Knob assembly and cooking equipment comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to a knob assembly and cooking equipment comprising the same. The knob assembly according to the present invention comprises: a base part disposed on an operation panel; and a drive shaft protruding from the operation panel. The knob assembly is provided with a knob body which rotates around the drive shaft and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft. The knob main body is provided with an operation button, and the operation button is provided with an operation part exposed to the outside and moves independently from the knob main body along a direction different from the axial direction. At this time, the operation button is provided with: a first position in which the rotation of the knob body is restricted by the interference of the base part; and a second position to which the operation button is moved from the first position in a direction different from the axial direction so that the knob body is rotatable at the second position. Therefore, a user can rotate the knob main body and operate the cooking equipment only by pressing the operation button firstly, so that any operation or malfunction of the knob assembly can be prevented through the operation button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a knob assembly and a cooking device including the knob assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Cooking equipment is used to cook ingredients to make meals. It can also be used to heat food to a suitable temperature for consumption. Such cooking equipment is classified in various ways based on the form of the heat source used, the type of fuel, and so on. For example, cooking equipment can be divided into open and closed types based on the form of the space where food is placed. Examples of closed cooking equipment include ovens and microwave ovens, while examples of open cooking equipment include cooktops and griddles.

[0003] In enclosed cooking equipment, a door is used to conceal the space containing the food. The food is cooked by heating the concealed space. In open cooking equipment, food or containers containing food are placed in an open space. The food is cooked by heating the food or containers. In recent years, combined cooking equipment that integrates both enclosed and open cooking methods has also been used. In combined cooking equipment, multiple heat sources are combined to cook various ingredients, allowing for the simultaneous preparation of multiple dishes.

[0004] Such cooking appliances include a control knob. This knob can be used to start or stop the cooking appliance or to set a cooking mode. Additionally, this knob can be used to adjust the heating temperature.

[0005] Taking a gas stove as an example of a cooking appliance, the aforementioned knob is operated by pressing and turning to activate the appliance. This press-and-turn mechanism means that the appliance will only operate when the user presses and then rotates it. At this time, the user adjusts the heating temperature or selects a cooking mode by varying the rotation around the drive shaft while the knob is pressed. Because both steps are required for the appliance to operate, this press-and-turn mechanism enhances safety.

[0006] However, this type of knob, which requires pressing and rotating, protrudes outwards, meaning it can be turned accidentally by the user. For example, a user could press the knob without realizing it, causing it to rotate. Additionally, young children might operate the knob, activating the cooking appliance. Such unauthorized operation could lead to fires or burns, necessitating improvements to the safety of cooking equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] This invention was developed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The purpose of this invention is to prevent the knob assembly from operating when the operating button (safety button) is not pressed.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to make the direction of action of the operation button different from the rotation direction and pressing direction of the knob assembly.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to minimize the number of additional parts required by setting operation buttons, thereby simplifying the structure of the knob assembly.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] According to the features of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, the knob assembly of the present invention includes: a base disposed on an operation panel; and a drive shaft protruding from the operation panel. The knob assembly comprises a knob body that rotates about the drive shaft and moves linearly along the axial direction of the drive shaft. The knob body includes an operation button with an exposed operating portion that moves independently of the knob body in a direction different from the axial direction. At this time, the operation button has: a first position where the rotation of the knob body is restricted by interference from the base; and a second position where the operation button moves from the first position to the second position in a direction different from the axial direction, allowing the knob body to rotate at the second position. Therefore, the user can only rotate the knob body and operate the cooking device by pressing the operation button, thus preventing arbitrary operation or malfunction of the knob assembly.

[0013] The radial distance between the operating part in the first position and the drive shaft is greater than the radial distance between the operating part in the second position and the drive shaft.

[0014] The aforementioned operation button moves along a straight or curved path in a direction different from the aforementioned axial direction between the first and second positions. When the knob body rotates around the aforementioned drive shaft, the aforementioned operation button rotates along with the knob body and moves to the third position.

[0015] The knob body and the operation button are restricted from each other in the rotational direction centered on the drive shaft, so that the knob body and the operation button can rotate together.

[0016] An operating hole extends through the knob body in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axis. The operating part is exposed to the outside through the operating hole and forms part of the appearance of the knob body.

[0017] A safety pin, which is used to interfere with or de-interfere with the base, is connected to the aforementioned operation button. The safety pin protrudes from the operation button along the aforementioned axis toward the aforementioned base.

[0018] The knob body moves linearly along the aforementioned axis, i.e., the first direction. The operation button moves linearly between the first position and the second position along a second direction different from the first direction. The safety pin protrudes in the first direction.

[0019] The aforementioned knob body includes a first knob body having an internal space open toward the aforementioned base. A second knob body is disposed within the aforementioned internal space. The second knob body rotates and moves linearly together with the first knob body. An operating hole for protruding the operating portion of the aforementioned operation button passes through the first knob body.

[0020] The movement of the aforementioned operation button is restricted by the edge of the aforementioned operation hole during its movement from the second position to the first position.

[0021] The second knob body has a shaft engagement portion that engages with one end of the drive shaft. The remaining portion of the second knob body, excluding the shaft engagement portion, and the operation button are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the shaft engagement portion as the center.

[0022] The second knob body contains a pair of elastic members that provide elastic force to the operation button. The second knob body also includes a support plate that protrudes along the axial direction toward the opposite side of the base. The support plate is positioned between the pair of elastic members.

[0023] The aforementioned support plate can be arranged opposite to the aforementioned operating part.

[0024] The aforementioned elastic component provides an elastic force to the aforementioned operation button in the direction that moves the aforementioned operation button to the first position.

[0025] A weight plate, which rotates and moves together with the knob body, is attached to the knob body. A through-hole is formed on the weight plate for the safety pin of the operation button to pass through. The safety pin moves between the first position and the second position while passing through the through-hole.

[0026] The aforementioned actuation button is connected to a safety pin protruding in the aforementioned axial direction, i.e., the first direction. A locking groove is formed on the aforementioned base, recessed from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin in the radial direction of the rotation path. In the aforementioned first position of the actuation button, the safety pin is inserted into the locking groove, thereby restricting the rotation of the knob body.

[0027] The locking groove opens toward the center of the rotation path of the safety pin. When the actuation button moves from the first position to the second position, the safety pin moves toward the center of the rotation path and disengages from the locking groove.

[0028] A portion of the aforementioned actuation button protrudes in the aforementioned axial direction, i.e., the first direction, forming a protrusion. In the aforementioned first position of the actuation button, the protrusion is inserted into the aforementioned locking groove to restrict the rotation of the aforementioned knob body.

[0029] The locking groove opens toward the center of the rotation path of the safety pin. A guide portion protruding toward the center of the rotation path is formed at the edge of the locking groove.

[0030] The surface of the aforementioned guide portion is an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0031] The aforementioned guide parts are respectively disposed on both sides of the aforementioned locking groove with the aforementioned locking groove as the center.

[0032] The axial depth of the locking groove is longer than the axial movement distance of the actuation button.

[0033] The base has a plurality of locking grooves recessed from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin in a radial direction along the rotation path. The plurality of locking grooves are spaced apart along the rotation path.

[0034] The base has a locking pin that protrudes radially from the center of the rotation path of the knob body. A safety groove is formed on the actuation button, into which the locking pin is inserted. When the actuation button moves from the first position to the second position, the locking pin disengages from the safety groove.

[0035] A stepped portion is formed on the bottom surface of the locking groove, protruding axially toward the safety pin. When the actuation button is in the first position, the stepped portion is interfered with by the safety pin in the axial direction, thus restricting the axial movement of the safety pin.

[0036] Invention Effects

[0037] The knob assembly of the present invention described above and the cooking device including the knob assembly have the following effects.

[0038] In this invention, the knob body (handle) will not rotate when the operation button is not pressed. The user must press the operation button first to rotate the knob body and activate the cooking device. This prevents arbitrary operation or malfunction of the knob assembly by using the operation button, thus improving the safety of the cooking device.

[0039] Furthermore, in this invention, the operation button can be activated in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body. When the direction in which the operation button is pressed and the direction in which the knob body is pressed are different, the possibility of the user accidentally activating the knob assembly can be reduced. This improves the safety of the cooking equipment.

[0040] Specifically, the operating part of the control button can move along a straight or curved path in a second direction, which is different from both the linear movement direction (first direction) and the rotation direction of the knob body. This further reduces the possibility of the knob assembly arbitrarily operating due to user error or interference from objects around the cooking equipment.

