JP2019528890A - Multi-process curing method - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of multi-process cured golf club heads and methods of multi-process curing golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments and other methods may be described and claimed. [Selection] Figure 4

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 395,466, filed September 16, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Incorporated herein.

  The present disclosure relates generally to a material curing method, and more specifically to a material curing method for a golf club head.

  Golf club heads are typically manufactured with high hardness, yield and tensile strength to provide consistent performance after repeated collisions with the ball. Production of high hardness, yield and tensile strength of golf club heads can be achieved by different manufacturing processes and different metal compositions. However, increasing the hardness, yield and tensile strength of certain metal compositions can reduce the ductility of the golf club head. Low ductility golf club heads are very brittle and can easily crack and break when impacted with a ball as compared to more ductile golf club heads. Accordingly, there is a need for one or more manufacturing process techniques applied to specific materials to produce high hardness, yield and tensile strength of the golf club head while maintaining ductility.

1 shows a perspective view of a golf club head with a face plate attached. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a golf club head with a face plate removed. FIG. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the club head assembly. Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of various manufacturing processes.

  Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

  For the purpose of simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings illustrate a general form of construction, and descriptions and details relating to well-known features and techniques have been omitted so as not to obscure the disclosure unnecessarily. May be. Further, the elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some elements of the drawings may be exaggerated in size compared to other elements to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

  In the present specification and claims, where there are terms such as "first", "second", "third", "fourth", they are used to distinguish similar elements It is not necessarily used to describe a specific order or time-sequential order. It is to be understood that the above terms used as such are interchangeable where appropriate, and that the embodiments described herein can be implemented, for example, in a different order than that described or illustrated herein. . Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and their synonyms, are intended to include non-exclusive inclusions, and a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes the listed elements is: It is not necessarily limited to these elements, but includes other elements not explicitly listed, or other elements inherent in such processes, methods, systems, articles, equipment or devices. May be.

  In the present specification and claims, if there are terms such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “upper”, “lower” These are used for illustration, not necessarily to describe a permanent relative position. The terms so used can be interchanged as appropriate, and embodiments of the apparatus, methods and / or articles described herein can be, for example, in different orientations than those described or illustrated herein. It should be understood that it can be implemented.

  Terms such as “couple”, “coupled”, “coupled”, “coupled”, etc. should be interpreted broadly, and two or more elements are mechanically or otherwise coupled together Point to. The coupling (either mechanically or otherwise) may be over any period of time, eg, permanent, semi-permanent, or momentary only.

  Even when there is no term such as “detachable” or “detachable” near a term such as “connected”, it does not mean whether the connection is removable.

  As defined herein, when two or more elements are composed of the same piece of material, they are “integral”. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if they are composed of different pieces of material.

  Before beginning a detailed description of the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components described in the following description or illustrated in the following figures. I want. The present disclosure may be implemented in other embodiments and may be implemented or carried out in various ways.

  1 to 3 show a golf club head 10 and a face plate 14. In one embodiment, the golf club head 10 is formed from a cast material and the face plate 14 is formed from a rolled material. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the golf club head 10 is for a metal wood driver. In other embodiments, the golf club head 10 may be a fairway wood club, a hybrid club, or an iron club. The golf club head 10 may further include a hosel 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the golf club head 10 further includes a recess or opening 22 for receiving the face plate 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 22 includes an edge 26 that extends around the opening 22. The face plate 14 is aligned with the opening and abuts the edge 26. The face plate 14 is fixed to the golf club head 10 by welding to form a club head assembly 30. In one embodiment, the welding is a pulsed plasma welding process.

