Golf club head

Abstract

A golf club head comprises a head main body having a top portion, a face plate attached to the front side of the head main body, and a badge attached to the rear side of the head main body. The face plate has a peripheral convex portion protruding toward the rear side of the head. The head main body comprises a top-side supporting portion extending downward from the top portion and having a supporting surface contacting with and supporting the rear surface of the peripheral convex portion, and an extension portion extending further downward from the top-side supporting portion. The extension portion is partially located on the striking face side of the supporting surface and does not contact with the face plate. The badge is fixed to the extension portion without contacting with the face plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a golf club head.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an iron-type golf club head comprising a head main body having a face and a plurality of ribs extending in the up-down direction of the head on the rear side of the face. Further, the club head is provided with a badge so as to cover the ribs from the rear side of the head.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-096464.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONProblems to Be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In general, when a golf club head strikes the ball with a striking face, a face portion having the striking face is largely elastically deformed toward the rear side of the head. Therefore, the badge which is directly attached to the rear surface of the face portion is subject to large bending deformation of the face portion, repeatedly. Thereby, defects such as detachment of the badge from the face portion, breakage of the badge and the like are liable to occur.

[0005] On the other hand, an iron-type golf club head is often used to strike the ball placed directly on the ground. Therefore, it is desirable for an iron-type golf club head to have a sweet spot located as low as possible. Incidentally, the sweet spot is a point at which the normal line drawn from the head's gravity center to the striking face intersects with the striking face.

[0006] In view of the above-described problems, the present disclosure was made, and a primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a golf club head in which a badge can be prevented from being detached and being damaged. Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a golf club head, particularly an iron-type golf club head structure by which the position of the sweet spot can be prevented from becoming high.Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a golf club head comprises:

[0008] a head main body having a top portion;

[0009] a badge attached to a rear side of the head main body; and

[0010] a face plate attached to a front side of the head main body,

[0011] the face plate has a front surface constituting a part of a striking face for striking a ball and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, wherein

[0012] the rear surface is provided with a peripheral convex portion extending along the outer periphery of the face plate and protruding toward the rear side of the head,

[0013] the head main body comprises

[0014] an opening in which the face plate is disposed,

[0015] a top-side supporting portion extending downward from the top portion and having a supporting surface which contacts with the rear surface of the peripheral convex portion, and

[0016] an extension portion extending further downward from the top-side supporting portion,

[0017] the extension portion is at least partially located on the striking face side of an imaginary plane which is an extension of the supporting surface extended downward along the striking face, and does not contact with the face plate, and

[0018] the badge does not contact with the face plate, and an upper portion of the badge is fixed to at least the extension portion.Effects of the Invention

[0019] In the golf club head according to the present disclosure, the badge can be prevented from detaching from the head main body as well as being damaged even when repeatedly striking the balls. Further, the position of the sweet spot can be prevented from becoming high.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club head as an embodiment of the present disclosure when the head is under its reference state.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the toe side of the head.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1 when the head is under its vertical state, viewed from the toe side thereof.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the golf club head in the vertical state.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a top portion of the golf club head excluding the badge, showing the extension portion.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a closeup of part VIII of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a golf club head as a comparative example not provided with the extension portion.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a golf club head as another comparative example provided with an extension portion outside the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional partial view of a golf club head under its vertical state showing a modified example of the extension portion.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the head main body of the golf club head in its vertical state, showing the extension portion.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the head main body of a golf club head in its vertical state, showing a modified example of the extension portion.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the head main body of a golf club head in its vertical state, showing a modified example of the extension portion.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the head main body of a golf club head in its vertical state, showing a modified example of the extension portion.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the head main body of a golf club head in its vertical state, showing a modified example of the extension portion.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a golf club head for explaining the reference state of the head.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

[0038] The drawings may contain exaggerations and dimensional ratios different from the actual ratios in order to aid the understanding of the present disclosure.

[0039] For the different embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or common parts, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0040] The specific configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings are for understanding the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such specific configurations.

