JP7124407B2 - golf club head - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to golf club heads.

The Rules of Golf have regulations regarding the upper limit of the coefficient of restitution. The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. It is stipulated that you must not have Specifically, the CT value is limited to a predetermined value or less. Note that CT is an abbreviation for Characteristic time.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-267438 discloses a pendulum test.

JP-A-2004-267438

In order to strictly control the CT value of the product, it is certain that the produced product itself undergoes a pendulum test. However, this pendulum test revealed that dents remained on the face. This dent degrades the appearance of the product.

These dents can be removed by polishing the face. However, this polishing can thin the face and change the CT value. If the CT value changes, the significance of measuring the CT value is lost.

The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a golf club head that can achieve both CT value control and appearance.

In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a golf club head includes a CT measurement step of measuring a CT value at a measurement point on a hitting surface by a pendulum test, forming a dent recess caused by the pendulum test, and forming the dent recess. and a decorating step of decorating the region including at least a part thereof by laser or shot blasting.

In another aspect, a golf club head has a striking face, a sole, and a hosel. The striking surface has a dent recess formed as a pendulum test dent and a decorative processing area formed to include at least a portion of the dent recess. The decorative processing area is formed by laser or shot blasting.

Both CT value management and appearance can be achieved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf club head of the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the head of FIG. 1 before the decoration is formed. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F3-F3 of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf club head of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the golf club head of the third embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the head before the decoration is formed. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a head manufacturing process. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the golf club head of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the golf club head of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the golf club head of the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf club head 2 of the first embodiment as viewed from the hitting surface side. Head 2 has face 4 , crown 6 , sole 8 and hosel 10 . The face 4 has a striking surface 4a. Hosel 10 has a hosel bore 12 . The inside of the head 2 is hollow. Note that scorelines are provided on the hitting surface 4a, but the description of the scorelines is omitted in all the drawings of the present application.

The material of the head 2 is not limited. Typically, face 4 of head 2 is made of metal. Metals forming the face 4 include stainless steel, pure titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and the like.

The head 2 is a wood type head. Head 2 is a driver head. A club fitted with a driver head is referred to as a driver or number 1 wood. A preferred driver head has a volume between 300cc and 470cc. A preferred driver head has a real loft of 7 degrees or more and 15 degrees or less.

In addition, the type of the head 2 is not limited. Examples of the head 2 include a wood type head, a hybrid type head, an iron type head, and a putter type head.

The striking surface 4a has a decorated portion S1. The head 2 is provided with two decorative portions S1. Each decorative portion S1 has a shape like an arrowhead. More specifically, each decorative portion S1 is a collection of thin belt-shaped decorative regions extending along a straight line. This decorative processing portion S1 is drawn by a laser processing machine controlled by a computer. A general-purpose laser processing machine can be used, for example, ML-Z9500 manufactured by Keyence.

Thus, the decorative processed portion S1 is formed by laser processing. In other words, the decorative processed portion S1 is formed by laser marking. By irradiating the laser, the surface of the striking surface 4a is melted or altered. Irradiation of the laser can form unevenness on the surface of the striking surface 4a. For example, fine grooves may be formed on the surface of the striking surface 4a, or the surface roughness of the striking surface 4a may change. Moreover, when the striking surface 4a has a coating such as a PVD coating, the coating may be peeled off by laser irradiation. As a result, the appearance of the laser-irradiated portion changes, and decorative processing is achieved.

In this embodiment, the CT value of the head 2 is measured before this decoration processing. FIG. 2 shows the head 2 before it is decorated. A measurement point P1 is set on the striking surface 4a. The position of the measurement point P1 is not limited. For example, the point with the highest CT value on the striking surface 4a can be the measurement point P1.

The CT value of this measurement point P1 is measured. As mentioned above, the CT value is measured by the pendulum test. Details of this pendulum test are described in the "Technical Description of the Pendulum Test" attached to the "Notice To Manufacturers" issued by the USGA on February 24, 2003. The unit of CT value is μs. The higher the CT value, the higher the resilience performance tends to be.

As described in JP-A-2004-267438, a pendulum tester has a hemispherical metal mass attached to one end of an arm. This mass body is lowered as a pendulum to collide with the measuring point P1 on the striking surface 4a. When high precision is required for measurement, the mass body is made to collide with the same measurement point P1 multiple times.

This CT value measurement revealed that dents were formed. This dent is so small that it can be overlooked, but it can be visually recognized by looking at the face 4 closely. It was found that the shape of the dent was circular with a diameter of about 1 mm (or less than 1 mm). These dents can degrade the appearance.