  The face plate 14 includes a heel end 34 and a toe end 38 opposite to the heel end 34. The heel end 34 is disposed adjacent to the hosel 18. The face plate 14 further includes a crown end 42 and a sole end 46 opposite to the crown end 42. The crown end 42 is disposed adjacent to the upper end of the club head 10, and the sole end 46 is disposed adjacent to the lower end of the golf club head 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the face plate 14 has a bulge curvature in a direction extending between the heel end 34 and the toe end 38. In one embodiment, the faceplate is 1.5 millimeters, 1.4 millimeters, 1.3 millimeters, 1.2 millimeters, 1.1 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, 0.9 millimeters, 0.8 millimeters, 0 millimeters. It may have a minimum wall thickness of 0.7 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, and 0.4 millimeters. In one embodiment, the faceplate may have a minimum wall thickness of 0.7 millimeters.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, what is described herein is a complex process that can be applied to optimize the characteristics of the club head assembly 30 during manufacture. However, in describing the composite processes below with respect to the club head assembly 30, the composite processes are further applicable to the faceplate 14 and individual elements of the golf club head 10. The first process is a heat treatment process 100 of the club head assembly 30 just below the beta-transus temperature of an alpha-beta titanium (α-β Ti) alloy solution. The beta-transus temperature is the lowest temperature at which 100 percent β phase can exist. The second process is a quench process 200 that strengthens and cures the club head assembly 30. The third process is an aging process 300 for increasing the ductility by raising the heat to just below the transition temperature of Ti ₃ Al. Immediately following the aging process 300, the club head assembly 30 goes through a heat reduction process 400 and returns to room temperature. The combined process of the heat treatment process 100, the quenching process 200, the aging process 300, and the heat reduction process 400 changes the structural characteristics of the club head assembly 30, and the final product is not brittle and has a high hardness and a high hardness. The club head assembly 30 has yield and high tensile strength. In addition, having a stronger club head assembly 30 allows the manufacturer to design a thinner faceplate 14 so that any weight can be placed elsewhere in the golf club head 10. can do. Redistributing arbitrary weights to different locations on the club head assembly 30 may affect the center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI). The thinner faceplate 14 can also cause greater deflection upon impact with the ball due to higher trajectories and / or ideal spin.

  In the present invention, the club head assembly 30 may comprise a material that is an alpha-beta titanium (α-β Ti) alloy. The face plate 14 and the golf club head 10 can include the same α-β Ti alloy or different α-β Ti alloys. The α-β Ti alloy may include a neutral alloying element such as tin and an alpha stabilizer such as aluminum and oxygen. The α-β Ti alloy may include β stabilizers such as molybdenum, silicon, and vanadium. All numbers described below with respect to weight percent are total weight percent (wt%). The total weight percent of alpha stabilizer aluminum in the alpha-beta Ti alloy may be 2 wt% to 10 wt%, 3 wt% to 9 wt%, 4 wt% to 8 wt%, or 5 wt% to 7 wt%. The total weight percent of alpha stabilizer oxygen in the alpha-beta Ti alloy may be 0.05 wt% to 0.35 wt%, or 0.10 wt% to 0.20 wt%. The total weight percent of β-stabilized molybdenum in the α-β Ti alloy may be 0.2 wt% to 1.0 wt%, or 0.6 wt% to 0.8 wt%, or a minor amount. The total weight percent of β-stabilized vanadium in the α-β Ti alloy may be from 1.5 wt% to 7 wt%, or from 3.5 wt% to 4.5 wt%. The total weight percent of β-stabilized silicon in the α-β Ti alloy may be 0.01 wt% to 0.10 wt%, or 0.03 wt% to 0.07 wt%. The α-β Ti alloy is Ti-6Al-4V (or Ti6-4), Ti-9S (or T-9S), Ti-662, Ti-8-1-1, Ti-65K, Ti-6246, or , IMI550 may be used. The α-β Ti alloy can be heat-treated by combining the α stabilizer and the β stabilizer. Furthermore, the microstructure of the alpha stabilizer is more ductile and therefore gives the club head assembly 30, face plate 14, and club head assembly 30 greater elasticity. When the elasticity is high, cracks and permanent deformation at the time of collision with the ball can be prevented. Further, the high ductility extends the product life of the club head assembly 30. The beta microstructure works differently than the alpha microstructure. The beta-stabilizer microstructure may be melted at a specific temperature and cooled to change to a different structure in order to increase strength. By manipulating the α-β Ti alloy at a specific temperature in a specific process during manufacture, the club head assembly 30 can be optimized for high hardness and strength while maintaining ductility.

