Self-closing valve for dispensing a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-closing and manually-actuated valve (1) for dispensing a liquid, in particular liquid food, from a reservoir, comprising: - a body (10), - a connecting piece (50) for attaching the valve to the reservoir, - a shutter (20) axially movable in the body between an open position and a closed position, - an actuating rod (26) connected to the shutter and axially movable with the latter and, in particular, formed of one piece with the latter, - a spring (30) for returning the shutter to the closed position, - a handle (60) mechanically coupled to the actuating rod (26), the handle being articulately connected to a support part (40), which is attached relative to the body and laterally offset relative to same, and also being connected to the rod (26), in such a way that actuating the handle causes the rod to move axially and the shutter to switch from the closed position to the open position.

Description

[0001] Title: Self-closing tap for dispensing a liquid

[0002] The present invention relates to taps for dispensing a liquid, in particular food or non-food, for example a hygiene product or a detergent.

[0003] Previous technique:

[0004] More and more liquid products are offered to consumers by being taken from a relatively large tank, with each consumer having to operate a tap to take the desired quantity.

[0005] The tap must be easy to operate and return to the closed position automatically. In addition, it must be easy to install and clean, each time the tank is changed.

[0006] Patent US3104089 discloses a tap in which: a shutter is movable in a body of the tap between a closed position and an open position; the shutter is connected to an actuating rod which is movable with it and which projects from a cover closing the body at the top; the rod carries a connecting pin on which a lever is articulated; a return spring is arranged inside the body to return the shutter to the closed position.

[0007] The lever rests on the top of the hood, so that pushing on the handle causes it to pivot around an instantaneous geometric axis of rotation offset from the connecting axis, and the rod to rise, bringing the shutter into the open position. It is difficult with such a valve to obtain a high flow rate, because the shutter moves axially relatively little within the body.

[0008] However, it may be desirable, in order to reduce consumer waiting time, or to facilitate the distribution of relatively viscous products, to obtain a high distribution flow rate.

[0009] Application CN 112524268 discloses a self-purifying water valve, which is incompatible with the dispensing of a food liquid. Indeed, the liquid coming into contact with a spring, as well as the possibility of liquid accumulating in areas that are difficult to clean or drain, clearly make the valve unsuitable for use as a tap for dispensing a food product.

[0010] Application FR 2878313 discloses a filling clamp for a gas cylinder dispensing and filling assembly, which is installed on a filling valve, comprising an operating rod terminated by a hooking member which cooperates in a removable manner with a head of a control rod to exert, before controlled filling, traction on the control rod and detach an auxiliary piston to open the valve in the filling direction.

[0011] Description of the invention:

[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for a faucet that overcomes all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] Summary of the invention:

[0014] The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this, according to one of its aspects, by means of a tap with automatic closing and manual actuation, for the distribution of a liquid, in particular food, from a reservoir, comprising:

[0015] A body, a connector allowing its attachment to the tank, a shutter axially movable in the body between an open position and a closed position, an actuating rod connected to the shutter, axially movable therewith, in particular made in one piece therewith, a return spring of the shutter to the closed position, a handle mechanically coupled to the actuating rod, the handle being connected in an articulated manner, in particular by a first connecting pin, to a support part fixed relative to the body and laterally offset relative to the latter, and the handle also being connected, in particular by a second connecting pin, to the rod, such that actuation of the handle causes axial movement of the rod and the passage of the shutter from the closed position to the open position.The invention makes it possible to transform a tilting of the handle into a relatively large axial stroke of the actuating rod; it is thus possible to clearly clear the passage between the connector and the outlet orifice of the tap in the open position of the shutter, and to obtain a high flow rate of dispensing of the product, even when it is viscous.

[0016] Another advantage of the invention is that it allows, if desired, the handle to be mounted so as to obtain an opening by pushing or pulling on the handle depending on what is required. In the case of opening by pushing, the handle is mounted on the body in such a way that its lever is on the same side as the support part, and in the case of opening by pulling, on the opposite side.

