Patent Description:
In general, a filter assembly is a device that is mounted on a water purifier or a refrigerator and filters water through one or more water filters, so as to supply clean water to a user. The filter assembly may include a plurality of filters to implement a water purification performance.

At this time, the plurality of filters is arranged to allow water passing through the filter to flow with a certain direction.

The plurality of filters may be provided with different types of filters. When the filter is incorrectly assembled due to user's carelessness upon replacing the filter, internal leakage may occur or overall water purification performance may be reduced.

Conventional water purifying filter assemblies are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Aspects of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a water purifying filter assembly may include a filter; a filter case comprising a receiving member receiving the filter; and a head assembly mounted on one side of the filter case and coupled to the filter, wherein the filter comprises a recessed provided on an outer circumferential surface thereof, wherein the receiving member comprises a protrusion formed in a shape corresponding to the recessed portion, wherein the filter is fixedly coupled to the head assembly at a position in which the recessed portion and the protrusion are engaged with each other.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving member is a first receiving member, and the water purifying filter assembly further includes a second receiving member including a protrusion shaped differently than the protrusion of the first receiving member, wherein, when a first filter having a recessed portion configured to receive the protrusion of the first receiving member is inserted into the second receiving member, coupling of the first filter to the head assembly is prevented by the protrusion of the second receiving member, and when a second filter having a recessed portion configured to receive the protrusion of the second receiving member is inserted into the first receiving member, coupling of the second filter to the head assembly is prevented by the protrusion of the first receiving member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the recessed portion of the filter is adjacent to the head assembly when the filter is placed in the receiving member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving member is a first receiving member, and the water purifying filter assembly further includes a second receiving member including a protrusion having a same shape as the protrusion of the first receiving member, the protrusion of the second receiving member being arranged at a position relative to the second receiving member that is different from a position of the protrusion of the first receiving member relative to the first receiving member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water purifying filter assembly further includes the filter, wherein the filter is provided with a pair of the recessed portions arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center of the filter.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving member further includes a peripheral member extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the receiving member, wherein the protrusion extends away from the peripheral member, and the protrusion extends further inward than the peripheral member from the inner circumferential surface.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving member further includes a peripheral member extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the receiving member, wherein the protrusion extends away from the peripheral member, and the protrusion extends further along a longitudinal direction of the receiving member than the peripheral member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the head assembly includes a mounting member coupled to the filter case and couplable to the filter, wherein the mounting member is configured to engage with a mounting protrusion protruding radially outward from an inlet and outlet member of the filter so that the mounting protrusion of the filter is coupled to an inside of the mounting member when the protrusion of the receiving member is received in the recessed portion and the filter is rotated.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water purifying filter assembly further includes a cover member coupled to the filter case at a side of the filter case opposite to the head assembly and configured to open to receive the filter as the filter is being placed in the receiving member, and to close to cover a handle of the filter when the filter is fixedly coupled to the head assembly.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cover member includes an inner bracket including a receiving hole through which the filter passes as the filter is being placed in the receiving member; and an outer bracket coupled to the inner bracket so as to open and close the receiving hole from outside of the inner bracket.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the outer bracket includes a door block extending from an inner surface toward the handle and configured so that when the filter is fixedly coupled to the head assembly, the outer bracket is closable, and when the filter is incorrectly received in the receiving member, the door block interferes with the handle so that the outer bracket is not closable.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving member is a first receiving member, and the water purifying filter assembly further includes a second receiving member arranged adjacent to the first receiving member and in a first direction away from the first receiving member; and a third receiving member arranged adjacent to the first receiving member and in a second direction away from the first receiving member.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the first, second, and third receiving members have differently configured protrusions that are respectfully receivable in differently configured recessed portions of different filters.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water purifying filter assembly further includes an interference rib mounted on the filter case and protruding inward from an inner circumferential surface of the receiving member, wherein the interference rib is configured so that, the interference rib engages with a guide groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of a filter to guide proper placement of the filter in the receiving member, and the interference rib is pressed outward during insertion of the filter into the receiving member when the guide groove engaged with the interference rib is formed to be inclined with respect to a direction in which the filter is inserted into the filter case.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the filter case includes a cutout configured to allow the interference rib to protrude into the filter case.

Additional embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or will be apparent from the disclosure.

These and/or other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:.

Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this disclosure, the terms "including", "having", and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of "and / or" includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

In the following detailed description, the terms of "front", "rear", "upper portion", "lower portion" and the like may be defined by the drawings, but the shape and the location of the component is not limited by the term.

Hereinafter example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a frame is removed from <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating components shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> to accommodate a plurality of filters <NUM> and a filter case <NUM>. The water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may include a cover member <NUM> mounted on one side of the frame <NUM>.

The plurality of filters <NUM> configured to filter raw water may be centrally disposed between the frame <NUM> and the cover member <NUM>. A user can replace the plurality of filters <NUM> through the cover member <NUM>. Details related to this will be described later.

Referring to <FIG>, the water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may include the filter case <NUM> disposed inside the frame <NUM>.

The filter case <NUM> may be engaged with the cover member <NUM> to allow the plurality of filters <NUM> to be separately accommodated therein. The plurality of filters <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to each other through the filter case <NUM>. That is, because the filter is compactly arranged, a size of the water purifier <NUM> may be reduced. In addition, it may be provided for a user to easily withdraw or insert the plurality of filters <NUM>. The plurality of filters <NUM> may be provided to be inserted into or withdrawn from the filter case <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> may include an inner bracket <NUM> and an outer bracket <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may be connected to the filter case <NUM> to fix the filter to prevent the filter from moving.