In one embodiment, the α-β Ti alloy may be Ti 6-4 with 6 wt% aluminum (Al) and 4 wt% vanadium (V), and the remaining alloy composition may be any combination of titanium and possibly Such trace elements may be used. In some embodiments, Ti6-4 includes 5.5 wt% to 6.75 wt% Al, 3.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% V, and up to 0.08 wt% carbon (C); Traces of up to 0.03 wt% silicon (Si), up to 0.3 wt% iron (Fe), up to 0.2 wt% oxygen (O), up to 0.015 wt% tin (Sn), Molybdenum (Mo) is included and the remaining alloy composition is titanium. In some embodiments, Ti6-4 includes 5.5 wt% to 6.75 wt% Al, 3.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% V, and 0.08 wt% or less carbon (C); 0.03 wt% or less of silicon (Si), 0.3 wt% or less of iron (Fe), 0.2 wt% or less of oxygen (O), 0.015 wt% or less of tin (Sn), Molybdenum (Mo) is included and the remaining alloy composition is titanium. Ti6-4 is grade 5 titanium. The solvus temperature of Ti6-4 is between 540 ° C and 560 ° C. In some embodiments, Ti6-4 has a density of 0.1597 lb / in ³ (4.37 g / cc). Ti6-4 may also be designated as T-65K.

In other embodiments, the club head assembly 30 may be other α-β Ti alloys, such as Ti-9S (or T-9S), where Ti-9S (or T-9S) is 8 wt%. Al, 1 wt% V, and 0.2 wt% Si, and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and possibly some microelements. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) comprises 6.5 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 1 wt% to 2 wt% V, up to 0.08 wt% C, and up to 0.2 wt% Si, up to 0.3 wt% Fe, up to 0.2 wt% O, up to 0.05 wt% N, a trace amount of Mo, a trace amount of Sn, and the remaining alloy composition Is titanium. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) includes 6.5 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 1 wt% to 2 wt% V, less than 0.1 wt% C, and a maximum 0.2 wt% Si, up to 0.4 wt% Fe, up to 0.15 wt% O, less than 0.05 wt% N, a trace amount of Mo, a trace amount of Sn, and the remaining alloy composition Is titanium. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) comprises 6.5 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 1 wt% to 2 wt% V, 0.1 wt% or less C, and 0 0.2 wt% or less of Si, 0.4 wt% or less of Fe, 0.15 wt% or less of O, less than 0.05 wt% of N, a trace amount of Mo, and a trace amount of Sn, and the remaining alloy composition Is titanium. The solvus temperature of Ti-9S (or T-9S) is 560 ° C to 590 ° C. In some embodiments, Ti-9S (or T-9S) will have a higher porosity and lower yield than Ti-8-1-1. Ti-9S (or T-9S) has a density of about 0.156 lb / in ³ to 0.157 lb / in ³ (4.32-4.35 g / cc). Ti-9S (or T-9S) has a density of 0.156 lb / in ³ (4.32 g / cc).

In other embodiments, the material may be Ti-6-6-2, Ti6246, or other α-β Ti alloys such as IMI550. Titanium 662 may include 6 wt% Al, 6 wt% V, and 2 wt% Sn, with the remaining alloy composition being titanium and possibly some trace elements. Ti-6-6-2 has a density of 0.164 lb / in ³ (4.54 g / cc). The solvus temperature of Ti-6-6-2 is 540 ° C to 560 ° C. Titanium 6246 may include 6 wt% Al, 2 wt% Sn, 4 wt% zirconium (Zr), and 6 wt% Mo, with the remaining alloy composition comprising titanium and possibly some trace elements. It is. The solvus temperature of Ti6246 is 570 ° C to 590 ° C. Ti-6246 has a density of 0.168 lb / in ³ (4.65 g / cc). IMI 550 may include 6 wt% Al, 2 wt% Sn, 4 wt% Mo, and 0.5 wt% Si, with the remaining alloying components being titanium and possibly some trace elements. . The solvus temperature of IMI550 is 490 ° C to 510 ° C. IMI 550 has a density of 0.157 lb / in ³ (4.60 g / cc).

