JP2003320053A - Golf ball - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a golf ball excellent in both an impact resilient property and striking feeling. <P>SOLUTION: The golf ball 1 is provided with a cover 3 having a Shore D hardness of 58 or more. Dimples 6 are formed on a surface of the cover 3. A percentage R1 of the number of the dimples 6 of which the ratio B/T of a bottom height B to a nominal thickness T of the cover 3 is 0.80 or less, to the total dimple number, is 10% or more. A percentage R2 of the number of the dimples 6 of which the ratio B/T is less than 0.40 to the total dimple number is 10% or less. An average value of the ratios B/T about all the dimples 6 is 0.86 or less. The golf ball 1 is provided with an intermediate layer having Shore D hardness of 60 or less. A difference (Hc-Hm) between Shore D hardness Hc of the cover 3 and a Shore D hardness Hm of the intermediate layer is 3 or more. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a golf ball, and more particularly to a golf ball having a core and a cover and having a dimple formed on the cover.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A typical golf ball, except for those manufactured for practice areas, includes a core and a cover.
The core may be composed of a single solid rubber layer, one composed of two or more solid rubber layers, one composed of a solid rubber layer and a synthetic resin layer, or the like. Since the cover comes into contact with the golf club at the time of hitting and comes into contact with the ground at the time of falling, it is necessary to have excellent durability. From the viewpoint of durability, a synthetic resin is often used for the cover.

Conventionally, various studies have been made on the hardness of the cover. Generally, the harder the cover, the higher the resilience performance of the golf ball, and conversely, the softer the cover, the higher the shot feeling of the golf ball. In other words, a golf ball provided with a hard cover has a drawback of being inferior in shot feeling, and a golf ball provided with a soft cover has a drawback of inferior resilience performance.

Various studies have been made on the thickness of the cover. Generally, the thicker the cover, the higher the resilience performance of the golf ball, and conversely, the thinner the cover, the higher the shot feeling of the golf ball. In other words, a golf ball having a thick cover has a drawback of being inferior in shot feeling, and a golf ball having a thin cover has a drawback of being inferior in resilience performance. The resilience performance and the shot feeling are performances that contradict each other.

By the way, a golf ball has 20
It has 0 to 550 dimples. The role of the dimple is to disturb the flow of air around the golf ball during flight of the golf ball, thereby promoting turbulent transition in the boundary layer and causing turbulent flow separation. By promoting the turbulent transition, the separation point of air from the golf ball shifts backward, the drag coefficient (Cd) decreases, and the flight distance of the golf ball increases. Moreover, the difference in the separation point between the upper side and the lower side of the golf ball due to the backspin is increased due to the promotion of turbulent transition, and the lift force acting on the golf ball is increased.

The specifications of the cover affect the behavior of the golf ball at the time of impact between the golf ball and the golf club. On the other hand, the dimple specifications affect the aerodynamic characteristics after the impact. The specification of the cover and the specification of the dimple are understood by those skilled in the art as separate elements in terms of the performance of the golf ball.

JP-A-10-305114, JP-A-11-57067, and JP-A-2000-225209
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-70414 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-70414 disclose a golf ball in which an optimized cover and an optimized dimple are combined.

[0008]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-305114

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-57067

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-225209

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-70414

[0009]

Even with the techniques disclosed in these publications, the dimple specifications are merely grasped as an element affecting the aerodynamic characteristics. The specifications of dimples are not understood as factors that affect the behavior of the golf ball at the time of impact. There is room for improvement in the behavior of the golf ball at impact. Golfers desire a golf ball that is excellent in both resilience performance and shot feeling.

[0010]

A golf ball according to the present invention comprises a core, a cover, and a large number of dimples formed on the surface of the cover. Cover Shore D
The hardness is 58 or more. Ratio R1 of the number of dimples to the total number of dimples in which the ratio (B / T) of the height B of the dimple bottom to the nominal thickness T of the cover is 0.80 or less
Is 10% or more.

This golf ball cover has a ratio (B /
A part where T) is 0.80 or less and a part where no dimple exists coexist. The location where the ratio (B / T) is 0.80 or less contributes to improvement in shot feeling. The location where no dimple exists contributes to the improvement of the resilience performance.
In this golf ball, the resilience performance and the shot feeling are compatible.