[0041] Furthermore, in this invention, the operation button protrudes to the side of the knob body. This allows the user to naturally press the protruding operation button while holding the knob body. Therefore, even with the addition of an operation button, the operability of the knob assembly is not reduced, and the user can easily operate the cooking appliance.

[0042] Furthermore, in this invention, the operation button moves between a first position where the rotation direction is disturbed and a second position where the disturbance is relieved. At this time, the base of the knob assembly in the first position or the operation panel on which the knob assembly is mounted directly interferes with the knob body, thus restricting the rotation of the knob body. Therefore, the structure for restricting the operation of the knob assembly can be implemented very simply, and the number of additional components required to install the operation button can be minimized.

[0043] Furthermore, in this invention, a second knob body (inner body) is provided inside the first knob body (outer body) that forms the appearance of the knob body, and the second knob body (inner body) is symmetrical to the operation button. When the second knob body and the operation button are symmetrically arranged in the knob assembly, it is possible to prevent the center of gravity of the knob assembly from tilting to one side due to the operation button. Therefore, the knob assembly of this invention can provide a good operating feel even when an operation button is added. Furthermore, by filling the empty space on the side of the knob assembly without the operation button with the second knob body, the overall durability of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0044] Furthermore, by symmetrically arranging the second knob body and the operation button in the knob assembly, the volume occupied by the components within the internal space of the knob assembly can be reduced, thereby improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the knob assembly. This allows for the miniaturization and weight reduction of the knob assembly.

[0045] Furthermore, in this invention, the second knob body, which constitutes the main body of the knob, can be coupled with other components, such as the drive shaft (valve shaft). Thus, the first knob body, exposed to the outside and held by the user, can be configured with a relatively simple structure, preventing shrinkage caused by its complex shape during injection molding. Therefore, the aesthetics and manufacturing quality of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, in this invention, a pair of elastic members are provided inside the knob body, thereby enabling the operation button to return to the first position. A support plate disposed between the pair of elastic members and located on the second knob body guides the pair of elastic members as they contract / relax. Thus, in this invention, the pair of elastic members together reset the operation button, preventing it from being turned to one side and ensuring a stable reset, thereby improving the operational reliability of the knob assembly.

[0047] Furthermore, the drive groove in this invention has a stepped portion, which restricts the axial movement of the safety pin. Therefore, the knob body (handle) will not be pressed axially when the operation button is not pressed. The user can only apply axial pressure to the knob body and operate the cooking device by pressing the operation button first. In this way, arbitrary operation or malfunction of the knob assembly can be prevented by the operation button, thus further improving the safety of the cooking device. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a cooking apparatus to which the knob assembly of the present invention is applied.

[0049] Figure 2 It shows the composition Figure 1 A perspective view of the structure of the control panel and knob assembly of one embodiment of the cooking appliance shown.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the components of one embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention, exploded.

[0051] Figure 4 This involves disassembling the components constituting one embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention from... Figure 3 A three-dimensional image shown from different angles.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the first knob body and weight plate constituting an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention are omitted.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the first knob body and weight plate, constituting another embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention, are omitted.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state of an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in a first state (locked state).

[0055] Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII'.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in the second state (unlocked state).

[0057] Figure 10 Yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the X-X' line.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in its third state (pressed state).

[0059] Figure 12 Yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of line XII-XII'.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the state of an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in the fourth state (rotation state).

[0061] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the relative position of the safety pin, which constitutes one embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention, with respect to the knob body and the weight plate when it is in the first position.

[0062] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the relative positions of the base of the safety pin and the actuation button when the safety pin of one embodiment of the knob assembly constituting the present invention is in the first position.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the relative position of the safety pin, which constitutes one embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention, with respect to the knob body and the weight plate when it is in the second position.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the relative positions of the base of the safety pin and the actuation button when the safety pin of one embodiment of the knob assembly constituting the present invention is in the second position.

[0065] Figure 18This is a perspective view showing the structure of the base of an embodiment constituting the knob assembly of the present invention.

[0066] Figures 19 to 21 This is an operation state diagram showing the operation state of another embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the base of another embodiment constituting the knob assembly of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of the safety pin and the locking groove when the safety pin, which constitutes another embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention, is in the first position.

[0069] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of the safety pin and the locking groove when the safety pin of another embodiment constituting the knob assembly of the present invention is in the second position.

[0070] (Symbol Explanation)

[0071] 28: Heating device; 30: Control panel

[0072] 31: Front panel 70: Heating drive unit

[0073] 71: Drive shaft 100: Knob assembly

[0074] 110: Base 112: Main body of the base

[0075] 113: Lower plate; 115: Locking slot

[0076] 116: Guiding section 117: Step section

[0077] 120: First knob body 123: Handle

[0078] 125: Operating hole; 130: Second knob body

[0079] 131: Shaft joint; 132: Shaft joint hole

[0080] 136: Support plate 140: Operation button

[0081] 143: Operations Section 150: Safety Pin

[0082] 155: Pin section; 160: Weight plate

[0083] 165: Through hole S: Elastic component Detailed Implementation

[0084] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. When adding symbols to the constituent elements of the various figures, the same symbols will be used as much as possible for the same constituent elements, even if they are illustrated in different figures. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that a detailed description would hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. When adding symbols to the constituent elements of the various figures, the same symbols will be used as much as possible for the same constituent elements, even if they are illustrated in different figures. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that a detailed description would hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] This invention relates to a knob assembly 100 and a cooking appliance including the knob assembly 100, wherein the upper part of the cooking appliance has a cooktop section 20 including a plurality of heating devices 28. The heating devices 28 may be gas heating devices 28 that use gas as energy, electric cooktops, or induction cooktops. Figure 1 The image illustrates the gas heating device 28 within the heating device 28 of the stove section 20. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the heating device 28 is positioned above the cooking appliance. Alternatively, the heating device 28 may be located inside the cooking appliance or both inside and outside the cooking appliance.

[0087] The knob assembly 100 is used to operate the heating device 28. The user operates the knob assembly 100 to turn the heating device 28 on / off. The user can operate the knob assembly 100 to adjust the heat provided by the heating device 28. Alternatively, the user can operate the knob assembly 100 to operate the oven section 40, 50 or select the cooking mode of the cooking equipment.

[0088] The user presses the knob assembly 100 to rotate it, thereby controlling the heating device 28. At this time, as... Figure 2 As shown, in order to prevent arbitrary operation of the knob assembly 100 due to user error or interference with surrounding objects, the present invention includes an operation button 140. The knob assembly 100 will now be described with emphasis on this operation button 140.

[0089] The exterior of the cooking device is formed by the outer body 10, which, excluding the door located at the front, forms the frame of the cooking device. A separate inner shell (not shown) is disposed inside the outer body 10.

[0090] The aforementioned stovetop section 20 is equipped with at least one heating device 28 for heating food to be cooked or a container holding food. In this embodiment, a total of four heating devices 28 are arranged in the aforementioned stovetop section 20.

[0091] The aforementioned cooktop section 20 includes a grate 25. The grate 25 is a frame that allows cooking containers to be placed on top of the heating device 28. The grate 25 can be detachably installed in the cooktop section 20. The grate 25 is located above the heating device 28.

[0092] An operation panel 30 is disposed above the oven sections 40 and 50, i.e., in front of the cooktop section 20. The operation panel 30 includes knob assemblies 100 for operating the oven sections 40 and 50 and the cooktop section 20. Multiple knob assemblies 100 operate the independent heating devices 28 and oven components respectively. The operation panel 30 can also be considered an operating device or a front panel. The operation panel 30 is not disposed in front of the cooktop section 20, but rather in various locations such as the lower part of the cooking equipment, the side of the cooking equipment, or the upper surface of the cooking equipment.

[0093] The aforementioned operation panel 30 includes a display unit 60. The display unit 60 displays information about the cooking equipment. The display unit 60 is a touch panel and can be used by the user to operate the cooking equipment. That is, the display unit 60 can also be an operation unit 143. Alternatively, the display unit 60 can be omitted.

[0094] Observing the oven sections 40 and 50, the oven sections 40 and 50 include multiple oven devices. In this embodiment, the oven sections 40 and 50 include a first oven device 40 and a second oven device 50. The first oven device 40 and the second oven device 50 are arranged at different heights. The first oven device 40 and the second oven device 50 each form an independent cooking chamber that is divided from each other.

