Golf club head

Abstract

A golf club head includes: a face formed of a metal; a sole formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; a crown formed of the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; and a first weight member. The golf club head is hollow and has a volume ranging from 400 cc to 460 cc, inclusive. The sole includes a region that overlaps a lower portion of the face. The first weight member is detachably fixed, through a through-hole formed in the region, to a weight mounting portion disposed on the face close to the sole.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-224085 filed on December 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a golf club head.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] It has been proposed to use a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin for a sole and / or a crown in wood-type golf club heads. The freed-up mass resulting from using the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin for the sole and / or the crown is redistributed, for example, to desired positions within the golf club heads, thereby contributing to improved performance of the golf club heads.

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a demand for making the center of gravity adjustable in wood-type golf club heads. However, when the sole is formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, it is difficult to provide a mechanism for adjusting a position of the center of gravity in the sole. See Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2023-063587.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure provides both improved performance of a golf club head through redistribution of freed-up mass, and adjustability of a position of the center of gravity.

[0006] A golf club head according to the present disclosure includes: a face formed of a metal; a sole formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; a crown formed of the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; and a first weight member, in which the golf club head is hollow and has a volume ranging from 400 cc to 460 cc, inclusive, the sole includes a region that overlaps a lower portion of the face, and the first weight member is detachably fixed, through a through-hole formed in the region, to a weight mounting portion disposed on the face close to the sole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a golf club head 1 according to a first embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment without a crown;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a body included in a golf club head according to a present embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a first weight member included in the golf club head according to a present embodiment; and

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a second weight member included in the golf club head according to a present embodiment.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components are denoted by the same reference signs throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.First Embodiment

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a golf club head 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment without a crown. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a body included in a golf club head according to a present embodiment.

[0017] In FIG. 1, arrows d1, d2, and d3 indicate a toe-heel direction (lateral direction), a crown-sole direction (vertical direction), and a face-back direction (depth direction), respectively. The same directions may also be indicated in other drawings as necessary.

[0018] The crown-sole direction refers to the vertical direction with respect to a horizontal plane when the golf club head 1 is placed in accordance with a specified lie angle and a specified loft angle. The crown-sole direction is substantially perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and the face-back direction. The toe-heel direction and the face-back direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. Note that a view along the crown-sole direction may be referred to as a plan view in some cases.

[0019] The golf club head 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is a wood-type golf club head, such as a driver. The golf club head 1 is a hollow golf club head having a volume ranging from 400cc to 460cc, inclusive. In some cases, a surface facing the hollow of the golf club head 1 is referred to as an inner surface, and a surface located opposite to the hollow is referred to as an outer surface.

[0020] The golf club head 1 includes a face 10, a sole 40, a crown 50, a first weight member 60, and optionally a second weight member 70.

[0021] The face 10 has a body 20 and a striking part 30. The body 20 has an opening 20x directed toward the face and extends downward toward the sole 40 and upward toward the crown 50. A hosel 21 is provided at the body 20. The hosel 21 is a part to which a shaft is connected.

[0022] The striking part 30 is a flat and rigid member fixed in the opening 20x of the body 20. The striking part 30 can be fixed in the opening 20x of the body 20, for example, by welding or bonding. The striking part 30 has a striking face 30f for striking a ball and a back face 30h which is a face opposite to the striking face 30f. The striking part 30 has a predetermined thickness. The striking face 30f is an outer face of the striking part 30, and the back face 30h is an inner surface of the striking part 30.

[0023] The face 10 is formed of, for example, a metal. The face 10 can be formed of, for example, a metal having a specific gravity ranging from four to six, inclusive. Examples of the metal forming the face 10 include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron-based metal, magnesium, and magnesium alloy. In the face 10, the body 20 and the striking part 30 may be formed of the same material or different materials.

