water filter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water filter and a home appliance equipped with a water filter. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention is a water filter that is detachably coupled to a head connected to a water source, the water filter comprising: a housing having an upper opening that opens upward; a filter cover provided on the housing that shields the upper opening and has an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out; a filter member housed in the housing for water purification; and a seal provided between the housing and the filter cover that airtightly seals the space between the housing and the filter cover when the housing rotates, wherein the housing rotates relative to the filter cover and the filter member when coupled to the head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water filter (WATER FILTER).

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a filter device can include a head provided on a flow path through which water flows, and a filter detachably coupled to the head and having a filter member for purifying water installed therein. Depending on the type of the filter member, the filter device can have various water purification performances, and the filter device may be configured by a combination of a plurality of filters having different types of filter members.

[0003] And such a filter device needs to be periodically replaced in order to maintain the water purification performance, and is configured to have a structure that is easy to replace, so that a user can easily replace it at a desired time.

[0004] On the other hand, the filter device can have a structure that is convenient for attachment and separation, and in particular, various structures have been developed in which incorrect attachment is prevented and accurate attachment can be achieved by the coupling structure between the head and the filter.

[0005] And, a filter device has been developed in which, in the process of detaching the filter from the head, the internal flow path of the head is switched by the rotation of the filter so that there is no leakage even when the filter is separated.

[0006] However, such a filter device has a problem that the internal flow path structure of the head for switching the flow path is complicated. And, when the switching of the flow path is repeatedly performed, there is a problem that the durability of the head is reduced and leakage occurs thereby.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a water filter that ensures accurate installation.

[0008] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a water filter that can prevent leakage.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a water filter that facilitates the identification and alignment of filters, thereby improving ease of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A water filter according to an embodiment of the present invention is a water filter that is detachably coupled to a head connected to a water source, the water filter includes a housing having an upper opening that opens upward, a filter cover provided on the housing that shields the upper opening and has an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out, a filter member housed in the housing for water purification, and a seal provided between the housing and the filter cover that airtightly seals the space between the housing and the filter cover when the housing rotates, the housing can rotate relative to the filter cover and the filter member when coupled to the head.

[0011] The housing includes an upper housing that forms the upper part of the housing and in which the upper opening is formed, and a lower housing that is coupled to the lower part of the upper housing and forms the lower part of the housing, and guide protrusions that are rotatably coupled to the head may be formed around the upper housing.

[0012] The upper housing includes a lower part coupled to the lower housing and an upper part forming the upper part of the upper housing and inserted into the inside of the head, the guide projection protrudes from the outer surface of the upper part, and the upper opening may open upward from the inside of the upper part.

[0013] The water inlet and outlet may protrude to a height lower than the upper end of the upper part.

[0014] An upper supporter is provided at the upper end of the filter member, connecting the filter member and the filter cover, and the housing may rotate around the center of the filter member and the upper supporter.

[0015] The upper supporter has a filter nipple that protrudes to communicate with a hollow space that penetrates the filter member, and the filter nipple can form a flow path between the filter member and the filter cover.

[0016] The housing has a projection that protrudes toward the center of the housing to form the upper opening, and the filter cover is formed to have a step along the perimeter of the filter cover and includes a stepped portion located below the projection, and the seal may be located between the projection and the stepped portion.

[0017] The protruding portion may have a limiting projection that protrudes downward, and the filter cover may have a limiting groove that is recessed along the periphery of the filter cover into which the limiting projection is inserted, and the limiting groove may be formed to contact the limiting projection when the housing starts and stops rotating.

[0018] The filter cover may have a plurality of contact protrusions that project upward and contact the lower part of the protrusion, thereby partially separating the filter cover from the housing.

[0019] Support projections may protrude from the inner surface of the housing to support the filter cover from its lower end, and recessed grooves may be formed around the filter cover through which the support projections pass.

[0020] The water filter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a filter member for purifying water, a housing that houses the filter member and has an upper opening formed at an upper portion thereof, and a filter cover that is rotatably provided with respect to the housing and shields the upper opening. The filter cover has a water inlet portion that protrudes upward and through which water flows in, and a water outlet portion through which water flows out. The water inlet portion and the water outlet portion may be formed such that at least a part of the entire vertical length has an elliptical cross-section and may be aligned with a directionality.

[0021] The water inlet portion may be rotationally arranged by a set angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the water outlet portion.

[0022] When viewed from above, the water inlet portion and the water outlet portion may extend in a direction in which the major axis of the water inlet portion and the major axis of the water outlet portion intersect each other.

[0023] The water inlet portion may be arranged such that the major axis extends in the front-rear direction, and the water outlet portion may be arranged such that the major axis extends in the left-right direction.

[0024] The housing is formed with guide protrusions that rotate when the water filter is mounted and are coupled to a head. The guide protrusions may be arranged on both sides with respect to the filter cover.

[0025] The water inlet portion and the water outlet portion may be arranged between the guide protrusions arranged on both sides.

[0026] The guide protrusions, the water inlet portion, and the water outlet portion may be aligned on the same extension line.

[0027] Before the filter is mounted, the guide protrusions, the water inlet portion, and the water outlet portion are aligned on the same extension line. After the filter is mounted, the housing may rotate and the guide protrusions may be moved in a direction intersecting the water inlet portion and the water outlet portion.

[0028] On the inner surface of the housing, a marker may be formed on the same extension line as the water inlet portion and the water outlet portion, for checking the alignment of the filter cover.

[0029] An inlet partition portion for partitioning the internal flow path of the water inlet portion may be formed at the upper end of the water inlet portion.

[0030] And the water filter according to an embodiment of the present invention is a water filter detachably coupled to a head connected to a water supply source, the water filter is coupled to the head by rotation, and includes a housing having an upper opening formed therein, a filter member for purifying water accommodated inside the housing, a filter cover for shielding the upper opening and relatively rotating within the housing, and a seal for making the space between the housing and the filter cover airtight. The filter cover has a water inlet portion protruding upward so as to be inserted into the head and through which water flows in, and a water outlet portion through which water flows out. When the housing rotates so that the filter is mounted on the head, the water inlet portion and the water outlet portion may be moved upward while maintaining a fixed state.

[0031] The water inlet portion and the water outlet portion are formed with a seal portion having an elliptical cross-sectional shape at least partially in the vertical protruding direction, and the seal portion can contact the inner surface of the head by upward movement of the water inlet portion and the water outlet portion.

[0032] The water inlet portion and the water outlet portion may be arranged such that the elliptical cross-sections face in different directions from each other.

[0033] The water inlet portion and the water outlet portion may be inserted into inlet holes and outlet holes opened in an elliptical shape corresponding to each other in the head.

[0034] The housing may be rotated with respect to the filter cover in a state where the water inlet portion and the water outlet portion are inserted into and fixed to the head.

[0035] The filter cover has a rotating projection that protrudes upward, and the head has a rotating groove into which the rotating projection is inserted. When the filter is mounted on the head, the rotating projection may be moved linearly upward and inserted into the rotating groove.

[0036] The rotating projection may protrude between the separated water inlet and outlet sections.

[0037] The filter cover has a sensing member that protrudes upward,

[0038] The head is provided with a sensing hole into which the sensing member is inserted, and a filter sensing device positioned at a location corresponding to the sensing hole for sensing the sensing member.

[0039] When the filter is attached to the head, the sensing member may be moved linearly upward and inserted into the sensing hole.

[0040] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, a head provided in the cabinet and connected to a water source, and a water filter detachable from the head, wherein the water filter includes a housing with an upper opening that opens upward, a filter cover provided in the housing that shields the upper opening and has an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out, a filter member housed in the housing for water purification, and a seal provided between the housing and the filter cover that airtightly seals the space between the housing and the filter cover when the housing rotates, wherein the housing can rotate relative to the filter cover and the filter member when coupled with the head.

[0041] The water inlet and outlet may be formed to have an elliptical cross-section when viewed from above, and may be aligned in a directional manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] The water filter and the home appliance equipped with the water filter according to the embodiment of the present invention have the following effects.

[0043] The housing has a structure in which first guide protrusions and second guide protrusions, positioned on both the left and right sides, are inserted into corresponding first and second guides. Therefore, incorrect installation of the filter can be prevented.

[0044] Furthermore, since the water inlet and outlet sections, which have an elliptical cross-sectional shape and are exposed on the upper surface of the filter, are positioned facing in different directions from each other, the installation direction can be confirmed, thereby further preventing incorrect installation of the filter.

[0045] This prevents incorrect installation of filters, ensuring the valve's functionality and improving ease of use.

[0046] Furthermore, by visually confirming that the marker or guide projection, the water inlet, and the water outlet are aligned before the filter is installed, the correct alignment of the filter cover can be confirmed, which has the advantage of preventing incorrect installation of the filter.

[0047] In particular, due to the characteristics of the filter structure in which the housing rotates relative to the filter, the alignment of the filter cover may be impaired. However, this design makes it easy for the user to visually check for this and then realign and confirm the cover, thus improving ease of use.

[0048] Furthermore, there is the advantage that water can be supplied to the filter when the valve is opened while the filter is fully inserted, and leakage can be prevented by closing the valve when the filter is removed.

[0049] Furthermore, a seal is provided between the housing and the filter cover, which is pressurized by the pressure inside the filter to create a tighter seal, thus effectively preventing leakage in filters with a structure in which the housing rotates relative to the filter.

[0050] Furthermore, by forming the cross-sections of the water inlet and outlet sections into an elliptical shape, and having a structure in which the major axes extend in directions that intersect each other, it is possible to further prevent the flow of the filter from occurring in the rotational torque when the filter is coupled.

[0051] Furthermore, the protruding water inlet and outlet sections can be made stronger against external impacts, and in particular, the orientation of the cross-sections of the water inlet and outlet sections allows for recognition of the filter's mounting direction and visualization of its alignment, thus further improving ease of use.

[0052] Furthermore, the head, which is coupled to the filter, has a structure in which the portion connected to the water inlet and outlet of the filter does not rotate, while the housing and filter cover of the filter rotate.

[0053] Therefore, the internal structure of the head has the advantage of being simplified, and by omitting rotating and flowing structures, damage to the head is prevented even when the head is used for a long period of time, and the possibility of leakage in the head is eliminated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the flow path structure for water supply to the refrigerator. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the filter coupled to the head. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the filter separated from the head. [Figure 5]This is an exploded perspective view of the aforementioned head. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the head as seen from below. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the aforementioned head from the rear. [Figure 8] This is a bottom view of the head. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of line 9-9 in Figure 4. [Figure 10] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the 10-10 incision. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view of a valve, which is one component of the aforementioned head. [Figure 12] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the 12-12 incision. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of line 13-13 in Figure 12. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the filter's breakdown. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of the aforementioned filter. [Figure 16] This is a side view of the top of the aforementioned filter, seen from one side. [Figure 17] This is a side view of the top of the aforementioned filter, seen from another side. [Figure 18] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the 18-18 incision. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the filter cover of the aforementioned filter. [Figure 20] This is a side view of the filter cover. [Figure 21] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the 21-21 incision. [Figure 22] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the 22-22 incision. [Figure 23] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the upper housing and filter cover joined together. [Figure 24] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the 25-25 incision. [Figure 26] This is an exploded perspective view from one side of the filters aligned for coupling. [Figure 27]This is an exploded perspective view of the filters aligned for coupling, viewed from another side. [Figure 28] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the head and filter separated. [Figure 29] This figure shows the state in which the filter has been started to be inserted into the head. [Figure 30] This is a cross-sectional view of line 30-30 in Figure 29. [Figure 31] This figure shows the filter inserted into the head and rotated at a set angle. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view taken from line 32-32 in Figure 31. [Figure 33] This is a front view showing the filter after it has been fully coupled to the head. [Figure 34] This is a rear view showing the filter after it has been fully coupled to the head. [Figure 35] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 33. [Figure 36] This figure shows the water flow when the filter is fully attached to the head. [Figure 37] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the water inlet and outlet sections when the filter has been fully attached to the head. [Figure 38] This is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the water inlet and outlet sections at the top of the filter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] In the following, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments in which the concept of the present invention is presented, and it is easy to propose other regressive inventions or other embodiments that fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting other components.

[0056] Before explaining, let's define the directions. In the embodiments of the present invention, in Figure 3, the direction toward the head can be called upward, the direction toward the filter can be called downward, the direction toward the mounting member can be called backward, and the direction away from the mounting member can be called forward. Furthermore, the direction toward the center of the filter and head can be called inward, and the direction away from the center can be called outward.

