| 摘要 |
<p>A mold set is formed by sandwiching a preform between upper and lower plates. Each plate has openings corresponding to areas on the preform to be encapsulated. Upper and lower cover plates overlie the openings to form molding cavities. A plurality of mold sets are conveniently stacked to form mold units which may be placed in a storage apparatus. A first unit is transported to a station for preheating. After a predetermined time, the unit is moved to a molding station where it is clamped under pressure and plastic is injected into the mold cavities. While molding is occurring, a second mold unit is moved from the storage apparatus to the preheating station. After the first unit has undergone the molding and an initial cure step, it is unclamped and moved to a curing station. Subsequently, the second unit moves into the molding station. At this time, a third unit may be transported to the preheating station. After curing, the first unit is opened to remove the product and the separated plates are passed through a cleaning station for subsequent reassembly at an assembly station. The first unit plates are reassembled and moved to the preheating station for preheating while the third unit is undergoing the molding operation. During the third unit molding, the second unit is being cured and opened for product recovery. The cycle is repeated with each mold unit and is coordinated with a central control system. Efficiencies are obtained by aligning the mold parts into vertical stacks which are readily conveyed by magazines and carriage frames. The operating stations are separated into upper and lower levels whereby gravity and simple elevator mechanisms may be used in an effective manner. <IMAGE></p> |
