinned portion 20. The thickness of the second thickened portion 32 is greater than the thickness of the first thickened portion 31. The entire second thickened portion 32 is located on the back side of the head's center of gravity CG. The entire second thickened portion 32 is located on the toe side of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0032] The second thickened portion 32 has a geometric center 32C. The geometric center 32C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. The geometric center 32C is located towards the back of the geometric center 31C. The geometric center 32C is located towards the heel of the geometric center 31C. The geometric center 32C is located towards the toe of the geometric center 20C. The geometric center 32C is located towards the back of the head's center of gravity CG. The geometric center 32C is located towards the toe of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0033] The outer thickened portion 30 has a third thickened portion 33. The third thickened portion 33 is located on the back side of the second thickened portion 32. The third thickened portion 33 is adjacent to the second thickened portion 32. The third thickened portion 33 is not adjacent to the central thinned portion 20. The thickness of the third thickened portion 33 is smaller than the thickness of the second thickened portion 32. The entire third thickened portion 33 is located on the back side of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0034] The third thickened section 33 has a geometric center 33C. The geometric center 33C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. The geometric center 33C is located further back than the geometric center 32C. The geometric center 33C is located further heel than the geometric center 32C. The geometric center 33C is located further toe than the geometric center 20C. The geometric center 33C is located further back than the head's center of gravity CG.

[0035] The outer thickened portion 30 has a fourth thickened portion 34. The fourth thickened portion 34 is located on the back side of the third thickened portion 33. The fourth thickened portion 34 is adjacent to the boundary of the third thickened portion 33. The fourth thickened portion 34 is not adjacent to the boundary of the central thinned portion 20. The thickness of the fourth thickened portion 34 is smaller than the thickness of the third thickened portion 33. The entire fourth thickened portion 34 is located on the back side of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0036] The fourth thickened section 34 has a geometric center 34C. The geometric center 34C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. The geometric center 34C is located further back than the geometric center 33C. The geometric center 34C is located further heel than the geometric center 33C. The geometric center 34C is located further toe than the geometric center 20C.

[0037] The outer thickened portion 30 has a fifth thickened portion 35. The fifth thickened portion 35 is located on the heel side of the central thinned portion 20. The central thinned portion 20 is formed between the fifth thickened portion 35 and the first thickened portion 31. The fifth thickened portion 35 is in contact with the central thinned portion 20. The fifth thickened portion 35 is not in contact with the first thickened portion 31. The fifth thickened portion 35 is not in contact with the second thickened portion 32. The fifth thickened portion 35 is not in contact with the third thickened portion 33. The fifth thickened portion 35 is not in contact with the fourth thickened portion 34. The thickness of the fifth thickened portion 35 is greater than the thickness of the first thickened portion 31. The thickness of the fifth thickened portion 35 is less than the thickness of the second thickened portion 32. The thickness of the fifth thick section 35 is greater than the thickness of the third thick section 33. The entire fifth thick section 35 is located on the heel side of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0038] The fifth thickened section 35 has a geometric center 35C. The geometric center 35C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. The geometric center 35C is located closer to the heel than the geometric center 20C. The geometric center 35C is located closer to the face than the geometric center 20C. The geometric center 35C is located closer to the face than the geometric center 32C. The geometric center 35C is formed in a region that includes the face-back position of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0039] The outer thickened portion 30 has a sixth thickened portion 36. The sixth thickened portion 36 is located on the back side of the fifth thickened portion 35. The sixth thickened portion 36 is adjacent to the central thinned portion 20. The sixth thickened portion 36 is adjacent to the fifth thickened portion 35. The sixth thickened portion 36 is adjacent to the outer thinned portion 44. The entire sixth thickened portion 36 is located on the heel side of the head's center of gravity CG. The entire sixth thickened portion 36 is located on the back side of the head's center of gravity CG.