[0057] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present invention are described using a refrigerator as an example among many home appliances, it should be made clear in advance that the filters according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the structure and form of water purifiers, ice makers, etc., but can be applied to a variety of home appliances that require purified water.

[0058] Figure 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow path structure for water supply in the refrigerator.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have an external shape formed by a cabinet 10 that forms the storage space and a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space of the cabinet 10.

[0060] The storage space may include a refrigerator compartment 11 located at the top of the cabinet 10 and a freezer compartment 12 located at the bottom of the cabinet 10.

[0061] The door 20 may include a refrigerator door 21 and a freezer door 22 that open and close the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 independently, respectively. The refrigerator door 21 may be provided in pairs on both the left and right sides, and may be configured to open and close the refrigerator compartment 11 by rotation.

[0062] Furthermore, the freezer door 22 may have a drawer-like structure and may be configured to open and close the freezer compartment 12 by pulling it in and out.

[0063] Depending on the arrangement of the storage space and the type and form of the refrigerator that opens and closes the storage space, a variety of structures can be used. For the sake of explanation and understanding, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on a refrigerator in which the refrigerator compartment is located above the freezer compartment and is opened and closed by a pair of doors.

[0064] A dispenser 23 and an ice maker 241 may be provided on one of the pair of refrigerator doors 21. The ice maker 241 may be provided inside the refrigerator compartment 11 or in the freezer compartment 12, rather than on the refrigerator door.

[0065] The dispenser 23 may be located on the front of the refrigerator door 21 and configured to allow the user to dispense water or ice from the outside. Above the dispenser 23, an ice-making compartment 24 is provided. The ice-making compartment 24 is an insulated space where ice is made and stored, and may house the ice maker 241 inside, and may be configured to be opened and closed by another door.

[0066] Furthermore, an ice maker 121 may be provided inside the freezer compartment 12. When the freezer door 21 is open, it is possible to access the ice maker 121 and remove the ice made by the ice maker 121.

[0067] In order to distinguish the ice maker 121 provided in the freezer compartment 12 from the ice maker 241 provided in the refrigerator door 21, the ice maker 241 provided in the refrigerator compartment 11 can be called the first ice maker 241, and the ice maker 121 provided in the freezer compartment 12 can be called the second ice maker 121.

[0068] The refrigerator 1 may be equipped with a filter assembly 40 for purifying water supplied from an external water source 2. For example, the water source 2 may be a tap. The water source 2 may also be a container that stores water, such as a water tank.

[0069] The filter assembly 40 may be connected to a water device that uses purified water. The water device may include an ice maker, a dispenser for dispensing purified water, and the like. The water device and the filter assembly 40 may be used in other household appliances such as water purifiers instead of refrigerators.

[0070] For example, the water supplied from the water source 2 may be purified by the filter assembly 40 and then taken out to the dispenser 23 or supplied to the ice makers 241 and 121. The water source 2, the filter assembly 40, the dispenser 23, and the ice makers 241 and 121 may be connected by a water supply channel 100.

[0071] More specifically, the water supply channel 100 may include the water source 2 and a connecting pipe 101 connected to a water supply valve 102 inside the cabinet 10. For example, the water supply valve 102 may be located inside a machine room where a compressor and a condenser are located. The water supply valve 102 may also be equipped with a flow sensor to adjust and control the flow rate of water supplied to the refrigerator 1.

[0072] The water supply channel 100 may include an inlet pipe 103 and an outlet pipe 104. The inlet pipe 103 may be configured to supply water to the filter assembly 40 by connecting the water supply valve 102 and the filter assembly 40. The outlet pipe 104 can supply purified water by connecting the filter assembly 40 to the dispenser 23 or ice maker 241, 121. The inlet pipe 103 and the outlet pipe 104 may be configured by connecting multiple pipes with fittings.

[0073] Furthermore, the water outlet pipe 104 may be branched by a branching valve 105. For example, the water outlet pipe 104 may include a first water outlet pipe 1041 that supplies purified water to the dispenser 23 and the first ice maker 241, and a second water outlet pipe 1042 that supplies purified water to the second ice maker 121.

[0074] On the other hand, the filter assembly 40 may be provided in the refrigerator compartment 11. For example, the filter assembly 40 may be provided in one corner of either the left or right side of the top surface of the refrigerator compartment 11. As another example, the filter assembly 40' may be provided between or behind storage members such as drawers or shelves in the refrigerator compartment 11. As yet another example, the filter assembly 40'' may be provided in the refrigerator compartment door 21.

[0075] On the other hand, the filter assembly 40 may be configured to facilitate the replacement of the filter 60, which performs the substantial water purification. For example, the refrigerator compartment 11 may be equipped with the filter device 30. The filter device 30 may be configured to be accessible when the refrigerator compartment door 21 is open.

[0076] The filter device 30 may include a case 31 and a cover 32. The case 31 may be provided on the top surface of the cabinet 10. The case 31 can form a space inside which the filter assembly 40 is arranged. The cover 32 can open and close the case 31 by rotation. The filter assembly 40 may be exposed to the outside when the cover 32 is opened. The filter assembly 40 may include the filter 60 and a head 50. When the cover 32 is opened, the filter 60 may be exposed forward, making it easy to attach and detach. The filter 60 is for water purification and can be called a water filter; for convenience of explanation, it will be referred to as a filter below.

[0077] The structure of the filter assembly 40 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0078] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the filter coupled to the head. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the filter separated from the head.

[0079] As shown in the figure, the filter assembly 40 may include a head 50 for mounting the filter assembly 40 and a filter 60 that is detachably mounted on the head 50.

[0080] For example, the head 50 may include a mounting member 51 and a head body 52. ​​The mounting member 51 is for mounting the filter assembly 40, and a fixing member such as a screw can be fastened to fix the filter assembly 40 in the target position. For example, the mounting member 51 may be fixed to one side of the refrigerator compartment 11. On the other hand, if the refrigerator 1 is provided with a structure for mounting the head 50, the mounting member 51 may be omitted, and the head 50 may be composed of the head body 52. ​​That is, the head body 52 may mean the head 50.

[0081] Furthermore, the head body 52 may be rotatably mounted on the mounting member 51. With the filter 60 installed, the head body 52 can be rotated relative to the mounting member 51 to make it easier to attach and detach the filter 60.

[0082] The inlet pipe 103 and outlet pipe 104 may be connected to both sides of the head body 52. ​​The inlet pipe 103 and outlet pipe 104 may be connected to the head body 52 by an inlet pipe fitting 1031 and an outlet pipe fitting 1041, respectively. Therefore, water flowing in from the inlet pipe 103 through the inlet pipe fitting 1031 may be supplied to the filter 60 through the head body 52, and the water purified by the filter 60 may be discharged through the head body 52 to the outlet pipe 104 via the outlet pipe fitting 1041.

[0083] The filter 60 may include a housing 600 that forms its exterior. The housing 600 may be detachably attached to the head body 52. ​​The housing 600 may house a filter member (63 in Figure 14) for water purification. For example, the housing 600 may include an upper housing 62 and a lower housing 61, with the filter member 63 housed inside the upper housing 62 and the lower housing 61.

[0084] The upper end of the filter 60 may be inserted into the open lower surface of the head 50 and coupled to the head 50. For example, guide projections 625 and 626 for coupling with the head 50 may be formed on the outer surface of the upper housing 62. The upper housing 62 is inserted into the head body 52, and the guide projections 625 and 626 may rotate and move along the inner surface of the head body 52. ​​That is, the housing 600 may rotate during the process of being inserted into the head body 52.

[0085] The upper housing 62 may have an inlet 663 and an outlet 664 protruding upward. When the filter 60 is connected to the head 50, the inlet 663 and the outlet 664 may communicate with the flow path of the head 50. Therefore, the water supplied via the inlet pipe 103 may be purified after passing through the filter 60 and then discharged to the outlet pipe 104.

[0086] The water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 may maintain their alignment even when the housing 600 rotates and be connected to the head 50. That is, when the filter 60 is installed, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 are moved upward and inserted into the corresponding inlet hole (5321 in Figure 6) and outlet hole (5323 in Figure 6) inside the head 50, and the housing 600 may rotate independently of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 and be connected to the head 50.

[0087] The head 50 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0088] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the head. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the head from below. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the head from the rear. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the head.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the head 50 may include the mounting member 51, the water inlet pipe 103, the water outlet pipe 104, and the head body 52.

[0090] The mounting member 51 is for mounting the filter assembly 40, and the head body 52 on which the filter 60 is mounted may be rotatably mounted. More specifically, the mounting member 51 may include a mounting portion 511 that contacts the object to be mounted, and a head connecting portion 512 to which the head body 52 is rotatably connected.

[0091] The mounting portion 511 forms the back surface of the mounting member 51 and may extend in the vertical direction. A screw can be fastened to the mounting portion 511 to secure the mounting member 51.

[0092] The head connecting portion 512 may protrude forward from both the left and right sides of the mounting portion 511. The head body 52 may be positioned between the pair of head connecting portions 512. More specifically, a fitting attachment portion 513 may be formed at the front end of the head connecting portion 512 to which the fittings 1031 and 1041 are attached. An attachment opening 514 may be formed on the side surface of the fitting attachment portion 513 to which the fittings 1031 and 1041 are joined together.

[0093] The inlet pipe fitting 1031 and the outlet pipe fitting 1041 may be fixed to the fitting attachment portions 513 located on both sides and retracted and coupled to the attachment portion opening 514 so as to be rotatable. The inlet pipe fitting 1031 and the outlet pipe fitting 1041 may also be rotatably connected to both sides of the head body 52. ​​Therefore, with the head body 52 and fittings 1031 and 1041 mounted on the head connecting portion 512, the head body 52 and fittings 1031 and 1041 may rotate with respect to the head connecting portion 512.

[0094] The head body 52 may be formed in a cylindrical shape to which the filter 60 is connected via an open lower surface. The inlet pipe 103 and outlet pipe 104 may be connected to both sides of the head body 52.

[0095] More specifically, the head body 52 may include a head upper 522 and a head lower 521. The head upper 522 may be connected to the inlet pipe fitting 1031 and the outlet pipe fitting 1041. The head upper 522 may be provided with an inlet pipe connecting portion 5221 connected to the inlet pipe fitting 1031 and an outlet pipe connecting portion 5222 connected to the outlet pipe fitting 1041.

[0096] The inlet pipe connection portion 5221 and the outlet pipe connection portion 5222 may be open on both sides of the head upper. The ends of the inlet pipe fitting 1031 and the outlet pipe fitting 1041 may be rotatably inserted into the inlet pipe connection portion 5221 and the outlet pipe connection portion 5222.

[0097] Furthermore, the inlet pipe connector 5221 and the outlet pipe connector 5222 may be arranged facing each other on the same extension line. The inlet pipe connector 5221 and the outlet pipe connector 5222 may protrude outward from the outer surface of the head upper 522 and be rotatably coupled to the head connector 512. Furthermore, the inlet pipe connector 5221 and the inlet pipe fitting 1031, the outlet pipe connector 5222 and the outlet pipe fitting 1041 may be formed integrally, and the inlet pipe 103 and the outlet pipe 104 may be directly connected to the inlet pipe connector 5221 and the outlet pipe connector 5222.

[0098] The head lower 521 is provided below the head upper 522 and can form a coupling space 520 that is coupled to the upper end of the filter 60. The coupling space 520 may open downwards. The head lower 521 may be formed to have a larger diameter than the head upper 522. The head lower 521 may have an inspection window 5211 that allows visualization of the precise mounting state of the filter 60. A rear inspection window 5212 may be further formed behind the head lower 521, opposite the inspection window 5211. The inspection window 5211 may also be called a front inspection window 5211 to distinguish it from the rear inspection window 5212.

[0099] The head lower 521 has an open bottom surface and can form a housing space 250 in which the upper end of the filter 60 is accommodated. Furthermore, coupling guides 523 and 524 are formed on the inner surface of the head lower 521 to guide the insertion and coupling of the filter 60.

[0100] As an example, the coupling guides 523 and 524 may include a first guide 523 and a second guide 524. The first guide 523 may be formed to guide the insertion and coupling of a first guide projection 625 formed on the filter 60, and the second guide 524 may be formed to guide the insertion and coupling of a second guide projection 626 formed on the filter 60.