[0024] The sole 40 is a part that mainly forms the bottom of the golf club head 1. The body 20 includes a step 22 for joining the sole 40. The step 22 is recessed toward the hollow of the golf club head 1, relative to the periphery. The sole 40 can be joined to the step 22 of the body 20, for example, by an adhesive.

[0025] A crown 50 is a part forming the top of the golf club head 1. The body 20 includes a step 23 for joining the crown 50. The step 23 is recessed toward the hollow of the golf club head 1, relative to the periphery. The sole 40 has a bend 45 for joining the crown 50. The crown 50 can be joined to the step 23 of the body 20 and the bend 45 of the sole 40, for example, by an adhesive. That is, the sole 40 and the crown 50 can be directly bonded without a metal member.

[0026] The sole 40 and the crown 50 are formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin. The sole 40 and the crown 50 can be formed of a material having a specific gravity ranging from one to two, inclusive. The carbon-fiber-reinforced resin is a composite material of carbon fibers, which are reinforcing members, and a resin. Examples of the resin forming the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin include, but are not limited to, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyester resin, and a polycarbonate resin.

[0027] By forming the sole 40 and the crown 50 with the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, the weights of the sole 40 and the crown 50 can be reduced compared with the case where the sole 40 and the crown 50 are formed of a metal, resulting in freed-up mass. Therefore, the freed-up mass can be distributed to an optimum position of the golf club head 1. The sole 40 and the crown 50 can be formed of, for example, carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets. The sole 40 and the crown 50 may be formed of laminated carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets.

[0028] For example, the sole 40 and the crown 50 are produced as follows: a pre-impregnated material (prepreg material), in which carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets are laminated, is prepared; this prepreg material is attached to a mold to form original forms of the sole 40 and the crown 50; and the original forms of the sole 40 and the crown 50 are heated. As a result, the epoxy resin or the like, which serves as a matrix resin in the prepreg material, is thermally cured, thereby completing the sole 40 and the crown 50.

[0029] The sole 40 has a region R that overlaps a lower portion of the face 10. The region R is a portion of the sole 40 positioned on the step 22. The first weight member 60 is detachably fixed to, through a through-hole 40x formed in the region R of the sole 40, a weight mounting portion 24 disposed on the face 10 close to the sole 40.

[0030] The sole 40 and the crown 50 form partially the contour of the golf club head 1.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a first weight member included in a golf club head according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a first weight member 60 is, for example, elongated. The first weight member 60 has, for example, a first columnar portion 60a and a second columnar portion 60b provided on one side of the first columnar portion 60a. The second columnar portion 60b has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first columnar portion 60a and is provided concentrically with the first columnar portion 60a. The diameters of the first columnar portion 60a and the second columnar portion 60b range from, for example, 6.6mm to 12 mm, inclusive. The axial length of the first weight member 60 ranges from, for example, 8mm to 13 mm, inclusive.

[0032] The first weight member 60 can be formed of, for example, a material having a specific gravity ranging from 2.7 to 14, inclusive. Specifically, the first weight member 60 can be formed of a metal. Examples of the metal forming the first weight member 60 include, but are not limited to, iron, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, and a tungsten alloy. The weight of the first weight member 60 preferably ranges from 2g to 12g, inclusive. When the weight of the first weight member 60 is 2g or more, the effect of providing the first weight member 60 can be sufficiently demonstrated. When the weight of the first weight member 60 is 12g or less, the overall weight of the golf club head 1 can be reduced.

[0033] A groove, for example, a hexagonal groove is formed in an end face of the first columnar portion 60a. A male thread is formed on a portion of the outer periphery of the second columnar portion 60b. A weight mounting portion 24 has a cylindrical portion into which the first weight member 60 can be inserted, and a female thread is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion. The first weight member 60 can be rotated by fitting a tip of a hexagonal wrench or the like into the groove of the first columnar portion 60a, and the male thread of the second columnar portion 60b can be fastened to the female thread of the weight mounting portion 24. Thus, the first weight member 60 is detachably fixed to the weight mounting portion 24.

