Cooking apparatus

The cooking device incorporates a stopper and button mechanism to ensure the knob can only be rotated intentionally, addressing the issue of unintended heating and enhancing device safety and durability.

WO2025058199A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-20SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/009537
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-09-15
Filing Date
2024-07-05
Publication Date
2025-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cooking devices with knobs can malfunction, leading to unintended heating and potential fires or burns, due to improper operation of the knob.

Method used

A cooking device design that includes a stopper with a rotating portion to prevent knob rotation, a button that can be moved left and right, and a locking pin that is fixed to the button to move along with it, allowing the knob to rotate only when the button is pressed and the locking pin is released from the stopper.

Benefits of technology

This design prevents the knob from rotating unintentionally, thereby reducing the risk of fires and burns, and increases the durability of the device by preventing damage to components.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A cooking apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a housing; a heating source provided on one side of the housing; a control panel coupled to the housing; a knob which is rotatably attached to the control panel so as to operate the heating source and is movable backward; a stopper which is arranged between the control panel and the knob and comprises a rotation prevention portion preventing the rotation of the knob; a button coupled to the knob to be movable in left and right directions; and a locking pin which is accommodated in the rotation prevention portion and fixed to the button to be movable along with the button, wherein, as the button moves, the locking pin is separated from the rotation prevention portion, and while the knob is moved backward and the locking pin is separated from the rotation prevention portion, the knob is rotatable and the heating source can be operated due to the rotation of the knob.
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Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance including a knob.

[0002] In general, a cooking appliance is a home appliance that cooks food by having a cooking chamber, a heating device that applies heat to the cooking chamber, and a circulation device that circulates the heat generated by the heating device within the cooking chamber. Cooking appliances are devices that cook food by sealing and heating it, and can be generally classified as electric, gas, and electronic types depending on the heating source of the heating device. For example, an electric oven uses the heat from an electric heater as its heating source, a gas oven uses the heat from gas as its heating source, and a microwave oven can use the frictional heat of water molecules due to high frequency as its heating source.

[0003] The cooking appliance may be provided with a control panel located either on the front or top of the main body. The control panel may be provided with a number of buttons, keypads, and / or knobs configured to allow the user to set a desired cooking mode or various cooking conditions.

[0004] The control device controlling the heating device may be operated in a push-and-turn manner. A knob configured to operate the control device pressurizes the control shaft of the control device when pressed, and then the operation of the cooking device is controlled by a mechanism in which the knob is turned.

[0005] Meanwhile, if the user unintentionally presses and rotates the knob, the heating device may be activated, which may cause a fire or burn the user.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure may provide a cooking appliance capable of preventing malfunction of a knob.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure can provide a cooking appliance capable of preventing burns and fires caused by malfunction of a knob.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure can provide a cooking appliance having increased durability by preventing damage to components.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a cooking appliance includes a housing, a heating source provided on one side of the housing, a control panel coupled to the housing, a knob rotatably mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source and movable backward, a stopper disposed between the control panel and the knob and configured to prevent rotation of the knob, a button coupled to the knob to be movable in the left-right direction, and a locking pin received in the rotation preventing part and fixed to the button so as to move along the button, and as the button moves, the locking pin is detached from the rotation preventing part, and while the knob is moved backward and the locking pin is detached from the rotation preventing part, the knob is rotatable and can be configured so that the knob can be rotated to operate the heating source.

[0011] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may include a housing, a heating source provided on one side of the housing, a control panel coupled to the housing, a knob rotatably mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source, a button movably coupled to the knob, a stopper disposed between the control panel and the button and including a rotation preventing portion to prevent rotation of the knob, and a locking pin fixed to the button so as to be accommodated within the rotation preventing portion and preventing rotation of the knob while accommodated within the rotation preventing portion.

[0012] In one embodiment of the cooking appliance, the knob is movable between a first knob position in which rotation is prevented and a second knob position moved in the first direction from the first knob position, and the button is movable in a direction different from the first direction between a first button position in which the pin is locked to the stopper to prevent rotation of the knob and a second button position in which the pin is unlocked from the stopper, and while the knob is in the second knob position and the button is in the second button position, the knob can be rotated to operate the heating source.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a cooking appliance includes a housing, a heating source provided on one side of the housing, a control panel covering a front portion of the housing, a knob mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source and configured to be movable toward the control panel, a button movably coupled to the knob, a pin fixed to the button so as to be moved based on movement of the button, the pin having a first pin position and a second pin position moved from the first pin position based on movement of the button, and a stopper disposed between the button and the control panel, the stopper including a movement preventing portion that can contact the pin at the first pin position to prevent the knob from moving toward the control panel, and the knob can be rotatable based on movement of the knob toward the control panel and the pin being at the second pin position.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a front view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the combination of some components of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the combination of some components of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing some configurations of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing some configurations of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing some configurations of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing some configurations of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing some configurations of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing some configurations of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a stopper in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0040] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosure, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of this application.

