Patent ID: 12186951

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numbers shall be assigned to the same or similar configurations even in different embodiments, and the description thereof shall be replaced with the first description. The singular representations used in this specification include plural representations unless explicitly meant otherwise in the context. In explaining embodiments of the present disclosure, if it is deemed that a specific description of the prior art related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily blur the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description shall be omitted. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification by the accompanying drawings.

The terms described below are those defined in consideration of their functions in the present disclosure, which may depend on the intentions or practices of the user, operator, etc. The definition will therefore have to be based on the full text of the present specification. The terms used in the detailed description are simply to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and should never be limited. In this description, an expression such as “include” or “provide” is intended to refer to some characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, or combinations thereof, and should not be interpreted to exclude the existence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used to describe the components of the embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are intended to distinguish the component from other components, but non-limit the nature, turn, order or the like of the component.

FIG.1is a perspective diagram showing a molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, a molding apparatus may include a column mold1b, a bottom mold1cand an extracting part1a. The molding apparatus1may form a rotating member100by injection molding and rotate to extract it.

In case that an undercut shape having an inclination direction B is provided to an outer circumferential surface of the rotating member100, even if the column mold1bmoves in a radial direction of the rotating member100, the extracting part1arotates along the inclination direction B in the undercut shape so as to extract the rotating member100from the molding apparatus1.

In this case, a separate rotational power generator is required for the rotation of the extracting part1a, which may affect productivity and costs disadvantageously. In addition, a flash or step difference is generated from a surface of the rotating member100, which may degrade a quality of the rotating member100.

FIG.2is a perspective diagram showing a molding apparatus including split bodies according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.3is a side-view diagram showing a rotating member molded by a molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2, a molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main mold200and a plurality of split bodies211,213and215disposed along a circumferential direction C of a column part100of a rotating member100, which will be described later, so as to move along a radial direction D of the column part110.

The molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shield mold300located in a first direction V1of the main mold200so as to shield a column part space S1in which the column part110is molded.

The first direction V1may be defined as a direction in which the column part110is extended from one end portion111toward the other end portion113.

In addition, the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressurizing mold600located in a second direction V2confronting the first direction V1in the main mold200so as to shield a bottom molding space S3in which a bottom part150of a rotating member100described later is molded.

Namely, the second direction V2may be defined as a direction opposed to the first direction V1in which the column part110is extended from the one end portion111toward the other end portion113or a direction heading for the one end portion111of the column part110from the other end portion113.

In addition, each of the first direction V1and the second direction V2may correspond to a length direction V formed by the column part110.

The main mold200is provided between the shield mold300and the pressurizing mold600, thereby forming a space for molding the rotating member100.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.3, the rotating member100may include a column part110, a blade130and a bottom part150.

Specifically, the column part110may be extended from one end portion111toward the other end portion113. Namely, the column part110may be extended from one end portion111in the first direction V1toward the other end portion113. Moreover, as described later, the column part110may be configured in a hollow shape.

The blade130may be configured in a manner of being projected from an outer circumferential surface112of the column part110in a radial direction D of the column part110. In some cases, the blade130may be extended to become distant from a center of the column part110by forming the curvature with the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110.

The blade130forms an inclination to the first direction V1and may be extended from the one end portion111of the column part110toward the other end portion113.

So to speak, the blade130forms an inclination to one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110and may be provided to the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110.

As shown inFIG.3, when the column part110is viewed from the other end portion113of the column part110, one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110may correspond to a clockwise direction of the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

On the contrary, when the column part110is viewed from the other end portion113of the column part110, the other direction C2of the circumferential direction C of the column part110may correspond to a counterclockwise direction of the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

Meanwhile, an inclination A formed by the blade130may be maintained uniformly and provided in screw shape to the column part110. Moreover, a plurality of the blades130may be provided, disposed along the circumferential direction C of the column part110in a manner of being spaced apart from each other, and extended in a manner of being inclined to the first direction V1.

One end portion131of the blade130may face the second direction V2, the other end portion133may face the first direction V1, the blade130may be inclined in the one direction C1of the circumferential direction of the column part110to the length direction V of the column part110, and the blade130may be extended to the other end portion133from the one end portion131.

Namely, the blade130may be extended in a manner that an extension direction B forms an acute angle to the one direction C1and that the extension direction B forms an obtuse angle to the other direction C2.

A plurality of the blades130may be extended from the one end portion131to the other end portion133in a manner that each spaced distance in between is maintained uniformly based on the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

Regarding the blade130, at least one portion of one side135may face the first direction V1and at least one portion of the other side137provided to an opposite side of the one side135may face the second direction V2. When the blade130is viewed from the other end portion113of the column part110toward the second direction V2, the one side135and the other side137may form an obtuse angle and an acute angle to the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110, respectively.

In some implementations, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade130may be configured in a manner that a height L2from the one end portion131to the other end portion133may be set equal to or greater than ½ of an overall height L1of the rotating member100based on the length direction V of the column part110.

