Knob assembly and cooking appliance including the same

Abstract

To provide a knob assembly and a cooking appliance including the same.SOLUTION: The present invention may include a base part (110) through which a drive shaft (71) passes. The present invention may comprise a knob body (NB) that rotates about the drive shaft (71) and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft (71). The knob body (NB) may comprise a lock button (140) having an operation part (143) exposed externally. In this case, the lock button (140) may have a first position where axial movement is restricted by interference with the base part (110), and a second position where the axial movement is possible. Consequently, a user cannot operate the cooking appliance by applying axial pressing force to the knob body (NB) unless the lock button (140) is first pressed, preventing any unintended operation or malfunction of the knob assembly via the lock button (140).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a knob assembly and a cooking appliance including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Cooking appliances are used to cook food by cooking ingredients. They can also be used to heat food to a suitable temperature for consumption. These types of cooking appliances are categorized into various types depending on the type of heat source and fuel used. For example, cooking appliances are categorized into open and closed types depending on the type of space in which the ingredients are placed. Closed-type cooking appliances include ovens and microwave ovens, while open-type cooking appliances include cooktops and griddles.

[0003] A sealed cooking appliance has a door that encloses the space where ingredients are placed, and the ingredients are cooked by heating the enclosed space to make food. An open cooking appliance has an open space where ingredients or a container containing ingredients is placed, and the ingredients are cooked by heating the ingredients or the container to make food. Recently, combination cooking appliances that combine both sealed and open cooking appliances have also become popular. A combination cooking appliance combines multiple heat sources, allowing it to cook a variety of ingredients or multiple foods at the same time.

[0004] Such cooking appliances may be equipped with knobs for operation, which can be used to turn the appliance on / off or set cooking modes, and can also be used to adjust the heating temperature.

[0005] Taking a gas range as an example of a cooking appliance, the knob can be operated using a push-and-turn method. The push-and-turn knob is realized so that the user can operate the cooking appliance by holding down the knob and turning it. At this time, the user can adjust the heating temperature or select a cooking mode by adjusting the amount of rotation around the drive shaft while holding down the knob. Such a push-and-turn knob increases the safety of the cooking appliance because the cooking appliance cannot be operated unless both steps are performed.

[0006] However, because such push-and-turn knobs protrude outward, users may unintentionally push and turn the knob. For example, the user's body may bump into the knob without realizing it, causing the knob to be pushed and turned at the same time. It is also possible for a small child to operate the knob and turn the cooking appliance. Since such unintentional knob manipulation could lead to fire or burns, the stability of cooking appliances needs to be further improved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and its purpose is to prevent the knob assembly from operating unless the lock button (safety button) provided on the knob assembly is pressed.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to form the lock button so that the direction of operation is different from the direction of rotation and the direction of pressure of the knob assembly.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to simplify the structure of the knob assembly by minimizing the number of parts added by the lock button.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to selectively use the lock button by fixing the lock button in a specific position via a button holder.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to enable the rotational movement of the button holder to be performed independently of the knob body and the lock button.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to prevent the button holder from being exposed to the outside when the knob assembly is attached to a cooking appliance or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above object, the knob assembly of the present invention may include a base portion disposed on an operation panel and a drive shaft protruding from the operation panel. The knob assembly may include a knob body that rotates around the drive shaft and moves linearly in an axial direction of the drive shaft. The knob body may include a lock button having an operation portion exposed to the outside. A safety pin is disposed on the lock button and can move in conjunction with the lock button. The safety pin can move between a first position and a second position in a direction different from the axial direction.

[0014] In this case, the safety pin in the first position interferes with the operation panel in the axial direction, restricting axial movement of the knob body toward the operation panel, and the safety pin in the second position is released from the axial interference with the operation panel, allowing axial movement of the knob body toward the operation panel. Therefore, a user cannot operate the cooking appliance by applying axial pressure to the knob body without first pressing the lock button, thereby preventing arbitrary operation or malfunction of the knob assembly via the lock button.

[0015] The knob body may further include a button holder that rotates relative to the knob body. In this case, the button holder rotates about a rotation center that is concentric with the drive shaft to restrict movement of the lock button. In this manner, the button holder that rotates independently of the lock button is provided, and operation of the lock button can be restricted depending on the position of the button holder. Therefore, a user can activate the lock button only when necessary by operating the button holder.

[0016] The lock button in the first position may be spaced a first distance from the base portion along the axial direction. The lock button in the second position may be spaced a second distance from the base portion along the axial direction. The second distance may be greater than the first distance. In this manner, the lock button directly interferes with the base portion in the first position, limiting its axial movement. Therefore, a structure for limiting the operation of the knob assembly can be easily realized.

[0017] A radial distance between the operating part and the drive shaft at the first position may be greater than a radial distance between the operating part and the drive shaft at the second position.

[0018] The lock button can move linearly between the first position and the second position along a direction different from the axial direction. When the direction in which the lock button is pressed and the direction in which the knob body is pressed are different from each other, the possibility of a user accidentally operating the knob assembly is reduced.

[0019] The knob body is movable linearly in a first direction, which is the axial direction, and the lock button is movable linearly between the first position and the second position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] The knob body and the lock button are constrained to each other in the axial direction, so that the knob body and the lock button can move linearly together along the axial direction.

[0021] An operation hole may extend through the knob body in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The operation portion may be exposed to the outside through the operation hole, and the operation portion may form the exterior of the knob assembly together with the knob body. In this case, the lock button may protrude laterally from the knob body. A user may accidentally press the lock button protruding laterally while holding the knob body.

[0022] The lock button may include a safety pin that is adapted to interfere with or be released from the base, and the safety pin may protrude from the lock button toward the base along the axial direction.

[0023] The knob body is movable linearly in a first direction, which is the axial direction, and the lock button is movable linearly between the first position and the second position along a second direction different from the first direction. The safety pin is protruding in the first direction.

[0024] The base portion may include a stopper that interferes with the knob body, and the stopper may protrude from the base portion toward the lock button along the axial direction.

[0025] The lock button may include a safety pin that interferes with or is released from interference with the base. The stopper at the first position may be aligned with the safety pin in the axial direction to interfere with it. The stopper at the second position may be displaced from the safety pin in the axial direction to release interference.

[0026] The stopper may be formed to have a width that gradually narrows toward the drive shaft.

[0027] The knob body may include a first knob body having an internal space that is open toward the base portion. A second knob body may be disposed in the internal space. The second knob body may rotate and move linearly together with the first knob body. The first knob body may have an operation hole through which an operation portion of the lock button protrudes.

[0028] The operation hole may be open in a direction perpendicular to the linear movement direction of the knob body.

[0029] The lock button may be limited in movement by interfering with an edge of the operation hole during movement from the second position to the first position.

[0030] The second knob body may include a shaft coupling part to which one end of the drive shaft is coupled, and a remaining part of the second knob body excluding the shaft coupling part and the lock button may be disposed on opposite sides of the shaft coupling part.

[0031] A pin block may be coupled to the second knob body, and the safety pin may be provided in the pin block.

[0032] A pair of elastic members may be provided inside the knob body to provide elastic force to the lock button. The second knob body may be provided with a support plate protruding toward the opposite side of the base along the axial direction. The support plate may be disposed between the pair of elastic members.

[0033] The support plate may be disposed so as to face the operation portion.

[0034] A portion of the side surface of the second knob body facing the internal space may have a curved shape, and another portion of the side surface of the second knob body facing the lock button may have a flat shape.

[0035] The elastic member may provide an elastic force to the lock button in a direction that moves the lock button to the first position.

[0036] Both ends of the elastic member may be supported on a surface of the knob body and a surface of the lock button, which are arranged opposite to each other.

[0037] The lock button may include an elastic support portion that supports one end of the elastic member.

[0038] The base portion may have a base hole through which the driving shaft passes, and a stopper may protrude from the base portion in a direction through which the base hole passes, and the stopper may interfere with the lock button.

[0039] The lock button may interfere with the second knob body during movement from the first position to the second position, thereby restricting movement.

[0040] A weight plate may be coupled to the knob body, the weight plate being adapted to rotate and move together with the knob body, and the weight plate may have a pin passage hole through which a safety pin of the lock button passes.

[0041] The button holder can have a button restraining position where it interferes with the lock button to restrict movement of the lock button, and a button releasing position where it rotates from the button restraining position to release interference with the lock button.

[0042] The button holder may include an interference portion that interferes with the lock button. A radial distance between the interference portion and the lock button based on a moving direction of the lock button at the button restraining position may be shorter than a radial distance between the interference portion and the lock button based on a moving direction of the lock button at the button release position.

[0043] The lock button may have a knob unlock position that allows axial movement of the knob body. In the button restraining position, the button holder interferes with the lock button disposed in the knob unlocking position, so that the lock button is restrained in the knob unlocking position.

[0044] The lock button may have a knob lock position where it interferes with the operation panel in the axial direction to restrict axial movement of the knob body, and a knob lock release position where it moves from the knob lock position in a direction different from the axial direction to allow axial movement of the knob body. When the button holder rotates about a rotation center concentric with the drive shaft, the radial length of the button holder's movement path may change.

[0045] The button holder may include a ring-shaped holder body and an interference portion that is disposed in the movement path of the lock button when the button holder is in the button restraining position.

[0046] The button holder may include an interference portion protruding radially toward a rotation center of the button holder, and the interference portion may be disposed in a movement path of the lock button at a button restraining position of the button holder.

[0047] The interference portion may have a length that protrudes in the radial direction that increases in a direction opposite to a direction in which the button holder rotates toward the button restraining position.

[0048] In the button restraint position, the interference portion may be disposed between the lock button and the knob body.

[0049] The interference portion may have a position fixing portion formed in a radial direction of the button holder. The lock button may have a relative fixing portion formed in a moving direction of the lock button. The position fixing portion and the relative fixing portion may be coupled together at the button restraining position, thereby fixing the button holder at the button restraining position.

[0050] The interference portion may have a position fixing portion formed in a radial direction of the button holder. The knob body may have a first relative fixing portion facing the position fixing portion. The lock button may have a second relative fixing portion spaced apart from the first relative fixing portion along a rotation path of the button holder. In the button release position, the position fixing portion may be coupled to the first relative fixing portion, thereby fixing the button holder to the button restraining position. In the button restraining position, the position fixing portion may be coupled to the second relative fixing portion, thereby fixing the button holder to the button restraining position.

[0051] A weight plate may be coupled to the knob body, the weight plate being adapted to rotate and move together with the knob body. A rotation space may be formed between the weight plate and the knob body. A portion of the button holder is disposed in the rotation space, allowing the button holder to rotate along the rotation space.

[0052] A weight plate may be coupled to the knob body, the weight plate being configured to rotate and move together with the knob body. A center of the button holder may be disposed between the weight plate and the knob body in the axial direction. An edge of the button holder may be exposed toward the operation panel.

[0053] A holder handle may be protruded from an edge of the button holder, protruding in the axial direction toward the operation panel.

[0054] The knob body may include a first knob body having an internal space open toward the operation panel, and a second knob body that rotates and moves linearly together with the first knob body. The second knob body may be disposed in the internal space at a position outside the movement path of the button holder.

[0055] The button holder can have a first rotation state in which the interference portion is out of the movement path of the lock button, and a second rotation state in which the button holder rotates relative to the knob body in the first rotation state and the interference portion enters the movement path of the lock button. [Effects of the Invention]

[0056] The above-described knob assembly according to the present invention and the cooking appliance including the same have the following advantages.

[0057] In the present invention, the knob body (handle) cannot be pressed axially unless the lock button is pressed. A user cannot press the knob body axially to operate the cooking appliance unless they first press the lock button. In this way, the lock button can prevent arbitrary operation or accidental operation of the knob assembly, thereby improving the stability of the cooking appliance.

[0058] Furthermore, the lock button of the present invention can operate in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body. If the direction in which the lock button is pressed differs from the direction in which the knob body is pressed, the possibility of a user accidentally operating the knob assembly can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the cooking appliance.

[0059] In particular, the operating portion of the lock button can move along a straight or curved path in the axial direction (first direction), which is the linear movement direction of the knob body, and in a second direction, which is different from the rotation direction of the knob body, respectively, thereby further reducing the possibility of the knob assembly being accidentally operated due to user error or interference with objects around the cooking appliance.

[0060] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button can protrude from the side of the knob body. This protruding lock button can be pressed naturally by the user while gripping the knob body. Therefore, the addition of the lock button does not reduce the operability of the knob assembly, allowing the user to easily operate the cooking appliance.

[0061] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button can move linearly between a first position where axial movement is hindered and a second position where axial movement is permitted. At this time, the lock button directly interferes with the base of the knob assembly or the operation panel to which the knob assembly is attached at the first position, limiting axial movement. Therefore, a structure for limiting operation of the knob assembly can be realized very easily, and the number of additional parts due to the lock button can be minimized.

[0062] In addition, in the present invention, the knob body may include a second knob body (internal body) inside a first knob body (external body) that forms the exterior, and the second knob body (internal body) may be symmetrical with the lock button. When the second knob body and the lock button are symmetrically arranged within the knob assembly, the center of gravity of the knob assembly can be prevented from being biased to one side by the lock button. Therefore, the knob assembly according to the present invention can provide an excellent operability even when a lock button is added. In addition, the second knob body fills the empty space on one side of the interior of the knob assembly where the lock button is not present, thereby improving the overall durability of the knob assembly.

[0063] In addition, when the second knob body and the lock button are arranged symmetrically within the knob assembly, the volume occupied by the components in the internal space of the knob assembly can be reduced, increasing the internal space utilization rate of the knob assembly, which has the effect of enabling the knob assembly to be made smaller and lighter.

[0064] In addition, in the present invention, the second knob body constituting the knob body can be connected to other components, including the drive shaft (valve shaft). As a result, the first knob body, which is exposed to the outside and held by the user, can be made with a relatively simple structure, and shrinkage due to a complex shape during injection molding can be prevented. This improves the aesthetics and manufacturing quality of the knob assembly.

[0065] In addition, in the present invention, a pair of elastic members are provided inside the knob body, which allows the lock button to return to the first position. A support plate provided on the second knob body is disposed between the pair of elastic members, which guides the pair of elastic members when they contract or relax. In this way, in the present invention, the pair of elastic members return the lock button together, allowing the lock button to be stably returned without shifting to either side, improving the operational reliability of the knob assembly.

[0066] The present invention also includes a button holder that operates independently of the lock button, and can limit the operation of the lock button depending on the position of the button holder. For example, the button holder can fix the lock button in the knob unlock position. In this case, the lock button can be continuously maintained while allowing the knob assembly to be pushed. Therefore, a user can activate the lock button only when necessary by operating the button holder, thereby improving the convenience of the knob assembly.

[0067] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button can move in conjunction with the button holder during the process of rotating the button holder. When the button holder rotates to the button locking position, the lock button is pushed by the interference portion of the button holder and naturally moves to the knob unlocking position. This allows the user to realize the knob assembly unlocked state by rotating only the button holder, which is an excellent effect in terms of convenience of operation.

[0068] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button moves linearly, while the button holder can rotate. When the two components have different operating structures, the user is less likely to accidentally operate the knob assembly. This improves the stability of the cooking appliance.

[0069] In addition, in the present invention, the button holder can rotate in a direction different from the movement direction of the knob body and the lock button, which makes it easier to set the movement path of the button holder and the lock button inside the knob assembly.

[0070] In addition, in the present invention, the button holder may be disposed inside the knob assembly and not exposed to the outside. To operate the button holder, a user must first separate the knob assembly from the cooking appliance and then operate the button holder. By limiting access to the button holder in this way, the lock button can be prevented from being arbitrarily locked, thereby improving the operational reliability of the cooking appliance.

[0071] In addition, if the button holder is disposed inside the knob assembly and is not exposed to the outside, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appeal of the knob assembly from being diminished due to the exposure of the button holder.

[0072] Furthermore, when the knob assembly is separated from the cooking appliance, the button holder may be exposed to the user in a large open space behind the knob assembly, allowing the user to easily access and operate the button holder after the knob assembly is separated.

[0073] In particular, a user can move the button holder to the button restraining position by gripping and rotating the holder handle of the button holder. In this way, a user can easily operate the button holder without using any additional tools, which also has the effect of providing excellent operability of the knob assembly.

[0074] In addition, in the present invention, the button holder can rotate by riding on the weight plate that constitutes the knob assembly. In this way, the rotation of the button holder can be achieved using the weight plate without providing a separate part for rotating the button holder. Therefore, even if the button holder is added, there is no need for a separate part for the button holder's operation, and the knob assembly can maintain a simple structure.

[0075] In particular, in the present invention, the button holder rotation guide is disposed in the rotation space formed between the knob body and the weight plate, so that the button holder can rotate while being axially fixed to the knob body and the weight plate, thereby achieving stable rotation of the button holder.

[0076] Furthermore, in the present invention, the safety pin is provided on the lock button, so that it can move together with the lock button in a direction different from the moving direction of the knob body. That is, the safety pin can move in a direction different from the interference direction of the knob body, and move out of the interference position to establish the released state. Therefore, a mechanism for switching between the knob locked state and the knob unlocked state can be easily realized.

[0077] In particular, in the present invention, the direction in which the safety pin moves to the unlocked state can be configured to be different from the direction in which the knob assembly moves (axial direction). As a result, even if a user presses the knob assembly with great force, the safety pin does not move to the unlocked position and the locked state can be firmly maintained. This further improves the stability of the cooking appliance.

[0078] In addition, in the present invention, the safety pin is provided on the lock button and can be subject to movement of the lock button, which eliminates the need for a separate structure for relative movement between the safety pin and the lock button, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the knob assembly.

[0079] In addition, the safety pin contacts the base in the locked position, but can be separated from the base in the axial direction in the unlocked position. Therefore, when the knob assembly is rotated in the unlocked position, the safety pin maintains a state where it is not in contact with the base, preventing an increase in frictional force due to contact between the safety pin and the base and improving operability of the knob assembly.

[0080] Furthermore, in the present invention, the safety pin is movable in a direction different from the interference direction, but is constrained by the movement of the lock button, so that when the knob body moves in the axial direction, the lock button and safety pin structure can move in the axial direction together with the knob body. As a result, the lock button and safety pin do not need to move independently in the axial direction relative to the knob body, and the operating mechanism of the knob assembly can be realized more simply. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0081] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cooking appliance to which a knob assembly according to the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of an operation panel and a knob assembly constituting one embodiment of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the components of one embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in exploded form. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the components constituting an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention, disassembled and viewed from a different angle than that shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention, with a first knob body and a weight plate omitted. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in a first state (knob locked state). FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII′ in FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in a second state (knob unlocked state). FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX′ in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention in a third state (knob pressed state). FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI' in FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention in a fourth state (knob rotation state). FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a base and a lock button constituting one embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention interfere with each other. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a base and a lock button constituting one embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention are not interfering with each other. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of components constituting a second embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in a locked state. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in an unlocked state. [Figure 18] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a base and a lock button constituting a second embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention interfere with each other. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a base and a lock button constituting a second embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention are not interfering with each other. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of a base portion constituting a third embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a fourth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of components constituting a fifth embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of components constituting a fifth embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention, seen from an angle different from that of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention, with the first knob body and the weight plate omitted. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention in a knob locked state. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII′ in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention in a knob unlocked state. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX′ in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention is in a knob-pressed state. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI' in FIG. 29. [Figure 31]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention in a knob rotation state. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention, with the first knob body omitted. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the lower structure of the fifth embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 34-35] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, showing a state in which a lock button constituting a fifth embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a knob lock position and a button holder is arranged in a button release position. [Figure 36-37] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, showing a state in which a lock button constituting a fifth embodiment of the present invention is arranged at a knob lock release position and a button holder is arranged at a button release position. [Figure 38-39] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, showing a state in which a lock button constituting a fifth embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a knob lock release position and a button holder is arranged in a button restraint position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for the same components even if they are displayed in different drawings. When describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known structures or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0083] The present invention relates to a knob assembly 100 and a cooking appliance including the same, wherein a cooktop unit 20 including a plurality of heating devices 28 may be provided on the upper portion of the cooking appliance. The heating devices 28 may be gas heating devices 28 using gas as an energy source, electric cooktops, or induction cooktops. FIG. 1 exemplarily shows a gas heating device 28 among the heating devices 28 on the cooktop unit 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the heating devices 28 may be arranged so as to be exposed on the upper portion of the cooking appliance. As another example, the heating devices 28 may be arranged inside the cooking appliance, or may be arranged both inside and outside the cooking appliance.

[0084] The knob assembly 100 is used to operate the heating device 28. A user can operate the knob assembly 100 to turn the heating device 28 on and off. A user can also operate the knob assembly 100 to adjust the amount of heat provided by the heating device 28. Alternatively, a user can operate the knob assembly 100 to operate the oven sections 40, 50 or to select a cooking mode for the cooking appliance.

[0085] A user can control the heating device 28 by pressing and then rotating the knob assembly 100. In this regard, as shown in Fig. 2, the present invention is provided with a lock button 140 to prevent the knob assembly 100 from being operated arbitrarily due to a user's mistake or interference with a surrounding object. The following describes the knob assembly 100, focusing on the lock button 140 and the malfunction prevention structure.

[0086] In terms of the structure of the cooking appliance, the exterior of the cooking appliance is formed by an outer body 10. The outer body 10 may form the framework of the cooking appliance except for a door disposed at the front. A separate inner housing (not shown) may be disposed inside the outer body 10.

[0087] At least one heating device 28 for heating food to be cooked or a container containing food is disposed on the cooktop 20. In this embodiment, a total of four heating devices 28 are disposed on the cooktop 20.

[0088] The cooktop 20 may be provided with a grate 25. The grate 25 is a frame on which a cooking vessel can be placed above the heating device 28. The grate 25 is detachably seated on the cooktop 20. The grate 25 may be located above the heating device 28.

[0089] An operation panel 30 may be disposed in front of the cooktop 20, above the oven sections 40 and 50. The operation panel 30 may include a knob assembly 100 for operating the oven sections 40 and 50 and the cooktop 20. The plurality of knob assemblies 100 may operate the separate heating device 28 and oven device, respectively. The operation panel 30 may be considered an operation device or may be referred to as a front panel. The operation panel 30 may be disposed in various locations, such as the bottom, side, or top of the cooktop 20, instead of in front of the cooktop 20.

[0090] The operation panel 30 may include a display unit 60. The display unit 60 may display information about the cooking appliance. The display unit 60 may be configured as a touch panel and may be used by the user to operate the cooking appliance. That is, the display unit 60 may also serve as a type of operation unit. Alternatively, the display unit 60 may be omitted.

[0091] Looking at the oven units 40 and 50, the oven units 40 and 50 may include a plurality of oven devices. In this embodiment, the oven units 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 disposed at different heights. The first oven device 40 and the second oven device 50 may each be formed with separate cooking chambers that are partitioned from each other.

