

Hydraulic directional control valves are key components in hydraulic systems, used to control the
Hydraulic directional control valves are core components in hydraulic systems, used to control the flow direction, on-off state or switching of oil, thereby driving the actuator (such as Hydraulic Cylinders, motors) to act as required. They are widely applied in fields such as construction machinery, industrial automation, aerospace, etc.
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## **1. Main Functions**
- **Control of Oil Circuit On/Off**: Open or close the flow of hydraulic oil (such as a switch valve).
- **Flow Direction Switching**: Alter the direction of oil flow (such as a Directional Control Valve).
- **Actuator Control**: Control the extension/retraction of hydraulic cylinders or the forward/reverse rotation of motors.
- **Multi-Circuit Oil Distribution**: Used for compound control in multi-actuator systems (such as multi-way valves).
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## 2. Common Types and Characteristics
| **Type** | **Structural Characteristics** | **Typical Applications** |
|----------------|---------------------------------|-----------------------------|
|----------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| **Check Valve** | Allows fluid to flow in one direction only, blocks reverse flow | Pressure-holding circuits, preventing backflow |
| **Hydraulic Check Valve** | Enables reverse flow through control of the oil circuit | Hydraulic locks, locking of crane outriggers |
| **Directional Control Valve** | Switches the direction of the oil circuit (electromagnetic/manual/hydraulic) | Reciprocating motion of hydraulic cylinders, reversing of motors |
| **Multi-way Valve** | Integrates multiple directional control valves for centralized control | Multi-actuator systems in excavators, loaders |
| **Servo Valve** | High-precision electro-hydraulic control with rapid response | Precision control in aerospace, CNC machine tools |
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## **3. Core Performance Parameters**
- **Bore Size (Flow Capacity)**: Such as 6mm, 10mm (determining the maximum flow rate).
- **Working Pressure**: Such as 16MPa, 31.5MPa (matching the system pressure).
- **Control Method**: Manual, electromagnetic, hydraulic pilot, electro-hydraulic proportional, etc.
- **Spool Function**: O-type, H-type, Y-type, etc. (determining the neutral oil circuit state).
- **Response Time**: Electromagnetic valves typically ≤ 50ms, servo valves ≤ 10ms.
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## **4. Typical Application Scenarios**
- **Construction Machinery**: Control of excavator buckets, extension and retraction of crane booms.
- **Injection Molding Machines**: Opening and closing of molds, switching of injection mechanisms.
- **Agricultural Machinery**: Hydraulic lifting systems of tractors.
- **Automated Production Lines**: Gripping by mechanical arms, control of conveyor belt directions.
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## **5. Key Points for Selection**
1. **Flow Demand**: Select the bore size based on the flow requirement of the actuator (to avoid excessive pressure drop).
2. **Control Method**:
- **Electromagnetic Directional Control Valve**: For automated control (such as PLC systems).
- **Manual Directional Control Valve**: For simple equipment without electrical control requirements.
- **Electro-hydraulic Proportional Valve**: For scenarios requiring precise speed or force control.
3. **Neutral Function**:
- **O-Type**: Neutral position closed, actuator locked (e.g., cranes).
- **H-Type**: Neutral position unloaded, pump energy-saving (e.g., intermittent operation systems).
4. **Environmental Adaptability**: Explosion-proof and water-proof ratings (e.g., for applications in mines and ships).
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