Retainer and inlet valve for reciprocating pump

Abstract

An assembly for a reciprocating pump is made entirely from a polymer of the same grade, preferably polypropylene or polyethylene (at its relatively harder grade), which matches all other components in the pump. The assembly has a rod that moves in cooperation with an actuation mechanism of the pump; and a retainer coupled to the dispensing channel defined by the rod and forming an inlet to the dispensing channel. A coaxially received sliding seal is captured around the rod and holder and is free to move only during downward actuation to open the flow path of the dispensed fluid. Wing members on the periphery of the retainer flex to ensure that the assembly travels with minimal friction while also opening and sealing the inlet as desired / required.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 439,292, filed January 17, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a reciprocating distributor pump, wherein all components are constructed of the same polymeric material, and has an improved sealing and valve mechanism, and has a flexible wing disposed within the pumping chamber. Background Technology

[0004] Containers for everyday household fluid products (such as soap, detergents, oils, consumable liquids, etc.) can be equipped with dispensing pumps to improve the consumer experience of accessing and using these fluids. This type of dispensing pump tends to rely on a reciprocating motion driven by a compressible metal bias member.

[0005] Many product containers are designed for single use, raising concerns about sustainability. In response, regulators are now expecting consumer goods manufacturers to use product packaging and designs that are easily recyclable. In fact, it is becoming increasingly important that recycled products are made solely of polymeric materials. In this way, such “all-polymer” pumps can be recycled without disassembling and / or separating metal parts and components made of materials that are difficult to recycle (e.g., metal or foil parts, thermosetting resins, specialized elastomers, and other materials that cannot be recycled or require temperatures and conditions incompatible with materials used in other parts within the design for recycling). Ideally, all components would be made from a single grade of polymeric resin (e.g., all polypropylene).

[0006] Reciprocating pumps coupled to containers are well known. U.S. Patents 11,446,692, 11,413,638, 11,173,508, and 10,953,421, as well as U.S. Patent Publications 2020 / 0346235 and 2019 / 0118205 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference) disclose conventional reciprocating pumps with improvements to venting and locking mechanisms. It is noteworthy that all of these disclosures employ metal helical spring biasing members, which is incompatible with all-polymer and single-polymer designs.

[0007] While metal springs have proven to be cost-effective, an increasing number of all-plastic biasing components are available. In fact, earlier iterations can be found in Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication WO 1994 / 020221A1 and U.S. Patents 5,819,990 and 5,924,603 (the latter incorporated by reference). U.S. Patent 10,549,299 and U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0318861, as well as Patent Cooperation Treaty Publications WO 2022 / 038194 and WO 2022 / 038199, provide newer alternatives in which the entire distribution pump (including its biasing component) is constructed entirely from polymeric and recyclable materials.

[0008] A separate consideration involves pump designs with locking and sealing mechanisms to enable transport with minimal protective packaging (sometimes referred to as "e-commerce shipping" designs). U.S. Patent Publication 2019 / 0118205 discloses a reciprocating pump with a rotary locking and hook mechanism, making it suitable for e-commerce shipping. This particular design includes a "sliding seal" piston that, together with a conventional inlet ball valve, selectively seals or allows fluid to enter the pumping chamber.

[0009] Patent Cooperation Treaty publications WO2021 / 013962 and WO2021 / 013966 disclose single-polymer structure pumps with additional e-commerce sealing mechanisms. Specifically, these designs utilize an all-plastic bellows combined with an internally carried plug designed to block the inlet to the pumping chamber before the pump is used. However, if the goal is to form a polymer, and more preferably a single-polymer pump, the chosen plastic resin must have a balance of strength and elasticity. Therefore, using relatively “soft” low-density polyethylene (LDPE) required in some of these designs to form the plug-sealed interface may not be suitable for highly worn parts that may undergo cycles of stress and release (e.g., it is possible that the interface part must seal the orifice when locked, but also slide on another when operable). Conversely, the more rigid polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins are rigid enough that these parts can generate excessive friction and "stickiness" along their sliding surfaces, thus limiting their widespread use in high-wear components (or, at least, for selected components such as sealing interfaces, the selective use of softer resins and / or more conventional elastomers is required).

