Hydraulic system capable of simultaneously controlling movement in horizontal and vertical directions
This hydraulic system, which combines an oil pump unit with a distribution valve group, a PLC, and a high-precision displacement sensor, solves the complexity and reliability problems of traditional hydraulic systems when controlling horizontal and vertical movements. It achieves compact, precise, and efficient motion control for equipment, and is suitable for industrial automation and machining.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BYSTRONIC (TIANJIN) LASER LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Traditional hydraulic systems suffer from problems such as complex structure, high cost, poor coordination, low control precision, large space occupation, and poor reliability when controlling horizontal and vertical movements, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-precision and compact equipment.
It employs an oil pump unit and distribution valve group combined with a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a high-precision displacement sensor. Through a closed-loop control algorithm, it achieves coordinated control of horizontal and vertical movements, reduces the number of equipment parts, and uses high-performance hydraulic cylinders and variable frequency speed control motors, combined with relief valves and balance valves to ensure motion stability.
This has resulted in a compact equipment structure, reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, improved motion accuracy and coordination, and ensured high-efficiency positioning accuracy and rapid response capabilities, meeting the demands of high-precision and high-efficiency production.
Smart Images

Figure CN224174338U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of hydraulic control technology, specifically relating to a hydraulic system that simultaneously controls horizontal and vertical movement. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as industrial automation, machining, and engineering equipment, high-precision motion control of objects in both horizontal and vertical directions is frequently required. Examples include material handling in automated production lines, tool positioning in machining equipment, and component lifting in construction machinery. Traditional solutions typically employ multiple independent drive devices (such as independent motors and hydraulic pumps) to control horizontal and vertical motion separately. This approach has significant drawbacks:
[0003] 1. Complex structure and high cost
[0004] Multiple independent drive units require independent power systems, control systems, and actuators, leading to a surge in the number of equipment parts. This not only increases manufacturing and assembly costs but also raises the difficulty of later maintenance. For example, the exchange worktable in the laser processing industry needs to simultaneously achieve horizontal transport and vertical lifting of the material table. Traditional solutions require separate drive motors and hydraulic pumps for each direction, resulting in a bloated system structure and a significant increase in hardware costs.
[0005] 2. Poor coordination and low control precision
[0006] Independent drive units exhibit varying response speeds and output characteristics, making high-precision synchronous control difficult. For example, in material handling scenarios, asynchrony between horizontal and vertical movements can lead to object posture shifts or vibrations, affecting handling accuracy and stability. Furthermore, traditional systems rely on complex multi-axis coordinated control algorithms, increasing software design complexity and making them susceptible to control errors due to signal delays or differences in equipment characteristics. This results in insufficient positioning accuracy (typically only reaching millimeter levels), failing to meet the demands of precision machining and other similar scenarios.
[0007] 3. Space Occupancy and Layout Restrictions
[0008] In compact equipment or space-sensitive scenarios, the installation of multiple independent drive units requires a significant amount of space, hindering the miniaturization and integration of the equipment. For example, the worktable of a precision machine tool needs to achieve multi-dimensional motion within a limited space. Traditional drive unit layouts often result in structural redundancy, limiting the improvement of equipment performance.
[0009] 4. Reliability and failure rate issues
[0010] The diversity of independent drive units increases the number of potential system failure points. Problems such as hydraulic system leakage risks and motor synchronization errors occur frequently, leading to increased equipment downtime for maintenance and impacting production efficiency. Furthermore, traditional systems lack effective fault diagnosis and closed-loop feedback mechanisms, making it difficult to monitor the coordinated status of each drive unit in real time, further exacerbating reliability issues. Utility Model Content
[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydraulic system that can simultaneously control horizontal and vertical movement, in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art.
[0012] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a hydraulic system that simultaneously controls horizontal and vertical movement, comprising an oil pump unit, a distribution valve group, a horizontal movement actuator, a vertical movement actuator, and a control system;
[0013] The oil pump unit is driven by a motor, and the oil outlet of the oil pump unit is connected to the distribution valve group through a pipeline to provide hydraulic oil to the entire system.
[0014] The distribution valve group includes a first directional valve, a second directional valve, and a third directional valve. The inlet of the first directional valve is connected to the outlet pipeline of the oil pump unit. The two working ports of the first directional valve are selectively connected to the inlet ends of the horizontal motion actuator and the vertical motion actuator through pipelines, respectively, to control the execution of vertical motion, horizontal motion, or stop. The second directional valve is connected in series in the pipeline between the first directional valve and the horizontal motion actuator to control the forward and reverse directions of the horizontal motion. The third directional valve is connected in series in the pipeline between the first directional valve and the vertical motion actuator to control the forward and reverse directions of the vertical motion.
