What is a multiway valve? Its core role in the hydraulic system

What is a multiway valve?
Multiway valve is a hydraulic control element, its main function is to realize the centralized control of multiple actuators through a valve body. It is usually composed of a number of separate directional control valves, relief valves, check valves, etc., which can effectively distribute the flow and pressure of hydraulic oil in the hydraulic system. Typical uses of multiway valves include construction machinery (such as excavators, loaders, etc.), agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and other hydraulic drive systems.

The multiway valve is named for its multi-channel design and can usually be operated by a handle, electromagnetic or hydraulic control to achieve a variety of hydraulic actuator actions, such as lifting, rotating or pushing.

The core role of multiple valves
In the hydraulic system, the core role of the multi-way valve can be summarized as follows:

1. Traffic allocation
   Multiway valves can distribute hydraulic oil output from hydraulic pumps to multiple actuators (such as hydraulic cylinders or hydraulic motors). Through different channels and control methods, it ensures that each actuator receives the required flow in accordance with predetermined requirements to complete a specific action.

For example, in excavators, multiway valves are responsible for distributing hydraulic oil to the boom, bucket rod and bucket hydraulic cylinder, enabling complex coordinated actions.

2. Direction control
   The multi-way valve has a built-in direction control valve, which can change the flow direction of the hydraulic oil, so as to control the movement direction of the actuator (such as forward, backward, rising or falling). This function is particularly critical for complex hydraulic systems, as it directly determines the operational performance of the equipment.
3. Pressure regulation and safety protection
   Multiway valves are usually integrated with an overflow valve and a check valve, which are used to limit the maximum pressure of the system and prevent reverse oil flow. The role of the relief valve is to protect the hydraulic system from being damaged by excessive pressure, and the check valve can prevent the hydraulic oil from flowing back, thereby improving the safety and stability of the system.
4. Coordinate your movements
   The multi-way valve can realize the coordinated action of multiple actuators through priority control or proportional control. For example, when the excavator is operated, the boom, bucket rod and bucket need to move at the same time, and the multi-way valve ensures that the various actuators operate smoothly and cooperate with each other through the reasonable distribution of flow and pressure.
5. Simplify the hydraulic system
   The integrated design of multiway valves significantly reduces hydraulic line complexity and installation space, while reducing costs, compared to using separate control valves for each actuator. This design also makes the maintenance of the hydraulic system more convenient.

Classification of multiway valves
According to different designs and application scenarios, multiway valves can be divided into the following categories:

Manual multiway valve: controlled by handle operation, common in simple machinery.
Electronically controlled multiway valve: controlled by electrical signal, suitable for modern equipment, easy to achieve remote and automatic control.
Hydraulic multiway valve: controlled by hydraulic signal, suitable for scenarios requiring precise control.
Proportional multiway valve: enables precise flow control and is suitable for complex and high-precision hydraulic systems.
Application example of multiway valve in hydraulic system
Construction machinery
For example, the coordinated action of the boom, bucket rod and bucket of the excavator completely depends on the multi-way valve.

Agricultural machinery
Multiway valves are used to control the farming parts of agricultural tractors, such as plows, planters, etc.

Industrial hydraulic equipment
In a factory hydraulic press or assembly line, multiway valves are used to drive multiple hydraulic cylinders to complete complex actions.