JP5282131B2 - Golf ball and evaluation method and design method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a golf ball excellent in aerodynamic symmetry and a flight distance. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of a surface shape appearing momentarily at a predetermined position by rotation of the golf ball having many dimples on its surface, a data group on a parameter dependent on the surface shape is calculated. A preferable parameter is a distance between an axis of rotation and the surface of the golf ball. Another preferable parameter is a volume of a space between the surface of a virtual ball and the surface of the golf ball. Fourier transformation is performed on the data group to obtain a transformed data group. On the basis of the peak value and the order of the maximum peak of the transformed data group, the aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball is determined. The peak value and the order of the maximum peak are calculated for each of PH rotation and POP rotation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a golf ball. Specifically, the present invention relates to a dimple pattern for a golf ball.

  The golf ball has a large number of dimples on its surface. The dimples disturb the air flow around the golf ball during flight and cause turbulent separation. Turbulent separation shifts the separation point of air from the golf ball backwards, reducing drag. Turbulent separation promotes the deviation between the upper separation point and the lower separation point of the golf ball due to backspin, and increases the lift acting on the golf ball. The reduction of drag and the improvement of lift are referred to as “dimple effect”.

  The United States Golf Association (USGA) has established rules regarding the symmetry of golf balls. In this rule, the trajectory during PH rotation and the trajectory during POP rotation are compared. A golf ball having a large difference between the two does not conform to this rule. In other words, a golf ball with poor aerodynamic symmetry does not conform to this rule. A golf ball with poor aerodynamic symmetry is inferior in flight distance due to poor aerodynamic characteristics during PH rotation or aerodynamic characteristics during POP rotation. Note that the rotation axis of PH rotation passes through both poles of the golf ball. The rotation axis of POP rotation is orthogonal to the rotation axis of PH rotation.

  A dimple may be arranged by using a regular polyhedron inscribed in a virtual sphere of a golf ball. In this arrangement method, the phantom sphere surface is partitioned into a plurality of units by partition lines obtained by projecting the sides of the polyhedron onto a spherical surface. A dimple pattern of one unit is developed on the entire virtual sphere. In this dimple pattern, the aerodynamic characteristic when the line passing through the apex of the regular polyhedron is the rotational axis is different from the aerodynamic characteristic when the line passing through the center of the regular polyhedron is the rotational axis. This golf ball is inferior in aerodynamic symmetry.

  JP-A-50-8630 discloses a golf ball having an improved dimple pattern. The surface of this golf ball is partitioned by an icosahedron inscribed in the phantom sphere. Based on this section, dimples are arranged on the surface of the golf ball. In this dimple pattern, the number of great circles that do not intersect with the dimples is one. This great circle coincides with the equator. The vicinity of the equator is a unique area.

  A golf ball is formed by a mold including an upper mold and a lower mold. This mold has a parting line. The golf ball obtained by this mold has a seam at a position corresponding to the parting line. Due to the molding, burrs are generated in the seam. The burrs are cut and removed. Due to the cutting of burrs, the dimples near the seam are deformed. Furthermore, dimples tend to be arranged in an orderly manner in the vicinity of the seam. The seam is located on the equator. The vicinity of the equator is a unique area.

  A mold having an uneven parting line is used. The golf ball obtained with this mold has dimples on the equator. The dimples on the equator contribute to the elimination of singularities near the equator. However, specificity is not fully resolved. The aerodynamic symmetry of this golf ball is not sufficient.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-284264 discloses a golf ball in which the dimple volume near the seam is larger than the dimple volume near the pole. The difference in volume contributes to the elimination of specificity near the equator.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 50-8630 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-284264

  In the golf ball disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-284264, inconvenience due to the dimple pattern is eliminated by the difference in volume. The inconvenience caused by the dimple pattern is not solved by the idea of the dimple pattern itself. In this golf ball, the potential inherent in the dimple pattern is sacrificed. The flight distance of this golf ball is not sufficient.

  Efforts have been made to determine the cause of the singularity near the equator, as well as the inadequate symmetry and flight distance resulting from it. However, the cause has not yet been clarified, and no universal theory for improvement has been established. In conventional golf ball development, trial and error are repeated in design, trial manufacture, and evaluation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in aerodynamic symmetry and flight distance. Another object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation method in which the aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball are clarified easily and accurately.

  As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that aerodynamic symmetry and flight distance depend greatly on specific parameters. Based on this finding, the present inventors have completed an accurate golf ball evaluation method. Furthermore, the present inventors have used this evaluation method to complete a golf ball excellent in aerodynamic symmetry and flight distance.

The golf ball evaluation method according to the present invention includes:
A calculation step in which a data group relating to parameters depending on the shape of the surface is calculated based on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by rotation of the golf ball having a large number of dimples on the surface;
A conversion step in which Fourier transformation is performed on the data group to obtain a conversion data group, and a determination step in which aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on the conversion data group are included.

  Preferably, in the determining step, aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on a peak value or an order of the maximum peak of the converted data group. Preferably, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated over the entire time when the golf ball makes one rotation. Preferably, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on the shape of the surface in the vicinity of the great circle orthogonal to the axis of rotation. Preferably, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a parameter depending on a distance between the axis of rotation and the surface. In the calculation step, the data group may be calculated based on a parameter depending on a volume of a space between the surface of the phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball.

Other evaluation methods according to the present invention are:
Based on the shape of the surface of a golf ball having a large number of dimples on its surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by rotation around the first axis, a first data group relating to parameters that depend on the surface shape is calculated. A first calculation step,
A second calculation step in which a second data group relating to a parameter depending on the shape of the surface is calculated based on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by rotation of the golf ball around the second axis;
A first transformation step in which Fourier transformation is performed on the first data group to obtain a first transformation data group;
The aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on the second conversion step in which the second data group is Fourier transformed to obtain the second conversion data group and the comparison between the first conversion data group and the second conversion data group. Determination step. Preferably, in the determining step, aerodynamic symmetry is determined.

A golf ball designing method according to the present invention includes:
Determining the position and shape of a number of dimples disposed on the surface of the golf ball;
A calculation step in which a data group relating to parameters depending on the shape of the surface is calculated based on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by the rotation of the golf ball,
A transform step in which Fourier transform is performed on the data group to obtain a transform data group;
A step of determining the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball based on the converted data group; and a step of changing the position or shape of the dimple when the aerodynamic characteristics are insufficient.