[0017] The invention can make it possible to avoid contact of the liquid with the spring, which is advantageous in the case of a tap intended for dispensing a food product.

[0018] The body may have, in the lower part, a downwardly open distribution opening, located below the shutter. The wall defining this distribution opening may define a seat for a lower seal carried by the shutter. Thus, when the shutter rises, it moves away from its seat and allows the liquid to flow.

[0019] The handle can pivot relative to the support portion about a first axis of rotation, without freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to this axis. The handle can have at least one elongated opening, the handle pivoting relative to the rod about a second axis of rotation being able to move along this opening during the movement of the actuating rod. The elongated opening can in particular be defined by a fork.

[0020] Alternatively, the handle can pivot relative to the support portion about a first axis of rotation with the possibility of movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The handle can pivot relative to the rod about a second axis of rotation without freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to this axis. The handle can in particular have at least one elongated opening, the first axis of rotation being able to move along this opening during the movement of the actuating rod.

[0021] The presence of freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to the articulation axis makes it possible to compensate for the variation in the distance between the two axes of rotation during the movement of the rod, and thus to maintain a straight rod, without lateral constraints. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the handle pivots around the aforementioned first connecting axis without freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to this axis. The handle may then comprise at least one elongated opening, the aforementioned second connecting axis being able to move along this opening during the movement of the actuating rod.

[0022] In other embodiments, the handle pivots about the first connecting axis with the possibility of movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The handle can then pivot about the second connecting axis without freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to this axis. The handle has, for example, at least one elongated opening, the first connecting axis being able to move along this opening during the movement of the actuating rod.

[0023] Generally speaking, the offset support part can be made monolithically with the body, for example by molding plastic. In this case, the body can be closed on the handle side by an attached cap, which can be removed to clean the tap.

[0024] The offset support part can still be attached to the body. In this case, it is for example formed from a single piece with a fixing part on the body, which is for example in the form of a cover fitted onto the body and held thereon by any suitable means, for example by an immobilizing screw.

[0025] The advantage of having an attached support part is that the handle can be mounted in several orientations relative to the body, depending for example on the accessibility of the tap. The support part and the body can thus be arranged to offer at least two different mounting possibilities for the handle relative to the body, and better still at least four, the support part preferably being secured to a cover comprising lugs adapted to engage in L-shaped notches in the body.

[0026] The shutter may include a cylinder sliding in the body. This cylinder may be made in one piece with the actuating rod, for example by molding plastic. This cylinder may be a hollow cylinder, in order to limit the quantity of material used and facilitate the molding operation, if necessary.

[0027] The obturator may carry a seal, in particular an O-ring, near its free end, which is applied in the closed position against a seat formed around the outlet orifice of the valve. The body may carry a seal applied to the cylinder in a position remote from the outlet orifice. Alternatively, the obturator carries both seals, or the body carries both seals.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the rod and the shutter are made by injection molding a thermoplastic material; in this case, the rod and the shutter may be formed from hollow parts closed at one end and open at the opposite end, which are fitted into each other, the rod preferably being fixed by snap-fastening in the shutter. The rod may have a widened base provided with at least one catch relief in a corresponding housing of the shutter; this widened part may define a support for the lower end of the spring.

[0029] The shutter may have at least one corresponding relief on its inner surface, allowing the rod to be fixed.

[0030] The shutter may have a collar at the top carrying a seal, which is applied to the body to prevent liquid from rising. The presence of this collar allows the shutter to benefit from a cylindrical portion of sufficiently small internal diameter to serve as a guide for the spring in its part extending between the shutter and the rod.

[0031] The shutter may comprise at least one relief projecting radially outwards inside the body, adapted to the size of the housing in which the shutter moves in the body, so as to guide the shutter in its movement in the body. This relief is for example in the form of an annular lip, which may be molded in one piece with the rest of the plastic shutter.