[0010] All of the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference as if fully reproduced herein. These disclosures may inform and supplement this disclosure in relation to material selection, construction, component design, and various other aspects of this disclosure, as well as any claims based thereon.

[0011] While many of these designs represent feasible all-polymer (i.e., no metal parts) designs, single-polymer (i.e., all components constructed from the same polymer or at least a polymer grade compatible with single-stream recycling) is preferred because it is easier to recycle. Therefore, single-polymer pumps with improved inlet valves would be desirable. In particular, inlet valve designs operating with a sliding seal carried inside the pump chamber eliminate the need for a separate inlet ball valve. Furthermore, none of these designs envision a single-polymer pump specifically designed to comprise a relatively rigid recyclable polymer (such as polypropylene or polyethylene) with a flexible valve-like mechanism to control fluid flow through the pump when actuated. Finally, all-polypropylene or all-HDPE designs are needed to avoid the problems associated with the rigidity of these materials. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Typically, components used in reciprocating pumps are made entirely of polypropylene, which is advantageous in part because polypropylene is harder and more durable than many polyethylene blends (polypropylene can also be cast as a translucent polymer, which may also be a preferred aesthetic). This component can be installed in virtually any pump or distributor design, relying on a member that defines the flow / dispensing passage, moves in a generally vertical direction to actuate the pumping / dispensing, and effectively acts as a valve and transport seal.

[0013] In one aspect, the rod defines a flow passage connected to the pump's distribution outlet. The rod may also be attached to an axially reciprocating element of the pump (e.g., a distributor head, which is pushed into an extended position by a biasing member). An annular sliding seal member is coaxially mounted around a retainer coupled to the bottom end of the rod, thereby capturing the sliding seal member. The mating abutments on the sliding seal and the retainer and / or the rod define the range of motion that the sliding seal can travel when the rod is pushed downward, thereby temporarily opening the fluid flow path between the sliding seal and the retainer. Furthermore, one or more radial inlets in the retainer allow fluid to enter the distribution passage.

[0014] The retainer also includes a winged flexible member on its periphery. This member conforms to the sliding seal to ensure smooth movement of the entire assembly within the pump chamber. Previous iterations of pumps using sliding seal members (as seen in Figures 6A through 6D) required softer polymers to prevent the assembly from "jamming" or otherwise providing undesirable resistance during dispenser actuation and release.

[0015] The rod, retainer, and sliding seal are all made of the same grade of polymeric resin (preferably polypropylene). Notably, other pump components (including the biasing member, actuator head, and sealing assembly) are also made of the same polymer (i.e., polypropylene). In this way, the entire dispensing pump can be introduced into single-flow recovery without the need for disassembly / removal of metal or elastic parts, and without the need for further separation or containment of polymers with different chemical properties (e.g., polypropylene with LDPE, acrylics, elastic polymers, etc.). Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings form part of this specification, and any information in / on the drawings is both literally included (i.e., actual specified values) and relatively included (e.g., ratios of the various dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationships of components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, size, and appearance, all further inform certain aspects of the invention, as if completely restated herein. Unless otherwise specified, all dimensions in the drawings refer to inches, and any typographical information in / on the drawings forms part of this written disclosure.

[0017] All of these are incorporated herein by reference in the accompanying drawings and attachments.

[0018] Figure 1A It is a perspective view based on the various disclosed aspects of the rod, seal, and retainer assembly, and Figure 1B This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the component taken along its diameter. Figure 1C This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the component taken along a quarter circle arc when the component is installed in an exemplary reciprocating pump with a single polymer bias member.

