JP2011136021A - Golf ball - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a golf ball 2 excellent in flight performance and control performance. <P>SOLUTION: The golf ball 2 has a spherical core 4, a mid layer 6 positioned on the external side of the core 4, and a cover 8 positioned on the external side of the mid layer 6. The core 4 has a spherical center 10 and an envelope layer 12 positioned on the external side of the center 10. At all points P included in a zone away from the center of the core 4 at a distance of 1 mm or greater and 15 mm or less, a mathematical expression: H2-H1≤5 is satisfied. In the mathematical expression, H1 represents JIS-C hardness at a point P1 that is located inside the point P along the radial direction and away from the point P at a distance of 1 mm, and H2 represents JIS-C hardness at a point P2 that is located outside the point P along the radial direction and away from the point P at a distance of 1 mm. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a golf ball. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-piece golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer, and a cover.

  A golfer's greatest demand for a golf ball is flight performance. Golfers place importance on flight performance on shots with drivers, long irons and middle irons. The flight performance correlates with the resilience performance of the golf ball. When a golf ball excellent in resilience performance is hit, it flies at a high speed and a large flight distance is achieved.

In order to achieve a large flight distance, an appropriate ballistic height is required. The ballistic height depends on the spin speed and launch angle. A golf ball that achieves a high trajectory with a high spin rate has insufficient flight distance. A golf ball that achieves a high trajectory with a large launch angle can provide a large flight distance. By adopting an outer-hard / inner-soft core,
Small spin speeds and large launch angles can be achieved.

  Golfers also place importance on the spin performance of golf balls. If the backspin rate is high, the run is small. For golfers, a golf ball that is subject to backspin is likely to be stationary at a target point. When the side spin rate is high, the golf ball tends to bend. For golfers, golf balls that are susceptible to side spin tend to bend intentionally. A golf ball that is easily spun has excellent control performance. Advanced golfers place particular importance on control performance in shots with short irons.

  From the viewpoint of achieving various performances, golf balls having a multilayer structure have been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-328326 (Patent No. 3985107) discloses a golf ball having an inner core, an envelope layer, an inner cover and an outer cover. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-17575 (Japanese Patent No. 3525813) discloses a golf ball including a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-272880 discloses a golf ball having a core and a cover. This core consists of a center and an outer core layer. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-205052 discloses a golf ball including a center, an intermediate layer, and a cover. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-130072 discloses a golf ball having a core and a cover. This core has a three-layer structure.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-328326 JP 2001-17575 A JP 2002-272880 A JP 2003-205052 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-130072

  When a core having an outer-hard / inner-soft structure and an excessive hardness distribution is struck by a driver, energy loss is large in the core. Energy loss impairs resilience performance. When a core having an outer-hard / inner-soft structure and an excessive hardness distribution is hit with a short iron, the spin rate is low. Small spin speeds impair control performance.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that has a great flight distance when hit with a driver and is excellent in control performance when hit with a short iron.

The golf ball according to the present invention includes a core, an intermediate layer located outside the core, and a cover located outside the intermediate layer. The ratio of the core volume to the phantom sphere volume of this golf ball is 76% or more. The difference (He-Ho) between the JIS-C hardness He on the surface of the core and the JIS-C hardness Ho at the center of the core is 20 or more and 40 or less. The cover has a JIS-C hardness Hc smaller than the hardness Ho. At all points P included in a zone whose distance from the core center is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, the following mathematical formula is established.
H2−H1 ≦ 5
In this mathematical formula, H1 represents the JIS-C hardness of the point P1 that exists radially inward of the point P and is 1 mm away from the point P. In this mathematical formula, H2 represents the JIS-C hardness of the point P2 that exists radially outside the point P and has a distance of 1 mm from the point P.

  Preferably, the cover has a JIS-C hardness Hc of 65 or less. Preferably, the cover has a thickness of 0.8 mm or less.

  Preferably, the intermediate layer has a JIS-C hardness Hm of 90 or more. Preferably, the thickness of the intermediate layer is 1.5 mm or less.

  Preferably, the main component of the base material of the cover is thermoplastic polyurethane. The polyol component of this thermoplastic polyurethane is polytetramethylene ether glycol having a number average molecular weight of 1500 or less.

  Preferably, the core includes a center and an envelope layer located outside the center. The center has a diameter of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The envelope layer has a thickness of 9 mm or more and 18 mm or less.

  In the golf ball according to the present invention, the hardness distribution of the core is appropriate. This core has less energy loss when hit by a driver. With this golf ball, a great flight distance can be obtained when hit with a driver. This golf ball is excellent in control performance when hit with a short iron.

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the hardness distribution of the core of the golf ball according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the hardness distribution of the core of the golf ball according to Example 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the hardness distribution of the core of the golf ball according to Example 3 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the hardness distribution of the core of the golf ball according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the hardness distribution of the core of the golf ball according to Comparative Example 2. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the hardness distribution of the core of the golf ball according to Comparative Example 3.

