Faucet

Abstract

To provide a faucet capable of keeping the flow of beverage normal even if it is used over time.SOLUTION: A faucet 1 according to one embodiment comprises a faucet body 2 for supplying beverage, and a handle part 4 rotatably attached to the faucet body 2 around a rotating axis 6. The faucet body 2 has a first opposing surface 21a, a first flow path 24 extending from a first opening 24a formed on the first opposing surface 21a toward the inside of the faucet body 2, and a second flow path 25 extending from a second opening 25a formed on the first opposing surface 21a toward the inside of the faucet body 2. The handle part 4 has a second opposing surface 41a, and a distribution unit 43 for distributing beverage D from the first flow path 24 to the second opening 25a. In a discharge state, the distribution unit 43 distributes the beverage D from the first flow path 24 to the second flow path 25. In a closed state, at least one of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a is opposed to the second opposing surface 41a to stop the discharge of the beverage D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to Callan. [Background technology]

[0002] JP2018-502788A describes a stopcock for allowing or stopping the flow of a beverage (pressurized liquid) through a dispensing tube. The stopcock includes a housing part having a chamber defined by a peripheral wall of the housing, and a plug that fits into the peripheral wall of the housing and is rotatable within the chamber. The peripheral wall of the housing has an inlet opening and an outlet opening that penetrate from the outer surface to the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the housing. The plug has a through channel that extends from an upstream opening to a downstream opening provided in the peripheral wall of the plug.

[0003] When the flow of the beverage is permitted, the upstream opening of the through channel communicates with the inlet opening of the peripheral wall of the housing, and the downstream opening of the through channel communicates with the outlet opening of the peripheral wall of the housing, and when the flow of the beverage is stopped, the upstream opening and the downstream opening of the through channel face the peripheral wall of the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-502788 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the stopcock described above, the peripheral wall of the housing and the peripheral wall of the plug rub against each other as the plug rotates in the chamber, and therefore the peripheral wall of the housing and the peripheral wall of the plug may wear over time. When the inlet opening and outlet opening of the housing, or the periphery of the upstream opening and downstream opening of the plug (through channel), wear occurs, an abnormality may occur in the flow of the beverage between the inlet opening and the upstream opening, and between the outlet opening and the downstream opening. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a normal flow of the beverage even after long-term use.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a faucet that can maintain a normal flow of beverage even after years of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The faucet according to the present disclosure is (1) a faucet for dispensing a beverage contained in a beverage server. The faucet includes a faucet body to which a beverage is supplied from the beverage server, and a handle portion that faces the faucet body and is attached to the faucet body so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis that extends in a direction facing the faucet body. The faucet can transition between a dispensing state in which a beverage is dispensed and a closed state in which dispensing of the beverage is stopped by rotating the handle portion relative to the faucet body. The faucet body has a first opposing surface that faces the handle portion, a first flow path that distributes the beverage supplied from the beverage server and extends from a first opening formed in the first opposing surface toward the inside of the faucet body, and a second flow path that distributes the beverage that has flowed through the first flow path and extends from a second opening formed in the first opposing surface toward the inside of the faucet body. The handle portion has a second opposing surface that faces the first opposing surface, and a distribution portion that distributes the beverage that has flowed in from the first flow path through the first opening to the second opening. In the pouring state, the circulation portion communicates with both the first flow path and the second flow path to distribute the beverage from the first flow path to the second flow path. In the closed state, at least one of the first opening and the second opening faces the second opposing surface, and pouring of the beverage is stopped.

[0008] In the faucet according to the present disclosure, the handle portion rotates relative to the faucet body around a rotation axis extending in the opposing direction. The first opening and the second opening are formed on a first opposing surface facing the handle portion. This allows the first opening and the second opening to be formed closer to the rotation axis than when they are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the faucet body extending in the rotation direction, which is the direction of rotation around the rotation axis. Since the distance from each of the first opening and the second opening to the rotation axis is short, the distance of relative movement of the first opening and the second opening with respect to the handle portion when the handle portion rotates can be shortened. In other words, the amount of relative movement of the first opening and the second opening when the handle portion rotates can be reduced. Therefore, even with long-term use, wear around the first opening and the second opening can be suppressed. In the faucet according to the present disclosure, the periphery of the first opening and the second opening on the first opposing surface is less likely to wear, so that the flow of the beverage can be kept normal even with long-term use.

[0009] (2) In the above (1), the first flow path may extend from the first opening in the opposing direction. The second flow path may extend from the second opening in the opposing direction. The handle portion faces the faucet body in the opposing direction and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the opposing direction. Therefore, when the handle portion rotates relative to the faucet body, the first opposing surface may wear in the rotating direction, resulting in the first flow path and the second flow path being worn in the opposing direction. As described above, when the first flow path extends from the first opening in the opposing direction and the second flow path extends from the second opening in the opposing direction, even if the first flow path and the second flow path are worn in the opposing direction, the shape and positional relationship of the first opening, the second opening, and the circulation portion when viewed from the opposing direction are unlikely to change. This makes it difficult for hole misalignment to occur between the first opening and the circulation portion, and between the second opening and the circulation portion, so that the flow of the beverage can be maintained more normally even after long-term use.

[0010] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the circulating portion may be a groove portion recessed from the second opposing surface. The groove portion may communicate with both the first flow path and the second flow path in the pouring state. In this case, since the circulating portion is a groove portion recessed from the second opposing surface, the circulating portion can be easily cleaned, improving maintainability.

[0011] (4) In the above (3), in the closed state, the position of the lower end of the groove when viewed from the opposing direction may overlap the second opening. In the closed state, the beverage in the groove may accumulate at the lower end of the groove. As described above, when the position of the lower end of the groove overlaps with the second opening in the closed state, the beverage accumulated at the lower end of the groove flows out into the second flow path via the second opening. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage from accumulating in the groove in the closed state.

[0012] (5) In the above (3) or (4), the groove may extend in an arc shape centered on the center of the second opposing surface when viewed from the opposing direction. When the handle portion rotates relative to the faucet body, the second opposing surface is likely to wear in the rotation direction. If the groove extends in an arc shape centered on the center of the second opposing surface, the extension direction of the groove can be made to coincide with the direction in which the second opposing surface is likely to wear. By having the groove extend in an arc shape along the rotation direction, which is the direction in which the second opposing surface is likely to wear, wear of the portion of the outer edge of the groove that runs along the rotation direction can be suppressed. Therefore, the flow of the beverage can be maintained more normally even after years of use.

[0013] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the faucet body may have an air flow path extending from an atmosphere vent hole exposed to the outside of the faucet body into the inside of the faucet body. The air flow path may communicate with the second flow path via the circulation section in the closed state. In this case, the circulation section is open to the outside of the faucet body via the air flow path in the closed state, so that air outside the faucet body flows into the circulation section from the atmosphere vent hole in the closed state. Since the beverage in the circulation section is pushed out to the second flow path by atmospheric pressure, it is possible to prevent the beverage from accumulating in the circulation section in the closed state.