[0019] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A The independent perspective view of the retainer, and Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A The side view of the cross section taken by line 2-2 highlights the radial inlet of the retainer and the winged flexural member. Figure 2C and Figure 2D These are complementary top and bottom perspective views of the retainer, highlighting the positioning of the interface and support structure near the winged flexural member and / or radial inlet location.

[0020] Figure 3A It is a cross-sectional side view of the rod, sliding seal, and retainer assembly, similar to... Figure 2B A cross-sectional side view. Figure 3B In the context of Figure 3AThe complementary cross-sectional side view of the component is taken at a diameter orthogonal to the diameter of the component. Both views highlight the multiple sealing surfaces formed between the retainer and the sliding seal when the component is stationary, locked, or in an "upward stroke" motion. Figure 3C Is with Figure 3A The view shown is the same as the view shown, except that... Figure 3C The diagram shows the positioning of the components as the sliding seal travels during its downward stroke, with arrow F indicating the flow path of fluid through the sliding seal and retainer assembly during the downward stroke / active dispensing.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional side view that highlights how the retainer's wing section 161 bends / flexes between positions 161a and 161b during the upward stroke portion of the reciprocating motion, thereby eliminating the unwanted "jamming" that users sometimes experience.

[0022] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C They are shown respectively Figure 1A Perspective views, side plan views, and cross-sectional side views of the components, wherein the cross-sectional side views are taken along the diameter of the component.

[0023] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C are corresponding views illustrating conventional non-flexible retainers that can be used in other ways (relative to...). Figures 5A to 5C Figure 6D is a corresponding cross-sectional side view of this conventional non-flexible retainer (relative to...). Figure 3A ). Detailed Implementation

[0024] The operation of the invention can be better understood by referring to the detailed description, drawings, claims, and abstract (all of which form part of this written disclosure). While specific aspects and embodiments are contemplated, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to adapt and / or substitute certain teachings without departing from the invention. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as an undue limitation of the invention.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “example” and “exemplary” mean instance or illustrative. The terms “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate key or preferred aspects or embodiments. Unless the context otherwise suggests, the word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, the phrase “A uses B or C” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A uses B, A uses C, or A uses both B and C). As another point, unless the context otherwise suggests, the article “a (a and an)” is generally intended to mean “one or more”.

[0026] refer to Figures 1A to 1C The reciprocating pump 10 includes a pump core 20, an actuator 30, and a closure 40. The core 20 typically includes a biasing member 21 and a pump cylinder 22. The biasing member 21 pushes the head 31 and rod 32 upward and away from the closure 40. In this way, when the actuator 30 is pressed down, fluid is forced out of the pump chamber 22 (but only after it has been filled), while suction is created as the actuator 30 returns to its extended position to draw fluid into the core 20.

[0027] Crucially, due to legislative trends and consumer demand, the entire pump 10 is made from recyclable materials. Ideally, this would be a single-grade polymer, specifically chosen for its low cost, durability, and non-toxicity. Therefore, the core 20, actuator 30, and closure 40 are all made from the same polymer to allow the entire pump 10 to be recycled. As described elsewhere in this document, polypropylene (and harder grades of polyethylene) are particularly suitable.

[0028] As described in the references cited above, forming specific components from the same grade of material is extremely challenging. For example, the biasing member 21 must be robust yet resilient enough to withstand thousands of actuation strokes. Conversely, the pump cylinder 22 (and the components in contact with it) must be robust yet have sufficiently low friction to minimize actuation force and improve the user experience. Furthermore, the actuator 30 and closure 40 components must be non-reactive (relative to the dispensing fluid and the surrounding environment) and capable of maintaining a tight water seal, including valves and dispensing / fluid flow path channels. Therefore, elastomers, low-density polyethylene, and other polymers and copolymers typically used in specific components of hybrid-source pumps (i.e., pumps with metal springs and / or different grades and types of polymers / copolymers) are not feasible for pump 10.