[0101] More specifically, the first guide 523 and the second guide 524 may be formed in positions opposite to each other. Furthermore, the first guide 523 and the second guide 524 may be arranged in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the inlet pipe connection portion 5221 and the outlet pipe connection portion 5222.

[0102] The first guide 523 may be recessed into the inner surface of the head lower 521 and may extend upward from the lower end of the head lower 521. The first guide 523 may extend to the inspection window 5211 and guide the first guide projection 625 to move along the first guide 523 to the inspection window 5211.

[0103] The first guide 523 may include a first guide hole 5231 that opens at the lower end of the head lower 521. The position of the first guide hole 5231 may be located below the inlet pipe connection portion 5221. The size of the first guide hole 5231 is formed to correspond to the size of the first guide projection 625, so that the first guide projection 625 can be inserted through the first guide hole 5231.

[0104] The first guide 523 may include a first guide portion 5232 extending from one end of the first guide hole 5231 toward the inspection window 5211. The first guide portion 5232 may be inclined or rounded and may be in contact with the first guide projection 625. Thus, the first guide projection 625 inserted into the first guide hole 5231 can be guided to move toward the inspection window 5211 while maintaining contact with the first guide portion 5232. The first guide portions 5232 may be formed in pairs at both ends of the first guide hole 5231, and the first guide projection 625 may be located between the pair of first guide portions 5232.

[0105] In this case, the first guide portion 5232 may be formed along the inner surface of the head lower 521. The first guide projection 625 moves along the inner surface of the head lower 521. Therefore, the filter housing 600 can rotate while the first guide projection 625 moves from the first guide hole 5231 to the inspection window 5211.

[0106] The second guide 524 may be recessed into the inner surface of the head lower 521 and may extend upward from the lower end of the head lower 521. The second guide 524 may extend to the rear inspection window 5212 so that the second guide projection 626 moves along the second guide 524 to the rear inspection window 5212.

[0107] The second guide 524 may be formed at a position opposite to the first guide 523. The second guide 524 is formed in a shape corresponding to the first guide 523, but may be extended in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the second guide 524.

[0108] The second guide 524 may include a second guide hole 5241 that opens at the lower end of the head lower 521. The position of the second guide hole 5241 may be located below the water outlet connection portion 5222. The second guide hole 5241 may be formed in a direction opposite to the first guide hole 5231. The size of the second guide hole 5241 may be formed to correspond to the size of the second guide projection 626, so that the second guide projection 626 can be inserted through the second guide hole 5241.

[0109] The second guide 524 may include a second guide portion 5242 extending from one end of the second guide hole 5241 toward the rear inspection window 5212. The second guide portion 5242 may be inclined or rounded and may be in contact with the second guide projection 626. Thus, the second guide projection 626 inserted into the second guide hole 5241 can be guided to move toward the inspection window 5211 while maintaining contact with the second guide portion 5242. The second guide portion 5242 may be formed in pairs at both ends of the second guide hole 5241, and the second guide projection 626 may be located between the pair of second guide portions 5242.

[0110] In this case, the second guide portion 5242 may be formed around the inner surface of the head lower 521. The second guide projection 626 moves along the inner surface of the head lower 521. Therefore, the filter housing 600 can rotate while the second guide projection 626 moves from the second guide hole 5241 to the rear inspection window 5212.

[0111] Furthermore, a restraining portion 5213 protruding downward may be formed at the upper end of the rear confirmation window 5212. The restraining portion 5213 may protrude downward or may be formed in an elastic annular shape. Therefore, it is possible to confirm through the rear confirmation window 5212 that the restraining portion 5213 is inserted into the restraining groove (6266 in Figure 17) formed on the upper surface of the second guide projection 626. At the moment the restraining portion 5213 is inserted into the restraining groove 6266, the user is given a sense of operation due to the elastic deformation of the restraining portion 5213 and its connection with the restraining groove 6266, and the user can recognize that the filter 60 has been fully installed.

[0112] On the other hand, the head inner 53 may be provided inside the head body 52. ​​The head inner 53 may be separately molded and bonded to the head body 52. ​​The head inner 53 may be exposed through the open lower surface of the head body 52. ​​Furthermore, the head inner 53 may be formed concentrically with the head body 52 when viewed from below.

[0113] The head inner 53 may be formed to connect with the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664. The head inner 53 may also provide a mounting structure for an inlet ring 541 and an outlet ring 542 for sealing the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664. The head inner 53 may also provide a structure for mounting a filter sensing device 55 for sensing the filter 60. The head inner 53 may also be configured to accommodate a rotating projection 669 for facilitating the relative rotation of the housing 600.

[0114] More specifically, the head inner 53 may include an inner base 532 and an inner wall 531. The inner base 532 may form the lower surface of the head inner 53. The inner base 532 may be formed in a circular shape. The center of the inner base 532 may be located on the same extension line as the center of the head body 52. ​​When the head inner 53 is coupled to the head body 52, the inner base 532 may be located above the lower end of the head body 52.

[0115] The inner base 532 may have an inlet hole 5321 and an outlet hole 5323 formed therein. The inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323 may be arranged side by side. The inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323 may be located between the first guide hole 5231 and the second guide hole 5241. Therefore, when the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 are inserted into the first guide hole 5231 and the second guide hole 5241, the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be naturally inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323, respectively.

[0116] The inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323 may each be formed in an elliptical shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664. Furthermore, the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323 may be arranged to have a directionality.

[0117] Therefore, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may not be misfitted and may be inserted into the corresponding inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323, respectively. This prevents misfitting when installing the filter 60, and ensures the correct operation of the valve 56 inside the head 50 by inserting the water inlet 663 when installing the filter 60.

[0118] Furthermore, because the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 have an elliptical cross-sectional shape, the orientation of the filter 60 can be easily confirmed when viewed from above, and the correct alignment can be easily recognized.

[0119] Furthermore, even when torque is applied to the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664, which maintain a fixed state compared to the rotating housing 600, they do not rotate or flow, thus enabling the maintenance of a structurally stable fixed state.

[0120] For example, the inlet hole 5321 may be formed such that the major axis of its cross-section is oriented in the front-to-back direction, and the outlet hole 5323 may be formed such that the major axis of its cross-section is oriented in the left-to-right direction.

[0121] An inlet frame 5325 extending upward may be formed around the inlet hole 5321. The inlet frame 5325 can form a space into which the water inlet portion 663 is inserted. The upper end of the inlet frame 5325 can support the inlet ring 541. The inlet ring 541 can be securely attached to the inlet frame 5325 to prevent deformation and detachment.

[0122] An inclined surface 5322 may be formed between the inlet hole 5321 and the inlet frame 5325. The inclined surface 5322 guides the water inlet portion 663 so that it is inserted into the inside of the inlet hole 5321, and when the filter 60 is separated, the water inlet portion 663 does not get caught on the end of the inlet hole 5321 and can be removed smoothly.

[0123] On the other hand, a valve 56 may be provided above the inlet hole 5321. The valve 56 can open and close a flow path that communicates with the inlet hole 5321. The valve 56 may have a structure similar to a check valve. The valve 56 may open in contact with the inlet portion 663 when the filter 60 is installed and the inlet portion 663 is inserted into the inlet hole 5321. When the filter 60 is not installed, the valve 56 can remain closed to prevent leakage.

[0124] An outlet frame 5326 extending upward may be formed around the outlet hole 5323. The outlet frame 5326 can form a space into which the water outlet portion 664 is inserted. The upper end of the outlet frame 5326 can support the outlet ring 542. The outlet ring 542 can be securely attached to the outlet frame 5326 to prevent deformation and detachment.

[0125] Therefore, when the head inner 53 is mounted on the head body 52, the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542 may be fixed vertically by the head body 52 and the inlet frame 5325 and outlet frame 5326.

[0126] An inclined surface 5324 may be formed between the outlet hole 5323 and the outlet frame 5326. The inclined surface 5324 guides the water outlet portion 664 so that it is inserted into the inside of the outlet hole 5323, and when the filter 60 is separated, the water outlet portion 664 does not get caught on the end of the outlet hole 5323 and can be smoothly removed. In particular, the filter 60 may be separated by rotating and folding, and the inclined surfaces 5322 and 5324 can facilitate such separation and movement of the filter 60.

[0127] On the other hand, the head body 52 may be equipped with a filter sensing device 55 for sensing the installation of the filter 60. For example, the filter sensing device 55 may be a sensor that senses changes in a magnetic field. As another example, the filter sensing device 55 may consist of a proximity sensor, a contact switch, an RFID reader, etc. The wire 550 connected to the filter sensing device 55 may extend upward above the head body 52.

[0128] The inner base 532 may have a sensing hole 5237 into which a sensing member 668, described later, is inserted. The filter sensing device 55 may be provided at the upper end of the sensing hole 5237. Therefore, when the filter 60 is attached to the head 50, the sensing member (668 in Figure 14) is inserted into the sensing hole 5237, and the filter sensing device 55 can sense the sensing member 668 and determine that the filter 60 has been attached.

[0129] An inclined surface 5328 is formed around the sensing hole 5237, allowing the sensing member 668 to move in and out smoothly.

[0130] The inner base 532 may have a rotating groove 5329 into which the rotating projection 669 is inserted. The rotating groove 5329 may extend upward and may be formed in a shape corresponding to the rotating projection 669 so that the rotating projection (669 in Figure 14) is in close contact with it. This makes it easier to generate torque when the housing 600 is rotated. The rotating projection 669 and the rotating groove 5329 ensure that the filter cover (66 in Figure 14) and the head inner 53 are firmly coupled to each other when the filter 60 is installed, thereby preventing the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 from flowing when the housing 600 is rotated.

[0131] An inclined or rounded inclined surface 5320 may be formed around the rotating groove 5329. This guides the insertion of the rotating projection 669, while preventing the rotating projection 669 from getting caught in the rotating groove 5329 when attaching or detaching the filter 60, allowing it to easily move in and out.

[0132] The sensing hole 5237 and the rotating groove 5329 may be positioned opposite each other. Furthermore, the arrangement of the sensing hole 5237 and the rotating groove 5329 may intersect with the arrangement of the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323. For example, with respect to the center of the inner base 532, the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323 may be arranged on both the left and right sides, and the sensing hole 5237 and the rotating groove 5329 may be arranged front and back.

[0133] The inner base 532 may be formed to a size smaller than the open lower surface of the head body 52. ​​The inner wall 531 may extend upward along the inner base 532. The inner wall 531 may extend to the upper end of the head lower 521.

[0134] An inner coupling portion 533 may protrude upward from the upper end of the inner wall 531. The inner coupling portion 533 may be coupled to the upper surface of the head lower 521, which is formed to have a step at its upper end. For example, a coupling hole 5213 may be formed on the upper surface of the head lower 521, and the hook-shaped inner coupling portion 533 may pass through the coupling hole 5213. By coupling the inner coupling portion 533 to the coupling hole 5213, the head inner 53 may be fixedly attached to the inside of the head body 52. ​​Furthermore, a coupling guide 5311 may be formed on the upper end of the inner wall 531. The coupling guide 5311 may be inserted into the head body 52 in a protruding shape that extends upward. In this case, the coupling guide 5311 may be formed in different sizes so that the head inner 53 is not mis-installed and is installed in the correct position.

[0135] The outer surface of the inner wall 531 may be separated from the inner surface of the head body 52. ​​In this case, the thickness T1 of the first guide portion 5232 may be formed to be thinner than the thickness T2 of the second guide portion 5242. Therefore, the gap G between the outer end of the first guide portion 5232 and the outer surface of the inner wall 531 is formed so that the projection extension of the first guide projection 625 (6256 in Figure 16) is inserted.

[0136] On the other hand, the space between the outer end of the second guide portion 5242 and the outer surface of the inner wall 531 becomes narrower than the thickness of the projection extension portion 6256, making it impossible to insert the projection extension portion 6256.

[0137] With respect to the center C of the head 50 or the head inner 53, the radius R1 to the first guide portion 5232 may be formed to be larger than the radius R2 to the second guide portion 5242. Therefore, when the filter 60 is installed, a space G can be provided between the outer end of the head inner 53 and the first guide portion 5232 into which the projection extension portion 6256 can be inserted. If an attempt is made to insert the first guide projection 625 into the second guide 524, the projection extension portion 6256 will catch on the second guide portion 5242. Therefore, the first guide projection 625 will not be able to be inserted into the second guide 524.