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

  The golf ball 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a spherical core 4, an intermediate layer 6 located outside the core 4, and a cover 8 located outside the intermediate layer 6. The core 4 includes a spherical center 10 and an envelope layer 12 positioned outside the center 10. A large number of dimples 14 are formed on the surface of the cover 8. A portion of the surface of the golf ball 2 other than the dimples 14 is a land 16. The golf ball 2 includes a paint layer and a mark layer on the outside of the cover 8, but these layers are not shown. The golf ball 2 may include a core 4 that does not have the envelope layer 12.

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

  Preferably, the center 10 is obtained by crosslinking the rubber composition. Examples of preferable base rubber include polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, and natural rubber. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, polybutadiene is preferred. When polybutadiene and other rubber are used in combination, it is preferable that polybutadiene is a main component. Specifically, the ratio of the amount of polybutadiene to the total amount of the base rubber is preferably 50% by mass or more, and more preferably 80% by mass or more. The ratio of cis-1,4 bonds in the polybutadiene is preferably 40% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.

  The rubber composition of the center 10 includes a co-crosslinking agent. High repulsion of the center 10 is achieved by the co-crosslinking agent. A preferred co-crosslinking agent from the viewpoint of resilience performance is a monovalent or divalent metal salt of an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific examples of preferred co-crosslinking agents include zinc acrylate, magnesium acrylate, zinc methacrylate and magnesium methacrylate. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, zinc acrylate and zinc methacrylate are particularly preferred.

  In light of the resilience performance of the golf ball 2, the amount of the co-crosslinking agent is preferably equal to or greater than 5 parts by mass and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. In light of the feel at impact, the amount of the co-crosslinking agent is preferably 30 parts by mass or less, more preferably 25 parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably 20 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber.

  Preferably, the rubber composition of the center 10 includes an organic peroxide together with a co-crosslinking agent. The organic peroxide functions as a crosslinking initiator. The organic peroxide contributes to the resilience performance of the golf ball 2. Suitable organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide, 1,1-bis (t-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (t- Butyl peroxy) hexane and di-t-butyl peroxide. From the viewpoint of versatility, dicumyl peroxide is preferable.

  In light of the resilience performance of the golf ball 2, the amount of the organic peroxide is preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.2 parts by mass or more, and 0.3 masses with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. Part or more is particularly preferable. From the viewpoint of soft feel at impact, the amount of the organic peroxide is preferably 1.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1.0 part by mass or less, and 0.8 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. Is particularly preferred.

  Preferably, the rubber composition of the center 10 includes an organic sulfur compound. Preferred organic sulfur compounds include diphenyl disulfide, bis (4-chlorophenyl) disulfide, bis (3-chlorophenyl) disulfide, bis (4-bromophenyl) disulfide, bis (3-bromophenyl) disulfide, and bis (4-fluorophenyl). ) Monosubstituted compounds such as disulfide, bis (4-iodophenyl) disulfide and bis (4-cyanophenyl) disulfide; bis (2,5-dichlorophenyl) disulfide, bis (3,5-dichlorophenyl) disulfide, bis (2 , 6-dichlorophenyl) disulfide, bis (2,5-dibromophenyl) disulfide, bis (3,5-dibromophenyl) disulfide, bis (2-chloro-5-bromophenyl) disulfide and bis (2-cyano-5- The Di-substituted compounds such as mophenyl) disulfide; tri-substituted compounds such as bis (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) disulfide and bis (2-cyano-4-chloro-6-bromophenyl) disulfide; Tetra substituents such as 3,5,6-tetrachlorophenyl) disulfide; and bis (2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorophenyl) disulfide and bis (2,3,4,5,6-pentabromophenyl) ) Examples of penta-substituted compounds such as disulfides. Organic sulfur compounds contribute to resilience performance. Particularly preferred organic sulfur compounds are diphenyl disulfide and bis (pentabromophenyl) disulfide.

  In light of the resilience performance of the golf ball 2, the amount of the organic sulfur compound is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 parts by weight and more preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the base rubber. From the viewpoint of soft feel at impact, the amount of the organic sulfur compound is preferably 1.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1.0 part by mass or less, and 0.8 part by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. Particularly preferred.

  The center 10 may be blended with a filler for the purpose of adjusting specific gravity and the like. Suitable fillers include zinc oxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The amount of the filler is appropriately determined so that the intended specific gravity of the center 10 is achieved. A particularly preferred filler is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide functions not only as a specific gravity adjusting role but also as a crosslinking aid.

  An anti-aging agent, a colorant, a plasticizer, a dispersant, sulfur, a vulcanization accelerator, and the like are added to the rubber composition of the center 10 as necessary. Crosslinked rubber powder or synthetic resin powder may be dispersed in the rubber composition.