  Preferably, in the determining step, the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on the peak value and the order of the maximum peak of the converted data group. Preferably, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated over the entire time when the golf ball makes one rotation. Preferably, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on the shape of the surface in the vicinity of the great circle orthogonal to the axis of rotation. Preferably, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a parameter depending on a distance between the axis of rotation and the surface. In the calculation step, the data group may be calculated based on a parameter depending on a volume of a space between the surface of the phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball.

In the golf ball according to the present invention, the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2 obtained by the following steps (1) to (18) are 200 mm or less, and the order Fd1 and the order Fd2 obtained by the following steps (1) to (18). Is 29 or more and 39 or less.
(1) Step where a line connecting both poles of the golf ball is assumed to be the first rotation axis (2) A great circle that exists on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball and is orthogonal to the first rotation axis is assumed Step (3) A step in which two small circles that exist on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball, are orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and have an absolute value of the central angle with the great circle of 30 ° are assumed ( 4) The surface of the golf ball is demarcated by these small circles, and the step of identifying the area sandwiched by these small circles on this surface is specified. (5) The area is in increments of 3 ° at the central angle in the axial direction. Step (6) where 30240 points are determined in steps of 0.25 ° in the central direction in the rotational direction (6) Step (7) where the length L1 of the perpendicular drawn from each point to the first rotational axis is calculated Calculated based on 21 vertical lines in the direction Step 21 where total length L1 is calculated and total length L2 is calculated (8) Fourier transformation is performed on the first data group of total length 1440 calculated along the rotation direction, Step (9) in which one conversion data group is obtained Step (10) in which the peak value Pd1 and the order Fd1 of the maximum peak of the first conversion data group are calculated (10) orthogonal to the first rotation axis assumed in step (1) A step in which a second rotation axis is assumed (11) a step in which a great circle is present on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball and is orthogonal to the second rotation axis (12) a surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball Step (13) in which two small circles that are orthogonal to the second rotation axis and have an absolute value of the central angle with the great circle of 30 ° are assumed (13). Is partitioned and this table Step (14) in which the area between the small circles of the surface is specified (14) In the above area, the point of 30240 is the central angle in 3 ° increments in the axial direction and the central angle in 0.25 ° increments in the rotational direction. Step (15) The length L1 of the perpendicular line drawn down from the respective points to the second rotation axis is calculated (16) The 21 vertical lines calculated based on the 21 vertical lines arranged in the axial direction Step (17) in which the length L1 is summed and the total length L2 is calculated (17) Fourier transform is performed on the second data group of 1440 total length L2 calculated along the rotation direction, and the second transformed data group is Obtaining step (18): calculating the peak value Pd2 and the order Fd2 of the maximum peak of the second conversion data group

  Preferably, the absolute value of the difference between the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2 is 50 mm or less. Preferably, the absolute value of the difference between the order Fd1 and the order Fd2 is 10 or less.

In another golf ball according to the present invention, the peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4 obtained by the following steps (1) to (16) are 20 mm ³ or less, and the order Fd3 obtained by the following steps (1) to (16) And the order Fd4 is 29 or more and 35 or less.
(1) Step where a line connecting both poles of the golf ball is assumed to be the first rotation axis (2) A great circle that exists on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball and is orthogonal to the first rotation axis is assumed Step (3) A step in which two small circles that exist on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball, are orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and have an absolute value of the central angle with the great circle of 30 ° are assumed ( 4) The surface of the golf ball is demarcated by these small circles, and the step of identifying the area sandwiched by these small circles on this surface is defined. (5) The above areas are demarcated in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction. Step (6) where 120 minute regions are assumed Step (7) In each minute region, the volume of the space between the surface of the phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball is calculated (7) along the rotational direction 120th volume calculated Step (8) in which Fourier transform is performed on one data group to obtain a first transform data group Step (9) for calculating peak value Pd3 and order Fd3 of the maximum peak of the first transform data group (9) Step (1) Step 10 in which a second rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis assumed in (1) is assumed (10) A great circle existing on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball and orthogonal to the second rotation axis is assumed. Step (11) A step in which two small circles existing on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball, orthogonal to the second rotation axis, and having an absolute value of the central angle with the great circle of 30 ° are assumed ( 12) The surface of the golf ball is demarcated by these small circles, and the step of identifying the area sandwiched by these small circles of the surface is defined. (13) The above areas are demarcated in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction. 120 of Step (14) where a minute area is assumed Step (15) In each minute area, the volume of the space between the surface of the phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball is calculated (15) 120 calculated along the rotation direction Step (16) in which Fourier transform is performed on the second data group of each volume to obtain the second transformed data group Step 16 of calculating the peak value Pd4 and the order Fd4 of the maximum peak of the second transformed data group

Preferably, the absolute value of the difference between the peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4 is 5 mm ³ or less. Preferably, the absolute value of the difference between the order Fd3 and the order Fd4 is 6 or less.

  In the evaluation method according to the present invention, the aerodynamic characteristics of a golf ball can be accurately evaluated. With the design method according to the present invention, a golf ball having excellent aerodynamic characteristics can be easily obtained. The golf ball according to the present invention is excellent in aerodynamic symmetry and flight distance.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the golf ball of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the golf ball of FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the golf ball of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an evaluation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the evaluation method of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the evaluation method of FIG. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an evaluation method according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the evaluation method of FIG. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 17 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 18 is a front view showing a golf ball according to a comparative example. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the golf ball of FIG. FIG. 20 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 21 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 23 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 24 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 25 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 26 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG. FIG. 27 is a graph showing the evaluation results of the golf ball in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

  A golf ball 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a spherical core 4 and a cover 6. A large number of dimples 8 are formed on the surface of the cover 6. A portion of the surface of the golf ball 2 other than the dimples 8 is a land 10. The golf ball 2 includes a paint layer and a mark layer outside the cover 6, but these layers are not shown. An intermediate layer may be provided between the core 4 and the cover 6.

  The golf ball 2 has a diameter of 40 mm or greater and 45 mm or less. From the viewpoint of satisfying the standards of the US Golf Association (USGA), the diameter is more preferably 42.67 mm or more. In light of suppression of air resistance, the diameter is more preferably equal to or less than 44 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 42.80 mm. The golf ball 2 has a mass of 40 g or more and 50 g or less. In light of attainment of great inertia, the mass is more preferably equal to or greater than 44 g, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 45.00 g. From the viewpoint that the USGA standard is satisfied, the mass is more preferably 45.93 g or less.