As shown inFIG.3, the height L2from the one end portion131of the blade130to the other end portion133may be defined as a vertical distance to a top side of the bottom part150. The height L2from the one end portion131of the blade130to the other end portion133may be defined as a height of the blade130.

The height L2of the blade130may be determined in consideration of an ascending amount of a current, an inclination angle A of the blade130, a diameter of the column part110, etc.

For example, the lower the height L2of the blade130gets, the smaller an area having the blade130formed therein becomes. Moreover, the ascending amount of the current and the descending amount of the current may decrease.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade130may form an ascending current and a descending current, which are valid when the column part110rotates. If the height L2of the blade130is smaller than ½ of the length L1of the rotating member100, it may be difficult for the current formation by the blade130to work validly.

In some implementations, the bottom part150may be configured to have a diameter greater than that of the column part110in a manner of being connected to the one end portion111of the column part110. A cross-section of the bottom part150may have a circular shape. A center of the bottom part150may be aligned with a center of the column part110. The column part110may have a circular cross-section and be configured in a shape protruding from the bottom part150.

The bottom part150may be extended along a radial direction of the bottom part150by protruding from the bottom part150toward the second direction V2opposite to the first direction V1. A plurality of the bottom parts150may be provided and disposed along a circumferential direction of the bottom part150in a manner of being spaced apart from each other.

The protrusion part may include a plurality of main protrusion parts151connected to the column part110and a first sub-protrusion part153provided to each space between the main protrusion parts151. In this case, a protrusion height of the first sub-protrusion part153from the bottom part150toward the other direction V2may be lower than the main protrusion part151.

The protrusion part may include a second sub-protrusion part155provided to each space between the main protrusion part151and the first sub-protrusion part153. In this case, a protrusion height of the second sub-protrusion part153from the bottom part150may be lower than the first sub-protrusion part153.

Meanwhile, the rotating member100may be provided for various usages. For example, the rotating member100may be provided within a laundry treatment device for washing laundry. The laundry treatment device may include a tub storing water therein and a drum provided within the tub to store laundry therein. The rotating member100may be provided within the drum so as to form a current by being rotated.

Specifically, the rotating member100may be configured rotatable separately from the drum in a manner that the bottom part150is disposed on a bottom side of the drum. The column part110may be rotated by being extended from the bottom part150toward an open side of the drum.

Once the column part110is rotated, a current may be formed in the water existing in the drum by the blade130. A mixing rate between clothes, i.e., laundry and detergent is improved by the current and a frictional force working on the laundry is increased, whereby washing efficiency may be effectively improved.

In some implementations, as the blade130is extended in a manner of being inclined to the length direction V of the column part110, when the drum is rotated, the blade130may form an ascending current for enabling water in the drum to flow upward or a descending current for enabling the water to flow downward. The rotating member100molded via the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may form3D fluid flow on rotation.

The rotating member100may be provided not only to the laundry treatment device but also to any devices that require the rotating member100in the shape including the blade130inclined on the column part110extended from the one end portion111to the other end portion113.

For example, the rotating member100may include a gear (e.g., a worm gear) having a screw-shaped thread, be configured to make gas flow via rotation, and be available for other various usages.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.2again, the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure molds the rotating member100including the column part110extended from the one end portion111toward the other end portion113and a plurality of the blades130provided to the outer circumferential surface of the column part110and extended in a manner of being inclined to the one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

Namely, the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may mold the rotating member100shown inFIG.3inside and extract the rotating member100, of which injection molding is completed.

The main mold200may include a column part space S1for molding the column part110therein, a plurality of blade spaces S2for molding the blade130therein, and a bottom molding space S3for molding the bottom part150by communicating with the column part space S1.

The column part space S1may be configured in width or length so that an injection liquid can flow into the main mold200to mold the column part110. The number of the blade space(s) S2may be set equal to that of the blade(s)130.

The blade space S2may be provided inside the main mold200in a manner of being engraved in a direction getting distant from the column part space S1in the main mold200to correspond to the width or length of the blade130. And, the blade space S2may be configured to communicate with the column part space S1.

Meanwhile, the main mold200may include a plurality of split bodies211,213and215disposed along the circumferential direction C of the column part110and configured movable along the radial direction D of the column part110. The number of a plurality of the split bodies211,213and215may be set equal to that of the blade spaces.

For example, as shown inFIG.2, the number of a plurality of the split bodies211,213and215may be set to 3, by which the present disclosure is non-limited. Alternatively, the number of the split bodies211,213and215may be set equal to 2 or equal to or greater than 4 to correspond to the number of the blade spaces S2. Yet, for clarity or convenience of the following description, as shown inFIG.2, the number of each of the blades130, the blade spaces S2and the split bodies211,213and215is set to 3.

