The Jahns MTO-2-4-A120 is a precision gear type flow divider engineered to deliver reliable and accurate flow distribution in demanding hydraulic systems.As part of the renowned MTO series,this aluminum-constructed hydraulic flow divider is designed to split a single incoming flow into multiple,precisely controlled outlet streams,enabling the synchronized operation of two or more hydraulic actuators.Its operation is fundamentally based on the positive displacement principle of interconnected gear motors,ensuring that flow division is largely independent of varying pressure conditions in the downstream circuits.This makes it an indispensable component in applications ranging from industrial machinery and material handling to mobile equipment,where consistent and proportional movement is critical.

　　1.Introduction to Jahns and the MTO Series

　　1.1.The Jahns Brand Heritage

　　Jahns Regulatoren,a German family-owned company with a history dating back to 1905,has established a strong reputation in the fields of hydraulic synchronization and drive technology.Operating from its base in Offenbach,the company has evolved from manufacturing engine regulators to becoming a specialist in sophisticated hydraulic solutions.For decades,Jahns has been synonymous with precision,developing products like axial piston pumps,radial piston motors,and most notably,its range of flow dividers and synchronizing solutions.The company's philosophy centers on continuity,quality,and close collaboration with clients to drive product development,a practice that has earned the trust of hydraulic experts worldwide.

　　1.2.Overview of the MTO Series

　　The MTO series represents Jahns'line of gear-type oil flow dividers.These units are distinguished by their use of interconnected gear motor technology to achieve volumetric flow division.The series is characterized by its versatility and modularity.A key feature is its configurable design;a single unit can be built with anywhere from two up to twelve individual dividing sections,allowing system designers to tailor the component to the exact number of synchronized circuits required for an application.This modular approach provides exceptional flexibility for complex multi-actuator systems.

　　2.Design and Operating Principle

　　2.1.Core Working Principle

　　The Jahns MTO-2-4-A120 functions as a linked set of positive displacement gear motors.All internal gear sets are mechanically coupled to a common shaft.When pressurized oil enters the common inlet,it drives these gear sets.Because they are locked together,each gear pair must rotate at the exact same speed.The flow of oil through each gear motor section is directly proportional to its rotational speed and displacement volume.Therefore,this rigid mechanical coupling forces each section to displace an equal volume of oil per revolution,resulting in a precise division of the total incoming flow into equal parts.This mechanical synchronization makes the division accuracy inherently high and primarily dependent on the manufacturing precision of the gear sets,rather than being easily disrupted by external factors like varying load pressures.

　　2.2.Mechanical and Material Construction

　　The"MTO-2-4-A120"model designation provides specific insights into its construction.The unit is built with an aluminum housing,which offers an excellent balance between strength,corrosion resistance,and light weight,making it suitable for applications where weight is a consideration.The"A"in the model suffix indicates that this variant is equipped with terminal position compensation.This advanced feature integrates combination pressure relief and anti-cavitation(suction)valves directly into the housing of each section.These integrated valves are crucial for protecting the divider and the overall hydraulic system.The relief valve prevents pressure spikes,while the anti-cavitation valve ensures that sections are supplied with adequate oil during overrunning load conditions,preventing damage and ensuring smooth operation.

　　3.Technical Specifications and Performance Advantages

　　3.1.Key Performance Characteristics

　　The primary performance metric of the MTO-2-4-A120 is its ability to provide synchronized flow.Thanks to its gear-motor principle,it achieves a high degree of synchronization accuracy that remains largely stable despite fluctuations in the load pressures seen by individual outlet ports.This means that two cylinders driven by this divider will extend or retract at very similar speeds,even if they are lifting different weights.The integrated valves in the"A"version enhance this reliability by managing internal pressure differentials and preventing cavitation.Furthermore,as a positive displacement device,it is capable of operating bidirectionally,allowing for synchronized movement in both extending and retracting directions of actuator cycles.