[0034] The golf club head 1 has at least one first weight member 60 and may have a plurality of the first weight members 60. In the illustrated example, the golf club head 1 has two first weight members 60, and two weight mounting portions 24 are correspondingly disposed on the face 10 close to the sole 40.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of first weight members 60 can be disposed, in plan view, on opposite sides with respect to an imaginary line V that is perpendicular to the striking face 30f of the face 10 and passes through the center of gravity of the striking face 30f. For example, in a case where two first weight members 60 are disposed, the first weight members 60 can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line V in plan view. In a case where only one first weight member 60 is disposed, the first weight member 60 can be disposed at a position on the imaginary line V in plan view.

[0036] The plurality of first weight members 60 can be disposed parallel to, for example, the toe-heel direction in plan view. For example, in a case where two first weight members 60 are disposed, the direction of the disposition is defined by a straight line connecting the centers of the end faces of the first weight members 60 in plan view. Herein, the term parallel is intended to encompass an allowable deviation of ±10 degrees.

[0037] Thus, the golf club head 1 is structured such that the face 10, formed of a metal, close to the sole 40 is extended toward the sole 40 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, and the sole 40 has the region R overlapping the lower portion of the face 10 close to the sole 40. With such a structure, it is possible to secure a sufficient space on the face 10 close to the sole 40 to dispose the weight mounting portion 24.

[0038] That is, disposing the weight mounting portion 24 on the sole 40 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin is technically challenging in terms of manufacturing processes and production lead time. However, by adopting the structure described above, it is possible to use the sole 40 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin as well as dispose the weight mounting portion 24. And, by detachably fixing the first weight member 60, which provides the required weight, to the weight mounting portion 24, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 1 can be adjusted.

[0039] In particular, by disposing the plurality of weight mounting portions 24 on the face 10 close to the sole 40 and detachably fixing the first weight members 60, which provide the required weight, to the respective weight mounting portions 24, the degree of freedom in adjusting the center of gravity of the golf club head 1 is increased. In this case, a plurality of first weight members 60 having different specific gravities may be detachably fixed to the respective weight mounting portions 24. In addition, the position of the center of gravity in the toe-heel direction can be adjusted by disposing the plurality of first weight members 60 on opposite sides with respect to the imaginary line V that is perpendicular to the striking face 30f of the face 10 and passes through the center of gravity of the striking face 30f in plan view.

[0040] In the golf club head 1, the use of the sole 40 and the crown 50 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin allows mass to be freed up. The performance of the golf club head 1 can be improved by optimally redistributing the resulting freed-up mass. For example, the golf club head 1 can have a second weight member 70.

[0041] The second weight member 70 is fixed to the sole 40 close to the back. For example, the second weight member 70 can be fixed to the sole 40 close to the back by screwing using a screw 80 from the inner surface of the sole 40. The second weight member 70 may be fixed to the sole 40 close to the back by screwing and bonding.

[0042] The second weight member 70 can serve as a part of the design of the golf club head 1, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing. For example, the second weight member 70 and the sole 40 and / or the crown 50 may be colored differently to create a unique design.

[0043] The second weight member 70 has a higher specific gravity than the face 10, the sole 40, and the crown 50. For example, the second weight member 70 can be formed of a material having a specific gravity ranging from7 to 14, inclusive. Specifically, the second weight member 70 can be formed of a metal. Examples of the metal forming the second weight member 70 include, but are not limited to, iron, tungsten, and a tungsten alloy. The weight of the second weight member 70 preferably ranges from 6g to 12g, inclusive. When the weight of the second weight member 70 is 6 g or more, the effect of providing the second weight member 70 can be sufficiently demonstrated. When the weight of the second weight member 70 is 12g or less, the overall weight of the golf club head 1 can be reduced.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a second weight member included in a golf club head according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second weight member 70 preferably has two or more female-threaded holes 70x. Accordingly, it becomes possible to firmly fix the second weight member 70 to the sole 40 close to the back as well as prevent rotation of the second weight member 70. In the manufacturing process of the golf club head 1, the second weight member 70 can be fixed to the outer surface of the sole 40 by screwing screws 80 into the respective female-threaded holes 70x from the inner surface of the sole 40 before the sole 40 joins the face 10 and the crown 50.