From the standpoint of resilience performance, if the design CT value is set very close to the upper limit of the rule, there may be individuals with CT values exceeding this upper limit due to manufacturing variations. From this point of view, it is preferable to perform a 100% CT value inspection. When strictly controlling the CT value, it is necessary to measure the CT value of the product itself. However, the dents deteriorate the appearance and lower the commercial value. The decoration processing section S1 can solve this problem. The decorative processing part S1 makes the dent less noticeable.

In addition to laser processing, shot blasting can be used as a method of decorative processing for forming the decorative processed portion S1. Shot blasting is a surface treatment in which granules called blasting material collide with each other. Metal particles and ceramic particles are exemplified as the projection material. The dents become inconspicuous even by the decorative processing portion S1 formed by this shot blasting. Decorative processing includes uneven processing.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of face 4 taken along line F3-F3 of FIG. A dent recess R1 is formed in a region centered on the measurement point P1. The dent recess R1 is a spherical recess. The shape of the dent recess R1 is not perfectly circular, but is substantially circular. The region where the dent recess R1 is formed is also referred to as a dent region.

The shape of the dent recess R1 results from the shape of the metal mass described above. When the metal mass body collides with the striking surface 4a, the hemispherical shape of the mass body is transferred to the striking surface 4a. The dent recess R1 is curved and substantially spherical. The diameter D1 of the dent recess R1 is about 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and the depth D1 of the dent recess R1 is about 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The radius of curvature of the dent recess R1 is about 20 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and further about 24 mm or more and 27 mm or less. As described above, the shape of the dent recess R1 is not a perfect circle, so the diameter D1 can be the diameter of the minimum enclosing circle of the dent recess R1 in plan view.

From the viewpoint of measurement accuracy, the mass body may collide with the same measurement point P1 N times (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2). In this case, it was found that the dents were easily conspicuous. On the other hand, it has been found that the dent is less conspicuous when the mass body is made to collide only once. Conventionally, dents in pendulum tests have not been recognized.

From the viewpoint of enhancing the measurement accuracy and enhancing the effect of decoration processing, N is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and more preferably 5 or more. From the viewpoint of further improving the measurement accuracy of the CT value, it is preferable to cause the mass body to collide three times from different heights nine times in total. Considering the trouble of measurement, N is preferably 9 or less.

A method of manufacturing the head 2 includes a step of obtaining the head 2 as a structure. This step is also called a pre-step. In this pre-process, the head 2 is produced by a known method. Known methods include casting, forging, press molding, injection molding, and the like. In this pre-process, a plurality of parts may be joined by welding, adhesion, or the like.

The method of manufacturing the head 2 may include a step of polishing the surface of the head 2, a step of forming a film on the surface of the head 2, a step of painting the head 2, and the like.

The method for manufacturing the head 2 preferably includes the following steps (a) and (b).
(a) A CT measurement step of measuring a CT value at a measurement point on the striking surface by a pendulum test and forming a dent recess caused by the pendulum test.
(b) a decoration processing step of performing decoration processing by laser or shot blasting so as to include at least part of the dent recess;

Step (b) may be performed after step (a), or step (a) may be performed after step (b). From the viewpoint that the dents are less conspicuous, it is preferable to perform the step (b) after the step (a). Steps (a) and (b) are preferably performed after the preceding step.

In order to remove the dent recess R1, it is necessary to polish the striking surface 4a. A two-dot chain line shown in FIG. 3 is the new striking surface 4b formed by this polishing. This polishing reduces the thickness of the face 4 . As the face 4 becomes thinner, the CT value changes. By forming the decoratively processed portion S1 instead of this polishing, the dent can be made inconspicuous without substantially changing the CT value.

Laser and shot blasting do not substantially change the thickness of the face 4 . Laser and shot blasting do not substantially change the CT value. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the CT value of the head of the final finished product.

The method for manufacturing the head 2 may further include the following step (c).
(c) a PVD treatment step of applying PVD treatment to the striking surface 4a;

PVD is an abbreviation for physical vapor deposition, and is also called physical vapor deposition. PVD is widely known as one of vapor deposition methods for forming a thin film on the surface of a substance. In PVD processes, materials are physically deposited on the surface of an object in the vapor phase to form a thin film. Materials constituting the PVD coating include TiN (titanium nitride), TiCN (titanium carbide nitride), TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride), TiN (titanium nitride), TiC (titanium carbide), AlCrN (aluminum chromium nitride), TiCN (nitride titanium carbide), TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride), AlCrN (aluminum chromium nitride), CrN (chromium nitride), DLC (diamond-like carbon), and the like. The PVD coating applied to the striking surface 4a can improve the appearance. In addition, the PVD coating can contribute to improving the durability of the striking surface 4a, suppressing the amount of backspin, and the like.

