What Is an Air Solenoid Valve?
An air solenoid valve is a device used in pneumatic machines to control airflow paths using electrical signals. These valves are crucial for directing air pressure in machines, and they find applications in various fields, including industrial and household settings.
Uses of Air Solenoid Valves
Air solenoid valves are used in machines that operate on compressed air, such as robots, machine tools, conveyors, and agricultural sorting machines. These valves offer a more efficient and easier-to-handle option than hydraulic valves for controlling machinery.
Principle of Air Solenoid Valve
Air solenoid valves use magnetic force to switch airflow paths. They typically consist of a fixed iron core with a coil, a movable iron core, and a spool section that actualizes the path switching. Electricity activates the solenoid, causing the movable iron core to attract to the fixed core, which in turn operates the spool using pilot pressure to switch air paths.
Structure of Air Solenoid Valve
The structure of an air solenoid valve is divided into three main parts:
- Solenoid Section: Transforms electrical signals into valve motion. It includes a fixed iron core with a coil, a movable iron core, a spring, and a valve plug.
- Spool Section: Contains a spool that slides inside a cylinder, responsible for switching the air paths.
- Port Section: Comprises holes that serve as air paths and connect to the air path of the machine. Available in 3-port, 4-port, and 5-port types.
Types of Air Solenoid Valves
Air solenoid valves are classified based on the power source, the number of ports, the number of solenoid valves, and the number of positions. These include pilot-type, direct-acting, single solenoid, double solenoid, and 2-position or 3-position types.