Process for making insert molded circuit
First Claim
1. A method for forming an electrical connector from a lace curtain, wherein the lace curtain includes a plurality of electrical connectors joined by at least one interconnect joint, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a mold having a cavity configured to receive the lace curtain;
inserting the lace curtain in the cavity of the mold;
while the lace curtain is in the mold, severing the interconnect joints; and
after the interconnect joints have been severed, injecting a flowable, insulating material into the mold such that the insulating material surrounds the connectors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for forming insert molded circuits. The process includes inserting a circuit network comprised of a lace curtain with a plurality of individual circuits which are connected by interconnect members into a mold and then separating the individual circuits in the mold by cutting the interconnect members while the lace curtain is in the mold. After the interconnect members have been severed, plastic is injected into the mold thereby surrounding the individual traces. A mold for performing the process is disclosed which includes a retractable punch arrangement.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for forming an electrical connector from a lace curtain, wherein the lace curtain includes a plurality of electrical connectors joined by at least one interconnect joint, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a mold having a cavity configured to receive the lace curtain; inserting the lace curtain in the cavity of the mold; while the lace curtain is in the mold, severing the interconnect joints; and after the interconnect joints have been severed, injecting a flowable, insulating material into the mold such that the insulating material surrounds the connectors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6)
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5. The method of claim I wherein the step of injecting the insulating material into the cavity of the mold includes filling the gap between the severed sections of the interconnect joint.
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7. A method for making a network of electrical connectors from a lace curtain, wherein the lace curtain includes a plurality of electrical connectors joined by at least one interconnect joint, the method comprising:
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providing a mold having a first section and a discrete mating second section, the mold having a closed position when the first and second sections are engaged, the first and second sections each having a mating cavity section; separating the first and second sections of the mold; disposing the lace curtain in the cavity of one of the first and second sections of the mold; after the lace curtain has been inserted, closing the mold; while the lace curtain is in the mold, severing the interconnect joints; and after the mold has been closed and after the interconnect joints have been severed, injecting an insulating material into the cavity of the mold. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification