P i l o t C o n t r o l l e d 5 / 2 Wa y D o u b l e S o l e n o i d Va l v e

y Fig. shows two cross-sections of a pilot controlled 5/2y y

way double solenoid valve. If the piston is at the left stop, ports 1 and 2 and 4 and 5 are connected (Fig. 4.7a). If the left solenoid coil is energized, the piston moves to the right stop and ports 1 and 4 and 2 and 3 are connected (Fig. 4.7b). If the valve is to be retracted to its initial position, it is not sufficient to de-energized the left solenoid coil. Rather, the right solenoid coil must be energized. If neither solenoid coil is energized, friction holds the piston in the last position selected. This also applies if both solenoids coils are energized simultaneously, as they oppose each other with equal force.

Pilot Controlled 5/2 Way Valve

y Fig. shows the two switching positions of an y y

y y

electrically actuated pilot controlled 5/2-way valve. In its initial position, the piston is at the left stop (Fig. 4.6a). Ports 1 and 2 and ports 4 and 5 are connected. If the solenoid coil is energized, the valve spool moves to the right stop (Fig. 4.6b). In this position, ports 1 and 4 and 2 and 3 are connected. If the solenoid is de-energized, the return spring returns the valve spool to its initial position. Pilot air is supplied via port 84.

Pilot Controlled 3/2 Way Valve

Fig. 4.5 shows two cross-sections of an electrically actuated pilot controlled 3/2-way valve. In its initial position, the piston surface is only subject to atmospheric pressure, so the return spring pushes the piston up (Fig. 4.5a). Ports 2 and 3 are connected. If the solenoid coil is energized, the chamber below the valve piston is connected to pressure port 1 (Fig. 4.5b). The force on the upper surface of the valve piston increases, pressing the piston down. The connection between ports 2 and 3 is closed, the connection between ports 1 and 2 opened. The valve remains in this position as long as the solenoid coil is energized. If the solenoid coil is de-energized, the valve switches back to its initial position. A minimum supply pressure (control pressure) is required to actuate the pilot controlled valve against the spring pressure. This pressure is given in the valve specifications and lies depending on type in the range of about 2 to 3 bar.