Knob assembly and cooking apparatus comprising the same

Abstract

Knob assembly and cooking device comprising the same. The knob assembly (100) has a knob body (NB) which rotates around a driving shaft (71) and moves linearly along the axial direction of the driving shaft (71). The driving shaft (71) is connected with a coupling part (150) which moves along the axial direction independently of the knob body (NB). The knob body (NB) has an operation part which is exposed to the outside, and has an operation button (140) which moves independently of the knob body (NB) along a direction different from the axial direction. At this time, the operation button (140) has a first position which forms a moving path independent of the coupling part (150) along the axial direction, and a second position which forms a moving path interfering with the coupling part (150) along the axial direction. Therefore, the user can only press the operation button (140) first, and then press the coupling part (150) and the driving shaft (71) along the axial direction to make the cooking device work, so as to prevent arbitrary operation or misoperation of the knob assembly (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model 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, and the food is cooked by heating the concealed space. In open cooking equipment, food or containers containing food are placed in an open space, and 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 the case of combined cooking equipment, multiple heat sources are combined to cook various ingredients, and multiple dishes can be cooked simultaneously.

[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. Utility Model Content

[0007] The problem to be solved by utility models

[0008] This utility model was developed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The purpose of this utility model is to ensure that the knob assembly does not operate when the operation button (safety button) is not pressed.

[0009] Another objective of this 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 objective of this invention is to minimize the number of additional components required for the operation buttons, thereby simplifying the structure of the knob assembly.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, according to the features of this utility model, the knob assembly of this utility model is characterized by comprising: a drive shaft protruding from the operation panel; a knob body that rotates about the drive shaft and moves linearly along the axis of the drive shaft; a connecting portion connected to the drive shaft and capable of moving independently of the knob body along the axis; and an operation button having an operating portion exposed to the outside of the knob body and moving in a direction different from the axis, the operation button having: a first position in which a movement path independent of the connecting portion is formed along the axis; and a second position in which a movement path interfering with the movement path of the connecting portion is formed along the axis. Therefore, the user can only apply axial pressure to the connecting portion and the drive shaft to operate the cooking device by pressing the operation button first, thus preventing arbitrary operation or malfunction of the knob assembly through the operation button.

[0013] When the knob body moves upward along the axis while the operation button is in the second position, the connecting part moves upward along the axis together with the operation button.

[0014] In the first position, the knob body and the operation button move independently of the connecting portion along the axial direction. In the second position, the knob body and the operation button move together with the connecting portion along the axial direction.

[0015] The aforementioned connecting part transmits the rotational force of the knob body to the drive shaft between the drive shaft and the knob body.

[0016] The aforementioned operation button includes a pusher that, in the second position, interferes with the surface of the connecting portion along the aforementioned axial direction. The pusher protrudes from the operation button in a direction different from the aforementioned axial direction.

[0017] The aforementioned operating button includes a pusher that, in the aforementioned second position, axially interferes with the surface of the aforementioned connecting portion. The pusher is formed with a push groove surrounding the edge of the aforementioned connecting portion.

[0018] In the first position, the operation button and the connecting part are separated by a first distance based on the radial direction of the drive shaft. In the second position, the operation button and the connecting part overlap each other by a second distance based on the radial direction of the drive shaft. In this case, the second distance is longer than the first distance.

[0019] The aforementioned connecting portion is integrally formed with the aforementioned drive shaft at one end of the aforementioned drive shaft.

[0020] The knob body has a connecting portion for inserting the connecting part. The connecting portion has a shaft engaging groove for inserting one end of the drive shaft.

[0021] With the radial direction of the drive shaft as a reference, the connecting part is disposed between the knob body and the drive shaft.

[0022] The surfaces of the aforementioned connecting joint and the aforementioned connecting part are respectively provided with a first concave-convex portion and a second concave-convex portion that interlock with each other.

[0023] The first uneven portion is formed as a continuous uneven shape along the circumferential direction on the surface of the connecting joint. The second uneven portion is formed as a continuous uneven shape along the circumferential direction on the surface of the connecting joint.

[0024] The second protrusion protrudes in a direction that increases the area where the operation button and the connecting part overlap each other in the axial direction.

[0025] The aforementioned connecting portion has a stepped surface formed in a manner that alters the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion. The aforementioned operating button interferes with the stepped surface in the aforementioned second position.

[0026] A knob reset member is provided between the knob body and the connecting portion to provide elastic force to the knob body in a direction away from the connecting portion.

[0027] The two ends of the aforementioned knob reset component are respectively connected to the aforementioned knob body and the aforementioned connecting portion. The aforementioned knob body provides an elastic force to the aforementioned knob body in a direction that separates the aforementioned knob body from the aforementioned connecting portion, with the aforementioned axial direction as a reference.

[0028] The knob body contains a button reset component. The button reset component provides a spring force to the operation button in the direction that moves the operation button to a first position.

[0029] In the second position described above, the operation button is interfered with by one end of the connecting portion. The knob body has a connecting bracket that supports the other end of the connecting portion.

[0030] The aforementioned operation button moves independently of the knob body in a direction different from the aforementioned axial direction between the aforementioned first position and the aforementioned second position. When the aforementioned knob body rotates about the aforementioned drive shaft, the aforementioned operation button rotates along the aforementioned knob body and moves to the third position.

[0031] The knob body and the operation button are restricted to each other along the axial direction, and the knob body and the operation button move together linearly along the axial direction.

[0032] The knob body has an operating hole extending through it in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axis. The operating part is exposed to the outside through the operating hole, thereby forming part of the appearance of the knob body.

[0033] The movement of the aforementioned operation button is restricted by the edge of the aforementioned operation hole as it moves from the aforementioned second position to the aforementioned first position.