[0014] (7) In any of the above (1) to (6), the faucet may further include a low-friction member disposed between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface and made of a material having a smaller friction coefficient than the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface. The low-friction member may have a first through hole communicating with the first flow path and the circulating portion, and a second through hole communicating with the second flow path and the circulating portion. In this case, the low-friction member is interposed between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface, thereby reducing friction when the handle portion rotates relative to the faucet body. Therefore, wear of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface can be suppressed. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, even with long-term use, the flow of beverage can be maintained normally. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a beverage providing device including a faucet according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the faucet shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the faucet shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a first opposing surface of the faucet body shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] Figure 5(a) is a side view showing the faucet in a pouring position, and Figure 5(b) is a side view showing the faucet in a closed position. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first flow path, the second flow path, and the circulating portion in a pouring state, and Fig. 6(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first flow path, the second flow path, and the circulating portion in a closed state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the faucet in a closed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing the faucet according to the reference example in a closed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the karan according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0018] In the present disclosure, "beverage" refers to a drinkable liquid. Beverages include alcoholic beverages such as beer, chuhai (shochu highball), happoshu (low-malt beer), and wine, as well as non-alcoholic carbonated beverages and soft drinks. The beverage is, for example, a sparkling beverage. A "sparkling beverage" is, for example, a beverage that contains a fermented alcoholic beverage containing a gas such as carbon dioxide gas, and has a foaming characteristic in which a layer of foam is formed on the liquid when poured into a container such as a cup, and a foam retention characteristic in which the formed foam is maintained for a certain period of time or more. In this embodiment, an example in which the beverage is a sparkling beverage will be described.

[0019] A sparkling beverage is, for example, a beverage that has a NIBEM value of 50 seconds or more according to the EBC (European Brewery Convention) method. The NIBEM value is an index value that indicates the foam retention characteristics of a beverage. The sparkling beverage may be a beer-taste beverage. Beer-taste beverages include beverages that taste like beer and beverages that give the drinker the sensation of drinking beer. Beer-taste beverages with an alcohol content of 1% or more are also called beer-taste alcoholic beverages.

[0020] Furthermore, beer-taste beverages include malt fermented beverages that use malt as an ingredient, such as beer, happoshu, non-alcoholic beer, and liqueurs (e.g., beverages classified as "liqueurs (sparkling) (1)" under the Liquor Tax Act), as well as beer-taste beverages that do not use barley or malt as an ingredient (e.g., beverages classified as "other brewed alcoholic beverages (sparkling) (1)" under the Liquor Tax Act). Note that "sparkling beverages" may be beverages other than beer-taste beverages. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the sparkling beverage is beer.

[0021] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a beverage providing device 10 including a faucet 1 according to this embodiment. The beverage providing device 10 includes a beverage server 20 to which the faucet 1 is attached. The beverage providing device 10 is a device that dispenses a beverage D (beer, as an example) contained in the beverage server 20 from the faucet 1 in response to a customer order or the like.

[0022] The beverage server 20 contains a beverage D. For example, a faucet 1 operated by a user is detachably attached to the beverage server 20. The user is, for example, a person who uses the beverage server 20 to dispense the beverage D. The beverage server 20 has, for example, a rectangular box-shaped housing 201. As an example, the housing 201 has a front surface 201a to which the faucet 1 is attached, and a pair of side surfaces 201b facing both the left and right sides as viewed from the user. In this embodiment, a screw groove (not shown) for attaching the faucet 1 is formed in the front surface 201a.

[0023] The beverage providing device 10 includes, for example, a beverage server 20, a cylinder 30, a pressure reducing valve 40, a carbon dioxide hose 50, a barrel 60 containing a beverage D, a head 70, and a hose 80. The cylinder 30 is, for example, a container filled with carbon dioxide G at high pressure. The cylinder 30 has a function of pushing out the beverage D inside the barrel 60 to the beverage server 20, and also has a function of maintaining the amount of carbon dioxide G contained inside the barrel 60.

[0024] Carbon dioxide gas G is filled in a liquid state inside the cylinder 30, for example, at a pressure of 6 to 8 MPa. The cylinder 30 is provided with, for example, a remaining amount indicator that displays the amount of carbon dioxide gas G inside the cylinder 30. By providing this remaining amount indicator, for example, a user can recognize the amount of carbon dioxide gas G inside the cylinder 30.

[0025] The pressure reducing valve 40 is a device for maintaining the pressure of the beverage D inside the barrel 60. The barrel 60 is a container that contains the beverage D. The head 70 has a function of, for example, sending the carbon dioxide G inside the cylinder 30 into the barrel 60 via the pressure reducing valve 40 and the carbon dioxide hose 50, and sending the beverage D inside the barrel 60 to the beverage server 20. As an example, the head 70 has an operating handle 701 that can open and close the flow paths of the carbon dioxide G and the beverage D by moving up and down, a gas joint 702 connected to the carbon dioxide hose 50, and a beverage joint 703 connected to the hose 80.

[0026] For example, lowering the operating handle 701 of the head 70 opens the flow paths of the carbon dioxide hose 50 and the hose 80, and raising the operating handle 701 closes the flow paths of the carbon dioxide hose 50 and the hose 80. The gas joint 702 and the beverage joint 703 are, for example, detachable. The gas joint 702 and the beverage joint 703 may be separable.

[0027] The beverage server 20 is connected to the head 70 via a hose 80. The beverage server 20 cools the beverage D delivered from the barrel 60 via the head 70 and the hose 80. In this embodiment, the beverage server 20 is an electrically cooled, instantaneous cooling server. A cooling device (not shown) for cooling the beverage D from the hose 80 is provided inside the beverage server 20. The cooling device includes, for example, a beverage pipe (not shown) connected to the hose 80 and disposed inside the housing 201. The beverage pipe is connected to the faucet 1 via, for example, the front surface 201a of the housing 201.

[0028] The beverage server 20 includes a pedestal 202 on which a beverage container C is placed to receive a beverage D dispensed from the faucet 1. With the beverage container C placed on the pedestal 202, a user can operate the faucet 1 to dispense the beverage D contained in the beverage server 20 from the faucet 1 into the beverage container C. It is also possible for a user to dispense the beverage D from the faucet 1 into the beverage container C without placing the beverage container C on the pedestal 202, by holding the beverage container C in one hand and operating the faucet 1 with the other hand. The pedestal 202 is capable of receiving and containing spilled beverage D and the like. The pedestal 202 is detachable from the housing 201 of the beverage server 20, and is, for example, periodically removed from the housing 201 and cleaned.

[0029] In the above, an example has been described in which the beverage server 20 is an electrically cooled, instantaneous cooling server. However, the beverage server may be a server other than an electrically cooled, instantaneous cooling server. For example, the beverage server may be a barrel-storage server in which a barrel, a head, and a hose are provided inside a refrigerator. A barrel-storage server is a server having a structure in which a barrel, a head, and a hose are stored in a refrigerator, and in this case, the hose is cooled by the refrigerator.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the faucet 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the faucet 1. The faucet 1 dispenses beverage D contained in a beverage server 20 (see FIG. 1). The faucet 1 dispenses beverage D, for example, when operated by a user. The faucet 1 comprises a faucet body 2, a handle portion 4, and a low-friction member 5. The faucet body 2 is made of, for example, metal (stainless steel as an example) or resin. For example, the material of the handle portion 4 is the same as the material of the faucet body 2. However, the material of the handle portion 4 may be different from the material of the faucet body 2. The low-friction member 5 is made of, for example, resin.

[0031] The faucet body 2, low-friction member 5 and handle portion 4 are arranged in this order along one direction. The handle portion 4 faces the faucet body 2 in one direction. When the faucet 1 is attached to the beverage server 20, it pours beverage D downward. In the following description, this one direction is referred to as the facing direction D1, and the direction in which the beverage D is poured is referred to as the pouring direction D2. Additionally, the direction perpendicular to both the facing direction D1 and the pouring direction D2 is referred to as the orthogonal direction D3. For example, the pouring direction D2 is downward. In this embodiment, "downward" includes not only vertically downward, but also diagonally downward.

[0032] The faucet body 2 is supplied with a beverage D from a beverage server 20. The faucet body 2 pours the beverage D supplied from a barrel 60. The faucet body 2 has a main body portion 21, an attachment portion 22, and a pouring portion .

[0033] The main body 21 forms the main body of the faucet body 2. In this embodiment, the main body 21 has a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the main body 21 is not particularly limited. The main body 21 has a first opposing surface 21a facing the handle portion 4, a first outer surface 21b located on the opposite side of the first opposing surface 21a, and a first side surface 21c connecting the first opposing surface 21a and the first outer surface 21b to each other. In this embodiment, the first opposing surface 21a and the first outer surface 21b have a circular shape. For example, the first opposing surface 21a and the first outer surface 21b are flat surfaces.

[0034] The main body 21 has a first flow path 24 and a second flow path 25. The first flow path 24 extends from a first opening 24a formed in the first opposing surface 21a toward the inside of the faucet body 2. The first opening 24a is formed at a position eccentric to the center of the first opposing surface 21a. The first opening 24a is provided on one side of the perpendicular direction D3 from the center of the main body 21 when viewed from the opposing direction D1. The first opening 24a is formed between the center of the first opposing surface 21a and the first side surface 21c. The first flow path 24 distributes the beverage D supplied from the beverage server 20. In the first flow path 24, the beverage D flows toward the first opening 24a.

[0035] The second flow passage 25 extends from the second opening 25a formed in the first opposing surface 21a toward the inside of the faucet body 2. The second opening 25a is formed at a position eccentric to the center of the first opposing surface 21a. The second opening 25a is provided on one side (lower) in the pouring direction D2 from the center of the main body 21 when viewed from the opposing direction D1. The second opening 25a is formed at a position different from the first opening 24a and between the center of the first opposing surface 21a and the first side surface 21c. The second flow passage 25 distributes the beverage D that has flowed through the first flow passage 24. In the second flow passage 25, the beverage D that has flowed into the second flow passage 25 from the second opening 25a flows in a direction away from the second opening 25a.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25 have a cylindrical shape. For example, the width (thickness) of the first flow path 24 is the same (or approximately the same) as the width of the second flow path 25. The first flow path 24 extends from the first opening 24a along the opposing direction D1, and the second flow path 25 extends from the second opening 25a along the opposing direction D1. For example, the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25 extend parallel to each other. However, the shapes and extending directions of the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25 are not particularly limited.

[0037] When viewed from the opposing direction D1, the direction from the center of the first opposing surface 21a toward the first opening 24a intersects with the direction from the center of the first opposing surface 21a toward the second opening 25a. For example, the angle formed by an imaginary line connecting the center of the first opposing surface 21a and the first opening 24a and an imaginary line connecting the center of the first opposing surface 21a and the second opening 25a is 30° or more and 150° or less (90°, for example).

[0038] The distance from the center of the first opposing surface 21a to the center of the first opening 24a and the distance from the center of the first opposing surface 21a to the center of the second opening 25a are equal to each other. However, the positions where the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a are formed are not particularly limited. For example, when viewed from the opposing direction D1, the shape of the first opening 24a and the shape of the second opening 25a are circular. The diameters of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a are, for example, the same as each other, but may not be the same as each other. The first opening 24a and the second opening 25a are open in the opposing direction D1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the main body 21 has, in addition to the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25, an air flow path 26 extending from an atmosphere vent hole 26a exposed to the outside of the faucet body 2 to the inside of the faucet body 2. For example, the atmosphere vent hole 26a opens upward. The atmosphere vent hole 26a is formed in the first side surface 21c of the main body 21. The air flow path 26 is composed of a third flow path 27 and an external communication passage 28.

[0040] The third flow passage 27 extends from a third opening 27a formed in the first opposing surface 21a toward the inside of the faucet body 2. The third flow passage 27 is formed at a position eccentric to the center of the first opposing surface 21a. The third opening 27a is formed at a position different from the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a in the first opposing surface 21a. The third opening 27a is provided, for example, on the opposite side of the first opening 24a as viewed from the second opening 25a. The third opening 27a is provided below the center of the main body 21. The third opening 27a is aligned with the second opening 25a along the rotation direction described below. The length (depth) of the third flow passage 27 in the opposing direction D1 is shorter than the length of the first flow passage 24 and the second flow passage 25 in the opposing direction D1. In this embodiment, the third flow passage 27 is cylindrical and extends from the third opening 27a in the opposing direction D1. For example, the width (thickness) of the third flow passage 27 is smaller than the width of the first flow passage 24 and smaller than the width of the second flow passage 25. For example, the shape of the third opening 27a is circular when viewed from the opposing direction D1. The diameter of the third opening 27a is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 24a and the diameter of the second opening 25a.

[0041] The external communication passage 28 extends, for example, from the atmosphere vent hole 26a in the pouring direction D2 (downward). For example, when the first opposing surface 21a is circular, the length of the external communication passage 28 is longer than the radius of the first opposing surface 21a. The external communication passage 28 connects the third flow path 27 to the outside of the faucet body 2. One end of the external communication passage 28 communicates with the third flow path 27, and the other end of the external communication passage 28 is opened to the outside of the faucet body 2 as the atmosphere vent hole 26a. In this embodiment, the shape of the external communication passage 28 is cylindrical. For example, the width (thickness) of the external communication passage 28 is the same as the width of the third flow path 27. For example, the diameter of the external communication passage 28 is the same as the diameter of the third opening 27a.

[0042] In this embodiment, the main body 21 has a main body through hole 21p extending in the facing direction D1. The main body through hole 21p extends from the first facing surface 21a to the first outer surface 21b of the main body 21. The main body through hole 21p is located at the center of the main body 21 when viewed from the facing direction D1. For example, the main body through hole 21p has a circular shape when viewed from the facing direction D1. The shape of the main body through hole 21p is such that a fixing member, which will be described later, can be inserted therethrough.

[0043] 4 is an enlarged view of the first opposing surface 21a of the faucet body 2. In this embodiment, the main body 21 has a main body protrusion 21t, a first protrusion 24t, a second protrusion 25t, a third protrusion 27t, and a through-hole protrusion 20t. The main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, the second protrusion 25t, the third protrusion 27t, and the through-hole protrusion 20t each protrude from the first opposing surface 21a in the opposing direction D1. For example, when viewed along the opposing direction D1, the main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, the second protrusion 25t, the third protrusion 27t, and the through-hole protrusion 20t have an annular shape (for example, a circular ring shape).

[0044] The main body protrusion 21t is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the first opposing surface 21a. The first protrusion 24t is provided on the edge of the first opening 24a. The second protrusion 25t is provided on the edge of the second opening 25a. The third protrusion 27t is provided on the edge of the third opening 27a. The through hole protrusion 20t is provided on the edge of the main body through hole 21p. When viewed along the opposing direction D1, the main body protrusion 21t is formed to surround the first opposing surface 21a, the first protrusion 24t is formed to surround the first opening 24a, the second protrusion 25t is formed to surround the second opening 25a, the third protrusion 27t is formed to surround the third opening 27a, and the through hole protrusion 20t is formed to surround the main body through hole 21p.

[0045] For example, the protruding height of the main body protrusion 21t, the protruding height of the first protrusion 24t, the protruding height of the second protrusion 25t, the protruding height of the third protrusion 27t, and the protruding height of the through-hole protrusion 20t are the same as each other. The "protruding height" refers to, for example, the length along the opposing direction D1 from the first opposing surface 21a to the top of each protrusion. The protruding height of the main body protrusion 21t, the protruding height of the first protrusion 24t, the protruding height of the second protrusion 25t, the protruding height of the third protrusion 27t, and the protruding height of the through-hole protrusion 20t are, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. In this embodiment, the protruding height of the main body protrusion 21t, the protruding height of the first protrusion 24t, the protruding height of the second protrusion 25t, the protruding height of the third protrusion 27t, and the protruding height of the through-hole protrusion 20t are the same as the thickness (length in the opposing direction D1) of the low-friction member 5 described later.

[0046] For example, the material of the main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, the second protrusion 25t, the third protrusion 27t, and the through-hole protrusion 20t is the same as the material of the faucet main body 2. Examples of the shapes, protrusion heights, and materials of the main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, the second protrusion 25t, the third protrusion 27t, and the through-hole protrusion 20t have been described above. However, the shapes, protrusion heights, and materials of the main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, the second protrusion 25t, the third protrusion 27t, and the through-hole protrusion 20t are not limited to the above examples.

[0047] 2 and 3, the mounting portion 22 is a portion for mounting the faucet body 2 to the housing 201. The mounting portion 22 protrudes from the main body 21. The mounting portion 22 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The mounting portion 22 extends from the first side surface 21c of the main body 21 in the perpendicular direction D3. The mounting portion 22 has a screw portion 29 that screws into the screw groove of the housing 201. The screw portion 29 of the mounting portion 22 screws into the screw groove of the housing 201, whereby the faucet body 2 is mounted to the housing 201.

[0048] The attachment portion 22 has a supply flow passage 31 therein that communicates with the beverage pipe of the beverage server 20. The beverage D that has flowed through the beverage pipe flows through the supply flow passage 31. For example, the beverage D enters the supply flow passage 31 along the perpendicular direction D3. The supply flow passage 31 extends from the first flow passage 24 in the perpendicular direction D3. For example, the supply flow passage 31 has a cylindrical portion provided inside the screw portion 29 and a reduced diameter portion that extends from the cylindrical portion to the first flow passage 24. The width of the supply flow passage 31 in the cylindrical portion is constant, and the width of the supply flow passage 31 in the reduced diameter portion becomes narrower as it approaches the first flow passage 24. When the faucet 1 is attached to the beverage server 20, one end of the supply flow passage 31 communicates with the beverage pipe of the beverage server 20, and the other end of the supply flow passage 31 communicates with the first flow passage 24.

[0049] The pouring portion 23 has a tubular shape. The pouring portion 23 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The pouring portion 23 pours the beverage D to the outside of the faucet body 2. The pouring portion 23 protrudes downward from the main body 21. That is, the pouring portion 23 extends from the first side surface 21c of the main body 21 in the pouring direction D2. The pouring portion 23 has an internal pouring flow path 32 that communicates with the second flow path 25. The beverage D that has flowed through the second flow path 25 is passed through the pouring flow path 32. The pouring flow path 32 extends from the second flow path 25 in the pouring direction D2. One end of the pouring flow path 32 is open to the outside of the faucet body 2, and the other end of the pouring flow path 32 communicates with the second flow path 25. The beverage D that has passed through the pouring flow path 32 is poured to the outside of the faucet 1, and is poured, for example, into a beverage container C.

[0050] The handle portion 4 is attached to the faucet body 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the faucet body 2. The handle portion 4 is rotatable relative to the faucet body 2 around a rotation axis 6 extending in the facing direction D1. The handle portion 4 has a base portion 41 and a lever 42. In the following description, the direction in which the handle portion 4 rotates around the rotation axis 6 is referred to as the rotation direction. Additionally, the direction away from the rotation axis 6 when viewed from the facing direction D1 is referred to as the outward direction.

[0051] The base portion 41 forms the base of the handle portion 4. In this embodiment, the base portion 41 has a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the base portion 41 is not particularly limited. The base portion 41 has a second opposing surface 41a facing the first opposing surface 21a of the faucet body 2, a second outer surface 41b located on the opposite side of the second opposing surface 41a, and a second side surface 41c connecting the second opposing surface 41a and the second outer surface 41b to each other. In this embodiment, the second opposing surface 41a and the second outer surface 41b have a circular shape. For example, the second opposing surface 41a and the second outer surface 41b are flat surfaces. For example, the diameter of the second opposing surface 41a is the same as the diameter of the first opposing surface 21a.

[0052] The base portion 41 has a circulating portion 43 that allows the beverage D that has flowed in from the first flow path 24 through the first opening 24a to flow to the second opening 25a. In this embodiment, the circulating portion 43 is a groove portion 44 recessed from the second opposing surface 41a. The groove portion 44 extends in an arc shape centered on the center of the second opposing surface 41a when viewed from the opposing direction D1. The groove portion 44 has a width in the outward direction (for example, in the radial direction of the second opposing surface 41a). For example, the width of the groove portion 44 is the same as the diameter of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a.