[0041] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0042] In addition, the terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the disclosure, but do not preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] Additionally, in the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0044] Additionally, the term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0045] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0046] Furthermore, the meaning of "identical" in this disclosure includes having similar properties or being similar within a certain range. Furthermore, "identical" means "substantially identical." "Substantially identical" should be understood to include values ​​that fall within the manufacturing error range or values ​​that differ from a reference value within a range that has no significance.

[0047] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0048] Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cooking appliance according to one embodiment includes a housing (10). The housing (10) may include an outer housing (12) and an inner housing (11). The inner housing (11) and the outer housing (12) may each have a roughly box-shaped shape with an open front.

[0052] The cooking appliance (1) may include a cooktop (30) positioned at the top of the housing (10) and capable of heating a container containing food. The cooktop (30) may be equipped with at least one heating element (90a). A container containing food may be positioned within the heating element (90a) and directly heated.

[0053] The cooking appliance (1) may include a door (50) provided at the front of the housing (10) to open and close the cooking chamber (20). For example, the door (50) may open and close the opening (13a) of the front panel (13).

[0054] The housing (10) may include a front panel (13) forming the front of the housing (10), a side panel (14) forming the side of the outer housing (12), and a rear panel (15) forming the rear of the housing (10).

[0055] An opening (13a) is provided in the front panel (13), and a cooking chamber (20) provided inside the housing (10) can be opened and closed by the opening (13a).

[0056] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may further include a control panel (41). The control panel (41) may be positioned on the upper portion of the housing (10). A knob assembly (100) for operating a heating source (90) and a display module (60) for displaying operation information of the cooking appliance (1) may be coupled and / or mounted on the control panel (41). The control panel (41) may be positioned on the upper portion of the front panel (13) and may cover the front of the electrical compartment (40).

[0057] The control panel (41) may be disposed on at least a portion of the housing (10). According to one embodiment, the control panel (41) may be disposed on a front side of the housing (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control panel (41) may be disposed on an upper surface of the housing (10) or may form one surface of the housing (10).

[0058] The control panel (41) may be a component included in the housing (10).

[0059] An inlet (15a) may be provided on the rear panel (15) to allow air to be sucked into the electrical compartment (40). Air sucked into the electrical compartment (40) through the inlet (15a) may flow inside the electrical compartment (40) and cool electrical components. However, the location of the inlet (15a) is not limited thereto, and may be placed at any location that can suck in external air and guide it into the electrical compartment (40).

[0060] The cooking chamber (20) can be formed by a top plate (21), a bottom plate (22), two side plates (23), and a rear plate (24). The cooking chamber (20) is a cooking space, and the front is opened through an opening (13a) of the front panel (13) to allow food to be brought in and taken out.

[0061] A plurality of supports (25) may be provided on the inner surface of both side plates (23). At least one detachable rack (26) for placing food may be mounted on the plurality of supports (25).

[0062] A plurality of supports (25) may be provided with rails (not shown) to allow the rack (26) to slide. The user can move the rack (26) along the rails (not shown) to take out or place food.

[0063] A plurality of supports (25) may be detachably mounted with dividers (not shown) that can divide the cooking chamber (20) into multiple parts. The cooking chambers (20) divided into multiple parts by the dividers do not have to be of the same size, and may have different sizes.

[0064] Through this, the user can utilize the space of the cooking chamber (20) divided into multiple parts in various ways according to his / her intention. The divider is made of insulating material to insulate each cooking chamber (20).

[0065] A heater (90b) for heating food may be provided in the cooking chamber (20). The heater (90b) may be an electric heater including an electric resistor. However, the heater (90b) is not limited thereto and may also be a gas heater that generates heat by burning gas. That is, the cooking appliance (1) may include an electric oven and a gas oven.