[0034] 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 extends through the first knob body, and an operating portion of the aforementioned operating button protrudes from the operating hole.

[0035] The second knob body has a connecting joint that engages with the connecting part. The remaining parts of the second knob body, excluding the connecting joint, and the operation button are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the connecting joint as the center.

[0036] Inside the aforementioned knob body are a pair of button reset components that provide elastic force to the aforementioned operation button. The second knob body has a support plate protruding along the aforementioned axial direction toward the opposite side of the aforementioned operation panel. The support plate is disposed between the pair of button reset components.

[0037] Utility Model Effect

[0038] The knob assembly of this utility model and the cooking device including the knob assembly, as described above, have the following effects.

[0039] In this invention, even if the knob body (handle) is pressed axially when the operation button is not pressed, the drive shaft will not be pressed along with the knob body. The user can only apply pressure to the drive shaft and activate the cooking device by pressing the knob body while the operation button is pressed first. Thus, by using the operation button, arbitrary operation or malfunction of the knob assembly can be prevented, thereby improving the safety of the cooking device.

[0040] If the user presses the knob body axially without pressing the operation button, the drive shaft will not be pressed down, thus the user can feel less resistance than normal axial resistance. In this way, the user intuitively understands that the drive shaft cannot function properly even when the operation button is not pressed, thereby improving the ease of use of the cooking equipment.

[0041] Furthermore, in this invention, the operation button can move 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.

[0042] 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 (axial direction, i.e., the 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.

[0043] 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 equipment.

[0044] Furthermore, in this invention, the operation button can move linearly between a first position where axial movement is interfered with and a second position where axial movement is possible. In this case, the operation button's axial movement is restricted in the first position due to direct interference from the base of the knob assembly or the operation panel on which the knob assembly is mounted. Therefore, the structure restricting the operation of the knob assembly can be implemented very simply, minimizing the number of additional components required to add an operation button.

[0045] Furthermore, in this invention, a second knob body (inner body) can be provided inside the first knob body (outer body) that forms the appearance of the knob body. The second knob body (inner body) can be symmetrical with the operation button. When the second knob body and the operation button are symmetrically arranged in the knob assembly, it can 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 improve the feel of operation even when an operation button is added. Moreover, 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 also be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, when the second knob body and the operation button are symmetrically arranged 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.

[0047] Furthermore, in this invention, the second knob body, which constitutes the main body of the knob, can be coupled with other components, primarily 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.

[0048] 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. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cooking device to which the knob assembly of the present invention is applicable.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the components of one embodiment of the knob assembly constituting the present invention, exploded.

[0052] Figure 4 This involves disassembling the components of one embodiment of the knob assembly constituting this utility model from... Figure 3A three-dimensional image shown from different angles.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the first knob body of one embodiment constituting the knob assembly of the present invention is omitted.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in its first state (locked state).

[0055] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line VII-VII'.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention, in the first state (locked state) with the knob body pressed in the axial direction.

[0057] Figure 9 Yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the IX-IX' line.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in its second state (unlocked state).

[0059] Figure 11 Yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the XI-XI' line.

[0060] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention in a third state (pressed state) in which the knob body is pressed axially in the second state (unlocked state).

[0061] Figure 13 Yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of line XIII-XIII'.

[0062] Figure 14 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).

[0063] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the operation button and connecting part of one embodiment of the knob assembly constituting the present invention forming independent paths in the axial direction.

[0064] Figure 16 This is a top view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly constituting the present invention, in which the operating button and the connecting part form independent paths in the axial direction.

[0065] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the operating button and the connecting part of one embodiment of the knob assembly constituting the present invention form paths that interfere with each other in the axial direction.

[0066] Figure 18 This is a top view showing the state in which the operating button and the connecting part constituting one embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention form paths that interfere with each other in the axial direction.

[0067] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a second embodiment of the knob assembly of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a third embodiment of the knob assembly of this utility model.

[0069] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a fourth embodiment of the knob assembly of this utility model.

[0070] Figure 22 This is a top view showing the structure of the fifth embodiment of the knob assembly of this utility model.

[0071] Figure 23 This is a top view showing the structure of the sixth embodiment of the knob assembly of this utility model.

[0072] (Symbol Explanation)

[0073] 28: Heating device; 30: Control panel

[0074] 31: Front panel 70: Heating drive unit

[0075] 71: Drive shaft 100: Knob assembly

[0076] 110: Base; 115: Limiter

[0077] 120: First knob body 123: Handle

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

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

[0080] 135: First concave-convex part; 140: Operation button

[0081] 143: Operating section; 147: Pushing component

[0082] 150: Connecting part; 153: Step surface

[0083] 155: Second concave-convex part; 160: Load-bearing plate

[0084] S1: Button reset component; S2: Knob reset component Detailed Implementation

[0085] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative 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 explanation would hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] This utility model relates to a knob assembly 100 and a cooking device including the same, wherein the upper part of the cooking device 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 cookers. 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 operates the knob assembly 100 to adjust the heat provided by the heating device 28. Alternatively, the user operates 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 the knob assembly 100 from being arbitrarily operated due to user error or interference with surrounding objects, this utility model includes an operation button 140. The knob assembly 100 will now be described with a focus on this operation button 140 and the erroneous operation prevention structure.

[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 stove section 20 is equipped with at least one heating device 28 for heating food to be cooked or containers containing food. In this embodiment, a total of four heating devices 28 are arranged in the aforementioned stove 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 operates by a pull-down motion, rotating up and down with its upper and lower ends as the center. Alternatively, the first door 45 operates 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, 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 control panel 30 is provided with six knob assemblies 100. This is only one example; the control panel 30 may also have one to five or more knob assemblies 100. Alternatively, the knob assemblies 100 may not be located on the control panel 30, but may be directly located on the upper surface or side of the cooking appliance. Yet another example, the knob assemblies 100 may also be located on the lower front part of the cooking appliance.