[0029] The disclosure above regarding all-plastic biasing members, as well as the various rotary locks, hook mechanisms, and other sealing strategies for reciprocating pumps, are suitable for use with the inventive component 100. Similarly, any conventional container that can be coupled to a pump enclosure is suitable for use with a pump containing component 100.

[0030] Component 100 comprises three basic elements: rod 110, piston 120, and retainer 150. All three elements are constructed from the same polymer, preferably by injection or other molding methods or by other known high-volume, low-cost production methods suitable for such polymers.

[0031] The rod 110 is substantially tubular, thus defining a passage for fluid to flow through the container (via the pump chamber) and out through a dispensing nozzle found in the actuator 20. Preferably, the rod 110 will be an axially elongated and hollow cylinder. A connecting structure 111 is preferably located along the outer circumference of the rod at the top end of the rod to attach to a similar structure on the actuator 20, thereby allowing these components to move uniformly. A radial flange 112 may be formed upstream of the rod to engage with the biasing member 21 and / or function in a hook and / or locking mechanism. Thus, the flange 112 may include one or more locating recesses 112a, which are effectively shaped to allow a structure fixed to the closure 40 to pass through, so as to impede or prevent axial travel when the actuator 20 (and the rod 110) rotates relative to the closure 40. The outermost periphery of the flange 112 does not need to conform to the circular shape of the rod 112 as an alternative or additional means of locating specific radial alignment and / or engaging locking and hooking mechanisms.

[0032] The middle section 113 has thin, straight sidewalls that are relatively thinner than the top or lower portion. This arrangement reduces material usage and cost while ensuring the intended reciprocating motion (and any hooking or locking mechanisms) function.

[0033] The lower end includes a connecting structure 114 that mates with the retainer 150. An outer rib 115 provides structural support for a circumferential stop 116, which can be used for the assembly between the alignment rod 110 and the retainer 150 and for defining the upward range of motion of the sliding sealing piston 120.

[0034] Apart from flange 112, the top and middle sections of rod 110 may have similar or identical outer and inner diameters and substantially similar wall thicknesses along each radial cross section (except for those areas reinforced by rib 115 and / or with positioning notches 112a). The lower opening of rod 110 has a reduced outer diameter and preferably a reduced inner diameter along the section where structure 114 is located.

[0035] The piston 120 must be configured as a separate annular member that coaxially receives the rod 110 and the retainer 150 to allow a range of axial movement defined by the stop 116 on the rod at the top end and the inclined stop surface on the retainer at the lower end. In particular, the sliding seal piston 120 will have a substantially similar (if not identical) shape and thickness along its entire circumference.

[0036] The profile of a single radial cross-section of piston 120 indicates a modified H-shape. Specifically, on its outermost periphery, axially offset wiper arms 121a, 121b extend radially away from the outer surface of cylindrical wall 122. On the inner surface of wall 122, a radial extension 123a serves as an upper stop surface and connects to an angled engagement wall 124. The lower end of wall 124 sealably engages retainer 150, but wall 124 is thinner than the inward radial extension 123a to ensure piston 120 can slide freely up and down along retainer 150. The bottom edge of wall 124 is positioned within an annular groove 153a formed in the upper surface of segment 153. Extension 123a has a mating surface, preferably oriented in a horizontal plane, to engage stop 116 and prevent piston 120 from sliding axially onto the middle segment 113 of rod 110.

[0037] An outward radial extension 123b is positioned on the opposite side of the cylindrical wall 122 (relative to extension 123a), possibly at a lower height. Wiper arms 121a, 121b are attached to the extension wall 123b, while the cylindrical wall 122 extends below the height of the extension wall 123b. The lower portion 125 of the wall 122 has a reduced thickness and includes a mating, preferably angled, segment 125a that conforms to and seals against a seat or groove formed by the intersection of selected elements, as described below. Thus, segment 125a provides a second means of sealing and closing the flow path (wiper 121b contacts the wing 161 providing the first such seal). Because two separate seals are envisioned, flexural deformation along the periphery can be permitted without degrading the seal (degrading the seal, in turn, degrades pump performance and user experience).