[0066] The cooking appliance (1) may include a heating source (90). The heating source (90) may be configured to heat food.

[0067] The heating source (90) may include the heating unit (90a) and the heater (90b) mentioned above.

[0068] A circulation fan (28) that circulates the air in the cooking chamber (20) to evenly heat the food and a circulation motor (29) that drives the circulation fan (28) may be provided on the rear panel (24) of the cooking chamber (20).

[0069] A fan cover (28a) covering the circulation fan (28) may be provided on the front of the circulation fan (28), and an outlet hole (28b) may be formed in the fan cover (28a) to allow air to flow.

[0070] The front of the cooking chamber (20) is opened and closed by a door (50), and the door (50) can be connected to the housing (10) by a hinge (51) provided at the bottom of the housing (10) so as to be rotatable relative to the housing (10).

[0071] A handle (52) that a user can grip to open and close the cooking compartment (20) may be provided at the front upper portion of the door (50).

[0072] A display module (60) that displays various operation information of the cooking appliance (1) and allows the user to input operation commands can be mounted on a control panel (41) provided on the front upper portion of the front panel (13).

[0073] The display module (60) may include a display, and the display may display electrical information as visual information. The display may include a display panel that displays an image and a light source device that supplies light to the display panel, and an LED (light-emitting diode) may be used as the light source device.

[0074] The display module (60) may include a cover panel (61) provided in front of the display panel. The cover panel (61) may be a protective panel simply for protecting the display panel, or a touch panel that can receive a user's touch command.

[0075] A control panel (41) may be provided with a knob assembly (100) capable of operating the cooking appliance (1). The knob assembly (100) may be coupled and / or fastened to the control panel (41).

[0076] According to one embodiment, four knob assemblies (100) may be provided. However, the number of knob assemblies is not limited thereto.

[0077] Between the electric room (40) and the cooking room (20), an insulating material (20a) may be provided to insulate the electric room (40) and the cooking room (20) to prevent heat from the cooking room (20) from being transferred to the electric room (40).

[0078] The insulation (20a) can cover not only the space between the electric room (40) and the cooking room (20), but also the entire outside of the cooking room (20) to prevent heat from the cooking room (20) from being transferred to the outside of the cooking appliance (1).

[0079] Since the temperature inside the electrical compartment (40) may rise due to the heat of various electrical components, the cooking appliance (1) may be provided with a blower (70) that can cool the electrical compartment (40) by circulating air around the electrical compartment (40).

[0080] The blower (70) may include a blower fan (71) that circulates air, and an exhaust path (72) that is provided to discharge air sucked by the blower fan (71) toward the front of the cooking appliance (1).

[0081] The blower fan (71) can suck in air in an axial direction and then discharge it in a radial direction. That is, the blower fan (71) according to one embodiment may be a centrifugal fan. Alternatively, the blower fan (71) may include an axial fan.

[0082] Outside air can be sucked into the electric room (40) through the inlet (15a) formed in the rear panel (15), and the air sucked into the electric room (40) flows inside the electric room (40) and cools the electric components, and then can be discharged to the front of the cooking appliance (1) through the outlet (80) along the exhaust path (72).

[0083] The exhaust port (80) may include a space between the front panel (13) and the control panel (41). However, this is not limited thereto, and the exhaust port (80) may be provided in various positions and may have various shapes within the limit that air sucked in through the inlet port (15a) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (1).

[0084] A portion of the air inside the cooking chamber (20) can be sucked through the cooking chamber passage (73) toward the exhaust passage (72) and discharged to the front of the cooking appliance (1).

[0085] A bypass hole (74) can be formed in the exhaust passage (72) to introduce a portion of the air flowing from the exhaust passage (72) to the outlet (80) into the cooking chamber passage (73), and the bypass hole (74) can be opened and closed by an opening and closing device (75).

[0086] Since the amount of air flowing from the exhaust passage (72) to the exhaust port (80) into the cooking chamber passage (73) is controlled by the opening and closing of the bypass hole (74) by the opening and closing device (75), the amount of air exhausted from the cooking chamber (20) to the cooking chamber passage (73) can be controlled.

[0087] A door (50) that is rotatably coupled to the front of the housing (10) and opens and closes the cooking chamber (20) and the opening (13a) may include a plurality of glasses. A space may be formed between the plurality of glasses, and since external air may be introduced into the space and circulated, the door (50) may be heat-radiated.