[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, or more precisely, perform axial movement, by pressing the operation button 140.

[0099] For reference, in the following description, axial refers to drive shaft 71 (refer to...). Figure 3 The length direction of ) is 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 12 (The arrow). In addition, in the following description, the radial direction refers to the radial direction of the drive shaft 71, which is the same as the radial direction of the rotation path of the knob assembly 100. Figures 2 to 4 The Y-axis direction is a portion of the aforementioned radial direction. In the following description, the direction in which the operation button 140 moves linearly 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, refer first to the drive shaft 71, which is connected to the knob assembly 100. The drive shaft 71 is the rotation center of the knob assembly 100. The drive shaft 71 rotates together with the knob assembly 100 when it rotates. The drive shaft 71 also moves linearly together 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 4The 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 groove 151 of the connecting portion 150 (described later), providing an elastic force between the drive shaft 71 and the shaft engagement groove 151. This prevents the drive shaft 71 from detaching from the shaft engagement groove 151.

[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 has a generally circular structure. Centered on the base hole 111 formed at the center of the base 110, a base fixing hole 112 is formed on the outer side of the base hole 111. The base fixing hole 112 is a portion for the passage of the first connector B1, which assembles the base 110 to the front panel 31.

[0109] As another example, the base 110 may be omitted. As yet another example, the base 110 may be integrally formed on the operation panel 30. That is, the base 110 may be considered as part of the operation panel 30. As yet another example, the base 110 may not have a disc shape, but may have various polygonal shapes.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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, and performs integration with other components, serving to guide the button reset component S1 described later. As another example, the first knob body 120 and the second knob body 130 are formed as a single unit.

[0112] 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.

[0113] An operating hole 125 penetrates the knob body NB in ​​a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axial direction. The operating portion 143 of the operating button 140 is exposed to the outside through the operating hole 125, and the operating portion 143, together with the knob body NB, forms the appearance of the knob assembly 100. (Refer to...) 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 second connector B2. The second connector B2 is then fixed to the assembly hole 124 of the first knob body 120 via a load-bearing plate 160 and the second knob body 130. Thus, the first knob body 120, the second knob body 130, and the load-bearing plate 160 are assembled together and operate together.

[0118] The second knob body 130 described above has a connecting portion 131 that engages with one end of the connecting portion 150 described later. The connecting portion 131 may be generally cylindrical. The connecting portion 131 is disposed at the center of the knob body NB. The connecting portion 131 has a connecting groove 132 into which the connecting portion 150 is inserted. The connecting portion 150 transmits the rotational force of the knob body NB to the connecting portion 150. That is, in this embodiment, the knob body NB is not directly connected to the drive shaft 71, but is indirectly connected to the drive shaft 71 through the connecting portion 150.

[0119] When one end of the connecting portion 150 is inserted into the connecting groove 132, the connecting portion 150 rotates together with the second knob body 130. At this time, the connecting portion 150 moves axially together with the second knob body 130 or moves independently. That is, when the second knob body 130 is driven together with the first knob body 120, the connecting portion 150 is selectively driven together with the knob body NB. When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the connecting portion 150 does not move axially with the knob body NB; when the operation button 140 is in the second position, the connecting portion 150 moves axially with the knob body NB. This structure will be described in detail below.

[0120] When the operation button 140 is in the second position, and the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 are pressed axially together, the connecting part 150 and the drive shaft 71 also move axially together. When the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 rotate together about the drive shaft 71, the drive shaft 71 also rotates together. Therefore, the drive shaft 71 can also be referred to as a rotating shaft.

[0121] The aforementioned connecting groove 132 includes a first protrusion 135. The first protrusion 135 is formed as a continuous convex-concave shape along the circumferential direction on the surface of the connecting groove 132. For example, the first protrusion 135 is a continuous gear tooth shape, thus the cross-section of the connecting portion 131 forms a gear shape. This first protrusion 135 engages with a second protrusion 155 of the connecting portion 150, which will be described below. Thus, when the first protrusion 135 engages with the second protrusion 155 of the connecting portion 150, the connecting portion 150 does not rotate freely inside the connecting groove 132, but rotates together with the second knob body 130.

[0122] The first protrusion 135 can be in a shape that is continuous along the axial direction. The connecting portion 131 has the same cross-sectional shape along the axial direction. Similarly, the second protrusion 155 of the connecting portion 150 can also be in a shape that is continuous along the axial direction. Thus, the connecting portion 150 can be axially inserted into or separated from the connecting groove 132. Likewise, the second protrusion 155 can also be in a shape that is continuous along the axial direction.

[0123] Thus, when the connecting portion 150 is inserted into the connecting groove 132, (i) the connecting portion 150 moves linearly and axially independently relative to the second knob body 130, and (ii) the connecting portion 150 engages with the second knob body 130 in the circumferential direction, restricting the rotation of the second knob body 130. That is, the connecting portion 150 rotates together with the second knob body 130. When the second knob body 130 is engaged with the first knob body 120, the connecting portion 150 and the knob body 120 move axially independently and rotate simultaneously.

[0124] As another example, although not shown, the first protrusion 135 is not formed as a continuous convex-concave shape along the circumferential direction on the surface of the connecting groove 132, but rather constitutes a keyway. The second protrusion 155 of the connecting portion 150 is inserted into the keyway. In this case, the second protrusion 155 is also formed by a key protrusion.

[0125] The second knob body 130 is combined with the connecting part 150, and can also be combined with the load-bearing plate 160 described later. Thus, the second knob body 130 embodies a connection structure with other components, and therefore the first knob body 120 has a relatively simple and thin structure. Therefore, when the first knob body 120 is injection molded, it can 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.