[0092] The first door 45 of the first oven device 40 may operate in a pull-down manner, with the upper end pivoting up and down around the lower end. Alternatively, the first door 45 may operate in a side-swing manner, opening sideways. Reference numeral 47 denotes a handle for opening and closing the first door 45.

[0093] The second door 55 of the second oven device 50 may be slid back and forth. Alternatively, like the first door 45, the second door 55 may be operated in a pull-down manner, with the upper end pivoting up and down around the lower end. Reference numeral 57 denotes a handle for opening and closing the first door 55.

[0094] Next, the knob assembly 100 will be considered. For reference, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, six knob assemblies 100 are arranged on the operation panel 30. This is merely an example, and the operation panel 30 may be provided with one to five, or seven or more knob assemblies 100. As another example, the knob assembly 100 may be arranged directly on the top or side of the cooking appliance, rather than on the operation panel 30. As another example, the knob assembly 100 may be arranged on the lower front surface of the cooking appliance.

[0095] 2, the knob assembly 100 includes a substantially circular body and a portion that protrudes from the circular body to facilitate gripping. In this embodiment, a lock button 140 is provided on the side of the knob assembly 100. Only when a user first presses the lock button 140 can the knob assembly 100 be operated, more specifically, in the axial direction.

[0096] For reference, in the following, the axial direction refers to the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 71 (see FIG. 3), which corresponds to the X-axis direction in FIGS. 2 to 4. In the following, the rotation direction refers to the direction in which the knob assembly 100 rotates around the drive shaft 71 (see the arrow in FIG. 12). Also, in the following, 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. In the following, the direction in which the lock button 140 moves linearly corresponds to the Y-axis direction in FIGS. 2 to 4. Of course, when the knob assembly 100 rotates, the linear movement direction of the lock button 140 may also change.

[0097] 3 and 4, the components of the knob assembly 100 are shown in an exploded state. For ease of explanation, the drive shaft 71 will be considered first. The drive shaft 71 is coupled to the knob assembly 100. The drive shaft 71 serves as the center of rotation of the knob assembly 100. The drive shaft 71 can rotate together with the knob assembly 100 when it rotates. The drive shaft 71 can move linearly together with the knob assembly 100 when it moves axially.

[0098] The drive shaft 71 may be provided in a heating drive unit 70 (see FIG. 4). The heating drive unit 70 may serve to supply an energy source to the heating device 28. For example, the heating drive unit 70 may be configured to control the heating device 28 while being driven by the drive shaft 71. Therefore, the drive shaft 71 may also be considered as a valve shaft.

[0099] Here, the energy source may be gas or electricity. When the energy source is electricity, the heating driver 70 may be called a regulator, and when the energy source is gas, the heating driver 70 may be called a valve assembly. The drive shaft 71 may be a component constituting the knob assembly 100. As another example, the drive shaft 71 may be considered as part of the heating driver 70. Reference numeral 32 denotes a through-hole in the front plate 31 through which the drive shaft 71 passes.

[0100] More specifically, the drive shaft 71 may be coupled to the heating drive unit 70 so as to be pushable and rotatable. In this case, the heating drive unit 70 may prevent the drive shaft 71 from rotating when the drive shaft 71 is not pushed. The drive shaft 71 may be pushed and rotated relative to the heating drive unit 70, so that the heating drive unit 70 may supply an energy source to the heating device 28.

[0101] The drive shaft 71 may be provided with a coupling member 75. The coupling member 75 may surround the outer periphery of the drive shaft 71. The coupling member 75 may be made of an elastic material such as a leaf spring. The coupling member 75 is disposed between the drive shaft 71 and a shaft coupling part 131 (described later) and can provide elastic force between the drive shaft 71 and the shaft coupling part 131. This prevents the drive shaft 71 from easily coming off the shaft coupling part 131.

[0102] The drive shaft 71 can be operated via the knob assembly 100. More precisely, the drive shaft 71 is coupled to a knob body NB and can rotate together with the knob body NB. The drive shaft 71 can move linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body NB. Therefore, when a user operates the knob assembly 100, the heating driver 70 is driven via the drive shaft 71, thereby operating the heating device 28.

[0103] Looking at the structure of the knob assembly 100, the knob assembly 100 may include a base part 110. The base part 110 may be disposed on the front plate 31 of the operation panel 30. A base hole 111 through which the driving shaft 71 passes may penetrate the base part 110 to support the rotation of the driving shaft 71. That is, the base part 110 may allow the driving shaft 71 to rotate stably and move linearly in the axial direction.

[0104] As another example, the base hole 111 may be omitted from the base part 110. In this case, the driving shaft 71 may pass directly through the front plate 31 without passing through the base part 110.

[0105] The base portion 110 may have a substantially circular plate structure. A base fixing hole 112 is formed around the base hole 111 formed at the center of the base portion 110. A first fastener B1 passes through the base fixing hole 112, and the first fastener B1 can assemble the base portion 110 to the front plate 31.

[0106] A stopper 115 may protrude from the base portion 110. The stopper 115 protrudes in the axial direction. More precisely, the stopper 115 protrudes forward, i.e., toward the lock button 140. The stopper 115 interferes with the lock button 140 in the axial direction, thereby restricting the lock button 140 from moving in the axial direction. The stopper 115 prevents the lock button 140 from moving linearly toward the front plate 31, and therefore the knob body NB is also not pressed toward the front plate 31.

[0107] The stopper 115 can protrude toward the safety pin 150 when the lock button 140 is in the first position. When the lock button 140 rotates together with the knob body NB and is positioned in the third position (see FIG. 12), the stopper 115 fixed to the operation panel 30 is spaced apart from the safety pin 150 in the circumferential direction. Here, the circumferential direction means the rotation direction of the knob body NB.

[0108] The stopper 115 may be provided at an edge of the base portion 110. The stopper 115 may be provided at an end portion of the base portion 110 that narrows toward one end. The stopper 115 may be considered to be disposed at a position farthest from the base hole 111. The stopper 115 may have a shape that narrows toward the base hole 111, i.e., toward one end 115b (see FIG. 13) facing the drive shaft 71, which will be described again below.

[0109] The stopper 115 may be omitted. The stopper 115 may be omitted, and a drive hole (not shown) may be left open in the base portion 110. A pin portion 155 of a safety pin 150, which will be described below, interferes with the surface of the base portion 110 when the lock button 140 is in a first position, and can pass through the drive hole when the lock button 140 is in a second position. When the pin portion 155 passes through the drive hole, the lock button 140 and the knob body NB can move axially.

[0110] As another example, the base portion 110 may be omitted. As another example, the base portion 110 may be integrally formed with the operation panel 30. That is, the base portion 110 may be considered as a part of the operation panel 30. In this case, the lock button 140 and the knob body NB may axially interfere with the operation panel 30. As another example, the base portion 110 may have various polygonal shapes other than a disk shape.

[0111] The framework of the knob assembly 100 may be formed by a knob body NB. The knob body NB may surround the drive shaft 71 and the base portion 110. The knob body NB is a portion that is gripped by a 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 may be exposed to the outside. The second knob body 130 may be disposed inside the first knob body 120.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first knob body 120 may be exposed to the outside and serve as a portion through which a user operates the knob assembly 100. The second knob body 130 is disposed inside the first knob body 120 and serves to couple with other components and guide an elastic member S, which will be described later. As another example, the first knob body 120 and the second knob body 130 may be integrally formed.

[0113] The first knob body 120 may include a knob ring 121 having an approximately truncated cone or cylindrical shape. The knob ring 121 is disposed opposite the front plate 31. A grip portion 123 may protrude from an upper surface 122 of the knob ring 121. The grip portion 123 protrudes from the upper surface 122 of the knob ring 121 in the axial direction. The grip portion 123 may be held by a user. The grip portion 123 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (see the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). Reference numeral 123a denotes a reference scale formed on the grip portion 123. Although not shown, a scale may also be displayed on the surface of the knob ring 121.

[0114] An operation hole 125 may penetrate the knob body NB in ​​a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. An operation portion 143 of the lock button 140 is exposed to the outside through the operation hole 125, and the operation portion 143 may form the exterior of the knob assembly 100 together with the knob body NB. Referring to FIG. 2 , the operation portion 143, which is a part of the lock button 140, protrudes from the knob body NB, and may form the exterior of the knob assembly 100 together with the knob body NB. In other words, it can be considered that a part of the lock button 140 fills the operation hole 125.

[0115] In this embodiment, an operation hole 125 through which the operation portion 143 of the lock button 140 protrudes can penetrate the first knob body 120. More precisely, the operation hole 125 penetrates the grip portion 123 of the first knob body 120. In this case, since the operation hole 125 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the operation portion 143 of the lock button 140 can also protrude in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction through the operation hole 125. In other words, the operation hole 125 can open in a direction perpendicular to the linear movement direction of the knob body NB.

[0116] The operation hole 125 may be formed on only one of the left and right side surfaces of the first knob body 120. In this embodiment, the operation hole 125 is formed on the left side surface of the first knob body 120. In this embodiment, since only one lock button 140 is provided, the operation hole 125 may also be formed on only one side surface of the first knob body 120. As another example, the operation hole 125 may be formed on the right side surface of the first knob body 120. As another example, the operation hole 125 may be formed on each of the left and right side surfaces of the first knob body 120.

[0117] As will be described later, the movement of the lock button 140 may be restricted by interference with an edge 125a of the operation hole 125 during movement from the second position to the first position. The lock button 140 is engaged with the edge 125a of the operation hole 125 and is not completely separated from the knob body NB, but may remain in an internal space 121a formed inside the first knob body 120. The edge 125a of the operation hole 125 may be considered as an engaging end 125a. The first and second positions of the lock button 140 will be described in detail below.

[0118] The second knob body 130 may be disposed in the internal space 121a of the first knob body 120. The second knob body 130 may be coupled to the first knob body 120 via a second fastener B2. The second fastener B2 may pass through the weight plate 160 and the second knob body 130, respectively, and then be fixed to the assembly hole 124 of the first knob body 120. Thus, the first knob body 120, the second knob body 130, and the weight plate 160 may be assembled together and operate together.

[0119] The second knob body 130 may include a shaft coupling part 131 to which one end of the drive shaft 71 is coupled. The shaft coupling part 131 may be substantially cylindrical. The shaft coupling part 131 may be disposed at the center of the knob body NB. A shaft coupling hole 132 is formed in the shaft coupling part 131, and the drive shaft 71 may be inserted into the shaft coupling hole 132. The drive shaft 71 may be fixed inside the shaft coupling hole 132 without rotating freely inside the shaft coupling hole 132.

[0120] When one end of the drive shaft 71 is inserted into the shaft coupling hole 132, the drive shaft 71 rotates together with the second knob body 130 and moves axially together with the second knob body 130. That is, when the second knob body 130 is driven together with the first knob body 120, the drive shaft 71 is also driven together. For example, when the second knob body 130 is pushed axially together with the first knob body 120, the drive shaft 71 also moves axially. When the second knob body 130 rotates together with the first knob body 120 around the drive shaft 71, the drive shaft 71 also rotates together. Therefore, the drive shaft 71 can also be called a rotation shaft.

[0121] The second knob body 130 is coupled to the drive shaft 71 and may also be coupled to the weight plate 160. As a coupling structure with other components is realized in the second knob body 130, the first knob body 120 can be made with a relatively simple and thin structure. Therefore, when the first knob body 120 is injection molded, it is possible to prevent shrinkage marks and flow marks due to shrinkage of a portion of the first knob body 120 caused by its complex shape.

[0122] The second knob body 130 may include a body plate 133. The body plate 133 has a generally plate-like structure. The shaft coupling part 131 is connected to the body plate 133. The body plate 133 is a portion that is coupled to the first knob body 120 and the weight plate 160. To this end, the body plate 133 is formed with a fastener passing hole 134 through which the second fastener B2 passes. Referring to FIG. 4, the body plate 133 is provided with a plate protrusion 137, which is fitted into a plate groove 167 (see FIG. 3) of the weight plate 160. As another example, the second knob body 130 and the first knob body 120 may be press-fitted to each other or fixed to each other with an adhesive.

[0123] In this embodiment, the body plate 133 has a substantially semicircular shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space 121a. That is, a portion of the side surface of the second knob body 130 that faces the inner surface of the internal space 121a has a curved shape, and another portion of the side surface of the second knob body 130 that faces the lock button 140 has a flat shape. The curved portion faces the inner surface of the internal space 121a, and the flat portion faces the lock button 140. A portion of the lock button 140 may interfere with the flat portion of the second knob body 130. The interference of the lock button 140 with the flat portion of the second knob body 130 may limit the distance the lock button 140 can move from the first position to the second position.

[0124] The second knob body 130 may be provided with a support plate 136. The support plate 136 protrudes toward the opposite side of the base portion 110 along the axial direction. The support plate 136 protrudes from the body plate 133 in a generally plate-like shape. The support plate 136 may extend in the same direction as the grip portion 123, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. One end of the support plate 136 may be in close contact with the inner surface of the first knob body 120, i.e., the inner surface of the grip portion 123. This is shown in FIG. 7.

[0125] The support plate 136 may be disposed between a pair of elastic members S, which will be described later. Referring to Fig. 5, the support plate 136 may be disposed between the pair of elastic members S and may maintain the distance between the pair of elastic members S. That is, the support plate 136 may prevent the pair of elastic members S from shifting to one side during the process of contracting / relaxing.

[0126] The remaining portion of the second knob body 130 excluding the shaft coupling portion 131 and the lock button 140 may be disposed on opposite sides of the shaft coupling portion 131. More precisely, the body plate 133 and the lock button 140 may be disposed on opposite sides of the drive shaft 71. Referring to FIG. 7 , the body plate 133 is disposed on the left side of the drive shaft 71, and the lock button 140 is disposed on the right side. In this way, the lock button 140 can prevent the center of gravity of the knob assembly 100 from shifting to one side. In addition, the body plate 133 fills the empty space on one side of the internal space 121a where the lock button 140 is not present, thereby improving the overall durability of the knob assembly 100.

[0127] 3 and 4, the knob assembly 100 is provided with a lock button 140. The lock button 140 is disposed on the knob body NB and can be subject to the movement of the knob body NB. Basically, when the knob body NB moves linearly in the axial direction or rotates around the drive shaft 71, the lock button 140 can move linearly and rotate together with the knob body NB. However, the lock button 140 can move independently from the knob body NB in ​​a direction different from the axial direction.

[0128] The lock button 140 may form part of a gripping surface that is gripped when a user grips the knob assembly 100. For example, when a user grips the knob assembly 100 with their thumb and index finger, they may grip the surface of the grip portion 123 with their index finger and grip the operating portion 143 of the lock button 140 with their thumb. In this state, when the user applies pressure to the knob assembly 100 with their thumb and index finger, the surface of the grip portion 123 remains fixed, but the operating portion 143 formed on the opposite side can be pushed and moved inside the knob body NB.

[0129] 5, the lock button 140 may be disposed on the opposite side of the second knob body 130 from the shaft coupling portion 131. More precisely, the body plate 133 and the lock button 140 may be disposed on opposite sides of the drive shaft 71.

[0130] The lock button 140 can restrict or release the movement of the knob body NB, the weight plate 160, and the lock button 140 constituting the knob assembly 100 in the axial direction, i.e., toward the operation panel 30. The lock button 140 can have a first position where the axial movement is restricted by interference with the base part 110, and a second position where the axial movement is possible. Therefore, the first position may be called a knob lock position, and the second position may be called a knob unlock position.

[0131] Here, the first position is a state in which the lock button 140 relatively protrudes from the knob body NB, and is the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The lock button 140 is disposed at the position farthest from the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction at the first position. At the same time, the first position means a position in which the safety pin 150 is disposed at the position farthest from the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction. The second position is a position to which the lock button 140 moves when pressed from the first position, and is the state shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The lock button 140 is disposed at the second position closest to the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction. At the same time, the second position means a position in which the safety pin 150 is disposed at the position closest to the drive shaft 71 in the radial direction.

[0132] The lock button 140 may interfere with the base part 110 in the axial direction at the first position. Here, interference means that the axial movement of the lock button 140 is restricted. When the lock button 140 is interfered with by the base part 110 in the axial direction, the lock button 140 may not be able to move toward the operation panel 30 along the axial direction, or the movement distance may be restricted.

[0133] The knob body NB and the lock button 140 are constrained to each other in the axial direction, and the knob body NB and the lock button 140 can move linearly together along the axial direction. Because the lock button 140 and the knob body NB are constrained to each other in the axial direction, when the axial movement of the lock button 140 is restricted, the axial movement of the entire knob body NB is also restricted.

[0134] At this time, the lock button 140 may move linearly between the first position and the second position along a direction different from the axial direction. In this embodiment, the lock button 140 may reciprocate between the first position and the second position while moving in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As another example, the lock button 140 may move in an oblique direction at a predetermined angle relative to the axial direction. As another example, the lock button 140 may move along a curved path relative to the axial direction.

[0135] 7 and 8 show the lock button 140 in the first position. 9 and 10 show the lock button 140 in the second position. In other words, when the lock button 140 is pressed in the first position, it can move to the second position. When the external force pressing the lock button 140 is removed, the lock button 140 in the second position can return to the first position.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 7, at the first position, the lock button 140 may be spaced a first distance H1 from the base 110 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the pin 155 and the base 110 are spaced a first distance H1 from each other in the first position. Referring to FIG. 9, at the second position, the lock button 140 may be spaced a second distance H2 from the base 110 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the pin 155 and the base 110 are spaced a second distance H1 from each other in the second position. In this case, the second distance H2 may be greater than the first distance H1. For reference, in FIG. 7, the first distance H1 indicates the distance between a surface 158a of the pin 155 and a surface 115a of a stopper 115 provided on the base 110. In FIG. 9, the second distance H2 indicates the distance between the surface 158a of the pin portion 155 and the first fastener B1 that secures the base.

[0137] As such, in the second position, the lock button 140 and the base portion 110 are spaced apart by a second distance H2, which represents the distance the lock button 140 can move in the axial direction. Since the lock button 140 moves linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body NB, the second distance H2 ultimately represents the distance the knob body NB can move in the axial direction. In Figure 7, reference symbol G represents the distance between the knob body NB and the front plate 31. When the lock button 140 is disposed in the second position, the knob body NB and the lock button 140 can move together in a direction that narrows the distance G.

[0138] The first distance H1 may be 0. When the first distance H1 is 0, the surface of the lock button 140, more specifically, the surface 158a of the pin portion 155 and the surface 115a of the stopper 115, may be in close contact with each other at the first position. Therefore, the lock button 140 cannot move at all in the axial direction at the first position. As another example, the first distance H1 may be greater than 0.

[0139] The first distance H1 is shorter than the distance that the knob assembly 100 pushes the drive shaft 71 to activate the cooking appliance. That is, the first distance H1 is shorter than the minimum distance (reference distance) that the drive shaft 71 must move axially to operate the cooking appliance. Therefore, even if the first distance H1 is greater than 0, the axial movement distance of the knob assembly 100 is shorter than the reference distance of the drive shaft 71, and therefore, does not lead to the rotation of the drive shaft 71.

[0140] The radial distance L1 between the operating part 143 and the drive shaft 71 in the first position may be greater than the radial distance L2 between the operating part 143 and the drive shaft 71 in the second position. That is, when the lock button 140 moves to the second position, the radial distance between the lock button 140 and the drive shaft 71 becomes shorter. Here, the radial distance means the direction from the drive shaft 71 toward the edge of the knob body NB.

[0141] 7, the radial distance L1 between the operating portion 143 and the drive shaft 71 at the first position can be considered to be the distance between a protruding end 144 of the lock button 140 protruding from the operating portion 143 and a center line L extending from the drive shaft 71. Similarly, referring to FIG. 9, the radial distance L2 between the operating portion 143 and the drive shaft 71 at the second position can be considered to be the distance between a protruding end 144 of the lock button 140 protruding from the operating portion 143 and a center line L extending from the drive shaft 71.

[0142] 5, the lock button 140 may include a button body 141. The button body 141 may be inserted into the internal space 121a. The button body 141 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A side surface of the button body 141 may have a curved shape corresponding to the inner surface of the internal space 121a.

[0143] 7, a pin coupling portion 142 may be provided at a lower portion of the button body 141. The pin coupling portion 142 is a portion for connection with a safety pin 150. The safety pin 150 may be connected to the pin coupling portion 142. A pin block 152 provided on the safety pin 150 may be slidably coupled to the pin coupling portion 142 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As another example, the pin block 152 of the safety pin 150 may be bonded to the pin coupling portion 142. As another example, the pin block 152 of the safety pin 150 may be screwed to the pin coupling portion 142.

[0144] The button body 141 may be provided with an operation part 143. The operation part 143 may extend in a standing direction from the button body 141. Here, the standing direction is the up-down direction with reference to FIG. 5. The operation part 143 is a part that a user presses to operate the button body 141. At least a portion of the operation part 143 may be exposed to the outside of the knob assembly 100 through the operation hole 125 to form a gripping surface.

[0145] 7, a surface 143a of the operating portion 143 and a surface 136a of the support plate 136 of the second knob body 130 may be disposed to face each other. A predetermined space R is formed between the surface 143a of the operating portion 143 and the surface 136a of the support plate 136, and this space serves as a clearance space in which the operating portion 143 of the lock button 140 can move.

[0146] The operating portion 143 may be provided with the protruding end 144. The protruding end 144 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operating portion 143 extends from the button body 141. The protruding end 144 may increase the contact area between the surface of the operating portion 143 and the surface of the knob body NB. Referring to FIG. 7, the top surface of the protruding end 144 and the bottom surface of the first knob body 120 constituting the knob body NB come into contact with each other. The protruding end 144 allows the lock button 140 to stably operate in a certain direction (left and right direction in FIG. 7).

[0147] 5 again, the operation part 143 may be provided with an elastic support part 145. The elastic support part 145 supports one end of the elastic member S. The elastic support part 145 may be provided on both sides of the operation part 143 and support one end of the pair of elastic members S, respectively. The elastic support part 145 may protrude further toward the center of the internal space 121a than the operation part 143. The surface of the elastic support part 145 may be formed into a flat structure.

[0148] In this embodiment, the pair of elastic support portions 145 are disposed outward of the support plate 136 of the second knob body 130. The pair of elastic members S are disposed on both sides of the support plate 136, and the pair of elastic members S can be supported by the pair of elastic support portions 145, respectively. Thus, when one ends of the pair of elastic members S are supported by the pair of elastic support portions 145, the gap between the pair of elastic members S can be maintained by the support plate 136.

