Apparatus for making electrical connector insert

摘要

An apparatus for molding a one piece insert (10) for retaining a plurality of electrical contacts (20) in an electrical connector. The insert (10) includes a plurality of bores or passageways (15) having integral with the insert means for retaining a contact within each of the insert passages. The integral means for retaining a contact (20) includes a plurality of radially deflectable contact retaining fingers (11) adjacent a plurality of ribs (16). Shoulders (17) on the ribs (16) and the free ends (12) of the retention fingers (11) engage forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders (21, 22) on a contact, thereby captivating a portion (25) of the contact within the insert. The radially deflectable fingers (11) in the insert allow a contact to be inserted and removed from one end of an electrical connector. The apparatus for molding the insert includes two mold halves which when assembled together define a cavity in the shape of the desired insert, and a plurality of assemblies to form the passageways (15) with integral fingers (11) and ribs (16) with shoulders (17). The assemblies are in the form of interfitting dowel pin (50) and dowel bushing (60) which extend from the mold halves.