  In light of resilience performance, the center 10 has a center hardness Ho of preferably 40 or greater, more preferably 45 or greater, and particularly preferably 50 or greater. From the viewpoint of spin suppression, the center hardness H1 is preferably 80 or less, more preferably 75 or less, and particularly preferably 70 or less. The center hardness Ho is measured by pressing a JIS-C type hardness meter against the center point of the cut surface of the hemisphere obtained by cutting the center 10. For the measurement, an automatic rubber hardness measuring machine (trade name “P1” by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.) equipped with this hardness meter is used.

  The hardness of the center 10 gradually increases from the center point toward the surface. The surface hardness of the center 10 is greater than the center hardness Ho.

  The diameter of the center 10 is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. An excellent feel at impact can be achieved by the center 10 having a diameter of 10 mm or more. In this respect, the diameter is more preferably equal to or greater than 12 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 13 mm. The envelope layer 12 having a sufficiently large thickness can be formed by the center 10 having a diameter of 20 mm or less. In this respect, the diameter is more preferably 18 mm or less, and particularly preferably 17 mm or less.

  The envelope layer 12 is obtained by crosslinking the rubber composition. Examples of preferable base rubber include polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, and natural rubber. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, polybutadiene is preferred. When polybutadiene and other rubber are used in combination, it is preferable that polybutadiene is a main component. Specifically, the ratio of the amount of polybutadiene to the total amount of the base rubber is preferably 50% by mass or more, and more preferably 80% by mass or more. The ratio of cis-1,4 bonds in the polybutadiene is preferably 40% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.

  For crosslinking of the envelope layer 12, a co-crosslinking agent is preferably used. A preferred co-crosslinking agent from the viewpoint of resilience performance is a monovalent or divalent metal salt of an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific examples of preferred co-crosslinking agents include zinc acrylate, magnesium acrylate, zinc methacrylate and magnesium methacrylate. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, zinc acrylate and zinc methacrylate are particularly preferred.

  In light of the resilience performance of the golf ball 2, the amount of the co-crosslinking agent is preferably 20 parts by mass or more and particularly preferably 25 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. In light of the feel at impact, the amount of the co-crosslinking agent is preferably 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 45 parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably 35 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber.

  Preferably, the rubber composition of the envelope layer 12 includes an organic peroxide together with a co-crosslinking agent. The organic peroxide functions as a crosslinking initiator. The organic peroxide contributes to the resilience performance of the golf ball 2. Suitable organic peroxides include dicumyl peroxide, 1,1-bis (t-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (t- Butyl peroxy) hexane and di-t-butyl peroxide. From the viewpoint of versatility, dicumyl peroxide is preferable.

  In light of the resilience performance of the golf ball 2, the amount of the organic peroxide is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 parts by weight, more preferably equal to or greater than 0.3 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the base rubber. Part or more is particularly preferable. From the viewpoint of soft feel at impact, the amount of the organic peroxide is preferably 2.0 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1.5 parts by mass or less, and 1.0 part by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. Is particularly preferred.

  Preferably, the rubber composition of the envelope layer 12 includes an organic sulfur compound. The organic sulfur compounds described above with respect to the center 10 can be used for the envelope layer 12. In light of the resilience performance of the golf ball 2, the amount of the organic sulfur compound is preferably equal to or greater than 0.1 parts by weight and more preferably equal to or greater than 0.2 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the base rubber. From the viewpoint of soft feel at impact, the amount of the organic sulfur compound is preferably 1.5 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1.0 part by mass or less, and 0.8 part by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base rubber. Particularly preferred.

  A filler may be added to the envelope layer 12 for the purpose of adjusting specific gravity and the like. Suitable fillers include zinc oxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. As a filler, a powder made of a high specific gravity metal may be blended. Specific examples of the high specific gravity metal include tungsten and molybdenum. The amount of the filler is appropriately determined so that the intended specific gravity of the envelope layer 12 is achieved. A particularly preferred filler is zinc oxide. Zinc oxide functions not only as a specific gravity adjusting role but also as a crosslinking aid. In the envelope layer 12, various additives such as sulfur, an anti-aging agent, a colorant, a plasticizer, and a dispersant are blended in appropriate amounts as necessary. The envelope layer 12 may be blended with a crosslinked rubber powder or a synthetic resin powder.

  In forming the envelope layer 12, the center 10 is covered with two half shells in an uncrosslinked state or a semi-crosslinked state. This half shell is pressurized and heated. A crosslinking reaction occurs by heating, and the envelope layer 12 is completed. The crosslinking temperature is usually 140 ° C. or higher and 180 ° C. or lower. The crosslinking time of the envelope layer 12 is usually 10 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less.

  In the envelope layer 12, the hardness gradually increases from the innermost to the surface. In light of resilience performance, the hardness He of the surface of the envelope layer 12 (that is, the surface of the core 4) is preferably 70 or greater, and particularly preferably 75 or greater. In light of feel at impact, the hardness He is preferably equal to or less than 95, more preferably equal to or less than 90, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 87. The hardness He is measured by pressing a JIS-C type hardness meter against the surface of the core 4. For the measurement, an automatic rubber hardness measuring machine (trade name “P1” by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.) equipped with this hardness meter is used.