This PVD treatment step may be performed before the CT measurement step. As described above, the striking surface 4a can be polished for the purpose of removing the dent recess R1. When the striking face 4a on which the PVD coating is formed is polished, the PVD coating is peeled off. In this case, it is necessary to completely remove the PVD coating and then perform the PVD treatment again. By adopting decoration processing instead of polishing, redoing of PVD processing becomes unnecessary. A head with a PVD coating is effective for decoration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the head 20 of the second embodiment. Like head 2 , head 20 has face 4 , crown 6 , sole 8 and hosel 10 . The face 4 has a striking surface 4a. The striking face 4a has a PVD coating. Furthermore, this head 20 has an adhesive member 22 . Head 20 is identical to head 2 except for the presence of adhesive member 22 and PVD coating.

In this embodiment, the adhesive member 22 is a plate. The product name, product specifications, etc. may be displayed on the adhesive member 22 . The material of the adhesive member 22 is not limited, and resin, metal, and ceramic are exemplified. The adhesive member 22 is attached to the outer surface of the head 20 with an adhesive. Examples of adhesives include organic adhesives and inorganic adhesives, with organic adhesives being preferred. Examples of organic adhesives include thermoplastic resin adhesives, thermosetting resin adhesives, and elastomer adhesives. From the viewpoint of adhesive strength, thermosetting resin-based adhesives are preferred, and epoxy resin-based adhesives and polyurethane-based adhesives are particularly preferred.

The method for manufacturing the head 20 includes the following step (d) in addition to the steps (a), (b) and (c).
(d) A bonding step of bonding the bonding member 22 with an adhesive.

The bonding step is performed after the PVD treatment step. The bonding process is performed before the CT measurement process. The bonding step is performed between the PVD processing step and the CT measurement step.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the head 30 of the third embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the state before the decorative processing portion S1 is formed. Similar to head 2 , head 30 has face 4 , crown 6 , sole 8 and hosel 10 . The face 4 has a striking surface 4a. The striking face 4a has a PVD coating.

This head 30 has an adhesive member 32 . This head 30 has a head body 34 and an adhesive member 32 . Head body 34 has opening 36 . This opening 36 is closed with the adhesive member 32 . The adhesive member 32 forms part of the crown 6 (most part of the crown 6). The outline of the opening 36 is indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

A peripheral portion of the adhesive member 32 is adhered to the head main body 34 with an adhesive. In the opening 36 the crown 6 is formed only by the adhesive member 32 .

The material of the adhesive member 32 is different from the material of the head body 34 . The material of the adhesive member 32 can be non-metal. For example, the material of the adhesive member 32 is carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Examples of materials for the bonding member 32 include CFRP, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and the like. The material of the head body 34 can be metal.

The method of manufacturing the head 30 also includes the following step (d) in addition to the steps (a), (b) and (c).
(d) A bonding step of bonding the bonding member 32 with an adhesive.

This bonding step is performed between the PVD processing step and the CT measurement step.

PVD processing is performed at elevated temperatures. If the PVD treatment process is performed after bonding the adhesive members, the adhesive will be destroyed by high heat. Considering the heat resistance of the adhesive, the PVD treatment step is preferably performed before the bonding step.

As described above, in a head having a PVD coating on the striking surface 4a, if dents are removed by polishing, the PVD coating will come off. In this case, another PVD treatment is required, but the high temperature caused by this second PVD treatment causes the adhesive to deteriorate. Adopting decoration processing instead of polishing eliminates the need for a second PVD treatment, thereby preventing deterioration of the adhesive.

As described above, the adhesive member 32 alone forms part of the crown 6 at the opening 36 . The bonding member 32 independently constitutes part of the outer shell of the head 30 having a hollow structure. The adhesive member 32 forms part of the structure of the head 30 . Such an adhesive member 32 can be deformed upon impact. This adhesive member 32 can affect the CT value. If the bonding state of the bonding member 32 changes, the CT value may fluctuate. With such a head 30, it is preferable to perform the CT measurement process in a completed state with the bonding member 32 bonded. Moreover, after the CT measurement process, it is preferable not to perform a high-temperature treatment (PVD treatment) that may degrade the adhesive. By using decoration processing instead of polishing, the CT value of the head 30 having the adhesive member 32 can be accurately evaluated. Thus, decoration processing is more effective in the head having the adhesive member 32 that can affect the CT value. From the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of decoration processing, the CT value measured on the head main body 34 before the adhesive member 32 is adhered is set to CT1, and the CT value measured on the head 30 after the adhesive member 32 is adhered is set to CT1. When CT2 is assumed, there is preferably a measurement point P1 such that CT1 is different from CT2.