[0149] The elastic members S may provide elastic force to the lock button 140 in a direction that moves the lock button 140 to the first position. In this embodiment, the elastic members S are disposed on both sides of the support plate 136. The pair of elastic members S may allow the lock button 140 to reciprocate in a certain direction without being biased or shifted in either direction.

[0150] Both ends of the elastic member S may be supported by the surface of the knob body NB and the surface of the lock button 140, which are arranged to face each other. More precisely, one end of the elastic member S may be supported by the elastic support part 145, and the other end of the elastic member S may be supported by the inner wall 127 (see FIG. 4) of the first knob body 120.

[0151] 5 and 7, the knob body NB may be provided with a safety pin 150 that is adapted to interfere with or be released from the base portion 110. The safety pin 150 may protrude further toward the base 110 along the axial direction than the lock button 140. A pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 may have a substantially cantilevered shape. In the first position, the pin portion 155 is in substantial interference with the base portion 110.

[0152] The knob body NB moves linearly in a first direction, which is the axial direction, and the lock button 140 moves linearly between the first position and the second position along a second direction different from the first direction. At this time, the safety pin 150 moves along the lock button 140 in conjunction with the lock button 140. A pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 protrudes in the first direction, and the protruding pin portion 155 can be moved linearly by the lock button 140 between the first position and the second position.

[0153] The safety pin 150 may interfere with the stopper 115 of the base part 110. At the first position, the stopper 115 and the safety pin 150 are aligned in the axial direction and interfere with each other. At the second position, the stopper 115 is displaced from the safety pin 150 in the axial direction, thereby releasing the interference. In this way, the safety pin 150 may interfere with or be released from the stopper 115 depending on the position of the lock button 140. This structure will be described again below.

[0154] The safety pin 150 may include a pin block 152. The pin block 152 is a portion coupled to the pin coupling portion 142 and may have a plate-like structure. A pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 protrudes from the pin block 152 in the axial direction. The pin block 152 may be made of a different material from the operating portion 143 of the lock button 140. For example, the safety pin 150, on which external force is concentrated when a user presses the knob assembly 100 in the axial direction, may be made of a metal material having relatively high durability. As another example, the pin block 152 may be omitted, and the pin portion 155 may be directly coupled to the pin coupling portion 142.

[0155] The safety pin 150 may be connected to the pin coupling portion 142 of the lock button 140 via the pin block 152. The safety pin 150 connected to the pin coupling portion 142 is subject to the operation of the lock button 140. That is, the safety pin 150 can move axially together with the lock button 140 and rotate around the drive shaft 71.

[0156] As another example, the safety pin 150 may be omitted, and a protrusion (not shown) may be provided directly on the lock button 140. A part of the actuation button 140 may protrude in a first direction, which is the axial direction, to form the protrusion. As another example, the lock button 140 may be considered as part of the safety pin 150. As another example, the lock button 140 may be omitted, and the safety pin 150 may be directly connected to the knob body NB. When the lock button 140 is omitted, the safety pin 150 may be directly operated by a user.

[0157] As another example, the knob body NB may be provided with a plurality of safety pins, which may be engaged with a plurality of stoppers 115 or the surface of the base portion 110, respectively.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 5, the operation of the knob body NB and the lock button 140 will be considered. The lock button 140 can be pressed in the direction of arrow 1. When the lock button 140 is pressed in the direction of arrow 1, the lock button 140 moves from a first position to a second position. For reference, in FIG. 5, the lock button 140 is disposed in the first position, and its movement in the axial direction is restricted. When the lock button 140 moves in the direction of arrow 1, the knob assembly 100 including the second knob body 130, excluding the base portion 110, can move in the axial direction (arrow 2).

[0159] The knob assembly 100, which has moved axially in this manner, can rotate in the direction of arrow 3. At this time, the first knob body 120 and the lock button 140 also rotate together with the second knob body 130. The second knob body 130 can also rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 3. Meanwhile, when the user removes the external force pressing the lock button 140, the elastic member S moves the lock button 140 in the direction of arrow 4 and returns to the first position.

[0160] 3 and 4, a weight plate 160 that rotates and moves together with the knob body NB may be coupled to the knob body NB. The weight plate 160 may have a disk structure corresponding to the internal space 121a. The weight plate 160 increases the overall weight of the knob assembly 100 to improve the operability of the knob assembly 100. For this purpose, the weight plate 160 may be made of a metal material.

[0161] A shaft passing hole 161, into which the driving shaft 71 is inserted, may penetrate through the center of the weight plate 160. A plate fastening hole 164, through which the second fastener B2 passes, and the plate groove 167 may be formed around the shaft passing hole 161. The plate protrusion 137 of the body plate 133 is fitted into the plate groove 167.

[0162] A pin passing hole 165 may penetrate the weight plate 160. The pin passing hole 165 is a portion through which the pin portion 155 passes. At this time, since the pin portion 155 must move from a first position to a second position, the pin passing hole 165 may extend along the radial direction of the weight plate 160. The pin portion 155 can move from the first position to the second position while being fitted in the pin passing hole 165.

[0163] 6 to 12 sequentially show the operation of the components constituting this embodiment. First, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lock button 140 is shown in a state where it is in a first position. When the lock button 140 is in the first position, the operating portion 143 protrudes outward from the operating hole 125. When the lock button 140 is in the first position, the safety pin 150 is axially aligned with the stopper 115 of the base portion 110, thereby restricting the axial movement of the safety pin 150. In FIG. 7, a first distance H1 between the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 and the stopper 115 is shorter than the distance at which the knob assembly 100 presses the drive shaft 71 to activate the operation of the cooking appliance.

[0164] In this state, when the user presses the operating portion 143 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 8, the lock button 140 can be inserted into the knob body NB. At this time, the user must press the operating portion 143 while overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member S. This allows the lock button 140 to move to the second position. The lock button 140, which protrudes laterally, may be pressed accidentally while the user is gripping the knob body NB. Therefore, even if the lock button 140 is added, the operability of the knob assembly 100 is not reduced, and the user can easily operate the cooking appliance.

[0165] 9, the safety pin 150 is not axially aligned with the stopper 115 of the base portion 110, but is positioned at a position offset from the stopper 115. Here, the offset position means that the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 and the stopper 115 do not have a position facing each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the safety pin 150 can move axially without interference from the stopper 115. In FIG. 9, H2 represents the distance the safety pin 150 can move.

[0166] A user can hold the grip portion 123 and push the knob body NB in ​​the axial direction while pressing the lock button 140. In Figure 10, the arrow indicates the direction in which the knob body NB is pushed axially. This allows the knob body NB, the lock button 140, and the weight plate 160 to move simultaneously toward the front plate 31.

[0167] In this manner, in this embodiment, the lock button 140 can move in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body NB. When the direction in which the lock button 140 is pressed and the direction in which the knob body NB is pressed are formed to be different from each other, the possibility of a user operating the knob assembly 100 by mistake is reduced.

[0168] More specifically, the operating portion 143 of the lock button 140 can move linearly in an axial direction (first direction, up and down direction in FIG. 9) which is the linear movement direction of the knob body NB, and in a second direction (left and right direction in FIG. 9) which is different from the rotation direction of the knob body NB. This further reduces the possibility of the knob assembly 100 being operated arbitrarily due to a user error or interference with an object around the cooking appliance.

[0169] 11, compared to FIG. 9, the knob body NB, the lock button 140, and the weight plate 160 are shown moved closer to the operation panel 30. The safety pin 150 can move closer to the base portion 110 via the stopper 115. In this embodiment, one end of the safety pin 150, i.e., the pin portion 155, can move to a position where it abuts against the first fastener B1.

[0170] When the knob body NB, the lock button 140, and the weight plate 160 move in the axial direction, the second knob body 130, which fixes the drive shaft 71 via the shaft coupling part 131, moves the drive shaft 71 in the axial direction together. The drive shaft 71 moving in the axial direction can drive the heating drive unit 70 of the cooking appliance. Here, the driving of the heating drive unit 70 includes various operations such as turning the cooking appliance on / off and selecting a cooking mode of the cooking appliance.

[0171] When the drive shaft 71 moves a reference distance in the axial direction, the drive shaft 71 can rotate. In this embodiment, the heating driver 70 limits the rotation of the drive shaft 71 only when the drive shaft 71 moves a reference distance in the axial direction. FIG. 12 shows the knob body NB rotating clockwise, and the drive shaft 71 can also rotate clockwise together with the knob body NB. When the knob body NB rotates in this manner, the operating button 140 can move to a third position. When the drive shaft 71 rotates together with the knob body NB, functions such as adjusting the heat of the cooking appliance, selecting the number of heaters 28 to be driven, and selecting a cooking mode can be realized.

[0172] In this manner, in this embodiment, the operation of the lock button 140 precedes the subsequent operation of the knob body NB. Only when the lock button 140 moves to the second position can the axial movement and rotation of the knob body NB occur, and in the process, the drive shaft 71, which is dependent on the knob body NB, also moves.

[0173] Looking at the structure and operation of the lock button 140 in more detail, Figures 13 and 14 show in detail the relative positions of the lock button 140 and the base portion 110 in Figures 9 and 11, respectively. As shown in Figure 13, in the first position, the surface 158a of the pin portion 155 faces the surface 115a of the stopper 115. The surface 158a of the pin portion 155 overlaps with the surface 115a of the stopper 115 in the axial direction, so that the safety pin 150 can be supported by the stopper 115.

[0174] At this time, the stopper 115 may be formed so that the width of one end thereof toward the driving shaft 71 gradually narrows. Here, the direction toward the driving shaft 71 is the direction toward the base hole 111 of the base portion 110 with reference to FIG. 13. As such, the stopper 115 may be formed so that the width narrows toward one end thereof, and may form a guide surface 115b. The guide surface 115b may prevent interference between the stopper 115 and the safety pin 150 when the knob assembly 100 returns from the third position to the first position again.

[0175] More precisely, when the knob assembly 100 is rotated in the opposite direction while being pressed in the axial direction and returns to its original state, the safety pin 150 may come into contact with the stopper 115. When the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 comes into contact with the stopper 115, the pin portion 155 is guided by the guide surface 115b, and the entire operating button 140 may move to the second position. That is, when the knob assembly 100 returns to its original position, the pin portion 155 is not stopped by the stopper 110 and does not rotate, but may return to its original position while moving on the guide surface 115b of the stopper 110.

[0176] Meanwhile, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the stopper 115 narrows in the direction of the drive shaft 71, the area where the surface 158a of the pin portion 155 overlaps with the surface 115a of the stopper 115 in the axial direction can be significantly reduced from the first position to the second position. As a result, even if manufacturing tolerances occur, the lock button 140 can be moved at the second position, and the axial movement can be stably restricted at the first position.

[0177] 14 , at the second position, the safety pin 150 is completely disengaged from the stopper 115. When the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 is disengaged from the stopper 115, the safety pin 150 is allowed to move axially. As such, in this embodiment, the lock button 140 can move linearly between a first position where axial movement is restricted and a second position where axial movement is permitted. At this time, the lock button 140 directly interferes with the base portion 110 of the knob assembly 100 at the first position, restricting axial movement. Therefore, a structure for restricting operation of the knob assembly 100 can be easily realized.

[0178] 15 shows the components of a second embodiment of the knob assembly 100 according to the present invention in an exploded state. Regarding the structural differences from the previous embodiment, the lock button 140 is integrally provided with the safety pin 150. The safety pin 150 protrudes from the surface of the lock button 140 toward the base portion 110.

[0179] The safety pin 150 can protrude from the edge of the lock button 140. Here, the edge of the lock button 140 is the portion of the surface 148a (see FIG. 16) of the safety pin 150 that faces the center of the drive shaft 71.