The inner bracket <NUM> and the outer bracket <NUM> may each include a groove for a handle. In addition, a plurality of fixing pins <NUM> may be provided on the inner bracket <NUM> to support the filter case <NUM> against the cover member <NUM> without the movement of the filter case <NUM>. The inner bracket <NUM> may include circular spaces according to a shape of the filter. Accordingly, a user can access the filter through the circular space.

The water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may include a head assembly <NUM> mounted on one side of the filter case <NUM>.

The head assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the plurality of filters <NUM> to form a flow path, which connects the plurality of filters <NUM>, to allow water introduced from an outside to pass through each filter. The plurality of filters <NUM> may be rotationally coupled to the head assembly <NUM>.

That is, the head assembly <NUM> may be coupled to each of the plurality of filters <NUM> and may also be coupled to the filter case <NUM> surrounding the plurality of filters <NUM>.

The water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may include a drip tray <NUM>.

When the water purifying filter assembly <NUM> is used for a long time, water flowing through the flow path may leak. Further, a leak may occur when replacing the filter. In this case, the leaking water may be collected in the drip tray <NUM>. The water collected in the drip tray <NUM> may be removed in such a way that a user can remove the water by withdrawing only the drip tray <NUM> after opening the water purifying filter assembly <NUM>.

The water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may include a support plate <NUM> arranged under the drip tray <NUM>.

The support plate <NUM> may be mounted on the cover member <NUM> to support the filter case <NUM> and the head assembly <NUM> as well as the drip tray <NUM>.

The support plate <NUM> may include a plurality of holes connecting a pipe <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) formed in the head assembly <NUM>, to the outside. The plurality of holes may include an inlet hole through which raw water is introduced, an outlet hole through which purified water is discharged, and a drain hole through which washing water is discharged. However, the number of the plurality of holes is not limited thereto.

The water purifying filter assembly <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a refrigerator, and may be disposed inside the refrigerator to allow purified water to be supplied from a refrigerator dispenser. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the water purifying filter assembly may be disposed outside the refrigerator to supply purified water. Alternatively, the water purifying filter assembly <NUM> may be provided in a water purifier. That is, the water purifying filter assembly <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed anywhere for the purpose of purifying water.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between a plurality of filters and a head assembly of the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of filters <NUM> may include a first filter <NUM>, a second filter <NUM>, a third filter <NUM>, and a fourth filter <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> and the second filter <NUM> may be arranged side by side in a first direction. The first filter <NUM> and the third filter <NUM> may be arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In addition, the fourth filter <NUM> and the second filter <NUM> may be arranged side by side in the second direction. However, the arrangement of the filter is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the shapes of the filter case <NUM> and the head assembly <NUM> for receiving the filter may be changed according to the change in the arrangement of the filter.

The plurality of filters <NUM> may be provided in the same shape except for a recessed portion formed therein. The plurality of filters <NUM> may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the filter is not limited thereto.

A detailed configuration of the plurality of filters <NUM> having the same shape will be described using the first filter <NUM> as an example.

The first filter <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may be approximately formed as an upper housing of the first filter <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may be formed as a lower housing of the first filter <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> formed on one side of the second housing <NUM>. Particularly, the handle <NUM> may be formed on a bottom surface of the first filter <NUM>. When a user replaces the filter, the handle <NUM> is provided to be gripped by the user. In addition, the handle <NUM> also serves as an indicator that indicates whether the filter is coupled to the head assembly <NUM> in a correct position, to the outside. Details related to this will be described later.

The first filter <NUM> may include an inlet and outlet member <NUM> including an opening through which water passes. Particularly, the inlet and outlet member <NUM> may be formed in the first housing <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may include a mounting protrusion <NUM> protruding radially outward from the inlet and outlet member <NUM>. The mounting protrusion <NUM> may include a first member 115a, a second member 115b, and a third member 115c. The first member 115a extends in a radial direction of the filter from the inlet and outlet member <NUM>. The first member 115a may be formed as a flat surface. The second member 115b may extend in a circumferential direction from the first member 115a and may be formed as an inclined surface. The third member 115c may extend in the radial direction of the filter from the inlet and outlet member <NUM>, but may extend to protrude less than the first member 115a and the second member 115b. The mounting protrusion <NUM> may be mounted on a mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM> by moving a guide <NUM> of the head assembly <NUM> to be described later.

The above configuration may be equally applied to the second filter <NUM>, the third filter <NUM>, and the fourth filter <NUM>.

The head assembly <NUM> may include a mounting member <NUM> and a pipe member <NUM>.

The mounting member <NUM> is provided to be coupled to the plurality of filters <NUM> and the filter case <NUM>.

The mounting member <NUM> may include a first mounting member <NUM>, a second mounting member <NUM>, a third mounting member <NUM>, and a fourth mounting member <NUM>. The first mounting member <NUM> may be coupled to the first filter <NUM>. The second mounting member <NUM> may be coupled to the second filter <NUM>. The third mounting member <NUM> may be coupled to the third filter <NUM>, and the fourth mounting member <NUM> may be coupled to the fourth filter <NUM>.

The mounting member <NUM> may include an annular rib <NUM> connected to each of the first to fourth mounting members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, to which the plurality of filters <NUM> is coupled, so as to be coupled to the filter case <NUM>. A coupler <NUM> to which a coupling protrusion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the filter case <NUM> is inserted and coupled may be provided in plurality on an outside of the annular rib <NUM>.

Because the mounting protrusion <NUM> of the first filter <NUM> is described above, the mounting member <NUM> will be described in detail using the first mounting member <NUM> as an example.

The first mounting member <NUM> of the head assembly <NUM> may include the guide <NUM> and the mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM>. The guide <NUM> and the mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM> may be coupled to the mounting protrusion <NUM> radially protruding from the inlet and outlet member <NUM> of the first filter <NUM>.