In other embodiments, the material may be other α-β Ti alloys, such as Ti-8-1-1, where Ti-8-1-1 is 8 wt% Al and 1.0 wt%. % Mo and 1 wt% V, and the remaining alloy composition is titanium and possibly some trace elements. In some embodiments, Ti-8-1-1 comprises 7.5 wt% to 8.5 wt% Al, 0.75 wt% to 1.25 wt% Mo, and 0.75 wt% to 1.25 wt%. % V, up to 0.08 wt% C, up to 0.3 wt% Fe, up to 0.12 wt% O, up to 0.05 wt% N, up to 0.015 wt% H, It may contain a maximum of 0.015 wt% Sn and a small amount of Si, and the remaining alloy composition is titanium. The solvus temperature of Ti-8-1-1 is 560 ° C to 590 ° C. In some embodiments, Ti-8-1-1 has a density of 0.1580 lb / in ³ (4.37 g / cc).

(Heat treatment process)
The first process is a heat treatment process 100 of the club head assembly 30 just below the beta-transus temperature (or solvus temperature). The club head assembly 30 may be heated in a vacuum environment chamber infused with an inert gas. The inert gas can be selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, and xenon, or a mixed gas thereof. The club head assembly 30 may be further heated by induction heating using an induction heating coil. In induction heating using an induction heating coil, an alternating magnetic field penetrates the material and generates a current in the material. The electric current excites atoms in the material and generates heat. Induction heating also makes the granular structure stronger and the stress relaxes the weak spots and weld areas.

  Unlike heating the club head assembly 30 at a temperature higher than the β-transus temperature at which all β stabilizers dissolve in the solution matrix, the α-β Ti alloy of the club head assembly 30 is heated just below the solvus temperature. Then, only a part of β stabilizer is dissolved. The remaining β-stabilized body is changed to martensite by being rapidly cooled. Martensite is a strong and hard metastable phase that cures and strengthens the club head assembly 30. Curing and strengthening the golf club head 10 in yield strength and tensile strength promotes resistance to impact on the ball. By hardening and strengthening the club head assembly 30, the thickness of the face plate 14 can be further reduced. The stronger and thinner faceplate 14 can produce greater deflection upon impact with the ball, and any weight of the thinner faceplate 14 can be placed in other locations on the club head assembly 30. Can be redistributed. The temperature at which the club head assembly 30 is heated depends on the α-β Ti alloy provided in the club head assembly 30.

  In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1 to 6 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1 to 2 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for 1 to 4 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 4 to 6 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 1.5 hours to 5.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 2 to 5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for 2.5 to 4.5 hours. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for 3 to 4 hours below the solvus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy.

  In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 1 hour at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 1.5 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 2 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 2.5 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 3 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 3.5 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 4 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 4.5 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 5 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 5.5 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in the α-β Ti alloy solution for at least 6 hours at or below the α-β Ti alloy solvus temperature.

  In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 400 ° C. to 630 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 425 ° C. to 550 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 450 ° C. to 525 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 550 ° C. to 625 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 may be 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes, 180 minutes, 210 minutes, 240 minutes, 270 minutes, 300 minutes, 330 minutes, or 360 minutes, 400 minutes. , 410 ° C, 420 ° C, 430 ° C, 440 ° C, 450 ° C, 460 ° C, 470 ° C, 480 ° C, 490 ° C, 500 ° C, 510 ° C, 520 ° C, 530 ° C, 540 ° C, 550 ° C, 560 ° C, Heat treatment is performed in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 570 ° C, 580 ° C, 590 ° C, 600 ° C, 610 ° C, 620 ° C, or 630 ° C.

  In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 400 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 420 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 440 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 460 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 475 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 480 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 500 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 520 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 540 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 560 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 575 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 580 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 600 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 620 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 625 ° C. In one embodiment, the club head assembly 30 is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at a temperature of at least 630 ° C.

(Quenching process)
Next, the club head assembly 30 is subjected to a quench process 200 to reduce the heat of the club head assembly 30 to room temperature in a controlled and rapid manner. The quench process 200 is performed by rapidly placing the heated club head assembly 30 in a fluid at a selected temperature. The rapid decrease in heat during the quench process 200 changes most of the remaining β stabilizer into martensite particles while still having some retained β stabilizer and some altered α. be able to. Martensite particles are a strong and hard metastable phase that increases the strength and hardness of the club head assembly 30. By increasing the strength and hardness of the club head assembly 30, the thickness of the face plate 14 can be made thinner, so that the club head assembly 30 has a larger deflection at the time of collision with the ball. If the face plate 14 is thin, any weight can be placed at other locations in the club head assembly 30 to further optimize CG placement and MOI.