Each of the split bodies211,213and215may include a column part molding side230(described later) confronting the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110to partially form the column part space S1. Namely, the column part molding sides230of a plurality of the split bodies211,213and215may form a single column part space S1together.

The split bodies211,213and215may include a plurality of blade molding sides250partially forming the blade space S2. The blade molding side250provided to one of the split bodies may form a prescribed blade space S2together with the blade molding side250provided to another split body.

Specifically, a plurality of the split bodies211,213and215may include a first split body211among a plurality of the split bodies211,213and215, a second split body213neighboring the first split body211in one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110, and a third split body215neighboring the first split body211in the other direction C2opposite to the one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

Namely, the third split body215may be located in a manner of neighboring the second split body213in the one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

The first to third split bodies211,213and215may be configured to have the same shapes, respectively and, as described later, assembled to leave no space in between with the same shapes.

Namely, the first to third split bodies211,213and215may form a first blade space S2that is one of a plurality of the blade spaces S2.

The first blade space S2may be located in a direction where the first split body211is configured on the basis of the column part space S1. So to speak, the first blade130may be provided to the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110in the direction where the first split body211is configured.

The first to third split bodies211,213and215may be configured by being split into 3 bodies along the circumferential direction of the column part110, and an in-between angle among the split bodies211,213and215may include 120 degrees based on the center of the column part110.

The first to third split bodies211,213and215are moved outward along the radial direction D of the column part110in the step of extracting the rotating member100in the course of injection molding, as described later, and may be prevented from being moved along the length direction V of the column part110.

FIGS.4A and4Bare perspective diagrams showing a first split body in a molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.4Ais a perspective diagram showing that the first split body211shown inFIG.2is enlarged to face the first direction V1corresponding to an extension direction of the column part110, andFIG.4Bis a perspective diagram showing that an extension direction of the first split body211shown inFIG.4Afaces the second direction V2.

The column part molding side230may include a first column part molding side230forming the other end portion S13of the column part space S1and a second column part molding side230forming one end portion S11of the column part space S1.

The first column part molding side230forms the other end portion S13of the column part space S1, whereby a portion of the other end portion113of the column part110may be molded. The first to third split bodies211,213and215include the first column part molding sides230, respectively. The three first column part molding sides230may form the other end portion S13of the column part space S1together.

Namely, the first column part molding side230of the first split body211, the first column part molding side230of the second split body213and the first column part molding side230of the third split body215may be disposed at intervals of 120 degrees in between based on the center of the column part110.

Each of the first column part molding side230of the first split body211, the first column part molding side230of the second split body213and the first column part molding side230of the third split body215may form a portion of the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110.

The second column part molding side230forms one end portion S11of the column part space S1, whereby a portion of the one end portion111of the column part110may be molded. Each of the first to third split bodies211,213and215may include the second column part molding side230, and the three second column part molding sides230may form the one end portion S11of the column part space S1together.

Namely, the second column part molding side230of the first split body211, the second column part molding side230of the second split body213and the second column part molding side230of the third split body215may be disposed at intervals of 120 degrees in between based on the center of the column part110.

Each of the second column part molding side230of the first split body211, the second column part molding side230of the second split body213and the second column part molding side230of the third split body215may form a portion of the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110.

So to speak, one outer circumferential surface112of the column part110may be molded by the first column part molding side230and the second column part molding side230provided to each of a plurality of the split bodies.

In the following, the first column part molding side230and the second column part molding side230are described with reference to the first split body211. Yet, the following description is identically applicable to the first column part molding side230and the second column part molding side230provided to the second split body213or the third split body215.

In some implementations, the second column part molding side230may be connected to the shield mold300in the first direction V1and extended in the second direction V2so as to be provided to one side of the first split body211facing the column part110.

When the first split body211is viewed from the column part110, the second column part molding side230may be extended by being inclined to the one direction C1to correspond to the inclination direction of the blade130.

The first column part molding side230may be connected to the bottom molding space S3in the second direction V2and extended in the first direction V1so as to be provided to one side of the first split body211facing the column part110.

When the first split body211is viewed from the column part110, the first column part molding side230may be extended by being inclined to the one direction C1to correspond to the inclination direction of the blade130.

The first column part molding side230may not form one side continuous with the second column part molding side230depending on the number of turns of the blade130. Therefore, a parting line P may be formed at a middle point of the column part110of the rotating member100shown inFIG.3in a direction vertical to the length direction V of the column part110.

In some implementations, the blade molding side250of the first split body211in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first molding side251extended from the first column part molding side230toward the one direction C1and a second molding side253extended from the first column part molding side230toward the other direction C2.

The first molding side251may be extended from an outer end portion of the first column part molding side230, which faces the one direction C1, toward the one direction C1. In addition, the first molding side251may be extended from the other end portion S13of the column part space S1toward the one end portion S11of the column part space S1to correspond to the length direction V of the column part110.

Likewise, the first molding side251may be configured to be extended in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the first column part molding side230.