Particularly, the guide <NUM> may be inclined from an inner side of the mounting member <NUM> toward the pipe <NUM> to allow the mounting protrusion <NUM> of the first filter <NUM> to be rotated and coupled to an inner side of the head assembly <NUM> in response to the mounting protrusion <NUM> being inserted into the head assembly <NUM>.

The mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM> may be formed as a flat surface along a radial direction of the mounting member <NUM> to allow the mounting protrusion <NUM>, which is guided to rotate along the guide <NUM>, to be inserted thereto.

Because the guide <NUM> protrudes further inward in the radial direction of the mounting member <NUM> than the mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM>, the guide <NUM> and the mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM> may be provided in a shape having a step difference.

The above configuration may be equally applied to the second mounting member <NUM>, the third mounting member <NUM>, and the fourth mounting member <NUM>.

Hereinafter it will be described that the mounting protrusion <NUM> of the first filter <NUM> is mounted on the first mounting member <NUM>.

The first member 115a of the mounting protrusion <NUM> of the first filter <NUM> may be rotated and pass through the guide <NUM> of the first mounting member <NUM> and then mounted on the mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM>. Because the second member 115b includes an inclined surface, a surface passing through the guide <NUM> may be the second member 115b of the mounting protrusion <NUM>.

In response to the first filter <NUM> being coupled to the first mounting member <NUM> in a correct position, the third member 115c of the mounting protrusion <NUM> is in contact with the guide <NUM>. Accordingly, the first member 115a and the second member 115b of the mounting protrusion <NUM> are positioned at the mounting protrusion insertion member <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may be coupled to the first mounting member <NUM> in the correct position after rotation of approximately <NUM> degrees based on a moment in which the first filter <NUM> is inserted into the first mounting member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating filters according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a filter case of the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial perspective view illustrating a part of the filter case of <FIG> as viewed from a rear side.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the plurality of filters <NUM> may include the recessed portion. Each of the recessed portions may be formed in a shape and a position corresponding to each of the protrusions of the filter case <NUM> to be described later.

The first filter <NUM> may include a first recessed portion <NUM>. The second filter <NUM> may include a second recessed portion <NUM>. The third filter <NUM> may include a third recessed portion <NUM>. In addition, the fourth filter <NUM> may include a fourth recessed portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter the first recessed portion <NUM> formed in the first filter <NUM> will be described as an example. The first recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed inward along a rotation direction of the first filter <NUM>. That is, the first recessed portion <NUM> may be formed along a circumferential direction of the first filter <NUM>.

The first recessed portion <NUM> may be provided as a pair symmetrical with respect to a center C of the first filter <NUM>.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first recessed portion <NUM> may vary as long as the first recessed portion <NUM> does not interfere with a first protrusion <NUM> to be described later.

In addition, a position in which the first recessed portion <NUM> is formed may be formed in a front portion of the first filter <NUM> with respect to a direction in which the first filter <NUM> is inserted.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first recessed portion <NUM> may be formed on a side surface or a rear portion of the first filter <NUM>. It should be understood that a position of the protrusion of the filter case <NUM> may be changed according to the change in the position of the first recessed portion <NUM>.

The second recessed portion <NUM>, the third recessed portion <NUM>, and the fourth recessed portion <NUM> may also be formed in the same manner as the above-described first recessed portion <NUM>.

At a position away from the center C of the first filter <NUM> by a first radius d1, the first recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed inward the first filter <NUM>.

At a position away from the center C of the second filter <NUM> by a second radius d2, the second recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed inward the second filter <NUM>.

At a position away from the center C of the third filter <NUM> by a third radius d3, the third recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed inward the third filter <NUM>.

At a position away from the center C of the fourth filter <NUM> by a fourth radius d4, the fourth recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed inward the fourth filter <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the first radius d1 is greater than the second radius d2, and the second radius d2 is greater than the third radius d3. The second radius d2 may be the same as the fourth radius d4.

Because the respective recessed portions are formed at different starting positions, the protrusion of the filter case <NUM>, which will be described later, may also have different shapes. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an incorrect assembly by identifying a coupling position according to the type of filter.

However, the relationship between the first radius d1 and the fourth radius d4 is not limited thereto.

In the embodiment, it is described that that the second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM> are provided with the same type of composite filter, and the second recessed portion <NUM> formed in the second filter <NUM> is the same as the fourth recessed portion <NUM> formed in the fourth filter <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and each filter may be provided as a different type of filter, and accordingly, each recessed portion may also be formed in a different shape or in a different position.

The plurality of protrusions formed in the filter case <NUM> and a plurality of receiving members <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The filter case <NUM> may include the receiving member <NUM>.

The filter case <NUM> may include a first receiving member <NUM> receiving the first filter <NUM>, a second receiving member <NUM> receiving the second filter <NUM>, a third receiving member <NUM> receiving the third filter <NUM>, and a fourth receiving member <NUM> receiving the fourth filter <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the first receiving member <NUM>. The first receiving member <NUM> may include the first protrusion <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) provided in a shape corresponding to the first recessed portion <NUM> of the first filter <NUM>.

The first receiving member <NUM> may include a peripheral member <NUM> extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the first receiving member <NUM>.

The second filter <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the second receiving member <NUM>. The second receiving member <NUM> may include a second protrusion <NUM> provided in a shape corresponding to the second recessed portion <NUM> of the second filter <NUM>.

The third filter <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the third receiving member <NUM>. The third receiving member <NUM> may include a third protrusion <NUM> provided in a shape corresponding to the third recessed portion <NUM> of the third filter <NUM>.

The fourth filter <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the fourth receiving member <NUM>. The fourth receiving member <NUM> may include a fourth protrusion <NUM> provided in a shape corresponding to the fourth recessed portion <NUM> of the fourth filter <NUM>.