  From the viewpoint of spin suppression, the difference (He-Hi) between the surface hardness He of the envelope layer 12 and the innermost hardness Hi of the envelope layer 12 is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and particularly preferably 15 or more. From the viewpoint of easy production and durability, the difference (He-Hi) is preferably 25 or less.

  The hardness Hi is measured in a hemisphere obtained by cutting the core 4. The hardness Hi is measured by pressing a JIS-C type hardness meter against the cut surface of the hemisphere. The hardness meter is pressed against a region surrounded by the first circle and the second circle. The first circle is the boundary between the center 10 and the envelope layer 12. The second circle is concentric with the first circle and has a radius that is 1 mm greater than the radius of the first circle. For the measurement, an automatic rubber hardness measuring machine (trade name “P1” by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.) equipped with this hardness meter is used.

  The thickness of the envelope layer 12 is preferably 8 mm or greater and 18 mm or less. The envelope layer 12 having a thickness of 8 mm or more can suppress spin. In this respect, the thickness is more preferably equal to or greater than 9 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or greater than 10 mm. A center 10 having a large diameter can be formed by the envelope layer 12 having a thickness of 18 mm or less. The center 10 having a large diameter can suppress spin. In this respect, the thickness is more preferably equal to or less than 16 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 15 mm.

  In light of suppression of spin, the difference (He−Ho) between the surface hardness He of the core 4 and the center hardness Ho of the center 10 is preferably 20 or more, and particularly preferably 23 or more. From the viewpoint of easy manufacture and the rebound performance of the core 4, the difference (He-Ho) is preferably 40 or less, and particularly preferably 35 or less.

At all points P included in a zone whose distance from the center of the core 4 is 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, the following mathematical formula is established.
H2−H1 ≦ 5
In this mathematical formula, H1 represents the JIS-C hardness at the point P1. The point P1 exists radially inward from the point P. The distance from the point P1 to the point P1 is 1 mm. In this numerical formula, H2 represents the JIS-C hardness of the point P2. The point P2 exists outside the point P in the radial direction. The distance from the point P2 to the point P2 is 1 mm. Hardness H1 and H2 are measured by pressing a JIS-C type hardness meter against the cut surface of the hemisphere obtained by cutting the center 10. For the measurement, an automatic rubber hardness measuring machine (trade name “P1” by Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.) equipped with this hardness meter is used.

  The ratio of the volume of the core 4 to the volume of the phantom sphere of the golf ball 2 is 76% or more. In other words, the core 4 is large. With the core 4, the excellent resilience performance of the golf ball 2 can be achieved. The core 4 can suppress the spin of the golf ball 2. From these viewpoints, this ratio is more preferably 79% or more, and particularly preferably 80% or more. The surface of the phantom sphere is the surface of the golf ball 2 when it is assumed that the dimple 14 does not exist.

  A resin composition is suitably used for the mid layer 6. Examples of the base polymer of the resin composition include ionomer resins, styrene block-containing thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers.

  A particularly preferred base polymer is an ionomer resin. The ionomer resin is highly elastic. As will be described later, the cover 8 of the golf ball 2 is thin and soft. Therefore, when the golf ball 2 is hit with a driver, the mid layer 6 is greatly deformed. The intermediate layer 6 containing an ionomer resin contributes to resilience performance on driver shots. An ionomer resin and another resin may be used in combination. When used together, from the viewpoint of resilience performance, the ratio of the amount of ionomer resin to the total amount of the base polymer is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 85% by mass or more.

  A preferable ionomer resin includes a binary copolymer of an α-olefin and an α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. A preferable binary copolymer contains 80% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less α-olefin and 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid. This binary copolymer is excellent in resilience performance. Other preferable ionomer resins include ternary α-olefin, α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester having 2 to 22 carbon atoms. A copolymer is mentioned. Preferred terpolymers are 70% to 85% by weight α-olefin, 5% to 30% by weight α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and 1% to 25% by weight. α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester. This ternary copolymer is excellent in resilience performance. In the binary copolymer and ternary copolymer, preferred α-olefins are ethylene and propylene, and preferred α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acids are acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. A particularly preferred ionomer resin is a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid.

  In the binary copolymer and ternary copolymer, some of the carboxyl groups are neutralized with metal ions. Examples of the metal ions for neutralization include sodium ions, potassium ions, lithium ions, zinc ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, aluminum ions, and neodymium ions. Neutralization may be performed with two or more metal ions. Particularly suitable metal ions from the viewpoint of resilience performance and durability of the golf ball 2 are sodium ion, zinc ion, lithium ion and magnesium ion.