[0088] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a front exploded perspective view of the knob assembly, and Fig. 5 is a rear exploded perspective view of the knob assembly. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a knob (110).

[0090] The knob (110) can be gripped by the user. The user can grip and rotate the knob (110). The knob (110) can be positioned in front of the control panel (41). The knob (110) can be exposed to the user.

[0091] The knob (110) can be moved in a first direction. For example, the knob (110) can be moved toward the control panel (41). For example, the first direction can be a direction from front to rear.

[0092] The knob (110) may be movable between a first knob position and a second knob position. For example, the knob (110) may be prevented from rotating in the first knob position and positioned in the second knob position by moving in the first direction. As will be described later, the knob (110) may be rotatable to operate the heating source (90) in the second knob position and the second button position of the button (120). The knob positions may correspond to shaft positions. For example, while the knob (110) is in the first knob position, the shaft (300) may be in the first shaft position, and while the knob (110) is in the second knob position, the shaft (300) may be in the second shaft position.

[0093] The knob (110) can be rotated relative to the control panel (41). The knob (110) can be rotated about a rotation shaft (300) as an axis, which will be described later. The user can operate the heating source (90) by rotating the knob (110).

[0094] The knob (110) may include a base (111), an extension (112), and a handle (113).

[0095] The base (111) may form a part of the knob (110). For example, the base (111) may form a front part, a periphery, of the knob (110). The base (111) may include a periphery (111a) and a fastening portion (111b).

[0096] The periphery (111a) may form the outer periphery of the knob (110). The periphery (111a) may be formed in a substantially circular shape. The fastening portion (111b) may protrude from the base (111) toward the button (120) and / or the weight (140). For example, the fastening portion (111b) may protrude rearward from the base (111). The knob (110), the button (120), and the weight (140) may be coupled to each other via a fastening member (190), and the fastening member (190) may be accommodated within the fastening member (111b) of the knob (110).

[0097] The extension (112) may extend from the base (111) toward the user. For example, the extension (112) may protrude forward from the top and bottom of the base (111) while not being rotated. Also, for example, the extension (112) may protrude forward from both ends of the base (111) while being rotated. By protruding the extension (112) forward, the knob (110) may form a button receiving portion (110a) and an opening (110b).

[0098] A handle (113) may be positioned at one end of the extension (112). The handle (113) may extend in one direction. For example, before the knob (110) is rotated, the handle (113) may extend in an up-and-down direction. A user may rotate the knob (110) by gripping the handle (113).

[0099] A button receiving portion (110a) and an opening (110b) may be formed within the knob (110). The button receiving portion (110a) may be an internal space formed by the base (111), the extension portion (112), and the handle (113). A button (120) may be received in the button receiving portion (110a). The button receiving portion (110a) may be a button receiving space (110a).

[0100] The opening (110b) can be formed open through an extension (112) and a handle (113) extending from the base (111). The opening (110b) of the knob (110) can be formed on both sides of the knob (110) while the knob (110) is not rotated. For example, the opening (110b) can be a side opening (110b). The opening (110b) has a pressing portion (121a, 122a) of a button (120) described later arranged therein, so that the user can press and push the button (120).

[0101] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a button (120). A user may press and push the button (120) to make the knob (110) rotatable. The button (120) may be positioned between the knob (110) and the control panel (41). For example, the button (120) may be positioned at the rear of the knob (110) and at the front of the control panel (41). The button (120) may be coupled and / or fixed to the knob (110) and may rotate together as the knob (110) rotates.

[0102] The button (120) can be moved in a direction different from the first direction. For example, the button (120) can be moved in the left-right direction. For example, the button can be moved in at least one of the second direction and the third direction. For example, the second direction and the third direction can be directions perpendicular to the first direction. The button (120) can include a plurality of button portions (121, 122). The plurality of button portions (121, 122) can include a first button portion (121) and a second button portion (122). The first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be spaced apart from each other in one direction. For example, the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The first button portion (121) can be arranged on the right side, and the second button portion (122) can be arranged on the left side. At this time, the button (120) may be before being rotated. However, multiple button portions may be formed as one, so that the button (120) may be formed as one button portion.

[0103] Each button portion (121, 122) can be moved in a second direction or a third direction. For example, the direction in which the first button portion (121) moves toward the second button portion (122) may be the second direction, and the direction in which the second button portion (122) moves toward the first button portion (121) may be the third direction. For example, before the button (120) is rotated, the second direction may be the left direction, and the third direction may be the right direction.