  The core 4 is formed by crosslinking a rubber composition. Examples of the base rubber of the rubber composition include polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, and natural rubber. Two or more kinds of rubbers may be used in combination. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, polybutadiene is preferred, and high cis polybutadiene is particularly preferred.

  A co-crosslinking agent may be used for crosslinking the core 4. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, preferred co-crosslinking agents are zinc acrylate, magnesium acrylate, zinc methacrylate and magnesium methacrylate. It is preferable that an organic peroxide is blended with the co-crosslinking agent in the rubber composition. Suitable organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide, 1,1-bis (t-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (t- Butyl peroxy) hexane and di-t-butyl peroxide.

  Various additives such as sulfur compounds, fillers, anti-aging agents, colorants, plasticizers, and dispersants are blended in the rubber composition of the core 4 as necessary. Crosslinked rubber powder or synthetic resin powder may be blended with the rubber composition.

  The diameter of the core 4 is 30.0 mm or more, particularly 38.0 mm or more. The diameter of the core 4 is 42.0 mm or less, particularly 41.5 mm or less. The core 4 may be composed of two or more layers.

  A suitable polymer for the cover 6 is an ionomer resin. A preferable ionomer resin includes a binary copolymer of an α-olefin and an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Other preferable ionomer resins include ternary α-olefin, α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester having 2 to 22 carbon atoms. A copolymer is mentioned. In the binary copolymer and ternary copolymer, preferred α-olefins are ethylene and propylene, and preferred α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acids are acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. In the binary copolymer and ternary copolymer, some of the carboxyl groups are neutralized with metal ions. Examples of the metal ions for neutralization include sodium ions, potassium ions, lithium ions, zinc ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, aluminum ions, and neodymium ions.

  Other polymers may be used in place of or in conjunction with the ionomer resin. Examples of other polymers include thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, thermoplastic styrene elastomers, thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers.

  If necessary, the cover 6 may contain an appropriate amount of a colorant such as titanium dioxide, a filler such as barium sulfate, a dispersant, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, a fluorescent agent, and a fluorescent brightening agent. Blended. For the purpose of adjusting the specific gravity, the cover 6 may be mixed with powder of a high specific gravity metal such as tungsten or molybdenum.

  The cover 6 has a thickness of 0.3 mm or more, particularly 0.5 mm or more. The cover 6 has a thickness of 2.5 mm or less, particularly 2.2 mm or less. The specific gravity of the cover 6 is 0.90 or more, particularly 0.95 or more. The specific gravity of the cover 6 is 1.10 or less, particularly 1.05 or less. The cover 6 may be composed of two or more layers.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the golf ball 2 of FIG. FIG. 2 shows a cross section along a plane passing through the center (deepest part) of the dimple 8 and the center of the golf ball 2. The vertical direction in FIG. 2 is the depth direction of the dimple 8. In FIG. 2, the surface of the phantom sphere 12 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The surface of the phantom sphere 12 is the surface of the golf ball 2 when it is assumed that the dimple 8 does not exist. The dimple 8 is recessed from the surface of the phantom sphere 12. The land 10 coincides with the surface of the phantom sphere 12.

  In FIG. 2, what is indicated by a double-pointed arrow Di is the diameter of the dimple 8. The diameter Di is a distance between one contact point Ed and the other contact point Ed when a common tangent line TA is drawn on both sides of the dimple 8. The contact point Ed is also an edge of the dimple 8. The edge Ed defines the contour of the dimple 8. The diameter Di is preferably 2.00 mm or greater and 6.00 mm or less. By setting the diameter Di to be 2.00 mm or more, a large dimple effect can be obtained. From this viewpoint, the diameter Di is more preferably 2.20 mm or more, and particularly preferably 2.40 mm or more. By setting the diameter Di to be 6.00 mm or less, the original characteristic of the golf ball 2 that is substantially a sphere is not inhibited. In this respect, the diameter Di is more preferably equal to or less than 5.80 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 5.60 mm.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the golf ball 2 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the golf ball 2 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the types of dimples 8 are indicated by symbols A to D with respect to one unit when the surface of the golf ball 2 is partitioned into 12 units. The planar shape of all the dimples 8 is a circle. The golf ball 2 includes a dimple A having a diameter of 4.20 mm, a dimple B having a diameter of 3.80 mm, a dimple C having a diameter of 3.00 mm, and a dimple D having a diameter of 2.60 mm. I have. The dimple pattern of this unit is developed on the entire surface of the golf ball 2. At the time of deployment, the position of the dimple 8 is finely corrected for each unit. The number of dimples A is 216, the number of dimples B is 84, the number of dimples C is 72, and the number of dimples D is 12. The total number of dimples 8 is 384. The latitudes and longitudes of these dimples 8 are shown in Tables 1 to 5 below.

  From the viewpoint that individual dimples 8 can contribute to the dimple effect, the average diameter of the dimples 8 is preferably 3.5 mm or more, and more preferably 3.8 mm or more. The average diameter is preferably 5.50 mm or less. By setting the average diameter to 5.50 mm or less, the original characteristic of the golf ball 2 that is substantially a sphere is not inhibited. The average diameter of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is 3.84 mm.

The area S of the dimple 8 is an area of a region surrounded by a contour line when the center of the golf ball 2 is viewed from infinity. In the case of the circular dimple 8, the area S is calculated by the following mathematical formula.
S = (Di / 2) ²・ π
In the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the area of the dimple A is 13.85 mm ² , the area of the dimple B is 11.34 mm ² , and the area of the dimple C is 7.07 mm ^2. The area of D is 5.31 mm ² .

In the present invention, the ratio of the total area S of all the dimples 8 to the surface area of the phantom sphere 12 is referred to as an occupation ratio. From the viewpoint of obtaining a sufficient dimple effect, the occupation ratio is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 74% or more, and particularly preferably 78% or more. The occupation ratio is preferably 95% or less. In the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the total area of the dimples 8 is 4516.9 mm ² . Since the surface area of the phantom sphere 12 of this golf ball 2 is 5728.0 mm ² , the occupation ratio is 79%.