Preferably, the number R of dimples having a ratio (B / T) of less than 0.40 occupies the total number of dimples R.
2 is 10% or less. This golf ball also has excellent durability.

Preferably, the average value of the ratio (B / T) for all dimples is 0.86 or less. With this golf ball, both high resilience performance and excellent shot feeling are achieved.

According to the present invention, the core has a center and an intermediate layer, and the difference (Hc-Hm) between the Shore D hardness Hm of the intermediate layer and the Shore D hardness Hc of the cover is 3 or more, Has a remarkable effect. In particular, the present invention exerts a remarkable effect on a golf ball having a Shore D hardness of 60 or less in the mid layer.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings,
The present invention will be explained in detail based on the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a golf ball 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The golf ball 1 includes a spherical core 2 and a cover 3. The core 2 includes a spherical center 4 and an intermediate layer 5. Many dimples 6 are formed on the surface of the cover 3. The golf ball 1 has a paint layer and a mark layer on the outside of the cover 3, but these layers are not shown. The diameter of the golf ball 1 is usually 40 mm to 45 mm, particularly 42 mm to 44 m.
m. The diameter is 4 from the viewpoint of reducing the air resistance within the range that meets the standards of the US Golf Association (USGA).
It is preferably 2.67 mm or more and 42.80 mm or less. The mass of the golf ball 1 is usually 40 g or more and 50 g or less, and particularly 44 g or more and 47 g or less. The mass is preferably 45.00 g or more and 45.93 g or less from the viewpoint of increasing the inertia within a range satisfying the standards of the American Golf Association.

In the present specification, the cover 3 means the outermost layer excluding the paint layer and the mark layer. Some golf balls are said to have a two-layer cover,
In this case, the outer layer corresponds to the cover 3 in this specification.

The Shore D hardness Hc of the cover 3 is set to 58 or more. In other words, the cover 3 has a relatively high hardness. By adopting the cover 3 having high hardness, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 is improved and the flight performance is improved. From this viewpoint, the hardness Hc of the cover 3 is more preferably 59 or more, more preferably 60 or more, and particularly preferably 62 or more. If the hardness Hc of the cover 3 is too high, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 is deteriorated, so the hardness Hc is preferably 70 or less, more preferably 68 or less, and particularly preferably 65 or less.

The difference (Hc-Hm) between the Shore D hardness Hc of the cover 3 and the Shore D hardness Hm of the intermediate layer 5 is preferably 3 or more. As a result, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 is improved. From this viewpoint, the hardness difference (Hc-Hm) is more preferably 5 or more, more preferably 8 or more, and particularly preferably 10 or more. If the hardness difference (Hc-Hm) is extremely large, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 becomes insufficient. From this viewpoint, the hardness difference (Hc-Hm) is preferably 20 or less, and particularly preferably 18 or less.

The Shore D hardness Hm of the mid layer 5 is preferably 60 or less. As a result, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 is improved. From this viewpoint, the hardness Hm is more preferably 58 or less, further preferably 55 or less, and particularly preferably 50 or less. If the hardness Hm is extremely small, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 will be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the hardness Hm is 35.
The above is preferable, 40 or more is more preferable, and 45 or more is particularly preferable.

The Shore D hardness is "ASTM-D 224.
According to the regulations of "0-68", it is measured by a spring type hardness tester Shore D type. When the object of measurement is a resin composition, the hardness is measured with a slab molded from this resin composition. When the rubber composition is crosslinked as the object of measurement, the hardness is measured by a slab obtained by crosslinking the rubber composition under the same conditions as the object crosslinking conditions.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the golf ball 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a front view thereof. In Figure 2,
The type of dimple 6 is shown for one unit when the surface of the golf ball 1 is divided into ten equivalent units. The planar shape of all dimples 6 is
It is circular. This golf ball 1 has a diameter of 4.05 m.
A1 dimple having a depth of 0.1763 mm and a diameter of 4.05 mm and a depth of 0.1763 mm
A2 dimples having a diameter of 3.50 mm and a depth of 0.1518 mm, and B2 dimples having a diameter of 3.50 mm and a depth of 0.1518 mm.
Dimples with a diameter of 3.35 mm and a depth of 0.1
C1 dimples of 458mm and diameter of 3.35m
C2 dimples with a depth of 0.5658 mm and a diameter of 3.20 mm with a depth of 0.5600 mm
And a D2 dimple having a diameter of 3.20 mm and a depth of 0.5600 mm. The number of A1 dimples is 12, the number of A2 dimples is 120, the number of B1 dimples is 60, the number of B2 dimples is 120, and the number of C1 dimples is 30, There are 30 C2 dimples and 2 D1 dimples.
The number is 0 and the number of D2 dimples is 40. The golf ball 1 has a total of 432 dimples.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a part of the golf ball 1 shown in FIG. In this figure, the cover 3 and the dimples 6 are shown. What is indicated by a chain double-dashed line in this figure is a virtual spherical surface (the surface of the golf ball 1 when it is assumed that the dimples 6 do not exist).
The surface of the cover 3 includes dimples 6 and lands 7. The cover 3 is thickest immediately below the land portion 7,
It is thinnest just below the bottom of the dimple 6.