[0038] One or more support ribs 126 may be provided along the inner or outer surfaces of the respective piston walls 122, 123, 124. Preferably, axially aligned and uniformly spaced ribs 126 provide support for the mating wall 124. Radial ribs may also be spaced above and / or below the extension wall 123b. The ribs 126 ensure that the piston 120 maintains sufficient structural strength to seal to the rod 110 and retainer 150 as required for proper functioning of the sliding seal.

[0039] The arrangement of the extension 123a, wipers 121a and 121b, and angled segment 125a provides sufficient space to create a temporary separation between the piston 120 and the retainer 150 when the piston slides upward as the rod 110 is pushed downward. More specifically, the flow path F is established below the underside of the wiper arm 121b and the extension 123b and around the lower ends of segments 125a—specifically, as in... Figure 3CAs seen, when the rod / plunger travels downwards, fluid is forced into the radial inlet 151 and through the outlet connection 156. When the rod 110 / pump 10 is stationary (or locked) and when the rod 110 returns to / is returning to its extended position (e.g., ...), fluid is forced into the radial inlet 151 and through the outlet connection 156. Figure 3A and Figure 3B When (as shown), arm 121b and angled section 125a seal and prevent any fluid from exiting from rod 110 and returning to the container. As is common in the art, a separate valve component may be positioned above outlet 156 (e.g., positioned within or near head 30, possibly as a disc valve or ball valve) to retain and dispense any fluid previously drawn in through inlet 151.

[0040] The retainer 150 is configured to snap onto the lower end of the rod 110 via a coupling structure 154. The retainer portion is hollow and preferably defines one or a series of L-shaped or T-shaped flow paths that connect to a channel that begins at the bottom of the rod 110.

[0041] Structure 154 is formed on a thin-walled section 152 located at the top end of retainer 150. Specifically, structure 154 mates with structure 114 to seal rod 110 to retainer 150, while one or more radial inlets 151 (two in...) are provided. Figure 2B and Figure 3A (As shown in the figure) it serves as an extension of the flow channel defined by the rod 110. The thickened cylindrical section 153 can also be reinforced by external support ribs 155.

[0042] The retainer 150 terminates at its lower end with a grooved radial flange or disc-shaped element 160, the diameter of which is substantially larger than the outer diameter of the wall 152. Specifically, the disc 160 is attached to section 153 and may include internal support ribs 165 located on its lower surface. A central blocking section 164 imparts the aforementioned L-shape or T-shape to the flow path. Winged sections 161, 162, and 163 extend from the central portion 164 at specific, varying angles to allow the disc 160 to seal to the piston 120, while also providing sufficient flexibility, particularly at section 161, to allow the retainer 150 to move upward in coordination with the piston 120. Notably, the flexibility of section 161 reduces friction that could otherwise cause the piston 120 to feel “stuck” along the inner surface of the pump cylinder 22.

[0043] Sections 161, 162, and 163 preferably have the same thickness and are given an inverted V shape along the periphery of disc 160. Section 162 may extend in a horizontal plane at a height close to the bottom edge of inlet 151. Sections 161 and 163 are attached to section 162 at complementary angles (relative to the plane defined by section 162). In some respects, sections 161 and 163 may be attached at the same angle, and the lining lengths of sections 161, 162, and / or 163 may be substantially equal.

[0044] Additionally, section 163 is attached to the central portion 164 to form an angled groove that corresponds to section 125a on piston 120. As described above, this seals the components except when rod 110 travels downward during actuation (at which point piston 120 temporarily slides upward to open the flow path, thereby allowing fluid to pass through and be dispensed from the pump).