[0045] Thus, in the golf club head 1, the depth of the center of gravity can be increased by fixing the second weight member 70 to the sole 40 close to the back. This facilitates a ball to be easily raised after the ball is struck. Also, the moment of inertia can be increased by fixing the second weight member 70 to the sole 40 close to the back. As a result, the golf club head 1 is less rotated even if the sweet spot is missed at the time of striking, thereby reducing shot curvature and minimizing distance loss.

[0046] For example, in the golf club head 1, the height of the center of gravity can range from 26 mm to 29 mm, inclusive, and the depth of the center of gravity can range from 32 mm to 34mm, inclusive. The moment of inertia in the face-back direction can range from 2,800g·cm2 to 3,100g·cm2 inclusive, and the moment of inertia in the toe-heel direction can range from 4,500g·cm2 to 4,800g·cm2, inclusive. The distance of the center of gravity can range from 38 mm to 40mm, inclusive, and the angle of the center of gravity can range from 24 degrees to 26 degrees, inclusive.

[0047] In the golf club head 1, the second weight member 70 is screwed from the inner surface of the sole 40. With such a structure, the screw is not visible from the outside so that the external appearance remains intact.

[0048] According to the disclosed technique, it is possible to provide both improved performance of a golf club head through redistribution of freed weight, as well as adjustability of the center of gravity.

[0049] The preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, but are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of claims.

[0050] For example, the golf club head 1 may include an abutment portion 90 that is in contact with the back face 30h of the striking part 30. The abutment portion 90 enables reinforcement of the striking part 30, adjustment of the rigidity distribution, and the like. Moreover, a sleeve 100 may be housed in the hosel 21. By housing the sleeve 100, the shaft axis becomes inclined with respect to the center axis of the hosel 21. Accordingly, the lie angle and the face angle can be adjusted by rotating the sleeve 100 around its axis to change the fitting position with respect to the hosel 21.

Examples

first embodiment

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a golf club head 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment without a crown. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a body included in a golf club head according to a present embodiment.

[0017]In FIG. 1, arrows d1, d2, and d3 indicate a toe-heel direction (lateral direction), a crown-sole direction (vertical direction), and a face-back direction (depth direction), respectively. The same directions may also be indicated in other drawings as necessary.

[0018] The crown-sole ...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-224085 filed on December 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a golf club head.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] It has been proposed to use a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin for a sole and / or a crown in wood-type golf club heads. The freed-up mass resulting from using the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin for the sole and / or the crown is redistributed, for example, to desired positions within the golf club heads, thereby contributing to improved performance of the golf club heads.

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a demand for making the center of gravity adjustable in wood-type golf club heads. However, when the sole is formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, it is difficult to provide a mechanism for adjusting a position of the center of gravity in the sole. See Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2023-063587.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure provides both improved performance of a golf club head through redistribution of freed-up mass, and adjustability of a position of the center of gravity.

[0006] A golf club head according to the present disclosure includes: a face formed of a metal; a sole formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; a crown formed of the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; and a first weight member, in which the golf club head is hollow and has a volume ranging from 400 cc to 460 cc, inclusive, the sole includes a region that overlaps a lower portion of the face, and the first weight member is detachably fixed, through a through-hole formed in the region, to a weight mounting portion disposed on the face close to the sole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a golf club head 1 according to a first embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment without a crown;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a body included in a golf club head according to a present embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a first weight member included in the golf club head according to a present embodiment; and

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a second weight member included in the golf club head according to a present embodiment.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components are denoted by the same reference signs throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.First Embodiment

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a golf club head 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment without a crown. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a body included in a golf club head according to a present embodiment.