In the embodiment, it is described that two first, second, and fourth protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided for each receiving member <NUM>, and four third protrusions <NUM> are provided, but the number of each protrusion is not limited thereto.

In addition, the filter case <NUM> may include a residual water hole <NUM> at a bottom. Water leaking through the residual water hole <NUM> may be moved and collected in the drip tray <NUM>.

The filter case <NUM> may include a head mounting member <NUM>.

The head mounting member <NUM> may be connected to the receiving member <NUM> and provided on one side of the filter case <NUM>. The head mounting member <NUM> may include a plurality of coupling protrusions <NUM> to connect the head assembly <NUM> and the filter case <NUM>. In addition, the head mounting member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the receiving member <NUM>.

The plurality of coupling protrusions <NUM> may extend from the head mounting member <NUM> toward the head assembly <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the filter. In <FIG>, a total of <NUM> coupling protrusions <NUM> are illustrated, but the number and shape thereof may not be limited thereto.

The filter case <NUM> may include a cover member coupler <NUM>.

The cover member coupler <NUM> may be provided on the other side of the filter case <NUM> so as to connect the cover member <NUM> to the filter case <NUM>. The cover member coupler <NUM> is received in the inner bracket <NUM> to allow the filter case <NUM> to be coupled to the cover member <NUM>.

In the embodiment, it is described that that the second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM> are provided with the same type of composite filter, and the second protrusion <NUM> formed in the second receiving member <NUM> is the same as the fourth protrusion <NUM> formed in the fourth receiving member <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and each filter may be provided as a different type of filter, and accordingly, each protrusion may also be formed in a different shape or in a different position.

In addition, <FIG> illustrates a part of the filter case <NUM>, but the part shown in <FIG> may be provided as a component separated from the filter case <NUM> and then coupled to the filter case <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating the filter and the filter case of the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C' of <FIG>.

A relationship between the recessed portion formed in a different shape in each filter and the protrusion formed in the filter case <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. The second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM> are the same type of filter, and the drawing and description of the fourth filter <NUM> are the same as those of the second filter <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first filter <NUM> may be provided to be received in the first receiving member <NUM>.

The first filter <NUM> may include a filter body provided inside the housing to filter out impurities in the raw water.

The first filter <NUM> may include the inlet and outlet member <NUM> and a vertical member <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the first filter <NUM>. In addition, the first filter <NUM> may include an inclined member <NUM> provided to connect the inlet and outlet member <NUM> to the vertical member <NUM>.

The first recessed portion <NUM> may be formed in the inclined member <NUM> of the first filter <NUM>. The first recessed portion <NUM> may be formed by being recessed from the outside to the inside of the first filter <NUM> to have two steps. The first recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed from a position away from the center C of the first filter <NUM> by the first radius d1.

The filter case <NUM> may include the first protrusion <NUM> formed in the first receiving member <NUM>.

An inner circumferential surface of the filter case <NUM> may partially extend from the head mounting member <NUM> toward the longitudinal direction of the first filter <NUM>. In addition, the filter case <NUM> may include the peripheral member <NUM> extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface.

The first protrusion <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first filter <NUM>. The first protrusion <NUM> may be provided to extend further in the longitudinal direction than the peripheral member <NUM>. That is, a height from an upper surface of the peripheral member <NUM> to a lowest surface of the first protrusion <NUM> may be referred to as a first height h1, and the first height h1 may be greater than a thickness of the peripheral member <NUM>.

In response to the first recessed portion <NUM> being recessed at a position away from the center C of the first filter <NUM> by the first radius d1, the first protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the inner circumferential surface at a position away from the center C by the first radius d1 or at a position away from the center C by a distance greater than the first radius d1.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second filter <NUM> may be provided to be received in the second receiving member <NUM>.

The second filter <NUM> may include an inlet and outlet member <NUM> and a vertical member <NUM> extending in a longitudinal direction of the second filter <NUM>. In addition, the second filter <NUM> may include an inclined member <NUM> provided to connect the inlet and outlet member <NUM> to the vertical member <NUM>.

The second recessed portion <NUM> may be formed in the inclined member <NUM> of the second filter <NUM>. The second recessed portion <NUM> may be formed by being recessed from the outside to the inside of the second filter <NUM> to have a step difference. The second recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed from a position away from the center C of the second filter <NUM> by the second radius d2.

The filter case <NUM> may include a second protrusion <NUM> formed in the second receiving member <NUM>.

The inner circumferential surface of the filter case <NUM> may partially extend from the head mounting member <NUM> toward the longitudinal direction of the second filter <NUM>.

The second protrusion <NUM> may extend radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface. The second protrusion <NUM> may be provided to extend more inward than the peripheral member <NUM>.

A height from the upper surface of the peripheral member <NUM> to the lowest surface of the second protrusion <NUM> may be referred to as a second height h2, and the second height h2 may be formed to be greater than the thickness of the peripheral member <NUM>.

In response to the second recessed portion <NUM> being recessed at a position away from the center C of the second filter <NUM> by the second radius d2, the second protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the inner circumferential surface at a position away from the center C by the second radius d2 or at a position away from the center C by a distance greater than the second radius d2.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the third filter <NUM> may be provided to be received in the third receiving member <NUM>.

The third filter <NUM> may include an inlet and outlet member <NUM> and a vertical member <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction of the second filter <NUM>. In addition, the third filter <NUM> may include an inclined member <NUM> provided to connect the inlet and outlet member <NUM> to the vertical member <NUM>.

The third recessed portion <NUM> may be formed in the inclined member <NUM> of the third filter <NUM>. The third recessed portion <NUM> may be formed by being recessed from the outside to the inside of the third filter <NUM> to have a step difference. The third recessed portion <NUM> may be recessed from a position away from the center C of the third filter <NUM> by the third radius d3.