[0104] Each of the plurality of button portions (121, 122) may include a pressure portion (121a, 122a). The pressure portions (121a, 122a) may be provided on one side of the button portions (121, 122). A user may press and push the pressure portions (121a, 122a) to operate the button (120). For example, the pressure portions (121a, 122a) may have a flat shape. For example, the first button portion (121) may include a first pressure portion (121a), and the second button portion (122) may include a second pressure portion (122a).

[0105] Each of the plurality of button portions (121, 122) may include a guide portion (121b, 122b). The guide portions (121b, 122b) may guide the movement of the button portions (121, 122). The guide portions (121b, 122b) may be formed by bending from one end of the pressing portions (121a, 122a). For example, the guide portions (121b, 122b) may extend outward from the rear end of the pressing portions (121a, 122a). In this case, the outward direction may be a direction opposite to the direction in which the receiving portions (121d, 122d) are formed. For example, the inner direction may be the direction in which the first button portion (121) faces the second button portion (122), the direction in which the second button portion (122) faces the first button portion (121), and the outer direction may be the inner direction. For example, the first guide portion (121b) of the first button portion (121) may extend in a third direction (e.g., to the right) from the rear end of the first pressing portion (121a), and the second guide portion (122b) of the second button portion (122) may extend in a second direction (e.g., to the left) from the rear end of the second pressing portion (122a). The guide portions (121b, 122b) may be referred to as extension portions and / or bending portions.

[0106] Guide grooves (121e, 122e) may be formed in the guide portions (121b, 122b). For example, guide grooves (121e, 122e) may be formed in the rear portions of the guide portions (121b, 122b), and movement of the button (120) may be guided through guide rails formed in the weight (140) and corresponding to the guide grooves (121e, 122e). The guide grooves (121e, 122e) may be recessed from the guide portions (121b, 122b). For example, the first guide portion (121b) may include a first guide groove (121e), and the second guide portion (122b) may include a second guide groove (122e). The guide grooves (121e, 122e) may extend in the second direction and the third direction. For example, while the knob (110) is not rotated, each guide groove (121e, 122e) extends in the left-right direction and can be provided in multiple numbers in the up-down direction.

[0107] Each of the plurality of button portions (121, 122) may include a rack (121c, 122c). The racks (121c, 122c) may extend from the press portions (121a, 122a). For example, the racks (121c, 122c) may extend inward from the press portions (121a, 122a). In this case, the inward direction may be the direction in which the receiving portions (121d, 122d) are formed.

[0108] For example, the first button portion (121) may include a first rack (121c), and the second button portion (122) may include a second rack (122c). The first rack (121c) may extend from the first pressing portion (121a) toward the second pressing portion (122a), and the second rack (122c) may extend from the second pressing portion (122a) toward the first pressing portion (121a).

[0109] A pinion can be positioned between the first rack (121c) and the second rack (122c), and as the button (120) is pressed, the pinion can rotate between the first rack (121c) and the second rack (122c). Accordingly, the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can move linearly according to the first rack (121c), the second rack (122c), and the pinion (124).

[0110] For example, when the knob (110) is not rotated, the first rack (121c) may be positioned higher than the second rack (122c).

[0111] The button (120) may include a pinion (124). The pinion (124) may be positioned between the first rack (121c) and the second rack (122c) and may be rotatable. The pinion (124) may be mounted on a weight (140). The pinion (124) may be referred to as a gear.

[0112] Each of the plurality of button portions (121, 122) may include a receiving portion (121d, 122d). The receiving portions (121d, 122d) may extend from the pressing portions (121a, 122a). For example, the receiving portions (121d, 122d) may extend inward from the pressing portions (121a, 122a). The receiving portions (121d, 122d) may accommodate a spring (123).

[0113] For example, the first receiving portion (121d) of the first button portion (121) can extend in a second direction from the first pressing portion (121a) toward the second pressing portion (122a). The second receiving portion (122d) of the second button portion (122) can extend in a third direction from the second pressing portion (122a) toward the first pressing portion (121a). For example, the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be moved to a position where the first receiving portion (121d) and the second receiving portion (122d) come into contact.