[0015] The horizontal motion actuator uses a hydraulic cylinder as the actuator. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the object that needs to move horizontally. The oil inlet of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the corresponding pipeline in the distribution valve group. Horizontal motion is achieved under the action of hydraulic oil.
[0016] The vertical motion actuator also uses a hydraulic cylinder as the actuator. The cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder is fixed on the frame, the piston rod is connected to the object that is moving vertically, and the oil inlet of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the corresponding pipeline in the distribution valve group. Vertical motion is achieved by controlling the inlet and outlet of hydraulic oil.
[0017] The control system uses a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is connected to the motor, each directional valve in the distribution valve group, the displacement sensors of the horizontal motion actuator and the vertical motion actuator through circuits. According to the preset program and input signals, it controls the motor speed and the opening degree of each valve in the distribution valve group to achieve precise control of the horizontal and vertical movement of the object.
[0018] Preferably, the vertical motion actuator is equipped with a balance valve, which is installed in the return oil line or inlet oil line of the hydraulic cylinder to prevent the object from losing control due to gravity during descent.
[0019] Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder outlet line of the horizontal motion actuator is equipped with an overflow valve. The inlet of the overflow valve is connected to the hydraulic cylinder outlet line, and the outlet is connected to the oil tank to stabilize the oil pressure.
[0020] Preferably, the connecting pipelines between the oil pump unit, the distribution valve group, the horizontal motion actuator and the vertical motion actuator 4 are made of high-strength stainless steel pipes, and sealing technology is used to prevent hydraulic oil leakage. The two ends of the connecting pipelines are connected to the corresponding components through sealing joints.
[0021] Preferably, displacement sensors are also installed at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder. The displacement sensors are connected to the control system via wiring to detect the position of the piston rod in real time and provide a position signal.
[0022] Preferably, a displacement sensor is also installed on the vertical motion hydraulic cylinder. The displacement sensor is connected to the control system via a circuit to monitor the position of the piston rod in real time.
[0023] Preferably, the control system integrates fault diagnosis and alarm functions. The control system monitors the system's operating status in real time by monitoring parameters such as motor current, hydraulic oil pressure, and displacement sensor signals. When a fault occurs, an alarm signal is issued through the alarm device, and the fault information is displayed on the display device.
[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This device abandons the traditional structure of multiple independent drive devices, achieving horizontal and vertical motion control with only one oil pump, significantly reducing the number of equipment parts. This not only simplifies the overall system structure and reduces assembly difficulty and cost during manufacturing, but also makes troubleshooting and repair more convenient during equipment maintenance due to the reduced number of parts, thereby reducing maintenance costs. For example, in automated machining equipment, reducing the number of drive devices makes the equipment structure more compact, significantly reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
[0025] Horizontal and vertical movements are powered by the same oil pump, and with the precise control of the distribution valve group and control system, a high degree of coordination between the two directions is achieved. During complex movements, it ensures smooth and accurate movement of objects, effectively avoiding the asynchronous movement problems caused by poor coordination in traditional multi-drive devices. This is crucial for improving production efficiency and product quality. For example, in the application of exchange worktables in the laser processing industry, it allows the material table to remain stable during horizontal transfer and vertical lifting, improving material handling accuracy and thus enhancing product processing quality.
[0026] Employing an advanced closed-loop control algorithm combined with high-precision displacement sensors, the system monitors and adjusts the object's position in real time. The system's positioning accuracy reaches ±0.1mm, representing a significant improvement over traditional systems and meeting the demands of applications requiring extremely high motion control precision. In automated machining equipment, it can precisely control the movement trajectory of machining tools, ensuring machining accuracy, reducing scrap rates, and improving production efficiency.
[0027] The oil pump unit employs a variable displacement piston pump and a variable frequency speed-regulating motor, while the distribution valve group uses high-performance control valves, enabling the system to respond quickly to control commands. Adjustments to both speed and direction are completed rapidly, significantly reducing equipment operating time and improving system efficiency. This rapid response characteristic is particularly important in production processes requiring frequent changes in motion, effectively increasing production pace and output per unit time. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0029] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure.
[0030] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0031] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.
[0032] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.
[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, a hydraulic system that simultaneously controls horizontal and vertical movement includes an oil pump unit 1, a distribution valve group 2, a horizontal movement actuator 3, a vertical movement actuator 4, and a control system.