[0180] 16 and 17 show a second embodiment of the knob assembly 100 according to the present invention in a knob locked state and a knob unlocked state, respectively. As shown, the safety pin 150 can protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lock button 140. A pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 is integrally provided with the lock button 140 and can move together with the safety pin 150 between a first position (the state shown in FIG. 16) and a second position (the state shown in FIG. 17).

[0181] 18 and 19 show only the base portion 110 and the lock button 140 that constitute the second embodiment of the knob assembly 100 according to the present invention. In Fig. 18, which shows the state in which the lock button 140 interferes with the stopper 115 of the base portion 110, the safety pin 150 is arranged to overlap the upper part of the stopper 115 in the axial direction.

[0182] In this case, the pin portion 155 of the safety pin 150 may have a pair of plate-like structures spaced apart from each other. The pin portion 155 having a pair of plate-like structures may have improved durability. Therefore, even if a large external force is applied to the knob body NB in ​​the axial direction while the safety pin 150 is not pressed, the pin portion 155 can withstand such an external force. Figure 19 shows the state in which the pin portion 155 having a pair of plate-like structures is completely disengaged from the stopper 115.

[0183] 20 shows a base part constituting a third embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention. Regarding a structure different from the previous embodiment, the base part 110 may have a central base hole 111 penetrating therethrough. A ring-shaped base body 112 may be provided surrounding the base hole 111. When the base part 110 is disposed in front of the operation panel 30, the base body 112 may protrude from the front of the operation panel 30. The base body 112 may have a curved inner circumferential surface. The safety pin 150 may rotate along the inner circumferential surface.

[0184] The base part 110 may include a base plate 113. The base plate 113 forms a bottom plate of the base part 110. The base hole 111 passes through the center of the base plate 113. The base plate 113 may be formed in a thin plate-like structure. After moving to the second position, the pin part 155 of the safety pin 150 may rotate while facing the base plate 113.

[0185] In this case, the stopper 115 may be formed on the base body 112. The stopper 115 may be formed by a portion of the base body 112 protruding toward the center of the base part 110. That is, the stopper 115 may protrude from the center of the rotation path of the safety pin 150 in a radial direction of the rotation path. Since the safety pin 150 is inserted into the stopper 115 and interferes with the stopper 115, the stopper 115 may be referred to as an interference portion. As another example, the stopper 115 may not protrude further in the radial direction of the rotation path, but may be configured only as a stepped structure from the base plate 113 in the axial direction. As such, in this embodiment, the stopper 115 has a structure that does not protrude in the axial direction.

[0186] When the safety pin 150 is disposed in the first position, the pin portion 155 is disposed above the stopper 115. As a result, the pin portion 155 interferes with the stopper 115 and cannot move in the axial direction or can move only a very limited distance. Therefore, the safety pin 150 and the knob body NB, which is constrained by the safety pin 150, cannot move in the axial direction or can move only a very limited distance.

[0187] When the safety pin 150 is disposed in the second position, the pin portion 155 is disposed at a position displaced from the upper portion of the stopper 115. For example, when the safety pin 150 is disposed in the second position, the pin portion 155 may be disposed at a position facing the base plate 113. In this state, the safety pin 150 can move in the axial direction. More precisely, the safety pin 150 can move in the axial direction by a distance such that one end of the pin portion 155 contacts the surface of the base plate 113. As a result, the knob body NB, which is held by the safety pin 150, can also move in the axial direction to drive the drive shaft 71.

[0188] 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a fourth embodiment of a knob assembly 100 according to the present invention. Regarding a structure different from the previous embodiments, an actuation button 140 may be integrally provided with the knob body NB. The actuation button 140 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the knob body NB. The actuation button 140 may have a cantilever structure in which one end is connected to the knob body NB and the other end rotates. In this embodiment, an operating portion 143 of the actuation button 140 forms part of the exterior of the knob body NB.

[0189] A safety pin 150 may be integrally provided at the bottom of the operating button 140. The safety pin 150 further protrudes from the bottom of the operating button 140 toward the base 110. The safety pin 150 protrudes toward a stopper 115 of the base 110 and axially interferes with the stopper 115 based on the state of FIG. 21. In this embodiment, since the safety pin 150 is integrally provided at the operating button 140, the safety pin 150 and the operating button 140 as a whole may be considered as a safety pin.

[0190] In FIG. 21, arrow 1 indicates the direction in which the operating button 140 rotates when pressed. When a user presses the operating portion 143 of the operating button 140, the other end (the lower end in the drawing) of the operating button 140 that is not connected to the knob body NB can rotate into an empty space R provided inside the knob body NB. In this process, the safety pin 150 also rotates. The operating button 140 and safety pin 150 rotated in this manner have a second position. Arrow 2 indicates the direction in which the safety pin 150 moves to the second position.

[0191] Although not shown, the safety pin 150 may be omitted from the lock button 140, and a stopper 115 may protrude from the base part 110. In this case, when the lock button 140 is in the first position, the stopper 115 interferes with the surface of the lock button 140, and when the lock button 140 is in the second position, the stopper 115 does not interfere with the surface of the lock button 140.

[0192] On the other hand, although not shown, the elastic member S may be omitted from the knob assembly 100. In this case, the user can manually move the lock button 140 from the second position to the first position. The user can return the lock button 140 to the first position again by pulling the lock button 140 or by gripping a separate gripping structure (not shown) provided on the lock button 140.

[0193] Although not shown, the knob body NB may be provided with a protruding structure having a shape symmetrical to the operating portion 143 on the opposite side of the operating portion 143 with respect to the center of the knob body NB. The protruding structure protrudes symmetrically to the operating portion 143, thereby improving the gripping feeling of the user.

[0194] 22 to 39 show a fifth embodiment of a knob assembly 100 according to the present invention. Detailed descriptions of structures similar to those of the previous embodiments will be omitted. This embodiment includes a button holder 170 for restraining or releasing the lock button 140 at a specific position. The following describes the knob assembly 100, focusing on the lock button 140, button holder 170, and malfunction prevention structure.

[0195] 22 and 23, it can be seen that the button holder 170 is provided on the knob assembly 100. The button holder 170 may have a substantially ring shape and may be configured to surround the weight plate 160. The button holder 170 may not be exposed to the outside of the knob body NB. More precisely, when the knob assembly 100 is attached to the operation panel 30, the button holder 170 is not exposed to the outside because the knob body NB surrounds the button holder 170. Therefore, in order to operate the button holder 170, the user must first separate the knob assembly 100 from the drive shaft 71 and then operate the button holder 170. This structure will be described again below.

[0196] As shown in Fig. 24, the button holder 170 may have a larger diameter than the second knob body 130. In Fig. 24, the weight plate 160 is surrounded by the button holder 170 and hidden by the button holder 170. The button holder 170 can also be considered to fill the gap between the weight plate and the first knob body 120.

[0197] 25 and 26 show the lock button 140 in the knob lock position. 27 and 28 show the lock button 140 in the knob unlock position. In other words, when the lock button 140 in the knob lock position is pressed, it can move to the knob unlock position. When the external force pressing the lock button 140 is removed, the lock button 140 in the knob unlock position can return to the knob lock position again. However, as will be described below, when the button holder 170 is moved to the button restraint position, the lock button 140 is restrained in the knob unlock position.

[0198] 29 and 30 show the knob assembly 100 being pushed axially from the knob unlock position to the knob pressed position. At this time, the knob assembly 100 pushes the drive shaft 71 axially, thereby driving the heating device 28. FIG. 31 shows the knob body NB rotating clockwise, allowing the drive shaft 71 to rotate clockwise along with the knob body NB. When the knob body NB rotates in this manner, the operating button 140 can move to the third position. This structure has been described in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0199] Referring again to FIG. 26 , in the knob lock position, the lock button 140 may be spaced a first distance H1 from the base 110 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the safety pin 150 and the base 110 are spaced a first distance H1 from each other in the knob lock position. Referring to FIG. 28 , in the knob unlock position, the lock button 140 may be spaced a second distance H2 from the base 110 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the safety pin 150 and the base 110 are spaced a second distance H2 from each other in the knob unlock position. In this case, the second distance H2 may be greater than the first distance H1. For reference, in FIG. 26 , the first distance H1 indicates the distance between a surface 150 a of the safety pin 150 and a surface 115 a of a stopper 115 provided on the base 110. In FIG. 28, the second distance H2 indicates the distance between the surface 150a of the safety pin 150 and the first fastener B1 that secures the base.

[0200] As described above, in the knob unlock position, the lock button 140 and the base portion 110 are spaced apart by a second distance H2, which represents the distance the lock button 140 can move in the axial direction. Since the lock button 140 moves linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body NB, the second distance H2 is the distance the knob body NB can move in the axial direction. In FIG. 26, reference symbol G represents the distance between the knob body NB and the front plate 31. When the lock button 140 is disposed in the knob unlock position, the knob body NB and the lock button 140 can move together in a direction that narrows the distance G.

[0201] The lock button 140 may be provided with a restraining support part 148. The restraining support part 148 is for interference with the button holder 170 and protrudes from the button body 141. The restraining support part 148 will be described again below.

[0202] Referring again to FIG. 24, considering the operation of the knob body NB and the lock button 140, the lock button 140 can be pressed in the direction of arrow 1. When the lock button 140 is pressed in the direction of arrow 1, the lock button 140 moves from a knob lock position to a knob unlock position. For reference, in FIG. 24, the lock button 140 is disposed in the knob lock position and its movement in the axial direction is restricted. When the lock button 140 moves in the direction of arrow 1, the knob assembly 100 including the second knob body 130, excluding the base portion 110, can move in the axial direction (arrow 2).

[0203] The knob assembly 100, which has moved axially in this manner, can rotate in the direction of arrow 3. At this time, the first knob body 120 and the lock button 140 rotate together with the second knob body 130. The second knob body 130 can also rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 3. Meanwhile, when the user removes the external force pressing the lock button 140, the elastic member S moves the lock button 140 in the direction of arrow 4 and returns to the knob lock position.

[0204] At this time, when the button holder 170 rotates in the direction of arrow 5, the button holder 170 can be positioned in a button restraining position. In the button restraining position, the button holder 170 interferes with the lock button 140 to restrict the lock button 140 from moving back to its original position, i.e., in the direction of arrow 4 toward the knob lock position. This structure will be described in detail below.

[0205] Next, the button holder 170 will be described in detail. The button holder 170 is rotatable independently of the lock button 140. In this embodiment, the button holder 170 is disposed between the weight plate 160 and the second knob body 130. The button holder 170 is guided between the weight plate 160 and the second knob body 130, and can move between a button release position (the position of the button holder 170 in FIG. 34) and a button restraint position (the position of the button holder 170 in FIG. 38).

[0206] The button holder 170 rotates around a rotation center that is concentric with the drive shaft 71, thereby restricting the movement of the lock button 140. Here, the rotation center that is concentric with the drive shaft 71 refers to the center of the rotation path of the button holder 170. In this embodiment, the rotation center of the button holder 170 is the same as the center of the drive shaft 71. However, in reality, the button holder 170 does not rotate around the drive shaft 71 as a rotation axis, but rather the button holder 170 can rotate while being guided by the weight plate 160.

[0207] When the weight plate 160 is considered to be a part of the knob body NB, the button holder 170 can also be considered to be disposed on the knob body NB. As another example, the weight plate 160 can be omitted and the button holder 170 can be disposed on the knob body NB. When the button holder 170 is disposed on the knob body NB, the button holder 170 can move between a button release position and a button restraint position while being guided by the knob body NB and rotating.

