Oven with haptic feedback control

Abstract

Embodiments of heating appliances with control features such as knobs can provide tactile feedback to the user during knob operation. Tactile feedback via a knob, for example, during rotation in one or more directions, can improve control precision. Advantageous control precision features, such as those available during appliance operation and heating appliance parameter setting, can be used. Therefore, the user's desired settings (such as various cooking modes or off positions) can be input into the heating appliance with tactile control. Thus, the user's desired settings, including the benefits of tactile control, can be precisely set.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 020,214, filed May 5, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to appliances, and more specifically, to an appliance for heating food. Background Technology

[0004] Many known heating appliances, such as ovens, have a heating element and a rack installed within a cavity for heating food placed on the rack. A door provides an inlet to the appliance's cavity for placing food on the rack, and a user interface provides the user with control over the temperature within the cavity and the duration for which the food is heated. Controls may include one or more knobs for adjusting the heating temperature, time, and / or cooking mode.

[0005] Controls typically include a rotatable knob that selects a cooking mode and / or cooking time. Typically, when the timer is running, this control knob, set to the end of the cooking time, rotates back to the off position. The user can choose to end the cooking cycle before the timer expires. The user manually rotates the control knob to the off position. Other cooking modes are usually provided by rotating the control knob beyond the off position. Accidentally flipping the control knob activates cooking modes, such as the always-on mode. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The methods and features described herein are applicable to improved heating appliances, such as ovens, with haptic feedback control. Aspects of the invention described herein are directed to an improved control arrangement for use with heating appliances having haptic interaction and user feedback when adjusting settings or cooking modes using one or more knobs.

[0007] As described herein, tactile feedback control can provide various benefits when a user controls a heating appliance. Examples provide tactile feedback to the user during knob operation. For example, tactile feedback via the knob during rotation in one or more directions can improve control precision. Therefore, the beneficial control precision features described herein, such as those described herein, can be used during appliance operation and heating appliance parameter setting. Thus, the user's desired settings (such as various cooking modes or off positions) can be input into the heating appliance with tactile control. Therefore, the user's desired settings, including the benefits of tactile control, can be precisely set.

[0008] More specifically, this disclosure describes an improved control knob assembly having multiple cooking positions and corresponding interface portions on the control knob and control module. Generally, it is preferred that when the user explicitly desires an appliance to be heated only when the user expects it, the user selects only the "normally open" cooking mode of the heating appliance. Timing parameters of the appliance can be set at the control module, which tracks the user-set rotary knob position. The control module also defines rotary knob positions for cooking modes, such as the normally open mode. As described herein, the flexible aspect and the corresponding protrusion can be arranged to interact rotatably such that the protrusion abuts against the flexible aspect in the closed position and causes the flexible aspect to bend, so that when the cooking mode changes or the knob position is rotated, the control knob moves to one or more cooking modes with tactile feedback received by the user. The cooking mode may include a closed position, a normally open position, and various timing positions input according to user parameters.

[0009] These and various other features and advantages can be seen from the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numbers denote the same structures throughout several views, and in the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a heating appliance.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an oven, which is an example of the appliance described and used in this article.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a control knob assembly for use with a heating appliance, according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 4 According to various embodiments Figure 3 A perspective view of the control knob assembly, with the control knobs removed.

[0015] Figure 5 According to various embodiments Figure 3 Another perspective view of the control knob assembly, in which the control knob has been removed.

[0016] Figure 6 According to various embodiments Figure 3 A perspective view of the control knob assembly, with the control knob and control mechanism removed.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the interface portion of the control mechanism with a flexible stop device according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 8It is a perspective view of a control knob with a protrusion according to various embodiments.

[0019] Figure 9 It is in the first cooking mode position according to various embodiments. Figure 7 The control mechanism interface section and Figure 8 Front view of the control knob.

[0020] Figure 10 It is in the closed position according to various embodiments. Figure 7 The control mechanism interface section and Figure 8 Front view of the control knob.

[0021] Figure 11 According to various embodiments, when the protrusion initially overcomes the rotational resistance of the flexible stop device... Figure 7 The control mechanism interface section and Figure 8 Front view of the control knob.

[0022] Figure 12 According to various embodiments, when the protrusion passes through the flexible stop device Figure 7 The control mechanism interface section and Figure 8 Front view of the control knob.

[0023] Figure 13 According to various embodiments, when the protrusion reaches the second cooking mode position Figure 7 The control mechanism interface section and Figure 8 Front view of the control knob.

[0024] Figure 14 Test data on the resistance torque of a normally open knob when turning on or off a conventional heating appliance are shown.

[0025] Figure 15 Test data are shown for the resistance torque of the normally open knob when turning on or off the heating appliance, according to various embodiments.

[0026] Figure 16 Test data for the resistance torque of the knob for the timer function when the heating appliance is turned on or off, according to various embodiments, are shown.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a control knob assembly for use with a heating appliance, according to various embodiments.

[0028] Figure 18 According to various embodiments Figure 17 A perspective view of the control knob assembly.

[0029] Figure 19 According to various embodiments Figure 17 Another perspective view of the control knob assembly.

[0030] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 A perspective view of a selected component of the control knob assembly.

[0031] Figure 21 According to various embodiments Figure 17 A perspective view of the control mechanism interface portion of the control knob assembly.

[0032] Figure 22 According to various embodiments Figure 17 Another perspective view of the control mechanism interface portion of the control knob assembly.

[0033] Figure 23 According to various embodiments Figure 17 Another perspective view of the control mechanism interface of the control knob assembly.

[0034] Figure 24 According to various embodiments Figure 17 Another perspective view of the control mechanism interface of the control knob assembly.

[0035] Figure 25 According to various embodiments Figure 17 A perspective view of the flexible adapter component of the control knob assembly.

[0036] Figure 26 According to various embodiments Figure 17 Another perspective view of the flexible adapter component of the control knob assembly.

[0037] Figure 27 According to various embodiments Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the control knob assembly, in which the knob and flexible adapter are in a stationary position.

[0038] Figure 28 According to various embodiments Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the control knob assembly, in which the knob and flexible adapter are in a pivot position.

[0039] Figure 29 According to various embodiments Figure 27 A perspective view of the flexible adapter, showing the flexible adapter in a stationary position.

[0040] Figure 30 According to various embodiments Figure 28 A perspective view of the flexible adapter, showing the flexible adapter in a pivot position.

[0041] Figure 31This is a perspective view of a knob according to a third embodiment of a control knob assembly based on various embodiments.

[0042] Figure 32 Based on various embodiments and Figure 31 A perspective view of the control mechanism interface section used with the knobs.

[0043] Figure 33 According to various embodiments Figure 32 Side view of the control mechanism interface section.

[0044] Figure 34 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a selected component of a control knob assembly according to a third embodiment of various embodiments.

[0045] Figure 35 Based on various embodiments and Figure 34 Front perspective view of the flexible adapter used with the control knob assembly.

[0046] Figure 36 According to various embodiments Figure 35 Rear view of the flexible adapter.

[0047] Figure 37 According to various embodiments Figures 31 to 36 A perspective view of a selected component of the control knob assembly.

[0048] Figure 38 This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a control knob assembly in a first position for use with a heating appliance, according to various embodiments.