  In light of suppression of hops of the golf ball 2, the depth of the dimple 8 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.08 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.10 mm or more. In light of suppression of dropping of the golf ball 2, the depth is preferably equal to or less than 0.60 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 0.45 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 0.40 mm. The depth is a distance between the tangent TA and the deepest part of the dimple 8.

In the present invention, the “dimple volume” means a volume of a portion surrounded by a plane including the outline of the dimple 8 and the surface of the dimple 8. The sum of the volume of all the dimples (total volume) is, 240 mm ³ or more is preferred from the viewpoint of rising of the golf ball 2 is suppressed, and more preferably 260 mm ³ or more, 280 mm ³ or more is particularly preferable. In view of dropping of the golf ball 2 is suppressed, the total volume is preferably 400 mm ³ or less, more preferably 380 mm ³ or less, 360 mm ³ or less is particularly preferred.

  From the viewpoint that a sufficient occupation ratio can be achieved, the total number of the dimples 8 is preferably 200 or more, more preferably 250 or more, and particularly preferably 300 or more. From the viewpoint that the individual dimples 8 can have a sufficient diameter, the total number is preferably 500 or less, more preferably 440 or less, and particularly preferably 400 or less.

  Hereinafter, an aerodynamic characteristic evaluation method according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining this evaluation method. In this evaluation method, the first rotation axis Ax1 is assumed. The first rotation axis Ax1 passes through the two pole points Po of the golf ball 2. Each pole Po is the deepest part of the mold used for molding the golf ball 2. One pole Po is the deepest part of the upper mold, and the other pole Po is the deepest part of the lower mold. The golf ball 2 rotates about the first rotation axis Ax1. This rotation is a PH rotation.

  A great circle GC that exists on the surface of the phantom sphere 12 of the golf ball 2 and is orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1 is assumed. When the golf ball 2 rotates, the circumferential speed of the great circle GC is the fastest. Furthermore, two small circles C1 and C2 that exist on the surface of the phantom sphere 12 of the golf ball 2 and are orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1 are assumed. FIG. 6 schematically shows a partial cross section of the golf ball 2 of FIG. The left-right direction in FIG. 6 is the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C1 and the great circle GC is 30 °. Although not shown, the absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C2 and the great circle GC is also 30 °. The golf ball 2 is partitioned by these small circles C1 and C2, and a region sandwiched between these small circles on the surface of the golf ball 2 is specified.

  A point P (α) in FIG. 6 is a point that is located on the surface of the golf ball 2 and that the central angle with the great circle GC is α ° (degree). A point F (α) is a foot of a perpendicular line Pe (α) drawn from the point P (α) to the first rotation axis Ax1. What is indicated by the arrow L1 (α) is the length of the perpendicular line Pe (α). In other words, the length L1 (α) is the distance between the point P (α) and the first rotation axis Ax1. In one cross section, the length L1 (α) is calculated for 21 points P (α). Specifically, −30 °, −27 °, −24 °, −21 °, −18 °, −15 °, −12 °, −9 °, −6 °, −3 °, 0 °, and 3 °. , 6 °, 9 °, 12 °, 15 °, 18 °, 21 °, 24 °, 27 ° and 30 °, the length L1 (α) is calculated. The 21 lengths L1 (α) are summed to obtain a total length L2 (mm). The total length L2 is a parameter depending on the shape of the surface in the cross section shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a partial cross section of the golf ball 2. In FIG. 7, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the axial direction. In FIG. 7, what is indicated by a symbol β is the rotation angle of the golf ball 2. In the range from 0 ° to less than 360 °, the rotation angle β is set in increments of 0.25 °. The total length L2 is calculated for each rotation angle. As a result, a total length L2 of 1440 is obtained along the rotational direction. In other words, the first data group relating to the parameter depending on the shape of the surface that appears at a predetermined location by one rotation of the golf ball 2 is calculated. This data group is calculated based on 30240 lengths L1.

  A graph in which the first data group of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis is the rotation angle β, and the vertical axis is the total length L2. A Fourier transform is performed on the first data group. A frequency spectrum is obtained by Fourier transform. In other words, a Fourier series coefficient represented by the following mathematical formula is obtained by Fourier transform.

The above formula is a combination of two trigonometric functions having different periods. In the above formula, a _n and b _n are Fourier coefficients. The size of each component to be synthesized is determined by these Fourier coefficients. Each coefficient is represented by the following mathematical formula.

In this equation, N is the total number of data in the first data group, and F _k is the kth value in the first data group. The spectrum is expressed by the following mathematical formula.

  A first transform data group is obtained by Fourier transform. A graph in which the first conversion data group is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis is the order and the vertical axis is the amplitude. From this graph, the maximum peak is determined. Further, the peak value Pd1 of the maximum peak and the order Fd1 of the maximum peak are determined. The peak value Pd1 and the order Fd1 are numerical values representing aerodynamic characteristics in PH rotation.

  Furthermore, a second rotation axis Ax2 orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1 is determined. The rotation of the golf ball 2 around the second rotation axis Ax2 is POP rotation. As with the PH rotation, a great circle GC and two small circles C1 and C2 are assumed for the POP rotation. The absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C1 and the great circle GC is 30 °. The absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C2 and the great circle GC is also 30 °. A total length L2 of 1440 is calculated in a region sandwiched between these small circles on the surface of the golf ball 2. In other words, a second data group relating to a parameter depending on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by one rotation of the golf ball 2 is calculated.

  A graph in which the second data group of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis is the rotation angle β, and the vertical axis is the total length L2. The second data group is subjected to Fourier transform to obtain a second transformed data group. A graph in which the second conversion data group is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis is the order and the vertical axis is the amplitude. From this graph, the maximum peak is determined. Further, the peak value Pd2 of the maximum peak and the order Fd2 of the maximum peak are determined. The peak value Pd2 and the order Fd2 are numerical values representing aerodynamic characteristics in POP rotation.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 8 to 11, the Fourier transform facilitates the comparison between the aerodynamic characteristics in PH rotation and the aerodynamic characteristics in POP rotation.

  There are an infinite number of straight lines orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1. A straight line having the maximum number of dimples 8 whose center is substantially above the great circle GC is the second rotation axis Ax2. When there are a plurality of straight lines having the maximum number of dimples 8 whose centers are substantially on the great circle GC, the peak value is calculated for all cases in which these straight lines are the second rotation axis Ax2. Is done. The maximum value of these peak values is the peak value Pd2.