[0208] Meanwhile, the button release position means a state in which the lock button 140 can move between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position. The button constrained position means a state in which the lock button 140 is constrained to a specific position because the button holder 170 interferes with the lock button 140. For example, when the button holder 170 moves to the button constrained position, the lock button 140 may be constrained to the knob unlock position. As another example, when the button holder 170 moves to the button constrained position, the lock button 140 may be constrained to the knob lock position.

[0209] As described above, in this embodiment, the button holder 170 can deactivate the function of the lock button 140 by restraining the lock button 140 in a specific position. If the user does not want to use the lock button 140, i.e., to lock the knob assembly 100, he or she can simply move the button holder 170 to the button release position. The function and structure of the button holder 170 will be described below.

[0210] The button holder 170 has a button restraining position where it interferes with the lock button 140 to restrict movement of the lock button 140, and a button release position where it rotates from the button restraining position to release interference with the lock button 140. The button restraining position and the button release position may be spaced apart from each other along the rotation path of the button holder 170.

[0211] In the button restraining position, the button holder 170 interferes with the lock button 140 disposed in the knob lock release position, so that the lock button 140 can be restrained in the knob lock release position. Referring to Fig. 24, when the lock button 140 is disposed in the knob lock position, the safety pin 150 (not shown in Fig. 24 due to its angle) can be axially aligned with the stopper 115. In Fig. 24, the button holder 170 is shown disposed in the button release position, but in this state, the button holder 170 can be rotated counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow 5) to restrain the lock button 140 from moving again toward the knob lock position (in the direction of arrow 4).

[0212] In this embodiment, the button holder 170 rotates in a third direction different from the first and second linear directions. That is, the button holder 170 rotates between the button lock position and the button release position. Referring to FIG. 24, the first direction is the axial direction (arrow 2 direction) in which the knob body NB moves when pushed, and the second direction is the movement direction of the lock button 140 (arrows 1 and 4 direction). The third direction is the direction of rotation around a rotation center concentric with the rotation axis. This allows the movement paths of components to be distributed without overlapping, allowing for efficient component placement.

[0213] The button holder 170 can rotate along with the knob body NB, but can also rotate independently of the knob body NB. When a user rotates the knob body NB, the button holder 170 also rotates with the knob body NB. However, when the user operates the button holder 170 to rotate the button holder 170 to the button locking position or the button releasing position, the knob body NB and the button holder 170 can rotate relative to each other. This process will be described again below.

[0214] The button holder 170 can move in the axial direction of the drive shaft 71 together with the knob body NB. When the knob assembly 100 is attached to the operation panel 30 and a user presses the knob body NB, the button holder 170 is also pressed in the axial direction together with the knob body NB. This movement is possible because the button holder 170 is axially coupled to the knob body NB. More precisely, the button holder 170 is disposed between the second knob body 130 and the weight plate 160 in the axial direction and can be fixed in the axial direction by the second knob body 130 and the weight plate 160.

[0215] Due to this arrangement, in this embodiment, when assembling the button holder 170 to the knob assembly 100, the button holder 170 can be first placed on the knob body NB, and then the weight plate 160 can be assembled so that it overlaps the button holder 170.

[0216] 32 and 33, the lock button 140 can move linearly in the direction of arrow 1, and the button holder 170 can rotate in the direction of arrow 2. When the button holder 170 rotates around a rotation center that is concentric with the drive shaft 71, the radial length of the button holder 170 in the movement path changes. Therefore, when the button holder 170 rotates, the interference distance between the button holder 170 and the lock button 140 can also change.

[0217] 33, the safety pin 150 can move linearly to the left and the button holder 170 can rotate counterclockwise in conjunction with the lock button 140. In this embodiment, an indicator (not shown) is formed on the surface of the weight plate 160 to indicate the rotation direction of the button holder 170, and the button locking and release states of the button holder 170. A user can check the current state and rotation direction of the button holder 170 by looking at the indicator.

[0218] The button holder 170 may have a button constraining position where it interferes with the lock button 140 to restrict movement of the lock button 140, and a button release position where it moves from the button constraining position to release interference with the lock button 140. More precisely, the button holder 170 may have a button constraining position where it is disposed in the movement path of the lock button 140 to restrict movement of the lock button 140, and a button release position where it moves out of the movement path of the lock button 140 to release interference with the lock button 140. Referring to FIG. 33 , the button holder 170 can rotate counterclockwise around the shaft coupling hole 131 as the rotation center to enter the movement path of the lock button 140.

[0219] 32 shows a state in which the button holder 170 does not interfere with the lock button 140. When the button holder 170 is rotated based on the state shown in FIG. 32, the button holder 170 can fill the space vacated by the movement of the lock button 140.

[0220] The button holder 170 may have a first rotation state in which it is out of the movement path of the lock button 140 and a second rotation state in which it rotates relative to the knob body NB in ​​the first rotation state. Comparing the button release position shown in FIG. 37 with the button restraint position shown in FIG. 39, it can be said that the button holder 170 is in the first rotation state in the button release position and the button restraint position in the second rotation state. The first rotation state and the second rotation state may have a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees. Here, the button holder 170 may rotate around a rotation center passing through the center of the axial direction. The phase difference between the first rotation state and the second rotation state does not need to be limited to 90 degrees. For example, the button holder 170 may have a rotation angle less than 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees.

[0221] Looking at the structure of the button holder 170 in more detail, the button holder 170 includes a substantially ring-shaped holder body 171 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The holder body 171 may surround the outer periphery of the weight plate 160. The holder body 171 may rotate on the outer periphery of the weight plate 160. That is, the button holder 170 is coupled to surround the outer periphery of the weight plate 160 and may rotate around the weight plate 160. Referring to FIG. 26, the holder body 171 has a larger diameter than the weight plate 160. At the same time, the holder body 171 may have a smaller diameter than the knob ring 121 of the first knob body 120. As a result, the holder body 171 may be surrounded by the knob ring 121 and not be exposed.

[0222] The holder body 171 may be provided with a rotation guide 172. The rotation guide 172 protrudes from one end of the holder body 171 toward the rotation center of the button holder 170. The rotation guide 172 is seated on the surface of the weight plate 160. Referring to FIG. 26, the rotation guide 172 is seated on the upper surface of the weight plate 160. The rotation guide 172 may prevent the button holder 170 from coming off in a direction toward the operation panel 30 (downward in FIG. 26). The rotation guide 172 may have a circular shape formed continuously on the edge of the holder body 171 or an arc shape formed discontinuously.

[0223] In this embodiment, a rotation space FS is formed between the weight plate 160 and the knob body NB. As shown in FIG. 26, the weight plate 160 and the knob body NB may be spaced apart to form the rotation space FS. A portion of the button holder 170 is disposed in the rotation space FS. More precisely, a rotation guide 172 of the button holder 170 and a locking rib 173 (described later) are disposed in the rotation space FS, allowing the button holder 170 to rotate along the rotation space FS. In this way, the rotation space FS guides the rotation of the button holder 170, allowing the button holder 170 to rotate stably while remaining aligned without shifting to one side.

[0224] The center of the button holder 170 may be disposed between the weight plate 160 and the knob body NB based on the axial direction. Referring to FIG. 33 , the weight plate 160 hides the center of the button holder 170. The edge of the button holder 170 may be exposed toward the operation panel 30. That is, the weight plate 160 hides the center of the button holder 170, but the edge of the button holder 170 is exposed. This is because the diameter of the button holder 170 is larger than the diameter of the weight plate 160 in this embodiment. As another example, the button holder 170 may have a smaller diameter than the weight plate 160. In this case, the button holder 170 may be inserted into an arc-shaped or circular groove formed in the weight plate 160.

[0225] 35, in which the weight plate 160 is omitted, the button holder 170 may be provided with locking ribs 173. The locking ribs 173 protrude further toward the rotation center of the button holder 170 than the rotation guide 172. The locking ribs 173 increase the area over which the button holder 170 is locked onto the surface of the weight plate 160, thereby allowing the button holder 170 to rotate more stably. The locking ribs 173 may be arranged intermittently along the rotation guide 172.

[0226] 32 and 33, the button holder 170 may be provided with a holder handle 174. The holder handle 174 may protrude from an edge of the button holder 170 in the axial direction toward the operation panel 30. The holder handle 174 is a portion that a user grips when rotating the button holder 170. The holder handle 174 protrudes further in the axial and radial directions than the rotation guide 172, making it easy for a user to grip. As another example, the holder handle 174 may be omitted, and a user may rotate the button holder 170 itself.

[0227] 34 and 35, the holder body 171 may be provided with an interference part 175. The interference part 175 is disposed in a movement path of the lock button 140 at the button restraining position of the button holder 170. The interference part 175 supports one side of the lock button 140 that has moved to the knob lock position, thereby preventing the lock button 140 from moving again to the knob unlock position.

[0228] The interference portion 175 may have the same axial thickness as the holder body 171. That is, the interference portion 175 protrudes from the ring-shaped holder body 171 toward the center of the holder body 171, but does not necessarily have to protrude in the axial direction.

[0229] The button holder 170 may protrude in a radial direction toward the rotation center of the button holder 170. When the button holder 170 protrudes in the radial direction, the direction of the interference part 175 may change according to the rotation angle of the button holder 170. For example, the interference part 175 may protrude toward the lock button 140 by being disposed in the movement path of the lock button 140 at the button restraining position of the button holder 170.

[0230] 35, the length of the interference portion 175 that protrudes in the radial direction increases along the circumferential direction of the button holder 170. Referring to FIG. 35, the length of the interference portion 175 that protrudes in the radial direction gradually increases in a clockwise direction. More precisely, the length of the interference portion 175 that protrudes in the radial direction increases in a direction opposite to the direction in which the button holder 170 rotates toward the button restraining position (counterclockwise in FIG. 35). In this way, when the button holder 170 is rotated, the force that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member S is dispersed, thereby improving operability.

[0231] In the button restraint position, the interference portion 175 may be disposed between the lock button 140 and the knob body NB. That is, the interference portion 175 is disposed between the lock button 140 and the first knob body 120 in the radial direction. Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39 , the button body 141 of the lock button 140, the interference portion 175, and the knob ring 121 are disposed in this order along the radial direction, centered on the shaft through hole 131. When the interference portion 175 is disposed between the lock button 140 and the knob body NB in ​​this manner, the interference portion 175 blocks the path along which the lock button 140 moves to the knob lock position.

[0232] The interference portion 175 may be formed with a position fixing portion 178 in a radial direction of the button holder 170. The position fixing portion 178 may fix the interference portion 175 at the button restraining position or the button releasing position. In this embodiment, the position fixing portion 178 is recessed from the surface of the interference portion 175 in a radial direction of the button holder 170. Referring to Figures 34 and 35, the position fixing portion 178 is recessed from the outer surface of the interference portion 175 in a direction away from the drive shaft 71.

[0233] The position fixing portion 178 may be coupled to relative fixing portions 138, 148 provided on at least one of the knob body NB or the lock button 140. The relative fixing portions 138, 148 may fix the button holder 170 in the circumferential direction by being inserted into the position fixing portion 178. The button holder 170 engaged with the relative fixing portions 138, 148 does not rotate freely in the circumferential direction, but can only rotate when a user applies an external force.

[0234] The relative fixing portions 138, 148 may include a first relative fixing portion 138 and a second relative fixing portion 148. The first relative fixing portion 138 is provided at a position facing the position fixing portion 178 on the knob body NB. The first relative fixing portion 138 may be inserted into the position fixing portion 178 to fix the button holder 170 in the button release position. As shown in FIG. 35 , the first relative fixing portion 138 may protrude in a cylindrical shape from the surface of the second knob body 130.