[0095] The first door 45 of the aforementioned first oven device 40 is operated by a pull-down motion, rotating up and down with the upper end as the center. Alternatively, the first door 45 can be operated by a lateral swing motion, opening to the side. Symbol 47 indicates a handle for opening and closing the first door 45.

[0096] The second door 55 of the aforementioned second oven device 50 can slide in the front-back direction. As another example, similar to the first door 45 on the front surface, the second door 55 can also be operated by a pull-down motion, rotating up and down with its upper and lower ends as the center. Symbol 57 indicates a handle for opening and closing the first door 55.

[0097] Next, the knob assembly 100 described above will be explained. For reference, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the operation panel 30 is provided with six knob assemblies 100. This is only one example; the operation panel 30 may also have one to five or more knob assemblies 100. As another example, the knob assemblies 100 may not be disposed on the operation panel 30, but may be directly disposed on the upper surface or side of the cooking device. As yet another example, the knob assemblies 100 may also be disposed on the lower part of the front surface of the cooking device.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the knob assembly 100 includes a generally circular main body and a portion protruding from the circular main body for easy gripping. In this embodiment, an operation button 140 is provided on the side of the knob assembly 100. The user can only operate the knob assembly 100 by pressing the operation button 140; more precisely, the user can only operate the drive shaft 71 (see reference 71) by pressing the operation button 140. Figure 3 The rotational motion centered on the axis of )

[0099] For reference, in the following description, axial direction refers to the length direction of drive shaft 71. Figure 2 and even Figure 4 The X-axis direction. In the following description, the direction of rotation refers to the direction in which the knob assembly 100 rotates about the aforementioned drive shaft 71 (refer to...). Figure 13 (The arrow). In the following description, the direction of linear movement of the operation button 140 is... Figures 2 to 4 The Y-axis direction. Of course, when the knob assembly 100 is rotated, the linear movement direction of the operation button 140 can also be changed.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the disassembled state of the knob assembly 100. For clarity, let's first observe the drive shaft 71, which is connected to the knob assembly 100. The drive shaft 71 serves as the rotation center of the knob assembly 100. The drive shaft 71 rotates along with the knob assembly 100 when it rotates. The drive shaft 71 also moves linearly along with the knob assembly 100 when it moves axially.

[0101] The aforementioned drive shaft 71 is disposed in the heating drive unit 70 (see reference). Figure 4 The heating drive unit 70 serves to supply energy to the heating device 28. For example, the heating drive unit 70 is driven by the drive shaft 71, thereby controlling the heating device 28. Therefore, the drive shaft 71 can be regarded as a valve shaft.

[0102] Here, the energy source can be either gas or electricity. When the energy source is electricity, the heating drive unit 70 can be referred to as a regulator; when the energy source is gas, it can be referred to as a valve assembly. The drive shaft 71 can be a component constituting the knob assembly 100. Alternatively, the drive shaft 71 can be a part of the heating drive unit 70. Reference numeral 32 indicates a through-hole in the front panel 31 through which the drive shaft 71 passes.

[0103] More specifically, the drive shaft 71 is pressable and rotatable to the heating drive unit 70. When the drive shaft 71 is not pressed, the heating drive unit 70 prevents the drive shaft 71 from rotating. As the drive shaft 71 presses and rotates the heating drive unit 70, the heating drive unit 70 supplies energy to the heating device 28.

[0104] The drive shaft 71 includes a coupling member 75. The coupling member 75 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 71. The coupling member 75 is made of an elastic material such as a coil spring. The coupling member 75 is disposed between the drive shaft 71 and the shaft engagement portion 131 (described later), providing an elastic force between the drive shaft 71 and the shaft engagement groove 131. This prevents the drive shaft 71 from easily detaching from the shaft engagement portion 131.

[0105] The drive shaft 71 is operated via the knob assembly 100. More precisely, the drive shaft 71 is coupled to the knob body NB and rotates together with the knob body NB. The drive shaft 71 and the knob body NB move linearly in the axial direction together. Therefore, when the user operates the knob assembly 100, the heating drive unit 70 is driven via the drive shaft 71, thereby activating the heating device 28.

[0106] Observing the structure of the knob assembly 100, the knob assembly 100 includes a base 110. The base 110 is disposed on the front panel 31 of the operation panel 30. A base hole 111 for the drive shaft 71 to pass through the base 110, supporting the rotation of the drive shaft 71. That is, the base 110 enables the drive shaft 71 to rotate stably and move linearly in the axial direction.

[0107] As another example, the base hole 111 can be omitted from the base 110. In this case, the drive shaft 71 passes directly through the front panel 31 without passing through the base 110.

[0108] The base 110 can be generally formed as a circular structure. Centered on the base hole 111 formed at the center of the base 110, a base connecting portion 118 is provided on the outer side of the base hole 111. The base connecting portion 118 is inserted into the connecting hole 118 formed in the front panel 31 by elastic deformation. Alternatively, the base connecting portion 118 can be omitted, and the base 110 can be mounted to the front panel 31 by a screw-like connector (not shown) or adhesive.

[0109] A locking groove 115 may be formed on the base 110. A portion of the safety pin 150 is engaged in the locking groove 115. Here, "engaged" means that a portion of the safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115, thereby restricting the rotation of the safety pin 150 and the knob body NB. In this way, the locking groove 115 can prevent the safety pin 150 from rotating around the drive shaft 71, thereby also preventing the rotation of the knob body NB. Therefore, the locking groove 115 can be referred to as an interference part that restricts the rotation of the knob body NB.

[0110] The locking groove 115 is recessed in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axial direction. More precisely, the locking groove 115 is a structure that is recessed in the radial direction of the base 110. The locking groove 115 is recessed from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150 in the radial direction of the rotation path. In this way, the pin 155 can be inserted into the inside of the recessed locking groove 115 or conversely disengaged. Such insertion / disengagement of the pin 155 is performed by the operation button 140.

[0111] When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the locking groove 115 surrounds the surface of the pin 155. The operation button 140 rotates together with the knob body NB (see reference). Figure 13 When positioned in the third position, the locking groove 115, which is fixed to the operation panel 30, is separated from the safety pin 150 in the circumferential direction. Here, the circumferential direction refers to the rotation direction of the knob body NB. The structure of the locking groove 115 will now be described in detail again.

[0112] The locking groove 115 may be omitted from the base 110. Alternatively, the locking groove 115 may be omitted from the base 110, and a structure similar to the locking groove 115 may be directly formed on the front panel 31. As another example, if the base 110 is part of the front panel 31, the locking groove 115 may also be part of the front panel 31. As yet another example, the base 110 may not be formed in a disc shape, but rather in various polygonal shapes.

[0113] The frame of the aforementioned knob assembly 100 is formed by a knob body NB. The knob body NB surrounds the drive shaft 71 and the base 110. The knob body NB is the part held by the user. In this embodiment, the knob body NB is composed of a first knob body 120 and a second knob body 130. The first knob body 120 is exposed to the outside. The second knob body 130 is disposed inside the first knob body 120.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first knob body 120 may be a portion exposed to the outside and operated by the user in the knob assembly 100. The second knob body 130 is disposed inside the first knob body 120, performs engagement with other components, and serves to guide the elastic component S described later. As another example, the first knob body 120 and the second knob body 130 are formed as a single unit.

[0115] The first knob body 120 includes a knob ring 121 in a generally frustum-cone or cylindrical shape. The knob ring 121 is disposed opposite to the front panel 31. A grip portion 123 is formed protruding from the upper surface 122 of the knob ring 121. The grip portion 123 protrudes axially from the upper surface 122 of the knob ring 121. The grip portion 123 can be a part for a user to hold. The grip portion 123 is oriented in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (see reference). Figure 2 (Extending in the Z-axis direction). Symbol 123a is a reference scale formed on the aforementioned grip portion 123. Although not shown, the scale may also be displayed on the surface of the aforementioned knob ring 121.

[0116] The operating hole 125 penetrates the knob body NB in ​​a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axis. The operating portion 143 of the operating button 140 is exposed to the outside through the operating hole 125, forming the appearance of the knob assembly 100 together with the knob body NB. (See reference...) Figure 2 The operating portion 143, which is part of the operating button 140, protrudes from the knob body NB, thereby forming the appearance of the knob assembly 100 together with the knob body NB. That is, it can be said that a part of the operating button 140 fills the operating hole 125.