[0017] In FIG. 1, arrows d1, d2, and d3 indicate a toe-heel direction (lateral direction), a crown-sole direction (vertical direction), and a face-back direction (depth direction), respectively. The same directions may also be indicated in other drawings as necessary.

[0018] The crown-sole direction refers to the vertical direction with respect to a horizontal plane when the golf club head 1 is placed in accordance with a specified lie angle and a specified loft angle. The crown-sole direction is substantially perpendicular to the toe-heel direction and the face-back direction. The toe-heel direction and the face-back direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. Note that a view along the crown-sole direction may be referred to as a plan view in some cases.

[0019] The golf club head 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is a wood-type golf club head, such as a driver. The golf club head 1 is a hollow golf club head having a volume ranging from 400cc to 460cc, inclusive. In some cases, a surface facing the hollow of the golf club head 1 is referred to as an inner surface, and a surface located opposite to the hollow is referred to as an outer surface.

[0020] The golf club head 1 includes a face 10, a sole 40, a crown 50, a first weight member 60, and optionally a second weight member 70.

[0021] The face 10 has a body 20 and a striking part 30. The body 20 has an opening 20x directed toward the face and extends downward toward the sole 40 and upward toward the crown 50. A hosel 21 is provided at the body 20. The hosel 21 is a part to which a shaft is connected.

[0022] The striking part 30 is a flat and rigid member fixed in the opening 20x of the body 20. The striking part 30 can be fixed in the opening 20x of the body 20, for example, by welding or bonding. The striking part 30 has a striking face 30f for striking a ball and a back face 30h which is a face opposite to the striking face 30f. The striking part 30 has a predetermined thickness. The striking face 30f is an outer face of the striking part 30, and the back face 30h is an inner surface of the striking part 30.

[0023] The face 10 is formed of, for example, a metal. The face 10 can be formed of, for example, a metal having a specific gravity ranging from four to six, inclusive. Examples of the metal forming the face 10 include, but are not limited to, titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron-based metal, magnesium, and magnesium alloy. In the face 10, the body 20 and the striking part 30 may be formed of the same material or different materials.

[0024] The sole 40 is a part that mainly forms the bottom of the golf club head 1. The body 20 includes a step 22 for joining the sole 40. The step 22 is recessed toward the hollow of the golf club head 1, relative to the periphery. The sole 40 can be joined to the step 22 of the body 20, for example, by an adhesive.

[0025] A crown 50 is a part forming the top of the golf club head 1. The body 20 includes a step 23 for joining the crown 50. The step 23 is recessed toward the hollow of the golf club head 1, relative to the periphery. The sole 40 has a bend 45 for joining the crown 50. The crown 50 can be joined to the step 23 of the body 20 and the bend 45 of the sole 40, for example, by an adhesive. That is, the sole 40 and the crown 50 can be directly bonded without a metal member.

[0026] The sole 40 and the crown 50 are formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin. The sole 40 and the crown 50 can be formed of a material having a specific gravity ranging from one to two, inclusive. The carbon-fiber-reinforced resin is a composite material of carbon fibers, which are reinforcing members, and a resin. Examples of the resin forming the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin include, but are not limited to, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyester resin, and a polycarbonate resin.

[0027] By forming the sole 40 and the crown 50 with the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, the weights of the sole 40 and the crown 50 can be reduced compared with the case where the sole 40 and the crown 50 are formed of a metal, resulting in freed-up mass. Therefore, the freed-up mass can be distributed to an optimum position of the golf club head 1. The sole 40 and the crown 50 can be formed of, for example, carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets. The sole 40 and the crown 50 may be formed of laminated carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets.