In FIG. 4, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow t is the thickness of the cover 3 immediately below the land portion 7.
A regular octahedron inscribed in the virtual spherical surface is assumed, the land portion 7 closest to this vertex is determined at each of the six vertexes of this regular octahedron, and the thickness t measured at these six land portions 7 is averaged. Thus, the nominal thickness T of this golf ball 1 is calculated.

The height of the bottom of the dimple 6 is shown by a double-pointed arrow B in FIG. The height B is the distance between the back surface 8 of the cover 3 (the surface in contact with the core 2) and the deepest part of the dimple 6. In other words, the height B is the shortest distance between the back surface 8 of the cover 3 and the dimples 6.

The ratio (B / T) of the height B of the bottom of the dimple 6 to the nominal thickness T of the cover 3 is an index representing the thickness of the cover 3 immediately below the dimple. Ratio (B / T) of A1 dimples of the golf ball 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
Is 0.864, the A2 dimple ratio (B / T) is 0.864, the B1 dimple ratio (B / T) is 0.883, and the B2 dimple ratio (B / T) is 0. The ratio of C1 dimples (B / T) is 0.888, the ratio of C2 dimples (B / T) is 0.565, and the ratio of D1 dimples (B / T) is 0.569. And the D2 dimple ratio (B / T) is 0.569. In this golf ball 1, the ratio (B /
The number of dimples 6 whose T) is 0.80 or less is 90. Dimple 6 having a ratio (B / T) of 0.80 or less
The ratio R1 of the number (90) to the total number of dimples (432) is 20.8%.

The ratio R1 of the golf ball 1 is larger than the ratio R1 of the conventional golf ball. The golf ball 1 has a large number of portions where the cover 3 is relatively thin (hereinafter referred to as “thin portions”). This golf ball 1 has an excellent shot feeling. This golf ball 1
Although the reason why the hit feeling is excellent is unknown in detail, it is presumed that a large number of thin-walled portions have some influence on the behavior of the golf ball 1 at the time of impact and the impact force is reduced. The dimple 6 is originally provided for the purpose of improving the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf ball 1, and plays a role of improving flight performance by optimizing the trajectory after impact. In the present invention, the ratio R1 is set within a predetermined range, so that the dimple 6 plays the role of improving the shot feeling in addition to the original role of improving the aerodynamic characteristics.

According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, by setting the ratio R1 to 10% or more, a good shot feeling can be obtained even when the cover 3 having high hardness is adopted. High ratio R
1 and the cover 3 having a high hardness, both the shot feeling and the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 are compatible.

From the viewpoint of shot feeling, the ratio R1 is preferably 15% or more, more preferably 20% or more. If the ratio R1 is too large, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 becomes insufficient. Therefore, the ratio R1 is preferably 95% or less, more preferably 90% or less, further preferably 85 %% or less, further preferably 70% or less, 60% or less is particularly preferable.

A place where the thickness of the cover 3 is extremely thin is likely to be a starting point of a crack. From the viewpoint of the durability of the golf ball 1, it is preferable that the thickness of the cover 3 is extremely thin as much as possible. Specifically, the ratio (B /
The ratio R2 of the number of dimples 6 having T) of less than 0.40 to the total number of dimples is preferably 10% or less, and 5%.
The following is preferable and ideally 0%. 1 to 4
In the golf ball 1 shown in 1), the ratio R2 is 0%.