[0117] In this embodiment, the operation hole 125, through which the operation portion 143 of the operation button 140 protrudes, passes through the first knob body 120. More precisely, the operation hole 125 passes through the grip portion 123 of the first knob body 120. Since the operation hole 125 is formed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the operation portion 143 of the operation button 140 also protrudes through the operation hole 125 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. In other words, the operation hole 125 is open in a direction orthogonal to the linear movement direction of the knob body NB.

[0118] The aforementioned operating hole 125 is formed on either the left or right side of the first knob body 120. In this embodiment, the operating hole 125 is formed on the left side of the first knob body 120. In this embodiment, only one operating button 140 is provided, therefore the operating hole 125 only needs to be formed on either side of the first knob body 120. As another example, the operating hole 125 is formed on the right side of the first knob body 120. As yet another example, the operating hole 125 is formed on both the left and right sides of the first knob body 120.

[0119] As explained below, the operation button 140 is restricted in its movement by the edge 125a of the operation hole 125 during its movement from the second position to the first position. The operation button 140 is stuck at the edge 125a of the operation hole 125, not completely detached from the knob body NB, and remains in the internal space 121a formed inside the first knob body 120. The edge 125a of the operation hole 125 is considered as a stop end 125a. The first and second positions of the operation button 140 will be described in detail below.

[0120] The second knob body 130 is disposed within the internal space 121a of the first knob body 120. The second knob body 130 is connected to the first knob body 120 via a connector B1. The connector B1 is then fixed to the assembly hole 124 of the first knob body 120 via a weight plate 160 and the second knob body 130. Thus, the first knob body 120, the second knob body 130, and the weight plate 160 are assembled together and operate together.

[0121] The second knob body 130 has a shaft engagement portion 131 for engaging one end of the drive shaft 71. The shaft engagement portion 131 is generally cylindrical. It is located at the center of the knob body NB. The shaft engagement portion 131 has a shaft engagement hole 132 into which the drive shaft 71 is inserted. The cross-section of the shaft engagement hole 132 and the cross-section of the drive shaft 71 are both formed in a 'D' shape. Therefore, the drive shaft 71 does not rotate freely inside the shaft engagement hole 132, but is fixed inside it.

[0122] When one end of the drive shaft 71 is inserted into the shaft engagement hole 132, the drive shaft 71 rotates together with the second knob body 130 and moves axially with the second knob body 130. That is, when the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 are driven together, the drive shaft 71 is also driven together. For example, when the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 are pressed axially together, the drive shaft 71 also moves axially. When the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 rotate together about the drive shaft 71 as the center, the drive shaft 71 also rotates together. Therefore, the drive shaft 71 can also be referred to as a rotating shaft.

[0123] The second knob body 130 is coupled to the drive shaft 71 and the weight plate 160. Thus, the second knob body 130 embodies a connection structure with other components, and the first knob body 120 is constructed with a relatively simple and thin structure. Therefore, when the first knob body 120 is injection molded, it is possible to prevent the formation of sink marks or flow marks due to shrinkage of a portion of the first knob body 120 caused by its complex shape.

[0124] The second knob body 130 includes a body plate 133. The body plate 133 has a generally plate-like structure. The body plate 133 is connected to the shaft coupling portion 131. The body plate 133 is the portion that engages with the first knob body 120 and the weight plate 160. Therefore, the body plate 133 has a connecting member through hole 134 for the connecting member B1 to pass through. (Observation) Figure 4 The main body plate 133 has a plate protrusion 137, which is in close contact with the surface of the weight plate 160. As another example, the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 are pressed into each other or fixed to each other by adhesive.

[0125] In this embodiment, the main body plate 133 and the internal space 121a are roughly semi-circular in shape. Specifically, a portion of the side of the second knob body 130 facing the internal space 121a has a curved shape, while another portion of the side of the second knob body 130 facing the operation button 140 has a flat shape. The curved portion faces the inner surface of the internal space 121a, and the flat portion faces the operation button 140. A portion of the operation button 140 is interfered with by the flat portion of the second knob body 130. This interference restricts the distance the operation button 140 can move from the first position to the second position.

[0126] The second knob body 130 includes a support plate 136. The support plate 136 protrudes along the axial direction toward the side opposite to the base 110. The support plate 136 protrudes substantially in a plate shape from the body plate 133. The support plate 136 extends in the same direction as the grip portion 123, i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. One end of the support plate 136 is in close contact with the inner surface of the first knob body 120, i.e., the inner surface of the grip portion 123. This configuration is illustrated in the diagram. Figure 8 .

[0127] The aforementioned support plate 136 is disposed between a pair of elastic members S, described later. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The support plate 136 is disposed between a pair of elastic members S, maintaining the interval between the pair of elastic members S. That is, the support plate 136 prevents the pair of elastic members S from being turned to one side during the contraction / relaxation process.

[0128] The remaining portion of the second knob body 130, excluding the shaft coupling 131, and the operation button 140 are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the shaft coupling 131 as the center. More precisely, the main body plate 133 and the operation button 140 are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the drive shaft 71 as the center. (See reference...) Figure 8 With the drive shaft 71 as a reference, the main body plate 133 is positioned on the left side, and the operation button 140 is positioned on the right side. This prevents the center of gravity of the knob assembly 100 from tilting to either side via the operation button 140. Furthermore, by filling the empty space in the internal space 121a without the operation button 140 using the main body plate 133, the overall durability of the knob assembly 100 is improved. For reference, Figure 8 The symbol 'L' in the middle represents an imaginary centerline extending axially from the center of the aforementioned drive shaft 71.

[0129] Re-reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The aforementioned knob assembly 100 includes an operation button 140. The operation button 140 is disposed on the knob body NB and is subordinate to the operation of the knob body NB. Basically, when the knob body NB moves linearly in the axial direction or rotates about the drive shaft 71, the operation button 140 moves linearly and rotates together with the knob body NB. However, the operation button 140 moves independently of the knob body NB in ​​a direction different from the aforementioned axial direction.

[0130] The aforementioned operation button 140 constitutes part of the grip surface held by the user when holding the knob assembly 100. For example, when the user holds the knob assembly 100 with their thumb and forefinger, they hold the surface of the grip portion 123 with their forefinger while simultaneously holding the operation portion 143 of the operation button 140 with their thumb. In this state, the user applies pressure to the knob assembly 100 with their thumb and forefinger, thereby fixing the surface of the grip portion 123, but the operation portion 143 formed on the opposite side moves inward toward the knob body NB as it is pressed.

[0131] like Figure 5 As shown, the operation button 140 is positioned on the opposite side of the remaining portion of the second knob body 130, excluding the shaft connection 131, with reference to the shaft connection 131. More precisely, the main body plate 133 and the operation button 140 are positioned on opposite sides of each other with the drive shaft 71 as the center.

[0132] The operation button 140 can restrict or release the movement of the knob body NB, the weight plate 160, and the operation button 140 constituting the knob assembly 100 in the axial direction, i.e., the direction of the operation panel 30. The operation button 140 has a first position where the axial movement is restricted by interference from the base 110, and a second position where the axial movement can be performed.

[0133] Here, the first position is when the aforementioned operation button 140 protrudes relatively from the aforementioned knob body NB, forming... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operation button 140 is positioned in a first position, located radially away from the drive shaft 71. This first position refers to the position where the safety pin 150 is furthest from the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction. The second position is the position where the operation button 140 moves from the first position when pressed, forming... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The operation button 140 is positioned in a second position, close to the drive shaft 71 along the radial direction. This second position refers to the position where the safety pin 150 is closest to the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction.

[0134] At the first position described above, the operation button 140 is interfered with by the base 110 in the rotational direction. Here, interference means that the rotation of the operation button 140 is restricted. Thus, when the operation button 140 is interfered with in the rotational direction by the base 110, the operation button 140 cannot rotate relative to the operation panel 30 along the rotational direction, or the rotation angle is restricted. As explained below, the interference of the operation button 140 by the base 110 is achieved by the safety pin 150.

[0135] At this time, the knob body NB, the operation button 140, and the safety pin 150 are mutually restricted in the axial and rotational directions, thereby allowing the knob body NB, the operation button 140, and the safety pin 150 to move linearly or rotate together along the axial direction. Since the safety pin 150 is restricted from the knob body NB in ​​both the axial and rotational directions, when the rotation of the safety pin 150 is restricted, the rotation of the entire knob body NB is also restricted.