[0049] Figure 39 It is in the second position according to various embodiments. Figure 38 A perspective view of the control knob assembly.

[0050] Figure 40 It is in a third position according to various embodiments. Figure 38 A perspective view of the control knob assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Now refer to the attached diagram, and initially refer to... Figure 1 The heating appliance (e.g., oven) is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The illustrated heating appliance 100 includes a housing (generally indicated by 102).

[0052] The housing 102 defines a food compartment, and one or more heating components are disposed within the compartment for heating food on a shelf. The appliance 100 may also include a fan (not shown) positioned in flow communication with the compartment via at least one vent, such that, during operation, the fan circulates air through the compartment. Furthermore, the appliance 100 includes a control module (e.g., Figure 2 The control module 210 contains a user interface (generally indicated as 116), and the user interface 116 is accessible on the exterior of the housing 102 for interacting with the control unit of the appliance 100. The control module may also be a control unit and configured to operate the heating assembly of the appliance 100. An example of a control module is control module 210, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown and described.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the user interface 116 allows the user to input various cooking settings into the appliance 100 so as to provide user parameters to the control unit when operating the heating element, thereby cooking food. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 116 includes a first button 126, a second button 128, and a third button 130, and the user interface 116 also includes one or more knobs, such as a first knob 132, a second knob 134, and a third knob 136.

[0054] In addition, the user interface 116 may optionally include a display 138 and a pair of lights, namely a first (or "preheat now") light 140 and a second (or "cook now") light 142. However, the user interface 116 is contemplated to be any suitable type of interface, and the examples in the illustrated embodiments are not intended to limit the types of possible user interfaces. Rather, the user interface 116 may include any combination of one or more buttons, knobs, dials, sliders, switches, displays, lights, touchscreens / touch controls, voice controls, and / or gesture controls, etc., combinations of which are contemplated herein for the user interface 116. The user interface 116 facilitates operation of the appliance 100 by a user in various cooking modes as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, various remote user interfaces for providing instructions to the control unit via the Internet of Things (IoT) are also contemplated.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the user interface 116 of this disclosure, at least one knob is included. Various knobs of the appliance 100, such as a first knob 132, a second knob 134, and / or a third knob 136, may be equipped with a first timed cooking mode and a second always-on cooking mode, whereby the heating element of the appliance 100 can be set to remain energized until the user returns one or more of the knobs(s) to the off position. One or more of the knobs 132, 134, and / or 136 of the appliance 100 are also preferably equipped with tactile feedback for the user, such as features and functions for adjusting cooking modes, setting timers, and / or for providing protection against accidental heating of the appliance 100.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an oven 200 equipped with a knob 212 having tactile feedback and control as described herein. The oven 200 is an example of the appliance described and used herein. The oven 200 can be according to various embodiments. Figure 1 Example of appliance 100. Oven 200 may be a countertop oven, wall oven, pizza oven, freestanding oven, etc., or in some embodiments a toaster.

[0057] according to Figure 2 The oven 200 includes a control module 210 configured to provide aspects of control over the oven 200. Similar to the appliance 100 described above, the oven 200 also includes a display 218, one or more buttons 216, one or more knobs 212, and one or more heating elements 240.

[0058] As described herein, control module 210 may include one or more control mechanisms having electronic and / or mechanical components. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The user interface 116 described is shown in the figure and may include any or all of the following: a display 218, one or more buttons 216, and / or knobs 212. The oven 200 may receive power from a power source 242, such as alternating current (AV) power, for example, any AC line current. Alternatively, the power source 242 may provide direct current (DC) power and may include batteries, capacitors, solar energy, inductive power, and / or any other suitable power source.

[0059] Control module 210 preferably includes an operating system (OS) 214 stored thereon, one or more processors 228, memory 230, and interface module 238. Operating system 214 may also be configured to provide various functions to control module 210, and may be configured to use processor(s) 228, memory 230, and / or interface module 238 to execute various programs, applications, routines, and / or processes, including various functions embodied in various modules via example controller bus 244. Various components of oven 200 and / or control module can be operatively connected using any suitable interface (such as direct or indirect connection, fabric, network, bus, etc.). Other and / or alternative modules with various functions may be included in control module 210. Examples of other contemplated modules include heating element module 220, timing module 222, setting module 224, and power module 226. The memory 230 is an exemplary storage device or module preferably including firmware 232, instructions 234 (e.g., for various cooking modes), and instruction outputs 236, any or all of which can be used in conjunction with the operating system 214 and / or any other component of the control module 210. All components and modules described herein may be “standalone” in nature, or may be integrated or combined with other modules and / or aspects.

[0060] As shown in the figure, interface module 238 is operatively connected to button 216 and knob 212. In various embodiments, interface module 238 may also be operatively connected to display 218, such as a touchscreen. In addition to the display in various embodiments (such as the touchscreen example described above), display 218 may also include an input device. Interface module 238 may communicate with and / or receive input from button 216, knob 212, and / or display 218.

[0061] The control module 210 is configured to control one or more heating elements 240 of the oven 200. The heating elements 240 may include various resistance heating elements, or radiant elements, such as quartz and halogen heating devices, or any other suitable heating characteristics. The control module 210 can control the heating elements 240 based on when they are turned on, the timing of heating, the temperature of heating, the type of heating, or any other heating aspect.

[0062] Now for reference Figures 3 to 13The control knob assembly 10 is an example including one or more control knobs 12 (e.g., 212) in addition to other control aspects described herein. The control knob assembly 10 may include at least one knob 212 of the oven 200 and may be used to provide tactile feedback control features to the oven 200 at least partially. The tactile feedback control features may include electronic and / or mechanical aspects to achieve suitable user-friendly tactile and / or control aspects, such as improved cooking mode selection. For example, the control knob 12 may have user-operated features configured to be tactile to a user's hand. The operating features of the control knob 12 may be configured to allow a user to manipulate the control knob 12 to rotatably set a timing parameter for a first cooking mode (e.g., a timed cooking mode) or to select a second cooking mode (e.g., a normally open cooking mode). In some embodiments, rotation of the control knob 12 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) increases the set value of the timing parameter, while rotation in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) decreases the set value of the timing parameter until a closed position is reached. For example, rotation in the second direction beyond the closed position may enter a normally open cooking mode.

[0063] Now for reference Figure 3 Oven (e.g., Figure 2 The control knob assembly 10 of the oven 200 is shown as having position indication features (such as a dial) on the control knob 12 and housing 18, which include at least a range of parameter positions (such as timer control for timed cooking modes) and a normally open (e.g., stay-on) position 14 and a closed position 16. Position indication features, such as dots, lines, or arrows, may alternatively be located on the knob 12 or the control knob assembly 10 or any other component of the oven 200.