[0032] In preferred examples of implementation of the invention, the body has in the lower part one or more reliefs which provide at least one air passage between the body and the neck of the bottle which is engaged in the body to receive the dispensed liquid.

[0033] These reliefs are advantageously presented in the form of fins which project radially outwards, near the lower end of the body.

[0034] The dispensing opening may be defined by an annular lip, of circular outline, with a vertical axis. Said reliefs may then be in the form of one or more fins, the lower end of which is located at a relatively short distance from the lower end of said lip.

[0035] The body may have an upwardly diverging outer surface, preferably of a generally conical shape flaring upwardly, and the fins may extend at least partially over the height of this diverging outer surface.

[0036] When using the tap, the upper end of the neck comes into contact with these fins, which prevents the neck from pressing against the outer surface of the body over its entire periphery, and guarantees sufficient air circulation so as not to generate excess pressure or hinder the flow.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings:

[0038] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0039] [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a tap according to the invention,

[0040] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is an axial section of the valve of Figure 1, in the closed position,

[0041] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the tap of Figure 1,

[0042] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, illustrating the passage of the tap in the open position,

[0043] [Fig 5] Figure 5 shows the tap before mounting on a corresponding connection of the tank,

[0044] [Fig 6] Figure 6 illustrates the disassembly of the tap for cleaning,

[0045] [Fig 7] Figure 7 represents in perspective a variant of tap,

[0046] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is an axial section of the valve of Figure 7, in the closed position,

[0047] [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a side view of a variant of the faucet, and

[0048] [Fig 10] Figure 10 is an axial section of the valve of Figure 9 (some component parts not shown),

[0049] [Fig 11] Figure 11 illustrates an alternative mounting of the handle, on the left,

[0050] [Fig 12] Figure 12 illustrates an alternative mounting of the handle, on the right,

[0051] [Fig 13] Figure 13 illustrates the mounting of the handle for opening by lifting it,

[0052] [Fig 14] Figure 14 illustrates the opening of the tap by lifting the handle,

[0053] [Fig 15] Figure 15 is an axial section of a variant of the tap,

[0054] [Fig 16] Figure 16 illustrates the disassembly of the tap of Figure 15 for cleaning,

[0055] [Fig 17] Figure 17 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment,

[0056] [Fig 18] Figure 18 represents the variant of Figure 17 in axial section, [Fig 19] Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 17 of an alternative embodiment,

[0057] [Fig 20] Figure 20 is an axial section of the variant of Figure 19, and

[0058] [Fig 21] Figure 21 is an elevational view of the tap of Figures 19 and 20.

[0059] Detailed description:

[0060] Figures 1 to 6 show a tap 1 according to the invention.

[0061] This tap 1 comprises a body 10, for example made of plastic or metal, having a housing 11 inside which a shutter 20 (also called a plug) can slide along an axis X.

[0062] The tap 1 comprises a connection 50 to a reservoir (not shown), containing the liquid to be dispensed, for example a food product such as oil or a drink.

[0063] In the example considered, the connector 50 is in the form of a male end piece provided with a collar 52, to be inserted into an opening of a connector 100 of suitable shape of the tank, visible in figure 5, the fixing of the connector 50 being able to be carried out in any suitable manner, for example by force insertion, snap-fastening, screwing or using a clamping ring engaging on the collar and screwed onto a corresponding thread of the tank.

[0064] The connection 50 can be produced monolithically with the body 10, as illustrated, or alternatively be attached to it.

[0065] In the example considered, the connection 50 has a Y axis perpendicular to the X axis.

[0066] The housing 11 is closed at the top by a part comprising a cover 41 and a part 40 serving as a support for a handle 60 for actuating the tap.

[0067] The cover 41 is engaged on the upper end of the body 10 and retained thereon by any suitable means, for example by a bayonet-type fixing with locking in position by a clamping screw 42, as illustrated.