[0040] The outer thickened portion 30 has a seventh thickened portion 37. The seventh thickened portion 37 is located on the toe side of the sixth thickened portion 36. The seventh thickened portion 37 is located on the back side of the central thinned portion 20. The seventh thickened portion 37 is located between the sixth thickened portion 36 and the third thickened portion 33. The seventh thickened portion 37 is adjacent to the boundary of the sixth thickened portion 36. The seventh thickened portion 37 is adjacent to the boundary of the third thickened portion 33. The seventh thickened portion 37 is adjacent to the boundary of the central thinned portion 20.

[0041] The sole portion 8 has a front thickened portion 38. The front thickened portion 38 is thicker than the central thinned portion 20. The front thickened portion 38 is thicker than the face vicinity portion 40. The front thickened portion 38 is thicker than the first thickened portion 31. The front thickened portion 38 is located between the central thinned portion 20 and the face vicinity portion 40. The front thickened portion 38 is located on the heel side of the first thickened portion 31. The front thickened portion 38 is adjacent to the central thinned portion 20. The front thickened portion 38 is adjacent to the first thickened portion 31. The front thickened portion 38 has a geometric center 38C. The geometric center 38C is located to the toe side of the geometric center 20C. The geometric center 38C is located to the heel side of the geometric center 31C. The geometric center 38C is located to the toe side of the head center of gravity CG.

[0042] The sole portion 8 has a heel thickened portion 39. The heel thickened portion 39 is thicker than the central thinned portion 20. The heel thickened portion 39 is thicker than the portion near the face 40. The heel thickened portion 39 is thicker than the first thickened portion 31. The heel thickened portion 39 is located on the heel side of the fifth thickened portion 35. The heel thickened portion 39 is located between the fifth thickened portion 35 and the outer edge 8c. The entire heel thickened portion 39 is located on the heel side of the head's center of gravity CG. The heel thickened portion 39 is located on the face side of the point 44h closest to the heel of the outermost thinned portion 44.

[0043] The sole portion 8 has a face-proximal portion 40. The face-proximal portion 40 extends along the face portion 4. The face-proximal portion 40 is adjacent to the face portion 4. The face-proximal portion 40 is formed between the central thin portion 20 and the face portion 4. The face-proximal portion 40 is formed between the outer thick portion 30 and the face portion 4. The face-proximal portion 40 is formed between the first thick portion 31 and the face portion 4. The face-proximal portion 40 is formed between the fifth thick portion 35 and the face portion 4.

[0044] A portion of the face vicinity 40 (the portion closer to the face portion 4) is formed by the sole forming portion f14 of the face member f1.

[0045] The face vicinity 40 has a geometric center 40C. The geometric center 40C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. The toe-heel distance between the geometric center 40C and the geometric center C1 is 10 mm or less. The toe-heel distance between the geometric center 40C and the face center Fc is 10 mm or less. The geometric center 40C is located closer to the heel than the geometric center 31C. The geometric center 40C is located closer to the toe than the geometric center 35C.

[0046] The face vicinity 40 has the point 40b furthest back. Point 40b is located closer to the face than the geometric center 20C. Point 40b is located closer to the face than the geometric center 31C. Point 40b is located closer to the face than the geometric center 35C. The face vicinity 40 has the point 40t furthest to the toe. Point 40t is located closer to the toe than the geometric center 31C. Point 40t coincides with point 40b. The face vicinity 40 has the point 40h furthest to the heel. Point 40h is located closer to the heel than the geometric center 35C.

[0047] In Figure 7, the double-headed arrow W40 indicates the toe-heel width of the face vicinity 40. This width W40 is the distance in the toe-heel direction between point 40t and point 40h. In Figure 7, the double-headed arrow W2 indicates the toe-heel width of head 2. From the viewpoint of the effect of the face vicinity 40 (described later), the ratio (W40 / W2) can be 0.76 or greater, further 0.79 or greater, and further 0.82 or greater. Considering the constraints of the head shape, the ratio (W40 / W2) can be 0.92 or less, further 0.89 or less, and further 0.86 or less.

[0048] The thickness of the face-proximal portion 40 is smaller than the thickness of the central thin-walled portion 20. The thin face-proximal portion 40 increases the displacement of the face portion 4 during impact, contributing to improved rebound performance. In particular, the thin face-proximal portion 40 enhances rebound performance when the ball is struck on the lower side of the impact face 4a. From the viewpoint of strength, a preferred lower limit can be set for the thickness of the face-proximal portion 40.