[0064] Various control knob adjustment curves are also shown, including the timing parameter range curve F1, which illustrates the counter-clockwise (CCW) rotation of control knob 12 from the example maximum "60 minutes" timing position to the off position 16. Users may wish to set the oven (e.g., oven 200) to a specific timing setting to heat food items. At other times, users may want to simply turn on the oven so they can monitor the heating process and manually turn it off when needed. Curve F1 could represent a 60-minute timing setting using control 12 and the movement of the knob during the 60-minute timing period. However, users can manually rotate knob 12 according to curve F1 to bypass time periods such as 60 minutes and return oven 200 to the off position. The off position 16 may correspond to a 0-time setting, which automatically returns to the 0-time setting after the timer cooking mode expires. Furthermore, temperature settings and / or cooking modes or heating configurations can be selected individually by the user. The example oven may have a maximum timing setting of 60 minutes (as shown) or any other suitable maximum time. In the normally open setting, in some embodiments, the maximum heating time can exceed the maximum timer setting.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, another example control knob arc F2 shows an arc that does not overlap with arc F1 and extends counterclockwise from the closed position 16 to the normally open position 14. The transition from arc F1 to arc F2 may include a transfer of tactile feedback control aspects, which may include resistance to rotation, providing improvements to the tactile oven 200, including preventing unintentional heating, improving cooking mode selection and accuracy, and / or protecting against accidental operation through tactile feedback control of knob 12. Movement of knob 12 according to arc F2 indicates that the user has intentionally rotated the knob to the selected mode (the normally open mode as shown). Preferably, this is achieved by a positioning protrusion that overcomes a predetermined tactile force threshold of the control stop and mechanical resistance (of the knob interface portion 50), as described in more detail below.

[0066] The third control knob arc F3 illustrates the full range of clockwise (CW) rotation of the control knob from its normally open position 14 to the maximum "60-minute" timer position indicated by the position indicator dial on the housing 18. Therefore, arc F3 indicates that the user wishes to change the heating setting of the oven or appliance from a normally open setting to, for example, a 60-minute (e.g., maximum) timer setting, after which the oven will automatically shut off. The various knob rotation arcs are merely examples of possible user adjustments (or timer-based movements) of the knob 12 according to other embodiments; the knob 12 can rotate in a variety of other arcs, including in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the maximum range of rotational movement of knob 12 in one direction is indicated by arc F3. In some embodiments, the rotation direction of knob 12 may also be reversed from clockwise to counterclockwise. When knob 12 attempts to rotate clockwise beyond its maximum time or counterclockwise beyond its normally open position 14, the user may receive additional tactile feedback. For example, when attempting to rotate knob 12 beyond its current range indicated by arc F3, the user may encounter a hard stop.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, starting from the closed position 16, less force or torque is required to rotate the knob 12 in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) than in a second opposite rotational direction (e.g., clockwise). This provides tactile feedback to the user via the mode selection knob 12. Similarly, tactile feedback indicates any attempt to rotate the knob 12 when the user rotates the knob 12 to the closed position 16 in a rotational direction. Specifically, rotation in the first direction (e.g., clockwise) may require less force or torque and may initiate a timed cooking mode, while rotation in the second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) may require more force or torque and may set the oven 200 to a normally open mode. In this way, when starting from the closed position 16, at least when initial adjustment of the knob 12 is initiated, the user is able to operate at least some aspects of the oven 200 tactilely without needing to directly look at the knob 12. Therefore, according to various embodiments, unintentional rotation in the opposite direction can be advantageously avoided.

[0069] Knob 12 is preferably removable from the control knob assembly 10, but may be non-removable in some embodiments. Knob 12 may be removably friction-fitted onto the shaft of a rotatably driven member 22, as shown in reference... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. When knob 12 is removed (e.g., by an outward pulling force relative to housing 18), refer to... Figures 4 to 13 Various adjustment and haptic feedback control features are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The lower side and interior of the removed knob 12 are shown in detail.

[0070] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Removing the control knob assembly 10 of knob 12 exposes the control mechanism interface portion 26, supported by the housing 18 via one or more fasteners 24. A control mechanism 62, preferably including a rotatably actuated member 22, is also shown. The rotatably actuated member 22 can be operatively connected to an interface module (e.g., Figure 2The interface module 238 allows selection of a first or second cooking mode or an off position 16. Furthermore, a rotatably driven component 22 can be mechanically connected to a timer driver or device configured to decrement time until the control knob assembly of the oven (e.g., oven 200) returns to the off position, as is known. The control mechanism interface portion 26 is preferably rotatably secured in place to the housing 18 and includes a flexible stop 20 configured to engage with the knob interface portion 50 of the rotatable control knob 12. The control mechanism interface portion 26 may be part of the control module 210 described herein. The control mechanism interface portion 26 may be a generally annular unit configured to be mounted to the appliance housing 18 in various embodiments. The control mechanism interface portion 26 may also be referred to as a control module interface portion.

[0071] The knob interface portion 50 may include a positioning protrusion, which may include one or more operating surfaces 52, as shown in reference. Figure 8 As shown and described, the protrusion rotates upon connection with the knob interface portion 50. In various embodiments, the construction, shape, size, and mounting positioning of the fixed control mechanism interface portion 26 can be defined to set various oven control settings and positions relative to a given knob 12, including tactile aspects at various rotational arcs. Settings and positions can include normally open, off, and timed positions, and / or tactile responsive positions, such as resistance to rotation and / or hard stop positions, and any other suitable positions. The housing 18 can incorporate various timing parameter indications or hash marks, as well as indications or graphics of normally open and off positions. The maximum range of rotation of the knob 12 can also be shown on the housing 18, which is preferably defined by one or more tactile aspects and / or hard stop features.

[0072] As shown in the figure, when in the assembled position, the control mechanism interface portion 26 is positioned adjacent to the oven housing (e.g., housing 102 of appliance 100). The control mechanism interface portion 26 may be further attached to the housing 18, such as via one or more fasteners 24 (e.g., screws), as referenced. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. When the control knob assembly 10 is assembled, the rotatably driven component 22 passes through the central opening 40 of the control mechanism interface portion 26 (see Figure 1). Figure 6 The rotatably driven component 22 is configured to be rotatably driven by the knob 12 when adjusted by the user via the rotary knob 12, or driven by a timer mechanism.

[0073] Figure 6 It shows something similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5An embodiment of the control knob assembly 10 is shown, but for clarity, the control mechanism 62, including the rotatably driven member 22, is removed. When assembled with the knob 12, the rotatably driven member 22 mechanically engages with the knob 12 for rotation induced by the user at the knob 12, or by a timer mechanism. Figure 6 As shown, fastener 24 was also removed to reveal opening 38.

[0074] Still refer to Figure 6 A recess 36 is shown in the housing 18. When the control knob assembly 10 is completed, the recess 36 advantageously allows for flush mounting of the knob 12. Furthermore, a fastener recess 44 of the control mechanism interface portion 26 is shown with the fastener 24 removed. The opening 38 can be configured, for example, to have threads to receive fasteners 24, such as screws, during the assembly of the control knob assembly 10.

[0075] The flexible stop device 20 shown in the figure may include various structural and / or operational sub-parts attached to the annular base of the interface portion 26. Furthermore, the various sub-parts of the flexible stop device 20 are preferably configured to engage with the knob interface portion 50 of the knob 12 when the user selectively rotates the knob 12, such as to select the heating setting of an oven. For example, the flexible stop device 20 preferably includes (or is attached to) a structural reinforcement 28, a rotation stop 30 having a stop edge 32 (e.g., used as a hard stop). As shown, the flexible stop device 20 includes an arm 42 and a contact ramp 34 having one or more curved or slit portions, and other possible features and / or constructions conforming to this specification and its variations. The contact ramp 34 and the arm 42 of the flexible stop device 20 may (each individually or in combination) include the “operating” surface of the flexible stop device. Although a flexible stop 20 (and its associated tactile resistance rotational aspect and position) is shown, multiple flexible stops 20 can be combined in various embodiments, each flexible stop 20 having or not having a rotational stop 30 or a stop edge 32. Each flexible stop may have an associated tactile resistance rotational aspect and position.