[0136] At this time, the operation button 140 and the safety pin 150 move linearly between the first position and the second position in a direction different from the axial direction. In this embodiment, the safety pin 150 moves back and forth between the first position and the second position in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. As another example, the operation button 140 moves in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle to the axial direction or moves along a curved path.

[0137] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This shows the state in which the operation button 140 is configured in the first position. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This shows the state of the knob body NB moving axially. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The diagram shows the state where the operation button 140 is pressed while the knob body NB is moving axially upward.

[0138] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the operation button 140 in the first position is pressed, it can move to the second position. When the external force pressing the operation button 140 is removed, the operation button 140 in the second position is reset to the first position by the elastic member S.

[0139] observe Figure 8At the aforementioned first position, the operation button 140 is separated from the base 110 by a first lifting height H1 in the axial direction. More precisely, in this embodiment, when the operation button 140 is in the aforementioned first position, one end surface 155a of the pin 155 is separated from the bottom of the base 110 by a first lifting height H1. This first lifting height H1 is the distance that the pin 155 can move axially. For reference, the symbol G represents the distance (height) between the knob body NB and the front panel 31.

[0140] In this embodiment, the axial depth of the locking groove 115 is longer than the first lifting height H1 of the safety pin 150. As a result, the pin 155, when in the first position, is interfered with by the locking groove 115 regardless of the axial movement (lifting) of the safety pin 150, and therefore cannot rotate or has a very limited rotation angle. Figure 8 The pin 155 is shown in the uppermost position with the axial direction as the reference. The pin 155 is also inserted into the locking groove 115 in the uppermost position.

[0141] Thus, in the first position described above, the pin 155 is inserted into the locking groove 115. Therefore, the safety pin 150, including the pin 155, is locked by the locking groove 115 and cannot rotate, or has a very limited rotation angle. Here, rotation of the safety pin 150 refers to rotation about the drive shaft 71. When the safety pin 150 cannot rotate, the entire knob body NB, which is restricted by the safety pin 150 and rotates along with it, also cannot rotate, thus preventing the heating drive unit 70 from operating.

[0142] observe Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the first position described above, the operation button 140 is pressed axially, and the pin 155 is in a state of being tightly against the bottom of the base 110. The pin 155 is locked by the locking groove 115 and cannot rotate, but can move axially. Therefore, the knob body NB is... Figure 9 and Figure 10 When the arrow ① is pressed, the knob body NB, the operation button 140, and the safety pin 150 can move axially. For reference, Figure 10 The middle arrow K indicates the rotation direction of the knob body NB.

[0143] At this time, a first distance D1 separates the inner surfaces of the aforementioned pin 155 and the aforementioned locking groove 115. The aforementioned first distance D1 (refer to...) Figure 10The first distance D1 is the distance to which the pin 155 is inserted into the locking groove 115, thereby locking the rotation of the pin 155. When the first distance D1 is 0, the outer peripheral surface of the pin 155 and the inner peripheral surface of the locking groove 115 are in close contact at the first position. As another example, the first distance D1 may be greater than 0.

[0144] In this state, when the above-mentioned operation button 140 is... Figure 11 and Figure 12 When the arrow ② is pressed, the safety pin 150 moves to the second position and releases the locking state. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the safety pin 150 is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the locking groove 115 by a second distance D2 in the radial direction. The second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1. When the safety pin 150 moves in the direction of arrow ②, i.e., the direction of the drive shaft 71, to ensure the second distance D2, the safety pin 150 disengages from the locking groove 115 and becomes rotatable.

[0145] At the aforementioned first position, the radial distance L1 between the aforementioned operating part 143 and the aforementioned drive shaft 71 (refer to...) Figure 8 The distance L2 in the radial direction between the operating part 143 and the drive shaft 71 at the second position (refer to) Figure 12 Further. That is, when the operation button 140 moves to the second position, the radial distance between the operation button 140 and the drive shaft 71 decreases. Here, the radial distance refers to the direction from the drive shaft 71 toward the edge of the knob body NB.

[0146] observe Figure 8 The radial distance L1 between the operating portion 143 and the drive shaft 71 at the first position can be considered as the distance between the protruding end 144 protruding from the operating portion 143 of the operating button 140 and the centerline L extending from the drive shaft 71. Similarly, referring to... Figure 12 The radial distance L2 between the operation part 143 in the second position and the drive shaft 71 can be regarded as the distance between the protruding end 144 protruding from the operation part 143 of the operation button 140 and the center line L extending from the drive shaft 71.

[0147] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The position of the pin 155 at the first position described above is shown. For reference, Figure 14 and Figure 15The figure shows the state in which the pin 155 passes through the pin hole 165 of the weight plate 160. As shown in the figure, in the first position, the pin 155 is disposed at one end of the pin hole 165, where one end of the pin hole 165 is the position furthest from the shaft connection portion 131 in the radial direction.

[0148] Reference Figure 15 Observing the structure of the operation button 140, the operation button 140 includes a button body 141. The button body 141 is inserted into the internal space 121a. The button body 141 extends in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axis. The side surface of the button body 141 is formed into a curved shape corresponding to the inner surface of the internal space 121a.

[0149] The lower part of the button body 141 has a pin engagement portion 142. The pin engagement portion 142 is for engaging with a safety pin 150. The safety pin 150 is assembled to the pin engagement portion 142. A pin block 152 disposed on the safety pin 150 is slidably engaged with the pin engagement portion 142 in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axial direction. Alternatively, the pin block 152 of the safety pin 150 is bonded to the pin engagement portion 142. Yet another example, the pin block 152 of the safety pin 150 may be screwed onto the pin engagement portion 142.

[0150] The button body 141 includes an operation section 143. The operation section 143 extends vertically along the button body 141. Here, the vertical direction is... Figure 15 The vertical direction is used as a reference. The aforementioned operating part 143 is the part that the user presses to operate the aforementioned button body 141. At least a portion of the aforementioned operating part 143 protrudes to the outside of the knob assembly 100 through the aforementioned operating hole 125 to form a grip surface.

[0151] Reference Figure 8 The surface 143a of the operating part 143 and the surface 136a of the support plate 136 of the second knob body 130 are arranged opposite to each other. A predetermined empty space R is formed between the surface 143a of the operating part 143 and the surface 136a of the support plate 136, which provides sufficient space for the operating part 143 of the operating button 140 to move.

[0152] The aforementioned operating portion 143 includes the aforementioned protruding end 144. The protruding end 144 extends on the operating portion 143 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the operating portion 143 extends from the button body 141. The protruding end 144 increases the contact area between the surface of the operating portion 143 and the surface of the knob body NB. (Observation) Figure 8The upper surface of the aforementioned protruding end 144 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first knob body 120 constituting the aforementioned knob body NB. Through the aforementioned protruding end 144, the aforementioned operation button 140 is positioned in a predetermined direction (to... Figure 8 The movement is performed stably in the left and right directions (based on the baseline).

[0153] observe Figure 5 The aforementioned operating part 143 includes an elastic support part 145. The elastic support part 145 supports one end of the elastic member S. The elastic support parts 145 are respectively disposed on both sides of the operating part 143, each supporting one end of a pair of elastic members S. The elastic support parts 145 protrude further from the operating part 143 towards the center of the internal space 121a. The surface of the elastic support part 145 is formed as a planar structure.

[0154] In this embodiment, the pair of elastic support portions 145 are positioned further outward than the support plate 136 of the second knob body 130. The pair of elastic members S are respectively disposed on both sides of the support plate 136, and each pair of elastic members S is supported by the pair of elastic support portions 145. Thus, when one end of each pair of elastic members S is supported by the pair of elastic support portions 145, the pair of elastic members S maintains a distance between them through the support plate 136.

[0155] observe Figure 5 The aforementioned elastic member S provides an elastic force to the operation button 140 in the direction that moves the operation button 140 to the first position. In this embodiment, the elastic member S is composed of a coil spring. The elastic members S are disposed on both sides of the support plate 136. The pair of elastic members S do not tilt or skew towards either side of the operation button 140, but rather reciprocate in a predetermined direction.

[0156] The two ends of the aforementioned elastic member S are supported by the surfaces of the aforementioned knob body NB and the aforementioned operation button 140, which are respectively arranged opposite to each other. More precisely, one end of the aforementioned elastic member S is supported by the aforementioned elastic support portion 145, and the other end of the aforementioned elastic member S is supported by the inner surface of the aforementioned first knob body 120.