[0235] The second relative fixing part 148 may be provided on the lock button 140. The second relative fixing part 148 may protrude from the lock button 140 in the moving direction of the lock button 140. The second relative fixing part 148 is coupled to the position fixing part 178 at the button restraining position, thereby fixing the button holder 170 at the button restraining position. Referring to FIG. 39, it can be seen that the position fixing part 178 is coupled to the second relative fixing part 148.

[0236] As another example, the relative fixing portion 138 may be provided only on the knob body NB. As another example, the mating fixing portion 148 may be provided only on the lock button 140. As yet another example, the position fixing portion 178 may protrude from the button holder 170, and the first relative fixing portion 138 and the second relative fixing portion 148 may be recessed from the second knob body 130 and the lock button 140, respectively. As another example, the position fixing portion 178 may be provided on the rotation guide 172 instead of the interference portion 175.

[0237] Next, the process of locking the lock button 140 will be described with reference to Figures 34 to 39. In order to show the button holder 170, the weight plate 160 is omitted from the bottom views of Figures 35, 37 and 39.

[0238] A user can first separate the entire knob assembly 100 from the operation panel 30. When the knob assembly 100 is pulled in the axial direction from the operation panel 30, the knob assembly 100 and the drive shaft 71 are separated from each other, and the knob assembly 100 is removed from the operation panel 30.

[0239] 34 and 35 show a state in which the lock button 140 is in the knob lock position and the button holder 170 is in the button release position. The interference portion 175 of the button holder 170 is disposed on the lower side based on the drawings. That is, the interference portion 175 of the button holder 170 is not yet disposed in the movement path of the lock button 140. At this time, the position fixing portion 178 of the interference portion 175 can maintain a state in which it is locked by the first relative fixing portion 138 of the second knob body 130.

[0240] In this state, the user can press the lock button 140 of the separated knob assembly 100 inward (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 36) to move the lock button 140 to the knob unlock position. When the user removes the external force that has been pressing the lock button 140 in this state, the elastic member S allows the lock button 140 to move back to the knob lock position.

[0241] 37, the lock button 140 moves in a direction toward the knob unlock position (to the left in the drawing), and an empty space is formed between the button body 141 of the lock button 140 and the first knob body 120. This empty space is the space that the lock button 140 occupied, and can be said to be part of the movement path of the lock button 140.

[0242] A user can rotate the button holder 170 while pressing the lock button 140. More precisely, a user can rotate the button holder 170 in the direction of the arrow in Figures 38 and 39 while pressing the lock button 140. In this case, the user can hold and fix the first knob body 120 with one hand, and then hold and rotate the holder handle 174 with the other hand.

[0243] As a result, the interference portion 175 fills the empty space between the button body 141 of the lock button 140 and the first knob body 120. That is, the interference portion 175 moves to the button restraining position. When moved to the button restraining position, the button holder 170 interferes with the button body 141 of the lock button 140, thereby restraining the lock button 140 from moving to the knob lock position.

[0244] In this manner, when the button holder 170 rotates about a rotation center concentric with the drive shaft 71 and moves to the knob lock position, the elastic member S, the lock button 140, and the button holder 170 can be aligned in the radial direction of the knob body NB.

[0245] More specifically, the user can rotate the button holder 170 while moving the button holder 170 forward (to the left in FIG. 39 ) while overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member S. When the position fixing portion 178 of the interference portion 175 reaches the position where the second relative fixing portion 148 of the lock button 140 is formed, the second relative fixing portion 148 is naturally fitted into the position fixing portion 178, and the position of the button holder 170 can be fixed.

[0246] In this state, when the user removes the force pressing the button holder 170, the elastic force of the elastic member S allows the lock button 140 to adhere closely to the surface of the button holder 170. As a result, the button holder 170 can be maintained at the button restraining position.

[0247] That is, when the button holder 170 is disposed in the button restraining position, the interference portion 175 of the button holder 170 abuts against the button body 141 to support the lock button 140. As a result, even if the elastic member S presses the lock button 140 toward the knob lock position (to the right in FIG. 39), the button holder 170 can maintain the knob lock release position.

[0248] In this state, when the user again couples the knob assembly 100 to the drive shaft 71, the knob assembly 100 can be placed on the operation panel 30. At this time, since the lock button 140 is in a pressed state, i.e., moved to the knob unlock position and locked, the user does not need to press the lock button 140 to operate the cooking appliance. Therefore, the user can activate the lock button 140 only when necessary by operating the button holder 170, thereby improving the convenience of the knob assembly 100.

[0249] Meanwhile, unlike the above-described procedure, the user can also rotate only the button holder 170 without pressing the lock button 140. When the user rotates only the button holder 170 without pressing the lock button 140, the inclined structure of the interference portion 175 can push the lock button 140 from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position when the button holder 170 rotates.

[0250] At this time, as described above, the interference portion 175 extends a protruding length in the direction opposite to the direction in which the button holder 170 rotates toward the button restraining position (counterclockwise in FIG. 39). As a result, when rotating the button holder 170, the force that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member S is dispersed, so that the user can move the lock button 140 together with the button holder 170 while rotating it without applying a large force.

[0251] As another example, the weight plate 160 or the knob body NB may have a screw thread on its outer periphery. The button holder 170 may have a screw thread on its outer periphery to be screwed onto the screw thread. As a result, the button holder 170 is screwed to the weight plate 160 or the knob body NB while continuously rotating together with the screw, and can have different rotation angles.

[0252] As another example, the weight plate 160 may be omitted, and the button holder 170 may be coupled only to the knob body NB. The button holder 170 can rotate while coupled to the knob body NB.

[0253] As another example, although not shown, the elastic member S may be omitted from the knob assembly 100. In this case, the user can manually move the lock button 140 from the second position to the first position. The user can return the actuation button 140 to the first position by pulling the lock button 140 or by grasping a separate gripping structure (not shown) provided on the lock button 140.

[0254] As another example, although not shown, the safety pin 150 may be omitted from the operating button 140, and a stopper 115 may protrude from the base part 110. In this case, when the lock button 140 is in the first position, the stopper 115 interferes with the surface of the lock button 140, and when the lock button 140 is in the second position, the stopper 115 does not interfere with the surface of the lock button 140.

[0255] In the above embodiment, the knob assembly 100 is described as being applied to a cooking appliance, but the knob assembly 100 may be applied to various electronic products such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, a styler, an air conditioner, a mixer, a dishwasher, etc.

[0256] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the scope of the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0257] 28 Heating device 30 Operation Panel 31 Front plate 70 Heating drive unit 71 Drive shaft 100 Knob Assembly 110 Base 115 Stopper 120 First knob body 123 Gripping part 125 Operation hole 130 Second knob body 131 Shaft joint 132 Axial connection hole 136 Support Plate 140 Lock Button 143 Operation section 150 safety pins 158 Pin section 160 weight plates 165 Pin passing hole 170 Button Holder 171 Holder body 172 Rotating guide 175 Interference part S Elastic member

Claims

1. a knob body that rotates around a drive shaft that protrudes from the operation panel and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft; a lock button having an operation portion exposed to the outside of the knob body; a safety pin disposed on the lock button to interlock with the lock button, the safety pin having a first position and a second position moved from the first position along a direction different from the axial direction; the safety pin in the first position interferes with the operation panel in the axial direction to limit axial movement of the knob body toward the operation panel; The safety pin in the second position is released from the axial interference with the operation panel, allowing the knob body to move axially toward the operation panel.

2. the safety pin in the first position is spaced a first distance from the operation panel or a base portion disposed on the operation panel with respect to the axial direction; the safety pin in the second position is spaced apart from the operation panel or the base by a second distance with respect to the axial direction; The knob assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

3. the safety pin moves along the axial direction together with the knob body and the safety button; The knob assembly of claim 1 , wherein the safety pin moves independently of the knob body along a direction different from the axial direction between the first position and the second position together with the lock button.

4. the lock button moves independently of the knob body between the first position and the second position along a direction different from the axial direction; The knob assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lock button rotates along with the knob body to a third position when the knob body rotates about the drive shaft.

5. An elastic member is provided inside the knob body, The knob assembly of claim 1 , wherein the elastic member provides an elastic force to the lock button in a direction that moves the lock button to the first position.

6. The safety pin protrudes from the lock button in the axial direction, The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the safety pin in the second position is spaced apart in the axial direction from the operation panel or a base portion disposed on the operation panel.

7. An operation hole penetrates the knob body in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the operation portion is exposed to the outside through the operation hole and forms part of the exterior of the knob body.

8. a base portion is disposed on the operation panel; The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the safety pin protrudes toward the base portion and interferes with the base portion in the axial direction at the first position.

9. a base portion is disposed on the operation panel; The base portion is provided with a stopper that interferes with the safety pin, The knob assembly of claim 1 , wherein the safety pin in the first position interferes with the stopper in the axial direction.

10. The knob body a first knob body having an internal space that is open toward the operation panel; a second knob body disposed in the internal space and adapted to rotate and move linearly together with the first knob body, The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first knob body has an operation hole extending therethrough to expose an operation portion of the lock button.

11. The second knob body includes a shaft coupling portion to which one end of the drive shaft is coupled, The knob assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the remaining portion of the second knob body excluding the shaft coupling portion and the lock button are disposed on opposite sides of the shaft coupling portion.

12. a base portion is disposed on the operation panel; the safety pin interferes with the base portion in the axial direction, The safety pin is a pin block connected to the lock button; The knob assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising: a pin portion protruding from the pin block toward the operation panel or the base portion.

13. a base portion is disposed on the operation panel; A stopper protrudes from the base portion in the axial direction, The safety pin and the stopper in the first position are aligned with each other along the axial direction; The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the safety pin and the stopper in the second position are arranged to be offset from each other along the axial direction.

14. a base portion is disposed on the operation panel; A weight plate is coupled to the knob body, and rotates and moves together with the knob body. The weight plate is formed with a pin passage hole through which the safety pin passes, The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the safety pin moves between the first position and the second position while passing through the pin passage hole.

15. a knob body that rotates around a drive shaft that protrudes from the operation panel and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft; a lock button that moves along a movement path in a direction different from the axial direction and restricts the axial movement of the knob body; a button holder disposed on the knob body and rotatable relative to the knob body; A knob assembly in which the button holder rotates about a rotation center concentric with the drive shaft, thereby limiting the movement of the lock button.

16. 16. The knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein the button holder has a button restraining position where it interferes with the lock button to restrict movement of the lock button, and a button releasing position where it rotates from the button restraining position to release interference with the lock button.

17. the lock button has a knob lock release position that allows the knob body to move in the axial direction; The knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein the button holder interferes with the lock button disposed in the knob unlock position in a button restraining position, thereby restraining the lock button in the knob unlocking position.

18. the lock button has a knob lock position where it interferes with the operation panel in the axial direction to restrict axial movement of the knob body, and a knob lock release position where it moves from the knob lock position along a direction different from the axial direction to allow axial movement of the knob body, The knob assembly of claim 15 , wherein the button holder rotates to move the lock button from the knob locked position to the knob unlocked position.

19. The button holder is A ring-shaped holder body, The knob assembly according to claim 15, further comprising: an interference portion provided on the holder body and disposed in a movement path of the lock button when the button holder is in a button restraining position.

20. A heating device; and a knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19 for operating the heating device.

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