The average value of the ratio (B / T) is preferably 0.86 or less. If the average value exceeds this range, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 may deteriorate. From this viewpoint, the average value is more preferably 0.84 or less, and particularly preferably 0.82 or less. If the average value is too small, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the average value is preferably 0.50 or more, more preferably 0.60 or more, and particularly preferably 0.70 or more. The average value is calculated by summing the ratio (B / T) values for all dimples 6 and dividing this total value by the total number of dimples. In the golf ball 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the average value of the ratio (B / T) is 0.812.

The surface area occupation ratio Y of the dimples 6 is 70%.
It is preferably not less than 90% and not more than 90%. If the surface area occupation ratio Y is less than the above range, the lift of the golf ball 1 during flight may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the surface area occupation ratio Y is 72.
% Or more is more preferable, and 74% or more is particularly preferable. If the surface area occupation ratio Y exceeds the above range, the trajectory of the golf ball 1 may be too high. From this viewpoint, the surface area occupation ratio Y is more preferably 88% or less, and particularly preferably 86% or less. The surface area occupation ratio Y of the golf ball 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is 77.6%.

In the present specification, the term "surface area occupation ratio Y" means a value obtained by dividing the total area of all the dimples 6 by the surface area of the phantom sphere. Here, "Dimple 6
The area of the dimple 6 is the plane shape of the dimple 6 (the dimple 6 when the center of the golf ball 1 is seen from infinity).
(The shape of the contour of the). In the case of the circular dimple 6 having a diameter of d, the area s is calculated by the following mathematical formula. s = (d / 2) ² × π

The total volume V of the dimples 6 is 400 mm ³
It is preferably 700 mm ³ or less. If the total volume V is less than the above range, there is a possibility that the trajectory will hop. In this respect, the total volume V is more preferably 420 mm ³ or more, 430 mm ³ or more is particularly preferable. If the total volume V exceeds the above range, the trajectory may drop. In this respect, the total volume is more preferably 680 mm ³ or less, more preferably 660 mm ³ or less, 570m
m ³ or less is particularly preferable. The total volume V of the golf ball 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is 517 mm ³ .

In the present specification, the "total volume V" means the sum of the volumes v of all the dimples 6. Here, the “volume v of the dimple 6” means the volume of the portion surrounded by the phantom sphere and the surface of the dimple 6.

The diameter of the dimple 6 is preferably 2.0 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less. When the diameter is less than the above range, the flight distance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the diameter is more preferably 2.2 mm or more, further preferably 2.3 mm or more, and particularly preferably 2.5 mm or more. If the diameter exceeds the above range, the aerodynamic symmetry of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the diameter is more preferably 5.8 mm or less.
6 mm or less is more preferable, and 5.0 mm or less is particularly preferable. From the viewpoint of flight performance, it is preferable to provide a plurality of types of dimples 6 having different diameters. In this case, it is preferable that the diameters of all types are within the above range.

The depth of the dimples 6 (the distance between the virtual spherical surface and the deepest part of the dimples 6) is appropriately determined so that the ratio (B / T) falls within the above range. Usually depth is 0.05
mm or more and 1.00 mm or less, and particularly 0.10 mm or more and 0.80 mm or less. From the perspective of flight performance,
It is preferable to provide a plurality of types of dimples 6 having different depths. In this case, the depth is preferably within the above range for all types. Preferably, three or more kinds of dimples 6 having different diameters or depths are provided.

Instead of the circular dimples 6 or together with the circular dimples 6, non-circular dimples may be formed. Specific examples of non-circular dimples include polygonal dimples, elliptical dimples, and tear-shaped dimples. The area of the non-circular dimple is 3 mm ³ or more and 29 mm
^It is preferably ³ or less.

The total number of dimples 6 is 250 or more and 50 or more.
0 or less is preferable. If the total number is less than the above range, there is a possibility that the original characteristic of the golf ball 1 that it is substantially spherical may not be maintained. From this viewpoint, the total number is more preferably 260 or more, further preferably 280 or more,
Particularly preferred is 300 or more. When the total number exceeds the above range, the drag coefficient (Cd) becomes large and the flight distance may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the total number is more preferably 480 or less, and particularly preferably 460 or less.