[0028] For example, the sole 40 and the crown 50 are produced as follows: a pre-impregnated material (prepreg material), in which carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets are laminated, is prepared; this prepreg material is attached to a mold to form original forms of the sole 40 and the crown 50; and the original forms of the sole 40 and the crown 50 are heated. As a result, the epoxy resin or the like, which serves as a matrix resin in the prepreg material, is thermally cured, thereby completing the sole 40 and the crown 50.

[0029] The sole 40 has a region R that overlaps a lower portion of the face 10. The region R is a portion of the sole 40 positioned on the step 22. The first weight member 60 is detachably fixed to, through a through-hole 40x formed in the region R of the sole 40, a weight mounting portion 24 disposed on the face 10 close to the sole 40.

[0030] The sole 40 and the crown 50 form partially the contour of the golf club head 1.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a first weight member included in a golf club head according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a first weight member 60 is, for example, elongated. The first weight member 60 has, for example, a first columnar portion 60a and a second columnar portion 60b provided on one side of the first columnar portion 60a. The second columnar portion 60b has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first columnar portion 60a and is provided concentrically with the first columnar portion 60a. The diameters of the first columnar portion 60a and the second columnar portion 60b range from, for example, 6.6mm to 12 mm, inclusive. The axial length of the first weight member 60 ranges from, for example, 8mm to 13 mm, inclusive.

[0032] The first weight member 60 can be formed of, for example, a material having a specific gravity ranging from 2.7 to 14, inclusive. Specifically, the first weight member 60 can be formed of a metal. Examples of the metal forming the first weight member 60 include, but are not limited to, iron, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, and a tungsten alloy. The weight of the first weight member 60 preferably ranges from 2g to 12g, inclusive. When the weight of the first weight member 60 is 2g or more, the effect of providing the first weight member 60 can be sufficiently demonstrated. When the weight of the first weight member 60 is 12g or less, the overall weight of the golf club head 1 can be reduced.

[0033] A groove, for example, a hexagonal groove is formed in an end face of the first columnar portion 60a. A male thread is formed on a portion of the outer periphery of the second columnar portion 60b. A weight mounting portion 24 has a cylindrical portion into which the first weight member 60 can be inserted, and a female thread is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion. The first weight member 60 can be rotated by fitting a tip of a hexagonal wrench or the like into the groove of the first columnar portion 60a, and the male thread of the second columnar portion 60b can be fastened to the female thread of the weight mounting portion 24. Thus, the first weight member 60 is detachably fixed to the weight mounting portion 24.

[0034] The golf club head 1 has at least one first weight member 60 and may have a plurality of the first weight members 60. In the illustrated example, the golf club head 1 has two first weight members 60, and two weight mounting portions 24 are correspondingly disposed on the face 10 close to the sole 40.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of first weight members 60 can be disposed, in plan view, on opposite sides with respect to an imaginary line V that is perpendicular to the striking face 30f of the face 10 and passes through the center of gravity of the striking face 30f. For example, in a case where two first weight members 60 are disposed, the first weight members 60 can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line V in plan view. In a case where only one first weight member 60 is disposed, the first weight member 60 can be disposed at a position on the imaginary line V in plan view.

[0036] The plurality of first weight members 60 can be disposed parallel to, for example, the toe-heel direction in plan view. For example, in a case where two first weight members 60 are disposed, the direction of the disposition is defined by a straight line connecting the centers of the end faces of the first weight members 60 in plan view. Herein, the term parallel is intended to encompass an allowable deviation of ±10 degrees.

[0037] Thus, the golf club head 1 is structured such that the face 10, formed of a metal, close to the sole 40 is extended toward the sole 40 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, and the sole 40 has the region R overlapping the lower portion of the face 10 close to the sole 40. With such a structure, it is possible to secure a sufficient space on the face 10 close to the sole 40 to dispose the weight mounting portion 24.