[0114] A spring (123) may be arranged within the plurality of receiving portions (121d, 122d). For example, the plurality of receiving portions (121d, 122d) may have a cylindrical shape. For example, the first receiving portion (121d) may have a larger diameter than the second receiving portion (122d). The first receiving portion (121d) may cover the circumference of the second receiving portion (122d).

[0115] Each of the first receiving portion (121d) and the second receiving portion (122d) may be provided in multiples. The plurality of first receiving portions (121d) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and the plurality of second receiving portions may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0116] The button (120) may include a spring (123). The spring (123) may press the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) in a direction opposite to the direction in which they were compressed so that the plurality of button portions (121, 122) return to their original positions after being pressed and compressed. For example, while the first button portion (121) is pressed toward the second button portion (122) and the second button portion (122) is pressed toward the first button portion (121) (e.g., from the outside to the inside of the button) and while the user presses the button portions (121, 122) and when the pressing is finished, the spring (123) can provide elastic force to the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) in a direction opposite to the pressing direction so that the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can return to the position before the pressing.

[0117] Springs (123) may be arranged within a plurality of receiving portions (121d, 122d). A plurality of springs (123) may also be provided. A plurality of springs (123) may be arranged in the vertical direction.

[0118] Each of the plurality of button portions (121, 122) may include a position fixing portion (121f, 122f). The position fixing portions (121f, 122f) may contact the fastening portion (190) while the button (120) is coupled to the knob (110) and the weight (140) through the fastening portion (190) to prevent the position of the button (120) from being displaced. For example, even if a plurality of springs (123) press the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) outward, the positions of the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) may not be displaced due to the fastening portion (190) disposed in the position fixing portions (121f, 122f). The first button portion (121) may include a first position fixing portion (121f), and the second button portion (122) may include a second position fixing portion (122f).

[0119] The button (120) may include a pin engaging portion (125). A locking pin (130) may be engaged with the pin engaging portion (125) to restrict or permit movement of the knob (110). The pin engaging portion (125) may protrude from the guide portions (121b, 122b) toward the weight (140). For example, the pin engaging portion (125) may be formed on the first guide portion (121b). However, the position where the pin engaging portion (125) is formed is not limited to the above example and may be formed at various positions, such as being formed on the second guide portion (122b). For example, the pin engaging portions (125) may be formed on each of the first guide portion (121b) and the second guide portion (122b), so that a plurality of locking pins (130) may be fixed to the button (120).

[0120] The operation method and components of the button (120) are not limited to the above-described example. For example, it may be a surge-type structure in which a plurality of button portions (121, 122) operate simultaneously in response to pressing one of the button portions (121, 122).

[0121] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a locking pin (130). The locking pin (130) may be coupled, fixed, and / or mounted to a button (120). The locking pin (130) may extend in one direction. For example, the locking pin (130) may extend in a forward-backward direction.

[0122] The locking pin (130) can prevent and / or allow rotation of the knob (110). For example, since the locking pin (130) is fixed to the button (120), the knob (110) can be locked so that the knob (110) cannot be rotated even when the knob (110) and the shaft (300) are pressed backward while the button (120) is not pressed. The locking pin (130) may be referred to as a locking member (130) and a pin (130).

[0123] In addition, for example, since the locking pin (130) is fixed to the button (120), the locking pin (130) can also move as the button (120) is pressed. For example, the locking pin (130) can enter or exit the stopper groove (151). When the locking pin (130) comes out of the stopper groove (151) and the knob (110) moves forward a predetermined distance, the knob (110) can be rotated. In addition, the locking pin (130) can be moved within the guide hole (141a) of the weight (140).

[0124] In one embodiment, only one locking pin (130) is described, but multiple locking pins (130) may be provided. For example, multiple locking pins (130) may be respectively coupled to the first guide portion (121b) and the second guide portion (122b) and accommodated in multiple stopper grooves (151). Through this, the stability of the operation of the button (120) may be increased.

[0125] The locking pin (130) may be formed of a different material from the button (120). The locking pin (130) may be pressed into the stopper groove (151). In addition, the locking pin (130) and the button (120) may be formed integrally, and the locking pin (130) may be formed of the same material as the button (120).

[0126] For example, the button (120) may be formed integrally from a metal such as plastic or aluminum, and the locking pin (130) may be formed from a steel or plastic material.

[0127] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a weight (140).

[0128] The weight (140) may include a base (141). The base (141) may form a portion of the weight (140). For example, the base (141) may form the front and rear of the weight (140). The base (141) may include a circular shape.