  Specific examples of the ionomer resin include Mitsui Dupont Polychemical's trade names “HIMILAN 1555”, “HIMILAN 1557”, “HIMILAN 1605”, “HIMILAN 1706”, “HIMILAN 1707”, “HIMILAN 1856” and “HIMILAN 1855”. "High Milan AM7311", "High Milan AM7315", "High Milan AM7317", "High Milan AM7318", "High Milan AM7329", "High Milan MK7320" and "High Milan MK7329"; DuPont's trade names "Surlin 6120" and "Surlin 6910" , “Surlin 7930”, “Surlin 7940”, “Surlin 8140”, “Surlin 8150”, “Surlin 8940”, “Surlin 8945”, “Surlin 9120”, “Surlin 915” ", Surlyn 9910", "Surlyn 9945", "Surlyn AD8546", "HPF1000" and "HPF2000"; and trade names "IOTEK7010", "IOTEK7030", "IOTEK7510", "IOTEK7520" IOTEK8000 "and" IOTEK8030 ".

  Two or more ionomer resins may be used in combination with the mid layer 6. An ionomer resin neutralized with a monovalent metal ion and an ionomer resin neutralized with a divalent metal ion may be used in combination.

  The mid layer 6 may include a highly elastic resin. Highly elastic resins include polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene ether, polyethylene terephthalate, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyaminobis. Examples include maleimide, polybisamidotriazole, polyphenylene oxide, polyaceal, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer.

  The intermediate layer 6 includes a colorant such as titanium dioxide, a filler such as barium sulfate, a dispersant, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, a fluorescent agent, a fluorescent brightening agent, and the like as necessary. An appropriate amount is blended. For the formation of the intermediate layer 6, known methods such as injection molding and compression molding can be employed.

  The mid layer 6 preferably has a hardness Hm of 90 or more. Due to the mid layer 6 having a hardness Hm of 90 or more, the excellent resilience performance of the golf ball 2 is achieved. By the intermediate layer 6 having a hardness Hm of 90 or more, an outer-hard / inner-soft structure of a sphere composed of the core 4 and the intermediate layer 6 can be achieved. The sphere having the outer-hard / inner-soft structure suppresses the spin of the golf ball 2. From these viewpoints, the hardness Hm is particularly preferably 92 or more. In light of feel at impact, the hardness Hm is preferably equal to or less than 98, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 97. From the viewpoint of spin suppression, it is preferable that the hardness Hm of the intermediate layer 6 is larger than the surface hardness He of the core 4 and the surface hardness He of the core 4 is larger than the surface hardness of the center 10.

  The hardness Hm is measured by a JIS-C spring type hardness meter attached to an automatic rubber hardness measuring device (trade name “P1” of Kobunshi Keiki Co., Ltd.). For the measurement, a slab having a thickness of about 2 mm formed by hot pressing is used. A slab stored for 2 weeks at a temperature of 23 ° C. is used for the measurement. At the time of measurement, three slabs are overlaid. A slab made of the same resin composition as that of the mid layer 6 is used for the measurement.

  From the viewpoint of spin suppression, the thickness of the intermediate layer 6 is preferably 0.3 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.5 mm or more. In light of feel at impact, the thickness is preferably equal to or less than 1.5 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 1.2 mm, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 1.0 mm.

  The cover 8 is made of a resin composition. Examples of the base polymer of the resin composition include polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polystyrene, and ionomer resin. In particular, polyurethane is preferred. Polyurethane is soft. When the golf ball 2 having the cover 8 made of polyurethane is hit with a short iron, the spin rate is high. The cover 8 made of polyurethane contributes to control performance in a shot with a short iron. The polyurethane also contributes to the scratch resistance performance of the cover 8.

  When this golf ball 2 is hit with a driver, a long iron or a middle iron, the head speed is high, so that the sphere composed of the core 4 and the mid layer 6 is greatly distorted. Since this sphere has an outer-hard / inner-soft structure, the spin rate is suppressed. A large flight distance is achieved by suppressing the spin speed. When the golf ball 2 is hit with a short iron, since the head speed is low, the distortion of the ball is small. The behavior of the golf ball 2 when hit with a short iron mainly depends on the cover 8. Since the cover 8 containing polyurethane is soft, a large spin speed can be obtained. Excellent control performance is achieved due to the high spin rate. In the golf ball 2, the flight performance in a shot with a driver, a long iron and a middle iron and the control performance in a shot with a short iron are compatible.

  When the golf ball 2 is hit, the cover 8 containing polyurethane absorbs the impact. This absorption achieves a soft feel at impact. In particular, when hit with a short iron or a putter, an excellent shot feeling is achieved by the cover 8.

  The cover 8 may be used in combination with polyurethane and other resins. When used in combination, polyurethane is the main component of the base polymer from the viewpoint of spin performance and feel at impact. The ratio of the amount of polyurethane to the total amount of the base polymer is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 85% by mass or more.

  For the cover 8, thermoplastic polyurethane and thermosetting polyurethane can be used. From the viewpoint of productivity, thermoplastic polyurethane is preferred. The thermoplastic polyurethane includes a polyurethane component as a hard segment and a polyester component or a polyether component as a soft segment.