[0049] Furthermore, the thickness of the face-proximal portion 40 may be greater than the thickness of the central thin-walled portion 20. The thicker face-proximal portion 40 contributes to an increase in the moment of inertia of the head 2. In addition, the thicker face-proximal portion 40 contributes to an improvement in the durability of the head 2.

[0050] The sole portion 8 has a rising portion 42 (see Figures 5 and 6). The rising portion 42 extends upward as it approaches the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The rising portion 42 extends to the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The rising portion 42 is adjacent to the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 extends along the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The rising portion 42 is formed on the outer edge side of the outer thick portion 30. The rising portion 42 is formed around the outer thick portion 30. The rising portion 42 may be a portion generally referred to as a side portion or skirt portion.

[0051] The rising portion 42 has an outer peripheral thin portion 44 that is thinner than the outer thick portion 30. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 is formed on the outer edge side of the sole of the outer thick portion 30. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 is formed around the outer thick portion 30. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 extends along the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 is adjacent to the outer edge 8c of the sole portion 8. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 extends continuously from the toe side of the first thick portion 31, through the back side of the fourth thick portion 34, to the heel side of the fifth thick portion 35. The outer peripheral thin portion 44 has a point 44t that is closest to the toe and a point 44h that is closest to the heel. Point 44t is located closer to the toe than point 40t. Point 44t is located closer to the toe than the geometric center 31C. Point 44t is located closer to the toe than point 31t, the point closest to the toe in the first thickened section 31. Point 44h is located closer to the heel than the geometric center 35C. Point 44h is located closer to the heel than point 20h, the point closest to the heel in the central thinned section 20. Point 44h is located closer to the face than the geometric center 32C. The outer thinned section 44 has point 44f, the point closest to the face. Point 44f is located closer to the face than the geometric center 31C. Point 44f is located closer to the back than the geometric center 40C. Point 44f is located closer to the toe than the geometric center 31C.

[0052] The outer thin-walled portion 44 has a geometric center 44C. The geometric center 44C is identified in the bottom view of the head 2. Due to the shape of the outer thin-walled portion 44 (approximately C-shaped), the geometric center 44C is located outside the outer thin-walled portion 44. The geometric center 44C is located in the outer thick-walled portion 30. The geometric center 44C may also be located in the central thin-walled portion 20.

[0053] This type of head 2 produces the following effects:

[0054] The central thin-walled section 20 is thinner than the outer thick-walled section 30. By forming the outer thick-walled section 30 on the outer edge side of the sole of the central thin-walled section 20, the lateral moment of inertia of the head 2 is effectively increased. Furthermore, in the outer thick-walled section 30, the second thick-walled section 32, which is located on the back side of the head's center of gravity CG, is thicker than the first thick-walled section 31, thereby effectively increasing the vertical moment of inertia. Note that, from the viewpoint of head strength, a lower limit value for the thickness of the central thin-walled section 20 may be set.

[0055] The lateral moment of inertia is the moment of inertia about an axis passing through the head's center of gravity CG and parallel to the vertical direction. The vertical moment of inertia is the moment of inertia about an axis passing through the head's center of gravity CG and parallel to the toe-heel direction.

[0056] The outer thin-walled portion 44 is thinner than the outer thick-walled portion 30. The outer thin-walled portion 44 is thinner than the minimum thickness of the outer thick-walled portion 30. Because the rising portion 42 is made thinner by the outer thin-walled portion 44, the rise in the head center of gravity CG is suppressed (low center of gravity effect). When hitting a ball placed directly on the ground, the point of impact tends to be below the hitting face 4a. By lowering the head center of gravity CG, the rebound performance when hitting below the hitting face 4a is improved. This is particularly effective in fairway wood type heads or hybrid type heads.

[0057] The outer thin-walled portion 44 is thinner than the central thin-walled portion 20. Furthermore, the outer thin-walled portion 44 is thinner than the portion near the face 40. As a result, the low center of gravity effect is further enhanced.

