How does a 5 2 way solenoid valve work?

A 5/2 way solenoid valve is commonly used to control air or fluid flow in pneumatic or hydraulic systems. It has five ports and two positions (hence the name 5/2), and it is primarily used to control double-acting cylinders. Here's how it works:

Components:

1. Ports (5 in total):

   • P (Pressure port): The inlet for pressurized air or fluid.
   • A (Working port A): One of the two ports connected to the cylinder.
   • B (Working port B): The other port connected to the cylinder.
   • EXH1 (Exhaust port 1): Exhaust for port A.
   • EXH2 (Exhaust port 2): Exhaust for port B.

2. Coils: There are typically two solenoids (electromagnetic coils) that control the valve's shifting. Each solenoid is activated or deactivated to move the valve's internal spool between two positions.

Operation:

The valve has two main positions:

1. Position 1 (Normally Closed):

   • The P (pressure port) is connected to A (working port A), and B (working port B) is connected to EXH2 (exhaust port 2).
   • This position typically extends the cylinder (pushes the piston in the double-acting cylinder).

2. Position 2 (Shifted position):

   • The P (pressure port) is connected to B (working port B), and A (working port A) is connected to EXH1 (exhaust port 1).
   • This position typically retracts the cylinder (pulls the piston back).

How it works:

• When the solenoid coil is energized, it shifts the internal valve spool from position 1 to position 2 (or vice versa).
• In position 1, pressurized air or fluid flows into port A to extend the actuator, while port B is exhausted.
• In position 2, the pressurized air or fluid flows into port B to retract the actuator, while port A is exhausted.

Summary:

The 5/2 way solenoid valve allows you to control the direction of flow in a double-acting cylinder or actuator, shifting the valve to alternate between two positions (extend and retract) based on solenoid activation. It’s called "5/2" because it has five ports and two possible states (positions).