  The polyurethane contains a polyol component. As the polyol, a polymer polyol is preferable. Specific examples of polymer polyols include polyether polyols such as polyoxyethylene glycol (PEG), polyoxypropylene glycol (PPG) and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG); polyethylene adipate (PEA), polybutylene Condensed polyester polyols such as adipate (PBA) and polyhexamethylene adipate (PHMA); lactone polyester polyols such as poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL); polycarbonate polyols such as polyhexamethylene carbonate; and acrylic polyols Can be mentioned. Two or more polyols may be used in combination.

  In particular, polytetramethylene ether glycol is preferable. The spin speed when the golf ball 2 is hit with a short iron has a large correlation with the content of polytetramethylene ether glycol. On the other hand, the spin speed when the golf ball 2 is hit with a driver has a small correlation with the content of polytetramethylene ether glycol. The golf ball 2 in which polyurethane contains an appropriate amount of polytetramethylene ether glycol is excellent in both flight performance when hit with a driver and control performance when hit with a short iron.

  From the viewpoint of control performance, the number average molecular weight of the polyol is preferably 200 or more, more preferably 400 or more, and particularly preferably 650 or more. From the viewpoint of suppression of spin, this molecular weight is preferably 1500 or less, more preferably 1200 or less, and particularly preferably 850 or less.

The number average molecular weight is measured by gel permeation chromatography. The measurement conditions are as follows.
Equipment: HLC-8120GPC (Tosoh Corporation)
Eluent: Tetrahydrofuran Concentration: 0.2% by mass
Temperature: 40 ° C
Column: TSKgel SuperHM-M (Tosoh Corporation)
Sample volume: 5 microliters Flow rate: 0.5 milliliters / min
Reference material: Polystyrene (“PStQuick Kit-H” from Tosoh Corporation)

As an isocyanate component in the polyurethane, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, a mixture of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI), 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) ), 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate (NDI), 3,3′-vitrylene-4,4′-diisocyanate (TODI), xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI) and paraphenylene diisocyanate ( Aromatic polyisocyanates such as PPDI); 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H ₁₂ MDI), hydrogenated xylylene diisocyanate (H ₆ XDI) and isophorone diisocyanate ( Alicyclic polyisocyanates such as IPDI); and aliphatic polyisocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Two or more polyisocyanates may be used in combination. From the viewpoint of weather resistance, TMXDI, XDI, HDI, H ₆ XDI, IPDI and H ₁₂ MDI are preferred.

  The polyurethane may contain a chain extender as its component. Examples of chain extenders include low molecular weight polyols and low molecular weight polyamines.

  Low molecular weight polyols include diols, triols, tetraols and hexaols. Specific examples of the diol include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propanediol, dipropylene glycol, butanediol, neopentyl glycol, pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol and octanediol. Specific examples of the triol include glycerin, trimethylolpropane, and hexanetriol. Specific examples of tetraol include pentaerythritol and sorbitol.

  Low molecular weight polyamines include aliphatic polyamines, monocyclic aromatic polyamines and polycyclic aromatic polyamines. Specific examples of the aliphatic polyamine include ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, butylenediamine and hexamethylenediamine. Specific examples of the monocyclic aromatic polyamine include phenylenediamine, toluenediamine, dimethyltoluenediamine, dimethylthiotoluenediamine, and xylylenediamine.

  The cover 8 may be formed from a composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane and an isocyanate compound. At the time of molding of the cover 8 or after molding, the polyurethane is crosslinked by this isocyanate compound.

  If necessary, the cover 8 includes a colorant such as titanium dioxide, a filler such as barium sulfate, a dispersant, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a light stabilizer, a fluorescent agent, a fluorescent whitening agent, and the like. Appropriate amount is blended.

  The cover 8 has a JIS-C hardness Hc of 65 or less. By adopting the soft cover 8, good control performance in a shot with a short iron can be achieved. In light of control performance, the hardness Hc is more preferably equal to or less than 60, still more preferably equal to or less than 55, and particularly preferably equal to or less than 50. If the hardness is too low, the flight performance on a shot with a driver will be insufficient. In this respect, the hardness is preferably 20 or greater, more preferably 25 or greater, and particularly preferably 35 or greater. For the measurement of the hardness Hc, a slab made of the same resin composition as the resin composition of the cover 8 is used. The measuring method is the same as the measuring method of the hardness Hm of the mid layer 6.

  The cover 8 has a hardness Hc smaller than the center hardness Ho of the core 4. This golf ball 2 is excellent in control performance with a short iron. From the viewpoint of control performance, the difference (Ho−Hc) is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and particularly preferably 8 or more. The difference (Ho−Hc) is preferably 15 or less.

  From the viewpoint of flight performance in a shot with a driver, the thickness of the cover 8 is preferably 0.8 mm or less, more preferably 0.6 mm or less, further preferably 0.5 mm or less, and particularly preferably 0.4 mm or less. From the viewpoint of control performance in a shot with a short iron, the thickness is preferably 0.10 mm or more, and particularly preferably 0.15 mm or more.

  For forming the cover 8, a known method such as an injection molding method or a compression molding method may be employed. When the cover 8 is molded, dimples 14 are formed by pimples formed on the cavity surface of the mold.