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the first molding side251may be configured to form an inclination angle corresponding to an inclination angle formed to the one direction C1of the blade130. In some cases, the other end portion of the first molding side251facing the first direction V1in the first molding side251may be provided closer toward the center of the column part110than one end portion of the first molding side251facing the second direction V2.

On the other hand, the second molding side253may be extended from an outer end portion of the first column part molding side230, which faces the other direction C2, toward the other direction C2. In addition, the second molding side253may be extended from the other end portion S13of the column part space S1toward the one end portion S11of the column part space S1to correspond to the length direction V of the column part110.

Likewise, the second molding side253may be configured to be extended in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the first column part molding side230.

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the second molding side253may be configured to correspond to an inclination angle to the one direction C1of the blade130. In some cases, the one end portion facing the second direction V2in the second molding side253may be provided closer toward the center of the column part110than other end portion facing the first direction V1.

In some implementations, the first molding side251of the first split body211in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may form the other end portion of the first blade space S2together with the second molding side253of the second split body213.

Since the second split body213is located to neighbor the first split body211in the one direction C1, the first molding side251of the first split body211may be extended from the first column part molding side230of the first split body211toward the second split body213.

Likewise, since the first split body211is located to neighbor the second split body213in the other direction C2, the second molding side253of the second split body213may be extended from the first column part molding side230of the second split body213toward the first split body211.

Therefore, while the first and second split bodies211and213are combined together, the first molding side251of the first split body211may confront the second molding side253of the second split body213.

The first molding side251of the first split body211and the second molding side253of the second split body213, which confront each other, may form the other end portion S23aof the first blade space S2together, and the other end portion133of one of the blades130may be molded in the other end portion S23a.

Meanwhile, the second molding side253of the first split body211may form the other end portion of a second blade space S2b(seeFIGS.5A and5B) different from the first blade space S2together with the first molding side251of the third split body215.

Since the third split body215is located to neighbor the first split body211in the other direction C2, the second molding side253of the first split body211may be extended from the first column part molding side230of the first split body211toward the third split body215.

Likewise, since the first split body211is located to neighbor the third split body215in the one direction C1, the first molding side251of the third split body215may be extended from the first column part molding side230of the third split body215toward the first split body211.

Therefore, while the first and third split bodies211and215are combined together, the second molding side253of the first split body211may confront the first molding side251of the third split body215.

The second molding side253of the first split body211may form the other end portion of the third blade space S2c(seeFIGS.5A and5B) together with the first molding side251of the third split body215, and the other end portion133of one of the blades130may be molded in the other end portion.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.3, each of the first molding side251and the second molding side253may be extended in the length direction V of the column part110.

An extended height of each of the first and second molding sides251and253may be defined as a vertical distance to the other end portion113of the column part110based on a parting line P provided to a middle portion of the column part110between the first column part molding side230and the second column part molding side230.

Namely, an extended height L3of the first column part molding side230, the first molding side251and the second molding side253may correspond to a vertical distance L3to the other end portion113of the column part110based on the parting line P provided to the middle portion of the column part110.

Thus, as shown inFIG.3, the parting line P provided to the other end portion113of the column part110and the other end portion133of the blade130may be formed by the first column part molding side230, the first molding side251and the second molding side253.

In some implementations, the blade molding side250of the first split body211in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third molding side255extended from the second column part molding side230toward the other direction C2and a fourth molding side257extended from the second column part molding side230toward the one direction C1.

The third molding side255may be extended from an outer end portion of the second column part molding side230, which faces the other direction C2, toward the one direction C1. In addition, the third molding side255may be extended from the one end portion S11of the column part space S1toward the other end portion S13of the column part space S1to correspond to the length direction V of the column part110.

Likewise, the third molding side255may be configured to be extended in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the second column part molding side230.

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the third molding side253may be configured to form an inclination angle corresponding to an inclination angle formed to the one direction C1of the blade130. In some cases, the one end portion of the third molding side255facing the second direction V2in the third molding side255may be provided closer toward the center of the column part110than the other end portion of the third molding side255facing the first direction V1.

On the other hand, the four molding side257may be extended from an outer end portion of the first column part molding side230, which faces the one direction C1, toward the one direction C1. In addition, the fourth molding side257may be extended from the one end portion S11of the column part space S1toward the other end portion S13of the column part space S1to correspond to the length direction V of the column part110.

Likewise, the fourth molding side257may be configured to be extended in a direction corresponding to the extension direction of the second column part molding side230.

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the fourth molding side257may be configured to correspond to an inclination angle to the one direction C1of the blade130. In some cases, the other end portion facing the first direction V1in the fourth molding side257may be provided closer toward the center of the column part110than one end portion facing the second direction V2.

In some implementations, the third molding side255of the first split body211in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may form one end portion of the first blade space S2together with the fourth molding side257of the third split body215.