[0076] Turn now Figure 7 The control mechanism interface portion 26 is shown in more detail and removed from the oven housing 18. It is also shown that the control mechanism interface portion 26 includes one or more rotatably spaced recesses 44 corresponding to each opening 38. When installed, the recesses 44 facilitate flush mounting of the fasteners 24 to allow rotation of the knob 12 without obstruction, for example, by the fasteners 24. The central opening 40 is also shown in more detail and may be generally circular to allow the rotationally driven member 22 to pass through it, and may include a smooth cylindrical or circular inner surface.

[0077] according to Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible stop 20 is also shown as having a generally flat or curved arm 42 and multiple cross-sections of a contact ramp 34. The contact ramp 34, as shown, preferably includes one or more cross-sections or circular surfaces angled relative to the knob interface portion 50 during operation, such that when the knob interface portion 50 rotates in one direction, it causes the flexible stop 20 to bend and resists further rotation of the knob 12 between the flexible stop 20 and the knob interface portion 50 due to the forces required to bend the arm 42 (such as mechanical friction). The contact ramp 34, as shown, includes a relatively maximum height or "peak" when the resistance of the flexible stop 20 will be at a relatively maximum; however, other embodiments may include multiple peaks on the contact ramp 34 to provide various tactile feedback and / or resistance as the user rotates the knob 12.

[0078] Figure 8 The lower side of the control knob 12 is shown when viewed from below or from the side of the knob 12 facing the oven housing 18 when the oven is assembled. The knob 12 includes a central channel 46 and a splined portion 48. The central channel 46 and splined portion 48 of the knob 12 are preferably shaped and configured to be rotatably driven and / or otherwise engage with a rotatably driven member 22, such as during oven setting and / or cooking mode adjustment. The connection between the knob 12 and the rotatably driven member 22 is configured to ensure that the knob 12 and the rotatably driven member 22 rotate together.

[0079] The knob 12 can be a push-type or removable knob 12 that is securely held onto a rotatably driven member 22 using friction and spline engagement. As shown, the knob 12 may have a generally open interior 54 into which a knob shaft 58 extends. The knob shaft may include one or more structural ribs 60 to reinforce and strengthen the knob shaft 58 (including reinforcing the knob 12) so that the torque on the knob 12 maintains structural integrity after repeated use. In one example (not shown), the knob 12 utilizes a push-type D-spline that engages with the rotatably driven member 22.

[0080] As also shown in the figure, the knob interface portion 50 inside the knob 12 may preferably include one or more angled or curved operating surfaces 52. In various embodiments, the knob interface portion 50 may be a protrusion. The operating surfaces 52 may be angled with the direction of rotation and may engage with the flexible stop 20 (including the contact ramp 34 and / or arm 42 of the flexible stop 20). The shape, size, structure, and configuration of the operating surfaces 52 of the knob interface portion 50 may also be selected and defined in conjunction with the flexible stop 20 to achieve desired adjustment characteristics of the knob 12, including a predetermined torque threshold required to move the knob 12 from a closed position (e.g., a first position) to a normally open position (e.g., a second position). Figure 8 As best shown in the diagram, the interior of the knob 12 may have one or more recessed channels 56.

[0081] Figures 9 to 13 Various front views of the control mechanism interface portion 26 and control knob 12 in various cooking mode positions according to various embodiments are shown. As shown, a first axis of rotation 66 is shown at the common axis of the control mechanism interface portion 26 and the control knob 12. Two example positions of the knob interface portion 50 of the knob 12 relative to the control mechanism interface portion 26 are also shown. As shown, the normally open position 68 (e.g., Figure 3 The normally open position 14) corresponds to the knob interface portion 50 reaching the stop edge 32 of the flexible stop device 20, and the closed position 70 (e.g., Figure 3 The closed position 16) corresponds to the knob interface that forms the initial friction and torque resistance contact 64, such as Figure 10 As shown. The torque resistance contact 64 between the closed position 70 and the normally open position 68 may include initial torque resistance and may require a continuous torque so that the knob 12 bends the arm 42 of the flexible stop 20 and through the contact 64, and achieves the normally open position 68. Preferably, at least one of the flexible stop 20 and the protrusion 50 is arranged to interact such that the protrusion 50 abuts against the flexible stop 20 in the closed position 70 and causes the flexible stop 20 to bend so as to move the control knob 12 to the normally open cooking mode (or any other second cooking mode). In some embodiments, the flexible stop 20 bends in the radial direction as the knob interface portion 50 (including the protrusion) and the flexible stop 20 rotate relative to each other.

[0082] In the example shown, a predetermined torque threshold can be defined in the counter-clockwise direction by the contact 64 that allows the knob 12 to rotate to the normally open position 70. Below the torque threshold, the user can receive tactile feedback indicating that the user is rotating the knob 12 beyond the closed position 68. Figure 3As shown, the various rotational arcs of knob 12 (e.g., F1, F2, F3, etc.) are conceived as oven heating adjustments made by the user and / or a timer device.

[0083] Figure 9 An example of the oven's first timed cooking mode is shown. The oven can be in an on-but-timed mode when knob 12 is rotated in one direction causing knob interface portion 50 to rotate beyond position 70. When selecting the cooking time using knob 12 by rotating it counter-clockwise without passing the closed position 70, the user experiences minimal tactile resistance when rotating the knob in a second counter-clockwise direction. The amount of time the oven remains on can be related to the distance the user rotates knob 12 beyond position 70. If the user allows the oven to operate normally in timed cooking mode, the oven will turn off after the time has elapsed, and knob interface portion 50 and knob 12 itself will return to the closed position 70. If the user wants to stop heating before the set time ends, the user will feel the closed position when knob interface portion 50 abuts against the flexible stop device 20.

[0084] Figure 10 The knob 12 is shown in the oven's closed position 70. As shown, the knob interface portion 50 reaches the closed position 70 when contact is formed between the knob 12's knob interface portion 50 and the flexible stop device 20. Figure 10 The arrangement shown can correspond to an oven that is currently off, including after a timeout period has elapsed, such as in... Figure 9 After the settings shown, rotation in one direction requires less torque or force than in the opposite direction (i.e., to the second cooking mode position), i.e., to reach the first timed cooking mode position.