[0126] 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 connecting joint 131. The body plate 133 is the part that connects to the first knob body 120 and the load-bearing plate 160. Therefore, the body plate 133 has a connecting member through hole 134 for the passage of the second connecting member B2. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The main body plate 133 has a plate protrusion 137, which is inserted into the plate groove 167 of the load-bearing plate 160 (see reference). Figure 3As 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 7 .

[0129] The aforementioned support plate 136 is disposed between a pair of button reset components S1, which will be described later. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The support plate 136 is disposed between the pair of button reset components S1 to maintain the interval between the pair of button reset components S1. That is, the support plate 136 prevents the pair of button reset components S1 from tilting to either side during the contraction / relaxation process.

[0130] The remaining portion of the second knob body 130, excluding the connecting joint 131, and the operation button 140 are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the connecting joint 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 7 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. Furthermore, the main body plate 133 fills the empty space on the side of the internal space 121a without the operation button 140, thereby improving the overall durability of the knob assembly 100.

[0131] Re-reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The 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 along its axis or rotates around 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.

[0132] The aforementioned operation button 140 constitutes part of the grip surface held by the user when holding the aforementioned knob assembly 100. For example, when the user holds the aforementioned knob assembly 100 with their thumb and forefinger, while holding the surface of the aforementioned grip portion 123 with their forefinger, they can hold the operating portion 143 of the aforementioned 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 aforementioned grip portion 123, but the aforementioned operating portion 143 formed on the opposite side is pressed and moves inward toward the knob body NB.

[0133] 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 connecting joint 131, with reference to the connecting joint 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.

[0134] The operation button 140 moves between a first position and a second position. The operation button 140 has a first position where its axial movement path is independent of the connecting portion 150, and a second position where its axial movement path interferes with the connecting portion 150. In both the first and second positions, the knob body NB only moves axially in conjunction with the drive shaft 71 when the operation button 140 is in the second position.

[0135] Specifically, (i) in the first position, the operation button 140 does not interfere with the connecting part 150. Therefore, even if the operation button 140 and the knob body NB are pressed axially, the connecting part 150 will not be pressed axially together. The connecting part 150 is connected to the drive shaft 71. Therefore, when the connecting part 150 is not pressed axially, the drive shaft 71 will not be pressed axially, and as a result, the heating drive unit 70 will not operate.

[0136] In contrast, (ii) in the second position, the operation button 140 interferes with the connecting portion 150. Therefore, when the operation button 140 and the knob body NB are pressed axially, the connecting portion 150 is also pressed axially. Consequently, the drive shaft 71 is also pressed axially, causing the heating drive unit 70 to operate. Here, interference refers to the state where the connecting portion 150 is arranged on the axial movement path of the operation button 140, and the operation button 140 moves axially while the connecting portion 150 also moves axially.

[0137] On the other hand, the aforementioned first position is the state in which the operation button 140 protrudes relatively from the knob body NB, forming Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operation button 140 is positioned at the first position, which is the furthest point from the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction. The 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. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The operation button 140 is positioned from the second position, closest to the drive shaft 71 along the radial direction. The second position refers to the position where the safety pin 150 is positioned closest to the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction.

[0138] At this time, the operation button 140 moves linearly between the first position and the second position in a direction different from the axial direction. In this embodiment, the operation button 140 moves in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction and reciprocates between the first position and the second position. As another example, the operation button 140 moves in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle to the axial direction. As yet another example, the operation button 140 moves along a curved path relative to the axial direction.

[0139] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This shows the state in which the operation button 140 is configured in the first position. Figure 10 and Figure 11 This illustrates the state of the operation button 140 in the second position. In other words, when the operation button 140 in the first position is pressed, it moves to the second position. When the external force pressing the operation button 140 is released, the operation button 140 in the second position returns to the first position.

[0140] Reference Figure 7In the first position described above, the operation button 140 is separated from the connecting portion 150 by not overlapping it with the axial direction. At this time, the radial distance between the operation button 140 and the connecting portion 150 is a first distance D1. This first distance D1 is the distance the operation button 140 moves radially. More precisely, the first distance D1 is the distance between the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 and the second protrusion / contour 155 of the connecting portion 150. Here, the radial direction refers to the radial direction of the drive shaft, and can also be the radial direction based on the rotation path of the knob body NB.

[0141] exist Figure 7 In this state, the knob body NB is in a fixed axial position, thus making it the state with the longest axial distance M1 between the knob body NB and the connecting part 150.

[0142] Reference Figure 11 In the second position described above, the operation button 140 overlaps with the connecting portion 150 axially and is thus interfered with. At this time, the radial distance between the overlapping operation button 140 and the connecting portion 150 is the second distance D2. More precisely, the second distance D2 is the distance between one end 147a of the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 and the edge of the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150. Referring to the figure, in the second position described above, the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 is positioned on the upper part of the connecting portion 150, thereby overlapping the pusher 147 and the connecting portion 150 axially, and the radial distance of the overlapping portion is the second distance D2.

[0143] Reference Figure 5 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 axial direction. The side surface of the button body 141 can be formed into a curved surface shape corresponding to the inner surface of the internal space 121a.

[0144] The button body 141 includes an operation section 143. The operation section 143 extends vertically along the button body 141. Here, "vertical" means... Figure 5 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 is exposed to the outside of the knob assembly 100 through the aforementioned operating hole 125 to form a grip surface.

[0145] Reference Figure 7The aforementioned operating part 143 and the support plate 136 of the aforementioned second knob body 130 are arranged opposite to each other. A predetermined empty space R is formed between the aforementioned operating part 143 and the aforementioned support plate 136, such empty space becoming a spare space for the operating part 143 of the aforementioned operating button 140 to move.