The filter case <NUM> may include a third protrusion <NUM> formed in the third receiving member <NUM>.

The inner circumferential surface of the filter case <NUM> may partially extend from the head mounting member <NUM> toward a longitudinal direction of the third filter <NUM>.

The third protrusion <NUM> may extend radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface. The third protrusion <NUM> may be provided to extend more inward than the peripheral member <NUM>.

A height from the upper surface of the peripheral member <NUM> to the lowest surface of the third protrusion <NUM> may be referred to as a third height h3, and the third height h3 may be formed to be less than the thickness of the peripheral member <NUM>.

In response to the third recessed portion <NUM> being recessed at a position away from the center C of the third filter <NUM> by the third radius d3, the third protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the inner circumferential surface at a position away from the center C by the third radius d3 or at a position away from the center C by a distance greater than the third radius d3.

Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the first recessed portion <NUM>, the second recessed portion <NUM>, and the third recessed portion <NUM> are formed to have different distances that is apart from the center C of the filter. That is, the first radius d1 is formed to be greater than the second radius d2, and the second radius d2 is formed to be greater than the third radius d3. In other words, the third recessed portion <NUM> may be formed closest to the center C of the filter, followed by the second recessed portion <NUM> and the first recessed portion <NUM> in the order.

The first protrusion <NUM>, the second protrusion <NUM>, and the third protrusion <NUM> may have different heights that is from the upper surface of the peripheral member <NUM> to the lowest surface of each protrusion.

That is, the first height h1 may be greater than the second height h2, and the second height h2 may be greater than the third height h3. In other words, the first protrusion <NUM> may be formed to be the thickest and the third protrusion <NUM> may be formed to be the thinnest. This means that the shape of each protrusion is different.

The shapes of the first recessed portion <NUM> and the first protrusion <NUM> correspond to each other, and the shapes of the second recessed portion <NUM> and the second protrusion <NUM> correspond to each other, and the shapes of the third recessed portion <NUM> and the third protrusion <NUM> correspond to each other, and thus each filter may be coupled to the head assembly <NUM> only at a predetermined position.

In response to the second filter <NUM> being inserted into the first receiving member <NUM>, the second recessed portion <NUM> formed in the second filter <NUM> may interfere with the first protrusion <NUM> formed in the first receiving member <NUM> so as to prevent the second filter <NUM> from being coupled to the head assembly <NUM>.

The first height h1 of the first protrusion <NUM> is greatest, and thus in response to the second filter <NUM>, the third filter <NUM>, or the fourth filter <NUM> being inserted into the first receiving member <NUM>, it is possible to prevent each of the filter from being inserted to a position of being coupled to the head assembly <NUM>.

In response to the first filter <NUM> being inserted into the second receiving member <NUM>, the first recessed portion <NUM> formed in the first filter <NUM> may interfere with the second protrusion <NUM> formed in the second receiving member <NUM> so as to prevent the first filter <NUM> from being coupled to the head assembly <NUM>.

The second protrusion <NUM> has the second height h2, and the first protrusion <NUM> has the first height h1 that is greater than the second height h2. Accordingly, because the first recessed portion <NUM> is deeply recessed, the first recessed portion <NUM> may not interfere with the second protrusion <NUM>. However, because the second protrusion <NUM> protrudes from an inner circumferential surface at a position away from the center C of the filter by the second radius d2, the second protrusion <NUM> protrudes more inward than the first protrusion <NUM> with respect to the radial direction of the filter. Accordingly, the second protrusion <NUM> may prevent the first filter <NUM> from being inserted into the second receiving member <NUM> and from being coupled to the head assembly <NUM>.

In the same manner as the above method, the interference of the second protrusion <NUM> may prevent the third filter <NUM> including the third recessed portion <NUM> having a relatively small depth, from being inserted into the second receiving member <NUM> and from being coupled to the head assembly <NUM>.

Therefore, the plurality of filters <NUM> includes the plurality of recessed portions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions formed in the receiving member <NUM> of the filter case <NUM> receiving each filter. Accordingly, upon replacing the filter, it is possible to prevent the filter from being assembled in a position other than a designated position.

Because the incorrect assembly of filter is prevented, it is possible to prevent internal leakage or reduction of the water purification performance of the water purifying filter assembly <NUM>.

In addition, by forming a recessed portion that identifies the type of filters and specifies a manufacturer, it is possible to prevent the use of counterfeit products.

The water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated and described as including the recessed portion formed in the filter and the protrusion formed in the filter case, but is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the recessed portion may be formed in filter case and the protrusion may be formed in the filter.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a cover member is not in contact with a handle of the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the cover member is in contact with the handle of the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a modified example of the cover member of the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover member <NUM> may include the inner bracket <NUM> and the outer bracket <NUM>.

The inner bracket <NUM> includes a plurality of insertion holes through which the handle <NUM> formed on the bottom surface of the plurality of filters <NUM> passes, and the outer bracket <NUM> is coupled to the inner bracket <NUM> so as to open and close from the outside of the inner bracket <NUM>.

The outer bracket <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the inner bracket <NUM> through a hinge <NUM>.

The outer bracket <NUM> may include a door block <NUM>. The door block <NUM> may include a first block 322a and a second block 322b.

The first block 322a and the second block 322b may extend in one direction. However, the extending direction is not limited thereto, and may extend in various directions according to a coupling method or a coupling direction of the filter and the head assembly <NUM>. Further, the first block 322a and the second block 322b may protrude and extend toward the handle <NUM>.