[0058] The outer thin-walled portion 44 is located further back than the outer thick-walled portion 30 in the toe-heel direction of the head's center of gravity CG. This outer thin-walled portion 44 reduces the center of gravity depth D1 (Figure 2), potentially lowering the sweet spot.

[0059] The second thickened section 32 (geometric center 32C) is located to the toe and back of the head's center of gravity CG. The second thickened section 32 is thicker than the first thickened section 31. The first and second thickened sections 32 contribute equally to the lateral moment of inertia. On the other hand, the second thickened section 32, which is further back from the head's center of gravity CG, contributes more to the vertical moment of inertia than the first thickened section 31. By making the second thickened section 32 thicker than the first thickened section 31, the vertical moment of inertia can be effectively increased.

[0060] The third thickened section 33 is located on the back side of the second thickened section 32. The third thickened section 33 is adjacent to the back side of the second thickened section 32. The third thickened section 33 does not necessarily have to be adjacent to the second thickened section 32. The third thickened section 33 is thicker than the first thickened section 31. As a result, weight is distributed to the back side of the head's center of gravity CG, and the vertical moment of inertia is increased.

[0061] The third thickened section 33 is thinner than the second thickened section 32. By making the third thickened section 33 thinner than the second thickened section 32, the center of gravity depth D1 (Figure 2) is suppressed. The center of gravity depth D1 is the distance along the face-back direction between the foremost point of the face section 4 and the head center of gravity CG. Reducing the center of gravity depth D1 can lower the position of the sweet spot. The sweet spot is the intersection of a line passing through the head center of gravity CG and perpendicular to the hitting face 4a with the hitting face 4a. Since the head 2 has a loft angle, the smaller the center of gravity depth D1, the lower the position of the sweet spot. Lowering the sweet spot improves the rebound performance when hitting the lower side of the hitting face 4a. This is particularly effective for fairway wood type heads or hybrid type heads, which are often used to hit balls placed directly on the ground.

[0062] The fourth thick section 34, located on the back side of the third thick section 33, is thinner than the third thick section 33. Therefore, the center of gravity depth D1 is further reduced, and the sweet spot is lowered. The fourth thick section 34 is thinner than the first thick section 31. Therefore, the center of gravity depth D1 may be reduced, and the sweet spot may be lowered.

[0063] The fifth thickened section 35 (geometric center 35C) is located on the heel side of the head's center of gravity CG. This fifth thickened section 35 increases the lateral moment of inertia. The geometric center 35C is located closer to the face than the geometric center 20C. By making this fifth thickened section 35 thicker, the center of gravity depth D1 is reduced, and the sweet spot is lowered. The front thickened section 38, located closer to the face than the head's center of gravity CG, further reduces the center of gravity depth D1 and lowers the sweet spot. The heel thickened section 39, located closer to the heel than the fifth thickened section 35, further increases the lateral moment of inertia.

[0064] From the perspective of the effects described above, the preferred wall thickness and wall thickness ratio for each region are as follows:

[0065] The thickness of the central thin-walled portion 20 is preferably 0.8 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.2 mm or more. The thickness of the central thin-walled portion 20 is preferably 1.6 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.4 mm or less.

[0066] The thickness of the outer thickened portion 30 is preferably 2.4 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.6 mm or more. The thickness of the outer thickened portion 30 is preferably 6.5 mm or less, more preferably 6.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 6.3 mm or less.

[0067] The thickness of the first thickened portion 31 is preferably 2.8 mm or more, more preferably 3.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.2 mm or more. The thickness of the first thickened portion 31 is preferably 3.6 mm or less, more preferably 3.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.4 mm or less.

[0068] The thickness of the second thickened portion 32 is preferably 3.3 mm or more, more preferably 3.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.7 mm or more. The thickness of the second thickened portion 32 is preferably 6.7 mm or less, more preferably 6.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 6.3 mm or less.

[0069] The thickness of the third thickened portion 33 is preferably 2.7 mm or more, more preferably 2.9 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.1 mm or more. The thickness of the third thickened portion 33 is preferably 4.3 mm or less, more preferably 4.1 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.9 mm or less.