[0053] In this embodiment, the base portion 41 has a base through-hole 41p extending in the facing direction D1. The base through-hole 41p has, for example, a polygonal portion that has a polygonal shape (a hexagonal shape as an example) when viewed along the facing direction D1, and a circular portion that has a circular shape when viewed along the facing direction D1. The polygonal portion is a portion that is recessed from the second outer surface 41b along the facing direction D1, and the circular portion is a portion that is recessed from the second facing surface 41a along the facing direction D1. The polygonal portion and the circular portion communicate with each other inside the base portion 41. The circular portion extends from the polygonal portion to the second facing surface 41a. The diameter of the base through-hole 41p in the circular portion is constant.

[0054] The shape of the base through hole 41p is, for example, a shape into which a fixing member described later can be inserted. The shape of the base through hole 41p is, for example, different from the shape of the main body through hole 21p. The base through hole 41p reaches from the second opposing surface 41a to the second outer surface 41b of the base part 41. The base through hole 41p is located at the center of the base part 41 when viewed from the opposing direction D1.

[0055] The lever 42 is, for example, a part that is held by the user's hand. In this embodiment, the lever 42 is a rod-shaped member. As an example, the lever 42 has a round rod shape. For example, the thickness of the lever 42 increases with increasing distance from the base portion 41. The lever 42 extends outward from the second side surface 41c of the base portion 41. For example, when the lever 42 is moved in the rotation direction while being held by the user's hand, the handle portion 4 rotates around the rotation axis 6 relative to the faucet body 2.

[0056] The low-friction member 5 is disposed between the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a. The low-friction member 5 is made of a material having a smaller friction coefficient than the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a. In this embodiment, the low-friction member 5 is formed by subjecting a resin plate to a fluororesin treatment (as an example, a treatment for forming a polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the surface of a resin plate). As an example, the low-friction member 5 may contain rubber.

[0057] The low-friction member 5 has, for example, a disk shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the low-friction member 5 is fitted to the inside of the annular main body protrusion 21t. The low-friction member 5 has a first surface 5a facing the faucet main body 2 and a second surface 5b located on the opposite side of the first surface 5a as viewed from the facing direction D1. The second surface 5b faces the handle portion 4. In this embodiment, the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b are flat surfaces having a circular shape. The diameters of the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b are smaller than the diameters of the first facing surface 21a and the second facing surface 41a, for example. The diameters of the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b are the same as the inner diameter of the main body protrusion 21t, for example. The first surface 5a is a surface that contacts the first facing surface 21a, and the second surface 5b is a surface that contacts the second facing surface 41a.

[0058] In this embodiment, the low friction member 5 has a first through hole 51, a second through hole 52, and a third through hole 53. The first through hole 51, the second through hole 52, and the third through hole 53 extend from the first surface 5a to the second surface 5b of the low friction member 5. For example, the shape of the first through hole 51 matches the shape of the first opening 24a. The diameter of the first through hole 51 is larger than the diameter of the first opening 24a. The diameter of the first through hole 51 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the first protrusion 24t. The first through hole 51 is fitted with the first protrusion 24t of the main body 21. The first through hole 51 communicates with the first flow path 24. The first through hole 51 communicates with the first flow path 24 and the circulating portion 43 in a pouring state in which the beverage D is poured.

[0059] The shape of the second through hole 52, for example, matches the shape of the second opening 25a. The diameter of the second through hole 52 is larger than the diameter of the second opening 25a. The diameter of the second through hole 52 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the second protrusion 25t. The second protrusion 25t of the main body 21 is fitted into the second through hole 52. The second through hole 52 communicates with the second flow path 25 and the circulating part 43 in both the pouring state and the closed state in which the pouring of the beverage D is stopped. The shape of the third through hole 53, for example, matches the shape of the third opening 27a. The diameter of the third through hole 53 is larger than the diameter of the third opening 27a. The diameter of the third through hole 53 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the third protrusion 27t. The third through hole 53 is fitted into the third through hole 53. The third through hole 53 communicates with the third flow path 27. The third through hole 53 communicates with the third flow path 27 and the flow portion 43 in the closed state.

[0060] The low-friction member 5 has a low-friction member through hole 5p that extends from the first surface 5a to the second surface 5b of the low-friction member 5. The low-friction member through hole 5p is located at the center of the low-friction member 5 when viewed from the facing direction D1. The diameter of the low-friction member through hole 5p is larger than the diameter of the main body through hole 21p. The diameter of the low-friction member through hole 5p is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the through-hole protrusion 20t. The through-hole protrusion 20t of the main body 21 is fitted into the low-friction member through hole 5p.

[0061] In this embodiment, the faucet body 2, the low friction member 5, and the handle portion 4 are arranged in this order in the facing direction D1 and are fixed by a fixing member (not shown). The fixing member fixes the faucet body 2, the low friction member 5, and the handle portion 4 in the facing direction D1. The fixing member is, for example, a bolt and a nut (not shown). In this case, the threaded portion of the bolt is inserted into the base through hole 41p, the low friction member through hole 5p, and the body through hole 21p, and the head of the bolt enters the polygonal portion of the base through hole 41p, and the threaded portion of the bolt protruding from the faucet body 2 (body portion 21) is fastened to the nut. In this case, the faucet 1 can be disassembled into the faucet body 2, the low friction member 5, and the handle portion 4 by removing the nut from the bolt. However, the fixing member is not limited to the above-mentioned bolt and nut, and the type of the fixing member is not particularly limited.

[0062] FIG. 5(a) is a side view showing the faucet 1 in the pouring state. FIG. 5(b) is a side view showing the faucet 1 in the closed state. FIG. 6(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, and the circulating portion 43 in the pouring state. FIG. 6(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first flow path 24, the second flow path 25, and the circulating portion 43 in the closed state. Note that the main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, and the second protrusion 25t are omitted from FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 6(a), and 6(b). The handle portion 4 rotates (moves in the rotation direction) relative to the faucet body 2, allowing the faucet 1 to transition between the pouring state and the closed state. More specifically, when the user pulls lever 42 toward the front (to the left in FIG. 5(a)), first flow path 24, circulation section 43 and second flow path 25 become connected and transition to the pouring state, and when the user pushes lever 42 toward the back (to the right in FIG. 5(b)), first flow path 24, circulation section 43 and second flow path 25 become disconnected and transition to the closed state.

[0063] First, the faucet 1 in the pouring state will be described. As shown in Figures 5(a) and 6(a), in the pouring state, both the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a overlap (communicate) with the flow passage portion 43. At this time, the third opening 27a does not overlap with the flow passage portion 43 and faces the second opposing surface 41a. In the pouring state, the groove portion 44 communicates with both the first flow passage 24 and the second flow passage 25.