[0157] For reference only. Figure 6 Another embodiment of the aforementioned elastic member S is shown. As shown in the figure, the elastic member S is composed of a coil spring. When the elastic member S is composed of a coil spring, the area of ​​the two ends of the elastic member S supported by the surface of the knob body NB and the surface of the operation button 140 becomes wider.

[0158] Re-observation Figure 15The aforementioned operation button 140 can actuate the safety pin 150, which is interfered with or de-interfered by the base 110. In this embodiment, the operation button 140 is interfered with by the locking groove 115 of the base 110. The safety pin 150 includes a pin portion 155 protruding from the operation button 140 along the axial direction toward the base 110. The pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 may be formed in a generally cantilevered shape. In the aforementioned first position, the pin portion 155 is the portion that is substantially interfered with by the locking groove 115.

[0159] The knob body NB moves linearly along the aforementioned axial direction, i.e., the first direction, while the safety pin 150 moves linearly between the first position and the second position along a second direction different from the first direction. At this time, the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 protrudes in the first direction. When the safety pin 150 moves along the second direction different from the first direction, the safety pin 150 moves independently of the knob body NB.

[0160] The safety pin 150 can be interfered with by the locking groove 115 of the base 110. In the first position, the locking groove 115 interferes with the safety pin 150 in the circumferential direction. In the second position, the safety pin 150 disengages from the locking groove 115, thus releasing the interference. Therefore, depending on the position of the safety pin 150, it is either interfered with or de-interfered with by the locking groove 115. In this embodiment, the position change of the safety pin 150 is dependent on the operation of the operation button 140. This structure will be explained again below.

[0161] The aforementioned safety pin 150 includes a pin block 152. The pin block 152, as the part that engages with the aforementioned pin engagement portion 142, may have a plate-like structure. The pin portion 155 of the aforementioned safety pin 150 protrudes from the pin block 152 in the aforementioned axial direction. The pin block 152 is formed of a different material than the operating portion 143 of the aforementioned operating button 140. For example, when the user presses the knob assembly 100 in the axial direction, the safety pin 150, where external force is concentrated, is made of a metal material with relatively excellent durability. As another example, the aforementioned pin block 152 may be omitted, and the aforementioned pin portion 155 may be directly engaged with the aforementioned pin engagement portion 142.

[0162] The safety pin 150 is fixed to the pin engagement portion 142 of the operation button 140 via the pin block 152. The safety pin 150 fixed to the pin engagement portion 142 is subordinate to the operation of the operation button 140. That is, the safety pin 150 moves axially together with the operation button 140 and rotates about the drive shaft 71.

[0163] As another example, the aforementioned safety pin 150 can be omitted, and a protrusion (not shown) can be directly provided on the aforementioned operation button 140. A portion of the aforementioned operation button 140 protrudes in the aforementioned axial direction, i.e., the first direction, to form the protrusion. As yet another example, the aforementioned operation button 140 can be regarded as part of the aforementioned safety pin 150.

[0164] Reference Figure 5 Observe the movement of the knob body NB and the operation button 140. The operation button 140 can be pressed in the direction of arrow ①. When the operation button 140 is pressed in the direction of arrow ①, the operation button 140 moves from the first position to the second position. For reference, Figure 5 The aforementioned operation button 140 is positioned in the first position, thereby restricting axial movement. When the aforementioned operation button 140 moves in the direction of arrow ①, the knob assembly 100, including the aforementioned second knob body 130, moves axially (in the direction of arrow ②), except for the aforementioned base 110.

[0165] Thus, the axially movable knob assembly 100 rotates in the direction of arrow ③. At this time, together with the second knob body 130, the first knob body 120 and the operation button 140 also rotate. The second knob body 130 can also rotate in the opposite direction to arrow ③. On the other hand, when the user removes the external force applied to the operation button 140, the operation button 140 moves in the direction of arrow ④ via the elastic member S to return to the first position.

[0166] Re-reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A weight plate 160, which rotates and moves together with the knob body NB, is attached to the knob body NB. The weight plate 160 has a disc structure corresponding to the internal space 121a. The weight plate 160 increases the overall weight of the knob assembly 100, thereby improving the operability of the knob assembly 100. For this purpose, the weight plate 160 is made of metal.

[0167] The shaft through hole 161 for inserting the drive shaft 71 passes through the center of the weight plate 160. The drive shaft 71, passing through the shaft through hole 161, is coupled to the shaft coupling portion 131. The plate coupling hole 164 for inserting the connector B1 passes through the periphery of the shaft through hole 161.

[0168] A through hole 165 penetrates the weight plate 160. The through hole 165 is the portion through which the pin 155 passes. At this time, the pin 155 needs to move from a first position to a second position; therefore, the through hole 165 extends along the radial direction of the weight plate 160. The pin 155 moves from the first position to the second position with the pin inserted into the through hole 165. Therefore, the through hole 165 has an elongated hole structure.

[0169] Figures 7 to 13 The operation of the components constituting this embodiment is shown in sequence. First, observe... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram shows the operation button 140 in the first position. When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the operation part 143 protrudes outward from the operation hole 125. When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115 of the base 110, thereby restricting the rotation of the safety pin 150.

[0170] In this state, the user uses Figure 9 and Figure 10 Press the knob body NB in ​​the direction of arrow ①. The safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115 of the base 110, and the knob body NB is in a non-rotating state, but the knob body NB can move axially. Therefore, the user presses the knob body NB axially, more precisely, in the direction of the front panel 31.

[0171] observe Figure 10 , showing with Figure 8 In contrast, the knob body NB, safety pin 150, and weight plate 160 are moved closer to the front panel 31. The safety pin 150 moves axially closer to the bottom of the locking groove 115. This also reduces the distance between the lower end of the knob body NB and the front panel 31.

[0172] Next, when the user uses Figure 11 When the operating part 143 is pressed in the direction of the arrow, the operating button 140 can be inserted into the inside of the knob body NB. At this time, the user needs to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member S to press the operating part 143. In this way, the operating button 140 moves to the second position. Thus, the user naturally presses the side-protruding operating button 140 while holding the knob body NB. Therefore, even with the addition of the operating button 140, the operability of the knob assembly 100 is not reduced, and the user can easily operate the cooking device.

[0173] observe Figure 12The safety pin 150 is positioned radially disengaged from the locking groove 115 of the base 110. Here, "disengaged" means that the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 is not surrounded by the locking groove 115. Therefore, the safety pin 150 rotates circumferentially without interference from the locking groove 115. Figure 12 D2 indicates the distance by which the aforementioned safety pin 150 disengages from the locking groove 115.

[0174] Thus, in this embodiment, the operation button 140 operates in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body NB. When the direction in which the operation button 140 is pressed and the direction in which the knob body NB is pressed are different from each other, the possibility of the user accidentally activating the knob assembly 100 is reduced.

[0175] At this time, the user can simultaneously hold the aforementioned grip 123 and press the knob body NB axially, and press the aforementioned operation button 140 in an orthogonal direction. That is, the user can simultaneously hold the grip 123 and press the knob body NB axially, and press the operation button 140 in an orthogonal direction. Figure 9 Press the knob body NB in ​​the direction of arrow ① while simultaneously... Figure 11 Press the operation button 140 in the direction of arrow ②. Alternatively, the user can first press the operation button 140 in a direction perpendicular to this and then press the knob body NB axially. Regardless of the order in which the user operates, the knob assembly 100 will, as a result, become... Figure 12 The state shown.

[0176] More specifically, the operating part 143 of the aforementioned operating button 140 moves in the same direction as the linear movement of the aforementioned knob body NB, i.e., axially (first direction). Figure 10 (up and down direction) and the rotation direction of the knob body NB ( Figure 10 The arrow K direction) are different from the second direction ( Figure 10 The knob assembly 100 moves linearly (left and right). This further reduces the possibility of the knob assembly 100 arbitrarily moving due to user error or interference with objects around the cooking equipment.

[0177] Thus, when the aforementioned knob body NB, the aforementioned operation button 140, and the aforementioned weight plate 160 move axially, the second knob body 130, which fixes the aforementioned drive shaft 71 via the aforementioned shaft coupling 131, causes the aforementioned drive shaft 71 to move axially together. The axially moving drive shaft 71 drives the heating drive unit 70 of the aforementioned cooking device by rotating. Here, the driving of the heating drive unit 70 includes various actions such as turning the cooking device on / off and selecting the cooking mode of the cooking device.