[0041] FIGS. 1 to 3 are a front view, a rear view and a side view from the toe side, respectively, of a golf club head 1 as an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, simply referred to as the head 1) placed in its reference state.Reference State

[0042] The “reference state” of a golf club head means a state of the golf club head in which, as shown in FIG. 17, the golf club head is placed on a horizontal plane HP; the central axis CL of a shaft insertion hole 8 of the head (corresponding to the axis of the club shaft attached) lies within a reference vertical plane VP perpendicular to the horizontal plane HP; the angle between the central axis CL of the shaft insertion hole 8 (axis of the club shaft) and the horizontal plane HP is set to a lie angle α specified for the head; the angle between the undermentioned striking face 2 and the reference vertical plane VP is set to a loft angle β specified for the head; and optionally, face lines 7 when formed in the striking face 2 are parallel to the horizontal plane HP and parallel to the reference vertical plane VP.

[0043] In this application including the specification and claims, unless otherwise noted, the head is described on the basis of the head being under the reference state.Directions Regarding Club Head

[0044] As shown in FIG. 17 in which a golf club head under its reference state is placed in the xyz Cartesian coordinate system, wherein the xy plane corresponds to the horizontal plane HP, the yz plane corresponds to the reference vertical plane VP, the x axis is parallel to the horizontal plane HP and perpendicular to the reference vertical plane VP, and the y axis is parallel to the horizontal plane HP and the reference vertical plane VP.

[0045] The “front-back direction” of the head is a direction parallel to the x axis, the “toe-heel” direction of the head is a direction parallel to the y axis, and the “up-down”direction of the head is a direction parallel to the z axis.

[0046] The expression “front side” of the head refers to the side of the striking face 2.

[0047] The expression “rear side” or “back side” of the head refers to the opposite side to the “front side”.

[0048] The expression “upper side” of the head refers to the side away from the horizontal plane HP.

[0049] The expression “lower side” of the head refers to the opposite side to the “upper side”.Vertical State

[0050] The “vertical state” of a golf club head refers to such a state that the head in the reference state is rotated around an axis parallel to the toe-heel direction while being placed on the horizontal plane HP so that the striking face is tilted forward by the loft angle β so the angle between the striking face and the reference vertical plane VP becomes zero.

[0051] Even in the vertical state, the “front-back direction”, “toe-heel direction” and “up-down direction” refer to those defined in the above-described coordinate system associated with the reference state.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the head 1 in its vertical state as viewed from the toe side.Basic Construction of Club Head

[0053] In the present embodiment, the head 1 is formed as an iron-type golf club head for an iron club as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and comprises a striking face 2, a top 3, a sole 4, a hosel 5, a back face 6, a toe T and a heel H. As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the head 1 may be formed as a hybrid type having a shape intermediate between an iron type and a wood type.

[0054] The striking face 2 is a substantially flat surface for striking the ball. The striking face 2 may be provided with so called face lines 7, namely, narrow grooves in order to increase friction between the striking face 2 and the ball. The face lines 7 extend parallel to the toe-heel direction y of the head 1.

[0055] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a maximum range within which the face lines 7 are formed, has a dimension W in the toe-heel direction, and corresponds to the main ball-striking range.

[0056] The top 3 extends from the upper edge of the striking face 2 toward the rear side of the head and forms the upper surface of the head.

[0057] The sole 4 extends from the lower edge of the striking face 2 toward the rear side of the head and forms the bottom surface of the head.

[0058] The hosel 5 is a part provided with a shaft insertion hole 8 (shown in FIG. 17) in which the tip end of a club shaft (not shown) is inserted and fixed. The hosel 5 in this example is formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis CL of the shaft insertion hole 8 coincides with the axis of the club shaft fixed thereto.

[0059] The toe T is an end portion of the head away from the hosel 5, connecting between the top 3 and the sole 4.