Frictional heat is generated when polishing is performed. This frictional heat raises the temperature of the head. This high temperature can degrade the adhesive. If the bonding state of the bonding member 32 changes, the CT value may fluctuate. By using decoration processing instead of polishing, the CT value of the head 30 having the adhesive member 32 can be accurately evaluated.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a manufacturing process for a head having an adhesive member, such as the heads 20 and 30 described above. In this example, a PVD treatment step St1 is performed. The adhesion process St2 is performed after the PVD treatment process St1. A CT measurement process St3 is performed after the bonding process St2. A decoration processing step St4 is performed after the CT measurement step St3. The PVD processing step St1 is performed before the decoration processing step St4. The bonding step St2 is performed before the decoration processing step St4. The CT measurement process St3 is performed before the decoration processing process St4. The CT measurement process St3 is performed after the PVD treatment process St1. The CT measurement process St3 is performed after the bonding process St2. The bonding process St2 is performed after the PVD treatment process St1. The bonding process St2 is performed between the PVD treatment process St1 and the CT measurement process St3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the head 40 of the fourth embodiment. Similar to head 2 , head 40 has face 4 , crown 6 , sole 8 and hosel 10 . The face 4 has a striking surface 4a.

The striking surface 4a has a decorated portion S1. The decoration processing portion S1 includes a point-like (rhombic) first decoration processing portion S11, a second decoration processing portion S12 located on the toe side of the first decoration processing portion S11, and a heel of the first decoration processing portion S11. and a third decorative processing portion S13 located on the side. The first decorative processing portion S11 forms a pattern of three dots (rhombuses). The second decorative processed portion S12 and the third decorative processed portion S13 have a parallelogram shape as a whole and have a fine pattern inside. At least a portion of the dent recess R1 may overlap, for example, one rhombus forming the first decorative portion S11. At least part of the dent recess R1 may be located inside the second decorative portion S12 or the third decorative portion S13.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the head 50 of the fifth embodiment. Similar to head 2 , head 50 has face 4 , crown 6 , sole 8 and hosel 10 . The face 4 has a striking surface 4a.

The striking surface 4a has a decorated portion S1. The decoration processing portion S1 includes a substantially diamond-shaped first decoration processing portion S11, a second decoration processing portion S12 forming a peripheral line surrounding the first decoration processing portion S11, and a circumference of the second decoration processing portion S12. and a third decorative processing portion S13 configured with a striped pattern. In this embodiment, the entire dent recess R1 overlaps the first decorative portion S11.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the head 60 of the sixth embodiment. Similar to head 2 , head 60 has face 4 , crown 6 , sole 8 and hosel 10 . The face 4 has a striking surface 4a.

The striking surface 4a has a decorated portion S1. The decorative processed portions S1 are provided at four locations. The decoration processing portion S1 is a set of fine dot-like decoration processing regions.

The decorative processing region may include the entire dent recess R1, or may include only a portion of the dent recess R1. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and the embodiment of FIG. 9, the decoration processing part S1 is a set of small decoration processing regions, and there are small gaps between the decoration processing regions. The dent recesses R1 are present not only in the decorative processing area but also in this small gap area. Therefore, even if the decorative processed portion S1 includes the entire dent recess R1, the decorative processed region does not occupy the entire dent region. However, even in this case, the function of reducing the visibility of the dent recess R1 is exhibited. Even in these embodiments, it is difficult to visually recognize the dent recess R1.

From the viewpoint of making the dent recess R1 inconspicuous, the decorated region preferably occupies 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, of the area of the dent recess. , more preferably 70% or more.

From the viewpoint that the CT value does not substantially change before and after the decoration process, the maximum depth of the irregularities in the decoration process area is preferably 20 μm or less. It was found that even if the maximum depth is 20 μm or less, the visibility of the decoration processing is high, and the effect of making dents less noticeable is high. The maximum depth is preferably 3 μm or more from the viewpoint of the visibility of decoration processing.

This maximum depth is determined based on the most protruding position and the most recessed position in the entire decoration processing area.

