Machine for moulding plastic containers using means for moving the mould-support unit comprising two in-line connecting rods

A machine for moulding containers, comprising:

• an extrusion unit for extruding plastic tubes;
• a blow-moulding unit;
• a mould, for moulding the containers, including a first half-mould and a second half-mould, the first half-mould and the second half-mould being movable in a longitudinal direction and symmetrically with respect to a fixed axis perpendicular to said longitudinal direction by a first actuator,
• the mould and the first actuator being movable in a transverse direction between a first position, substantially aligned with the extrusion unit, and a second position, substantially aligned with the blow-moulding unit, by a second actuator,
• wherein the first actuator comprises at least one motor and an associated drive shaft, the drive shaft being coupled to a cam for actuating a pair of connecting rods which are respectively connected to the first half-mould and to the second half-mould
• wherein the first half-mould is coupled to a first flange and the second half-mould is coupled to a second flange, the first flange and the second flange being mounted on a pair of first guides;
• an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative distance of the two half-moulds with respect to a fixed reference axis for correct closing of the first half-mould and the second half-mould;
• wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a plate coupled to the first guides and a bushing, having a threaded portion and adapted to be attached to said plate, the plate include a threaded portion adapted to engage a tie-rod coupled to the second flange.