Since the third split body215is located to neighbor the first split body211in the other direction C2, the third molding side255of the first split body211may be extended from the second column part molding side230of the first split body211toward the third split body215.

Likewise, since the first split body211is located to neighbor the third split body215in the one direction C1, the fourth molding side257of the third split body215may be extended from the second column part molding side230of the third split body215toward the first split body211.

Therefore, while the first and third split bodies211and215are combined together, the third molding side253of the first split body211may confront the fourth molding side257of the third split body215.

The third molding side255of the first split body211and the fourth molding side257of the third split body215, which confront each other, may form the one end portion521aof the first blade space S2together, and the other end portion133of one of the blades130may be molded in the one end portion521a.

Meanwhile, the fourth molding side257of the first split body211may form one end portion of the second blade space S2b(seeFIGS.5A and5B) different from the first blade space S2together with the third molding side255of the second split body213.

Since the second split body213is located to neighbor the first split body211in the one direction C1, the fourth molding side257of the first split body211may be extended from the second column part molding side230of the first split body211toward the second split body213.

Likewise, since the first split body211is located to neighbor the second split body213in the other direction C2, the third molding side255of the second split body213may be extended from the second column part molding side230of the first split body211toward the first split body211.

Therefore, while the first and second split bodies211and213are combined together, the fourth molding side257of the first split body211may confront the third molding side255of the second split body213.

The fourth molding side257of the first split body211may form one end portion of the second blade space S2b(seeFIGS.5A and5B) together with the third molding side255of the second split body213, and one end portion131of another one of the blades130may be molded in the one end portion.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.3, each of the third molding side255and the fourth molding side257may be extended in the length direction V of the column part110.

An extended height of each of the third and fourth molding sides255and257may be defined as a vertical distance to the one end portion111of the column part110based on a parting line P provided to a middle portion of the column part110between the first column part molding side230and the second column part molding side230.

Namely, an extended height L4of the second column part molding side230, the third molding side255and the fourth molding side257may correspond to a vertical distance L4to the one end portion111of the column part110based on the parting line P provided to the middle portion of the column part110.

Thus, as shown inFIG.3, the parting line P provided to the one end portion111of the column part110and the one end portion131of the blade130may be formed by the second column part molding side230, the third molding side255and the fourth molding side257.

Meanwhile, the first split body211may include a first receiving part271including the first molding side251and recessed inward and a first inserting part291including the second molding side253and protruding outward.

As described above, the first molding side251may be configured to form the inclination angle corresponding to the inclination angle A formed to the one direction C1of the blade130. In some cases, the other end portion of the first molding side251facing the first direction V1on the first molding side251may be configured closer toward the center of the column part110than the one end portion of the first molding side251.

The first receiving part271may be configured so that the first column part molding side230is disposed between the first receiving part271and the first inserting part291. The first receiving part271may be recessed toward the other direction C2facing the first split body211based on the second split body213. Namely, the first receiving part271may be recessed into an outside getting distant from the center of the column part110toward the other direction C2.

In addition, one side of the first receiving part271facing the second direction V2may form a surface continuous with the first molding side251, and may form an inclination angle, which corresponds to the inclination angle A formed to the one direction C1by the first molding side251, to the bottom part150.

The first inserting part291may protrude toward the other direction C2facing the third split body215based on the first split body211.

One side of the first inserting part291facing the first direction V1may form a surface continuous with the second molding side253, and may form an inclination angle, which corresponds to the inclination angle A formed to the one direction C1by the second molding side253, to the bottom part150.

In addition, an inclination angle formed to the bottom part150by one side of the first receiving part271facing the second direction V2may be configured to correspond to the inclination angle formed to the bottom part150by the one side of the first inserting part291facing the first direction V1.

Therefore, the first inserting part291of the second split body213may be inserted in the first receiving part271of the first split body211, thereby forming the other end portion S23aof the first blade space S2.

In addition, the first inserting part291of the first split body211may be inserted in the first receiving part271of the third split body215, thereby forming the other end portion of a third blade space S2c(seeFIGS.5A and5B) different from the first blade space S2.

Meanwhile, the first split body211may include a second receiving part273including the third molding side255and recessed inward and a second inserting part293including the fourth molding side257and protruding outward.

As described above, the third molding side255may be configured to form the inclination angle corresponding to the inclination angle A formed to the one direction C1of the blade130. In some cases, one end portion of the third molding side255facing the second direction V2on the third molding side251may be configured closer toward the center of the column part110than the other end portion of the third molding side255.

The second receiving part273may be configured so that the second column part molding side230is disposed between the second receiving part273and the second inserting part293. The second receiving part273may be recessed toward the one direction C1facing the first split body211based on the third split body215.

Namely, the second receiving part273may be recessed into an outside getting distant from the center of the column part110toward the one direction C1. The second receiving part273may be configured in a manner of being recessed in the one direction C1facing the first split body211based on the third split body215.