  In light of feel at impact, the golf ball 2 has an amount of compressive deformation of preferably 2.3 mm or greater, more preferably 2.4 mm or greater, and particularly preferably 2.5 mm or greater. From the viewpoint of resilience performance, the amount of compressive deformation is preferably 3.5 mm or less, more preferably 3.2 mm or less, and particularly preferably 3.0 mm or less.

  In measuring the amount of compressive deformation, the golf ball 2 is placed on a metal rigid plate. A metal cylinder gradually descends toward the golf ball 2. The golf ball 2 sandwiched between the bottom surface of the cylinder and the rigid plate is deformed. The moving distance of the cylinder from the state where the initial load of 98 N is applied to the golf ball 2 to the state where the final load of 1274 N is applied is measured.

  The golf ball 2 may include a reinforcing layer between the mid layer 6 and the cover 8. The reinforcing layer is firmly attached to the intermediate layer 6 and is also firmly attached to the cover 8. The reinforcement layer suppresses the peeling of the cover 8 from the intermediate layer 6. As described above, the cover 8 of the golf ball 2 is thin. When the golf ball 2 is hit with the edge of the club face, wrinkles are likely to occur. Wrinkles are suppressed by the reinforcing layer.

  For the base polymer of the reinforcing layer, a two-component curable thermosetting resin is preferably used. Specific examples of the two-component curable thermosetting resin include an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, and a cellulose resin. From the viewpoint of the strength and durability of the reinforcing layer, a two-component curable epoxy resin and a two-component curable urethane resin are preferable.

  The reinforcing layer may contain additives such as a colorant (typically titanium dioxide), a phosphoric acid stabilizer, an antioxidant, a light stabilizer, a fluorescent brightener, an ultraviolet absorber, and an antiblocking agent. The additive may be added to the main component of the two-component curable thermosetting resin, or may be added to the curing agent.

  The reinforcing layer is obtained by applying a liquid in which the main agent and the curing agent are dissolved or dispersed in a solvent to the surface of the intermediate layer 6. From the viewpoint of workability, application with a spray gun is preferred. After application, the solvent volatilizes and the main agent and the curing agent react to form a reinforcing layer.

  From the viewpoint of suppressing wrinkles, the thickness of the reinforcing layer is preferably 3 μm or more, and more preferably 5 μm or more. From the viewpoint that the reinforcing layer is easily formed, the thickness is preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or less, and particularly preferably 20 μm or less. The thickness is measured by observing a cross section of the golf ball 2 with a microscope. When the surface of the intermediate layer 6 is provided with irregularities by the roughening treatment, the thickness is measured immediately above the convex portions.

  From the viewpoint of suppressing wrinkles, the pencil hardness of the reinforcing layer is preferably 4B or more, and more preferably B or more. From the viewpoint that the transmission loss of force from the cover 8 to the mid layer 6 when the golf ball 2 is hit is small, the pencil hardness of the reinforcing layer is preferably 3H or less. The pencil hardness is measured according to the standard of “JIS K5400”.

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

[Example 1]
100 parts by weight of high-cis polybutadiene (trade name “BR-730” from JSR), 20 parts by weight of zinc acrylate, 5 parts by weight of zinc oxide, an appropriate amount of barium sulfate, 0.5 parts by weight of diphenyl disulfide and 0 parts 7 parts by mass of dicumyl peroxide was kneaded to obtain a rubber composition (1). This rubber composition (1) was put into a mold composed of an upper mold and a lower mold each having a hemispherical cavity, and heated at a temperature of 170 ° C. for 15 minutes to obtain a center having a diameter of 15 mm.

  100 parts by weight of high cis polybutadiene (previously referred to as “BR-730”), 35 parts by weight of zinc acrylate, 5 parts by weight of zinc oxide, an appropriate amount of barium sulfate, 0.5 parts by weight of diphenyl disulfide and 0.7 parts by weight Part of dicumyl peroxide was kneaded to obtain a rubber composition (4). A half shell was molded from this rubber composition (4). The center was covered with two half shells. The center and the half shell were both put into a mold composed of an upper mold and a lower mold each having a hemispherical cavity, and heated at 170 ° C. for 20 minutes to obtain a core having a diameter of 39.7 mm. . An envelope layer was formed from the rubber composition (4). The amount of barium sulfate was adjusted so that the specific gravity of the envelope layer coincided with the specific gravity of the center and the ball mass was 45.4 g.

  50 parts by mass of an ionomer resin (previously “Surline 8945”) and 50 parts by mass of another ionomer resin (previously “Himiran AM7329”) were kneaded with a twin-screw kneading extruder to obtain a resin composition (a). . The core was put into a mold composed of an upper mold and a lower mold each having a hemispherical cavity. The resin composition (a) was injected around the core by an injection molding method to form an intermediate layer. The thickness of this intermediate layer was 1.0 mm.