The results of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 calculated by the above evaluation method are shown below.
Total volume of dimple 8: 325 mm ³
PH rotation peak value Pd1: 163.1 mm
Order Fd1: 30
POP rotation peak value Pd2: 143.1 mm
Order Fd2: 37
Absolute value of difference between peak value Pd1 and peak value Pd2: 20.0 mm
Absolute value of difference between order Fd1 and order Fd2: 7

  Table 6 below shows the peak value Pd1, the peak value Pd2, the order Fd1, and the order Fd2 calculated for a commercially available golf ball.

  As is clear from comparison with the commercially available product, the peak value Pd2 of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is small. According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, the golf ball 2 having both the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2 is excellent in the flight distance. Although the reason is unknown in detail, it is estimated that it is because a turbulent transition is continued smoothly.

  From the viewpoint of flight distance, the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2 are each preferably 200 mm or less, more preferably 180 mm or less, and particularly preferably 165 mm or less. The smaller the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2, the better.

From the viewpoint of flight distance, the value obtained by dividing the peak value Pd1 by the total volume of the dimple 8 and the value obtained by dividing the peak value Pd2 by the total volume of the dimple 8 are each preferably 0.62 mm ^-2 or less. 55 mm ⁻² or less is more preferable, and 0.51 mm ⁻² or less is particularly preferable.

  As is clear from comparison with the commercially available product, the difference between the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2 of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is small. According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, the golf ball 2 having this small difference is excellent in aerodynamic symmetry. The reason is presumed that the similarity between the surface shape during PH rotation and the surface shape during POP rotation is high, and therefore the difference between the dimple effect during PH rotation and the dimple effect during POP rotation is small.

  From the viewpoint of aerodynamic symmetry, the absolute value of the difference (Pd1-Pd2) is preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 35 mm or less, and particularly preferably 25 mm or less. Ideally, the difference is zero.

In light of the aerodynamic symmetry, the absolute value is divided by the total volume of the dimples 8 value of the difference (Pd1-Pd2), preferably 0.15 mm ^-2 or less, more preferably 0.11 mm ^-2 or less, 0 0.08 mm ^-2 or less is particularly preferable. Ideally, the difference is zero.

  From the viewpoint of flight distance, the order Fd1 and the order Fd2 are preferably 29 or more and 39 or less, respectively. From the viewpoint of aerodynamic symmetry, the absolute value of the difference (Fd1−Fd2) is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, and particularly preferably 7 or less. Ideally, the difference is zero.

  The absolute value of the central angle between the great circle GC and the small circle C1 and the absolute value of the central angle between the great circle GC and the small circle C2 can be arbitrarily set within a range of 90 ° or less. The smaller the absolute value of the central angle, the lower the calculation cost. On the other hand, if the absolute value of the central angle is too small, the accuracy of evaluation is insufficient. During the flight of the golf ball 2, the region near the great circle GC is strongly subjected to pressure from the air. The dimple 8 existing in this region has a high contribution to the dimple effect. From this viewpoint, in the evaluation method, 30 ° is adopted as the absolute value of the central angle.

  The dimple 8 close to the great circle GC has a large contribution to the dimple effect. On the other hand, the dimple 8 far from the great circle GC has a small contribution to the dimple effect. From this point of view, the total length L2 may be calculated by multiplying each of the obtained lengths L1 (α) by a coefficient depending on the angle α. For example, each length L1 (α) may be multiplied by sin α.

  In this evaluation method, a number of lengths L1 (α) are calculated based on the angle α in increments of 3 °. The angle α does not necessarily have to be in increments of 3 °. The increment is preferably from 0.1 ° to 5 °. If the increment is 0.1 ° or more, the load on the computer is small. If the step is 5 ° or less, the accuracy of evaluation is high. From the viewpoint of accuracy, the increment is more preferably 4 ° or less, and particularly preferably 3 ° or less.

  In this evaluation method, a large number of total lengths L2 are calculated based on the angle β in increments of 0.25 °. The angle β does not necessarily have to be in increments of 0.25 °. The increment is preferably from 0.1 ° to 5 °. If the increment is 0.1 ° or more, the load on the computer is small. If the step is 5 ° or less, the accuracy of evaluation is high. From the viewpoint of accuracy, the increment is more preferably 3 ° or less, and particularly preferably 1 ° or less. The position of the point (start point) at which the angle β is first measured does not affect the peak value and the order. Therefore, the starting point can be set arbitrarily.

In this evaluation method, the first data group and the second data group are calculated based on the length L1 (α). The length L1 (α) is a parameter that depends on the distance between the rotation axis (Ax1 or Ax2) and the surface of the golf ball 2. Other parameters depending on the surface shape of the golf ball 2 may be employed. Specific examples of other parameters include the following.
(A) Distance between the surface of the phantom sphere 12 and the surface of the golf ball 2 (b) Distance between the surface of the golf ball 2 and the center O (see FIG. 6)

  The golf ball 2 may be evaluated based only on the first data group obtained by rotation about the first rotation axis Ax1. The golf ball 2 may be evaluated based only on the second data group obtained by the rotation about the second rotation axis Ax2. Preferably, the golf ball 2 is evaluated based on both the first data group and the second data group. Preferably, the aerodynamic symmetry of the golf ball 2 is evaluated by comparing the first data group and the second data group.

  A data group may be obtained based on an axis other than the first rotation axis Ax1 and the second rotation axis Ax2. The position and number of rotating shafts can be arbitrarily selected. Preferably, two data groups are obtained based on the two rotation axes. Evaluation based on two data groups is more accurate than evaluation based on one data group. The evaluation based on the two data groups can be performed in a shorter time than the evaluation based on the three or more data groups. When the evaluation based on the two data groups is performed, the two rotation axes do not have to be orthogonal to each other.

As a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, it has been confirmed that when evaluated by both PH rotation and POP rotation, the result shows a high correlation with the flight performance of the golf ball. The reason is estimated as follows.
(A) The vicinity of the seam is a unique region, and PH rotation is most affected by this region.
(B) POP rotation is not easily affected by this region.
(C) An objective result is obtained by the evaluation by both the PH rotation and the POP rotation.
Evaluation by both PH rotation and POP rotation is also preferable from the viewpoint that conformity to USGA rules can be determined.

