Injection molding machine

In an injection molding machine having a generally horizontal axis, including an injection molding unit, an injection mold assembly, a mold closing unit receiving said injection mold assembly, and a first drive means for inserting said injection molding unit in and withdrawing said injection molding unit from said injection mold assembly;

• said injection molding unit including a plasticizing cylinder having a frontal end insertable into said injection mold assembly and a rear terminus;
• a feed screw rotatably and axially displaceably accommodated in said plasticizing cylinder, a carrier block form-fittingly receiving said plasticizing cylinder at the rear terminus thereof, immobilizing means for axially fixing the position of said plasticizing cylinder in said carrier block, second drive means for imparting axial injection strokes to said feed screw and a third drive means for rotating said feed screw;
• the improvement wherein said plasticizing cylinder, together with said feed screw accommodated therein, is capable of being moved by said first drive means into a released position in which said plasticizing cylinder is slightly withdrawn from said injection mold assembly and is separated from said carrier block;
• the improvement further comprising a first support means situated adjacent said injection mold assembly for supporting said plasticizing cylinder at said frontal end thereof;
• and a second support means situated at a distance from said first support means for axially supporting said plasticizing cylinder at said rear terminus thereof;
• said first and second support means upwardly freely removably supporting said plasticizing cylinder in said released position thereof.