[0060] The heel H is a portion on the opposite side to the toe T. In the case of an iron-type golf club head as in the present embodiment, the heel H corresponds to a root portion of the hosel 5.

[0061] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the golf club head 1 in the present embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1 in the vertical state taken along a line corresponding to line VI-VI of FIG. 1 passing through the midpoint of the range W.

[0063] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the golf club head 1 is composed of a face plate 100, a head main body 200, and a badge 300.

[0064] The face plate 100 is attached to a front side of the head main body 200.

[0065] The badge 300 is attached to a rear side of the head main body 200.Face Plate

[0066] The face plate 100 has a front surface 101 forming a part of the striking face 2, a rear surface 102 opposite to the front surface 101, and a side surface 103 connecting between the front surface 101 and the rear surface 102.

[0067] The face plate 100 has a contour shape such that a sweet spot, namely, the most effective striking position of the striking face 2, is included therein. In the present embodiment, in the front view as shown in FIG. 1, the contour shape of the face plate 100 falls within the contour line of the striking face 2.

[0068] The front surface 101 of the face plate is a flat surface except for the face lines 7.

[0069] The rear surface 102 of the face plate comprises a peripheral convex portion 104 extending along the outer periphery of the face plate 100 and protruding toward the rear side of the head.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the rear surface 104a of the peripheral convex portion 104 is formed as a flat surface parallel to the striking face 2 (namely, parallel to the face-plate front surface 101).

[0071] The peripheral convex portion 104 extends continuously and annularly along the outer periphery of the face plate 100.

[0072] As a result, the portion of the face plate 100 surrounded by the peripheral convex portion 104 is provided with a thin portion 105 having a relatively small thickness. Such thin portion 105 is easily elastically bent when hit by the ball, which enhances the rebound effect, therefore, helps to improve the flight distance of the struck ball.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the face plate 100 is made of a metal material. The metal material is not particularly limited, and various materials, e.g. titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, maraging steel and the like can be used. Particularly, titanium alloys having a high specific strength can be preferably used. Further, the face plate 100 may be formed from a fiber reinforced resin.

[0074] The thickness of the face plate 100, particularly, that of the thin portion 105 can be set in accordance with customary practice taking into account durability, rebound performance and the like.Head Main Body

[0075] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the head main body 200 has an opening O in which the face plate 100 is disposed.

[0076] The opening O penetrates the head main body 200 in the front-back direction of the head. Thus, the head main body 200 comprises a top portion 201, a toe portion 202, a sole portion 203 and a heel portion 204 which are arranged so as to surround the opening O.

[0077] The head main body 200 of the present embodiment is made of a metal material or metal materials. As the metallic materials, various materials, e.g. titanium, titanium alloys, stainless steel, maraging steel and the like can be used. In particular, metallic materials having a higher specific gravity than the material of the face plate 100 can be preferably used.

[0078] The head main body 200 of the present embodiment is made of stainless steel.

[0079] The top portion 201 is a frame portion extending in the toe-heel direction and including the top 3.

[0080] The sole portion 203 is a frame portion extending in the toe-heel direction and including the sole 4.

[0081] The toe portion 202 is a frame portion connecting between the top portion 201 and the sole portion 203 and including the toe T.

[0082] The heel portion 204 is a frame portion connecting between the top portion 201 and the sole portion 203 and including the heel H. The heel portion 204 is integrally formed with the hosel 5.Top Side Supporting Portion

[0083] FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a top-side portion of the golf club head 1 excluding the badge 300. FIG. 8 is a closeup of part VIII of FIG. 6.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the head main body 200 further comprises a top-side supporting portion 205 extending from the top portion 201 toward the lower side of the head.

[0085] The top side supporting portion 205 is located on the rear side of the striking face 2.

[0086] The top side supporting portion 205 has a supporting surface 206 contacting with and supporting the rear surface 104a of the peripheral convex portion 104 of the face plate 100.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the supporting surface 206 is a flat surface parallel to the striking face 2.