[0038] That is, disposing the weight mounting portion 24 on the sole 40 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin is technically challenging in terms of manufacturing processes and production lead time. However, by adopting the structure described above, it is possible to use the sole 40 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin as well as dispose the weight mounting portion 24. And, by detachably fixing the first weight member 60, which provides the required weight, to the weight mounting portion 24, the position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 1 can be adjusted.

[0039] In particular, by disposing the plurality of weight mounting portions 24 on the face 10 close to the sole 40 and detachably fixing the first weight members 60, which provide the required weight, to the respective weight mounting portions 24, the degree of freedom in adjusting the center of gravity of the golf club head 1 is increased. In this case, a plurality of first weight members 60 having different specific gravities may be detachably fixed to the respective weight mounting portions 24. In addition, the position of the center of gravity in the toe-heel direction can be adjusted by disposing the plurality of first weight members 60 on opposite sides with respect to the imaginary line V that is perpendicular to the striking face 30f of the face 10 and passes through the center of gravity of the striking face 30f in plan view.

[0040] In the golf club head 1, the use of the sole 40 and the crown 50 formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin allows mass to be freed up. The performance of the golf club head 1 can be improved by optimally redistributing the resulting freed-up mass. For example, the golf club head 1 can have a second weight member 70.

[0041] The second weight member 70 is fixed to the sole 40 close to the back. For example, the second weight member 70 can be fixed to the sole 40 close to the back by screwing using a screw 80 from the inner surface of the sole 40. The second weight member 70 may be fixed to the sole 40 close to the back by screwing and bonding.

[0042] The second weight member 70 can serve as a part of the design of the golf club head 1, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing. For example, the second weight member 70 and the sole 40 and / or the crown 50 may be colored differently to create a unique design.

[0043] The second weight member 70 has a higher specific gravity than the face 10, the sole 40, and the crown 50. For example, the second weight member 70 can be formed of a material having a specific gravity ranging from7 to 14, inclusive. Specifically, the second weight member 70 can be formed of a metal. Examples of the metal forming the second weight member 70 include, but are not limited to, iron, tungsten, and a tungsten alloy. The weight of the second weight member 70 preferably ranges from 6g to 12g, inclusive. When the weight of the second weight member 70 is 6 g or more, the effect of providing the second weight member 70 can be sufficiently demonstrated. When the weight of the second weight member 70 is 12g or less, the overall weight of the golf club head 1 can be reduced.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a second weight member included in a golf club head according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second weight member 70 preferably has two or more female-threaded holes 70x. Accordingly, it becomes possible to firmly fix the second weight member 70 to the sole 40 close to the back as well as prevent rotation of the second weight member 70. In the manufacturing process of the golf club head 1, the second weight member 70 can be fixed to the outer surface of the sole 40 by screwing screws 80 into the respective female-threaded holes 70x from the inner surface of the sole 40 before the sole 40 joins the face 10 and the crown 50.

[0045] Thus, in the golf club head 1, the depth of the center of gravity can be increased by fixing the second weight member 70 to the sole 40 close to the back. This facilitates a ball to be easily raised after the ball is struck. Also, the moment of inertia can be increased by fixing the second weight member 70 to the sole 40 close to the back. As a result, the golf club head 1 is less rotated even if the sweet spot is missed at the time of striking, thereby reducing shot curvature and minimizing distance loss.

[0046] For example, in the golf club head 1, the height of the center of gravity can range from 26 mm to 29 mm, inclusive, and the depth of the center of gravity can range from 32 mm to 34mm, inclusive. The moment of inertia in the face-back direction can range from 2,800g·cm2 to 3,100g·cm2 inclusive, and the moment of inertia in the toe-heel direction can range from 4,500g·cm2 to 4,800g·cm2, inclusive. The distance of the center of gravity can range from 38 mm to 40mm, inclusive, and the angle of the center of gravity can range from 24 degrees to 26 degrees, inclusive.

[0047] In the golf club head 1, the second weight member 70 is screwed from the inner surface of the sole 40. With such a structure, the screw is not visible from the outside so that the external appearance remains intact.

