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Understanding how hydraulic cylinders work

First introduced in the mid-19th century, hydraulic jacks have become a ubiquitous piece of work equipment in many sectors of activity in France. These ingenious devices take advantage of fluid movements to generate significant mechanical forces. If you are a current or future user of hydraulic cylinders and would like to find out more about how they work, we can help you hydraulic jacks to make the most of it? Here's what you need to remember.

What you need to know about hydraulic cylinders

Vérin Hydraulique : Qu'est-ce Que C'est ? » Toute Votre Actualité

Hydraulic cylinders are an essential part of many industrial systems, offering unrivalled mechanical power through the ingenious use of fluids. Whether in lifting equipment, heavy vehicles or industrial applications, you'll find them.


What is a hydraulic cylinder?

A hydraulic cylinder is a mechanical device that converts hydraulic energy from your hydraulic pump, for example, into linear mechanical movement. This is made possible by the incompressibility of the fluid, usually hydraulic oil, which is controlled by your pump and distributed through the system of hoses and valves. This equipment generally consists of a cylinder, a piston and a rod.

The cylinder is the robust casing that houses the internal components of the hydraulic actuator. Inside the cylinder, the piston plays a crucial role in separating the cylinder into two distinct chambers. The piston is tightly fitted to the cylinder to ensure a proper seal. One of the cylinder chambers is connected to a source of pressurised hydraulic oil, while the other is connected to the oil reservoir.

To control the movement of the cylinder, directional valves are used to direct the flow of hydraulic oil to the appropriate chamber in the cylinder. So, by adjusting the pressure and flow of oil, you can precisely regulate the speed and force of the cylinder.

Additional features such as overload valves, dampers and sensors can be integrated to improve the safety, stability and performance of the hydraulic cylinder.


How do hydraulic cylinders work ?

Comment fonctionne un verin electrique ? Explications

Knowing how a hydraulic cylinder works enables you to identify any causes of malfunction and take the appropriate measures to correct them. This minimises downtime and maximises the efficiency of your operations. By knowing the principle of operation of a hydraulic cylinder, you'll also be able to make the most of the cylinder's performance in your specific applications.

- What are the different phases in the movement of a hydraulic cylinder ?

The movement of a hydraulic cylinder is a veritable mechanical choreography in several acts, including the forward stroke, the working stroke and the return stroke.

Initially, the rod exits the cylinder under the effect of hydraulic pressure during the feed stroke.

Then, during the working stroke, the spindle remains stable and maintains the desired position.

After the working stroke, the rod retracts into the cylinder when the pressure is released during the return phase.

Finally, the actuator returns to its initial position, ready to restart.

- How does hydraulic pressure act on the piston to produce linear movement ?

The fundamental principle of force transmission through an incompressible fluid is at the heart of the operation of fluid-operated actuators.

Indeed, in every drop of hydraulic oil lies a captivating power. When this oil is under pressure, it works its way through your cylinder to exert pressure on the piston. This pressure is then transformed into energy that propels the piston with precision. Thanks to this transformation, linear movement ensues, driving the cylinder rod in a mechanical back-and-forth motion.

The interaction between the hydraulic pressure and the piston generates the kinetic energy that drives the jacks. It is this kinetic energy that enables them to perform mechanical feats with ease, such as lifting a load or moving an object.

What are the different types of hydraulic cylinders ?

Définition du vérin hydraulique - Information technique | Hänchen

Different types of cylinders offer specific functionality and performance, suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. When you explore the French hydraulic equipment market, you'll discover a variety of cylinders, each with distinct features that set it apart from the rest. Understanding these different options allows you to choose the right cylinder for your specific application.

- Single-acting hydraulic cylinders

One of the first types of cylinders you think of when you think of type of hydraulic cylinder is the single-acting hydraulic cylinder. This type of cylinder only operates in one direction, generally when a movement only needs to occur in a specific direction.

Single-acting cylinders are commonly used in applications such as trailer lifting, where the movement is predominantly unidirectional. They are designed to provide force in one direction and use hydraulic pressure to generate movement in that direction, while reverse movement is usually provided by a return spring or other method.

- Double-acting hydraulic cylinders

The most commonly used type of cylinder is the double-acting hydraulic cylinder. Unlike single-acting cylinders, double-acting cylinders can generate linear movement in both directions. Equipped with two working chambers, one on each side of the piston, this type of cylinder can produce both push and pull movements.

Double-acting cylinders are versatile and are used in a wide range of applications, from industrial systems to construction machinery and mechanical presses. They offer superior flexibility by enabling precisely controlled bi-directional movements, making them indispensable in many areas of industry.

- Splitter hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic brake cylinders

In addition to the common types of cylinder, there are also other specialised variants for specific applications. For example, splitter cylinders are specially designed for wood splitting machines, offering a force adapted to this specific application.

Similarly, brake cylinders are used in hydraulic braking systems, where they transmit hydraulic force to the brakes to slow or stop movement.

These brake cylinders are designed to operate reliably and offer precise control of braking force, guaranteeing optimum braking performance and enhanced safety.


What are the applications of hydraulic cylinders ?

Actuators are widely used in many fields, including industry, construction, agriculture, aerospace, automotive and many others. Their versatility and ability to generate high forces make them essential components in a wide range of machinery and equipment.

In industry, cylinders are used in lifting and handling tools, industrial presses, machine tools and process control systems.

In the construction industry, they are found in cranes, excavators, bulldozers and graders, to name but a few.

In agriculture, cylinders are used in farm machinery such as tractors, combines and sprayers to perform tasks such as lifting, tilting arms and adjusting equipment.

In the aerospace sector, actuators are used in aircraft to operate flaps, brakes, landing gear and control surfaces. They provide the reliability and precision that are essential for the smooth operation of flight control systems.

The applications of hydraulic cylinders also affect the automotive industry. Here, cylinders are used in suspension systems, braking systems and door and boot opening and closing mechanisms. They play a crucial role in the comfort, safety and functionality of vehicles.

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