The dimensions of the dimples 6 are obtained by actually measuring the golf ball 1. The golf ball 1 is generally provided with a paint layer on its surface, and it may be difficult to measure the dimensions accurately due to the influence of the paint layer. In the present invention, the golf ball 1 before paint processing may be actually measured, or the dimensions of the molding die may be actually measured, for convenience.

The nominal thickness T of the cover 3 is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. If the nominal thickness T is less than the above range, the resilience performance and durability may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the nominal thickness T is more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm or more. Nominal thickness T
When the value exceeds the above range, the shot feeling may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the nominal thickness T is more preferably 2.0 mm or less, further preferably 1.7 mm or less, and 1.5 m
m or less is particularly preferable.

The cover 3 is usually made of a resin composition. Examples of particularly preferable base resins include ionomer resins, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyolefins and various thermoplastic elastomers, and a mixture thereof may be used.

Among the ionomer resins, those in which a part of the carboxylic acid in the copolymer of α-olefin and α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms is neutralized with metal ions are preferable. Is. Ethylene and propylene are preferable as the α-olefin. Acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are preferable as the α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid. Examples of metal ions for neutralization include alkali metal ions such as sodium ions, potassium ions and lithium ions; divalent metal ions such as zinc ions, calcium ions and magnesium ions; and trivalent metals such as aluminum ions and neodymium ions. Ions are mentioned. Neutralization may be done with more than one metal ion.
Particularly suitable metal ions from the viewpoint of resilience performance and durability of the golf ball 11 are sodium ion, zinc ion,
Lithium ion and magnesium ion.

Preferred thermoplastic elastomers include
Polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and O at the end
Thermoplastic elastomers with H groups are mentioned. Two or more thermoplastic elastomers may be used in combination. From the viewpoint of resilience performance of the golf ball 1, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers and styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers are particularly suitable.

The styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (thermoplastic elastomer containing a styrene block) includes a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SB
S), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS), styrene-isoprene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SIBS), hydrogenated product of SBS, hydrogenated product of SIS and hydrogenated product of SIBS. Be done.
Examples of hydrogenated products of SBS include styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS). Examples of hydrogenated products of SIS include styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS). Examples of hydrogenated products of SIBS include styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEEPS).

If necessary, the cover 3 is provided with a coloring agent such as titanium dioxide, a filler such as barium sulfate, a dispersant, an antiaging agent, an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, a fluorescent agent, an optical brightening agent and the like. You may mix | blend an appropriate amount. Cover 3 for the purpose of adjusting specific gravity
A powder of a metal having a high specific gravity such as tungsten or molybdenum may be added.

The center 4 is usually obtained by crosslinking a rubber composition. As the base rubber of the rubber composition, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, natural rubber and the like are suitable. Two or more of these rubbers may be used in combination. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, polybutadiene is preferable. Even when polybutadiene and other rubbers are used in combination, it is preferable that polybutadiene is the main component.
Specifically, the proportion of polybutadiene in the total base rubber is preferably 50% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 80% by mass or more. Among polybutadiene, high cis polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond ratio of 40% or more, particularly 80% or more is preferable.

The cross-linking form of the center 4 is not particularly limited. As the cross-linking agent, a co-cross-linking agent, organic peroxide, sulfur or the like can be used. The co-crosslinking agent and the organic peroxide are preferably used in combination because the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 is enhanced. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, the preferred co-crosslinking agent is
An α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 2 to 8 carbon atoms,
Monovalent or divalent metal salts are preferred. Specific examples of preferable co-crosslinking agents include zinc acrylate, magnesium acrylate, zinc methacrylate and magnesium methacrylate. In particular, zinc acrylate, which can obtain high resilience performance, is preferable.

As the co-crosslinking agent, an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 2 to 8 carbon atoms and a metal oxide may be blended. Both react in the rubber composition to give a salt. Preferred α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acids include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, with acrylic acid being particularly preferred. Examples of preferable metal oxides include zinc oxide and magnesium oxide, and zinc oxide is particularly preferable.

The blending amount of the co-crosslinking agent is preferably 10 parts or more and 50 parts or less with respect to 100 parts of the base rubber (parts weight). If the amount is less than the above range, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the blending amount is more preferably 12 parts or more, and particularly preferably 15 parts or more. If the compounding amount exceeds the above range, the golf ball 1
The shot feeling of may become hard. From this viewpoint, it is particularly preferable that the blending amount is 45 parts or less.

