Sun Hydraulics Corporation has launched the new solenoid-operated Digital Logic Valve. The DLV paves the way for smaller, highly reliable solutions in demanding mobile applications where size, weight, speed, and power matter and in industrial applications where an incredibly fast valve can help reduce machine 
cycle times.The first product introduced in the DLV family, the DLVB is an amazingly fast two-way, two-position, solenoid-operated directional spool valve rated up to 5000 psi (350 bar) at 0.25 gpm (1 L/min) but weighing just 2 oz. (58 g) and measuring only 2.2″ high (57,2 mm). Because it connects to an industry-standard controller, it is a small solution looking to de-liver big results in existing applications. And with a typical response time of 10 ms with re-duced power consumption, it opens up opportunities to drive new high-performance de-signs in mobile and industrial applications.
The DLV brings together new technology and innovative design that does just that, employing a micro-solenoid with optimized magnetics and a small, top-mounted M12 connector to drive down size and weight, simplify the wiring of the components and re-ducing the amount of space required for a multi-valve integrated package.
The photo below illustrates the significant advantage of the DLV over the standard DAAL two-way, two-position directional spool valve in an integrated package. Not only is it possi-ble to shrink the cartridge face on the manifold significantly (by 42% in the pictured example), but with the space-saving connector/wiring configuration and the lower overall height of the valve, the space required to accommodate the total integrated package is dramatically smaller as well. And with the proper M12 mating cable, the connector is rat-ed to IP69K for demanding mobile applications.
In fluid power, a “digital” valve is a two-state component that can switch states (on or off) so fast that the transition between states is negligible. Used as a logic element, the DLV —with its shift speed measured in milliseconds —can be used for directional control, pressure con-trol, or flow control.The DLVB, with 10-ms typical response time, is two times faster than Sun’s comparable DAAA and four times faster than the DAAL —both two-way, solenoid-operated directional spool valves. Figure 3 shows drop-out response of the DLV; Figure 4 shows the pull-in response.
Optimized magnetics and use of a micro-solenoid means the DLV coil draws only 15 W —more than a 30% power savings over the standard DAAL with a 22-W coil.That means the DLV offers higher performance with a lower current draw and lower heat generation.
By leveraging Sun’s ownpilot-stage cavity conceptthat provides for a standard screw-in pilot for a main-stage cartridge, this small, fast DLVB can be used to build a customized control so-lution using standard components, opening up a wide range of opportunities for this high-performance cartridge.Sun offers many standard products —including relief, directional and flow control —in a range of capacities up to 300 gpm (1100 L/min) with an integral T-8A cavity. That means this small solution can provide big results in an off-the-shelf solution. Imagine this tiny 2-oz valve controlling 875 hydraulic horsepower.
Sun Hydraulics
www.sunhydraulics.com