[0070] The thickness of the fourth thickened portion 34 is preferably 2.4 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.6 mm or more. The thickness of the fourth thickened portion 34 is preferably 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.8 mm or less.

[0071] The thickness of the fifth thickened portion 35 is preferably 3.1 mm or more, more preferably 3.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.5 mm or more. The thickness of the fifth thickened portion 35 is preferably 4.6 mm or less, more preferably 4.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 4.2 mm or less.

[0072] The thickness of the front thickened portion 38 is preferably 2.7 mm or more, more preferably 2.9 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.1 mm or more. The thickness of the front thickened portion 38 is preferably 4.6 mm or less, more preferably 4.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 4.2 mm or less.

[0073] The thickness of the heel-thickened portion 39 is preferably 3.0 mm or more, more preferably 3.2 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.4 mm or more. The thickness of the heel-thickened portion 39 is preferably 4.3 mm or less, more preferably 4.1 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.9 mm or less.

[0074] The thickness of the face vicinity portion 40 is preferably 0.75 mm or more, more preferably 0.80 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.85 mm or more. The thickness of the face vicinity portion 40 is preferably 1.20 mm or less, more preferably 1.10 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.00 mm or less.

[0075] The thickness of the outer thin-walled portion 44 is preferably 0.55 mm or more, more preferably 0.60 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.65 mm or more. The thickness of the outer thin-walled portion 44 is preferably 1.00 mm or less, more preferably 0.90 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.80 mm or less.

[0076] The thickness of the first thickened portion 31 is T31, and the thickness of the second thickened portion 32 is T32. The ratio of T32 / T31 is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, and even more preferably 1.5 or more. The ratio of T32 / T31 is preferably 2.3 or less, more preferably 2.1 or less, and even more preferably 1.9 or less.

[0077] The thickness of the third thickened portion 33 is T33, and the thickness of the second thickened portion 32 is T32. The ratio of T32 / T33 is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, and even more preferably 1.5 or more. The ratio of T32 / T33 is preferably 2.1 or less, more preferably 1.9 or less, and even more preferably 1.7 or less.

[0078] The thickness of the central thin-walled portion 20 is set to T20, and the thickness of the outer thick-walled portion 30 is set to T30. The ratio of T20 / T30 is preferably 0.17 or higher, more preferably 0.19 or higher, and even more preferably 0.21 or higher. The ratio of T20 / T30 is preferably 0.53 or lower, more preferably 0.51 or lower, and even more preferably 0.49 or lower.

[0079] The thickness of the outer thin-walled portion 44 is set to T44, and the thickness of the outer thick-walled portion 30 is set to T30. The ratio of T44 / T30 is preferably 0.08 or more, more preferably 0.09 or more, and even more preferably 0.10 or more. The ratio of T44 / T30 is preferably 0.36 or less, more preferably 0.32 or less, and even more preferably 0.28 or less.

[0080] Figure 8, like Figures 2 and 7, is a bottom view of head 2. The projected area of ​​head 2 is determined in this bottom view. The projected area of ​​head 2 is the area indicated by the dashed hatching in Figure 8. The projected area of ​​the central thin-walled section 20 is determined in this bottom view. The projected area of ​​the central thin-walled section 20 is the area indicated by the solid hatching in Figure 8.

[0081] From the viewpoint of the effects based on the central thin-walled portion 20, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the central thin-walled portion 20 to the projected area of ​​the head 2 is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 12% or more, and even more preferably 14% or more. From the viewpoint of providing the outer thick-walled portion 30 and the outer thin-walled portion 44, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the central thin-walled portion 20 to the projected area of ​​the head 2 is preferably 22% or less, more preferably 20% or less, and even more preferably 18% or less.

[0082] In Figure 2, the double arrow D2 indicates the width of head 2 in the face-to-back direction. The width D2 is the distance along the face-to-back direction from the foremost point of head 2 to the rearmost point of head 2. From the viewpoint of lowering the sweet spot and improving the rebound performance when striking the lower side of the striking face 4a, D1 / D2 is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.45 or less, and more preferably 0.42 or less. Due to design limitations, D1 / D2 is preferably 0.20 or more, more preferably 0.25 or more, and more preferably 0.30 or more.