[0064] In the dispensing state, beverage D contained in beverage server 20 flows into first flow path 24 through supply flow path 31. Beverage D flowing through first flow path 24 flows into groove portion 44 via first opening 24a and first through hole 51. Beverage D flows in groove portion 44 toward second opening 25a along the rotation direction, and flows into second flow path 25 via second through hole 52 and second opening 25a. Beverage D flowing through second flow path 25 flows into dispensing flow path 32. Beverage D flowing through dispensing flow path 32 is dispensed outside faucet body 2.

[0065] Next, the faucet 1 in the closed state will be described. As shown in Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 6(b), in the closed state, both the second opening 25a and the third opening 27a overlap with the circulating portion 43 when viewed from the opposing direction D1. The first opening 24a does not overlap with the circulating portion 43 when viewed from the opposing direction D1, and faces the second opposing surface 41a. The air flow path 26 communicates with the second flow path 25 via the circulating portion 43. In this embodiment, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 overlaps with the second opening 25a when viewed from the opposing direction D1. The "lower end" is, for example, the lowest end in the vertical direction. The lower end 44a is one end of the groove portion 44 in the pouring direction D2. In the closed state, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 overlaps with the second opening 25a when viewed from the opposing direction D1, so that when the faucet is closed, the beverage D remaining in the groove portion 44 moves from the groove portion 44 to the second flow path 25 and the pouring portion 23 and is discharged outside the faucet 1.

[0066] In the closed state, at least one of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a faces the second opposing surface 41a, and the pouring of the beverage D is stopped. In this embodiment, in the closed state, the first opening 24a faces the second opposing surface 41a.

[0067] In the closed state, beverage D that has entered first flow path 24 is blocked by second opposing surface 41a and does not flow into circulation portion 43. This stops the pouring of beverage D. In addition, groove portion 44 is open to the outside of faucet body 2 via air flow path 26. As a result, air outside faucet body 2 flows into groove portion 44 via air flow path 26.

[0068] Next, the effects of the faucet 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the handle portion 4 rotates relative to the faucet body 2 around a rotation axis 6 extending in the opposing direction D1. The first opening 24a and the second opening 25a are formed on the first opposing surface 21a that opposes the handle portion 4. This allows the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a to be formed closer to the rotation axis 6 than when they are formed on the first side surface 21c (outer peripheral surface) of the faucet body 2 that extends in the rotation direction.

[0069] Since the distance from each of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a to the rotation shaft 6 is short, the distance of relative movement of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a with respect to the handle part 4 when the handle part 4 is rotated can be shortened. In other words, the amount of relative movement of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a when the handle part 4 is rotated can be reduced. Therefore, even with long-term use, wear around the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a can be suppressed. Since the periphery of the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a on the first opposing surface 21a is less likely to wear, the flow of the beverage D can be kept normal even with long-term use.

[0070] In the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the faucet body 2, low-friction member 5, and handle portion 4 are fixed by a fixing member while being arranged in the opposing direction D1. As described above, when the fixing member is a bolt and a nut, the faucet 1 can be disassembled into each of the faucet body 2, low-friction member 5, and handle portion 4 by removing the nut from the bolt. In this case, the faucet 1 can be easily cleaned, improving maintainability.

[0071] For example, a swing faucet is known as a faucet for pouring beverage D contained in beverage server 20. As an example, a swing faucet includes a cone member having a cone shape and a fitting member into which the cone member is fitted. When fitted into the fitting member, the cone member is rotatable relative to the fitting member around a rotation axis that extends in a fitting direction, which is a direction in which the cone member is fitted into the fitting member.

[0072] For example, the conical member has a tapered surface that narrows from one end side to the other end side in the fitting direction, a supply flow path that extends from an opening formed in the tapered surface toward the inside of the conical member, and a pouring flow path that communicates with the supply flow path inside the conical member and pours the beverage to the outside of the swing faucet. The opening formed in the tapered surface opens in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the rotation axis extends (the fitting direction). The fitting member has an inner peripheral surface that is a curved surface that has a shape corresponding to the tapered surface of the conical member, and a through hole formed in the inner peripheral surface that communicates with a beverage pipe of the beverage server.

[0073] In the above-mentioned swing faucet, in the pouring state, the supply flow path communicates with the through hole to allow the beverage to flow from the beverage pipe to the pouring flow path. In the closed state, the opening of the supply flow path faces the inner peripheral surface of the fitting member, and the pouring of the beverage is stopped. Therefore, when pouring the beverage, it is necessary to align the position of the opening formed in the tapered surface of the conical member with the position of the through hole formed in the inner peripheral surface of the fitting member by grinding the tapered surface and the curved inner peripheral surface against each other. Furthermore, if the tapered surface or the inner peripheral surface wears, a hole misalignment is likely to occur between the opening of the supply flow path and the through hole. For the above reasons, the above-mentioned swing faucet can be difficult to operate.

[0074] Unlike the swing faucet described above, in the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the first opening 24a and the second opening 25a are formed in the first opposing surface 21a, and the flow section 43 (groove section 44) is formed in the second opposing surface 41a. In addition, the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a are both flat surfaces. This allows the first opening 24a and the flow section 43, and the second opening 25a and the flow section 43 to easily communicate with each other by rubbing the flat surfaces together. This allows the faucet 1 to be easily operated.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first flow passage 24 extends from the first opening 24a in the opposing direction D1. The second flow passage 25 extends from the second opening 25a in the opposing direction D1. The handle portion 4 faces the faucet body 2 in the opposing direction D1 and rotates around a rotation axis 6 extending in the opposing direction D1. Therefore, when the handle portion 4 rotates relative to the faucet body 2, the first opposing surface 21a wears in the rotation direction, which can cause the first flow passage 24 and the second flow passage 25 to be worn down in the opposing direction D1.

[0076] As described above, when the first flow path 24 extends from the first opening 24a in the opposing direction D1 and the second flow path 25 extends from the second opening 25a in the opposing direction D1, even if the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25 are worn down in the opposing direction D1, the shape and positional relationship of the first opening 24a, the second opening 25a, and the flow section 43 when viewed from the opposing direction D1 is unlikely to change. This makes it difficult for hole misalignment to occur between the first opening 24a and the flow section 43, and between the second opening 25a and the flow section 43, so that the flow of beverage can be kept more normal even with long-term use.

