Hydraulics

Hydraulics or hydraulic drive is a drive system based on pressure energy and the physical incompressibility of a liquid.

In the ratio of the size of the components to the transmitted power, they are among the most powerful and most accurate. Among the advantages are the simplicity of the mechanisms, high strength and precision with small dimensions, the possibility of energy transmission through flexible members, power variations with small losses and high efficiency. Disadvantages of this type of drive include expensive operation and maintenance, power losses due to heat, and potential leakage of fluids in the event of a mechanical failure (can pollute the environment).

The basis of hydraulics is Pascal's law.

Utilization

Hydraulic cylinders are used in situations where great force and high positioning accuracy are needed, for example:

In construction machinery such as diggers, excavators and rakes.
In airplanes to control the flaps.
In hydraulic presses.
In industrial robotic systems and industrial automation.
In car brakes and clutches.
In simple hydraulic mechanisms in consumer technology.

Cylinders are the main elements of hydraulics and perform linear movement depending on the volume of the injected liquid. There are different types of cylinders, including classic single-piston cylinders and telescoping cylinders, where a wider piston becomes a cylinder for a narrower piston.

Hoses are used to distribute pressure to hydraulic cylinders and are mostly made of rubber with steel cord reinforcement. They have a defined nominal pressure and maximum bending.

The hydraulic fluid used as the medium is usually hydraulic oil or an alcohol-based fluid. It has properties such as low compressibility, low volume-thermal expansion, non-flammability, anti-corrosion properties, viscosity and bulk density.

The pump supplies pressure to the hydraulic cylinders and can be driven by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. There are different types of pumps, including gear pumps for small outputs and hydrostatic pumps such as axial and radial pumps.

Valves are used to control the flow of liquid in the hydraulic system. There are throttle valves, switching valves (Y-valves), collection valves, safety valves and non-return valves.

The accumulator serves to accumulate excess pressure and supply pressure in the event of a shortage in hydraulics. Protects hoses from overload.

The collection tank serves as a place where idle oil from the cylinders is returned.

These components of the hydraulic system work together to enable power transmission and motion control through the hydraulic drive.