Classification of Hydraulic Components
Hydraulic Components: Gear pumps, vane pumps, piston pumps, screw pumps, etc. Actuators: Hydraulic cylinders-piston-type, plunger-type, rotary (swing) cylinders, combination cylinders, etc.; Hydraulic motors-gear-type, vane-type, piston-type, etc. Control Components: Directional control valves-check valves, directional valves, etc.; Pressure control valves-relief valves, pressure-reducing valves, sequence valves, pressure relays, etc.; Flow control valves-throttle valves, speed control valves, flow divider valves, etc. Auxiliary Components: Accumulators, filters, coolers, heaters, hydraulic tubing, pipe fittings, oil tanks, pressure gauges, flow meters, sealing devices, etc.
Functions of Hydraulic Components
Hydraulic components primarily consist of five parts: Power Components (hydraulic pumps), Actuators (hydraulic cylinders or motors), Control Components (various valves), Auxiliary Components, and the Working Medium.
Power Components (Hydraulic Pumps): Their function is to convert the mechanical energy provided by a prime mover into hydraulic pressure energy within the fluid; they constitute the power source of a hydraulic transmission system.
Actuators (Hydraulic Cylinders and Motors): These convert the hydraulic pressure energy of the fluid into mechanical energy. Specifically, hydraulic cylinders produce linear motion, while hydraulic motors produce rotary motion.
Control Components: These include pressure valves, flow valves, and directional valves. Their function is to provide stepless speed control for the actuators as required, and to regulate and control the pressure, flow rate, and direction of the working fluid within the hydraulic system.
Auxiliary Components: These comprise all components other than the three categories mentioned above. They include pressure gauges, oil filters, accumulators, coolers, pipe fittings (primarily including various tube connectors-flared, welded, compression-type, SAE flanges-as well as high-pressure ball valves, quick-disconnect couplings, hose assemblies, pressure test points, pipe clamps, etc.), and oil tanks. These components are equally vital to the system.
Working Medium: This refers to the hydraulic oil or emulsion used in various types of hydraulic transmission systems; it serves as the medium through which energy conversion is realized via the hydraulic pump and the actuators.
