Injection molding clamping system

Abstract

A plastic injection molding station having a mold assembly with a plurality of first mold sections and a plurality of second mold sections. Each of the first mold portions adapted to cooperate with one of the second mold portions so as to define a plurality of mold cavities, the mold cavities being of equal distance across the length of the mold assembly and further defining a shape of an article to be injection molded therein. The first mold portions and second mold portions are adapted for relative movement between an engaged position where the first and second mold portions define the mold cavities and a disengaged position where the first and second mold portions are separated from one another. The station also includes a locking assembly adapted to lock the first and second mold portions together in the engaged position. The locking assembly applies a distributed locking force to the mold assembly when in the engaged position whereby each of the mold cavities of the mold assembly is subjected to substantially the same locking force. The locking assembly including a first member in the station for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking assembly further including an actuator coupled to the first member and adapted to cause movement of the first member between the locked and unlocked positions. A frame at least partially supporting the mold assembly and said locking assembly and an injection means for injecting plastic resin into the mold cavities through one of the first and second mold portions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.