[0085] Figure 11 Exemplary knob 12 positions according to various embodiments are shown, such as where the knob interface portion 50 overcomes the initial rotational resistance of the flexible stop 20 in the counterclockwise direction. As shown, Figure 11 The tactile feedback control of the knob 12 is an example of an oven equipped with an unintended heating prevention and / or protection mechanism for the oven 200 when the user does not wish to heat it. Therefore, when the knob 12 is rotated counterclockwise to the closed position 70, "over-rotation" of the knob 12 to the normally open position 68 can be prevented via tactile feedback and / or resistance. However, the user can determine that the normally open position 68 is desired. The user can then rotate the knob 12 counterclockwise with greater force, such that a predetermined torque threshold at the contact 64 is met or exceeded, thereby causing the knob 12 and the knob interface portion 50 to pass through the arm 42 of the flexible stop device 20 (see [link]). Figure 12 ), and after reaching the normally open position shown at point 68, it reaches the stop edge 32 (see Figure 13The normally open position 68 can correspond to the second cooking mode, and as... Figure 9 The timing positions shown can correspond to another separate cooking mode, such as the first cooking mode used in this article. As shown, the normally open position 68 and the closed position 70 are rotatably separated.

[0086] Although the counter-clockwise rotation of knob 12 is referenced Figure 11 and Figure 12 Various corresponding or other clockwise rotational movements are also envisioned. For example, when knob 12 is rotated from the normally open position 68 to the closed position 70, the rotational torque at knob 12 may be smaller in the clockwise direction than required in the corresponding counterclockwise direction due to the angles and interactions of the various parts (e.g., the flexible stop devices 20 of knob interface portion 50, 42, 34 and / or 52). In this way, when returning from the normally open position 68, the user can feel tactile feedback to reach the closed position 70, but the force required for the user to turn the oven to the closed position 70 may be less than the force required to turn it to the normally open position 68. Furthermore, if attempting to... Figure 13 When the normally open position 68 of the rotary knob 12 is rotated beyond the stop edge 32, the user can feel tactile feedback. See also... Figures 14 to 16 The various torque data shown are described below.

[0087] Figure 14 Test data 400 of the resistance torque of a normally open knob is shown when turning on or off a conventional heating appliance.

[0088] Figure 14 The baseline torque value (in inches-ounce) measured in the test is shown. This baseline torque value is required to turn the knob from the off position to the normally open position in a current prior art mechanical timer toaster without additional resistance components such as flexible stops (e.g., flexible stop 20 as described above). Therefore, test data 400 demonstrates the torque resistance provided by the timer mechanism (e.g., when operated by a rotatably driven component 22). Data 400 also shows almost no difference in torque required to turn the example oven from the timer setting to the off position (e.g., from a 30-minute timer setting to the off position) and from the off position to the normally open position. Therefore, Figure 14 A baseline torque threshold can be displayed, which can be used as a reference. Figure 15 The data is compared with 500.

[0089] Figure 15 Test data 500 of the resistance torque of a normally open knob when turning on or off a heating appliance, according to various embodiments, are shown.

[0090] Figure 15Data 500 shows the measured torque when a knob (e.g., knob 12) is turned from a closed position (e.g., closed position 70) to a normally open position (e.g., normally open position 68). Data 500 shows that the torque required for a user to turn knob 12 from the closed position to the normally open position is approximately twice that of the previous position. Therefore, Data 500 illustrates a flexibility aspect, such as a flexible stop, that can provide haptic feedback control as described herein. As shown, according to various embodiments, there is no increased torque required to turn knob 12 from the normally open position 68 to the closed position 70. Therefore, a user can preferably return an appliance (such as oven 200) to the closed position 70 without significant additional torque.

[0091] Figure 16 Test data 600 of the knob resistance torque for the timer function when the heating appliance is turned on or off, according to various embodiments, are shown.

[0092] Data 600 shows example baseline torque data for turning an appliance knob from a closed position (e.g., closed position 70) to a timing parameter setting within a time parameter setting range. Data 600 shows the typical torque applied by the user for turning the knob to set the cooking time (e.g., 60 minutes).

[0093] Figures 17 to 30A second embodiment of a control knob assembly 74 for use with a heating appliance (e.g., ovens 100, 200) according to various embodiments is shown. The illustrated control knob assembly 74 includes a control knob 76 that interacts with a control mechanism interface portion 78, similar to the knob 12 and control mechanism interface portion 26 of the embodiments described above. Similarly, a shaft 84, as an output from the knob 76, can drive various components such as the control mechanism 62 described above. The control knob assembly 74 provides a tactile control feedback aspect similar to that of the control knob assembly 10 described above. However, instead of one of the directly interacting components having a flexible stop device 20, this embodiment provides an indirect flexible component, offering the deflection necessary to allow further rotation after experiencing increased torque. Also similar to the embodiments of control knob 10 described above, the knob 76 includes a protrusion 80 extending from the knob 76 to engage with an element of the control mechanism interface portion 78, in which case the protrusion 80 includes a beveled protrusion 82 similar to the beveled protrusion 80. As described above, the engaging element or protrusion 82 is also secured to the oven housing together with the control mechanism interface portion 78. Protrusions 80 and 82 abut against each other in the rotational direction of knob 76, with this contact point preferably located in the closed position, as described above. These protrusions 80, 82 prevent further knob rotation without allowing for any small axial and / or radial movement of the protrusions 80, 82 relative to each other. A preferred manner allowing for the application of a desired increased torque threshold is described below. This interaction provides tactile feedback to the user during the operation and control of the heating appliance.

[0094] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, a rotational force can be applied to the knob 76 in the rotational direction to achieve a desired cooking mode, such as a normally open cooking mode. The rotational movement of the knob 76 into the desired cooking mode via the rotational force can be resisted by one or more components, and the rotational movement can be facilitated by an indirect flexible component, as well as by bending in the axial direction in addition to the cam action when the knob 76 rotates.

[0095] like Figures 17 to 19 As shown, the control knob assembly 74 includes a control knob 76 having a beveled protrusion feature 80. The control knob assembly 74 includes a control mechanism interface portion 78 having a beveled protrusion feature 82 configured to slidably engage with the protrusion feature 80 during operation of the knob assembly 74.

[0096] refer to Figure 19 The knob 76 includes an elongated (e.g., corresponding to) Figure 8The central channel 46 and / or spline portion 48) of the shaft interface feature 88 provide a rotatable connection between the knob 76 and the shaft 84, but include a certain amount of "play" in the connection between the knob 76 and the shaft 84, thereby allowing a small amount of sliding movement of the knob 76 toward the shaft in the radial direction. A pair of holes 90 are also shown, which can be used for attachment of an indirect flexible member as described below. As described above, the shaft 84 is operatively connected to a rotatably driven member 22.

[0097] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a selected component of the control knob assembly 74. Specifically, refer to... Figure 20 The shaft interface feature 88 includes a "D"-shaped recess having a periphery with a flat portion and a circular portion for pivotally connecting to a shaft 84 having a similar shape. Other shapes and constructions of the shaft interface feature 88 and / or the shaft 84 itself are also considered.

[0098] exist Figure 25 and Figure 26 The figure shows an indirect flexible member 92. The flexible member 92 preferably includes a central shaft interface portion 103 having a shaft interface opening 105, which is preferably shaped to securely attach the flexible member 92 to the shaft 84 without significant clearance. The attachment of the shaft 84 to the flexible member 92 is preferably a friction fit attachment. As shown, the flexible member 92 also has two wings 107, each wing 107 having a fastener attachment opening 101 (corresponding to the orifice 90 of the knob 76) and a pair of flexible arms 99 for each wing 107. Figure 20 As shown (without arm 99), each wing 107 can be securely attached to the corresponding aperture 90 of the knob 76. The flexible arm 99 allows the flexible member 92 to bend, stretch, compress, fold, etc. As shown, although one, two, three or more flexible arms 99 may be used according to various embodiments, each wing 107 shows two flexible arms 99. The flexibility of the flexible member 92 and the clearance at the connection between the shaft 84 and the knob 76 allow a desired amount of axial and radial movement of the knob 76 to allow the protrusions 80, 82 to pass through each other when a threshold torque is applied, as described in more detail below.