[0138] That is, only the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626, which correspond to each other, may be inserted into the first guide 523 and the second guide 524, respectively. The water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may also be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323, respectively, which have corresponding cross-sectional shapes.

[0139] Then, when the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 are rotated and inserted so that they are positioned in the confirmation window 5211 and the rear confirmation window 5212, respectively, the installation of the filter 60 is completed. The water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 are then inserted through the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542, which are located inside the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323, respectively, thereby preventing leakage between the head 50 and the filter 60.

[0140] A flow path communicating with the inlet pipe 103 and outlet pipe 104, and the inlet section 663 and outlet section 664 may be formed inside the head body 52. ​​Furthermore, a valve 56 for opening and closing the flow path communicating with the inlet section 663 may be installed inside the head body 52.

[0141] The internal flow path structure of the head body 52 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0142] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of section 9-9 in Figure 4, and Figure 10 is a perspective view of the incision at section 10-10 in Figure 3.

[0143] As shown in the diagram, an inlet channel 5220 communicating with the inlet pipe connection 5221 and an outlet channel 5251 communicating with the outlet pipe connection 5222 may be formed inside the head body 52.

[0144] Furthermore, a valve mounting portion 5242 may be formed inside the head body 52, which is connected to the inlet passage 5220 and to which a valve 56 is mounted. The valve 56 is for selectively supplying water supplied from the inlet passage 5220 toward the filter 60, and may be opened and closed in accordance with the mounting of the filter 60. The water inlet portion 663 may be inserted toward the valve 56, and the water inlet portion 663 and the inlet passage 5220 may communicate with each other when the valve 56 is open.

[0145] Furthermore, an outlet housing portion 5252 may be formed inside the head body 52, which is connected to the outlet passage 5251 and into which the water outlet portion 664 is inserted. The cross-sectional shapes of the valve mounting portion 5242 and the outlet housing portion 5252 may be formed to be elliptical, corresponding to the cross-sectional shapes of the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664.

[0146] On the other hand, when the head inner 53 is coupled to the head body 52, the body extension portion 5215 of the head body 52 may be inserted between the inlet frame 5325 and the outlet frame 5326 and the inner wall 531. The body extension portion 5215 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open bottom, and a pair may be formed on both the left and right sides. The upper ends of the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be inserted inside the body extension portion 5215. The inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542 may be provided inside the body extension portion 5215, respectively.

[0147] The inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542 may be formed in a ring shape and may be formed in an elliptical shape corresponding to the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323. The inlet ring 541 may be constrained vertically by the upper end of the inlet frame 5325 and the lower end of the valve 56, and outward flow may be constrained by the inner surface of the body extension 5215.

[0148] When the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 are inserted, the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542 can maintain their mounting positions, preventing flow in the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 and maintaining an airtight state.

[0149] Furthermore, the inlet section 663 and the outlet section 664, in their cross-sectional shape at least in the portion of their total vertical height where the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542 are located, are formed in an elliptical shape corresponding to the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542, thereby ensuring airtightness.

[0150] On the other hand, the valve 56 may be located above the inlet ring 541. When the filter 60 is mounted on the head 50, the valve 56 may be opened by the water inlet 663. When the filter 60 is separated from the head 50, the valve 56 closes, blocking the inlet passage 5220 and preventing water from being supplied to the filter 60.

[0151] The valve 56 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0152] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a valve, which is one component of the head. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of line 12-12 in Figure 3. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of line 13-13 in Figure 12.

[0153] As shown in the figure, the valve 56 may include a valve case 561, a piston 563, a spring 564, and a valve cap 562.

[0154] The valve case 561 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper surface 5611 and a lower surface 5613, and its cross-sectional shape may be an elliptical shape corresponding to the valve mounting portion 5242. The area around the lower surface 5613 of the valve case 561 may protrude outward and be fixed to the valve mounting portion 5242. The lower surface 5613 of the valve case 561 can contact the inlet ring 541 from above and support the inlet ring 541.

[0155] Furthermore, the circumferential surface 5612 of the valve case 561 can contact the valve mounting portion 5242. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, a piston support portion 5614 protruding inward may be formed inside the valve case 561. With respect to the piston support portion 5614, an inlet housing portion 5616 into which the upper end of the water inlet portion 663 is inserted may be formed below, and a piston housing portion 5610 into which the piston 563 is housed may be formed above. Furthermore, a case passage 5615 may be formed inside the piston support portion 5614. In this case, the inlet housing portion 5616 and the piston housing portion 5610 may have an elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the case passage 5615 may have a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the long axes of the inlet housing portion 5616 and the piston housing portion 5610 are formed to be larger than the diameter of the case passage 5615, so that water can flow easily when the flow path is opened by the movement of the piston 563.

[0156] The piston 563 is provided in the piston housing 5610 and can move up and down to open and close the case passage 5615. A valve cap 562 may be provided on the upper surface 5611 of the valve case 561. A spring 564 is provided between the valve cap 562 and the piston 563 to elastically support the piston 563.

[0157] The piston 563 may include a seat portion 5631 that shields the case passage 5615, a contact portion 5633 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the seat portion 5631 and passes through the case passage 5615, and a rod 5632 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the seat portion 5631 and penetrates the valve cap 562.

[0158] The seat portion 5631 is formed in a circular shape and can open and close the case passage 5615. In this case, the case passage 5615 may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the seat portion 5631 and may be opened and closed by the vertical movement of the piston 563. Furthermore, the seat portion 5631 may be formed in a circular shape having a diameter corresponding to the length of the minor axis of the cross-section of the elliptical valve case 561.

[0159] Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, a relatively wide flow path space S is provided between the portion of the cross-section of the valve case 561 corresponding to the long axis and the outer surface of the seat portion 5631. Consequently, when the case passage 5615 is opened by the upward movement of the piston 563, a larger flow rate of water can be supplied toward the water inlet portion 663.

[0160] On the other hand, the contact portion 5633 passes through the case passage 5615 and protrudes downward, so that it can contact the upper end of the water inlet portion 663 when the filter 60 is installed. For example, the contact portion 5633 may be formed so that at least a part of it intersects with the inlet contact portion 6632 of the water inlet portion 663. Therefore, when the water inlet portion 663 is inserted and comes into contact with the contact portion 5633, it is possible to prevent the contact portion 5633 from being inserted into the interior of the water inlet portion 663 and partially obstructing the flow path. For example, the contact portion 5633 may be formed in a cross shape or a straight cross-section to secure space for water flow.

[0161] Furthermore, a piston ring 565 may be provided at the upper end of the contact portion 5633, that is, on the lower surface of the seat portion 5631. The piston ring 565 is in contact with the case passage 5615 and can create an airtight seal between the case passage 5615 and the piston 563. The piston ring 565 may be formed in a circular ring shape corresponding to the case passage 5615 and the seat portion 5631.

[0162] The rod 5632 may extend upward from the center of the seat portion 5631 and pass through the load hole 5621 of the valve cap 562. Therefore, when the piston 563 moves up and down, the rod 5632 allows the piston 563 to move up and down without tilting or becoming eccentric.

[0163] The spring 564 may be positioned to pass through the rod 5632. The upper and lower ends of the spring 564 may be supported by the valve cap 562 and the seat portion 5631, respectively. The elastic force of the spring 564 allows the seat portion 5631 to maintain a state of shielding the case passage 5615. It may also be compressed when the piston 563 moves upward.

[0164] The valve cap 562 can shield the upper surface 5611 of the valve case 561. The valve cap 562 may be formed in an elliptical shape corresponding to the upper cross-section of the valve case 561. A load hole 5621 through which the rod 5632 passes may be formed in the center of the valve cap 562. A cap through-hole 5623 that penetrates the valve cap 562 may be formed in the valve cap 562. The cap through-hole 5623 is a passage through which water flowing in via the inlet passage 5220 flows, and may be formed on both sides with respect to the load hole 5621. Therefore, when the piston 563 moves, the case passage 5615 is opened, and the water supplied to the inlet passage 5220 may flow through the cap through-hole 5623 and the case passage 5615, through the valve 56, and into the water inlet section 663.

[0165] The filter 60 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0166] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the filter.

[0167] As shown in the figure, the filter 60 may include a housing 600 that forms the exterior, a filter member 63 disposed inside the housing 600, and a filter cover 66 exposed through the top surface of the housing 600.

[0168] The housing 600 may include an upper housing 62 that forms the upper part of the housing 600 and a lower housing 61 that forms the lower part of the housing 600. The upper housing 62 and the lower housing 61 can be coupled to each other to form a space inside which the filter member 63 is housed.

[0169] The upper housing 62 and the lower housing 61 can be joined together to form a cylindrical shape, thereby forming the appearance of the filter 60. The upper housing 62 and the lower housing 61 may be made of plastic material and may be joined together by ultrasonic welding or rotary welding.

[0170] The upper housing 62 may be configured to have openings on its top and bottom surfaces, and spaces 6200, 620 may be formed inside the upper housing 62 in which the filter cover 66 is rotatably positioned.

[0171] For example, the upper housing 62 may include an upper part 623 inserted into the head body 52 and a lower part 622 exposed below the head body 52. ​​A first guide projection 625 and a second guide projection 626 are formed around the upper part 623 so that the filter 60 can be detachably coupled to the head 50.

[0172] The upper housing 62 may further have a housing coupling portion 621 that extends downward from the lower part 622. The housing coupling portion 621 can be inserted into the lower housing 61 and make contact with the inner surface of the lower housing 61. A coupling groove 6221 may further be formed between the lower end of the lower part 622 and the housing coupling portion 621 into which the upper end of the lower housing 61 is inserted. The coupling groove 6221 and the upper end of the lower housing 61 may be fused together to join them.

[0173] The lower housing 61 has an open top surface, forming a housing space 611 in which the filter member 63 is housed. The filter member 63 may be inserted through the open top surface of the lower housing 61 and housed inside the housing space 611.

[0174] On the other hand, the housing 600 can rotate relative to the filter cover 66. That is, the filter cover 66 may maintain an aligned state for coupling with the head 50, while the housing 600 rotates and fastens to the head 50.

[0175] The filter cover 66 is connected to the filter member 63 and the upper supporter 65. Therefore, the housing 600 can be considered to rotate relative to the filter cover 66 and the filter member 63, which are connected to each other.

[0176] The filter member 63 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow 631 passing through its center. The filter member 63 may be made of a porous material and configured to purify the water passing through it. For example, water outside the filter member 63 can pass through the filter member 63 and flow into the hollow 631, and then flow upward through the hollow 631 to supply purified water.

[0177] The filter member 63 may be made of a variety of materials and types, and may be appropriately selected and used according to the required water purification performance. For example, the filter member 63 may be made of various types of filters such as membrane filters, precarbonate filters, and sediment filters.

[0178] A lower supporter 64 may be provided on the lower surface of the filter member 63. The lower supporter 64 supports the filter 60 from below and can contact the lower surface of the lower housing 61.

[0179] The lower supporter 64 may include a supporter lower surface 641, a lower frame 642, and a lower boss 643. The supporter lower surface 641 can contact the lower surface of the filter member 63 and support the filter member 63. The lower frame 642 can extend upward along the supporter lower surface 641 and support the lower end of the filter member 63. The lower boss 643 may protrude upward from the supporter lower surface 641. The lower boss 643 can be inserted from below the hollow 631 and support the inner surface of the filter member 63.

[0180] The upper supporter 65 is positioned at the upper end of the filter member 63, fixing the upper part of the filter member 63 and simultaneously guiding the purified water through the hollow 631 toward the filter cover 66. The upper supporter 65 may also connect the filter member 63 and the filter cover 66 to each other. Therefore, the filter member 63 and the filter cover 66 may be coupled to each other by the upper supporter 65, and the housing 600 may rotate relative to the filter member 63 and the filter cover 66.

[0181] The upper supporter 65 may include the supporter upper surface 651, the upper frame 652, the filter nipple 653, and the upper boss 654. The supporter upper surface 651 can contact the upper surface of the filter member 63 and support the filter member 63. The upper frame 652 can extend downward along the supporter upper surface 651 and support the upper end of the filter member 63.

[0182] Furthermore, a filter nipple 653 may protrude upward from the center of the upper surface 651 of the supporter. An outlet 6531 communicating with the hollow 631 may be formed at the upper end of the filter nipple 653. A seal groove 5632 into which a nipple seal 6533 is fitted may be formed around the filter nipple 653. The filter nipple 653 may be configured to be inserted into the nipple housing portion 665 of the filter cover 66.