The outer bracket <NUM> may further include a mounting member <NUM> formed between the protruding first block 322a and the second block 322b. The mounting member <NUM> may be a space between the first block 322a and the second block 322b. The handle <NUM> of the filter may be in contact with the mounting member <NUM>.

In other words, the handle <NUM> of the filter may be arranged to face the mounting member <NUM>. In addition, the handle <NUM> of the filter may be provided to be accommodated in the mounting member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> of the filter may be provided to be mounted on the mounting member <NUM>.

The door block <NUM> may be provided with only the first block 322a or only the second block 322b.

The door block <NUM> may be arranged to face the handle <NUM> of the filter. That is, at a position in which a front surface of the handle <NUM> facing the door block <NUM> faces the mounting member <NUM> of the outer bracket <NUM>, a portion of a side surface of the handle <NUM> and the door block <NUM> may be parallel to each other. The side surface of the handle <NUM> is a surface extending from the front surface of the handle <NUM> toward the longitudinal direction of the filter.

The configuration of the above-described cover member <NUM> is not limited thereto, and the cover member <NUM> may be composed of only the outer bracket <NUM>. Alternatively, the cover member <NUM> may be formed on the frame <NUM> or the filter case <NUM>, and may be formed to include the inner bracket <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in response to the filter not being completely rotated and not being coupled to the head assembly <NUM>, the door block <NUM> and the handle <NUM> may not be in contact with each other.

That is, in response to the plurality of filters <NUM> not being inserted into the respective designated receiving member <NUM>, the filters may not be completely rotated as illustrated in <FIG>. Although not shown in the drawings, the filter may protrude toward the cover member <NUM>.

Particularly, the handle <NUM> may not be in contact with the mounting member <NUM> of the outer bracket <NUM>. In this case, the door block <NUM> may interfere with the handle <NUM> and thus the outer bracket <NUM> may not be closed. At this time, from the outside of the water purifying filter assembly <NUM>, a user can confirm that the coupling is not performed correctly.

As shown in <FIG>, in response to the filter being completely rotated and coupled to the head assembly <NUM>, the door block <NUM> and the handle <NUM> may come into contact with each other.

That is, this is the state in which the plurality of filters <NUM> are all correctly inserted into each designated receiving member <NUM>, and the filter and the head assembly <NUM> are coupled in place. In this case, the handles <NUM> are all aligned in the same direction. Particularly, the handle <NUM> is aligned with the extending direction of the door block <NUM>.

At this time, the handle <NUM> is in contact with the mounting member <NUM> of the outer bracket <NUM>. In this case, the door block <NUM> may not interfere with the handle <NUM> and thus the outer bracket <NUM> may be closed. Accordingly, a user can recognize that the filter and the head assembly <NUM> are correctly coupled to each other.

As shown in <FIG>, the door block <NUM> may include a shape in which a middle portion is bent. Particularly, the mounting member <NUM> may include a middle member 323a and a peripheral member 323b.

Because the middle portion of the door block <NUM> includes a curved shape, the middle member 323a of the mounting member <NUM> may be formed to be narrower than the peripheral member 323b.

A width of the middle member 323a may be the same as a width of the handle <NUM>, and a width of the mounting member <NUM> may be increased toward the peripheral member 323b. That is, the mounting member <NUM> may include a free space, in which the cover member <NUM> is coupled to the filter, to a limit that water does not leak.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a water purifying filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a filter is not mounted on a filter case of <FIG>. <FIG> is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the filter is mounted to the filter case of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a water purifying filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a filter case 200a, a plurality of filters 100a inserted into the filter case 200a, and an interference rib <NUM> mounted on the filter case 200a.

Hereinafter differences from the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described, and other components may be described using the same reference numerals as the water purifying filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The filter case 200a may be engaged with the cover member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) to allow the plurality of filters 100a to be separately accommodated therein. The plurality of filters 100a may be disposed adjacent to each other through the filter case 200a. That is, because the filter is compactly arranged, a size of the water purifier may be reduced. In addition, it may be provided for a user to easily withdraw or insert the plurality of filters 100a. The plurality of filters 100a may be provided to be inserted into or withdrawn from the filter case 200a, which may be the same as those of the water purifying filter assembly according to the previously described embodiment of the present disclosure.

Unlike the water purifying filter assembly according to the previously described embodiment of the present disclosure, the interference rib <NUM> may be mounted on a side surface of the filter case 200a in the water purifying filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The filter case 200a may include a cutout <NUM> formed in the first receiving member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) in which a first filter 110a is received, and formed in the third receiving member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) in which a third filter 130a is received.

The cutout <NUM> may include a first cutout <NUM> and a second cutout <NUM>. The first cutout <NUM> may be formed in the first receiving member <NUM> receiving the first filter 110a. The second cutout <NUM> may be formed in the third receiving member <NUM> receiving the third filter 130a.

The first cutout <NUM> and the second cutout <NUM> may be formed on a side portion of the filter case 200a. However, the position of the cutout <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be changed according to the mounting position of the interference rib <NUM>. The cutout <NUM> may be provided in the shape corresponding to the shape of the interference rib <NUM>. Particularly, the cutout <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to a first extension <NUM> and a second extension <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM>.

The filter case 200a may include a fastening member coupler <NUM> formed between the first cutout <NUM> and the second cutout <NUM>. As a separate fastening member <NUM> is coupled to the fastening member coupler <NUM>, the interference rib <NUM> may be coupled to the filter case 200a. However, the position of the fastening member coupler <NUM> may also be changed according to the position of the interference rib <NUM>.

The interference rib <NUM> may include a fastener <NUM>. As the fastening member <NUM> is coupled to the fastener <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> and the fastening member coupler <NUM> of the filter case 200a, the interference rib <NUM> and the filter case 200a may be coupled to each other. The fastener <NUM> may be formed in an approximately central portion of the interference rib <NUM>.