The rubber composition used for the center 4 includes
An organic peroxide is preferably blended. The organic peroxide functions as a crosslinking agent together with the aforementioned α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt, and also as a curing agent. By blending the organic peroxide, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 can be enhanced. Suitable organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide, 1,1-bis (t-butylperoxy)
-3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (t-butylperoxy) hexane and di-t-butylperoxide are mentioned. A particularly versatile organic peroxide is dicumyl peroxide.

The compounding amount of the organic peroxide is 100% base rubber.
It is preferably 0.1 part or more and 3.0 parts or less with respect to parts. If the amount is less than the above range, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the blending amount is more preferably 0.2 part or more, further preferably 0.4 part or more, particularly preferably 0.5 part or more. If the blending amount exceeds the above range, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 may become hard. From this viewpoint, the compounding amount is particularly preferably 2.5 parts or less.

A filler may be blended in the center 4 for the purpose of adjusting the specific gravity. Suitable fillers include inorganic salts such as zinc oxide, barium sulfate and calcium carbonate; powders made of high specific gravity metals such as tungsten and molybdenum. The blending amount of the filler is appropriately determined so that the intended specific gravity of the center 4 is achieved. Because it functions not only as a specific gravity adjustment but also as a crosslinking aid,
The preferred filler is zinc oxide. Various additives such as sulfur, an antioxidant, a colorant, a plasticizer, and a dispersant may be blended in the center 4 in an appropriate amount, if necessary. Center 4
Further, a powder of cross-linked rubber or a synthetic resin powder may be blended with. The crosslinking temperature of the general center 4 is 140 ° C. or higher and 180 ° C. or lower, and the crosslinking time is 10 minutes or longer and 60 minutes or shorter.

The diameter of the center 4 is 25 mm or more and 41 mm
In the following, it is particularly set to 27 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

The intermediate layer 5 may be composed of a crosslinked rubber or a resin composition. The base rubber in the case of being composed of crosslinked rubber is the same as the base rubber of the center 4. Further, the same co-crosslinking agent and organic peroxide as in the case of the center 4 may be blended. The content of the co-crosslinking agent is preferably 10 parts or more and 60 parts or less with respect to 100 parts of the base rubber. If the amount is less than the above range, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the blending amount is more preferably 15 parts or more, and particularly preferably 20 parts or more. If the blending amount exceeds the above range, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 may deteriorate. From this viewpoint, the compounding amount is more preferably 50 parts or less, further preferably 40 parts or less, and particularly preferably 35 parts or less.

The content of the organic peroxide in the mid layer 5 is preferably 0.1 part or more and 8.0 parts or less with respect to 100 parts of the base rubber. If the amount is less than the above range, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the blending amount is more preferably 0.2 parts or more, and is 0.3
More preferably, it is 0.5 part or more. If the blending amount exceeds the above range, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 may become hard. From this viewpoint, the compounding amount is more preferably 7.0 parts or less, further preferably 6.0 parts or less, and particularly preferably 4.0 parts or less.

The intermediate layer 5 may also contain the same fillers and various additives as those used in the center 4.

When the intermediate layer 5 is made of a resin composition, the same ionomer resin, polyester, polyurethane, polyolefin and various thermoplastic elastomers as those for the cover 3 can be used.

The thickness of the intermediate layer 5 is 0.2 mm or more and 4.0.
mm or less is preferable. When the thickness is less than the above range, the shot feeling of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the thickness is more preferably 0.3 mm or more,
5 mm or more is particularly preferable. When the thickness exceeds the above range, the resilience performance of the golf ball 1 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the thickness is more preferably 3.0 mm or less, further preferably 2.0 mm or less, and particularly preferably 1.5 mm or less.

The center 4 of the golf ball 1 of FIG. 1 is composed of a single layer, but a center composed of two or more layers may be used. Another intermediate layer may be provided between the center 4 and the intermediate layer 5, and another intermediate layer may be provided between the intermediate layer 5 and the cover 3. A single layer core without an intermediate layer may be used.

[0061]

EXAMPLES The effects of the present invention will be clarified below based on Examples, but the present invention should not be construed in a limited way based on the description of the Examples.