  A coating composition (trade name “Porin 750LE”, manufactured by Shinto Paint Co., Ltd.) using a two-component curable epoxy resin as a base polymer was prepared. The main component liquid of this coating composition was 30 parts by mass of a bisphenol A type solid epoxy resin. The curing agent liquid of this coating composition is composed of 40 parts by mass of modified polyamidoamine, 55 parts by mass of solvent, and 5 parts by mass of titanium dioxide. The mass ratio with respect to the curing agent liquid is 1/1 This coating composition was applied to the surface of the intermediate layer with a spray gun and held at 40 ° C. for 24 hours to obtain a reinforcing layer. The thickness of was 10 μm.

  100 parts by mass of polyurethane (BASF Japan trade name “Elastolan XNY85A”) and 4 parts by mass of titanium dioxide were kneaded with a biaxial kneading extruder to obtain a resin composition (b). A half shell was obtained from this resin composition (b) by compression molding. Two half shells covered a sphere composed of a core, an intermediate layer and a reinforcing layer. Both the sphere and the half shell were put into a final mold which was composed of an upper mold and a lower mold each provided with a hemispherical cavity, and had many pimples on the cavity surface. A cover was obtained by compression molding. The thickness of this cover was 0.5 mm. A dimple having a shape obtained by inverting the shape of the pimple was formed on the cover. A clear paint based on a two-component curable polyurethane was applied around the cover to obtain a golf ball of Example 1 having a diameter of 42.7 mm.

[Examples 2 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4]
Golf balls of Examples 2 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 are obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the specifications of the center, envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover are as shown in Tables 3 to 5 below. It was. Details of the rubber composition of the core are shown in Table 1 below. Details of the resin composition of the intermediate layer and the cover are shown in Table 2 below. The golf ball according to Comparative Example 1 does not have an envelope layer.

[Shot with driver (W # 1)]
A driver equipped with a titanium head (SRI Sports brand name “SRIXON W505”, shaft hardness: X, loft angle: 8.5 °) was mounted on a golf laboratory swing machine. A golf ball was hit under the condition that the head speed was 50 m / sec. The ball speed and spin speed immediately after hitting, and the distance from the launch point to the rest point were measured. The average value of the data obtained by measuring 12 times is shown in Tables 3 to 5 below.

[Short iron shot]
A sand wedge (SW) was mounted on a golf laboratory swing machine. A golf ball was hit under the condition that the head speed was 21 m / sec, and the spin speed immediately after hitting was measured. The average value of the data obtained by measuring 12 times is shown in Tables 3 to 5 below.

[Hit feel]
Ten golfers hit golf balls with sand wedges and heard the feel of the ball. The rating was based on the number of golfers who answered “good shot feel”.
A: 8 or more B: 6-7 people C: 4-5 people D: 3 or less The results are shown in Tables 3 to 5 below.

The details of the polyurethane in Table 2 are as follows.
Polyurethane * 1
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY85A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 1800
Polyurethane * 2
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY90A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 1800
Polyurethane * 3
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY97A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 1800
Polyurethane * 4
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY83A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 1500
Polyurethane * 5
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY80A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 1000
Polyurethane * 6
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY80A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 850
Polyurethane * 7
BASF Japan's brand name "Elastolan XNY75A"
Polyol component: polytetramethylene ether glycol Number average molecular weight of the polyol component: 650

  As shown in Tables 3 to 5, the golf balls according to the examples are excellent in various performances. From this evaluation result, the superiority of the present invention is clear.

  The golf ball according to the present invention can be used for golf play and practice in a driving range.

2 ... Golf ball 4 ... Core 6 ... Intermediate layer 8 ... Cover 10 ... Center 12 ... Enveloping layer 14 ... Dimple 16 ... Land

Claims (7)

A core, an intermediate layer located outside the core, and a cover located outside the intermediate layer;
The ratio of the volume of the core to the volume of the phantom sphere of the golf ball is 76% or more,
The difference (He-Ho) between the JIS-C hardness He of the core surface and the JIS-C hardness Ho of the core center is 20 or more and 40 or less,
The cover has a JIS-C hardness Hc smaller than the hardness Ho,
A golf ball in which the following mathematical formula is satisfied at all points P included in a zone having a distance of 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less from the core center.
H2−H1 ≦ 5
(In the above formula, H1 represents the JIS-C hardness of point P1 that exists radially inward from point P and is 1 mm away from point P, H2 exists radially outward from point P, and (The JIS-C hardness of the point P2 whose distance from the point P is 1 mm is represented.)   The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a JIS-C hardness Hc of 65 or less.   The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a thickness of 0.8 mm or less.   The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer has a JIS-C hardness Hm of 90 or more.   The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer has a thickness of 1.5 mm or less. The main component of the base material of the cover is thermoplastic polyurethane,
The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the polyol component of the thermoplastic polyurethane is polytetramethylene ether glycol having a number average molecular weight of 1500 or less. The core includes a center and a surrounding layer located outside the center;
The diameter of this center is 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less,
The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the envelope layer has a thickness of 8 mm or greater and 18 mm or less.

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