[0146] The aforementioned operating portion 143 includes the aforementioned protruding end 144. The protruding end 144 extends from 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. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The 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 moves along a certain direction (with... Figure 7 The movement is performed stably in the left and right directions (based on the baseline).

[0147] The aforementioned operating part 143 includes an elastic support part 145. The elastic support part 145 supports one end of the button reset member S1. The elastic support parts 145 are respectively disposed on both sides of the operating part 143, each capable of supporting one end of a pair of button reset members S1. The elastic support parts 145 protrude further towards the center of the internal space 121a than the operating part 143. The surface of the elastic support part 145 is formed as a planar structure.

[0148] In this embodiment, the pair of elastic support portions 145 are disposed on the outer side of the support plate 136 of the second knob body 130. The pair of button reset members S1 are respectively disposed on both sides of the support plate 136, and the pair of button reset members S1 are respectively supported by the pair of elastic support portions 145. Thus, when one end of the pair of button reset members S1 is supported by the pair of elastic support portions 145, the pair of button reset members S1 maintain the distance between them through the support plate 136.

[0149] The aforementioned button reset component S1 provides an elastic force to the aforementioned operation button 140 in the direction that moves the operation button 140 to a first position. In this embodiment, the aforementioned button reset component S1 is disposed on both sides of the aforementioned support plate 136. The pair of button reset components S1 do not tilt or skew towards either side of the aforementioned operation button 140, but reciprocate in a certain direction. The aforementioned button reset component S1 is composed of an elastic component such as a coil spring.

[0150] The two ends of the aforementioned button reset component S1 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 button reset component S1 is supported by the aforementioned elastic support portion 145, and the other end of the aforementioned button reset component S1 is supported by the inner wall 127 of the aforementioned first knob body 120 (see reference). Figure 4 Support.

[0151] Reference Figure 5 The operation button 140 includes a pusher 147. The pusher 147 interferes with the connecting portion 150 in the second position. That is, the pusher 147 axially interferes with the surface of the connecting portion 150 in the second position. The pusher 147 is the portion that axially presses against the connecting portion 150. The pusher 147 protrudes radially toward the connecting portion 150 from the operation button 140.

[0152] The aforementioned pusher 147 has a push groove 148 surrounding the edge of the connecting portion 150. The push groove 148 may be a structure in which the connecting portion 150 is recessed in a direction away from the radial direction. The push groove 148 surrounds the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150, thereby increasing the contact area between the stepped surface 153 and the pusher 147.

[0153] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A connecting portion 150 is provided on the inner side of the knob body NB. The connecting portion 150 is disposed between the knob body NB and the drive shaft 71. Here, "between the knob body NB and the drive shaft 71" refers to the distance between the knob body NB and the drive shaft 71 with the radial direction of the drive shaft 71 as a reference. The connecting portion 150 transmits the rotational force of the knob body NB to the drive shaft 71 between the drive shaft 71 and the knob body NB. Conversely, the connecting portion 150 can also transmit the rotational force of the drive shaft 71 to the knob body NB.

[0154] The connecting portion 150 is generally cylindrical. One end of the drive shaft 71 is connected to the inner side of the connecting portion 150. The outer side of the connecting portion 150 is inserted into the second knob body 130. Thus, the connecting portion 150 connects the second knob body NB and the drive shaft 71.

[0155] The connecting portion 150 has a shaft engagement groove 151 for inserting one end of the drive shaft 71. When one end of the drive shaft 71 is inserted into the shaft engagement groove 151, the drive shaft 71 and the connecting portion 150 rotate together without idling. For this purpose, the interior of the shaft engagement groove 151 and one end of the drive shaft 71 have corresponding 'D' shaped cross sections.

[0156] The surface of the connecting portion 150 has a second uneven portion 155. The second uneven portion 155 engages with a first uneven portion 135 of the second knob body 130. When the second uneven portion 155 engages with the first uneven portion 135, the connecting portion 150 and the second knob body NB rotate together. The second uneven portion 155 is formed as a continuous uneven shape along the circumferential direction on the surface of the connecting portion 150.

[0157] Reference Figure 5 The enlarged portion of the first protrusion 135 includes a first protrusion 135a and a first recessed portion 135b that is recessed relative to the first protrusion 135a. The second protrusion 155 includes a second protrusion 155a and a second recessed portion 155b that is recessed relative to the second protrusion 155a. The second protrusion 155a is inserted into the first recessed portion 135b, and the first protrusion 135a is inserted into the second recessed portion 155b. Thus, the first protrusion 135 and the second protrusion 155 engage with each other, and the connecting portion 150 and the second knob body NB rotate together.

[0158] The second protrusion 155 protrudes in a direction that increases the area of ​​the operation button 140 and the connecting portion 150 overlapping each other in the axial direction. (Refer to...) Figure 16 The second protrusion 155 is formed to protrude toward the operation button 140. In this way, when the connecting portion 150 protrudes in a direction that increases the area overlapping the operation button 140 with the axial direction, interference between the operation button 140 and the connecting portion 150 can be more stably formed when the operation button 140 is in the second position.

[0159] Because the second protrusion 155 engages with the first protrusion 135, the connecting portion 150 rotates together with the second knob body NB. However, the connecting portion 150 and the second knob body NB can move independently of each other axially. The connecting portion 150 is axially inserted into the connecting joint 131 of the second knob body NB, forming a state where the connecting joint 131 is axially separated. More precisely, with Figure 7 Based on this, the connecting portion 150 disengages upward from the connecting joint portion 131. Figure 9 This state is shown. When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the connecting part 150 is not disturbed by the operation button 140, and therefore does not descend with the operation button 140, but remains in its original position.