[0068] It can be seen in particular in Figure 6 that the body 10 may have a thinned wall in the upper part, in which notches 17 are made in the general shape of an L, the cover 41 having a mounting skirt provided on its inner surface with lugs 48 adapted to be inserted axially into the notches then locked in them after a rotation of less than a quarter turn of the cover 4L. The shutter 20 is extended at the top by an actuating rod 26 which passes through the cover 41 by means of a central opening 47 thereof.

[0069] The handle 60 comprises a lever 68 defining a surface on which the user can act to operate the tap, this lever 68 carrying at its base two wings 63 parallel to each other and connected by an intermediate wall 64 along the side opposite the distal end 68a of the lever 68.

[0070] In the example considered, the lever 68 is made in a single piece by molding plastic material with the wings 63 and the wall 64, and extends on the same side of the body 10 as the support part 40.

[0071] The support part 40 engages between the wings 63 and is connected to them by a first connecting axis 2.

[0072] The actuating rod 26 is also engaged between the wings 63 and connected to them by a second connecting axis 3.

[0073] The support part 40 is offset relative to the X axis and the center of the first connecting axis is thus located at a distance e from the X axis, for example between 5 and 30 mm.

[0074] The center of the first connecting axis 2 is also higher than that of the second 3, that is to say further along the X axis of the shutter 20.

[0075] In the example considered, the connecting pins 2 and 3 are attached metal pins, but the mechanical connection between the handle and the support part on the one hand, and the handle and the actuating rod on the other hand, could be achieved differently, for example with cylindrical lugs molded or machined with the wings, the support part and / or the actuating rod.

[0076] As can be seen in Figure 3 in particular, the first connecting axis 2 is engaged at its ends in oblong openings 65 of the wings 63.

[0077] The body 10 defines a distribution orifice 19, open downwards, and which is in the example considered centered on the X axis.

[0078] The orifice 19 communicates via an internal passage 5 of the tap 1 with the interior space at the connection 50.

[0079] The annular wall bordering the orifice 19 defines a seat 14 for a seal 27 carried by the shutter 20 and housed in an annular groove 21 thereof, as can be seen in Figure 2. The body 10 has above the passage 5 an annular groove 12 in which is received an annular seal 18 permanently applied to the shutter 20 to prevent any rise and leakage of liquid through the upper opening of the body 10, covered by the cover 41.

[0080] A return spring 30, helical and arranged around the actuating rod 26, is interposed axially between the shutter 20 and the upper wall of the cover 41 to return the shutter 20 to the closed position.

[0081] The spring 30 is positioned so that it is never in contact with the dispensed liquid.

[0082] In the closed position, as illustrated in Figure 2, the passage 5 is closed by the shutter 20 thanks to the fact that the O-ring 27 received in the groove 21 of the shutter 20 is applied to the seat 14.

[0083] When the user exerts a push on the lever 68 of the handle 60, the latter pivots around the first axis 2 relative to the support part 40, and the rotational movement of the handle 60 drives the actuating rod 26 upwards against the action of the spring 30, until it reaches the open position illustrated in Figure 4.

[0084] During the movement of the handle 60, the first axis 2 can move in the oblong openings 65 to compensate for the variation in the distance between the centers of the axes 2 and 3, and thus keep the axis of the shutter 20 straight and coincident with the axis X.

[0085] When the user releases the handle 60, the spring 30 relaxes and brings the actuating rod 26 back down, until the wings 63 come into abutment against the top of the hood 4L

[0086] The seal 27 received in the groove 21 is applied again to the seat 14, and the shutter returns to the closed position.

[0087] To disassemble the tap 1, the user can unscrew the screw 42 then turn the cover 41 relative to the body 10 in order to unlock the lugs 48, and slide them axially into the notches 17, as illustrated in figure 6.

[0088] In the variant of figures 7 and 8, the wings 63 each have a fork-shaped opening 49, in which a corresponding end of the second connecting axis 3 is engaged.

[0089] The first connecting axis 2 is engaged in circular openings 66 of the wings 63. This embodiment also differs from that of figures 1 to 6 by the fact that the support part 40 is produced monolithically with the body 10.