[0178] The drive shaft 71 can rotate when it moves a reference distance in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the heating drive unit 70 is restricted to rotating only when the drive shaft 71 moves a reference distance in the axial direction. Figure 13 The diagram shows the knob body NB rotating clockwise. The drive shaft 71 can also rotate clockwise together with the knob body NB. Thus, when the knob body NB rotates, the operation button 140 moves to the third position. At this time, when the drive shaft 71 rotates together with the knob body NB, functions such as adjusting the heat output of the cooking appliance, controlling the number of heating devices 28, and selecting the cooking mode can be implemented.

[0179] Thus, in this embodiment, the action of the safety pin 150 precedes the subsequent rotation of the knob body NB. The rotation of the knob body NB can only occur after the operation button 140 and the safety pin 150 move to the second position, during which the drive shaft 71 belonging to the knob body NB also rotates.

[0180] The structure and operation of such safety pin 150 will be explained in more detail. Figures 14 to 17 This shows the state of the safety pin 150 in the first and second positions. More precisely, Figure 14 and Figure 15 This shows the state in which the aforementioned safety pin 150 is in the first position. Figure 16 and Figure 17 This shows the safety pin 150 in the second position. Observe. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The safety pin 150 is located at a position relatively far from the shaft engagement portion 131 and the drive shaft 71. At this time, the safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115.

[0181] like Figure 15 As shown, when the safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115, the safety pin 150 cannot rotate about the drive shaft 71. In this embodiment, the safety pin 150 cannot rotate in either direction at the first position. Here, "two directions" refers to... Figure 15 The clockwise and counterclockwise directions are based on this. (Refer to...) Figure 5 Based on the locking groove 115, guide portions 116 are provided on both sides of the locking groove 115, thereby supporting the safety pin 150 on both sides respectively.

[0182] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 18A close examination of the structure of the base 110, represented by the locking groove 115, reveals that the base 110 includes a ring-shaped base body 112. When the base 110 is positioned on the front surface of the operation panel 30, the base body 112 protrudes from the front surface of the operation panel 30. A curved inner circumferential surface is formed on the base body 112. The safety pin 150 rotates along the inner circumferential surface.

[0183] The base 110 includes a lower plate 113. The lower plate 113 forms the bottom plate of the base 110. The base hole 111 passes through the center of the lower plate 113. The lower plate 113 is formed as a thin plate structure. The pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 rotates relative to the lower plate 113. Alternatively, the lower plate 113 may be omitted from the base 110, and only the base body 112 may be included.

[0184] At this time, the base body 112 has the locking groove 115 formed thereon. The locking groove 115 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base body 112. On the inner peripheral surface of the base body 112, the locking groove 115 is recessed from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150 toward the radius of the rotation path. The safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115 and causes interference; therefore, the locking groove 115 can also be referred to as an interference part.

[0185] The locking groove 115 opens towards the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150. Here, the rotation path of the safety pin 150 refers to a circular path formed with the drive shaft 71 as the center of rotation. Figure 18 From a reference perspective, the aforementioned locking groove 115 is opened in the direction of an imaginary centerline passing through the center of the aforementioned base hole 111 in the vertical direction. As a result, the pin portion 155 of the aforementioned safety pin 150 can disengage from or be inserted into the locking groove 115 through the open side of the aforementioned locking groove 115.

[0186] observe Figure 5 The amplification part and Figure 18The figure shows a pair of guide portions 116a and 116b protruding from both sides of the locking groove 115. As shown in the figure, the pair of guide portions 116a and 116b protrude from the side edges of the locking groove 115 toward the center of the drive shaft 71, which is arranged radially. That is, the pair of guide portions 116a and 116b can be regarded as protruding toward the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150. As a result, the safety pin 150 is in a state where it cannot rotate in either direction. Of the pair of guide portions 116a and 116b, the first guide portion 116a prevents the safety pin 150 from rotating clockwise as shown in the figure. Of the pair of guide portions 116a and 116b, the second guide portion 116b prevents the safety pin 150 from rotating counterclockwise as shown in the figure.

[0187] As another example, the guide portions 116a and 116b may be provided only on either side of the locking groove 115. As yet another example, the guide portions 116a and 116b may be omitted. In this case, the locking groove 115 is recessed from the inner circumferential surface of the base 110. More precisely, the locking groove 115 is recessed on the inner circumferential surface of the base 110, extending radially from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150. The elastic member S provides elastic force to the operating button 140, thus allowing the safety pin 150 to be inserted into the inner side of the locking groove 115.

[0188] The surfaces 116a′ and 116b′ of the aforementioned guide portions 116a and 116b can be formed as inclined surfaces or curved surfaces. In this way, the surfaces 116a′ and 116b′ of the inclined or curved guide portions 116a and 116b can be guided into the locking groove 115 by means of the surfaces 116a′ and 116b′ of the aforementioned guide portions 116a and 116b during the rotation of the aforementioned safety pin 150.

[0189] observe Figure 18 The rotation path of the safety pin 150 is shown. Symbols 155-1 to 155-4 indicate the movement trajectory of the safety pin 150. The safety pin 150 rotates counterclockwise along the inner surface of the base 110, i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the base body 112 (155-1 and 155-2). When the safety pin 150 contacts the guide portion 116a, the safety pin 150 moves along the surface 116a′ of the guide portion 116a in the direction of the center of the base 110 (155-3). When the safety pin 150 crosses the guide portion 116a, it can be inserted into the locking groove 115 (155-4).

[0190] Although not shown, the base 110 may have a plurality of locking grooves 115 recessed radially from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150. The plurality of locking grooves 115 are spaced apart along the rotation path. During rotation, the safety pin 150 is inserted into any one of the plurality of locking grooves 115, thereby restricting rotation. As another example, the knob body NB may also have a plurality of safety pins 150, each inserted into a plurality of locking grooves 115.

[0191] On the other hand, as shown in the second position of the aforementioned safety pin 150 Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the safety pin 150 is located in the second position relatively close to the shaft connection portion 131 and the drive shaft 71. At this time, the safety pin 150 is disengaged from the locking groove 115. When the safety pin 150 is disengaged from the locking groove 115, the safety pin 150 is able to rotate about the drive shaft 71 as the rotation center.

[0192] Therefore, with Figure 17 Based on this, the safety pin 150 can rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. At this time, the safety pin 150 moves a distance longer than the length of the guide portions 116a and 116b protruding in the radial direction and disengages from the locking groove 115. Therefore, the safety pin 150 can rotate without interference from the guide portions 116a and 116b.

[0193] When the aforementioned safety pin 150 is in a rotatable state, the knob body NB, which is restrained along with the safety pin 150, can also rotate. The user rotates in a first direction (refer to...). Figure 13 When the knob body NB is rotated (arrow ③), the drive shaft 71, which is restricted by the knob body NB, rotates, thereby enabling the heating drive unit 70 to operate. The heating device 28 operates via the heating drive unit 70. At this time, the safety pin 150 is dislodged from the locking groove 115 and therefore rotates along the inner circumferential surface of the base 110.

[0194] On the other hand, when the user wants to end the use of the heating device 28, they can turn it back in the opposite direction ( Figure 13 Rotate the knob body NB in ​​the opposite direction of arrow ③. As a result, the drive shaft 71 returns to its original position, and the heating drive unit 70 stops operating.

[0195] During this process, the safety pin 150 rotates along the inner circumferential surface of the base 110 and is reinserted into the locking groove 115, passing over the guide portions 116a and 116b. This process is described above with reference to... Figure 18 As explained above. When the pin 155 of the safety pin 150 is re-inserted into the locking groove 115, the knob assembly including the safety pin 150 is prevented from rotating and cannot be rotated until the operation button 140 is pressed.

[0196] Figures 19 to 24 Another embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention is shown. Detailed descriptions of structures identical to those described above are omitted below.

[0197] first, Figures 19 to 21 The following diagram illustrates another embodiment of the knob assembly in operation. As shown in the figure, the base 110 includes a stepped portion 117. This stepped portion 117 protrudes axially from the bottom surface of the locking groove 115 toward the safety pin 150. This stepped portion 117 can be considered as reducing the axial depth of the locking groove 115 (to...). Figure 19 (The vertical height is taken as a reference). In other words, the aforementioned step portion 117 can also be described as a portion protruding from the surface of the aforementioned bottom plate 113.