[0088] Similarly to the top portion 201 which is provided with the top side supporting portion 205 as described above, the toe portion 202, the sole portion 203 and the heel portion 204 of the head main body 200 are respectively provided with a toe-side supporting portion, a sole-side supporting portion and a heel-side supporting portion which each have a supporting surface contacting with and supporting the rear surface 104a of the peripheral convex portion 104 of the face plate 100 although not shown in detail in the drawings (the sole-side supporting portion (no reference number) is shown in FIG. 6).

[0089] Thus, the rear surface 104a of the peripheral convex portion 104 of the face plate 100 is supported by these supporting portions of the head main body 200 over its entire periphery.

[0090] Further, the side surface 103 of the face plate 100 is fitted to and supported by an inner peripheral surface 207 (FIG. 7) of a through-hole of the head main body 200 which defines the opening O.

[0091] The thin portion 105 of the face plate 100 is not supported by the head main body 200 to allow large elastic bending deformation.

[0092] In the present embodiment, after the face plate 100 is inserted into the opening O of the head main body 200, a striking face 2 side of the frame portion of the head main body 200 around the opening O is compressed to cause plastic deformation so as to form a locking portion 208 which locks the face plate 100 from the front surface 101 side.

[0093] Thus, the head main body 200 includes the locking portion 208.

[0094] The locking portion 208 in this example is formed around the entire periphery of the face plate 100.

[0095] In this manner, the face plate 100 of the present embodiment is firmly fixed to the head main body 200 by so-called crimping.

[0096] Incidentally, the face plate 100 and the head main body 200 may be fixed to each other by using an adhesive and / or a fastening member instead of crimping or in combination with crimping.

[0097] As described above, the assembly of the head main body 200 and the face plate 100 in the present embodiment (namely, the assembly without the badge 300) has a structure similar to the so-called cavity back structure in which the back face 6 is recessed.Extension Portion

[0098] The head main body 200 of the present embodiment comprises an extension portion 210 which is extended further downward from the top side supporting portion 205 and terminates to have a lower end 210e (FIG. 7). The extension portion 210 has a part which is located on the striking face 2 side of an virtual plane 206V defined as an extension of the supporting surface 206 which is extended parallel to the striking face 2 toward the lower side of the head. The extension portion 210 does not contact with the face plate 100 (particularly the thin portion 105 of the face plate 100), in other words, there is a gap therebetween.Badge

[0099] The badge 300 of the present embodiment is attached to the rear side of the head main body 200 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0100] The material of the badge 300 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the head main body 200 so as to minimize the increase in weight of the head 1 due to the inclusion of the badge 300.

[0101] The badge 300 of the present embodiment is made of a resin material so that the badge 300 does not become a substantive structural member which affects the rigidity of the head 1.

[0102] Incidentally, the badge 300 may be provided with various types of decorative paintings or markings.

[0103] The badge 300 of the present embodiment is disposed so as to cover the through-hole defining the opening O, of the head main body 200 from the rear side of the head.

[0104] The badge 300 of the present embodiment is disposed so as to span the top portion 201, the toe portion 202, the sole portion 203 and the heel portion 204 of the head main body 200. Thus, the badge 300 closes the opening on the rear side of the head main body 200, and the head 1 in the present embodiment has a closed hollow (i) between the face plate 100 and the badge 300 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the badge 300 has an outer surface 302 on the back face 6 side which smoothly extends between the top 3 and the sole 4 as shown in FIG. 6. Further, although not shown, the outer surface 302 smoothly extends between the toe T and the heel H. Thereby, the back view of the golf club head 1 according to the present embodiment does not look like a cavity back type head, but looks like a muscle back type head which is preferred by advanced golf players.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6, the badge 300 is not in contact with the face plate 100.

[0107] The upper portion 301 of the badge 300 is fixed to at least the extension portion 210.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the upper portion 301 of the badge 300 is fixed to the rear surface 210a of the extension portion 210 by the use of a double-sided adhesive tape 401, for example.