The interference rib <NUM> may include the first extension <NUM> and the second extension <NUM> extending from the fastener <NUM> along an outer circumferential surface of the filter case 200a. Particularly, the first extension <NUM> may extend upward along an outer circumferential surface of the first receiving member <NUM> of the filter case 200a. The second extension <NUM> may extend downward along an outer circumferential surface of the third receiving member <NUM> of the filter case 200a.

The interference rib <NUM> may include a first interference member <NUM> protruding from the first extension <NUM> toward the inside of the filter case 200a. The first interference member <NUM> may be provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first extension <NUM>. The interference rib <NUM> may include a second interference member <NUM> protruding from the second extension <NUM> toward the inside of the filter case 200a. The second interference member <NUM> may be provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second extension <NUM>.

Two first interference members <NUM> positioned above the interference rib <NUM> are provided, and a single second interference member <NUM> positioned below the interference rib <NUM> is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the incorrect assembly of the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a. The relationship between the plurality of filters 100a and the interference rib <NUM> will be described later.

The interference rib <NUM> may be formed of a material having elasticity. Accordingly, in response to an external force being applied from the inside of the filter case 200a toward the interference rib <NUM>, the interference rib <NUM> may be deformed in shape, so as to be pushed out of the filter case 200a. Details related to this will be described later.

The first filter 110a may include a first guide groove <NUM>. The first guide groove <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to the first interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM>. The first guide groove <NUM> may be formed in the first housing 111a of the first filter 110a. However, the position of the first guide groove <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be changed according to the position of the interference rib <NUM>. As two first interference members <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> are provided, two first guide grooves <NUM> may also be provided.

The third filter 130a may include a second guide groove <NUM>. The second guide groove <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM>. As the single second interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> is provided, a single second guide groove <NUM> may be provided according to the number of the second interference members.

The first interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> may be pushed out of the filter case 200a by being pressed by the first filter 110a, and the second interference member <NUM> may be pushed out of the filter case 200a by being pressed by the third filter 130a. Details related to this will be described later.

The first guide groove <NUM> and the second guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be inclined along the insertion direction of the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a. Particularly, the first guide groove <NUM> and the second guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be inclined with respect to the side surfaces of the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a. That is, the first guide groove <NUM> and the second guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be inclined with respect to the vertical member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the plurality of filters 100a not being inserted into the filter case 200a, the interference rib <NUM> may protrude to the inside of the filter case 200a. Particularly, the interference rib <NUM> may be inserted into the filter case 200a through the cutout <NUM> formed in the filter case 200a. The first interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> may protrude to the inside of the filter case 200a through the first cutout <NUM> of the filter case 200a. The second interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> may protrude to the inside of the filter case 200a through the second cutout <NUM> of the filter case 200a.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a being inserted into the filter case 200a, the interference rib <NUM> may be moved to the outside of the filter case 200a.

Particularly, as the first guide groove <NUM> formed in the first filter 110a is provided to be inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the first filter 110a, the first interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> may be pressed to the outside of the filter case 200a along the inclined surface of the first guide groove <NUM>. Thereafter, in response to the first filter 110a being rotated and coupled to the mounting member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the head assembly <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), the interference rib <NUM> may be maintained at a state of being pressed by the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 111a of the first filter 110a and thus maintained at a state of being pushed to the outside of the filter case 200a.

In addition, as the second guide groove <NUM> formed in the third filter 130a is provided to be inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the third filter 130a, the second interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM> may be pressed to the outside of the filter case 200a along the inclined surface of the second guide groove <NUM>. Thereafter, in response to the third filter 130a being rotated and coupled to the mounting member <NUM> of the head assembly <NUM>, the interference rib <NUM> may be maintained at a state of being pressed by the outer circumferential surface of the third filter 130a and thus maintained at a state of being pushed to the outside of the filter case 200a. The interference rib <NUM> may be formed of a material having elasticity, and such a shape deformation may be possible.

In response to a filter other than the first filter 110a being inserted into the first receiving member of the filter case 200a, the insertion of the filter may be prevented by the first interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM>. In addition, in response to a filter other than the third filter 130a being inserted into the third receiving member <NUM>, the insertion of the filter may be prevented by the second interference member <NUM> of the interference rib <NUM>.

Therefore, as the interference rib <NUM> is mounted on the outside of the filter case 200a and protrudes inward, it is possible to more reliably prevent the incorrect assembly of a filter. Particularly, the incorrect assembly of the plurality of filters 100a may be primarily prevented by the interference rib <NUM>, and may be secondarily prevented by the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) formed in the filter case 200a and by the recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) formed in the filters.

In the description of the present disclosure, the interference rib <NUM> is provided to guide the mounting of the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a, and provided to interfere with the mounting of the second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the interference rib <NUM> may be mounted on a side into which the second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM> are inserted. Further, the position of the cutout <NUM> of the filter case 200a may be changed according to the position of the interference rib <NUM>. In addition, when the interference rib <NUM> is provided in a structure guiding the insertion of the second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM> and in a structure preventing the incorrect assembly of the first filter 110a and the third filter 130a, the above-mentioned first guide groove <NUM> and second guide groove <NUM> may be formed in the second filter <NUM> and the fourth filter <NUM>.

In addition, as another embodiment for preventing the incorrect assembly of the filter, it is possible to prevent the incorrect assembly by forming different diameters of the inlet and outlet member <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) provided in each of the plurality of filters 100a. As the diameters of the inlet and outlet members <NUM> of the plurality of filters 100a are formed to be different from each other, the diameter of the mounting member <NUM> of the head assembly <NUM> may also be formed to be different from each other in accordance with the diameters of the inlet and outlet member. In this case, the respective filters <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may not include the recessed portion and the filter case <NUM> may not include the protrusion. Therefore, by forming the inlet and outlet portions <NUM> having different diameters, it is possible to prevent the incorrect assembly between the plurality of filters <NUM> and 100a with a simple structure.