  The fluid used in the quench process 200 may be a liquid or a gas. Liquids include straight oil, water, water soluble fluids, finely divided oils, and synthetic or semi-synthetic fluids. Straight oil may include base minerals, petroleum, and polar lubricants such as fats, vegetable oils, and esters. Straight oil may further contain extreme pressure additives such as chlorine, sulfur, and phosphorus. A water-soluble fluid is a highly diluted oil that forms an emulsion when mixed with water. Finely dispersed oils include dispersions of solid lubricant particles such as PTFE, graphite, and molybdenum disulfide or boron nitride in minerals or petroleum. Synthetic fluids or semi-synthetic fluids are greases based on synthetic mixtures such as silicon, polyglycols, esters, diesters, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and mixtures of synthetic fluids and water. The gas includes an inert gas such as nitrogen or all noble gases (eg, helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon).

  The quench process 200 cools the club head assembly 30 to room temperature at a very fast rate known as the quench rate. The rapid cooling rate may determine the amount of remaining β-stable that changes to martensite. In one embodiment, the quench rate of the quench process 200 is 2000 ° C./second. In other embodiments, the quench rate is at least 550 ° C / second, at least 750 ° C / second, at least 1000 ° C / second, at least 1500 ° C / second, at least 1700 ° C / second, at least 2000 ° C / second, at least 2300 ° C / second. Second, at least 2500 ° C./second, at least 2700 ° C./second, at least 3000 ° C./second, at least 3300 ° C./second, at least 3500 ° C./second, at least 3700 ° C./second, at least 4000 ° C./second, at least 4300 ° C./second, At least 4500 ° C./second, at least 4700 ° C./second, at least 5000 ° C./second, at least 5300 ° C./second, at least 5500 ° C./second, at least 5700 ° C./second, at least 6000 ° C./second, at least 6300 ° C./second, at least 6500 ° C / sec, at least 670 ° C. / sec, at least 7000 ° C. / sec, at least 7300 ° C. / sec, at least 7500 ° C. / sec, at least 7700 ° C. / sec or, may be at least 8000 ° C. / sec.

(Aging process)
After the remaining β stabilizer is converted to martensite in the quench process 200, the club head assembly 30 then undergoes an aging process 300. In the aging process 300, the temperature of the club head assembly 30 is increased to further manipulate the structural characteristics of the club head assembly 30. Specifically, the aging process 300 further increases the strength of the club head assembly 30 and prevents the duct head of the club head assembly 30 from being reduced too much. In addition, the aging process 300 may be applied to a particular portion of the club head assembly 30, thereby concentrating structural properties with increased strength in that area. The aging process 300 may be performed by conventional heating with an aging oven or induction heating with an induction heating coil.

  In conventional heating in an aging oven, heat is transferred to the surface of the material by conduction, convection, or radiation, and is transferred to the interior of the material by heat conduction. By conventional heating, it is possible to make the molecular structure of the material uniform, grow a larger granular structure in the matrix of the material, eliminate the weak points, and relieve the stress in the weld region.

  The temperature of the aging oven with conventional heating may be increased at the aging rate. In one embodiment, the aging rate applied to the club head assembly 30 is 400 ° C./0.5 hours. In other embodiments, the applied aging rate is at least 100 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 150 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 200 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 250 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 300 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 350 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 400 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 450 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 500 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 550 ° C / 0. 5 hours, at least 600 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 650 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 700 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 750 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 800 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 850 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 900 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 950 ° C / 0.5 hours, or at least 1000 ° C / 0.5 hours. It may be.

  Induction heating to age the club head assembly 30 is similar to induction heating of the heat treatment process 100 described above. Similar to the temperature of the aging oven, the temperature of the induction heating coil may be increased at the induction heating rate. In one embodiment, the induction heating rate applied to the club head assembly 30 may be 400 ° C./0.5 hours. In other embodiments, the applied induction heating rate is at least 100 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 150 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 200 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 250 ° C./0.5 hours, At least 300 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 350 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 400 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 450 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 500 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 550 ° C / 0. 5 hours, at least 600 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 650 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 700 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 750 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 800 ° C./0.5 hours, at least 850 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 900 ° C / 0.5 hours, at least 950 ° C / 0.5 hours, or at least 1000 ° C / 0.5 hours. Good.