[0160] The aforementioned connecting portion 150 has a stepped surface 153. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 5 One end of the connecting portion 150 has a stepped surface 153 with a different cross-sectional area. The operation button 140 interferes with the stepped surface 153 in the second position. The stepped surface 153 omits the second protrusion 155 on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 150 and is formed in the portion of the connecting portion 150 where the cross-sectional diameter is reduced.

[0161] like Figure 5 As shown, a knob reset member S2 is provided between the knob body NB and the connecting portion 150, providing an elastic force to the knob body NB in ​​a direction away from the connecting portion 150. The knob reset member S2 pushes the first knob body NB away from one end of the connecting portion 150. The knob reset member S2 is composed of a coil spring. Figure 7 The knob reset component S2 mentioned above is omitted. The knob reset component S2 is provided with an empty space R formed between the operation part 143 and the support plate 136.

[0162] When the operation button 140 moves axially from the first position, only the operation button 140, the knob body NB, and the load plate 160 move axially, while the drive shaft 71 and the connecting part 150 remain in their original positions. This is because the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 is not interfered with by the connecting part 150 and moves along an independent path. At this time, when the user removes the force pressing the knob body NB, the knob reset component S2 pushes the knob body NB away axially and resets it to its original position.

[0163] More specifically, when the user presses the knob body NB axially without pressing the aforementioned operation button 140, the aforementioned connecting part 150 and drive shaft 71 remain in their original positions (i.e., Figure 7 (Based on the original height). When the user does not press on the drive shaft 71, they will feel relatively little resistance and can intuitively sense that the drive shaft is not functioning properly. When the user removes the force pressing the knob body NB, the knob reset component S2 moves the knob body NB back to its original position in a direction away from the connecting part 150.

[0164] Reference image Figure 8 and Figure 9The diagram shows the knob body NB in ​​an axially moving state when the operation button 140 is not pressed (first position). It can be seen that the connecting part 150 and the drive shaft 71 remain in their original positions, while only the knob body NB, the operation button 140, and the load plate 160 move axially (descend). Therefore, the axial separation distance M2 between the knob body NB and the connecting part 150 is... Figure 7 Compared to the previous reduction.

[0165] At this time, the elastic force of the knob reset component S2 is low. When the knob body NB is pressed, the knob reset component S2 is compressed between the connecting part 150 and the knob body NB, absorbing the force of pressing the knob body NB. Therefore, even if the user presses the knob body NB and causes the knob body NB to move axially, the connecting part 150 and the drive shaft 71 can move axially together without passing through the knob reset component S2.

[0166] In this embodiment, one end of the knob reset component S2 is connected to the upper end of the first knob body 120, and the other end of the knob reset component S2 is connected to the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150. The knob reset component S2 is arranged axially. The knob reset component S2 is disposed between the pair of button reset components S1.

[0167] As another example, the aforementioned knob reset component S2 is omitted. When the aforementioned knob reset component S2 is omitted, the user manually resets the aforementioned knob body NB to its original position.

[0168] Reference Figure 5 The operation of the aforementioned knob body NB and operation button 140 will be explained. The operation button 140 is 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, in Figure 5 The aforementioned operation button 140 is positioned in the first position so as not to interfere with the aforementioned connecting part 150 axially.

[0169] When the operation button 140 moves in the direction of arrow ①, it interferes with the connecting part 150. Under this interference, when the knob assembly 100, including the second knob body 130, moves axially (in the direction of arrow ②), the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 is interfered with by the connecting part 150, causing the connecting part 150 to move axially (in the direction of arrow ②) as well. During this process, the drive shaft 71 also moves axially (in the direction of arrow ②).

[0170] 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, the operation button 140, and the connecting part 150 also rotate. The knob assembly 100 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 button reset member S1 to reset to the first position.

[0171] Re-reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aforementioned knob body NB is combined with a weight plate 160 that rotates and moves together with the knob body NB. The weight plate 160 has a disc structure corresponding to the aforementioned internal space 121a. The weight plate 160 increases the overall weight of the aforementioned knob assembly 100, thereby improving the operability of the aforementioned knob assembly 100. For this purpose, the weight plate 160 is made of metal.

[0172] The shaft through hole 161 for inserting the drive shaft 71 passes through the center of the load plate 160. Centered on the shaft through hole 161, a plate connecting hole 164 and a plate groove 167 for the passage of the second connecting member B2 are formed around the shaft through hole 161. The plate protrusion 137 of the main body plate 133 is inserted into the plate groove 167.

[0173] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The aforementioned knob body NB includes a connecting bracket 170 that supports the other end of the connecting portion 150. The connecting bracket 170 supports the lower end of the connecting portion 150 to prevent it from detaching from the knob body NB. The connecting bracket 170 is not directly coupled to the connecting portion 150, but rather coupled to the second knob body NB. Reference numeral 171 indicates a shaft hole through which the drive shaft 71 passes.

[0174] The connecting bracket 170 has a mounting space 172 for receiving the connecting portion 150. With the connecting portion 150 received in the mounting space 172, the connecting bracket 170 is attached to the second knob body NB. This improves assemblability by first receiving the connecting portion 150 in the knob body NB before connecting it to the drive shaft 71. Specifically, with the connecting portion 150 received in the knob body NB via the connecting bracket 170, when the knob body NB is axially assembled to the drive shaft 71, the connecting portion 150 is inserted into one end of the drive shaft 71.

[0175] The aforementioned connecting bracket 170 includes a bracket plate 173 through which a bracket connecting hole 174 for the passage of the second connecting member B2 passes. The bracket connecting hole 174 is aligned with the connecting member through hole 134 of the main body plate 133. Alternatively, the connecting bracket 170 may be omitted. In this case, the connecting portion 150 is directly coupled to the drive shaft 71.