When replacing a filter, it is possible to place the corresponding filter only to a predetermined position because a recessed portion is formed in the filter and a protrusion is formed in a filter case.

It is possible to prevent a filter from being incorrectly assembled due to a user's carelessness, thereby preventing reduction in a performance of a water purifying filter assembly.

By using a recessed portion of a filter, it is possible to identify the type of filter and to prevent the use of counterfeit products.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a water purifying filter assembly including a filter, a filter case including a receiving member receiving the filter, and a head assembly mounted on one side of the filter case and coupled to the filter. The filter includes a recess formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The receiving member includes a protrusion formed in a shape corresponding to the recess. The filter is fixedly coupled to the head assembly at a position in which the recessed portion and the protrusion are engaged with each other.

The filter may be a first filter and the receiving member may be a first receiving member, and the water purifying filter assembly may further include a second filter including a recessed portion formed in a shape different from the recessed portion of the first filter. In response to the second filter being inserted into the first receiving member, coupling of the second filter and the head assembly may be prevented by the protrusion.

The recessed portion may be formed on a side close to the head assembly with respect to a longitudinal direction of the filter.

The filter may be a first filter and the receiving member may be a first receiving member. The water purifying filter assembly may further include a second filter including a recessed portion formed in a shape the same as the recessed portion of the first filter and formed in a position different from the position of the recessed portion of the first filter.

The recessed portion may be provided with a pair of the recessed portiones symmetrical with respect to a center of the filter.

The receiving member may further include a peripheral member extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface. The protrusion may extend further inward than the peripheral member from the inner circumferential surface.

The receiving member may further include a peripheral member extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface, and the protrusion may extend further along the longitudinal direction of the filter than the peripheral member.

The head assembly may include a mounting member coupled to the filter and the filter case. The filter may include an inlet and outlet member including an opening to allow water to pass therethrough, and a mounting protrusion protruding radially outward from the inlet and outlet member. In response to the rotation of the filter, the mounting protrusion may be coupled to an inside of the mounting member.

The filter may include a handle provided on one side of the filter, and the water purifying filter assembly may further include a cover member coupled to the filter case to receive and cover the handle.

The cover member may include an inner bracket including a receiving hole through which the handle passes, and an outer bracket coupled to the inner bracket so as to open and close the receiving hole from the outside of the inner bracket.

The outer bracket may include a door block extending from an inner surface toward the handle, and in response to the filter being incorrectly assembled to the head assembly, the door block may interfere with the handle and thus the outer bracket may be not closed.

The filter may be a first filter, and the water purifying filter assembly may further include a second filter arranged in a first direction with respect to the first filter, and a third filter arranged in a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the first filter. The filter case may include a first receiving member receiving the first filter, a second receiving member receiving the second filter, and a third receiving member receiving the third filter.

A recessed portion formed in the first to third filters may be provided in different shapes.

The water purifying filter assembly may further include an interference rib mounted on the filter case and protruding inward. The filter may include a guide groove formed to be inclined with respect to a direction in which the filter is inserted into the filter case, and provided, in response to the filter being inserted into the filter case, to press the interference rib outward.

The filter case may include a cutout provided to allow the interference rib to be inserted into the filter case.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a water purifying filter assembly including a first filter, a second filter arranged in a first direction with respect to the first filter, a third filter arranged in a second direction different from the first direction with respect to the first filter, and a filter case including a plurality of receiving members provided to be allow the first to third filters to be inserted thereinto and withdrawn therefrom. Each of the plurality of receiving members includes a protrusion. A recessed portion including a shape corresponding to each of the protrusions is formed on each outer circumferential surface of the first, second and third filters.

The recessed portion formed in the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter may be a first recessed portion, a second recessed portion, and a third recessed portion, respectively. The first recessed portion, the second recessed portion and the third recessed portion may be provided in different shapes so as to prevent an incorrect assembly of filters.

The water purifying filter assembly may further include an interference rib mounted on the filter case and including an interference member protruding toward the receiving member of the first filter. The first filter may include a guide groove including an inclined surface to press the interference member outward. In response to the second filter or the third filter being inserted to the receiving member of the first filter, the interference member may prevent the incorrect assembly of filter.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a water purifying filter assembly including a filter including a recessed portion, a guide groove and a handle, a filter case including a receiving member receiving the filter, and a protrusion formed in a shape corresponding to the recessed portion, a head assembly mounted on one side of the filter case and coupled to the filter, an interference rib mounted to the filter case and including an interference member protruding toward the receiving member and formed in a shape corresponding to the guide groove, and a cover member arranged on the other side of the filter case that is opposite to the head assembly, the cover member including a door block to which the handle is mounted. As the filter is inserted into the filter case and the guide groove passes through the interference rib and the protrusion is mounted to the recessed portion, the filter is fixedly coupled to the head assembly and the handle is in contact with the door block and the cover member is closed, thereby completing the assembly thereof.

Claim 1:
A water purifying filter assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a filter (<NUM>);
a filter case (<NUM>) comprising a receiving member (<NUM>) receiving the filter (<NUM>); and
a head assembly (<NUM>) mounted on one side of the filter case (<NUM>) and coupled to the filter (<NUM>),
wherein the filter (<NUM>) comprises a recessed portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) provided on an outer circumferential surface thereof,
wherein the receiving member (<NUM>) comprises a protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed in a shape corresponding to the recessed portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the filter (<NUM>) is fixedly coupled to the head assembly (<NUM>) at a position in which the recessed portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are engaged with each other.