Linear drive for an injection molding machine

A linear drive for an injection molding machine includes a housing defining a sealed interior space containing a gas volume. The housing has two housing portions constructed for telescopic movement within one another. A spindle drive is accommodated in the housing and operated by the electric motor. The spindle drive includes a spindle shaft, which is axially securely fixed to one of the housing portions, and a spindle nut, which is arranged on the spindle shaft and axially securely fixed to the other one of the housing portions. Acting on the spindle drive is an energy accumulator which is constructed for discharge in a first operating cycle which is energy-intensive and for recharging in a second operating cycle which is opposite to the first operating cycle and requires little energy.