During the aging process 300, the club head assembly 30 is heated to just below the transition temperature of Ti ₃ Al. Upon reaching the transition temperature just below the Ti 3 _Al, deposit of Ti 3 _Al moves into the solution matrix, it precipitates along the grain boundaries of the alpha-beta Ti alloy. The precipitates concentrated around the grain boundary increase the grain boundary thickness, thereby increasing the strength and hardness of the club head assembly 30. The aging process 300 increases the strength and hardness of the club head assembly 30 so that the face plate 14 can be made with less material and thus can be more deflected upon impact with the ball. The thinner faceplate 14 also allows any weight of the golf club head to be redistributed to different positions on the golf club head for optimal CG placement and MOI. The precipitates concentrated around the grain boundaries also act as stress relaxation bodies. By relieving the stress of the club head assembly 30, it becomes easier to maintain the ductility of the club head assembly 30, thereby preventing cracks and permanent deformation.

(Heat reduction process)
After receiving the aging process 300, the club head assembly 30 is cooled to room temperature at a relatively slow cooling rate in a heat reduction process 400. The relatively slow cooling rate can help maintain the ductility of the club head assembly 30 so that it does not decrease until the club head assembly 30 becomes brittle. In addition, the relatively slow cooling rate reduces the possibility of the club head assembly 30 being oxidized. From the aging process 300 described above, the club head assembly 30 can be subjected to the heat reduction process 400 by slowly reducing the temperature of the induction heating coil or aging oven to room temperature. The club head assembly 30 can be slowly cooled further to room temperature by dipping the club head assembly 30 in a ceramic material or by convection cooling.

  Cooling the club head assembly 30 by induction heating can greatly increase the cooling time. The cooling time is completely controlled by the temperature of the induction heating coil applied to the club head assembly 30. Increasing the cooling time of the club head assembly 30 can maintain the ductility of the golf club head. Maintaining ductility while the club head assembly 30 undergoes a strengthening and curing process prevents the golf club head from becoming too brittle.

When the temperature of the club head assembly 30 reaches just below the Ti ₃ Al solution temperature and the precipitates concentrate along the particle boundary, the temperature of the induction heating coil is slowly lowered. The temperature of the induction heating coil may be gradually decreased until the club head assembly 30 reaches room temperature. In one embodiment, the temperature of the induction coil may decrease by 100 ° C. per hour. In other embodiments, the induction coil temperature is 50 ° C./hour, 75 ° C./hour, 100 ° C./hour, 125 ° C./hour, 150 ° C./hour, 175 ° C./hour, 200 ° C./hour, 225 ° C./hour Hereinafter, the temperature may be decreased by 250 ° C. or lower, 275 ° C. or lower, 300 ° C. or lower, 325 ° C. or lower, 350 ° C. or lower, 375 ° C. or lower, or 400 ° C. or lower per hour.

  The time for the club head assembly 30 to reach room temperature by lowering the temperature of the induction coil may range from 1 hour to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the club head assembly 30 is 1 hour to 2 hours, 2 hours to 3 hours, 3 hours to 4 hours, 4 hours to 5 hours, 5 hours to 6 hours, 6 hours to 7 hours, 7 hours, Room temperature may be reached by induction heating from time 8 hours, 2 hours to 6 hours, 4 hours to 8 hours, 5 hours to 7 hours, or 3 hours to 8 hours.

  By cooling the club head assembly 30 by immersing the club head assembly 30 in the ceramic material “bath”, it becomes easy to lengthen the cooling time of the golf club head. The bath comprises ceramic beads or a mass of ceramic that can be heated or cooled by applying a voltage to the ceramic material. Similar to the temperature of the induction heating coil, the temperature of the ceramic material bath may be gradually reduced. Further, similar to the induction heating coil, the ceramic material bath may maintain the ductility of the club head assembly 30 by increasing the cooling time of the club head assembly 30.