[0109] Further, the upper portion 301 of the badge 300 is fixed to the rear surface of the top-side supporting portion 205 by the use of a double-sided adhesive tape 402, for example.

[0110] Namely, the upper portion 301 of the badge 300 is fixed to both the extension portion 210 and the top side supporting portion 205. Thus, the badge 300 of the present embodiment can be secured to the head main body 200, on the top 3 side thereof, over a wider range in the up-down direction of the head.

[0111] The lower portion of the badge 300 is fixed to a rear surface of the sole portion 203 of the head main body 200 by the use of a double-sided adhesive tape 403.

[0112] In this example, the rear surface of the sole portion 203 is provided with a concave portion 209, and the lower portion of the badge 300 is fixed so as to fit into the concave portion 209 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0113] Although not shown in detail, but as can be understand from FIG. 5, the toe-side portion and heel-side portion of the badge 300 are also fixed to the rear surfaces of the toe portion 202 and heel portion 204 of the head main body 200 by the use of double-sided adhesive tapes.Functions of the Present Embodiment

[0114] In the golf club head 1 in the present embodiment configured as described above, as the badge 300 is fixed to the head main body 200 without contacting with the face plate 100, the badge 300 is not affected by the elastic bending deformation of the face plate 100 when hit by the ball. Therefore, the badge 300 can be effectively prevented from being damaged (for example, cracking) and detached from the head main body 200.

[0115] Further, since the head main body 200 is provided with the extension portion 210 extending further downward from the top side supporting portion 205, it is possible to secure a sufficient adhesive area between the badge 300 and the head main body 200.

[0116] The vertical dimension L (shown in FIG. 8) of the extension portion 210 is not particularly limited, but preferably set to not less than 3 mm, more preferably not less than 4 mm, still more preferably not less than 5 mm in order to more effectively enhance the above-mentioned effect. If the vertical dimension L of the extension portion 210 is excessively large, there is a possibility that the position of the center of gravity of the head becomes unfavorably high, therefore, the vertical dimension L is preferably not more than 10 mm, more preferably not more than 9 mm, still more preferably not more than 8 mm.

[0117] The provision of the extension portion 210 naturally adds its mass on the top 3 side of the head 1, and thereby, the position of the center of gravity of the head tends to become higher. As the extension portion 210 is arranged such that at least a part thereof is positioned on the striking face side of the virtual plane 206V, it also has the effect of shifting the center of gravity of the head toward the front side of the head.

[0118] In the golf club head 1 in the present embodiment, the position of the sweet spot can be prevented from becoming higher, and

[0119] the lower area of the striking face 2 in which the actual striking positions of the iron-type golf club head are mainly distributed, can be prevented from decreasing in rebound performance.

[0120] The amount of protrusion P (shown in FIG. 8) of the extension portion 210 from the virtual plane 206V toward the striking face 2 side is, for example, set to be not less than 0.3 mm, preferably not less than 0.4 mm in order to effectively enhance the above-mentioned action.

[0121] The upper limit of the amount of protrusion P is not particularly limited, and it may be appropriately determined within such a range that the face plate 100 causing elastic deformation when hit by the ball, does not come into contact with the extension portion 210.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a comparative example head A which has only the top-side supporting portion 205 on the top portion 201, and does not have the extension portion 210 as in the present embodiment (as indicated by an imaginary line).

[0123] Although such comparative example head A can prevent the center of gravity of the head from becoming high, it is not possible to ensure a sufficient adhesive area between the badge 300 and the top portion 201, which may cause the badge 300 to be detached early.

[0124] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of another comparative example head B, in which, instead of the extension portion 210 of the present embodiment as described above, an extension portion 210′ is provided on the top portion 201, which extends straight downward from the top side supporting portion 205 and has no portion located on the striking face 2 side of the virtual plane 206V.

[0125] In such comparative example head B, a large adhesive area can be secured by the extension portion 210′, but there is a possibility that the center of gravity of the head becomes higher, and the sweet spot will also become higher, as compared with the present embodiment.