　　3.2.Advantages Over Alternative Synchronization Methods

　　The gear type flow divider offers several distinct advantages that make it a preferred choice in many hydraulic synchronization applications:

　　Simplicity and Reliability:The system requires no external electronic sensors,feedback loops,or complex programmable controllers.Its operation is purely mechanical,leading to a robust and maintenance-friendly design.

　　Cost-Effectiveness:Compared to electronic servo-systems,the initial acquisition and installation cost is typically lower.It also simplifies system design by reducing the need for additional control valves and sophisticated circuitry.

　　Intrinsic Safety:In environments where electronics may be a hazard,the all-mechanical nature of the hydraulic flow divider provides a safe and spark-free synchronization solution.

　　Compactness:The MTO series,with its aluminum design,provides a high power-to-weight and power-to-volume ratio,saving valuable space in machine frames or mobile equipment.

　　4.Application Areas and Industry Use-Cases

　　The Jahns MTO-2-4-A120 is deployed across a wide spectrum of industries where precise,multi-point motion is required.

　　Industrial Manufacturing:In machine tools,press lines,and automated assembly systems,it is used to synchronize the movement of clamping cylinders,lifting platforms,or parallel grippers,ensuring precise alignment and repeatable processes.

　　Material Handling and Mobile Equipment:This includes applications in conveyor leveling systems,the synchronized lifting of scissor lifts or work platforms,and the steering or bed-leveling functions of agricultural and construction machinery such as telescopic handlers.

　　Specialized Machinery:The divider finds use in plastic injection molding machines to synchronize mold clamping,in marine equipment for hatch controls,and in any application where two or more hydraulic cylinders must move in unison without the use of electronic controls.

　　A key benefit in these applications is the divider's ability to function effectively under varying loads.For instance,in a platform with unevenly distributed weight,the divider will continue to deliver equal flow to each lift cylinder.The cylinder under heavier load will simply operate at a higher pressure,while the synchronized speed is maintained by the mechanical coupling inside the MTO unit.

　　5.Selection,Integration,and Maintenance Guidance

　　5.1.System Design and Integration Considerations

　　Integrating the MTO-2-4-A120 successfully requires careful system planning.First,it is essential to size the unit correctly based on the required flow rate per section and the maximum system pressure.Designers must also account for the unit's inherent pressure drop.The integrated relief valves in the"A"version must be set appropriately for the system's maximum allowable pressure.Furthermore,like all precision hydraulic components,it requires adequate filtration—typically 10 microns or finer—to protect the finely machined gear sets from contamination and wear.The hydraulic fluid should also be compatible with the unit's aluminum construction and seals.

　　5.2.Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

　　Proper installation is straightforward but critical.The unit should be mounted in a location free from excessive vibration and with consideration for easy access to its ports.The inlet and outlet connections,which are internally interconnected in a specific pattern(every second chamber),must be piped correctly according to the manufacturer's porting diagram to ensure proper flow paths.For maintenance,the primary focus is on preventive care:maintaining clean oil through regular filter changes and monitoring system performance for any signs of desynchronization,which could indicate internal wear.The robust,gear-based design generally offers long service life with minimal routine maintenance.

　　6.Conclusion

　　The Jahns MTO-2-4-A120 gear type flow divider stands out as a paragon of mechanical ingenuity in hydraulic control.By offering a purely mechanical solution to the complex challenge of actuator synchronization,it delivers unparalleled reliability,simplicity,and cost-efficiency.Its design,featuring an aluminum housing and integrated protective valves,is tailored for durability and performance in real-world industrial environments.For engineers and system designers tasked with creating reliable motion in presses,lifts,agricultural machinery,or any multi-actuator system,the MTO series provides a proven and effective solution.When the design calls for synchronized hydraulic movement without the complexity and cost of electronics,the Jahns hydraulic flow divider is an outstanding component of choice,upholding the company's century-long legacy of precision engineering.