[0034] The oil pump unit 1 is driven by a motor. Its outlet is connected to the distribution valve group via a pipeline, providing hydraulic oil to the entire system. The oil pump unit uses a high-performance variable displacement piston pump, which can automatically adjust the output flow and pressure according to system requirements. This pump features high efficiency, energy saving, and fast response, providing a stable and reliable power source for the entire system. The oil pump is driven by a motor using variable frequency speed control technology, which can precisely control the pump's speed according to the control system's instructions, thereby achieving precise regulation of the output flow and pressure.
[0035] The distribution valve group includes a first directional valve 21, a second directional valve 22, and a third directional valve 23. The oil inlet of the first directional valve 21 is connected to the oil outlet pipeline of the oil pump unit 1. The two working oil ports of the first directional valve 21 are selectively connected to the oil inlet ends of the horizontal motion actuator 3 and the vertical motion actuator 4 through pipelines, thereby controlling the execution of vertical motion, horizontal motion, or stopping. The second directional valve 22 is connected in series in the pipeline between the first directional valve 21 and the horizontal motion actuator 3 to control the forward and reverse directions of horizontal motion. The third directional valve 23 is connected in series in the pipeline between the first directional valve 21 and the vertical motion actuator 4 to control the forward and reverse directions of vertical motion. To ensure smooth operation, relief valves 6 are added for both vertical and horizontal movement to provide stability.
[0036] The horizontal motion actuator 3 uses a hydraulic cylinder as the actuating element. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the object that needs to move horizontally, and the oil inlet of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the corresponding pipeline in the distribution valve group. Horizontal movement is achieved under the action of hydraulic oil. Under the action of hydraulic oil, the piston rod can achieve precise linear reciprocating motion, thereby driving the object to move horizontally. To improve the accuracy and stability of the horizontal motion, displacement sensors are also installed at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder to detect the position of the piston rod in real time and feed the position signal back to the control system.
[0037] The vertical motion actuator 4 also uses a hydraulic cylinder as the actuating element. The cylinder barrel is fixed to the frame, and the piston rod is connected to the object undergoing vertical movement. The oil inlet of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the corresponding pipeline in the distribution valve group. Vertical movement is achieved by controlling the inflow and outflow of hydraulic oil. Considering the influence of gravity on the object during vertical movement, a balance valve 5 is also installed in the vertical motion actuator to prevent the object from losing control due to gravity during descent. Simultaneously, a displacement sensor is installed on the vertical motion hydraulic cylinder to monitor the position of the piston rod in real time. A system pressure valve 7 is connected in parallel to the oil pump unit 1.
[0038] The control system employs a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is connected via wiring to the motor, the various directional valves in the distribution valve group, and the displacement sensors of the horizontal motion actuator 3 and the vertical motion actuator 4. Based on a preset program and input signals, it controls the motor speed and the opening degree of each valve in the distribution valve group, achieving precise control of the object's horizontal and vertical movement. The control system utilizes an advanced PLC, capable of precisely controlling the oil pump unit, the distribution valve group, and the horizontal and vertical motion actuators according to a preset program and input signals. Operators can input various control commands through a human-machine interface (HMI), such as movement speed, movement distance, and movement direction. The PLC generates corresponding control signals based on these commands, controlling the motor speed and the opening degree of each valve in the distribution valve group, thereby achieving precise control of the object's horizontal and vertical movement. Furthermore, the control system also has fault diagnosis and alarm functions, capable of monitoring the system's operating status in real time. When a fault occurs, it promptly issues an alarm signal and displays fault information, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly troubleshoot the problem.
[0039] Furthermore, to improve the system's control accuracy and response speed, a closed-loop control algorithm is introduced. The control system compares the position signal fed back from the displacement sensor with the preset target position, and automatically adjusts the motor speed and the opening degree of each valve in the distribution valve group through the closed-loop control algorithm to achieve precise control of the object's movement position, making the system's positioning accuracy ±0.1mm. Furthermore, to enhance the system's reliability and stability, the connecting pipelines between the oil pump unit, the distribution valve group, and the horizontal and vertical motion actuators all use high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel pipes, and advanced sealing technology is employed to ensure no hydraulic oil leakage, thereby guaranteeing long-term stable operation of the system.
[0040] Working principle
[0041] When horizontal movement of an object is required, the operator inputs relevant parameters such as speed, distance, and direction via a human-machine interface. Upon receiving these commands, the control system first calculates the required hydraulic oil flow and pressure using a preset algorithm and sends control signals to the pump unit and distribution valve group. The pump unit adjusts the motor speed according to the control signal, thereby changing the pump's output flow and pressure. The main directional valve in the distribution valve group switches the hydraulic oil flow direction according to the control signal, delivering the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder of the horizontal movement actuator. Under the action of the hydraulic oil, the piston rod extends or retracts, driving the object to move horizontally. Simultaneously, a displacement sensor detects the piston rod's position in real time and feeds the position signal back to the control system. The control system compares the feedback signal with the preset target position and continuously adjusts the operating state of the pump unit and distribution valve group through a closed-loop control algorithm to ensure that the object moves horizontally according to the preset trajectory and accuracy.