[0126] The golf club head 1 in the present embodiment can solve the problems that the comparative example heads A and B shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 have.

[0127] Since the golf club head 1 in the present embodiment has a cavity back structure in substance, the head 1 provides excellent forgiveness for flight direction and the like of the ball on missed shots.

[0128] The badge 300 of the present embodiment can provide the back view of the head 1 with an appearance and design different from those of a cavity back type head, namely, an appearance and design of a muscle-back-type head, in the present embodiment. Therefore, the golf club head 1 in the present embodiment can achieve both the forgiveness when striking a ball and the head appearance preferred by advanced golf players, and can satisfy the needs of users who have such preferences.

[0129] Some preferred modifications of the golf club head 1 in the present embodiment will be described below.

[0130] The thickness of the extension portion 210 is defined as being measured in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 2 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0131] Such thickness of the extension portion 210 is preferably decreased towards the lower side of the head.

[0132] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the thickness is decreased towards the lower side of the head in a stepwise manner. More specifically, the extension portion 210 has different thicknesses t1, t2 and t3 from top to bottom which satisfy the relationship t1>t2>t3.

[0133] In this example, the thickness varies to have three different values, but it may vary to have two different values, for example.

[0134] By reducing the thickness of the extension portion 210 towards the lower side of the head, the weight of the extension portion 210 can be reduced as much as possible, and the tendency for the position of the center of gravity of the head to become higher can be suppressed.

[0135] The rear surface 210a of the extension portion 210 in the present embodiment includes stepped surfaces whose positions in the front-back direction are gradually shifted to the striking face 2 side while extending downward as a whole.

[0136] In the example shown in FIG. 8, three stepped surfaces which gradually shift to the striking face 2 side toward the lower side of the head are formed from the top-side supporting portion 205 to the extension portion 210. Such stepped surfaces can more effectively position the center of gravity of the head toward the front side, and effectively prevent the position of the sweet spot from becoming higher.

[0137] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional partial view of a golf club head in its vertical state showing a modified example of the extension portion. In this example, the thickness t of the extension portion 210 measured perpendicularly to the striking face 2 is decreased continuously toward the lower side of the head. Specifically, the rear surface 210a of the extension portion 210 is inclined toward the striking face 2 while extending downward. Thereby, the extension portion 210 tapers toward its lower end 210e. Such extension portion 210 can more effectively position the center of gravity of the head toward the front side, and effectively prevent the position of the sweet spot from becoming higher.

[0138] FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the head main body 200 in the vertical state. In this example, the extension portion 210 extends continuously in the toe-heel direction along the top portion 201.

[0139] Preferably, the extension portion 210 extends continuously over a range of not less than 80%, more preferably not less than 90% of the dimension W of the formation range of the face lines 7. Such extension portion 210 can secure a large adhesive area between the badge 300 and the head main body 200 which is continuous over a wide range in the toe-heel direction, and can improve the resistance to detachment of the badge 300.

[0140] FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the head main body 200 in the vertical state, showing another example of the extension portion 210.

[0141] In this example, the extension portion 210 is divided into a toe-side extension portion 210t and a heel-side extension portion 210h which are spaced apart from each other in the toe-heel direction of the head.

[0142] Between the toe-side extension portion 210t and the heel-side extension portion 210h, there is formed no extension portion 210.

[0143] Such extension portion 210 can distribute its weight intensively to the toe side and heel side of the head main body 200, while ensuring a sufficient adhesive area with the badge 300. Therefore, the extension portion 210 in this example can provide an advantage of increasing the moment of inertia about the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of the head 1.

[0144] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the head main body 200 in the vertical state, showing another example of the extension portion 210.

[0145] In this example, the extension portion 210 extends continuously in the toe-heel direction as shown in FIG. 14, and the vertical dimension L of the extension portion 210 is larger on the toe side than on the heel side.

