Actuators

Section 1.5

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Actuators.

Two types of actuators:

1. Piston type – this supplies liner motion (straight
line)
2. Rotary type – this supplies motion in a rotary
direction (Turning)

Piston Type – Hydraulic cylinder

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Actuators.

Rotary Actuator – Swing motor.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Hydraulic Cylinders

LOAD

Inlet &
Outlet

Single Acting Cylinder.

Oil pressure is applied on one side of the piston. The piston
pushes the rod, extending it out of the housing moving the
load.
When the oil pressure is released the weight of the load or
spring forces the rod back into the housing

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Hydraulic Cylinders

Double Acting Cylinder

Double acting cylinder provides a force in both directions

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Hydraulic Cylinders

Telescopic Actuator
The cylinder has an inner and outer section.
The rod acts as one piece until the outer
section reaches the end of its stroke, then
the inner section will continue to extend.
A telescopic cylinder will provide a long
extension from a compact cylinder.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Cylinder Force and Velocity

Piston Velocity.
Piston velocity is effected by the oil flow rate to the cylinder and piston
area.
U = Piston Velocity.
Q
Q = Oil flow rate. U=
A
A = Piston Area
There is a difference in piston area surface, the rod end having less area
surface making the capacity less.
This will make the rod end move quicker than the piston end.
Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals
 Cylinder Force and Velocity

Piston Force.
To increase the piston force, the oil pressure or piston area need to be
increased.
F = Force
P = Pressure F=PxA
A = Area
The piston end of the cylinder has a larger piston area surface, this will
generate more force than the rod end with a less area surface.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Actuators.

With Force and Velocity in mind, why are the Hydraulic cylinders
arranged in the manner on the drawing?

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Cushioning

Piston Valves
The function of the piston valve is to relieve oil pressure when the piston
advances to a point just before the end of the stroke.

Cylinder piston under load Piston valves make contact with

housing allowing the oil to transfer from
Piston valves have not made contact
one side of the piston to the other
with housing.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Cushioning
Metering Pin
Before the piston reaches the end of its stroke the Metering Pin enters
the oil port and restricting the oil escaping. The Metering Pin has a series
of openings, as the pin moves farther into the oil port the more restricted
the oil flow becomes.
Eventually closing completely off and the only return opening is through
the restrictor in the Check Valve.

Metering Pin Check Valve.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Piston Rod

Piston Rod
The piston rod is usually hard chromed to prevent chipping and
rusting.
The piston is attached on one end of the rod that creates the pressure
and movement. The yoke on the other end is to transfer the movement
to the work equipment.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Piston

Piston
The piston is to stop the by-passing of oil from one side of the piston
to the other side. This will allow the oil pressure to be increased and
movement of the piston and rod to occur. The piston is fitted with
piston seals and wearing ring.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Rod Seals

There are two seals installed in the Rod Cap End .

1. Rod seal: to stop oil from escaping from the cylinder onto the ground.
2. Dust seal: to protect the rod seal from damage as dirt maybe drawn in
when the rod contracts into the cylinder
A bush is also installed to support the rod and prevent the rod from
wearing on the rod cap end.

Support Bush

Rod Seal

Dust Seal

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Dust Seal

The dust seal is installed to wipe dirt and mud from the
rod before being drawn into the cylinder, destroying the
rod seal and contaminating the hydraulic oil.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Hydraulic Motor

Counterbalance Valve

Check
Valves

Relief Valve

Fixed Displacement Hydraulic Piston Motor

Motors closely reassemble pumps in their construction, instead of
pushing oil as a pump, the flow of oil rotates the piston and barrel that’s
connected to the out-put shaft.
Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals
 Hydraulic Motors

Piston Motor.
This motor rotates in both directions.
The four check valves allows one
relief valve to be used and to stop
negative pressure occurring when
the motor is running down.

Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals

 Actuators.

END of

Actuators
Section 1.5 Hydraulic Fundamentals