[0099] See attached document Figures 21 to 24 The control mechanism interface portion 78 of the second embodiment is shown in more detail. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 21The control mechanism interface portion 78 is preferably a single piece, with its flat upper edge 95 portion located below the knob 76 when assembled. Furthermore, the control mechanism interface portion 78 includes an edge bevel portion 94 as part of its periphery and an upper edge 95 portion leading to an edge 89. Recessed fastener receiving features 97 and flush fastener receiving features 96 are also provided along the periphery of the control mechanism interface portion 78. A protrusion 82 extends outward from the periphery of the control mechanism interface portion 78 and is preferably positioned relative to the edge bevel portion to allow the knob 76 to tilt when the protrusion 80 of the control knob 76 contacts the protrusion 82 of the control mechanism interface portion 78.

[0100] As shown in the figure, diameter line 98 bisects the control mechanism interface portion 78. According to the exemplary line 98, the main axial portion 87 of the stop device 82 is radially positioned adjacent to line 98. Gradually sloping portions 88 extend from portion 87 along the periphery of the control mechanism interface portion 78 away from line 98. Figure 17 The main axial portion 87 of protrusion 82 engages with the main axial portion 89 of protrusion 80 of knob 76. This interaction generates the desired threshold torque. As knob 76 is further rotated, portions 87 and 89 cause knob 76 to move axially via a cam action, as permitted by flexible member 92, and to tilt knob 76 within the radial clearance allowed by the knob / shaft connection. The gradually tilting portion 88 of protrusion 80 and similarly tilting portion 90 then interact to reduce axial offset, thus defining a second mode position, such as the normally open cooking position as described above.

[0101] Figure 23 The flat upper edge 95 portion is shown, which keeps the knob 76 tilted in most of its rotational positions. The inclined edge bevel portion 94 accommodates the tilt of the knob 76 as the cam-shaped protrusions 80, 82 interact during rotational movement toward the second mode position.

[0102] Turn now Figure 27 and Figure 28 The operation of the control knob assembly 74 is shown in the cross-sectional view according to the various stages of the user's operation. Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view of the control knob assembly 74, in which the knob 76 and the flexible member 92 are in a stationary, non-bent position, and Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of a control knob assembly 74 according to various embodiments, wherein the knob 76 and the flexible member 92 are in an inclined, bent position. As shown, axis 109 corresponds to a fixed angle of axis 84, which can be axial (e.g., vertical as shown), or, in embodiments where the control knob assembly is operatively mounted to a heating appliance (such as oven 200), perpendicular to the axial direction (e.g., horizontal as shown). Figure 27In the static position shown, knob 76 is orthogonally positioned relative to the horizontal and vertical axes 111. Figure 27 As shown, the flexible arm 99 of the flexible adapter 92 is also unstressed and in a static position.

[0103] Now for reference Figure 28 The diagram illustrates a control knob assembly 74, wherein when a user rotates a knob 76 with haptic feedback, the knob 76 tilts as features 80 and 82 pass each other, wherein the portion of the knob 76 positioned near features 80 and 82 rocks or pivots to allow the features to pass. For example, an example heating appliance can achieve a normally open setting or a cooking mode as features 80 and 82 pass each other during rotation and pivoting of the knob 76. As shown, after forming torque and / or pivot angle 115, the user will detect the movement of the knob via haptic feedback when the knob axis 113 pivots relative to the horizontal axis 111. After pivoting at angle 115, the knob 76 can then return to a position as shown. Figure 27 The positions are shown. When the user decides to change the heating appliance from the normally open cooking mode to off or a timer setting, features 80 and 82 can pass each other, wherein the cam surface makes such rotation require a relatively low rotational torque, allowing the user to easily return the appliance to cooking modes other than the normally open cooking mode. Other embodiments and variations in torque threshold and stop device are also anticipated.

[0104] Figure 29 and Figure 30 It shows a stationary, unbent ( Figure 29 The state of ) and tilting, bending ( Figure 30 The flexible component 92 in the state of ) refers to respectively Figure 27 and 28 As shown, when knob 76 is pivoted, flexible member 92 roughly corresponds to knob 76. For example... Figure 29 The flexible member 92 shown typically corresponds to the one described above. Figure 25 and Figure 26 The diagram shows an unstressed, unbent, or stationary state, and illustrates a flexible member 92 in a stationary position. (See reference...) Figure 30 As shown by arrows A and B, the opposing wings 107 move in opposite shear directions during pivoting of knob 17. During tilting, relatively high stress is generated at the flexible arm 99, as indicated by the shaded area (e.g., shaded when stress is applied, but not when stationary). The various parts and components of the flexible member 92 can be made of any plastic, elastomer, rubber-like material, or any other suitable material, which preferably allows for repeated pivoting movements while still allowing the flexible adapter 92 to return to its original shape when in a stationary position.

[0105] Figures 31 to 40A third embodiment of a control knob assembly 150 for use with a heating appliance (e.g., oven 100, 200) is shown, according to various embodiments. According to the third embodiment, an indirect flexible member, most similar to that of the second embodiment described above, is attached to the knob 154 and the shaft (for driving various rotating components and / or control modules, as described elsewhere herein). However, in this embodiment, applying torque to rotate the knob 154 to a second cooking position on the other side of the off position, as well as axial displacement of the knob 154, requires additional user manipulation. As in the first two embodiments, a flexible member is incorporated into the design to allow user manipulation.

[0106] refer to Figure 31 The knob 154 is preferably formed as a single unit and includes a radially projecting protrusion 158 (entering the interior 157 as shown) and at least one mounting hole 155. The protrusion 158 provides an axially extending knob stop surface 159. The knob 154 interacts with the control mechanism interface portion 152. Figure 32 Similar to the above. Figures 17 to 29 The second embodiment includes a knob 74 and a control mechanism interface portion 78. The knob 154 provides the feature of rotatably driving various oven components (e.g., corresponding to…). Figure 8 The central channel 46 and / or spline portion 48), and / or other rotatably driven components and / or control mechanisms described herein. The knob 154 is operably connected to a control shaft (e.g., ...) in a rotary motion manner. Figure 17 (Axis 84), as described in detail below.

[0107] refer to Figure 32 and Figure 33 As with the embodiments discussed above, the engaging element or protrusion 156 is secured to the oven housing with the control mechanism interface portion 152. The control mechanism interface portion 152 preferably includes one or more holes 166 for mounting to the housing. The protrusion 156 of the control mechanism interface portion 152 preferably includes a ramp 187 that slopes from the engaging surface 184 toward a stop surface 160 located near a second surface 186 of the protrusion 156. When the control mechanism interface portion 152 is assembled with the knob 154, the knob 154 will gradually move axially approximately back to its rest axial position as the protrusions axially pass each other during and after actuation of the knob 154. The protrusion 156 may optionally have a horizontal surface or any other suitable shape that allows the knob protrusion 158 to contact the engaging surface 184 during axial movement and to slide across the surface of the protrusion 156 during user tactile interaction.

