US 12,271,212 B2
Counterbalance valve with enhanced pressure sensing features
Chad Lampton, Sarasota, FL (US)
Assigned to Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Sarasota, FL (US)
Filed by Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Sarasota, FL (US)
Filed on Jul. 10, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/349,251.
Prior Publication US 2025/0021114 A1, Jan. 16, 2025
Int. Cl. G05D 16/10 (2006.01); F16K 31/122 (2006.01); F16K 31/383 (2006.01)
CPC G05D 16/103 (2013.01) [F16K 31/1221 (2013.01); F16K 31/1223 (2013.01); F16K 31/1226 (2013.01); F16K 31/1228 (2013.01); F16K 31/383 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A counterbalance valve comprising:
a plurality of ports comprising: a first port, a second port, and a pilot port configured to receive a pilot pressure fluid signal;
a poppet configured to move axially to allow fluid flow from the first port to the second port via a main flow region, wherein the poppet comprises a sensing port that is exposed to fluid at a sensing flow region, wherein the sensing flow region is fluidly coupled to the second port and is shifted axially from the main flow region;
a seat member, wherein the poppet is disposed, at least partially, within the seat member, wherein the seat member has an interior flanged portion formed as a protrusion configured to isolate the sensing flow region form the main flow region, thereby reducing turbulence at the sensing flow region; and
a pressure setting spring disposed in a spring chamber and applying a biasing force on the poppet in a distal direction, wherein the spring chamber is fluidly coupled to the sensing flow region via the sensing port of the poppet, wherein the poppet is configured to be subjected to (i) a first fluid force by fluid received at the first port acting on the poppet in a proximal direction, (ii) a second fluid force by the pilot pressure fluid signal received at the pilot port acting on the poppet in the proximal direction, and (iii) a third fluid force by fluid of the second port communicated to the spring chamber via the sensing port and acting on the poppet in the distal direction, and wherein the poppet is configured to move to a particular axial position based on a force equilibrium between the first fluid force, the second fluid force, the third fluid force, and the biasing force to allow fluid flow from the first port to the second port.