US 12,116,969 B2
Three-port proportional flow control valve with an integrated turbine for flow rate sensing
Bernd Zähe, Sarasota, FL (US)
Assigned to Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Sarasota, FL (US)
Filed by Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Sarasota, FL (US)
Filed on Apr. 4, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/712,565.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/209,441, filed on Jun. 11, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0397439 A1, Dec. 15, 2022
Int. Cl. F15B 21/14 (2006.01); F03B 13/00 (2006.01); F15B 13/02 (2006.01); F15B 13/04 (2006.01); F15B 15/00 (2006.01); F16K 11/07 (2006.01); F16K 17/04 (2006.01); F16K 37/00 (2006.01); G01F 1/115 (2006.01); G01F 15/00 (2006.01); G01F 15/06 (2022.01); H02K 7/18 (2006.01)
CPC F03B 13/00 (2013.01) [F15B 13/02 (2013.01); F15B 13/026 (2013.01); F15B 13/0402 (2013.01); F15B 15/00 (2013.01); F15B 21/14 (2013.01); F16K 11/07 (2013.01); F16K 17/048 (2013.01); F16K 37/005 (2013.01); G01F 1/115 (2013.01); G01F 1/1155 (2013.01); G01F 15/005 (2013.01); G01F 15/066 (2013.01); H02K 7/1823 (2013.01); F05B 2220/706 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve comprising:
a plurality of ports comprising: a first port, a second port, and a third port;
a spool configured to block fluid flow from the first port to the third port while allowing fluid flow from the third port to the second port when the valve is in an unactuated state;
a spring applying a biasing force on the spool in a proximal direction, wherein when the valve is actuated, the spool moves in a distal direction against the spring, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first port to the third port while blocking fluid flow from the third port to the second port; and
a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flows from the first port to the third port when the valve is in an actuated state.