[0176] Reference Figures 6 to 14 The following diagrams illustrate the operation of the components constituting this embodiment. First, refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustration shows the operation button 140 in its first position. When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the operation portion 143 protrudes outward from the operation hole 125. When the operation button 140 is in the first position, the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 has an independent axial path that does not interfere with the position of the connecting portion 150. The pusher 147 and the connecting portion 150 are separated from each other by a first distance D1 in the radial direction. Furthermore, the axial distance between the connecting bracket 170 and the first connecting member B1 assembled on the base 110 is H1. The symbol G represents the axial distance between the first knob body 120 and the front panel 31.

[0177] In this state, when the user presses the knob body NB, the knob body NB cannot press the drive shaft 71. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This shows the state where, without pressing the aforementioned operation button 140, only the knob body NB is pressed axially. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The pusher 147 of the aforementioned operation button 140 does not interfere with the aforementioned connecting part 150 and descends towards the lower side of the connecting part 150, i.e., the aforementioned front panel 31. With the aforementioned connecting part 150 and the aforementioned drive shaft 71 axially fixed, only the aforementioned knob body NB, the aforementioned operation button 140, and the load plate 160 descend. Therefore, the aforementioned drive shaft 71 cannot drive the heating drive unit 70.

[0178] Therefore, in order to activate the heating drive unit 70, the operator needs to press the operation button 140 first. When the user... Figure 10When the operation button 140 is pressed in the direction of the arrow, the operation button 140 is inserted into the inner side of the knob body NB. At this time, the user needs to overcome the elastic force of the button reset member S1 to press the operation part 143. In this way, the operation button 140 moves to the second position. Thus, the user naturally presses the side-protruding operation button 140 while holding the knob body NB. Therefore, even with the addition of the operation button 140, the operability of the knob assembly 100 is not reduced, and the user can easily operate the cooking equipment.

[0179] Reference Figure 11 When observing the internal structure of the knob assembly 100 while the operation button 140 is in the second position, the operation button 140 is moving towards the connecting portion 150 with the radius direction of the drive shaft 71 as a reference. The pusher 147 of the operation button 140 moves upward towards the connecting portion 150 to axially interfere with the connecting portion 150. Therefore, when the operation button 140 and the knob body NB descend together, the connecting portion 150 is pushed axially away.

[0180] At this time, the radial distance between the overlapping operation button 140 and the connecting portion 150 is the second distance D2. The second distance D2 is the distance between the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 and the edge of the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150. Thus, with the axial direction as a reference, the overlapping distance between the pusher 147 and the connecting portion 150, i.e., the second distance D2, is the same as the contact distance when the pusher 147 causes the connecting portion 150 to move axially.

[0181] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The illustration shows a user pressing the operation button 140 to move it to the second position, and pressing the knob body NB axially. The pusher 147 of the operation button 140 and the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150 are interfering with each other; therefore, when the knob body NB and the operation button 140 move axially, the connecting portion 150 also moves. Thus, Figure 13 The illustration shows the drive shaft 71, which is connected to the aforementioned connecting part 150, also in a state of axial lowering. At this time, with... Figure 7 In contrast, while maintaining the axial distance M1 between the knob body NB and the connecting part 150, the knob body NB and the connecting part 150 move together axially. In addition, the axial distance H2 between the connecting bracket 170 and the first connecting member B1 assembled to the base 110 is also reduced, and the axial distance G2 between the first knob body 120 and the front panel 31 is also reduced.

[0182] Thus, when the aforementioned drive shaft 71 descends axially, the aforementioned heating drive unit 70 operates. Figure 14 This shows the state in which the user rotates the knob body NB. Figure 14 The diagram shows the knob body NB rotating clockwise, and the drive shaft 71 also rotates clockwise along 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 along 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 displayed.

[0183] Thus, in this embodiment, the operation of the operation button 140 precedes the subsequent operation of the knob body NB. Only when the operation button 140 moves to the second position and the knob body NB moves axially can the drive shaft 71 move together, and the heating drive unit 70 can operate.

[0184] To provide a more detailed explanation of the structure and operation of such an operation button 140, Figure 15 and Figure 16 The diagrams show the diagrams respectively. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relative positions of the aforementioned operation button 140 and the connecting part 150. For example... Figure 15 As shown, in the first position described above, the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 is radially separated from the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150. Figure 16 D1 represents the radial distance between the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 and the second protrusion 155 protruding from the stepped surface 153. This distance D1 allows the knob body NB and the operation button 140 to move independently of the connecting part 150 when moving axially.

[0185] More precisely, the second protrusion 155a of the second protrusion 155 and the push groove 148 of the pusher 147 are separated from each other by a first distance D1, and move axially without interfering with each other. Figure 16 The symbol D1' indicates the distance between the second protrusion 155a of the second protrusion 155 and the push groove 148 of the pusher 147 at the nearest point.

[0186] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The diagram shows... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The relative positions of the aforementioned operation button 140 and the connecting part 150. For example... Figure 17As shown, in the second position, the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 overlaps the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150 in the radial direction. Figure 18 D2 represents the radial overlap distance between the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 and the second protrusion 155 protruding from the stepped surface 153. This overlap distance D2 becomes the contact distance between the knob body NB and the operation button 140 when they move axially and interfere with the connecting part 150, thus pressing the connecting part 150.

[0187] More precisely, the second protrusion 155a of the second protrusion 155 and the edge of the pushing groove 148 of the pushing member 147 overlap each other by a second distance D2, moving axially in a state of mutual interference. The pushing member 147 is located relatively on the upper side (with... Figure 17 Based on the above, it can be said that the pusher 147 presses the connecting part 150 axially.

[0188] 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 (radial direction) and the direction in which the knob body NB is pressed (axial direction) are different from each other, the possibility of the user accidentally activating the knob assembly 100 is reduced.