[0048] According to the disclosed technique, it is possible to provide both improved performance of a golf club head through redistribution of freed weight, as well as adjustability of the center of gravity.

[0049] The preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, but are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of claims.

[0050] For example, the golf club head 1 may include an abutment portion 90 that is in contact with the back face 30h of the striking part 30. The abutment portion 90 enables reinforcement of the striking part 30, adjustment of the rigidity distribution, and the like. Moreover, a sleeve 100 may be housed in the hosel 21. By housing the sleeve 100, the shaft axis becomes inclined with respect to the center axis of the hosel 21. Accordingly, the lie angle and the face angle can be adjusted by rotating the sleeve 100 around its axis to change the fitting position with respect to the hosel 21.

Examples

first embodiment

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a golf club head 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment without a crown. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating, as an example, the golf club head 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating, as an example, a body included in a golf club head according to a present embodiment.

[0017]In FIG. 1, arrows d1, d2, and d3 indicate a toe-heel direction (lateral direction), a crown-sole direction (vertical direction), and a face-back direction (depth direction), respectively. The same directions may also be indicated in other drawings as necessary.

[0018] The crown-sole ...

Claims

1. A golf club head, comprising: a face formed of a metal;a sole formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin;a crown formed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin; anda first weight member, whereinthe golf club head is hollow and has a volume ranging from 400 cc to 460 cc, inclusive,the sole includes a region that overlaps a lower portion of the face, andthe first weight member is detachably fixed, through a through-hole formed in the region, to a weight mounting portion disposed on the face close to the sole.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe first weight member includes a plurality of first weight members,the weight mounting portion includes a plurality of weight mounting portions disposed on the face close to the sole,the through-hole includes a plurality of through-holes formed in the region, andthe first weight members are detachably fixed to the weight mounting portions through the through-holes.

3. The golf club head according to claim 2, whereinthe first weight members are disposed, in plan view, on opposite sides with respect to an imaginary line that is perpendicular to a striking face of the face and passes through a center of gravity of the striking face.

4. The golf club head according to claim 3, whereinthe first weight members are disposed parallel to a toe-heel direction in the plan view.

5. The golf club head according to claim 2, whereinthe first weight members have different specific gravities.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1, further comprising:a second weight member, whereinthe second weight member has a higher specific gravity than the face, the sole, and the crown, andthe second weight member is fixed to the sole close to a back of the sole.

7. The golf club head according to claim 6, whereinthe second weight member is fixed by screwing or bonding from an inner surface of the sole and forms partially a contour of the golf club head.

8. The golf club head according to claim 6, whereinthe sole and the crown form partially a contour of the golf club head.

9. The golf club head according to claim 6, whereinthe second weight member has two or more female-threaded holes.

10. The golf club head according to claim 6, whereinthe second weight member is formed of a material having a specific gravity ranging from 7 to 14, inclusive,the face is formed of the metal having a specific gravity ranging from 4 to 6, inclusive, andthe sole and the crown are formed of a material having a specific gravity ranging from 1 to 2, inclusive.

11. The golf club head according to claim 6, whereinthe sole and the crown are formed of laminated carbon-fiber-reinforced resin sheets, andthe first weight member and the second weight member are formed of a metal.

12. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereinthe sole and the crown are directly bonded without a metal member.

13. The golf club head according to claim 1, whereina height of a center of gravity ranges from 26 mm to 29 mm, inclusive,a depth of the center of gravity ranges from 32 mm to 34 mm, inclusive,a moment of inertia in a face-back direction ranges from 2,800 g·cm2 to 3,100 g·cm,2 inclusive,a moment of inertia in a toe-heel direction ranges from 4,500 g·cm2 to 4,800 g·cm,2 inclusive,a distance of the center of gravity ranges from 38 mm to 40 mm, inclusive, andan angle of the center of gravity ranges from 24 degrees to 26 degrees, inclusive.

Images