Golf balls of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were obtained with the specifications of the center, the intermediate layer, the cover and the dimples as shown in Table 1 below. The cores of the golf balls of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3 do not have an intermediate layer and are composed of a single layer. The details of the composition of the center and the middle layer are shown in Table 2, and the details of the composition of the cover are shown in Table 3.
The details of the dimple specifications are shown in Table 4.

[0063]

[Table 1]

[0064]

[Table 2]

[0065]

[Table 3]

[0066]

[Table 4]

[Measurement of Amount of Compressive Deformation] First, the golf ball was placed on a hard plate made of metal. Next, the metal cylinder was gradually lowered toward the golf ball, and the golf ball sandwiched between the bottom surface of this cylinder and the hard plate was deformed. Then, the moving distance of the cylinder from the state in which the initial load of 98 N was applied to the golf ball to the state in which the final load of 1274 N was applied was measured and defined as the amount of compressive deformation. The results are shown in Table 5 below.

[Measurement of Coefficient of Restitution] A hollow cylinder made of aluminum having a mass of 200 g was used in a golf ball at 40 m / m.
It collided at a speed of s. Then, the speed of the hollow cylinder before and after the collision and the speed of the golf ball after the collision are measured,
The coefficient of restitution of the golf ball was determined according to the law of conservation of momentum. The average value of the data obtained by measuring 12 times is shown in Table 5 below as an index when the coefficient of restitution of the golf ball of Comparative Example 1 is 1.00.

[Evaluation of Durability] A driver equipped with a swing head (manufactured by Trutemper Co., Ltd.) with a metal head (“XXIO W # 1” manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Loft: 8 °,
Shaft hardness: X) was attached. Then, the machine conditions were set so that the head speed was 45 m / sec, and the golf ball was hit. Place a steel collision plate on the flight line,
Immediately after hitting, the golf ball was made to collide with the collision plate. This was repeated until the golf ball cracked, and the number of collisions until cracking was counted. The index when the number of collisions of the golf ball of Comparative Example 1 is 100 is shown in Table 5 below.

[Flying Distance Test] A swing machine (manufactured by Trutemper Co., Ltd.) was equipped with a driver having a metal head (the above-mentioned "XXIO W # 1"). Then, machine conditions were set so that the head speed was 45 m / sec, the golf ball was hit, and the flight distance (distance from the launch point to the stationary point) was measured. The average value of 5 measurements is shown in Table 5 below.

[Evaluation of shot feeling] Ten high-class golfers were provided with drivers equipped with metal heads to hit golf balls. Then, the shot feeling was evaluated. 1
Among the 0 golfers, those who answered that they had a good shot feeling were 8 or more, "◎", those with 6 or more and 7 or less were "○", and those with 4 or more and 5 or less were " “A” was given, and three or less persons were given as “X”. The results are shown in Table 5 below.

[0072]

[Table 5]

As is clear from Table 5, the golf balls of the respective examples are excellent in both resilience performance and shot feeling.
From these evaluation results, the superiority of the present invention is clear.

[0074]

As described above, the golf ball of the present invention is excellent in both resilience performance and shot feeling. This golf ball gives a golfer hitting the golf ball a refreshing feeling and contributes to an improvement in the score.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the golf ball of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the golf ball of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the golf ball of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... golf ball 2 ... core 3 ... Cover 4 ... Center 5: Middle layer 6 ... Dimples 7 ... Land 8: back side A1 ... A1 dimples A2 ... A2 dimples B1 ... B1 dimples B2 ... B2 dimples C1 ... C1 dimples C2 ... C2 dimples D1 ... D1 dimples D2 ... D2 dimples

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A golf ball comprising a core, a cover having a Shore D hardness of 58 or more, and a large number of dimples formed on the surface of the cover, wherein the dimple bottom of the cover has a nominal thickness T. Height B
The golf ball is characterized in that the ratio R1 of the number of dimples having a ratio (B / T) of 0.80 or less to the total number of dimples is 10% or more. 2. The ratio R2 of the number of dimples having the ratio (B / T) of less than 0.40 to the total number of dimples is 10.
The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the content is at most%. 3. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the average value of the ratio (B / T) for all dimples is 0.86 or less. 4. The core has a center and an intermediate layer, and when the Shore D hardness of this intermediate layer is Hm and the Shore D hardness of the cover is Hc, the value of (Hc-Hm) is 3. The golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is the above. 5. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the mid layer has a Shore D hardness of 60 or less.