[0042] When vertical movement of an object needs to be controlled, the working principle is similar to that for horizontal movement. The operator inputs the vertical movement parameters through a human-machine interface, and the control system controls the actions of the oil pump unit and the distribution valve assembly based on these parameters. Because the object is subject to gravity during vertical movement, the balance valve in the distribution valve assembly automatically adjusts the hydraulic oil flow according to the object's motion state to maintain balanced vertical movement. Simultaneously, a displacement sensor monitors the position of the hydraulic cylinder piston rod in the vertical movement actuator in real time and feeds the signal back to the control system, achieving precise closed-loop control of the vertical movement.
[0043] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A hydraulic system for simultaneously controlling horizontal and vertical movement, characterized in that, It includes an oil pump unit (1), a distribution valve group (2), a horizontal motion actuator (3), a vertical motion actuator (4), and a control system; The oil pump unit (1) is driven by a motor, and the oil outlet of the oil pump unit (1) is connected to the distribution valve group through a pipeline to provide hydraulic oil for the entire system. The distribution valve group (2) includes a first reversing valve (21), a second reversing valve (22), and a third reversing valve (23). The oil inlet of the first reversing valve (21) is connected to the oil outlet pipeline of the oil pump unit (1). The two working oil ports of the first reversing valve (21) are selectively connected to the oil inlet of the horizontal motion actuator (3) and the vertical motion actuator (4) through pipelines, respectively, so as to control the execution of vertical motion, horizontal motion, or stop. The second reversing valve (22) is connected in series in the pipeline between the first reversing valve (21) and the horizontal motion actuator (3) to control the forward and reverse directions of horizontal motion. The third reversing valve (23) is connected in series in the pipeline between the first reversing valve (21) and the vertical motion actuator (4) to control the forward and reverse directions of vertical motion. The horizontal motion actuator (3) uses a hydraulic cylinder as the actuator. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the object that needs to move horizontally. The oil inlet of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the corresponding pipeline in the distribution valve group. Horizontal motion is achieved under the action of hydraulic oil. The vertical motion actuator (4) also uses a hydraulic cylinder as the actuator. The cylinder barrel of the hydraulic cylinder is fixed on the frame, the piston rod is connected to the object that performs vertical motion, and the oil inlet of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the corresponding pipeline in the distribution valve group. Vertical motion is achieved by controlling the inlet and outlet of hydraulic oil. The control system adopts a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is connected to the motor, each directional valve in the distribution valve group, the horizontal motion actuator (3) and the vertical motion actuator (4) through the circuit, respectively, to control the motor speed and the opening degree of each valve in the distribution valve group, so as to realize the precise control of the horizontal and vertical movement of the object.
2. The hydraulic system for simultaneously controlling horizontal and vertical movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical motion actuator (4) is equipped with a balance valve (5), which is installed in the return oil line or the inlet oil line of the hydraulic cylinder.
3. The hydraulic system for simultaneously controlling horizontal and vertical movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic cylinder outlet pipeline of the horizontal motion actuator (3) is equipped with an overflow valve (6). The inlet of the overflow valve is connected to the hydraulic cylinder outlet pipeline, and the outlet is connected to the oil tank to stabilize the oil pressure.
4. The hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipelines between the oil pump unit (1), the distribution valve group (2), the horizontal motion actuator (3) and the vertical motion actuator (4) are made of high-strength stainless steel pipes and are sealed to prevent hydraulic oil leakage. The two ends of the connecting pipelines are connected to the corresponding components through sealing joints.
5. The hydraulic system for simultaneously controlling horizontal and vertical movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, Displacement sensors are also installed at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder. The displacement sensors are connected to the control system via wiring to detect the position of the piston rod in real time and provide feedback position signals.
6. The hydraulic system for simultaneously controlling horizontal and vertical movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical motion hydraulic cylinder is also equipped with a displacement sensor, which is connected to the control system via wiring to monitor the position of the piston rod in real time.
7. The hydraulic system for simultaneously controlling horizontal and vertical movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system integrates fault diagnosis and alarm functions. The control system monitors the system's operating status in real time by monitoring motor current, hydraulic oil pressure, and displacement sensor signals. When a fault occurs, an alarm signal is issued through the alarm device, and the fault information is displayed on the display device.