From the viewpoint that the CT value does not substantially change before and after the decoration process, the maximum height (Rmax) of the surface roughness of the decoration process area is preferably 20 μm or less. It was found that even if the maximum height (Rmax) is 20 μm or less, the visibility of the decoration processing is high, and the effect of making dents less noticeable is high. The maximum height (Rmax) is preferably 3 μm or more from the viewpoint of the visibility of decoration processing.

From the viewpoint that the CT value does not substantially change before and after the decoration process, the center line average roughness (Ra) of the decoration process area is preferably 4.5 μm or less. It was found that even when the center line average roughness (Ra) was 4.5 μm or less, the visibility of the decoration processing was high, and the effect of making dents inconspicuous was high. From the viewpoint of the visibility of decoration processing, the center line average roughness (Ra) is preferably 0.1 μm or more.

Maximum height (Rmax) and center line average roughness (Ra) are measured according to JIS B0601-1982. For this measurement, a three-dimensional surface roughness meter (SJ-301 manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation) can be used. The direction of measurement is the direction in which the roughness is greatest, and the length is 800 μm and the speed is 0.25-0.5 mm/sec. Ra (μm) and Rmax (μm) are calculated by analyzing the roughness curve obtained by measuring at least once at a pitch of 2.5 μm. In this measurement, a diamond stylus with a stylus tip radius of 2 μm and an apex angle of 60° is used, the measurement tension is 0.7 mN, and the cutoff is 0.8 to 2.5 mm. The maximum depth mentioned above can also be measured with this roughness meter.

The position of the dent recess R1 is not limited. From the viewpoint of managing the CT value of the head, it is preferable that the dent recess R1 be located within a radius of 5 mm from the position of the highest CT value on the striking surface 4a.

The following remarks are disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments.
[Appendix 1]
a CT measurement step of measuring a CT value at a measurement point on the striking surface by a pendulum test and forming a dent recess caused by the pendulum test;
a decorating step of decorating a region including at least part of the dent recesses by laser or shot blasting;
A method of manufacturing a golf club head comprising:
[Appendix 2]
The manufacturing method according to appendix 1, wherein the decoration processing step is performed after the CT measurement step.
[Appendix 3]
further comprising a PVD treatment step of applying PVD treatment to the striking surface;
3. The manufacturing method according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the PVD treatment step is performed before the CT measurement step.
[Appendix 4]
A method of manufacturing a golf club head further comprising an adhesive member, comprising:
further comprising a bonding step of bonding the bonding member with an adhesive;
3. The manufacturing method according to appendix 3, wherein the bonding step is performed between the PVD treatment step and the CT measurement step.
[Appendix 5]
5. The manufacturing method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the decorative processing region subjected to the decorative processing occupies 50% or more of the area of the dent recess.
[Appendix 6]
6. The manufacturing method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the maximum depth of the unevenness in the decorative processing region subjected to the decorative processing is 20 μm or less.
[Appendix 7]
having a striking face, a sole and a hosel;
The striking surface is
a dent recess formed as a dent in a pendulum test;
a decorative processing area formed to include at least part of the dent recess;
and
The golf club head, wherein the decorative processing area is formed by laser or shot blasting.
[Appendix 8]
Clause 8. The golf club head of Clause 7, wherein the striking surface further comprises a PVD coating.
[Appendix 9]
9. The golf club head of Clause 8, further comprising an adhesive member.
[Appendix 10]
10. The golf club head of any one of Appendices 7-9, which is a driver head.

2, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60... Golf club head 4... Face 6... Crown 8... Sole 10... Hosel S1... Decorating part (decorating process area)
P1 ... measurement point R1 ... dent recess

Claims (5)

a CT measurement step of measuring a CT value at a measurement point on the striking surface by a pendulum test and forming a dent recess caused by the pendulum test;
a decorating step of decorating a region including at least part of the dent recesses by laser or shot blasting;
contains
A method for manufacturing a golf club head, wherein the maximum depth of irregularities in the decorated area is 20 μm or less. 2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein said decoration processing step is performed after said CT measurement step. further comprising a PVD treatment step of applying PVD treatment to the striking surface;
3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the PVD treatment step is performed before the CT measurement step. A method of manufacturing a golf club head further comprising an adhesive member, comprising:
further comprising a bonding step of bonding the bonding member with an adhesive;
4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein said bonding step is performed between said PVD treatment step and said CT measurement step. 5. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the decorative processing region subjected to the decorative processing occupies 50% or more of the area of the dent recess.

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