In addition, one side of the second receiving part273facing the first direction V1may form a surface continuous with the third molding side255, and may form an inclination angle, which corresponds to the inclination angle A formed to the one direction C1by the third molding side255, to the bottom part150.

The second inserting part293may protrude toward the one direction C1facing the second split body213based on the first split body211.

One side of the second inserting part293facing the second direction V2may form a surface continuous with the fourth molding side257, and may form an inclination angle, which corresponds to the inclination angle A formed to the one direction C1by the fourth molding side257, to the bottom part150.

In addition, an inclination angle formed to the bottom part150by one side of the second receiving part273facing the first direction V1may be configured to correspond to the inclination angle formed to the bottom part150by the one side of the second inserting part293facing the second direction V2.

Therefore, the second inserting part293of the third split body215may be inserted in the second receiving part273of the first split body211, thereby forming the one end portion of the first blade space S2.

In addition, the second inserting part293of the first split body211may be inserted in the second receiving part273of the second split body213, thereby forming the one end portion of a second blade space S2b(seeFIGS.5A and5B) different from the first blade space S2.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.3, the blade130of the rotating member100molded in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include one side135having at least one portion facing the first direction V1and the other side137located on an opposite side of the one side135and having at least one portion facing the second direction V2.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the column part110is viewed in the second direction V2, the one side135may be connected by forming an obtuse angle to the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110and the other side137may be connected by forming an acute angle thereto.

Specifically, the blade130may be configured in a manner of protruding from the outer circumferential surface112of the column part110toward an outside of the column part110and have one side135and the other side137. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one side135of the blade130may be understood as having at least one portion that is a surface facing the first direction V1, and the other side137of the blade130may be understood as having at least one portion that is a surface facing the second direction V2.

Namely, as shown inFIG.3, in case that the blade130is extended in a manner of being inclined in one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110, the one side135of the blade130may correspond to a surface facing the other direction C2of the circumferential direction C of the column part110and the other side137of the blade130my correspond to a surface facing the one direction C1of the circumferential direction C of the column part110.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first molding side251of the first split body211may mold the one side135of a prescribed blade130together with the fourth molding side257of the third split body215.

For example, the first molding side251of the first split body211may mold the one side135of a prescribed blade130molded in the first blade space S2together with the fourth molding side257of the third split body215.

Moreover, in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third molding side255of the first split body211may mold the other side137of the prescribed blade130together with the second molding side253of the second split body213.

For example, the third molding side255of the first split body211may mold the other side137of a prescribed blade130molded in the first blade space S2together with the second molding side237of the second split body213.

Namely, inFIG.3, the parting line P provided to the one side135of the one end portion131of the blade130may be molded by both of the second molding side253of the first split body211and the first molding side251of the third split body215.

On the other hand, the parting line P provided to the other side137of the one end portion131of the blade130may be molded by both of the first molding side251of the first split body211and the second molding side253of the second split body213.

InFIG.3, the parting line P provided to the one side135of the other end portion133of the blade130may be molded by both of the third molding side255of the first split body211and the fourth molding side257of the third split body215.

On the other hand, the parting line P provided to the other side137of the other end portion133of the blade130may be molded by both of the fourth molding side257of the first split body211and the third molding side255of the second split body213.

Meanwhile, the first split body211may include a third inserting part295located in the first direction V1at the first receiving part271and protruding outward toward the second split body213.

In addition, the first split body211may include a third receiving part275located in the first direction V1at the first inserting part291, configured toward the third split body215, and recessed inward.

The third inserting part295of the first split body211is inserted in the third receiving part275of the second split body213, and one side facing the second direction V2in the third inserting part295of the first split body211may contact with a side2113facing the first direction V1in the third receiving part275of the second split body213so as to be connected thereto.

In addition, the third receiving part275of the first split body211receives the third inserting part295of the third split body215, and the side2113facing the first direction V1in the third receiving part275of the second split body213may contact with the one side facing the second direction V2in the third inserting part295of the second split body213so as to be connected thereto.

FIGS.5A and5Bare diagrams of a main mold in a molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a shield mold. The description redundant with the aforementioned structure will be omitted from the following description.

FIG.5Ais a diagram showing the main mold viewed in the second direction V2before a plurality of the split bodies are separated from each other in the molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5Bis a diagram showing the main mold viewed in the second direction V2after a plurality of the split bodies have been separated from each other in the molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

While the first to third split bodies211,213and215are combined together, the main mold200is configured to enable an injection liquid to flow into the column part space S1and the blade space S2.

The first blade space S2may be located closest to the first split body211among a plurality of the split bodies based on the center of the column part space S1.

The second blade space S2may be located closest to the second split body213among a plurality of the split bodies based on the center of the column part space S1.

And, the third blade space S2may be located closest to the third split body215among a plurality of the split bodies based on the center of the column part space S1.

After the injection liquid has flown in, if the molding of the rotating member100is completed, the first to third split bodies211,213and215are separated from each other and move in the radial direction D of the column part110.

