Device for manufacturing information carriers by injection moulding

An auxiliary device to be added to an injection moulding device for manufacturing disc-like information carriers,

• which injection moulding device comprises:
• a mould having at least two mould parts displaceable relative to each other,
• which mould parts in a first relative position bound a mould cavity, the form of which corresponds with the form of the information carriers for manufacture, into which mould cavity debouches a feed for heated plastic,
• and which mould parts in a second relative position are located at a distance from each other such that the mould cavity is accessible;
• and
• first holding means for holding in a desired position an insert plate for placing against an end wall of the mould cavity, on which plate is located the information to be recorded onto the information carrier, such that the insert plate remains in position relative to the mould cavity when a formed information carrier is removed;
• which auxiliary device comprises:
• a supply holder configured to receive at least one insert plate;
• transporting means for transporting successive insert plates between the supply holder and the mould, which transporting means comprise a head which is adapted to displace successive insert plates in axial direction to and from said end wall, all of which plates are provided with a central continuous hole, and which head comprises centering means for placing an insert plate in correct position relative to the end wall by making use of a continuous central hole in an insert plate;
• which head comprises:
• second holding means for engaging an insert plate in an edge zone;
• resiliently compressible pushing means for pushing on a central zone of the insert plate counter to the action of the second holding means, such that the insert plate acquires a convex form and the insert plate can contact the end wall first with said central zone;
• and
• control means connected or connectable to the injection moulding device which are adapted to:
• control the transporting means;
• release the transporting means only in the second relative position of the mould parts in order to transport an insert plate from or to the mould, and
• control the first holding means and the second holding means such that said central zone of an insert plate first contacts the end wall, through continuing axial displacement the whole insert plate is eventually pressed against the end wall, the first holding means subsequently exert a force on the insert plate such that on backward axial displacement of the head the insert plate is held against the end wall by the first holding means.