[0183] Furthermore, the upper boss 654 may protrude downward from the upper surface 651 of the supporter. The upper boss 654 can be inserted from above the hollow 631 to support the inner surface of the filter member 63. The upper boss 654 may communicate with the filter nipple 653. That is, the filter nipple 653, the upper boss 654, and the hollow 631 are arranged on the same extension and communicate with each other to form a flow path through which water purified by the filter member 63 passes.

[0184] The filter cover 66 is located inside the upper housing 62 and can divide the inside of the upper housing 62 vertically. The filter cover 66 may be rotatably mounted on the upper housing 62. In this case, a seal 67 may be provided between the filter cover 66 and the upper housing 62. Therefore, leakage can be prevented even when the filter cover 66 is rotatably mounted on the upper housing 62.

[0185] The water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the filter cover 66. The water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may also be exposed on the open upper surface of the upper housing 62. When the filter 60 is mounted on the head 50, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323.

[0186] A rotating projection 669, which is inserted into the rotating groove 5329, may protrude upward from the upper surface of the filter cover 66. A sensing member 668 may also protrude upward from the upper surface of the filter cover 66. A magnet may be mounted inside the sensing member 668. The rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may be arranged in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664.

[0187] On the other hand, the sensing member 668 is inserted into the sensing hole 5237, and the outer surface of the sensing member 668 can come into contact with the inner surface of the sensing hole 5237. Furthermore, even if the rotating projection 669 is omitted, the sensing member 668 may be inserted into the sensing hole 5237, and the head inner 53 and the filter cover 66 may be firmly fixed to each other. Therefore, even if the housing 600 is rotated, the sensing member 668 can maintain the fixed state of the filter cover 66, preventing flow in the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664.

[0188] The upper structure of the filter 60 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0189] Figure 15 is a plan view of the filter. Figure 16 is a side view of the top of the filter, seen from one side. Figure 17 is a side view of the top of the filter, seen from the other side. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the 18-18 incision in Figure 14.

[0190] As shown in the figure, the upper housing 62 may include an upper part 623 and a lower part 622. The upper part 623 may have a smaller diameter than the lower part 622. A connecting surface 624 having a downward inclination may be formed at the lower end of the upper part 623 and the upper end of the lower part 622. A housing rib 6241 projecting upward may be formed on the connecting surface 624.

[0191] The housing rib 6241 may be adjacent to the lower end of the head body 52 when the filter 60 is installed. Therefore, it is possible to visually confirm that the filter 60 is fully fastened through the gap between the housing rib 6241 and the head body 52.

[0192] Furthermore, the housing ribs 6241 can also serve as guides for positioning jigs during rotational fusion of the upper housing 62 and the lower housing 61. Multiple housing ribs 6241 may be formed along the connecting surface 624. The housing ribs 6241 may also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the upper housing 62.

[0193] The first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 may be formed protruding from the outer surface of the upper part 623. The first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 may be formed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the center of the housing 600. The first guide projection 625 may be formed in a shape that can be inserted into the first guide 523, and the second guide projection 626 may be formed in a shape that can be inserted into the second guide 524. The first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 may be formed in different shapes from each other to prevent incorrect installation of the filter 60 and to guide correct installation.

[0194] In particular, the first guide projection 625 contacts the first guide 523 and the second guide 524 before the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 are inserted into the head inner. Therefore, the second first guide projection 625 prevents the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 from coming into contact with the head inner when the first guide 523 is misfitted, thereby fundamentally preventing deformation and damage to the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 due to misfitting.

[0195] For example, the first guide projection 625 may be formed to the left of the center of the filter 60. The first guide projection 625 may also be located to the side of the water inlet 663.

[0196] The first guide projection 625 may include a first upper portion 6251 and a first lower portion 6252 forming an upper and lower surface, a first front inclined portion 6253 connecting the front ends of the first upper portion 6251 and the first lower portion 6252, and a first rear inclined portion 6254 connecting the rear ends of the first upper portion 6251 and the first lower portion 6252. The first upper portion 6251, the first lower portion 6252, the first front inclined portion 6253, and the first rear inclined portion 6254 may protrude from the outer surface of the upper housing 62 with the same thickness. In particular, the first front inclined portion 6253 may protrude so as to move in contact with the first guide portion 5232, thereby facilitating the rotation and upward movement of the filter 60.

[0197] The lengths of the first upper part 6251 and the first lower part 6252 are formed to correspond to the size of the first guide hole 5231, so that the first guide projection 625 is inserted into the first guide hole 5231 as the filter 60 moves upward. The first upper part 6251 and the first lower part 6252 may extend parallel to the upper end of the upper housing 62. The position height of the first guide projection 625 may be located on the upper part 623. A connecting rib 6255 may be formed to vertically connect the first upper part 6251 and the first lower part 6252.

[0198] The first front inclined portion 6253 and the first rear inclined portion 6254 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the inclination of the first guide portion 5232. Therefore, the first front inclined portion 6253 or the first rear inclined portion 6254 can move along the first guide portion 5232.

[0199] On the other hand, a projecting extension 6256 extending rearward may be formed at the rear end of the first upper part 6251. The projecting extension 6256 may project rearward along the same extension line as the first upper part 6251, or it may project along the outer surface of the upper part 623. The projection thickness of the projecting extension 6256 may be formed to be smaller than the projection thickness of the first upper part 6251. The projection thickness of the projecting extension 6256 may also be formed to be smaller than the distance G between the head inner 53 and the first guide part 5232. Therefore, when the first guide projection 625 is inserted into the first guide hole 5231, the projecting extension 6256 is inserted between the first guide part 5232 and the outer surface of the head inner 53, enabling the insertion and rotational movement of the first guide projection 625.

[0200] The second guide projection 626 may include a second upper portion 6261 and a second lower portion 6262 forming an upper and lower surface, a second front inclined portion 6263 connecting the front ends of the second upper portion 6261 and the second lower portion 6262, and a second rear inclined portion 6264 connecting the rear ends of the second upper portion 6261 and the second lower portion 6262. The second upper portion 6261, the second lower portion 6262, the second front inclined portion 6263, and the second rear inclined portion 6264 may protrude from the outer surface of the upper part 623 with the same thickness. In particular, the second front inclined portion 6263 may protrude so as to move in contact with the second guide portion 5242. The protruding thickness of the second guide projection 626 may be the same as the protruding thickness of the first guide 523.

[0201] The lengths of the second upper part 6261 and the second lower part 6262 are formed to correspond to the size of the second guide hole 5241, so that the second guide projection 626 is inserted into the second guide hole 5241 as the filter 60 moves upward. The second upper part 6261 and the second lower part 6262 may extend parallel to the upper end of the upper housing 62. The position height of the second guide projection 626 may be the same as the position height of the first guide projection 625. A connecting rib 6265 may be formed to vertically connect the second upper part 6261 and the second lower part 6262.

[0202] The second front inclined portion 6263 and the second rear inclined portion 6264 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the inclination of the second guide portion 5242. Therefore, the second front inclined portion 6263 or the second rear inclined portion 6264 can move in contact with the second guide portion 5242, and the filter 60 can be easily rotated and moved upward.

[0203] Furthermore, a downwardly recessed restraint groove 6266 may be formed in the second upper part 6261. The restraint groove 6266 allows the restraint portion 5213 to be inserted into the restraint portion 5213 when the second guide projection 626 is moved to the rear confirmation window 5212, thereby restraining the filter 60.

[0204] On the other hand, a protrusion may be formed inside the upper housing 62. The protrusion may include a first protrusion 627. The protrusion may further include a second protrusion 628. The first protrusion 627 may include an upper space 620 in which the upper surface of the filter cover 66 is exposed, and a lower space 6200 in which the lower end of the filter cover 66 is rotatably housed.

[0205] The first projection 627 may be formed on the upper part 623. The first projection 627 may project toward the center of the upper housing 62 and form an upper opening 6270 through which the filter cover 66 passes. The first projection 627 may support the filter cover 66 and prevent it from separating upward even if the pressure inside the filter 60 increases.

[0206] Furthermore, a second protrusion 628 may be formed below the first protrusion 627. The second protrusion 628 may be formed at the upper end of the lower part 622. The second protrusion 628 may be formed to create a step that is continuous with the lower end of the first protrusion 627. The second protrusion 628 may protrude from the inner surface of the upper housing 62 toward the center of the upper housing 62 and protrude lower than the first protrusion 627. Therefore, the inner surface of the upper housing 62 and the second protrusion 628 and the first protrusion 627 may be formed to have steps in sequence. The seal 67 may be positioned in a shape with steps between the first protrusion 627 and the second protrusion 628, and the filter cover 66 may be rotatably positioned inside the upper housing 62.

[0207] On the other hand, a limiting projection 629 may be formed on the lower surface of the second protrusion 628. The limiting projection 629 may protrude downward from a position corresponding to a limiting groove 6614 formed in the filter cover 66. When the filter cover 66 is fitted inside the upper housing 62, the limiting projection 629 may be inserted into the limiting groove 6614. When the upper housing 62 rotates, the limiting projection 629 moves along the limiting groove 6614. The limiting projection 629 can contact one end of the limiting groove 6614 when the housing 600 is aligned before the filter 60 is fitted onto the head 50. The limiting projection 629 can contact the other end of the limiting groove 6614 when the housing 600 has finished rotating and the filter 60 is coupled to the head 50.

[0208] A support projection 6211 may be formed below the second protrusion 628, away from it. The support projection 6211 may be configured to support the filter cover 66 downward when the filter cover 66 is mounted inside the upper housing 62.

[0209] The support protrusions 6211 may protrude from the inner surface of the upper housing 62 and be formed at a position corresponding to the lower end of the filter cover 66. Multiple support protrusions 6211 may be formed at the same height. For example, a pair of support protrusions 6211 may be formed at opposing positions. The pair of support protrusions 6211 may be formed of different sizes to prevent incorrect assembly when connecting with the filter cover.

[0210] On the other hand, with the filter cover 66 mounted on the upper housing 62, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be aligned in a directional manner within the upper housing 62. The user can then easily visually confirm the alignment of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664.

[0211] More specifically, as shown in Figure 15, a marker 6275 may be formed on the upper surface 6271 of the first projection 627 of the filter 60. The markers 6275 may be formed on the upper, lower, left, and right sides respectively in directions that intersect each other. The markers 6275 may protrude or be recessed into the upper surface 6271 of the first projection 627, or they may extend toward the center of the upper housing 62.

[0212] The marker 6275 may protrude from the upper surface of the first projection 627, or it may extend toward the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664. Therefore, the alignment of the marker 6275 with respect to the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664 can be visualized. Furthermore, the marker can protrude from the first projection 627 to reinforce the strength of the first projection 627, and can support the head inner 53 from below, preventing the head inner 53 from being separated by water pressure.

[0213] For example, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 formed on the filter cover 66 may be positioned on the extensions of the markers 6275 located on both the left and right sides. The rotating projection 669 and sensing member 668 formed on the filter cover 66 may also be positioned on the extensions of the markers 6275 located on both the front and rear sides. That is, when the upper surface of the filter 60 is viewed from above, the markers 6275 may be aligned on the same extension as the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664, and the rotating projection 669 and sensing member 668. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the alignment of the filter cover 66.

[0214] Furthermore, the housing 600 may be rotated at a 90° angle when the filter 60 is installed. Since the four markers 6275 are arranged at a 90° angle, the rotation of the housing 600 makes it possible to visualize the alignment of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664, and the rotating projection 669 and sensing member 668.

[0215] On the other hand, before the filter 60 is attached to the head 50, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be positioned between the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626. That is, the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626, and the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be positioned on the same extension line in the left-right direction. In particular, the markers 6275 on both the left and right sides, the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626, and the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may all be located on the same extension line, allowing the user to easily confirm the alignment of the filter cover 66.

[0216] In this state, while the filter 60 is mounted on the head 50, the housing 600 rotates and the filter cover 66 remains fixed. The first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 may rotate 90° clockwise. At this time, the rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may be positioned between the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626. That is, the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626, the front and rear markers 6275, and the rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may all be arranged on the same extension line in the front-rear direction.

[0217] On the other hand, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 may each be formed in an elliptical shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 may be arranged in different directions when viewed from above. Therefore, when the filter 60 is mounted on the head 50, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 may be connected to the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323 with a directional orientation. In other words, the directional orientation of the cross-sectional shapes of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 prevents incorrect mounting of the filter 60 and ensures accurate mounting.