[0045] Similarly, the angle of section 161 provides a sealing contact with wiper arm 121b. Likewise, as described above, this sealing arrangement impedes fluid flow except when piston 120 slides upward. Furthermore, arm 121b can apply a radial force to section 161 to cause the section to flex inward as piston 120 moves through its range of motion.

[0046] It should be understood that the relative size, spacing, and angle / position of the outer radial surfaces of wing sections 161, 162, 163, and part 164 are important. In this regard, Figures 3A to 3C The drawings are to scale, and wings 161, 162, and 163 tend to have a uniform thickness and are thinner than the central portion 164. Notably, the bottom surfaces of segments 161 and 163, and the top surfaces of segments 163 and portion 164, each form acute angles A1 and A2. More preferably and specifically, A1 and A2 are each between 20° and 70° or between 30° and 60°. In some respects, A2 is greater than A1, and more specifically, A1 is approximately 40° and A2 is approximately 60°.

[0047] Along the bottom surface (e.g., as in) Figure 2D As seen in the diagram, the outermost feature of disc 160 is the diameter of the central member 164 (i.e., at the point where wing 163 connects to the central member 164), which is approximately 70% of the diameter of the outer wing 161. Similarly, the axial height of wing section 162 (which represents the highest height of the flexural portion of retainer 160) will be at or below the height of the bottom edge of radial inlet 151. It should also be understood that scraper edge 121b will descend to a height below the lowest end of wall section 125a, although edge 121b will still rest and seal to the upper / outer surface of wing 161.

[0048] Without being constrained by any operational theory, the aforementioned arrangement allows the retainer and sliding assembly to be moved, released, and sealed as needed to facilitate the operation of the dispensing pump.

[0049] The arrangement of rod 110, piston 120, and retainer 150 requires sequential assembly to ensure the components function as intended. Specifically, piston 120 must be positioned downwards on retainer 150 before retainer 150 is coupled to rod 110. Features on the bottom of disc 160 are aligned in a common horizontal plane to allow assembly 100 to be easily fitted into and move smoothly within pump core / cylinder 20.

[0050] Figures 6A to 6D illustrate a conventional retainer 1, which can be combined with... Figure 1C In pumps similar to the one shown (or, alternatively, in U.S. Patent Publication 2019 / 0118205), retainer assembly 50 is coupled to rod 10, which may be similar to rod 110 above. Conventional retainer 50 includes a flat or recessed disc element 60, the relatively thick construction of which (particularly at the periphery and in direct contrast to the wings 161, 162, 163 above) provides greater rigidity, preventing deflection along the periphery of the disc element when the wiper 521b of piston 520 contacts it. Piston 520 itself is also more elongated, with wipers 521a, 521b positioned below radial extension 523, while axial wall 522 is positioned above and stop wall 524 is positioned below radial extension. It is noteworthy that wiper element 521b is the only surface capable of sealing / closing radial inlet 51, and any deflection or disruption of this contact negatively impacts suction and sealing within the pump core. Therefore, this traditional design is based on maintaining this seal, and the design of components in the sliding seal requires materials that are strong enough and have low flexibility.

[0051] It is believed that this lack of flexibility increases friction between the internal walls of the pump chamber, thereby hindering smooth and easy actuation of the pump. The polypropylene-to-polypropylene interface also results in an imperfect seal, which further impairs the effectiveness of the pump core itself. In fact, the inventors have determined through various experiments that when the retainer 50 and disc 60 are molded from polypropylene, the resulting assembly 1 provides insufficient pumping performance compared to the same pump components made from softer materials. However, harder materials (such as polypropylene and / or HDPE) are more desirable due to their higher hardness / strength (particularly to some extent, a true single-polymer design is preferred for minimizing manufacturing costs / complexity and for the ease with which consumers / users can recycle such single-polymer products).