[0108] The control interface portion 152 is preferably a single piece mounted on the oven housing. Recessed fastener receiving features (such as one or more holes 178) are also provided along the periphery of the control interface portion 152 for mounting. The opening 178 may be configured, for example, to have threads to receive fasteners such as screws (e.g., fastener 150) when assembling the control knob assembly 150. A protrusion 156 extends axially from the portion of the control interface portion 152 that abuts against the oven housing during assembly and is preferably positioned relative to a gap 188 in the periphery of the control interface portion 152, which preferably provides (e.g., axial) movement of the protrusion 158 to move relative to the control interface portion 152 and the protrusion 156 during tactile operation of the knob 154. In the closed position, the protrusion 158 of the knob 154 abuts against an engaging surface 184, and in the normally open position, abuts against a stop surface 160. The knob 154 may be attached to an indirect flexible member such that both rotate together during operation as described.

[0109] Figure 34 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the knob 154 and the control mechanism interface portion 152 of the control knob assembly 150, wherein the knob 154 is partially concealed to show the main axial portion of the engagement surface 184 of the protrusion 156, which engages with the main axial knob stop surface 159 of the protrusion 158 of the knob 154. The interaction between these axial surfaces (or any other interference interface) produces the desired tactile hard-stop feature, wherein the stop surface 159 of the knob 154 abuts against the engagement surface of the protrusion 156, preventing the knob 154 from rotating beyond the closed position without relative axial movement between the protrusions 156 and 158. Figure 33 As best shown, when approaching and reaching the normally open position, the beveled surface 187 of the protrusion 156 facilitates smooth movement of the protrusion of the knob 154. In various alternative embodiments, two protrusions 156 and / or two protrusions 158 having corresponding operating surfaces may be included in the control knob assembly 150 and may be offset at intervals of, for example, 180 degrees.

[0110] Therefore, the engagement surface 184 and the stop surface 159 of the control knob assembly 150 produce a "hard stop" tactile feature in the closed position, such that the tactile control of the knob 154 of the control knob assembly 150 is not primarily based on the main rotational torque thresholds of the two cam surfaces (as in the above embodiment), but rather on the axial sliding movement or actuation of the knob 154 to release the two main abutting axial (e.g., 184 and 159) surfaces, thus allowing the knob 154 to rotate between the closed and normally open positions and between modes. The flexible adapter 168, further described below, is an example of the aforementioned indirect flexible member.

[0111] exist Figure 35 and Figure 36As best shown, the flexible arm 176 allows the flexible adapter 168 (particularly axially) to bend, tilt, stretch, compress, fold, etc. The flexible arm 176, as shown, can preferably provide the primary flexibility characteristics of the flexible adapter 168. The flexibility of the flexible adapter 168, as well as the play or flexibility at various other connections or components of the control knob assembly 150, allows the knob 154 to move in the desired amount of axial, radial, and / or tilting motion to allow the protrusions 156, 158 to pass through each other under the application of axial force and tactile user feedback, as described in more detail below. Figure 37 A flexible adapter 168, positioned relative to knob 154 and located inside knob 157 during assembly, and one or more fasteners (not shown) at hole 174 are shown.

[0112] like Figure 35 and Figure 36 As shown, the flexible adapter 168 includes a shaft interface 169 preferably attachable to a shaft, and at least one flexible arm 176 (two as shown), each flexible arm 176 including a hole 174 for attaching to a corresponding hole 155 of a knob 154. Figure 37 Feature 170 is preferably configured to engage and radially fix with a rotatably driven component or control mechanism (such as shaft 84 as described herein). In an alternative embodiment, shaft interface 169 may include a spline-based connection, such as for interference or frictional engagement with the shaft. Thus, when rotating the shaft causes the flexible adapter 168 and its shaft interface 169 to rotate, knob 154 can indirectly control the oven via the rotating shaft.

[0113] The flexible adapter 168 provides an indirect flexible attachment of the knob 154 to the shaft via one or more flexible arms 176, which preferably provide at least axial flexibility to the flexible adapter 168, and thus to the knob 154 and the shaft connected by the flexible adapter 168. Therefore, the flexible adapter 168 provides an indirect output from the knob 154 for rotatably driving various components, such as the control mechanism 62 described above. The flexible adapter 168 can transmit the rotational driving force or torque received by the knob 154 and allows the knob 154 to be axially moved by the user. Figure 35 A flexible arm 176 in a bent shape is shown, with shaded areas indicating areas where stress increases in the flexible adapter 168 during this bending.

[0114] The control knob assembly 150 provides a similar aspect of tactile control feedback as the control knob assembly described above. However, instead of having one of the directly interacting components interact with an angular contact surface that can be overcome indirectly by reaching a sufficient torque threshold to induce axial and / or tilting, the third embodiment provides an indirect flexible member, the flexible adapter 168, which allows rotational movement beyond a hard stop only when the user moves at least one protrusion relative to the other axially as facilitated by the flexible adapter 168. Similar to the above-described embodiment of the control knob assembly 74, the knob 154 includes a knob interface portion comprising protrusions 158 extending from the knob 154 to engage elements of the control mechanism interface portion 152, in this case including protrusions 156 configured to engage with the protrusions 158 of the control knob 154. However, in the third embodiment, the engagement surfaces 184 and 159 of the protrusions 156 and 158 are preferably substantially axially oriented for a hard stop, until or unless the user causes axial bending of the flexible adapter 168 as described herein.

[0115] Refer again Figure 34 To move from the closed position to the normally open position during operation, the control knob assembly 150 provides a hard-stop tactile feature that requires the user to first push the knob 154 in. Alternatively, embodiments may reverse the orientation of the axial engagement surfaces 184 and 159, and instead require the user to pull out the knob 154, move the knob 154 radially, or tilt the knob 154 to provide clearance around the hard-stop feature (the engagement surface 184 of the protrusion 156, as shown) and between the two main axial protrusions (protrusions 156 and 158), and turn to the normally open mode. Yet another embodiment may require the user to tilt the knob 154 so that the engagement surfaces 184 pass each other and achieve the normally open mode. Thus, the knob 154 is pushed in / pulled out or tilted so that the protrusion 158 of the knob 154 can clear the hard stop of the second protrusion 156 before the second protrusion 156 can be turned to the normally open mode. See reference Figures 31 to 40 As shown, the knob 154 is preferably moved axially by pushing (towards the oven housing), wherein, in the normally open mode, the knob protrusion 154 is moved in the form of a protrusion 156 and positioned below the hard stop.

[0116] The user can detect the closed position at the hard stop feature by means of tactile interaction with the knob 154, and can determine that the closed position has been reached by detecting the hard stop. The flexible adapter 168 is configured to position the knob 154 relative to the control mechanism interface portion 152 mounted on the oven housing and / or the rotatably driven component or shaft. The flexible adapter 168 is configured such that approximately axial movement between the two main axial surfaces can be caused by movement of the knob 154 relative to the shaft, as further described above and below.

