Compact die closing unit for injection molding machines

In a machine for the injection molding of plastic or metallic parts and articles in an injection molding die, a die closing unit which opens and closes along a longitudinal movement axis, the die closing unit being adapted for mounting on a machine base and comprising in combination:

• a stationary die carrier member adapted for attachment to the machine base, said member having on its forward side a die mounting face extending perpendicularly to said movement axis;
• at least two hydraulic linear actuators having parallel stationary power cylinders which are solidary with the stationary die carrier member and which enclose an equal number of power pistons, each having a piston rod attached thereto, the piston rods extending forwardly through the stationary die carrier member, on opposite sides of, and parallel to said movement axis;
• a stationary die half as part of the injection molding die, said die half being constituted by at least one transversely extending stationary die plate which is clamped against the die mounting face of the stationary die carrier member, said at least one stationary die plate engaging a length portion of each piston rod with a fitted bore, so as to support and guide the piston rods;
• a movable die half as part of the injection molding die, said movable die half being likewise constituted by at least one transversely extending movable die plate, said at least one movable die plate having fitted bores engaging a forward end portion of each piston rod, so as to support the movable die half on said rods;
• and
• axial clamping means for releasably clamping the forward end portions of the piston rods to a forwardly facing clamping face on the front side of the movable die half.