Position-locking apparatus for insert and over molding of delicate components

摘要

Method and apparatus for overmolding delicate parts are disclosed. A mold unit for an injection molding apparatus can be provided. The mold unit can include a clamping mechanism and a locking mechanism. The clamping mechanism can be positioned in contact with the delicate part. The position of the clamping mechanism can be selected such that the clamping mechanism does not exert a force that damages the delicate part. The delicate part can vary in size from part to part. Thus, as the overmolding process is repeated, the position that is selected each time for the clamping mechanism can vary depending on the size of a part that is used. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock the clamping mechanism into the position selected for the part.

主权项

1. A mold unit, comprising:
a plurality of mold unit components that cooperate to define at least a portion of a mold unit cavity, wherein each mold unit component of the plurality of mold unit components is in direct contact with an initial part during an overmolding operation; a single conduit configured to inject an amount of molding material that fills the mold unit cavity, wherein the plurality of mold unit components remain substantially stationary while the molding material is injected so that the mold unit cavity maintains a fixed volume throughout the overmolding operation; a force generating mechanism that exerts a force upon a first mold unit component of the plurality of mold unit components during the overmolding operation, the force being transferred to the initial part by way of the first mold unit component, wherein the force generating mechanism moves in a first direction to place the first mold unit component in contact with the initial part prior to the overmolding operation; and a wedge configured to move in a second direction different from the first direction to directly contact a surface of the first mold unit component to prevent the first mold unit component from moving away from the initial part during the overmolding operation, thereby substantially maintaining both the force against the initial part and the fixed volume of the mold unit cavity throughout the overmolding operation.