[0052] The piston assembly described herein effectively functions as a "slip-seal" valve element in a reciprocating distributor / pump. Thus, the piston is configured to seal against the internal surface of the pumping chamber of such a pump, while the combination of rod, piston, and retainer moves cooperatively with the actuator head / mechanism and provides a valve that opens and closes depending on whether the actuator moves downward (thus causing the piston to slide upward and temporarily open the inlet on the assembly) or remains stationary / moving upward (in which case the piston blocks and seals the inlet on the assembly). Therefore, this assembly can be incorporated into suitable distribution pump designs, although it offers the most significant advantages for pumps whose components are all made of the same grade of polymer (e.g., via injection molding) and ideally, polypropylene or high-density polyethylene.

[0053] Therefore, in one embodiment, a valve assembly for an axially reciprocating pump is described. The assembly includes three main components: i) a retainer member having a hollow tubular structure defining an outlet at a top surface and having at least one radially aligned inlet located at a bottom end of the retainer member; ii) a disc cap extending radially away from the bottom end, the disc cap including a central section having an angled top surface, an inner wing section attached to the central section at a first angle, and an outer wing section attached to the inner wing section at a second angle, wherein the outer wing section is configured to temporarily bend inward in response to a force applied to the top surface of the outer wing section; and iii) a piston configured to be slidably received on the outer surface of the bottom end of the retainer member, the piston including an inner tubular section having a radially extending portion attached to an external wiper element. In this arrangement, when the piston is positioned on the disc cap, the lowermost edge of the inner tubular section is positioned at a first angle to form a first seal for all radial inlets, and the outer wiper element includes its lowermost edge resting on the top surface of the outer wing section to form a second seal for all radial inlets; and, when the piston temporarily slides upward along the retainer body, the uppermost edge of the inner tubular section serves as a stop surface. Other aspects of this embodiment may include any one or a combination of the following elements:

[0054] • Wherein, the first angle is equal to or greater than the second angle;

[0055] • The first angle and the second angle are both between 20° and 70°;

[0056] • The disc-shaped cap ends are connected in a common horizontal plane;

[0057] • The outer diameter of the central section is approximately 70% of the outer diameter of the outer wing section;

[0058] • The horizontal transition section is located between the inner wing and the outer wing;

[0059] • The axial height of the topmost surface of the horizontal transition section is below the axial height of the bottommost edge of all radial inlets; and

[0060] • The retainer components, disc cap, and piston are all made of a single polymer material selected from high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0061] In another embodiment, a valve accessory for a reciprocating distributor pump is envisioned. Here, a rod is configured to be coupled to an actuator of the reciprocating pump, and the rod has a hollow tubular member with a coupling feature. Additionally, a retainer element is coupled to the bottom end of the hollow tubular member to form a rod extension, and the retainer element has an L-shaped or T-shaped flow path through a hollow central portion and a bottom flange, the bottom flange having an annular V-shaped radial wing positioned between at least one inlet defined in the sidewall of the retainer element. Notably, the inlets and radial wing are positioned below the lowermost end of the hollow tubular member. Finally, the assembly includes a sliding piston coaxially fitted around the rod and the retainer element, having: i) a cylindrical sidewall configured to be disposed in a groove defined by the radial wing; ii) an inwardly extending flange including an upper stop configured to abut a corresponding stop on the rod extension; and iii) an outwardly extending flange configured to form a sliding and sealing interface with the pump chamber of the reciprocating pump. In this embodiment, the inwardly extending flange maintains a sliding and sealing interface with the corresponding surface of the rod extension, and wherein the corresponding stop and inlet are spaced apart by sufficient height to allow the piston to open the inlet during downward travel of the valve accessory during pump operation and to seal the inlet when the valve accessory is pushed into contact with the retainer element. Other aspects of this embodiment include any or a combination of the following elements:

[0062] • The outwardly extending flange forms a seal at the outermost periphery of the radial wing;

[0063] • The cylindrical sidewalls and radial wings form a seal;

[0064] • The bottom end edge of the columnar sidewall has an angled profile that matches the angled profile on the upper surface of the radial wing.