[0146] Such extension portion 210 can distribute more weight to the toe side of the head main body 200 while ensuring a sufficient adhesive area with the badge 300. This helps to shift the center of gravity of the head toward the toe. In this example, the dimension L in the vertical direction, of the extension portion 210 is increased continuously from the heel side to the toe side. But, the dimension L may be increased in a stepwise manner.

[0147] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the head main body 200 in the vertical state, showing another example of the extension portion 210.

[0148] In this example, the extension portion 210 extends continuously in the toe-heel direction as shown in FIG. 15, and the vertical dimension L of the extension portion 210 is larger on the heel side than on the toe side.

[0149] Such extension portion 210 can distribute more weight to the heel side of the head main body 200 while ensuring a sufficient adhesive area with the badge 300. This helps to shift the center of gravity of the head toward the heel. In this example, the dimension L in the vertical direction, of the extension portion 210 is increased continuously from the toe side to the heel side. But, the dimension L may be increased in a stepwise manner.

[0150] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the head main body 200 in the vertical state, showing another example of the extension portion 210.

[0151] In this example, the extension portion 210 extends continuously in the toe-heel direction as shown in FIG. 16. Specifically, the extension portion 210 in this example includes a toe-side extension portion 210t, a heel-side extension portion 210h, and a middle extension portion 210m located therebetween.

[0152] The vertical dimension Lt of the toe-side extension portion 210t and the vertical dimension Lh of the heel-side extension portion 210h are larger than the vertical dimension Lm (Lm>0) of the intermediate extension portion 210m.

[0153] The length in the toe-heel direction of the extension portion 210 is larger on the toe-side portion and the heel-side portion than on the intermediate portion therebetween.

[0154] Such extension portion 210 can distribute its weight intensively to the toe side and heel side of the head main body 200 while ensuring a sufficient adhesive area with the badge 300. Therefore, the extension portion 210 provides an advantage of increasing the moment of inertia about the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of the head 1.

[0155] While detailed description has been made of preferable embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms without being limited to the illustrated embodiments.Statement of the Present Disclosure

[0156] The present disclosure is as follows.[Present Disclosure 1]

[0157] A golf club head comprises: a head main body having a top portion; a badge attached to a rear side of the head main body; and a face plate attached to a front side of the head main body, the face plate having a front surface constituting a part of a ball striking face and a rear surface opposite to the front surface,

[0158] the face plate having a front surface constituting a part of a ball striking face, and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, wherein

[0159] the rear surface is provided with a peripheral convex portion protruding toward the rear side of the head and extending along the outer periphery of the face plate, and

[0160] the head main body includes: an opening in which the face plate is disposed; a top-side supporting portion extending from the top portion toward the lower side of the head and having a supporting surface contacting with and supporting a rear surface of the peripheral convex portion; and an extension portion extending further downward from the top-side supporting portion, wherein

[0161] at least a part of the extension portion is located on the striking face side of an imaginary plane which is an extension of the supporting surface extended toward the lower side of the head along the striking face,

[0162] the extension portion is not in contact with the face plate,

[0163] the badge is not in contact with the face plate, and

[0164] an upper portion of the badge is fixed to at least the extension portion.[Present Disclosure 2]

[0165] The golf club head according to Present Disclosure 1, wherein the upper portion of the badge is fixed to the top side supporting portion in addition to the extension portion.[Present Disclosure 3]

[0166] The golf club head according to Present Disclosure 1 or 2, wherein a thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is decreased toward the lower side of the head.[present Disclosure 4]

[0167] The golf club head according to Present Disclosure 1, 2 or 3, wherein the rear surface of the extension portion includes stepped surfaces gradually shifted to the striking face side toward the lower side of the head.[Present Disclosure 5]

[0168] The golf club head according to Present Disclosure 1, 2 or 3, wherein a thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is continuously decreased toward the lower side of the head.[Present Disclosure 6]

[0169] The golf club head according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 5, wherein the extension portion extends continuously in a toe-heel direction of the head along the top portion.[Present Disclosure 7]