[0077] In this embodiment, the main body 21 has a main body protrusion 21t, and the low friction member 5 is fitted inside the main body protrusion 21t. As a result, the low friction member 5 is held inside the main body protrusion 21t, so that the low friction member 5 can be prevented from being displaced relative to the faucet body 2 in a direction intersecting the facing direction D1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 21 has a first protrusion 24t, a second protrusion 25t, a third protrusion 27t, and a through hole protrusion 20t. The first protrusion 24t is fitted into the first through hole 51, and the second protrusion 25t is fitted into the second through hole 52. The third protrusion 27t is fitted into the third through hole 53, and the through hole protrusion 20t is fitted into the low friction member through hole 5p. As a result, when the handle portion 4 is rotated relative to the faucet body 2, the low friction member 5 can be prevented from being displaced in the rotation direction relative to the faucet body 2.

[0078] In this embodiment, the circulating portion 43 is a groove portion 44 recessed from the second opposing surface 41a. In the pouring state, the groove portion 44 communicates with both the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25. Since the circulating portion 43 is the groove portion 44 recessed from the second opposing surface 41a, the circulating portion 43 can be easily cleaned, and maintainability can be improved.

[0079] 7 is a schematic side view showing the faucet 1 in the closed state. In this embodiment, in the closed state, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 when viewed from the facing direction D1 overlaps with the second opening 25a. As described above, when the position of the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 overlaps with the second opening 25a in the closed state, the beverage D accumulated in the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 flows out through the second opening 25a into the second flow path 25 and is discharged from the spout portion 23 to the outside of the faucet 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the beverage D from accumulating in the groove portion 44 in the closed state.

[0080] 8 is a schematic side view showing a faucet 1A according to a reference example in a closed state. The faucet 1A differs from the faucet 1 in that it has a linear groove 44A instead of the groove 44. The groove 44A extends linearly when viewed from the facing direction D1. In the pouring state, the groove 44A extends linearly from the first opening 24a to the second opening 25a.

[0081] In the faucet 1A, in the closed state, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44A does not overlap with the second opening 25a when viewed from the facing direction D1. When the faucet 1A transitions from the pouring state to the closed state, the supply of beverage D from the first flow path 24 to the groove portion 44A is stopped, and the beverage D remaining in the groove portion 44A flows into the second flow path 25 via the second opening 25a. However, when the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44A does not overlap with the second opening 25a, some of the beverage D remaining in the groove portion 44A may accumulate at the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44A. In contrast, in the faucet 1 of this embodiment, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 when viewed from the opposing direction D1 overlaps with the second opening 25a (the lower end 44a of the groove portion 44 is connected to the second flow path 25), so that the beverage D moves from the groove portion 44 to the second flow path 25, thereby preventing the beverage D from accumulating in the groove portion 44 when in the closed state.

[0082] In this embodiment, the groove 44 extends in an arc shape centered on the center of the second opposing surface 41a when viewed from the opposing direction D1. When the handle portion 4 rotates relative to the faucet body 2, the second opposing surface 41a is likely to wear in the rotation direction. Because the groove 44 extends in an arc shape centered on the center of the second opposing surface 41a, the extension direction of the groove 44 can be aligned with the direction in which the second opposing surface 41a is likely to wear.

[0083] For example, if the extension direction of the groove 44 and the direction in which the second opposing surface 41a wears do not coincide with each other, many parts of the periphery of the groove 44 will be rubbed when the handle 4 is rotated. In contrast, in the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the extension direction of the groove 44 coincides with the rotation direction (the direction in which the second opposing surface 41a is easily worn), so that when the handle 4 is rotated, only both end portions of the periphery of the groove 44 in the rotation direction of the groove 44 wear, and the other portions are not easily worn. As described above, in the faucet 1 according to this embodiment, the groove 44 extends in an arc shape along the rotation direction, which is the direction in which wear is easily caused, so that wear of the portion of the outer edge of the groove 44 along the rotation direction can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the faucet 1 is used for a long time, the flow of the beverage D can be maintained more normally.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the groove 44 extends in an arc shape centered on the center of the second opposing surface 41a when viewed from the opposing direction D1, and in the closed state, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove 44 overlaps with the second opening 25a when viewed from the opposing direction D1. Since the groove 44 extends in an arc shape, the distance from the center of the second opposing surface 41a to the outer end (the radially outer end) of the groove 44, which is the lower end 44a of the groove 44, can be made constant along the rotation direction. As a result, not only in the closed state but also in the process of the faucet 1 transitioning from the pouring state to the closed state, the position of the lower end 44a of the groove 44 overlaps with the second opening 25a, so that the beverage D can easily move from the groove 44 to the second flow path 25. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the beverage D from accumulating in the groove 44.

[0085] In this embodiment, the faucet body 2 has an air flow path 26 that extends from an atmosphere vent hole 26a exposed to the outside of the faucet body 2 to the inside of the faucet body 2. In the closed state, the air flow path 26 communicates with the second flow path 25 via the circulation section 43. As a result, in the closed state, the circulation section 43 is opened to the outside of the faucet body 2 via the air flow path 26. As a result, in the closed state, air outside the faucet body 2 flows into the circulation section 43 from the atmosphere vent hole 26a. As a result, the beverage D in the circulation section 43 is pushed out by atmospheric pressure into the second flow path 25 and discharged to the outside of the faucet 1 from the pouring section 23, thereby preventing the beverage D from accumulating in the circulation section 43 in the closed state.

[0086] 5(a), in the pouring state, the third opening 27a faces the second opposing surface 41a, and the air flow path 26 is isolated from the circulating portion 43. As a result, in the pouring state, the beverage D that has circulated through the circulating portion 43 does not reach the third opening 27a, and therefore, the beverage D can be prevented from entering the air flow path 26.

[0087] In this embodiment, the faucet 1 further includes a low-friction member 5 that is disposed between the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a and is made of a material having a smaller friction coefficient than the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a. The low-friction member 5 has a first through hole 51 that communicates with the first flow path 24 and the circulating portion 43, and a second through hole 52 that communicates with the second flow path 25 and the circulating portion 43.

[0088] As a result, the low-friction member 5 is interposed between the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a, thereby reducing friction when the handle portion 4 rotates relative to the faucet body 2. As a result, wear of the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a can be suppressed.

[0089] In this embodiment, the low-friction member 5 is formed by subjecting a resin plate to a fluororesin treatment. As described above, the low-friction member 5 may contain rubber. In this case, the low-friction member 5 is interposed between the first opposing surface 21a and the second opposing surface 41a, thereby more reliably preventing liquid leakage and suppressing leakage of the beverage D to the outside of the faucet 1 between the first opening 24a and the flow section 43 and between the second opening 25a and the flow section 43.

[0090] The above describes the embodiment of the karan according to the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the circulating portion 43 is the groove portion 44 recessed from the second opposing surface 41a. However, the circulating portion does not have to be the groove portion 44, and may be any portion that communicates with both the first flow path 24 and the second flow path 25 in the pouring state and allows the beverage D to flow from the first flow path 24 to the second flow path 25. As an example, the circulating portion may have a beverage inlet facing the first opening 24a, a beverage outlet facing the second opening 25a, and an internal flow path extending from the beverage inlet through the inside of the handle portion to the beverage outlet.