  The temperature of the ceramic material bath may slowly and gradually decrease until the club head assembly 30 reaches room temperature. In one embodiment, the temperature of the ceramic material bath may decrease by 100 ° C. per hour. In other embodiments, the temperature of the ceramic material bath is 50 ° C. or less, 75 ° C. or less, 100 ° C. or less, 125 ° C. or less, 150 ° C. or less, 175 ° C. or less, 200 ° C. or less, or 225 hours per hour. The temperature may be decreased by less than ℃, 250 ℃ or less, 275 ℃ or less, 300 ℃ or less, 325 ℃ or less, 350 ℃ or less, 375 ℃ or less, 400 ℃ or less, or 400 ℃ or less.

  The time for the club head assembly 30 to reach room temperature by lowering the temperature of the ceramic material bath may range from 1 hour to 8 hours. In some embodiments, the club head assembly 30 is 1 hour to 2 hours, 2 hours to 3 hours, 3 hours to 4 hours, 4 hours to 5 hours, 5 hours to 6 hours, 6 hours to 7 hours, 7 hours, Room temperature may be reached by a ceramic material bath for 8 hours, 2 to 6 hours, 4 to 8 hours, 5 to 7 hours, or 3 to 8 hours.

  Convection cooling allows the entire club head assembly 30 to be cooled to room temperature with a relatively slow cooling rate. Convective cooling is performed by allowing the heated material to cool to room temperature by movement of the surrounding fluid. The ambient fluid used for convective cooling of the club head assembly 30 may be in a chamber under an atmosphere evacuated with an inert gas or in an unsealed environment such as the atmosphere. The inert gas may be selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, or a mixed gas thereof. The atmosphere or inert gas increases the cooling time of the club head assembly 30, thereby reducing the possibility of oxidation and further helps maintain ductility so that the club head assembly 30 does not become brittle.

  In some embodiments, the thermal reduction process 400 is performed on the club head assembly 30 by slowly lowering the temperature of the induction heating coil to increase the cooling time. In other embodiments, the thermal reduction process 400 is performed on the club head assembly 30 with a ceramic material bath. In other embodiments, the thermal reduction process 400 is performed on the club head assembly 30 by convective cooling. In other embodiments, the thermal reduction process 400 is performed on the club head assembly 30 by any combination of induction heating, ceramic material bath, and convection cooling.

(Example)
In one example, a golf club head comprising Ti-6-4 has undergone a combined process of a heat treatment process 100, a quench process 200, an aging process 300, and a heat reduction process 400. The composite process further prevents the ductility of the golf club head from being reduced too much. After the combined process, the golf club head is measured to yield 160 ksi yield strength, 170 ksi tensile strength, 10% elongation (elongation is a measure of ductility), and (based on Rockwell hardness C scale) It was measured to have a hardness level of C41. Compared to a golf club head with annealed Ti-6-4, Ti-6-4 after the composite process has a yield strength of 25% higher, a tensile strength of 25.9% higher, and a hardness level of 6 Increased. Furthermore, compared to other golf club heads with Ti-6-4 that had undergone other processes that increase strength, the composite process prevented the golf club head from decreasing until the ductility of the golf club became brittle.

  In another example, the club head assembly 30 comprising Ti-6-6-2 has undergone a combined process of a heat treatment process 100, a quench process 200, an aging process 300, and a heat reduction process 400. The composite process further facilitates maintaining the golf club head so that the ductility does not become too low. After the combined process, measurements of the club head assembly 30 were made and measured to have a yield strength of 161 ksi, a tensile strength of 175 ksi, an elongation of 8%, and a hardness level of C42. Compared to a golf club head with annealed Ti-6-6-2, Ti-6-6-2 after the composite process has a yield strength of 13.3% higher and a tensile strength of 15.1% higher. Furthermore, the hardness level increased by 4. In addition, the composite process kept the ductility of the golf club head from becoming too low compared to other golf club heads comprising Ti-6-6-2 that had undergone a different strength increasing process.

  Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction and is not a repair. In addition, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. However, any element or elements that may lead to benefits, benefits, solutions to problems, and benefits, benefits, or future or prominent solutions are important and essential elements of any or all claims. Should not be construed as essential features or elements.