[0090] The upper opening of the body 10 is closed by a plug 70 which has a central opening passing through it for the passage of the actuating rod 26.

[0091] The plug 70 can be fixed in any suitable manner in the upper opening of the body 10, for example being screwed into it.

[0092] The spring 30 can bear at its upper end against the inner face of the upper wall of the plug 70.

[0093] When the user presses the handle 60, it pivots around the first connecting axis 2, by a pure rotational movement.

[0094] The tilting of the handle pulls the actuating rod 26 upwards. During the rise of the rod 26 against the action of the spring 30, the second axis 3 can move along the openings 49.

[0095] When the user releases the handle, the rod 26 returns to its initial position under the effect of the relaxation of the spring 30, until the wings 63 stop against the top of the cap 70.

[0096] The variant of figures 9 and 10 differs only slightly from that of figures 1 to 4 by the shape of the connection 50, which is longer, and the presence of a retaining ring 80, which is retained by the collar 52 on the connection 50. This ring 80 is for example internally threaded, so as to screw onto a corresponding thread of the tank.

[0097] The presence of the two connecting axes 2 and 3 allows, in particular in the case of an embodiment such as that of figures 1 to 6, different configurations for mounting the lever 60 relative to the body 10.

[0098] In particular, the cover 41 can be mounted with an orientation chosen from several, in this case four at 90° to each other.

[0099] Thus, the assembly can be done as illustrated in figure 11 to have the handle 60 on the left of the body 10, or alternatively, as illustrated in figure 12, on the right of the body 10.

[0100] It is also possible to reverse the mounting of the handle on the support part 40 and the actuating rod 26, by replacing the oblong opening 65 closest to the lever 68 of each wing 63 with a circular opening 85 and the circular opening 66 furthest away with an oblong opening 86. In this case, the connection between the actuating rod 26 and the handle 60 is a pure rotation, around the second axis 3, while the connection between the handle 60 and the offset support part 40 allows a movement of the first axis 2 in the oblong opening 86.

[0101] In Figure 15, the possibility of achieving sealing between the shutter 20 and the body 10 is illustrated differently, for example with a second O-ring 24 housed in an annular groove 29 made on the shutter 20, instead of being carried by the body 10.

[0102] To disassemble the tap of figure 15, the connecting pin 2 connecting the handle to the support part 40 can be driven out and the cap 70 unscrewed, as illustrated in figure 16.

[0103] Figures 17 and 18 show a variant of tap 1 according to the invention.

[0104] In this variant, the handle 60 pivots relative to the support portion 40 away from the connector 50.

[0105] The handle 60 is for example, as illustrated, connected to a connecting part 160 by a threaded rod 161 which is screwed at each of its ends into a corresponding housing 60a of the handle and into a threaded hole 162 of the connecting part, respectively.

[0106] The connecting part 160 is connected to the support part 40 by an articulation comprising for example a pin 2 engaged in respective holes in the connecting part and the support.

[0107] The shutter 20 carries O-rings 27 and 24 which, in the closed position, isolate the interior space communicating with the container from the return spring 30 and the dispensing opening.

[0108] The return spring 30 is received in the lower part in an annular groove 23 formed around the rod 26 and comes to bear axially at its upper end against the cover 41 formed by the support part 40.

[0109] The upper part of the body 10 may be provided with a neck 180 having reliefs 181 for locking the support part 40; the cover 41 may include reliefs 182 arranged to cooperate with the reliefs 181 in order to ensure the immobilization of the support part 40 relative to the body 10 in the desired configuration, in this case with the articulation axis 2 offset opposite the connection 50. The rod 26 has at its upper end a groove 190 open laterally on the side of the connection 50, and in which is engaged a pin 3 which ensures the connection between the rod 26 and the connecting part 160 at the base of the handle.