[0129] The weight (140) may include a protrusion (143) and a pinion mounting portion (144). The protrusion (143) may protrude from the base (141) toward the button (120). For example, the protrusion (143) may protrude forward from the base (141). A portion of a shaft receiving portion (146a) may be formed on the inside of the protrusion (143) (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0130] The pinion mounting portion (144) may protrude from the front end of the protrusion (143). A pinion (124) may be mounted on the pinion mounting portion (144). The pinion mounting portion (144) may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the protrusion (143). The pinion mounting portion (144) may be a gear mounting portion.

[0131] The weight (140) may include a rail (142). The rail (142) may be a guide rail (142). The guide rail (142) may be formed to correspond to the guide grooves (121e, 122e) of the button (120). The guide rail (142) may be accommodated within the guide grooves (121e, 122e). For example, the movement of the button (120) may be guided through the guide rail (142) of the weight (140) and the guide grooves (121e, 122e) of the button (120).

[0132] The guide rail (142) may protrude forward from the base (141). The guide rail (142) may extend in one direction. For example, while the weight (140) is not rotated, the guide rail (142) may extend in the left-right direction. Additionally, the guide rail (142) may be provided in multiple positions along the vertical direction.

[0133] A guide hole (141a) may be formed in the weight (140). The guide hole (141a) may be formed in the base (141). The locking pin (130) is movable within the guide hole (141a), and the guide hole (141a) may guide the movement of the locking pin (130) so that the locking pin (130) can move stably in one direction. The guide hole (141a) may extend in one direction. For example, the guide hole (141a) may extend in the left and right directions.

[0134] A fastening hole (145) may be formed in the weight (140). A plurality of fastening holes (145) may be formed in the base (141). A fastening member (190) may pass through the fastening hole (145).

[0135] The weight (140) may include a shaft support (146). The shaft support (146) may accommodate a portion of the shaft (300) on the inside. A portion of the shaft receiving portion may be formed on the inside of the shaft support (146) (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The shaft support (146) may protrude rearwardly from the base (141).

[0136] The weight (140) may be formed through injection molding or pressing. The weight (140) may be composed of plastic. However, the forming method and material of the weight (140) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0137] The weight (140) may be referred to as a mounting member. For example, the weight (140) may be a first mounting member.

[0138] The weight (140) may be omitted when the knob (110), button (120), and locking pin (130) are combined. In other words, since the knob (110), button (120), and locking pin (130) can be combined regardless of the presence or absence of the weight (140), the manufacturing process is simplified and material costs are reduced, thereby reducing production costs.

[0139] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a fastening member (190). The fastening member (190) may fasten a knob (110), a button (120), and a weight (140). For example, the fastening member (190) may couple the knob (110), the button (120), and the weight (140) from the rear of the weight (140). However, the coupling method of the knob (110), the button (120), and the weight (140) is not limited to the above-described example.

[0140] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a stopper (150). The stopper (150) may be disposed between a weight (140) and a stopper holder (160). For example, the stopper (150) may be disposed at the rear of the weight (140) and at the front of the stopper holder (160). The stopper (150) may prevent or allow the knob (110) from rotating. For example, the knob (110) may not rotate while the locking pin (130) is disposed within the stopper groove (151), and the knob (110) may rotate in response to the locking pin (130) being disengaged from the stopper groove (151) and the knob (110) being pushed backward.

[0141] A hollow portion (150b) may be formed in the stopper (150). A shaft (300), etc., may pass through the hollow portion (150b). In addition, a locking pin (130) may be moved within the hollow portion (150b).

[0142] The stopper (150) may include a protruding wall (150c) that protrudes further inward than the peripheral wall (150a). The protruding wall (150c) may protrude toward the center and / or hollow portion (150b) of the stopper (150).

[0143] The stopper (150) may include a stopper groove (151). The stopper groove (151) may be formed in the protruding wall (150c). For example, the stopper groove (151) may be recessed in a direction toward the outside of the stopper (150) from the protruding wall (150c). The stopper groove (151) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the locking pin (130). The stopper groove (151) may accommodate the locking pin (130). For example, the locking pin (130) may be accommodated, arranged, positioned, or inserted within the stopper groove (151). While the locking pin (130) is accommodated in the stopper groove (151), even if the knob (110) and the shaft (300) are pressed backward, the knob (110) may not rotate.