  Golf rules are subject to change (e.g., by golf standards organizations and / or golf management organizations such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the UK and Golf Association of St. Andrews (R & A), etc.) New rules may be adopted, old rules may be abolished or revised), and the golf equipment related to the manufacturing equipment, manufacturing method, and manufactured goods described herein are subject to the rules of golf at any particular point in time. May or may not be compatible. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and product described herein may be advertised, marketed, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and manufactured product described herein are not limited in this regard.

  Although the above example has been described with respect to a driver-type golf club, the manufacturing apparatus, the manufacturing method, and the manufactured product described in this specification can be applied to other types of golf clubs (fairway wood golf clubs, hybrid golf clubs). , An iron golf club, a wedge golf club or a putter golf club). Alternatively, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method and product described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment (hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski stocks, etc.).

  Further, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not explicitly claimed in (1) the claims, and (2) claims under the doctrine of equivalents. If it is an explicit element and / or equivalent equivalent or potential equivalent of it, it will not be made available to the public under the document of decision.

  Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A club head assembly method comprising:
(A) Providing a golf club head having a recess and a face plate, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are formed of an α-β Ti alloy, and the α-β Ti alloy is 5.5 wt% to 6.75 wt% aluminum (Al), 3.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% vanadium (V), up to 0.08 wt% carbon (C), and up to 0.03 wt% Silicon (Si), up to 0.3 wt% iron (Fe), up to 0.2 wt% oxygen (O), up to 0.015 wt% tin (Sn), and a trace amount of molybdenum (Mo) Comprising providing the
(B) aligning the face plate with the recess of the golf club head;
(C) welding the face plate to the golf club head;
(D) heat treating the club head assembly to a temperature just below the β-transus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy for a predetermined time;
(E) quenching the club head assembly to room temperature;
(F) aging the club head assembly to a temperature just below the Ti ₃ Al solution temperature;
(G) reducing the temperature of the club head assembly to room temperature by 400 ° C. or less per hour.   The method of claim 1, wherein the club head assembly of step (d) is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 425 ° C to 550 ° C.   The club head assembly of step (e) comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of straight oil, water, water soluble fluid, finely dispersed oil, and synthetic or semi-synthetic fluid. Item 2. The method according to Item 1.   The method of claim 1, wherein the club head assembly of step (e) is quenched at a quench rate of at least 550 ° C / sec.   The method of claim 1, wherein the club head assembly of step (f) is aged by induction heating using an induction heating coil.   The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature by 175 ° C or less per hour.   The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature by 350 ° C or less per hour.   The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature in a time range of 5 hours to 7 hours.   The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly of step (g) is reduced to room temperature in a time range of 2 to 6 hours.   The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature in a time range of 3 to 8 hours. A club head assembly method comprising:
(A) Providing a golf club head having a recess and a face plate, wherein the golf club head and the face plate are formed of an α-β Ti alloy, and the α-β Ti alloy is Providing, 6 wt% Al, 6 wt% V, and 2 wt% Sn;
(B) aligning the face plate with the recess of the golf club head;
(C) welding the face plate to the golf club head;
(D) heat-treating the club head assembly for a predetermined time to a temperature just below the β-transus temperature of the α-β Ti alloy;
(E) quenching the club head assembly to room temperature;
(F) aging the club head assembly to a temperature just below the Ti ₃ Al solution temperature;
(G) reducing the temperature of the club head assembly to room temperature by 400 ° C. or less per hour.   The method of claim 11, wherein the club head assembly of step (d) is heat treated in an α-β Ti alloy solution at 400 ° C. to 630 ° C. 12.   The club head assembly of step (e) comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of straight oil, water, water soluble fluid, finely dispersed oil, and synthetic or semi-synthetic fluid. Item 12. The method according to Item 11.   The method of claim 11, wherein the club head assembly of step (e) is quenched at a quench rate of at least 2000 ° C./second.   The method of claim 11, wherein the club head assembly of step (f) is aged by induction heating using an induction heating coil.   The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature by no more than 125 ° C. per hour.   The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature by no more than 275 ° C. per hour.   The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature in a time range of 5 to 7 hours.   12. The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature in a time range of 7 to 8 hours. The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature of the club head assembly in step (g) is reduced to room temperature in a time range of 3 to 8 hours.

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