[0117] Protrusions 156 and 158 prevent further knob rotation without allowing them to move axially and / or radially relative to each other via the flexible adapter 168. In contrast to some embodiments described above, such as those based on torque thresholds, movement of knob 154, such as the aforementioned movement from the closed position to the normally open position, is substantially prevented by the interface of the axial surfaces 184 and 159 of protrusions 156 and 158, unless knob 154 is axially and / or radially actuated by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the hard-stop aspect of the third embodiment may include at least some threshold tactile feedback based on rotational torque provided to the user, such as through ramp and / or cam features as described in the embodiments above.

[0118] To further illustrate exemplary operation of the control knob assembly 150, refer to the accompanying drawing. Figures 38 to 40 Various exemplary rotation and actuation phases of the knob 154 of the control knob assembly 150 are shown. For example, Figures 38 to 40 The process is illustrated in three stages, during which the user moves from the off position to the always-on cooking mode while receiving tactile feedback via knob 154.

[0119] In particular, Figure 38 The control knob assembly 150 is shown from the rear of the control mechanism interface portion 152, starting from the closed position. At this position, the knob 154 is not moved axially or radially by the user, thus creating a gap 172 between the knob 154 and the control mechanism interface portion 152. Note that when the user selects the normally open cooking mode, the gap 172 changes as the knob 154 moves axially. Figure 39 A control knob assembly 150 is shown, wherein a knob 154 is at least axially actuated (e.g., when the knob 154 is axially pushed by a user), wherein a protrusion 158 of the knob 154 engages with a protrusion 156 of a control mechanism interface portion 152 via a mating surface 184, for example, when the user pushes it toward the oven housing. When the user pushes the knob 154 in (or otherwise actuates the knob via axial, radial, and / or tilting movements through tactile interaction), the knob 154 is then capable of rotating, for example, toward a normally open position. Figure 40 Next, it is shown Figure 39 The subsequent steps involve the knob 154 being successfully rotated and positioned in the normally open position, and the protrusion 158 of the knob 154 traveling along the ramp 187 and passing (above or below) the protrusion 156, and the main axial knob stop surface 159 (see...) Figure 38 and Figure 39 It abuts against the main axial stop surface 160 of the interface portion 152 with the control mechanism.

[0120] In alternative embodiments, various embodiments of the knob and control mechanism interface portion may have various components and / or functional reversals or other modifications without fundamentally altering the nature and operating principles of the currently disclosed embodiments.

[0121] The invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments. The detailed descriptions and examples above are provided for clarity only. Therefore, unnecessary limitations should not be construed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. The above-described and other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control knob assembly for setting timing parameters of an appliance, the control knob assembly comprising: The control module has a control mechanism including a rotatably driven component that tracks timing parameters of a first cooking mode from a user-defined rotation position to a rotatably spaced-off position. The control mechanism is also defined for a rotation position in a second cooking mode. The control module also has a control module interface portion. as well as A control knob having user-operated features, enabling a user to manipulate the control knob to rotatably set the timing parameters of the first cooking mode or to select the second cooking mode, the control knob also having a knob interface portion; The control module interface portion and the knob interface portion each include a first interface feature, and the other includes a second flexible feature. The first interface feature and the second flexible feature are arranged to interact such that the first interface feature abuts against the second flexible feature in the closed position and causes a flexible member operably connected to the second flexible feature to bend so as to move the control knob to the second cooking mode.

2. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first interface feature and the second flexible feature are configured to provide a hard stop at the rotational position for the second cooking mode.

3. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module interface includes a flexible stop device.

4. The control knob assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The knob interface portion includes a protrusion that rotates together with the control knob.

5. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob interface includes a flexible stop device that rotates together with the control knob.

6. The control knob assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control module interface includes a protrusion.

7. The control knob assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the protrusion and the flexible stop move relative to each other in a rotational manner, the flexible stop bends radially.

8. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control knob is configured to rotate beyond the closed position after receiving a rotational force exceeding a first force threshold defined by the interaction of the first interface feature and the second flexible feature.

9. The control knob assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The flexible stop is pressure-sensitive and configured to bend relative to the amount of rotational force applied to the control knob.

10. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Rotating the control knob in the first direction increases the set value of the timing parameter, and rotating the control knob in the second direction decreases the set value of the timing parameter.

11. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is configured to trigger the second cooking mode after the control knob is rotated beyond the closed position.

12. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cooking mode is the always-on mode.

13. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control knob is connected to the rotatably driven component of the control module via a splined shaft interface.

14. The control knob assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The control knob is a push-type knob.

15. The control knob assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hard stop provided by the first interface feature and the second flexible feature is configured to be overcome after receiving axial movement at the control knob to allow rotational position at the second cooking position.

16. The control knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first interface feature and the second flexible feature are configured to provide a hard stop for the closed position at the rotational position.

17. A control knob assembly for setting timing parameters of an appliance, comprising: A control knob having at least a first position indication feature; A control mechanism, the control mechanism including a second position indication feature and rotatably engaging with the control knob to receive input by rotation of the control knob; as well as The control knob is configured to rotate along a first rotation direction until a first position is reached, and is also configured to rotate along a second rotation direction until the first position indicator reaches a second position, wherein when a first rotational force is applied to the control knob along the second rotation direction, the control knob is capable of further rotating along the second rotation direction beyond the second position to a third position, wherein the first rotational force exceeds a predetermined force threshold, the predetermined force threshold being based on the torque required to rotate the control knob along the first rotation direction to the first position.

18. The control knob assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, One of the multiple position indication features includes a flexible stop having an arm configured to engage with a protrusion of another position indication feature, wherein the arm bends to release further rotation of the control knob after exceeding the predetermined force threshold.

19. The control knob assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first position is the maximum timer position, the second position is the off position, and the third position is the normally open position.

20. An appliance comprising a control knob assembly according to claim 1.

21. An appliance comprising a control knob assembly according to claim 15.

22. A method for controlling and selecting a cooking mode, comprising: Adjusting a knob rotatable along a first direction and a second direction includes adjusting it with a first rotational force along the first direction, wherein the first direction corresponds to lowering a time setting of the appliance until a closed position is reached, and the knob resists further rotation along the first direction when the first rotational force is applied to the knob according to a first force threshold. The knob is rotated along the first direction with a second rotational force greater than the first rotational force, wherein the second rotational force is sufficient to exceed the first force threshold, such that a second cooking mode is triggered when the knob is rotated beyond the closed position.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second cooking mode is the always-on mode.

24. A control knob assembly for setting timing parameters of an appliance, the control knob assembly comprising: The control module has a control mechanism including a rotatably driven component that tracks timing parameters of a first cooking mode from a user-defined rotation position to a rotatably spaced-off position. The control mechanism is also defined for a rotation position in a second cooking mode. The control module also has a control module interface portion. as well as A control knob having user-operated features, enabling a user to manipulate the control knob to rotatably set the timing parameters of the first cooking mode or to select the second cooking mode, the control knob also having a knob interface portion; The control module interface portion and the knob interface portion each include a first interface feature, and the other includes a second flexible feature. The first interface feature and the second flexible feature are arranged to interact such that the first interface feature abuts against the second flexible feature in the closed position, and a flexible member operably connected to the second flexible feature needs to bend in order to move the control knob to the second cooking mode.

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