[0170] The golf club head according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 5, wherein the extension portion includes a toe-side extension portion and a heel-side extension portion which are separated apart from each other.[Present Disclosure 8]

[0171] The golf club head according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 6, wherein the extension portion has a dimension measured in an up-down direction of the head along the striking face which is greater on a toe side than on a heel side.[Present Disclosure 9]

[0172] The golf club head according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 6, wherein the extension portion has a dimension measured in an up-down direction of the head along the striking face which is greater on a heel side than on a toe side.[Present Disclosure 10]

[0173] The golf club head according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 6, wherein the extension portion has a dimension measured in an up-down direction of the head along the striking face which is greater on a heel side and a toe side than in an intermediate portion therebetween.[Present Disclosure 11]

[0174] The golf club head according to any one of Present Disclosures 1 to 10 which is an iron type golf club head for an iron club.DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SIGNS1 golf club head

[0176] 2 striking face

[0177] 3 top

[0178] 100 face plate

[0179] 101 front surface of face plate

[0180] 102 rear surface of face plate

[0181] 104 peripheral convex portion

[0182] 104a rear surface

[0183] 200 head main body

[0184] 201 top portion

[0185] 205 top-side supporting portion

[0186] 206 supporting surface

[0187] 206V virtual plane

[0188] 210 extension portion

[0189] 210a rear surface of extension portion

[0190] 300 badge

[0191] O opening

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:a head main body having a top portion;a badge attached to a rear side of the head main body; anda face plate attached to a front side of the head main body, the face plate having a front surface constituting a part of a ball striking face, and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, whereinthe rear surface is provided with a peripheral convex portion protruding toward the rear side of the head and extending along the outer periphery of the face plate, andthe head main body includes: an opening in which the face plate is disposed; a top-side supporting portion extending from the top portion toward the lower side of the head and having a supporting surface contacting with and supporting a rear surface of the peripheral convex portion; and an extension portion extending further downward from the top-side supporting portion, whereinat least a part of the extension portion is located on the striking face side of an imaginary plane which is an extension of the supporting surface extended toward the lower side of the head along the striking face,the extension portion is not in contact with the face plate,the badge is not in contact with the face plate, andan upper portion of the badge is fixed to at least the extension portion.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe upper portion of the badge is fixed to the top side supporting portion in addition to the extension portion.

3. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereina thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is decreased toward the lower side of the head.

4. The golf club head according to claim 2, whereina thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is decreased toward the lower side of the head.

5. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe rear surface of the extension portion includes stepped surfaces gradually shifted to the striking face side toward the lower side of the head.

6. The golf club head according to claim 2, whereinthe rear surface of the extension portion includes stepped surfaces gradually shifted to the striking face side toward the lower side of the head.

7. The golf club head according to claim 3, whereinthe rear surface of the extension portion includes stepped surfaces gradually shifted to the striking face side toward the lower side of the head.

8. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereina thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is continuously decreased toward the lower side of the head.

9. The golf club head according to claim 2, whereina thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is continuously decreased toward the lower side of the head.

10. The golf club head according to claim 3, whereina thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is continuously decreased toward the lower side of the head.

11. The golf club head according to claim 5, whereina thickness of the extension portion measured perpendicularly to the striking face is continuously decreased toward the lower side of the head.

12. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe extension portion extends continuously in a toe-heel direction of the head along the top portion.

13. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe extension portion includes a toe-side extension portion and a heel-side extension portion which are separated apart from each other.

14. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe extension portion has a dimension measured in an up-down direction of the head along the striking face which is greater on a toe side than on a heel side.

15. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe extension portion has a dimension measured in an up-down direction of the head along the striking face which is greater on a heel side than on a toe side.

16. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe extension portion has a dimension measured in an up-down direction of the head along the striking face which is greater on a heel side and a toe side than in an intermediate portion therebetween.

17. The golf club head according to claim 1 which is an iron type golf club head for an iron club.

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