  In the design method according to the present invention, the positions of a large number of dimples arranged on the surface of the golf ball 2 are determined. Specifically, the latitude and longitude of each dimple 8 is determined. Further, the shape of each dimple 8 is determined. This shape includes diameter, depth, radius of curvature of the cross section, and the like. The aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball 2 are evaluated by the above method. For example, the peak value Pd1, the peak value Pd2, the order Fd1, and the order Fd2 are calculated and their magnitudes are evaluated. Further, the difference between the peak value Pd1 and the peak value Pd2 and the difference between the order Fd1 and the order Fd2 are evaluated. If the aerodynamic characteristics are insufficient, the position or shape of the dimple 8 is changed. After the change, another evaluation is made. In this design method, the golf ball 2 can be evaluated without producing a mold.

  Hereinafter, another evaluation method according to the present invention will be described. Also in this evaluation method, the first rotation axis Ax1 (see FIG. 5) is assumed as in the above-described evaluation method. The first rotation axis Ax1 passes through the two pole points Po of the golf ball 2. The golf ball 2 rotates about the first rotation axis Ax1. This rotation is a PH rotation. Furthermore, a great circle GC, a small circle C1, and a small circle C2 that are orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1 are assumed. The absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C1 and the great circle GC is 30 °. The absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C2 and the great circle GC is also 30 °. The surface of the golf ball 2 is partitioned by these small circles C1 and C2, and a region sandwiched between these small circles is specified on the surface.

  This region is partitioned in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction, and 120 minute regions are assumed. FIG. 12 shows the minute region 14. FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of the minute region 14 of FIG. In this minute region 14, the volume of the space between the surface of the phantom sphere 12 and the surface of the golf ball 2 is calculated. This volume is the volume of the hatched portion in FIG. The volume is calculated for each of the 120 minute regions 14. In other words, the volume of 120 along the rotation direction when the golf ball 2 makes one rotation is calculated. These volumes are a first data group relating to parameters depending on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by the rotation of the golf ball 2.

  A graph in which the data group of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the angle in the rotation direction, and the vertical axis represents the volume of the minute region. A Fourier transform is performed on the first data group. A first transform data group is obtained by Fourier transform. A graph in which the first conversion data group is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis is the order and the vertical axis is the amplitude. From this graph, the maximum peak is determined. Further, the peak value Pd3 of the maximum peak and the order Fd3 of the maximum peak are determined. The peak value Pd3 and the order Fd3 are numerical values representing aerodynamic characteristics in PH rotation.

  Furthermore, a second rotation axis Ax2 orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1 is determined. The rotation of the golf ball 2 around the second rotation axis Ax2 is POP rotation. As with the PH rotation, a great circle GC and two small circles C1 and C2 are assumed for the POP rotation. The absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C1 and the great circle GC is 30 °. The absolute value of the central angle between the small circle C2 and the great circle GC is also 30 °. A region sandwiched between these small circles on the surface of the golf ball 2 is partitioned in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction, and 120 minute regions 14 are assumed. In each minute region 14, the volume of the space between the phantom sphere 12 and the surface of the golf ball 2 is calculated. In other words, a second data group relating to a parameter depending on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by one rotation of the golf ball 2 is calculated.

  A graph in which the second data group of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is plotted is shown in FIG. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the angle in the rotation direction, and the vertical axis represents the volume of the minute region. A Fourier transform is performed on the first data group. A second transform data group is obtained by Fourier transform. A graph in which the second conversion data group is plotted is shown in FIG. From this graph, the maximum peak is determined. Further, the peak value Pd4 of the maximum peak and the order Fd4 of the maximum peak are determined. The peak value Pd4 and the order Fd4 are numerical values representing aerodynamic characteristics in POP rotation.

  There are an infinite number of straight lines orthogonal to the first rotation axis Ax1. A straight line having the maximum number of dimples 8 whose center is substantially above the great circle GC is the second rotation axis Ax2. When there are a plurality of straight lines having the maximum number of dimples 8 whose centers are substantially on the great circle GC, the peak value is calculated for all cases in which these straight lines are the second rotation axis Ax2. Is done. The maximum value of these peak values is the peak value Pd4.

The results of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 calculated by the above evaluation method are shown below.
Total volume of dimple 8: 325 mm ³
PH rotation peak value Pd3: 12.2 mm ³
Order Fd3: 30
POP rotation peak value Pd4: 14.8 mm ³
Order Fd4: 33
Absolute value of difference between peak value Pd3 and peak value Pd4: 2.6 mm ³
Absolute value of difference between order Fd3 and order Fd4: 3

  The peak value Pd3, peak value Pd4, order Fd3 and order Fd4 calculated for the commercially available golf ball are shown in Table 6 above.

  As is clear from comparison with the commercially available product, the peak value Pd4 of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is small. According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, the golf ball 2 having a small peak value Pd3 and peak value Pd4 is excellent in the flight distance. Although the reason is unknown in detail, it is estimated that it is because a turbulent transition is continued smoothly.

In terms of distance, the peak value Pd3 and peak value Pd4 are each preferably 20 mm ³ or less, more preferably 17 mm ³ or less or less, particularly preferably 15 mm ³ or less. The smaller the peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4, the better.

  From the viewpoint of flight distance, the value obtained by dividing the peak value Pd3 by the total volume of the dimple 8 and the value obtained by dividing the peak value Pd4 by the total volume of the dimple 8 are each preferably 0.062 or less, and 0.052 or less. Is more preferable, and 0.046 or less is particularly preferable.

  As is clear from comparison with the commercially available product, the difference between the peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4 of the golf ball 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is small. According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, the golf ball 2 having this small difference is excellent in aerodynamic symmetry. This is presumably because the difference between the dimple effect during PH rotation and the dimple effect during POP rotation is small.

In light of the aerodynamic symmetry, the absolute value of the difference (Pd3-Pd4), preferably 5 mm ³ or less, more preferably 4 mm ³ or less, especially preferably 3 mm ³ or less. Ideally, the difference is zero.

  From the viewpoint of flight distance, the order Fd3 and the order Fd4 are preferably 29 or more and 35 or less, respectively. From the viewpoint of aerodynamic symmetry, the absolute value of the difference (Fd3-Fd4) is preferably 6 or less, more preferably 5 or less, and particularly preferably 4 or less. Ideally, the difference is zero.