[0110] When the user tilts the handle 60 to the side opposite the connector 50, the handle drives the rod 26 upwards, which compresses the spring 30 and lifts the shutter 20. The lower O-ring 27 carried by the shutter moves away from its seat, which frees the dispensing opening, and allows the liquid to flow downwards by gravity. The upper O-ring 24 carried by the shutter continues to be applied to the surface 193 of the housing of the body 10 in which the shutter 20 slides, which prevents any contact of the liquid with the spring 30.

[0111] The variant of figures 19 and 20 is suitable for production by injection of plastic material of most of the constituent parts, in particular the body 10, the rod 26 and the shutter 20.

[0112] The connecting part 170 carrying the handle 60 comprises two shells 171 and 172 joined on the support part 40, and each having in the upper part a half-screw 173.

[0113] The two half-screws 173 are engaged in a housing 60a of the handle which helps to keep the shells 171 and 172 in the assembled position.

[0114] Each shell 171 and 172 comprises a cylindrical housing in which a corresponding end of the axis 240 of the support part is engaged, to form the articulation of the handle 60 on the support part 40.

[0115] The support part 40 may comprise at its base a cover 41 arranged to be screwed onto a threaded neck 180 present in the upper part of the body 10.

[0116] At least one of the shells 171 and 172 may comprise a cylindrical end piece 175 arranged to engage in a corresponding housing 126 formed in the upper part of the rod 26.

[0117] The latter is for example hollow, open downwards and fixed in the lower part in the shutter 20, which has for example a U shape in axial section, with a collar 222 in the upper part.

[0118] A lower O-ring 27 may be carried by the shutter 20 to close the dispensing orifice of the body 10 at rest. An upper O-ring 24 may be housed in an annular groove of the collar 222 to press against the inner surface of the body and prevent any leakage of liquid towards the spring 30.

[0119] The shutter 20 may have an annular lip 231 applied to the inner surface of the body 10 to guide the shutter in its axial movement.

[0120] The rod 26 is fixed in the shutter 20, for example, by snap-fastening, the rod 26 being able to comprise at its lower end one or more hooking teeth 263 for this purpose, snap-fastened onto a retaining bead 225 of the shutter.

[0121] The spring 30 can extend axially between a shoulder 267, provided at the base of the rod, and the upper wall of the cover 41 of the support part 40, closing the body 10.

[0122] The rod 26 passes through this wall through an opening 248.

[0123] The shutter 20 may comprise at least one relief 231 projecting radially outwards inside the body 10, adapted to the dimension of the housing in which the shutter 20 moves in the body, so as to guide the shutter in its movement in the body. This relief is for example in the form of an annular lip 231, which may be molded in one piece with the rest of the shutter made of plastic material.

[0124] Preferably, as visible in figure 21, the body has in the lower part one or more reliefs 310 which are in the form of fins which project radially outwards, close to the lower end of the body 10. The fins 310 are for example 4 in number, being equally distributed angularly.

[0125] The dispensing opening can be defined by an annular lip 300, of circular outline, with a vertical axis.

[0126] The reliefs 310 may be in the form of one or more fins whose lower end is located at a relatively short distance from the lower end of said lip 310, for example between 1 and 10 mm.

[0127] The body 10 may have an upwardly diverging outer surface 320, preferably of generally conical shape widening upwardly, and the fins 310 may extend at least partially over the height of this diverging outer surface 320.

[0128] To dispense the liquid, the user pulls the handle 60 away from the connector 50, which causes the rod 26 to rise and lifts the shutter 20. The lower O-ring 27 stops closing the dispensing orifice, and the product can flow. The upper O-ring 24 prevents any liquid from rising.

[0129] When the user releases the handle, it is returned by the spring 30 to its initial position.

[0130] When using the tap 1, the upper end of the neck abuts against the fins 310, which prevents the neck from pressing against the outer surface 320 over its entire periphery, and guarantees sufficient air circulation so as not to generate excess pressure or hinder the flow.

[0131] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described.

[0132] For example, the tap can be attached to the tank in a different way.

[0133] The articulation of the handle on the offset support part and on the actuating rod can also be carried out differently.