[0218] For example, the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664 may be arranged so that the major axes of their respective elliptical cross-sections intersect each other. That is, the water inlet 663 may be arranged so that its major axis L1 is oriented in the front-to-back direction and its minor axis S1 is oriented in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the major axis L1 of the water acquisition section 663 may be located on the same line as the vertical extension line Lv, which is positioned alongside the marker 6275, which is positioned vertically with respect to the center of the filter cover.

[0219] The water outlet section 664 may be positioned such that its major axis L2 is oriented in the left-right direction and its minor axis S2 is oriented in the front-back direction. That is, the major axis of the cross-section of the water inlet section 663 and the extension of the major axis L2 of the cross-section of the water outlet section 664 may intersect each other perpendicularly. Furthermore, the major axis L1 of the water outlet section 664 may be located on the same line as the horizontal extension line LH which is on the same line as the markers 6275 which are positioned on the left and right sides with respect to the center of the filter cover.

[0220] Thus, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 are formed with an elliptical cross-section, and the major axes L1 and L2 of the cross-section extend in directions that intersect each other. As a result, the filter cover 66 does not rotate even when torque is generated when the housing 600 rotates.

[0221] The elliptical cross-sections of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may not be perfect circles but rather elliptical shapes having a continuous round shape with a major axis and a minor axis. In the present invention, the ellipse can be defined as a structure in which a portion of the elliptical cross-section of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 is short-circuited, or has recessed or protruding parts, or has a straight section rather than a round section around its entire circumference. That is, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes in which the major axis and minor axis intersect each other and have directionality.

[0222] On the other hand, the rotating projection 669 and the rotating groove 5329 are coupled to each other, so that torque for the rotation of the housing 600 is generated while the filter cover 66 is fixed. Therefore, the rotating projection 669 and the rotating groove 5329 can minimize the flow between the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664 when the housing 600 is rotated. In addition, the coupling between the sensing member 668 and the sensing groove 5327 allows the filter cover 66 to remain firmly fixed by the head inner 53, ensuring the maintenance of a stable connection between the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664.

[0223] The filter cover 66 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0224] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the filter cover of the filter. Figure 20 is a side view of the filter cover. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the 21-21 incision in Figure 19. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the 22-22 incision in Figure 4.

[0225] As shown in the figure, the filter cover 66 may be formed in a circular shape when viewed from above, with an open bottom. An inner frame 661 may be formed at the lower end of the filter cover 66. The inner frame 661 can be in contact with the inner surface of the upper housing 62.

[0226] Furthermore, the inner frame 661 may have a frame groove 6611 and a frame hook 6612 formed therein. The frame groove 6611 may extend from the lower end to the upper end of the inner frame 661. The frame groove 6611 may be formed at a position corresponding to the support projection 6211, and may be formed so that the support projection 6211 passes through it.

[0227] The frame hook 6612 may be formed at the lower end of the frame groove 6611. The frame hook 6612 may be formed at an angle to allow the support projection 6211 to pass through easily. The frame groove 6611 may be formed on opposite sides, and may be formed of different sizes so that support projections 6211 of the corresponding size can be inserted. Thus, the filter cover 66 may be assembled in the correct orientation within the housing 600 to prevent misassembly.

[0228] Then, after the support projection 6211 passes through the frame groove 6611 and the frame hook 6612, it can support the lower end of the filter cover 66. The filter cover 66 can then remain fixedly attached to the upper housing 62. Furthermore, when the housing 600 rotates, the support projection 6211 may move along the lower end of the inner frame 661.

[0229] Furthermore, a stepped portion 666 having a smaller diameter than the inner frame 661 may protrude upward from the upper end of the inner frame 661. A limiting groove 6614 into which the limiting projection 629 is inserted may be formed between the inner frame 661 and the stepped portion 666.

[0230] The restricting groove 6614 may extend along the upper end of the inner frame 661. The restricting groove 6614 may open upward. Therefore, when the filter cover 66 is inserted from below into the upper housing 62, the restricting projection 629 may be inserted inside the restricting groove 6614. One end of the restricting groove 6614 can contact the restricting projection 629 when the housing 600 is not rotated before the filter 60 is installed. The other end of the restricting groove 6614 can contact the restricting projection 629 when the housing 600 is fully rotated when the filter 60 is installed.

[0231] That is, the housing 600 can be rotated so that the limiting projection 629 contacts both ends of the limiting groove 6614, causing the housing 600 to rotate by a set angle. For example, the set angle may be approximately 90°. For this purpose, the limiting groove 6614 can have a set length, allowing the housing 600 to rotate by 90°. Furthermore, the limiting groove 6614 may be formed on one side of the filter cover 66 corresponding to the limiting projection 629, rather than on the inner frame 661.

[0232] On the other hand, contact protrusions 6613 may be formed on the upper surface of the inner frame 661. Multiple contact protrusions 6613 may be formed along the inner frame 661. For example, three to four contact protrusions 6613 may be spaced at a certain distance apart. The contact protrusions 6613 can then contact the inner surface of the upper housing 62. Therefore, the outer surface of the filter cover 66 and the inner surface of the upper housing 62 can only partially contact each other, rather than being in complete contact. The upper housing 62 can then rotate with minimal friction with the fixed filter cover 66, ensuring smooth rotation.

[0233] As shown in Figure 24, the vertical separation between the upper housing 62 and the filter cover 66 by the contact protrusion 6613 minimizes direct contact between the filter cover 66 and the upper housing 62. Furthermore, the upper surface of the contact protrusion 6613 may be formed in a rounded or inclined shape so that the contact protrusion 6613 makes point contact or minimal area contact with the inner surface of the upper housing 62.

[0234] The stepped portion 666 may be composed of multiple steps and may have shapes that correspond to the protruding and recessed shapes on the inner surface of the upper housing 62. For example, the stepped portion 666 may include a second stepped portion 6662 at the upper end of the inner frame 661 and a first stepped portion 6661 at the upper end of the second stepped portion 6662. The seal 67 may be fixed between the first stepped portion 6661 and the second stepped portion 6662. The first stepped portion 6661 can shield the upper opening 6270 of the first protrusion 627.

[0235] An inner upper surface 662 exposed to the upper opening 6270 may be formed above the first stepped portion 6661. The inner upper surface 662 may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the upper opening 6270. The inner upper surface 662 can form a coplanar plane with the upper surface of the first protrusion 627. As another example, the inner upper surface 662 may be formed in a curved or inclined shape with a higher central portion and lower edges.

[0236] Furthermore, an inlet portion 663 and an outlet portion 664 may be formed on the inner upper surface 662. The inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664 can be called an inlet nipple and an outlet nipple. The inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664 may be positioned opposite each other and spaced apart, or they may be formed at the same height h1. A rotating projection 669 and a sensing member 668 may protrude upward from the inner upper surface 662. The rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may be positioned in a direction intersecting the direction in which the inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664 are arranged.

[0237] Furthermore, the height h2 of the rotating projection 669 and the height h3 of the sensing member 668 may be formed lower than the height h1 of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664. Therefore, when the filter 60 is attached to the head 50, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 may be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323 first, or the rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may be inserted into the rotating groove 5329 and the sensing hole 5237 while the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 are being inserted. In other words, by forming the height h1 of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 to be higher, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 can be coupled to the head inner 53 without interference from the other components 668 and 669 when they are inserted and attached.

[0238] An inlet inclined portion 66301 and an outlet inclined portion 66401 may be formed at the upper end of the water inlet portion 663 and the upper end of the water outlet portion 664, respectively. The inlet inclined portion 66301 and the outlet inclined portion 66401 may be formed such that their diameters narrow as they face upwards. This allows the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 to be easily inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323. Furthermore, damage to the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542 can be prevented during the process of inserting the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323.

[0239] In particular, inclined surfaces 5322 and 5324 may be formed around the openings of the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323, so that when the filter 60 is installed, the inlet inclined portion 66301 and the inclined surface 5322 of the inlet hole 5321 come into contact with each other, and the outlet inclined portion 66401 and the inclined surface 5324 of the outlet hole 5323 come into contact with each other. Therefore, even if the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 are not precisely aligned with the inlet hole 5231 and outlet hole 5323, the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be naturally inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323 by contact and guidance between the inclined portions 66301 and 66401 and the inclined surfaces 5322 and 5324. For example, if the filter 60 is rotated by a set angle (for example, about 20°) relative to its aligned state, the inclined portions 66301, 66401 and the inclined surfaces 5322, 5324 may come into contact with each other, guiding the inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664 to align so that they can be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323. Such a structure may be very effective in coupling the inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664, which have elliptical cross-sectional structures oriented in different directions from each other, with the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323.

[0240] In particular, even if the filter cover 66 is not perfectly aligned, the filter cover 66 may naturally align as the inclined portions 66301, 66401 and the inclined surfaces 5322, 5324 come into contact with each other as the inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664 approach the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323. For example, even if the filter cover 66 is about 10% out of alignment (shifted by about 20° from the aligned state), the inlet portion 663 and the outlet portion 664 can still be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323.

[0241] The filter cover 66 may include a nipple housing portion 665. The nipple housing portion 665 may extend downward from the inner upper surface 662. The nipple housing portion 665 may be positioned on the centerline of the filter cover 66. The nipple housing portion 665 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open bottom to form the second space 6651 into which the filter nipple 653 is inserted.

[0242] The nipple housing portion 665 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the nipple seal 6533. The outer end of the nipple housing portion 665 can contact the lower end of the water inlet portion 663 and the lower end of the water outlet portion 664, respectively. The nipple housing portion 665 may divide the inside of the filter cover 66 into a first space 6610 into which water flows in via the water inlet portion 663 and a second space 6651 into which purified water is discharged toward the water outlet portion 664.

[0243] More specifically, the water inlet 663 may communicate with the first space 6610. The lower end of the water inlet 663 can form an inlet outlet 6633 that communicates with the first space 6610.

[0244] Furthermore, an inlet contact portion 6632 may be formed inside the water inlet portion 663, which defines the water inlet channel 6631 inside the water inlet portion 663. The inlet contact portion 6632 may extend from the upper end of the water inlet portion 663 to the inlet outlet 6633. The inlet contact portion 6632 may be formed along the minor axis S1 of the elliptical cross-section of the water inlet portion 663.

[0245] Therefore, water flowing in through the flow path spaces S on both sides of the seat portion 5631 can more effectively pass through the water inlet portion 663 and head toward the first space 6610. Furthermore, the upper end of the inlet contact portion 6632 can come into contact with the contact portion 5633 of the valve 56.

[0246] In detail, the water inlet 663 may be formed in an elliptical shape, with its major axis L1 extending in the front-rear direction. When the inlet outlet 6633 of the water inlet 663 is positioned close to the lateral stepped portions 6661 and 6662, and the major axis L1 is positioned in the front-rear direction, the size of the inlet outlet 6633 is ensured, and smooth water inflow through the water inlet 663 is possible.

[0247] Furthermore, the direction of the long axis L1 of the water inlet section 663 is made to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the flow path formed in the valve 56, so that the water supplied through the valve 56 flows smoothly along the water inlet section 663.

[0248] Furthermore, if the inlet contact portion 6632 is positioned in the direction of the long axis L1 of the water inlet portion 663, a portion of the inlet outlet 6633 side will be blocked, making uniform water flow through the water inlet channel 6631 partitioned by the inlet contact portion impossible. Therefore, the inlet contact portion 6632 is positioned in the direction of the short axis S1 of the water inlet portion 663 so that the entire side of the inlet outlet 6633 is open, enabling uniform water flow through the water inlet channel 6631.

[0249] As another example, the inlet contact portion 6632 is formed at the upper end of the water inlet portion 663, but may be partially formed inside the water inlet portion 663. The inlet contact portion 6632 may be formed only at the upper end of the water inlet portion 663 that can contact the contact portion 5633, or only on the upper part of the water inlet portion 663.

[0250] As another example, the inlet contact portion 6632 can be formed in a cross shape with multiple intersecting ribs when viewed from above, thereby providing more stable support for the contact portion 5633.

[0251] The water outlet section 664 may communicate with the second space 6651. The lower end of the water outlet section 664 can form an outlet inlet 6643 that communicates with the second space 6651. A water outlet channel 6641 may be formed inside the water outlet section 664. The cross-sectional shape of the water outlet channel 6641 may be elliptical, and it may be arranged in a direction that intersects with the cross-sectional shape of the water inlet channel 6631.