  The absolute value of the central angle between the great circle GC and the small circle C1 and the absolute value of the central angle between the great circle GC and the small circle C2 can be arbitrarily set within a range of 90 ° or less. The smaller the absolute value of the central angle, the lower the calculation cost. On the other hand, if the absolute value of the central angle is too small, the accuracy of evaluation is insufficient. During the flight of the golf ball 2, the region near the great circle GC is strongly subjected to pressure from the air. The dimple 8 existing in this region has a high contribution to the dimple effect. From this viewpoint, in the evaluation method, 30 ° is adopted as the absolute value of the central angle.

  In this evaluation method, the region is partitioned in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction, and 120 minute regions 14 are assumed. The step is not necessarily 3 °. The increment is preferably from 0.1 ° to 5 °. If the increment is 0.1 ° or more, the load on the computer is small. If the step is 5 ° or less, the accuracy of evaluation is high. From the viewpoint of accuracy, the increment is more preferably 4 ° or less, and particularly preferably 3 ° or less. The position of the point (start point) at which the central angle is measured first does not affect the peak value and the order. Therefore, the starting point can be set arbitrarily.

In this evaluation method, the first data group and the second data group are calculated based on the volume of the minute region 14. Other parameters depending on the surface shape of the golf ball 2 may be adopted to calculate the data group. Specific examples of other parameters include the following.
(A) The volume of the golf ball 2 in the minute area 14 (b) The volume between the plane including the edge of the dimple 8 and the surface of the golf ball 2 in the minute area 14 (c) In the front view of the minute area 14, Area between the surface of the phantom sphere 12 and the surface of the golf ball 2 (d) Area between the plane including the edge of the dimple 8 and the surface of the golf ball 2 in the front view of the micro area 14 (e) Micro area The area of the golf ball 2 in the front view of 14

  The golf ball 2 may be evaluated based only on the first data group obtained by rotation about the first rotation axis Ax1. The golf ball 2 may be evaluated based only on the second data group obtained by the rotation about the second rotation axis Ax2. Preferably, the golf ball 2 is evaluated based on both the first data group and the second data group. Preferably, the aerodynamic symmetry of the golf ball 2 is evaluated by comparing the first data group and the second data group.

  A data group may be obtained based on an axis other than the first rotation axis Ax1 and the second rotation axis Ax2. The position and number of rotating shafts can be arbitrarily selected. Preferably, two data groups are obtained based on the two rotation axes. Evaluation based on two data groups is more accurate than evaluation based on one data group. The evaluation based on the two data groups can be performed in a shorter time than the evaluation based on the three or more data groups. When the evaluation based on the two data groups is performed, the two rotation axes do not have to be orthogonal to each other.

As a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, it has been confirmed that when evaluated by both PH rotation and POP rotation, the result shows a high correlation with the flight performance of the golf ball. The reason is estimated as follows.
(A) The vicinity of the seam is a unique region, and PH rotation is most affected by this region.
(B) POP rotation is not easily affected by this region.
(C) An objective result is obtained by the evaluation by both the PH rotation and the POP rotation.
Evaluation by both PH rotation and POP rotation is also preferable from the viewpoint that conformity to USGA rules can be determined.

  In the design method according to the present invention, the positions of a large number of dimples arranged on the surface of the golf ball 2 are determined. Specifically, the latitude and longitude of each dimple 8 is determined. Further, the shape of each dimple 8 is determined. This shape includes diameter, depth, radius of curvature of the cross section, and the like. The aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball 2 are evaluated by the above method. For example, the peak value Pd3, the peak value Pd4, the order Fd3 and the order Fd4 are calculated, and the magnitudes thereof are evaluated. Further, the difference between the peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4 and the difference between the order Fd3 and the order Fd4 are evaluated. If the aerodynamic characteristics are insufficient, the position or shape of the dimple 8 is changed. After the change, another evaluation is made. In this design method, the golf ball 2 can be evaluated without producing a mold.

  Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be clarified by examples. However, the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner based on the description of the examples.

[Example]
100 parts by weight of polybutadiene (trade name “BR-730” from JSR), 30 parts by weight of zinc acrylate, 6 parts by weight of zinc oxide, 10 parts by weight of barium sulfate, 0.5 parts by weight of diphenyl disulfide and 0.5 parts by mass of dicumyl peroxide was kneaded to obtain a rubber composition. This rubber composition was put into a mold composed of an upper mold and a lower mold each having a hemispherical cavity, and heated at 170 ° C. for 18 minutes to obtain a core having a diameter of 39.7 mm. On the other hand, 50 parts by mass of ionomer resin (trade name “HIMILAN 1605” from Mitsui DuPont Polychemical Co.), 50 parts by mass of other ionomer resins (trade name “HIMILAN 1706” from Mitsui DuPont Polychemical Co., Ltd.) and 3 parts by mass Part of titanium dioxide was kneaded to obtain a resin composition. The core was put into a final mold having a large number of pimples on the inner peripheral surface, and the resin composition was injected around the core by an injection molding method to form a cover having a thickness of 1.5 mm. A large number of dimples having a reversed pimple shape were formed on the cover. A clear paint based on a two-component curable polyurethane was applied to the cover to obtain a golf ball of an example having a diameter of 42.7 mm and a mass of about 45.4 g. The golf ball has a PGA compression of about 85. This golf ball has the dimple pattern shown in FIGS. Details of the dimple specifications are shown in Table 7 below.

[Comparative example]
A golf ball of a comparative example was obtained in the same manner as in the example except that the final mold was changed and the dimples whose specifications were shown in Table 7 below were formed. FIG. 18 is a front view showing a golf ball of a comparative example, and FIG. 19 is a plan view thereof. The latitude and longitude of the dimples for one unit when the northern hemisphere of this golf ball is divided into five units are shown in Table 8 below. The dimple pattern of the northern hemisphere is obtained by developing the dimple pattern of this unit. The dimple pattern in the southern hemisphere is equivalent to the dimple pattern in the northern hemisphere. The dimple pattern in the northern hemisphere and the dimple pattern in the southern hemisphere are shifted by 5.98 ° in the longitude direction. The dimple pattern in the southern hemisphere is obtained by shifting the dimple pattern in the northern hemisphere by 5.98 ° in the longitude direction and symmetrically with respect to the equator. The peak values Pd1 to Pd4 and the orders Fd1 to Fd4 of this golf ball are shown in Table 9 below.