[0198] When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the stepped portion 117 is interfered with by the safety pin 150 in the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement of the safety pin 150. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the locking groove 115 interferes with the outer peripheral surface of the safety pin 150, thus interfering with the rotation of the safety pin 150, and the stepped portion 117 is interfered with by the end surface of the safety pin 150 in the axial direction, thus restricting the axial movement of the safety pin 150.

[0199] like Figure 19 As shown, in the first position, the surface 155a of the pin portion 155 is opposite to the surface 117a of the step portion 117. The surface 155a of the pin portion 155 overlaps axially with the surface 117a of the step portion 117, which forms the bottom surface of the locking groove 115, thereby the safety pin 150 is supported by the surface 117a of the step portion 117.

[0200] observe Figure 20 At the second position, the safety pin 150 is completely disengaged from the locking groove 115. As the safety pin 150 moves to the second position, the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 disengages from the surface 117a of the stepped portion 117, thus making the safety pin 150 axially movable. Simultaneously, the safety pin 150 also disengages from being surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the locking groove 115, thus making the safety pin 150 rotatable.

[0201] Thus, in this embodiment, the safety pin 150 moves linearly along the operation button 140, between a first position where axial movement and rotation are respectively interfered with, and a second position where axial movement and rotation are respectively permitted. At this time, the safety pin 150 is directly interfered with by the base 110 of the knob assembly 100 at the first position, thereby limiting the axial movement distance. Therefore, the structure for limiting the operation of the knob assembly 100 can be implemented very simply.

[0202] observe Figure 21 The image shows the knob body NB being pressed in the direction of the arrow, i.e., axially. Previously, the safety pin 150 was in a movable axial position, moving towards the second position. Therefore, the safety pin 150 descends together with the knob body NB and is positioned close to the lower plate 113 of the base 110. In this state, when the knob body NB rotates, the safety pin 150, as it rotates along the inner circumferential surface of the base 110, acquires a different phase from the locking groove 115.

[0203] Figure 22 This illustrates the process of the pin portion 155 of the aforementioned safety pin 150 being reinserted into the locking slot 115. (Refer to...) Figure 22 The rotation path of the safety pin 150 is shown. Symbols 155-1 to 155-4 indicate the movement trajectory of the safety pin 150. The safety pin 150 rotates counterclockwise along the inner surface of the base 110 (155-1 and 155-2). When the safety pin 150 contacts the guide portion 116a, it moves along the surface 116a′ of the guide portion 116a towards the center of the base 110 (155-3). The safety pin 150 is inserted into the locking groove 115 when it crosses the guide portion 116a (155-4).

[0204] At this time, the safety pin 150 is rotated and positioned on the surface 117a of the stepped portion 117 in a state separated from the lower plate 113 of the base 110 (rising). If the safety pin 150 is rotated in a state of being pressed against the lower plate 113 of the base 110 (falling), at the moment the user removes the force that was pressing the knob body NB axially, the safety pin 150 rises along the knob body NB in ​​a direction protruding axially, and moves toward the locking groove 115 by the elastic force of the elastic member S.

[0205] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The distance between the pin portion 155 of the aforementioned safety pin 150 and the aforementioned locking groove 115 is shown. First, observe... Figure 23When the safety pin 150 is in the first position, the surface of the pin portion 155 is separated from the surface 117a of the stepped portion 117 by a first lifting height H1. Simultaneously, the outer peripheral surface of the pin portion 155 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the locking groove 115 by a first distance D1. In this state, the rotation angle and lowering height of the safety pin 150 are both limited. In this state, when the operation button 140 is pressed, the safety pin 150 moves towards... Figure 23 Move in the direction of the arrow.

[0206] Figure 24 The diagram shows the safety pin 150 in its second position. When the safety pin 150 is in this second position, the surface of the pin portion 155 is spaced apart from the surface 117a of the stepped portion 117 by a second lifting height H2. Here, the second lifting height H2 is the height at which the pin portion 155 can descend, which is higher than the minimum height required for the drive shaft 71 to operate the heating drive unit 70. The safety pin 150 can descend axially, so that when the knob body NB moves axially, the drive shaft 71 can be pressed.

[0207] Simultaneously, the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned pin portion 155 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the aforementioned locking groove 115 by a second distance D2. Therefore, the aforementioned safety pin 150 is in a rotatable state, having disengaged from the locking groove 115. More precisely, the pin portion 155 of the aforementioned safety pin 150 rotates at an angle greater than the minimum angle required for the drive shaft 71 to actuate the heating drive unit 70. Therefore, when the user presses the aforementioned knob body NB axially while rotating it, the drive shaft 71 rotates, simultaneously enabling various functions through the aforementioned heating drive unit 70.

[0208] Although not shown, the safety pin 150 can be omitted from the operation button 140, and a safety groove can be formed in the operation button 140. The locking groove 115 can be omitted from the base 110, and a locking pin protrudes. The locking pin protrudes radially in the direction of the rotation path of the knob body NB. In this case, when the operation button 140 is in the first position, the locking pin of the base 110 is inserted into the safety groove of the operation button 140, thus restricting the movement of the knob body NB.

[0209] On the other hand, although not shown, the aforementioned elastic member S may be omitted from the knob assembly 100. In this case, the user can manually move the operation button 140 from the second position to the first position. The user can return the operation button 140 to the first position by pulling the operation button 140 or by holding another gripping structure (not shown) provided on the operation button 140.

[0210] Although not shown, the knob body NB may have a protruding structure on the opposite side of the operating portion 143, with the center of the knob body NB as a reference, that is symmetrical to the operating portion 143. This protruding structure, symmetrical to the operating portion 143, enhances the user's grip.

[0211] In the above embodiment, the example described is that the knob assembly 100 is applied to a cooking device, but the knob assembly 100 can be applied to various electronic products such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, garment care machines, air conditioners, blenders, and dishwashers.

[0212] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are not intended to limit the technical concept of the invention, but rather to illustrate it. The scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted according to the following claims, and all technical concepts within the same scope should be included within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A knob assembly comprising: The base, which is located on the control panel; A drive shaft protrudes from the aforementioned control panel; The knob body rotates around the aforementioned drive shaft and moves linearly along the axial direction of the aforementioned drive shaft; and The operation button has an operating part that protrudes to the outside of the knob body and moves in a direction different from the aforementioned axis. The aforementioned operation button has: a first position in which the rotation of the knob body is restricted by interference from the aforementioned base; and a second position in which the operation button moves from the aforementioned first position to the second position in a direction different from the aforementioned axis, thereby enabling the knob body to rotate at the second position.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned operating part and the aforementioned drive shaft are spaced apart from each other along the radial direction of the rotation path of the aforementioned knob body. The radial distance between the operating part in the first position and the drive shaft is greater than the radial distance between the operating part in the second position and the drive shaft.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned operation button moves between the aforementioned first position and the aforementioned second position along a straight or curved path in a direction different from the aforementioned axis. When the knob body rotates around the drive shaft, the operation button moves to the third position as the knob body rotates.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The knob body and the operation button are restricted to each other in the rotational direction centered on the drive shaft, so that the knob body and the operation button rotate together.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The operating hole penetrates the knob body in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axis. The aforementioned operating part is exposed to the outside through the aforementioned operating hole, and the aforementioned operating part forms part of the appearance of the aforementioned knob body.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A safety pin is connected to the aforementioned operation button to either prevent or remove interference from the aforementioned base. The safety pin moves between the first position and the second position in conjunction with the operation button.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The knob body moves linearly along the aforementioned axis, i.e., the first direction, while the operation button moves linearly between the first position and the second position along a second direction different from the first direction. The aforementioned safety pin protrudes in the aforementioned first direction.

8. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the aforementioned knob includes: The first knob body has an internal space open towards the aforementioned base; and The second knob body is disposed in the aforementioned internal space and rotates and moves linearly together with the first knob body, so that the operation hole exposed by the operation part of the operation button passes through the first knob body.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The knob body contains a safety pin that is linked to the operation button. A weight plate, which rotates and moves together with the knob body, is attached to the knob body, and a through hole for the safety pin to pass through is formed in the weight plate. The safety pin moves between the first position and the second position while passing through the pin hole. At the first position, the safety pin is disturbed by the base.

10. A cooking apparatus comprising: Heating device; as well as The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 that operates the heating device described above.

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