[0092] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the faucet body 2 has the spout portion 23 that spouts the beverage D to the outside of the faucet body 2. However, as an example, the handle portion 4 may have the spout portion.

[0093] In the above embodiment, an example in which the main body 21 has a protrusion has been described. However, the main body 21 of the faucet main body 2 may not have at least one of the main body protrusion 21t, the first protrusion 24t, the second protrusion 25t, the third protrusion 27t, and the through-hole protrusion 20t. Furthermore, the base 41 of the handle 4 may have at least one of a protrusion into which the low-friction member 5 is fitted, a protrusion that fits into the first through-hole 51, a protrusion that fits into the second through-hole 52, a protrusion that fits into the third through-hole, and a protrusion that fits into the low-friction member through-hole 5p. Furthermore, the low-friction member 5 may have a groove through-hole that matches the shape of the groove 44. The groove through-hole has a width in the aforementioned outward direction. The width of the groove through-hole may be larger than the width of the groove 44. For example, a protrusion of the base 41 may be fitted into the groove through-hole. In this case, when the handle portion 4 rotates relative to the faucet body 2 , the low-friction member 5 rotates together with the handle portion 4 relative to the faucet body 2 .

[0094] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the low-friction member 5 is formed by subjecting a resin plate to a fluororesin treatment. However, the material of the low-friction member 5 may be a material other than resin, and is not particularly limited. The low-friction member 5 may not be plate-shaped, and the shape of the low-friction member 5 is also not particularly limited. Furthermore, the low-friction member 5 may be a faucet that does not have a low-friction member 5.

[0095] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the faucet body 2 and the handle portion 4 are arranged in the opposing direction D1 and secured by the fixing member. However, various methods other than the above-mentioned method using the fixing member can be used to secure the faucet body 2 and the handle portion 4 in the opposing direction D1.

[0096] As an example, the faucet body 2 may have either a first recess or a first protrusion, and the handle portion 4 may have either a second protrusion or a second recess that fits into either the first recess or the first protrusion. That is, the faucet body 2 and the handle portion 4 may be fixed to each other by a protrusion-recess fit. In this case, the above-mentioned fixing member may be unnecessary.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the beverage providing device 10 including the cylinder 30, the pressure reducing valve 40, the carbon dioxide hose 50, the barrel 60, the head 70, the hose 80, and the beverage server 20 has been described as an example. However, the configuration of the beverage providing device is not limited to the above example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the beverage providing device may not include at least any of the cylinder 30, the pressure reducing valve 40, the carbon dioxide hose 50, the barrel 60, the head 70, and the hose 80.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the beverage server 20 is described that includes the housing 201, the cradle 202, the beverage pipe, and the cooling device. However, the configuration of the beverage server is not limited to the above-described configuration of the beverage server 20 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the beverage server may not include at least one of the cradle 202 and the cooling device.

[0099] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the beverage D is a sparkling beverage, and the sparkling beverage is beer. However, the kalan according to the present disclosure is also applicable to sparkling beverages other than beer and beverages other than sparkling beverages. As a specific example, the beverage may be a sparkling beer, non-alcoholic beer, chuhai, sour, highball, RTD (Ready To Drink), cola, soda, cider, or the like, which has a foam retention property. The beverage may also be a liquid that does not have a foam retention property. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100]

[0033] 1...faucet, 2...faucet body, 4...handle portion, 5...low friction member, 5a...first surface, 5b...second surface, 5p...low friction member through hole, 6...rotating shaft, 10...beverage serving device, 20...beverage server, 20t...through hole protrusion, 21...main body portion, 21a...first opposing surface, 21b...first outer surface, 21c...first side, 21p...main body through hole, 21t...main body protrusion, 22...mounting portion, 23...pouring portion, 24...first flow path, 24a...first opening, 24t...first protrusion, 25...second flow path, 25a...second opening, 25t...second protrusion, 26...air flow path, 26a...atmospheric vent hole, 27...third flow path, 27a...third opening, 27t...third protrusion, 28...external communication path , 29...screw-fitting portion, 30...cylinder, 31...supply flow path, 32...extraction flow path, 40...pressure reducing valve, 41...base portion, 41a...second opposing surface, 41b...second outer surface, 41c...second side, 41p...base through hole, 42...lever, 43...flow portion, 44...groove portion, 44a...lower end, 50...carbon dioxide hose, 51...first through hole, 52...second through hole, 53...third through hole, 60...barrel, 70...head, 80...hose, 201...housing, 201a...front, 201b...side, 202...receiving base, 701...operating handle, 702...gas fitting, 703...beverage fitting, C...beverage container, D...beverage, D1...opposing direction, D2...extraction direction, D3...orthogonal direction, G...carbon dioxide.

Claims

1. A faucet for dispensing a beverage contained in a beverage server, A faucet body through which the beverage is dispensed from the beverage server; A handle portion is attached to the faucet body so as to be rotatable relative to the faucet body around a rotation axis extending in a direction opposite to the faucet body, The handle portion is pivotable relative to the faucet body to transition between a pouring state in which the beverage is poured and a closed state in which the pouring of the beverage is stopped, The faucet body is A first opposing surface opposing the handle portion; a first flow path for circulating the beverage supplied from the beverage server and extending from a first opening formed in the first opposing surface toward an inside of the faucet body; a second flow path for allowing the beverage that has flowed through the first flow path to flow and extending from a second opening formed in the first opposing surface toward an inside of the faucet body, The handle portion is a second opposing surface opposed to the first opposing surface; a circulating portion that circulates the beverage that has flowed in from the first flow path through the first opening to the second opening, In the pouring state, the circulating portion communicates with both the first flow path and the second flow path to circulate the beverage from the first flow path to the second flow path, In the closed state, at least one of the first opening and the second opening faces the second opposing surface, and the pouring of the beverage is stopped. Clang.

2. The first flow path extends from the first opening in the opposing direction, The second flow path extends from the second opening in the opposing direction. The karan according to claim 1.

3. The flow portion is a groove portion recessed from the second opposing surface, The groove portion communicates with both the first flow path and the second flow path in the pouring state. The karan according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the closed state, a position of a lower end of the groove portion when viewed from the opposing direction overlaps with the second opening. The karan according to claim 3.

5. The groove portion extends in an arc shape centered on a center of the second opposing surface when viewed from the opposing direction. The karan according to claim 3.

6. The faucet body has an air flow passage extending from an atmosphere vent hole exposed to the outside of the faucet body to the inside of the faucet body, The air flow path communicates with the second flow path via the circulation portion in the closed state. The karan according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A low-friction member is disposed between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface and is made of a material having a smaller friction coefficient than the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface. The low friction member is a first through hole communicating with the first flow path and the circulating portion; A second through hole communicating with the second flow path and the circulating portion. The karan according to claim 1 or 2.

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