[Flight distance test]
A driver equipped with a titanium head (trade name “XXIO” of SRI Sports Co., shaft hardness: R, loft angle: 12 °) was mounted on a swing machine manufactured by Tsurtemper. A golf ball was hit under the conditions that the head speed was 40 m / sec, the launch angle was about 13 °, and the backspin rotation speed was about 2500 rpm, and the carry and total flight distance were measured. During the test, there was almost no wind. Table 9 below shows average values of results obtained by performing 20 measurements for each of PH rotation and POP rotation.

  As shown in Table 9, the flight distance of the golf ball of the example is larger than that of the golf ball of the comparative example. The reason is presumed that the turbulent transition is smoothly continued in the golf ball of the example. Furthermore, in the golf ball of the example, the difference between the flight distance during PH rotation and the flight distance during POP rotation is small. This is presumably because the difference between the dimple effect during PH rotation and the dimple effect during POP rotation is small. From this evaluation result, the superiority of the present invention is clear.

  The method according to the present invention can be implemented using a computer. This method may be implemented without using a computer. The gist of the present invention does not depend on computer hardware and software. The dimple pattern described above can be applied not only to a two-piece golf ball but also to a one-piece golf ball, a multi-piece golf ball, and a thread wound golf ball.

2 ... Golf ball 4 ... Core 6 ... Cover 8 ... Dimple 10 ... Land 12 ... Virtual sphere 14 ... Micro area

Claims (16)

A calculation step in which a group of data relating to parameters depending on the shape of the surface is calculated based on the shape of the surface depending on the dimple that appears at a predetermined location by rotation of a golf ball having a large number of dimples on the surface. ,
A golf ball evaluation method comprising: a conversion step in which Fourier transformation is performed on the data group to obtain a conversion data group; and a determination step in which aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on the conversion data group.   The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein in the determination step, the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on a peak value or an order of the maximum peak of the conversion data group.   The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein in the calculation step, the data group is calculated over the entire time when the golf ball makes one rotation.   4. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a shape of a surface in the vicinity of a great circle orthogonal to the axis of rotation.   5. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a parameter depending on a distance between the axis of rotation and the surface.   5. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a parameter depending on a volume of a space between a surface of a virtual sphere and a surface of the golf ball. Based on the dimple-dependent surface shape of the golf ball having a large number of dimples on its surface, which appears at a predetermined location by rotation around the first axis, a parameter relating to the surface-dependent parameter A first calculation step in which one data group is calculated;
A second calculation step in which a second data group relating to a parameter depending on the shape of the surface is calculated based on the shape of the surface that appears every moment at a predetermined location by rotation of the golf ball around the second axis;
A first transformation step in which Fourier transformation is performed on the first data group to obtain a first transformation data group;
The aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on the second conversion step in which the second data group is Fourier transformed to obtain the second conversion data group and the comparison between the first conversion data group and the second conversion data group. A golf ball evaluation method including a determination step.   The evaluation method according to claim 7, wherein the aerodynamic characteristic determined in the determination step is aerodynamic symmetry. Determining the position and shape of a number of dimples disposed on the surface of the golf ball;
A calculation step in which a data group relating to a parameter depending on the shape of the surface is calculated based on the shape of the surface depending on the dimple, which appears every moment at a predetermined location by the rotation of the golf ball,
A transform step in which Fourier transform is performed on the data group to obtain a transform data group;
A golf ball design method comprising: a determination step in which an aerodynamic characteristic of a golf ball is determined based on the conversion data group; and a step in which the position or shape of the dimple is changed when the aerodynamic characteristic is insufficient.   The design method according to claim 9, wherein in the determination step, the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball are determined based on a peak value and an order of the maximum peak of the conversion data group.   The design method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, in the calculation step, a data group is calculated over the entire time when the golf ball makes one rotation.   The design method according to claim 9, wherein, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a shape of a surface in the vicinity of a great circle orthogonal to the axis of rotation.   The design method according to claim 9, wherein, in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a parameter depending on a distance between the axis of rotation and the surface.   The design method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the calculation step, the data group is calculated based on a parameter depending on a volume of a space between a surface of a virtual sphere and a surface of the golf ball. The peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4 obtained by the following steps (1) to (16) are 20 mm ³ or less, and the order Fd3 and the order Fd4 obtained by the following steps (1) to (16) are 29 or more and 35 or less. Golf ball.
(1) Step where a line connecting both poles of the golf ball is assumed to be the first rotation axis (2) A great circle that exists on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball and is orthogonal to the first rotation axis is assumed Step (3) A step in which two small circles that exist on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball, are orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and have an absolute value of the central angle with the great circle of 30 ° are assumed ( 4) The surface of the golf ball is demarcated by these small circles, and the step of identifying the area sandwiched by these small circles on this surface is defined. (5) The above areas are demarcated in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction. Step (6) where 120 minute regions are assumed Step (7) In each minute region, the volume of the space between the surface of the phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball is calculated (7) along the rotational direction 120th volume calculated Step (8) in which Fourier transform is performed on one data group to obtain a first transform data group Step (9) for calculating peak value Pd3 and order Fd3 of the maximum peak of the first transform data group (9) Step (1) Step 10 in which a second rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis assumed in (1) is assumed (10) A great circle existing on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball and orthogonal to the second rotation axis is assumed. Step (11) A step in which two small circles existing on the surface of the phantom sphere of the golf ball, orthogonal to the second rotation axis, and having an absolute value of the central angle with the great circle of 30 ° are assumed ( 12) The surface of the golf ball is demarcated by these small circles, and the step of identifying the area sandwiched by these small circles of the surface is defined. (13) The above areas are demarcated in 3 ° increments at the central angle in the rotation direction. 120 of Step (14) where a minute area is assumed Step (15) In each minute area, the volume of the space between the surface of the phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball is calculated (15) 120 calculated along the rotation direction Step (16) in which Fourier transform is performed on the second data group of each volume to obtain the second transformed data group Step 16 of calculating the peak value Pd4 and the order Fd4 of the maximum peak of the second transformed data group The golf ball according to claim 15 , wherein an absolute value of a difference between the peak value Pd3 and the peak value Pd4 is 5 mm ³ or less, and an absolute value of a difference between the order Fd3 and the order Fd4 is 6 or less.

Images