A moving distance of the column part110may be set to a distance enough for the rotating member100to be extracted from the molding apparatus10.

The first blade space S2, the second blade space S2and the third blade space S2may be formed by the first split body211, the second split body213and the third split body215, respectively.

FIGS.6A and6Bare perspective diagrams showing a main mold and a shield mold in a molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a cross-sectional diagram showing a molding apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly,FIG.7is a cross-sectional diagram showing that the pressurizing mold600is spaced apart from the split bodies211,213and215after completion of cooling or hardening of the rotating member100.

The description redundant with the aforementioned structure will be omitted from the following description.

Referring toFIGS.6A to7, the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shield mold300shielding the column part space S1by being connected to the split bodies211,213and215on the side of the other end portion113of the column part110. The shield mold300may include a hollow molding pin330inserted into the column part space S1to mold the column part110into a hollow shape.

A width of the shield mold300may be set greater than that of the main mold200. The shield mold300may be positioned over the main mold200in the first direction V1and then connected to the main mold200.

The hollow molding pin330of the shield mold300may be extended into the column part space S1from one side confronting the main mold200so as to mold the column part110into the hollow shape.

The extension length of the hollow molding pin330may be set smaller than the height L1of the rotating member and correspond to the extended height L2of the blade130.

A diameter of the hollow molding pin330may be set smaller than that of the outer circumferential surface of the column part110, and the hollow molding pin330may form one side confronting the inner circumferential surface of the column part110to mold the column part110.

One end portion of the hollow molding pin330facing the second direction V2may be configured to contact with the bottom part150and form one side for molding a portion of the bottom part150.

The hollow molding pin330may be configured in a manner that a diameter of the outer circumferential surface gradually decreases toward the bottom part150. Thus, after completion of the molding of the rotating member100, the movement of the shield mold300in the first direction V1is facilitated in the course of extraction.

As the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the hollow molding pin330gradually decreases toward the bottom part150, a diameter of an outer circumferential surface of the column part110may decrease gradually toward the bottom part150as well.

An extension line heading for the bottom part150from the center of the hollow molding pin330may pass through the center of the column part110. The outer circumferential surface of the hollow molding pin330directly contacts with the injection liquid and may be formed of material of high thermal durability.

In some implementations, referring toFIGS.6A and6B, the shield mold300in the molding apparatus100according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide recess350formed on one side confronting each of the split bodies211,213and215, extended in a direction getting distant from the hollow molding pin330, and enabling at least one portion of each of the split bodies211,213and215to be slidably received therein.

The guide recess350may be formed in a manner that the one side of the shield mold300confronting each of the split bodies211,213and215is recessed toward the first direction V1. Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, the first split body211may include a guide protrusion part2111protruding from the third inserting part295toward the first direction vl.

After the molding of the rotating member100has been completed, the guide recess350may receive the guide protrusion part2111therein in the course of moving the first to third split bodies211,213and215in the radial direction D of the column part110and the first to third split bodies211,213and215may be guided in the radial direction D of the column part110by the guide recess350.

In this case, the third inserting part295and the third receiving part275of the first split body211may be configured to slidably contact with one side of the shield mold300.

In some implementations, the rotating member100molded by the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the bottom part150connected to the one end portion111of the column part110and having a diameter greater than that of the column part110.

On the other hand, the split bodies211,213and215may include a bottom molding space S3formed next to the bottom part150and configured to communicate with the column part space S1and mold the bottom part150therein.

Referring toFIG.3, a height L5of the bottom part150may be defined as a vertical distance from the bottom part150to the one end portion111of the column part110. A single bottom molding space S3may be formed by the first to third split bodies211,213and215. A height of one end portion of the second column molding side233facing the second direction V2may be configured to correspond to the height L5of the bottom part150as well.

The number of the main protrusion parts151of the bottom part150may be set to the number corresponding to the number of the split bodies, and the parting line P generated from the bottom part150may be provided to one side of each of the main protrusion parts151.

The first split body211may be configured to mold a portion of a prescribed one of a plurality of the main protrusion parts151or a portion of another one of them.

The first split body211may be located in a direction that the first sub-protrusion part153faces the radial direction D of the column part110based on the column part110, and the number of the first sub-protrusion parts153may be set to correspond to the number of the split bodies211,213and215.

Meanwhile, referring toFIGS.6A and6B, in the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating member100may be provided with a shaft coupling part157for coupling a rotating shaft (not shown) to the bottom part150. Particularly, the rotating shaft may mean a member that provides rotation power to the rotating member100.

For example, in case that the rotating member100is provided to a washer for washing laundry, a rotating shaft or the like is coupled to the rotating member100and rotation power may be provided to rotate the rotating member100in the circumferential direction C of the column part110. In this case, the rotating member100may be used as a member for agitating water and laundry in the washer.