[0083] As mentioned above, the preferred club heads are fairway wood or hybrid types, as these are often used when hitting balls placed directly on the ground.

[0084] Examples of fairway wood-type heads include the 3-wood (W#3), 4-wood (W#4), 5-wood (W#5), 7-wood (W#7), 9-wood (W#9), 11-wood (W#11), and 13-wood (W#13). The following (1a) to (1d) are typical configurations of fairway wood-type heads. (1a) Curved striking face (1b) Hollow structure (1c) 100cm 3 More than 200cm 3 The following volume (1d) Real loft angle between 14 and 33 degrees

[0085] Examples of hybrid heads include the Hybrid 3 (H3), Hybrid 4 (H4), Hybrid 5 (H5), and Hybrid 6 (H6). The following (2a) to (2d) are typical configurations of hybrid heads. (2a) Curved striking face (2b) Hollow structure (2c) 90cm 3 More than 140cm 3 The following volume (2d) Real loft angle between 15 and 30 degrees

[0086] The following notes are part of the present invention. [Note 1] It has a face portion including the striking face, a sole portion, a crown portion, and a hosel portion. The sole portion has a central thin-walled portion formed in a region including the geometric center of the sole portion, and an outer thick-walled portion formed on the outer edge side of the central thin-walled portion and thicker than the central thin-walled portion. The golf club head has an outer thickened portion which includes a first thickened portion formed in a region that includes the face-back position of the head's center of gravity, and a second thickened portion located on the back side of the first thickened portion and thicker than the first thickened portion. [Note 2] The golf club head according to Appendix 1, wherein the aforementioned central thin-walled portion is formed in a region including the head's center of gravity. [Note 3] The sole portion has a rising portion formed on the outer edge side of the outer thickened portion of the sole, which extends upward as it approaches the outer edge of the crown portion. The golf club head according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the rising portion has an outer peripheral thin-walled portion that is thinner than the outer thick-walled portion. [Note 4] The golf club head according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the outer thickened portion is located on the back side of the second thickened portion and further comprises a third thickened portion that is thinner than the second thickened portion. [Note 5] A golf club head according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein, in the bottom view of the head, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the central thin-walled portion to the projected area of ​​the head is 10% or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 2. Golf club head 4. Face section 4a...Hitting face 6. Crown section 8. Sole 10. Hosel section 12...Hosel holes 20...Central thin section 30...outer thick wall part 31...1st thick part 32...Second thick wall part 33...Third thick wall part 34...4th thick part 35...5th thick wall part 36...6th thick wall part 37...7th thick wall part 38...Front thick wall part 39...Heel thickness section 40···Near the face 42...Rising section 44...Thin outer periphery h1... Head body f1...Face component

Claims

1. It has a face portion including the striking face, a sole portion, a crown portion, and a hosel portion. The sole portion has a central thin-walled portion formed in a region including the geometric center of the sole portion, and an outer thick-walled portion formed on the outer edge side of the central thin-walled portion and thicker than the central thin-walled portion. The outer thickened portion has a first thickened portion formed in a region including the face-to-back position of the head's center of gravity, and a second thickened portion located on the back side of the first thickened portion and thicker than the first thickened portion. The entirety of the second thickened portion is located towards the toe side of the head's center of gravity. A golf club head in which the entirety of the second thickened portion is located towards the back of the head's center of gravity.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the central thin-walled portion is formed in a region including the head's center of gravity.

3. The sole portion has a rising portion formed on the outer edge side of the outer thickened portion of the sole, which extends upward as it approaches the outer edge of the crown portion. The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rising portion has an outer thin-walled portion that is thinner than the outer thick-walled portion.

4. The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer thickened portion further comprises a third thickened portion located on the back side of the second thickened portion and thinner than the second thickened portion.

5. The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the bottom view of the head, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the central thin-walled portion to the projected area of ​​the head is 10% or more.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first thickened portion is located on the toe side of the central thinned portion.

7. The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entirety of the first thickened portion is located to the toe side of the head's center of gravity.

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