[0134] For example, instead of the attached connecting pins, pins or lugs in the form of pins ends, made in one piece with the handle, the support part or the actuating rod, can be used.

Claims

Demands:

1. Automatically closing and manually operated tap (1) for dispensing a food liquid from a reservoir, comprising: A body (10) defining a distribution orifice (19) open downwards, a fitting (50) allowing its attachment to the tank, a shutter (20) movable axially in the body between an open position and a closed position, an actuating rod (26) connected to the shutter, movable axially with it, in particular made in one piece with it, a spring (30) for returning the shutter to the closed position, a handle (60) mechanically coupled to the actuating rod (26), the handle being articulatedly connected to a support part (40) fixed relative to the body and offset laterally with respect to it, and also being connected to the rod (26), such that an actuation of the handle causes an axial movement of the rod and the passage of the shutter from the closed position to the open position.

2. Tap according to claim 1, the handle pivoting relative to the support part around a first axis of rotation, without freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to this axis.

3. Tap according to claim 2, the handle comprising at least one elongated opening (49), the handle pivoting relative to the stem (26) around a second axis of rotation which can move along this opening during the movement of the actuating stem.

4. Tap according to claim 3, the elongated opening (49) being defined by a fork.

5. Tap according to claim 1, the handle pivoting relative to the support part (40) around a first axis of rotation with a possibility of movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

6. Tap according to claim 5, the handle pivoting relative to the stem (26) around a second axis of rotation without freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to this axis.

7. Tap according to any one of claims 5 and 6, the handle having at least one elongated opening (65), the first axis of rotation being able to move along this opening during the movement of the actuating rod.

8. Tap according to any one of the preceding claims, the handle (60) being connected to the support part and to the stem by respective connecting axes (2, 3), in particular added metal axes.

9. Tap according to any one of the preceding claims, the offset support part (40) being made monolithically with the body.

10. Tap according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the offset support part (40) being attached to the body.

11. Tap according to claim 10, the support part (40) and the body (10) being arranged to allow at least two mounting possibilities of the handle relative to the body, and preferably at least four, the support part (40) preferably being integral with a cover (41) having lugs (48) adapted to engage in L-shaped notches (17) of the body.

12. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, the obturator having a seal (27), in particular an O-ring, near its free end, which applies itself in the closed position against a seat (14) formed around an outlet orifice (19) of the valve.

13. Tap according to claim 1, the stem (26) and the obturator (20) being made by injection of a thermoplastic material, the stem and the obturator being formed of hollow parts closed at one end and open at the opposite end, which are fitted one into the other, the stem being preferably fixed by snapping into the obturator.

14. Tap according to claim 13, the stem having an enlarged base provided with at least one hooking relief (225) in a corresponding housing of the obturator; this enlarged part preferably defining a support for the lower end of the spring (30).

15. Valve according to any one of claims 13 and 14, the obturator (20) having in its upper part a collar (222) carrying a sealing gasket (24), which applies to the body (10) to prevent the upward movement of liquid.

16. Tap according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the obturator comprising at least one raised feature (231) projecting radially outwards inside the body (10), adapted to the dimensions of the housing in which the obturator (20) moves within the body, so as to guide the obturator in its movement within the body, this relief preferably being in the form of an annular lip (231), in particular molded in one piece with the rest of the plastic obturator.

17. Tap according to any one of the preceding claims, the body having in its lower part one or more reliefs (310) which provide at least one air passage between the body and the neck of a bottle which would be inserted into the body to receive the dispensed liquid.

18. Tap according to claim 17, the reliefs (310) being in the form of fins which project radially outwards, near the lower end of the body (10), the distribution opening being defined by an annular lip (300) of circular contour, with vertical axis.

19. A tap according to any one of claims 17 and 18, said reliefs (310) being in the form of one or more fins.

20. A tap according to claim 19, the body having an external surface (320) diverging upwards, preferably generally conical in shape flaring upwards, and the fins (310) extending at least partially over the height of this diverging external surface (320).

Images