[0252] Furthermore, inclined portions 6634 and 6644 may be formed at the lower ends of the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664, respectively, so as to be sloped or rounded from the inner upper surface 662. The inclined portions 6634 and 6644 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the inclined portions 5322 and 5324. The inclined portions 6634 and 6644 can reinforce the strength to prevent deformation and damage to the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664. Furthermore, with the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323, the inclined portions 6634 and 6644 may be adjacent to each other with respect to the inclined portions 5322 and 5324.

[0253] The coupling structure between the upper housing 62 and the filter cover 66 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0254] Figure 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the upper housing and filter cover joined together. Figure 24 is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 23. Figure 25 is a perspective view of section 25-25 of Figure 4.

[0255] As shown in the figure, the filter cover 66 may be inserted from below the opening of the upper housing 62 and fitted so as to shield the upper opening 6270. When the filter cover 66 is fitted to the upper housing 62, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be exposed on the open upper surface of the upper housing 62. The water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 that are exposed when the filter 60 is fitted may be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323. The water inlet 663 and water outlet 663 have an elliptical cross-section, and the outer surfaces of the water inlet and water outlet may be in contact with the inner surfaces of the inlet hole 5231 and the outlet hole 5233 or the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542 to create an airtight seal. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 can be called a seal portion.

[0256] The filter cover 66 may be supported from below by the support projection 6211 while inserted into the upper housing 62. Therefore, the filter cover 66 can remain attached to the upper housing 62 without being separated from it.

[0257] The outer surface of the filter cover 66 and the inner surface of the upper housing 62, which are formed to have a step, may be arranged to correspond to each other. The seal 67 allows the filter cover 66 and the upper housing 62 to maintain airtightness while remaining rotatable relative to each other.

[0258] More specifically, the upper housing 62 may have a first projection 627 that protrudes inward toward the inside of the upper housing 62, and a second projection 628 that protrudes from the lower end of the first projection 627 toward the center of the upper housing 62. The first projection 627 may protrude further toward the center of the upper housing 62 than the second projection 628. The first projection 627 and the second projection 628 may be formed with a step between them. The seal 67 may be positioned in the step between the first projection 627 and the second projection 628.

[0259] As an example, the first protrusion 627 may include a first inner surface 6271 that forms the upper surface of the first protrusion 627, a second inner surface 6272 that extends downward from the inner end of the first inner surface 6271 and forms the upper opening 6270, a third inner surface 6273 that is inclined at the lower end of the second inner surface 6272, and a fourth inner surface 6274 that is formed at the end of the third inner surface 6273 alongside the second inner surface 6272 and forms the lower surface of the first protrusion 627.

[0260] The second protrusion 628 may include a fifth inner surface 6281 that forms the inner surface of the second protrusion 628, a sixth inner surface 6282 that is inclined at the lower end of the fifth inner surface 6281, and a seventh inner surface 6283 that extends from the lower end of the sixth inner surface 6282 and forms the lower surface of the second protrusion 628.

[0261] The seal 67 may be formed in an O-ring shape and positioned to contact the fourth inner surface 6274 and the fifth inner surface 6281. In particular, the position of the seal 67 can be maintained by restricting the upward and outward flow of the seal 67 even when the upper housing 62 is rotating, so that the upper housing 62 can maintain airtightness between the filter cover 66.

[0262] The inner frame 661 at the lower end of the filter cover 66 may be located below the second protrusion 628, i.e., below the seventh inner surface 6283, and outside the fifth inner surface 6281. Therefore, the upward flow of the filter cover 66 may be restricted below the second protrusion 628 by the inner frame 661. In this case, the contact projection 6613 formed on the upper surface of the inner frame 661 can contact the seventh inner surface 6283, allowing the upper housing 62 to rotate smoothly.

[0263] Furthermore, a first stepped portion 6661 and a second stepped portion 6662 may be formed above the inner frame 661. The first stepped portion 6661 and the second stepped portion 6662 may be configured to be in contact with the first protrusion 627 and the second protrusion 628, respectively.

[0264] As an example, the first stepped portion 6661 may include a first outer surface 6663 facing the second inner surface 6272, a second outer surface 6664 extending inclined from the lower end of the first outer surface 6663 and facing the third inner surface 6273, and a third outer surface 6665 extending downward from the lower end of the second outer surface 6664 and facing the fifth inner surface 6281. In this case, the second outer surface 6664 and the fifth inner surface 6281 may be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the seal 67 may be positioned between the second outer surface 6664 and the fifth inner surface 6281.

[0265] The second stepped portion 6662 may include a fourth outer surface 6666 that extends from the lower end of the third outer surface 6665 and faces the fourth inner surface 6274. The fourth inner surface 6274 and the fourth outer surface 6666 are separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the seal 67 may be positioned between them. The second stepped portion 6662 may include a fifth outer surface 6667 that extends downward from the end of the fourth outer surface 6666. The fifth outer surface 6667 faces the fifth inner surface 6281 and may extend downward to a height corresponding to the seventh inner surface 6283.

[0266] On the other hand, the seal 67 is supported in the front-rear and left-right directions by the first protrusion 627 and the second protrusion 628 and the first stepped portion 6661 and the second stepped portion 6662, and therefore, the space between the filter cover 66 and the upper housing 62 can be made airtight to prevent water leakage. Furthermore, although the first protrusion 627 and the second protrusion 628 are adjacent to the first stepped portion 6661 and the second stepped portion 6662 by the seal 67, they do not need to be in direct contact with each other, and therefore the upper housing 62 can rotate.

[0267] Furthermore, the inner frame 661 and the circumferential surface of the filter cover 66, on which the first stepped portion 6661 and the second stepped portion 6662 are formed, may be pressurized toward the inner surface of the housing 600 by the water pressure of the second space 6651 inside the housing 600, thereby enabling more effective airtightness between the upper housing 62 and the filter cover 66.

[0268] In particular, the inner surface 667 of the filter cover 66 that forms the second space 6651 may include an inner inclined surface 6672. The inner inclined surface 6672 may be formed in a position opposite the seal 67. The inner inclined surface 6672 may be positioned so that it faces outward as it extends downward. In this case, the normal that intersects the inner inclined surface 6672 may be formed to pass through the center of the seal 67. Therefore, when water is supplied to the filter 60 and the pressure inside the housing 600, especially the second space 6651, increases, the inner inclined surface 6672 is pressurized to push the seal 67 outward, reducing the gap between the filter cover 66 and the upper housing 62, thereby creating a tighter seal.

[0269] The inner surface of the filter cover 66 may further include a first vertical surface 6671 extending upward from the upper end of the inner inclined surface 6672 and a second vertical surface 6672 extending downward from the lower end of the inner inclined surface 6672. The first vertical surface 6671 and the second vertical surface 6672 may be formed perpendicular to the upper surface of the filter cover 66.

[0270] Hereinafter, the mounting process of the filter 60 having the above structure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0271] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the filter aligned for coupling as viewed from one side. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the filter aligned for coupling as viewed from the other side. FIG. 28 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state where the head and the filter are separated.

[0272] As shown in the drawing, the upper end of the filter 60 may be inserted through the open lower surface of the head 50.

[0273] The filter 60 has a structure in which the housing 600 rotates relative to the filter cover 66 and is coupled to the head body 52. Therefore, in order to correctly mount the filter 60, the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 must be maintained in a state of being aligned inside the housing 600.

[0274] When the filter 60 is viewed from above, the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be aligned between the first guide protrusion 625 and the second guide protrusion 626 disposed on both sides. Specifically, the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be arranged side by side on an extension line connecting the first guide protrusion 625 and the second guide protrusion 626. Therefore, the user can easily visually confirm that the filter 60 is aligned for mounting on the head 50 when viewed from above.

[0275] In particular, when the filter 60 is aligned for mounting on the head, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be aligned with the marker 6275 formed outside the upper opening 6270. The marker 6275 may be positioned on the same line as the shortened water inlet 663 or the inlet contact portion 6632 of the water inlet 663. Therefore, the user can more accurately determine the alignment of the filter 60 through the arrangement of the marker 6275 and the inlet contact portion 6632.

[0276] Furthermore, the markers 6275 may also be formed on both the left and right sides and on the top and bottom sides. The markers 6275 on both the left and right sides can visualize the alignment of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664, while the markers 6275 on both the top and bottom sides can visualize the alignment of the rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668. Therefore, the alignment of the filter 60 can be accurately confirmed through the markers 6275 exposed on the upper surface of the filter 60 and the arrangement of the water inlet section 663, water outlet section 664, rotating projection 669, and sensing member 668.

[0277] If the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 are not aligned before the filter 60 is mounted on the head 50, the user can rotate the filter cover 66 relative to the housing 600 to align them as described above.

[0278] With the filter 60 aligned, the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 may be located on both the left and right sides, respectively. To connect the filter 60 to the head, the user can position the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 below the first guide hole 5231 and the second guide hole 5241, respectively, which are opening on the lower surface of the head body 52. ​​In this case, the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664, when aligned with the filter 60, may be located below the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323.

[0279] In this state, the filter 60 can be moved upward to begin coupling the filter 60 to the head 50.

[0280] Figure 29 shows the state in which the filter has begun to be inserted into the head. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of line 30-30 in Figure 29.

[0281] As shown in the figure, the upper end of the filter 60 may be inserted through the open lower surface of the head body 52. ​​When the filter 60 begins to couple with the head body 52, the first guide projection 625 may be inserted into the first guide 523 and the second guide projection 626 may be inserted into the second guide 524.

[0282] In particular, the first guide projection 625 is structurally unable to be inserted into the second guide 524, thereby preventing incorrect installation of the filter 60. Furthermore, the cross-sections of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 are also formed to have directionality, so that the first guide projection 625 may be inserted into the first guide 523 and the second guide projection 626 into the second guide 524 only when they are inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323.

[0283] More specifically, when the first guide 523 is inserted into the first guide hole 5231 from below, the projection extension 6256 may be inserted through the separated gap G between the first guide portion 5232 and the head inner 53.

[0284] That is, the first guide projection 625 may be inserted into the first guide 523, and the protruding extension 6256 may be inserted between the first guide portion 5232 and the head inner 53. When the first guide projection 625 is inserted into the first guide 523, the first front inclined portion 6253 or the first rear inclined portion 6254 moves while in contact with the first guide portion 5232.

[0285] At this time, the second guide projection 626 may be inserted into the second guide 524. That is, the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 may be inserted into and moved into the first guide 523 and the second guide 524 simultaneously.

[0286] On the other hand, if the user incorrectly installs the filter 60, the first guide projection 625 may be attempted to be inserted into the second guide hole 5241. In this case, the projection extension 6256 cannot be inserted at a relatively narrow distance from the second guide portion 5242 and the head inner 53. Therefore, the first guide projection 625 cannot be inserted into the second guide 524. In other words, the filter 60 can have a structure that allows it to be installed only in a set configuration, thereby ensuring accurate installation of the intake portion 663 and the outlet portion 664.

[0287] Furthermore, the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be inserted into the corresponding inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323, respectively. The water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323 at the moment when the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 are inserted into the first guide 523 and the second guide 524.

[0288] At this time, since the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664 are already aligned, accurate installation is possible simply by inserting the second first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 into the first guide 523 and the second guide 524 without any further alignment work.

[0289] Furthermore, the rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may also be inserted inside the rotating groove 5329 and the sensing hole 5237, respectively. In this case, the rotating projection 669 is in contact with the inner surface of the rotating groove 5329, and therefore, stable rotation of the housing 600 can be ensured without the torque generated when the housing 600 rotates being transmitted to the water inlet 663 and the water outlet 664.

[0290] FIG. 31 is a view showing a state where the filter is inserted into the head and rotated at a set angle. And FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

[0291] As shown in the figure, the filter 60 may be rotated in a state of being inserted into the head 50 to complete the coupling with the head 50. At this time, the housing 600 may be moved upward while rotating with respect to the filter cover 66, and the filter cover 66 may be moved upward in a state of being coupled to the head inner 53.

[0292] Specifically, by rotating the housing 600, the first guide protrusion 625 and the second guide protrusion 626 may be moved upward along the first guide 523 and the second guide 524, respectively. As an example, the first front inclined portion 6253 or the first rear inclined portion 6254 may be moved while maintaining a contact state with the first guide portion 5232. At this time, the protrusion extension 6256 may be moved in a state of being positioned in the gap G between the first guide portion 5232 and the head inner 53.