[0065] • The outermost periphery of the radial wing is configured to flex radially inward during operation of the reciprocating pump; and

[0066] • The rod, retainer element, and sliding piston are all made of one of high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0067] All components of the pump distributor should be made of materials with sufficient flexibility, structural integrity, and chemical inertness. Certain grades of polypropylene and polyethylene are particularly advantageous, especially considering the absence of any thermosetting resins, elastic polymer blends, and other polymers or copolymers with different chemical properties (compared to other components of the distribution pump). High-density polyethylene (i.e., with a density greater than 0.940 g / cm³) is noteworthy. 3 The density of polyethylene (e.g., 0.925 g / cm³) is relative to lower density polyethylene types (e.g., 0.925 g / cm³). 3 Up to 0.940 g / cm 3 Medium density and / or 0.880 g / cm³ 3 Up to 0.925 g / cm 3 The lower density of polyolefins has certain advantages and allows for consideration of other specialized, stiffer versions capable of crosslinking. Nevertheless, the invention can be implemented using injection-moldable polyolefins, particularly in applications with polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0068] In the preceding description, it should be understood that phrases such as "upper" and "top" should be interpreted both comparatively (in the case of identifying corresponding lower or bottom parts, surfaces, etc.) and more literally to ensure that the orientation of the parts within the drawings is generally preserved, with upper parts facing the top of each drawing page. Furthermore, where many parts have a cylindrical shape, the term "axial" refers to the height or direction of extension of the column (e.g., top to bottom on a drawing page), while "radial" generally corresponds to the longitudinal or transverse direction (e.g., left to right on a drawing page).

[0069] The connection mentioned in this disclosure should be understood to encompass any conventional means used in the art. While threaded connections, beaded and grooved connections, and snap-fit / slotted and flanged assemblies can be employed, this can also take the form of snap-fit ​​or forced-fit of components. Adhesives and fasteners can also be used, although such components must be carefully selected to maintain the recyclability of the components.

[0070] Similarly, a junction can include a connection or an adjacency relationship. These terms, as well as any implied or explicit reference to a connection, should be considered in the context in which they are used, and any perceived ambiguity can be potentially resolved by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Although this embodiment has been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are contemplated. Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but further modifications and variations cover those described in the foregoing detailed description. These modifications and variations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for an axial reciprocating pump, the assembly comprising: A retainer member having a hollow tubular structure defining an outlet at a top surface and having at least one radially aligned inlet located at the bottom end of the retainer member; A disc-shaped cap extending radially away from the bottom end, the disc-shaped cap including a central segment having an angled top surface, an inner wing segment attached to the central segment at a first angle, and an outer wing segment attached to the inner wing segment at a second angle, wherein the outer wing segment is configured to temporarily bend inward in response to a force applied to the top surface of the outer wing segment; and A piston, configured to be slidably received on the outer surface of the bottom end of the retainer member, the piston including an inner tubular section having a radial extension attached to an outer wiper element; Wherein, when the piston is mounted on the disc-shaped cap, the lowermost edge of the inner tubular section is positioned at the first angle to form a first seal for all radial inlets, and the outer wiper element includes its lowermost edge resting on the top surface of the outer wing section to form a second seal for all radial inlets; and When the piston temporarily slides upward along the retainer body, the uppermost edge of the inner tubular section serves as a stop surface.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first angle is equal to or greater than the second angle, and wherein the first angle and the second angle are each between 20° and 70°.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The disc-shaped cap ends are connected in a common horizontal plane.

4. The valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer diameter of the central section is approximately 70% of the outer diameter of the outer wing section.

5. The valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A horizontal transition section is disposed between the inner wing section and the outer wing section.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The axial height of the topmost surface of the horizontal transition section is below the axial height of the bottommost edge of all radial inlets.

7. The valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The retainer component, the disc cap, and the piston are all made of a single polymer material selected from high-density polyethylene and polypropylene.

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