[0189] Figure 19 The internal structure of a second embodiment of the knob assembly 100 of this utility model is shown. When describing the parts that differ in structure from the embodiment described above, the drive shaft 71 integrally provides a connecting portion 150. The connecting portion 150 is formed by a part of the drive shaft 71. The connecting portion 150 has a structure that protrudes radially from one end of the drive shaft 71. (Refer to...) Figure 19 The connecting portion 150 has a diameter that is relatively larger than the lower portion of the drive shaft 71.

[0190] Although not shown, the connecting part 150 is omitted. In this case, the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 directly interferes with the drive shaft 71, causing the drive shaft 71 to move axially.

[0191] Figure 20 The internal structure of a third embodiment of the knob assembly 100 of this utility model is shown. When describing the parts that differ in structure from the previously described embodiments, the drive shaft 71 includes a connecting portion 150. The connecting portion 150 includes a stepped surface 153 to axially interfere with the pusher 147 of the operation button 140.

[0192] The connecting portion 150 has a connecting protrusion 157 at a position axially separated from the stepped surface 153. The connecting protrusion 157 protrudes radially from the upper part of the connecting portion 150. The pushing member 147 is located between the connecting protrusion 157 and the stepped surface 153. When the pushing member 147 moves upward axially (with... Figure 20 When the connection protrusion 157 is disturbed during the reset (based on the reference), the connection part 150 can also be reset together.

[0193] Figure 21 The internal structure of a fourth embodiment of the knob assembly 100 of this utility model is shown. When describing the parts that differ in structure from the embodiments described above, the knob body NB integrally provides an operation button 140. The operation button 140 is formed by cutting a portion of the knob body NB. The operation button 140 is formed as a cantilever structure where one end is connected to the knob body NB and the other end rotates. In this embodiment, the operating portion 143 of the operation button 140 constitutes part of the appearance of the knob body NB.

[0194] A pusher 147 is provided at the lower part of the operation button 140. The pusher 147 protrudes further toward the connecting portion 150 in the radial direction at the lower part of the operation button 140. The pusher 147 protrudes toward the connecting portion 150 and axially interferes with the connecting portion 150 in a second position. In this embodiment, the operation button 140 is integrally provided with the knob body NB, so the operation button 140 and the pusher 147 are regarded as a whole as the pusher 147.

[0195] Figure 21 The middle arrow ① indicates the direction of rotation when the operation button 140 is pressed. When the user presses the operation part 143 of the operation button 140, the other end of the operation button 140 (the lower end as shown in the figure), which is not connected to the knob body NB, rotates towards the empty space R provided inside the knob body NB. During this process, the pusher 147 is disposed on the upper part of the connecting part 150 to cause axial interference. Arrow ② indicates the direction in which the pusher 147 moves to the second position.

[0196] Figure 22 This illustrates a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly 100 of the present invention. When describing the parts whose structure differs from the embodiments described above, the pusher 147 of the operation button 140 has a generally polygonal planar structure. Figure 22In the embodiment, the pusher 147 is formed in a generally quadrilateral shape. The pusher 147 does not have an additional push groove, and one end 148 of the pusher 147 overlaps axially on the stepped surface 153.

[0197] Figure 23 This illustration shows a sixth embodiment of the knob assembly 100 of the present invention. When describing the parts whose structure differs from the embodiments described above, the stepped surface 153 of the connecting portion 150 may be generally circular or semi-circular. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 150 has a semi-circular stepped surface 153. The semi-circular stepped surface 153 serves to prevent the connecting portion 150 from spinning freely with the drive shaft 71 while increasing the interference area between it and the pusher member 147.

[0198] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are not intended to limit the technical concept of this utility model, but rather to illustrate it. The scope of the technical concept of this utility model is not limited to such embodiments. The protection scope of this utility model should be interpreted according to the following claims, and all technical concepts within the same scope should be included within the scope of the rights of this utility model.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, characterized in that, include: The drive shaft protrudes from the control panel; The knob body rotates around the aforementioned drive shaft and moves linearly along the axis of the aforementioned drive shaft. The connecting part, which is connected to the drive shaft, is movable along the axial direction independently of the knob body; 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, which forms a movement path independent of the aforementioned connecting part along the aforementioned axis; and a second position, which forms a movement path that interferes with the aforementioned connecting part along the aforementioned axis.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the knob body moves along the axis with the operation button in the second position, the connecting part moves along the axis together with the operation button.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first position described above, the knob body and the operation button move independently of the connecting portion along the axial direction. In the second position, the knob body and the operation button move together with the connecting part along the axial direction.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned connecting part transmits the rotational force of the knob body to the drive shaft between the drive shaft and the knob body.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned operation button includes a pusher that, in the aforementioned second position, axially interferes with the surface of the aforementioned connecting portion. The aforementioned pusher protrudes from the aforementioned operation button in a direction different from the aforementioned axis.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned operation button includes a pusher that, in the aforementioned second position, axially interferes with the surface of the aforementioned connecting portion. The aforementioned pusher has a push groove that surrounds the edge of the aforementioned connecting portion.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the aforementioned first position, the aforementioned operation button and the aforementioned connecting part are separated by a first distance with respect to the radial direction of the aforementioned drive shaft. In the second position, the operation button and the connecting part overlap each other by a second distance with respect to the radial direction of the drive shaft.

8. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned connecting portion is integrally formed with the aforementioned drive shaft at one end of the aforementioned drive shaft.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob body has a connecting joint for insertion of the connecting part. The aforementioned connecting portion has a shaft engagement groove for insertion of one end of the aforementioned drive shaft.

10. A cooking device, characterized in that, include: Heating device; and The knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for operating the heating device described above.

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