[0293] By rotating the housing 600, the first guide protrusion 625 and the second guide protrusion 626 are continuously moved along the first guide 523 and the second guide 524. And the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be moved upward and inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and the outlet hole 5323. The water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be moved upward through the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542, respectively. Therefore, the periphery of the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664 may be sealed by the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542.

[0294] The housing 600 may rotate until the first guide projection 625 and the second guide projection 626 are positioned at the ends of the first guide 523 and the second guide 524, thereby inserting the water inlet portion 663 and the water outlet portion 664.

[0295] Furthermore, the rotating projection 669 and the sensing member 668 may also be further inserted into the rotating groove 5329 and the sensing hole 5237, respectively. When the sensing member 668 is fully inserted into the sensing hole 5237, the filter sensing device 55 can sense this and open the water supply valve 102, thereby starting the supply of water to the filter 60.

[0296] Figure 33 is a front view showing the filter fully coupled to the head. Figure 34 is a rear view showing the filter fully coupled to the head. Figure 35 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 33.

[0297] As shown in the figure, with the filter 60 fully coupled to the head body 52, the first guide projection 625 may be located at the upper end of the first guide 523. At this time, the first guide projection 625 may be located within the inspection window 5211. The inspection window 5211 opens forward, and the first guide projection 625 may be exposed forward through the inspection window 5211. Therefore, the user can confirm that the connecting rib 6255 is located in the center of the inspection window 5211 and visually confirm that the filter 60 has been fully mounted to the head 50.

[0298] Furthermore, with the filter 60 fully coupled to the head body 52, the second guide projection 626 may be located at the upper end of the second guide. The second guide projection 626 may also be located within the rear inspection window 5212. In this case, the restraint portion 5213 may be locked and restrained in the restraint groove 6266 of the second guide projection 626. The restraint portion 5213 is formed in a ring-like shape and may be elastically deformed when coupled to or separated from the restraint groove 6266, or it may be pressure-coupled to the restraint groove 6266.

[0299] More specifically, the restraint groove 6266 and the restraint portion 5213 may lock and restrain each other at the moment the filter 60 is fully coupled to the head body 52. ​​The user can then determine that the filter 60 has been successfully coupled to the head 50 by the locking sound and vibration generated at this time. In other words, the user can determine whether the filter 60 has been successfully installed by the locking sound and vibration generated when the housing 600 rotates, without having to directly visually check the confirmation window 5211.

[0300] Furthermore, when the filter 60 is coupled to the head body 52, the housing rib 6241 may be in contact with the lower end of the head body 52. ​​Therefore, the user can determine whether or not the coupling of the filter 60 is complete, even through the gap between the housing rib 6241 and the head body 52.

[0301] On the other hand, once the filter 60 is fully mounted on the head body 52, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323 to a set depth.

[0302] Once the water inlet section 663 and water outlet section 664 are fully inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323, the inside of the filter 60 and the inlet channel 5220 and outlet channel 5251 of the head 50 may communicate with each other. After the filter 60 is fully installed, the valve 56 and the water supply valve 102 may be opened to supply water to the filter 60 for purification.

[0303] In the following section, the water flow state of the filter assembly 40 with the filter 60 connected will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0304] Figure 36 shows the water flow when the filter is fully attached to the head. Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection between the water inlet and outlet when the filter is fully attached to the head. Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the water inlet and outlet at the top of the filter.

[0305] As shown in the diagram, once the filter 60 is fully coupled to the head 50, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be inserted into the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323, respectively.

[0306] More specifically, the upper end of the water inlet portion 663 may be located further upward through the inlet ring 541. The upper end of the water inlet portion 663 then contacts the contact portion 5633, moving the piston 563 upward and opening the case passage 5615.

[0307] The water supplied through the inlet passage 5220 may flow into the piston housing 5610 through the cap through-hole 5623. The piston housing 5610 may be elliptical in shape, and a flow path space S may be secured between it and the seat portion 5631. When the piston 563 is moved upward, water flows through the flow path space S and the case passage into the inlet housing. The water that flows into the inlet housing 5616 may be supplied into the filter 60 via the water inlet passage 6631 of the water inlet portion 663 inserted into the inlet housing 5616. Therefore, the water that flows into the water inlet pipe 103 may flow into the filter 60 through the inlet passage 5220 of the head 50, the valve 56, and the water inlet passage 6631.

[0308] The flow path that enters the filter 60 may be guided to the outside of the filter member 63 via the first space 6610. The water outside the filter member 63 then passes through the filter member 63 and moves into the hollow of the filter member 63. At this time, the water may be purified as it passes through the filter member 63. The purified water may flow upward through the hollow 631 toward the second space 6651 and be discharged through the outlet 664.

[0309] The upper end of the water outlet section 664 may be located further upward through the outlet ring 542. Therefore, the purified water from the filter 60 may flow through the water outlet section 664 into the outlet channel 5251 and be discharged to the outside through the water outlet pipe 104.

[0310] As water flows through the filter 60, the area around the inlet 663 and outlet 664 is airtightly sealed by the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542 to prevent leakage. For this purpose, the height H1 of the inlet 663 and outlet 664 may be extended higher than the height H2 of the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542, relative to the upper surface of the filter cover 66.

[0311] For example, the height H2 of the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542 may be positioned slightly higher than the midpoint of the vertical height H1 of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664. Furthermore, the inlet ring 541 and the outlet ring 542 may be positioned at a set distance from the upper ends of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664.

[0312] Furthermore, at least the portion of the area around the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 that passes through the inlet ring 541 and outlet ring 542 may be formed to have an elliptical cross-section corresponding to the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664. Thus, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 are airtight and leak-free, ensuring the flow of water within the head 50.

[0313] The filter 60 may be replaced with a new one after it has purified water for a set period or flow rate and been separated from the head 50. To separate the filter 60 from the head 50, the housing 600 is rotated and moved downward in the reverse order of the process described above. At this time, the reverse rotation of the filter 60 causes the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 to move downward, allowing them to exit the inlet hole 5321 and outlet hole 5323. The valve 56 may then be closed again due to the downward movement and separation of the water inlet 663, so as not to leak water that has flowed in through the water inlet pipe 103 to the outside of the head 50.

[0314] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 38, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 may be compactly and efficiently arranged within the limited area inside the housing 600. More specifically, the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 are located inside the upper opening 6270.

[0315] Furthermore, the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664 must be positioned entirely on the upper surface 662 of the filter cover 66, which is exposed to the upper opening 6270, and simultaneously form a flow path connecting the inside of the housing 600 and the head 50. In this case, the smooth flow of water passing through the filter 60 can be ensured depending on the arrangement direction of the water inlet section 663 and the water outlet section 664, which have an elliptical cross-section.

[0316] More specifically, the water inlet 663 may be positioned such that the major axis L1 of its elliptical cross-section faces the front-to-back direction. The water inlet 663 has a structure in which the inlet outlet 6633 communicates with the first space 6610, which is located away from the center of the filter member 63. Therefore, in this configuration, the water inlet 663 is positioned such that the major axis L1 of its elliptical cross-section faces the front-to-back direction. Consequently, the water inlet 663 communicates with the second space 6651 over the widest area, allowing water to flow smoothly through the water inlet 663. In addition, interference with the inclined inner surface of the filter cover 66, which is determined by the orientation of the elliptical cross-section of the water inlet 663, is minimized, allowing water to flow smoothly in the circumferential direction of the filter member 63 through the narrow space.

[0317] If the major axis L1 direction of the elliptical cross-section of the water inlet 663 is formed in the left-right direction, the area overlapping with the first space 6610 will decrease, and the water inlet efficiency will decrease. Furthermore, the flow path of the inlet outlet 6633 communicating with the first space 6610 does not need to be excessively curved, which would prevent smooth water flow toward the first space 6610.

[0318] Furthermore, if the major axis L1 direction of the elliptical cross-section of the water inlet 663 is formed in the left-right direction, the area of ​​the water inlet 663 that unnecessarily overlaps with the second space 6651 increases, hindering the discharge of purified water through the second space 6651 and obstructing the flow of the discharged water.

[0319] Furthermore, the water outlet 664 may be positioned such that the major axis L2 of the elliptical cross-section faces left to right. The water outlet 664 has a structure in which the outlet inlet 6643 communicates with the second space 6651 from which purified water is discharged. In this arrangement, the major axis L2 of the elliptical cross-section of the water outlet 664 can face left to right. Therefore, the water outlet 664 and the second space 6651 communicate with each other over the widest area, and the discharge of water through the water outlet 664 becomes smooth.

[0320] Specifically, with respect to the width Wf of the second space 6651 from which the water purified by the filter member 63 flows out, the outlet section 664 has an arrangement direction in which it overlaps with the second space 6651 by a maximum width WL, and the inlet section 663 has an arrangement direction in which it may overlap with the second space 6651 by a minimum width Ws. Furthermore, the arrangement direction of the inlet section 663 may overlap with the first space by a maximum area. In this way, the elliptical cross-sectional shapes of the inlet section 663 and the outlet section 664 have directionality to provide an efficient arrangement for water inlet and outlet.

[0321] Furthermore, by arranging the elliptical cross-sectional shapes of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 in directions that intersect each other, the filter cover 66 may be firmly coupled to the head 50 in all directions, making it easier to generate torque for the rotating housing 600. Moreover, by having a directional elliptical cross-sectional shape for the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664, it is possible to prevent the filter cover 66 from flowing in the front-back, left-right, and right directions even during the rotation of the housing 600, and therefore, leakage at the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 can be prevented.

[0322] Furthermore, when the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664 are viewed from above, the elliptical cross-sectional shape has directionality, which allows for accurate determination of the alignment of the water inlet 663 and water outlet 664, and may guide the connection and insertion to the head 50 in the correct direction.

[0323] On the other hand, in addition to the embodiments described above, a variety of other embodiments of the present invention are also possible.

Claims

1. A water filter that is detachably coupled to a head connected to a water source, The aforementioned water filter is A housing with an upper opening that opens upwards, A filter cover provided in the housing, which shields the upper opening and has an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out, The housing contains a filter member for water purification, A seal provided between the housing and the filter cover, which airtightly seals the space between the housing and the filter cover when the housing rotates, is included. The housing is a water filter that rotates relative to the filter cover and filter member when coupled with the head.

2. The aforementioned housing is An upper housing that forms the upper part of the housing and in which the upper opening is formed, Includes a lower housing which is coupled to the lower part of the upper housing and forms the lower part of the housing, The water filter according to claim 1, wherein guide protrusions are formed around the upper housing, which are rotatably coupled to the head.

3. The aforementioned upper housing is The lower part is connected to the lower housing, The upper part forms the upper part of the upper housing and is inserted into the inside of the head, The aforementioned guide projection protrudes from the outer surface of the upper part, The water filter according to claim 2, wherein the upper opening opens upward from the inside of the upper part.

4. An upper supporter is provided at the upper end of the filter member, connecting the filter member and the filter cover. The water filter according to claim 1, wherein the housing rotates about the center of the filter member and the upper supporter.

5. The housing has a protruding portion that projects toward the center of the housing so as to form the upper opening. The filter cover is formed to have a step along its circumference and includes a stepped portion located below the protruding portion. The water filter according to claim 1, wherein the seal is disposed between the protruding portion and the stepped portion.

6. The aforementioned protruding portion has a limiting projection that protrudes downward. The filter cover has a limiting groove formed therein, which is recessed along the perimeter of the filter cover and into which the limiting projection is inserted. The water filter according to claim 5, wherein the limiting groove is formed to contact the limiting projection when the housing starts and stops rotating.

7. The water filter according to claim 5, wherein the filter cover has a plurality of contact protrusions that project upward and contact the lower part of the protrusion, thereby partially separating the filter cover and the housing.

8. The aforementioned water inlet and outlet are formed such that at least a portion of their total vertical length has an elliptical cross-section. The water filter according to claim 1, wherein the water inlet is rotated by a set angle with respect to the orientation of the water outlet.

9. When viewed from above, the aforementioned water inlet and outlet are: The water filter according to claim 8, wherein the long axis of the water inlet and the long axis of the water outlet extend in directions that intersect each other.

10. The housing has a guide projection that rotates when the water filter is installed and connects to the head. The guide protrusions are arranged on both sides with respect to the filter cover. The water filter according to claim 8, wherein the water inlet and water outlet are positioned between guide protrusions arranged on both sides.

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