As the center of the shaft coupling part157is aligned with the center of the column part110and the center of the bottom part150, when the rotating member100is rotating, eccentric rotation can be avoided and vibration and noise can be minimized.

The shaft coupling part157may be molded in the bottom molding space S3or a separate mold other than the molding apparatus10and then coupled after completion of the molding of the rotating member100. The shaft coupling part157may be provided to one side of the bottom part150facing the second direction.

In addition, the shaft coupling part157may include a plurality of gears (not shown) protruding along a circumference of an outer circumferential surface toward a radial direction. The gears (not shown) are engaged with the rotating shaft, whereby power can be provided to the rotating member100.

Meanwhile, referring toFIGS.6A and6B, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom part150may be provided with a reinforcing part159protruding from one side of the bottom part150, which faces the second direction V2, toward the second direction V2. The reinforcing part159may be extended along a circumferential direction of the bottom part150or a radial direction, thereby improving the rigidity of the bottom part150.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.7, the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressurizing mold600connected to the main mold200in the second direction V2to shield one side of the bottom molding space S3.

The bottom molding space S3of the split bodies211,213and215may be configured to communicate externally in a manner that one side facing the second direction V2is open. The pressurizing mold600shields one side of the bottom molding space S3so that one side of the bottom part150facing the second direction V2can be molded.

The pressurizing mold600may include an inlet part650for injecting the injection liquid into the bottom molding space S3. The pressurizing mold600may guide the injection liquid into the column part space S1and the blade space S2located within the main mold200while contacting with a plurality of the split bodies211,213and215.

The pressurizing mold600may include a first pressurizing mold610forming an exterior and a second pressurizing mold630shielding the bottom molding space S3of the main mold200by being provided to one side on which the first pressurizing mold610confronts the bottom molding space S3.

The second pressurizing mold630may be configured to correspond to a shape of one side of the bottom part150facing the second direction V2, and the inlet part650(described later) may pass through the second pressurizing mold630so as to guide the injection liquid to the bottom molding space S3.

The inlet part650may include an inlet hole651formed by perforating an outer surface of the first pressurizing mold610to enable the injection liquid to flow into the pressurizing mold600from outside, a guide hole655formed by perforating the second pressurizing mold630to guide the injection fluid to the bottom molding space S3, and a moving flow path653formed by perforating the first pressurizing mold610to make the inlet hole651and the guide hole655communicate with each other.

The injection liquid may enter the inlet hole651and then flow into the bottom molding space S3, the column part space S1and the blade space S2through the moving flow path653and the guide hole655.

The guide hole655may be located to confront a location of the main protrusion part151of the bottom part150. Thus, after the molding has been completed via injection of the injection liquid, when the pressurizing mold600is spaced apart from the main mold200, the damage caused to the rotating member100can be minimized.

Meanwhile, an operating process of the molding apparatus10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference toFIGS.6A to7. First of all, the main mold200is connected to the pressurizing mold600in the second direction V2and the shield mold300in the first direction V1, whereby the injection liquid may flow into the column part space S1, the blade molding space S2and the bottom molding space S3through the inlet part650.

The hollow molding pin330of the shield mold300may form the column part space S1together with the first to third split bodies211,213and215. If the injection liquid flows into the column part space S1, the column part110may be molded.

In addition, the injection liquid flows into the column part space S1, the blade molding space S2and the bottom molding space S3and the molding of the rotating member100can be then completed.

Once the molding of the rotating member100is completed, the pressurizing mold600is moved in the second direction V2to get distant from the main mold200and then spaced apart from the main mold200.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B, the first to third split bodies211,213and215may be oved in the radial direction of the column part110.

The third inserting part295of each of the first to third split bodies211,213and215is inserted in the guide recess350of the shield mold300and then moved along an extension direction of the guide recess350. As shown inFIG.6B, the first to third split bodies211,213and215may be then spaced apart from the rotating member100.

After the first to third split bodies211,213and215have been spaced apart from the rotating member100, the shield mold300may be moved in the first direction V1and then spaced apart from the rotating member100.

The hollow molding pin330molds the inner circumferential surface of the column part110, moves in the first direction V1within the column part110of the rotating member100, and may be then spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the column part110.

An outer diameter of the other end portion113of the column part110may be formed greater than that of one end portion (not shown) of the hollow molding pin330facing the second direction V2, whereby the rotating member100can be extracted while a portion of the hollow molding pin330is still located within the rotating member100.

After the rotating member100has been spaced apart from the molding apparatus10, an out-mold cooling process for cooling down the rotating member100at room temperature outside the molding apparatus10may be performed. Although the cooling or hardening process is performed on the rotating member100within the molding apparatus10, since an internal temperature of the main mold200is higher than the room temperature, a residual thermal stress may be still generated under a surface of the rotating member100.

In addition, since the residual thermal stress may be generated under the surface of the rotating member100after completion of the extraction of the rotating member100, out-mold cooling may be performed on the rotation member100exposed at room temperature.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.