[0144] The stopper (150) may include a mounting portion (152). The mounting portion (152) may allow the stopper (150) to be mounted on a stopper holder (160). The mounting portion (152) may protrude rearward from the rear wall (150d) of the stopper (150). The mounting portion (152) may be inserted into a mounting hole (165) of the stopper holder (160).

[0145] The mounting portion (152) may be provided in multiple forms. For example, a plurality of mounting portions (152) may be provided in the vertical direction. For example, the mounting portion (152) may be provided in a hook shape. The mounting portion (152) may be a mounting hook. However, the shape of the mounting portion (152) is not limited to the above-described example.

[0146] The stopper (150) may be formed of plastic or metal. However, the material forming the stopper (150) is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0147] The stopper (150) may be referred to as a mounting member. For example, the stopper (150) may be a third mounting member.

[0148] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a stopper holder (160). The stopper holder (160) may fix a stopper (150). The stopper (150) may be mounted on the stopper holder (160). The stopper holder (160) has a fixing portion (150a) provided at a central portion, and the stopper (150) may be mounted, mounted, and / or fixed on the fixing portion (150a).

[0149] The stopper holder (160) may be placed between the weight (140) and the holder cover (170). For example, the stopper holder (160) may be placed at the rear of the weight (140) and at the front of the holder cover (170).

[0150] A light source substrate (161) may be placed on the stopper holder (160). The light source substrate (161) may control a light source (not shown) placed on the stopper holder (160). The light source substrate (161) may be placed adjacent to the fixing portion (160a). For example, the light source substrate (161) may be placed around the fixing portion (160a).

[0151] A diffusion member (162) may be arranged in the stopper holder (160). The diffusion member (162) may diffuse light generated from a light source. The diffusion member (162) may diffuse light outside the knob assembly (100) to indicate that the knob assembly (100) is being operated. The diffusion member (162) may be arranged around the periphery of the fixing member (160a). The diffusion member (162) may be referred to as a diffusion member or a light diffusion member.

[0152] A fastening hole (145) may be formed in the stopper holder (160). A fastening member penetrating the fastening hole (145) may allow the stopper holder (160) to be coupled to the reinforcing plate (42) and the control panel (41).

[0153] The stopper holder (160) may include a hook (164). The hook (164) may protrude rearward to connect the stopper holder (160) to the holder cover (170). For example, the hook (164) may be inserted into the hook hole (173) of the holder cover (170).

[0154] A mounting hole (165) may be formed in the stopper holder (160). A mounting portion (152) of the stopper (150) may be inserted into the mounting hole (165). The mounting hole (165) may be formed corresponding to the mounting portion (152). A plurality of mounting holes (165) may be provided.

[0155] The stopper holder (160) may be referred to as a mounting member. For example, the stopper holder (160) may be a second mounting member.

[0156] A knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment may include a holder cover (170). The holder cover (170) may cover the periphery of a stopper holder (160). In addition, the holder cover (170) may fill a gap between a reinforcing plate (42) or a control panel (41) and the stopper holder (160). The holder cover (170) may be placed between the stopper holder (160) and the reinforcing plate (42) or the control panel (41).

[0157] The perimeter (171) of the holder cover (170) can cover the perimeter of the stopper holder (160). The hook (164) of the stopper holder (160) can be inserted into the hook hole (172) of the holder cover (170). The hook hole (172) can be formed to correspond to the hook (164). A mounting pin (173) can be formed at the rear of the holder cover (170). The mounting pin (173) can be inserted into a mounting hole (41c) provided in the control panel (41) to fix the holder cover (170) to the control panel (41). A plurality of mounting pins (173) can be provided. For example, a plurality of mounting pins (173) can be arranged in the left-right direction.

[0158] The holder cover (170) may be referred to as a mounting member. For example, the holder cover (170) may be a fourth mounting member. Additionally, the holder cover (170) may be a mounting member cover.

[0159] In one embodiment, the weight (140), the stopper (150), the stopper holder (160), and the holder cover (170) have been described separately, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the weight (140), the stopper (150), the stopper holder (160), and the holder cover (170) may be formed integrally. For example, a plurality of mounting members may be formed as a single mounting member.

[0160] The cooking appliance may include a reinforcing plate (42). The reinforcing plate (42) may be positioned between the control panel (41) and the holder cover (170) to reinforce the rigidity of the cooking appliance. A hole (42a) into which the holder cover (170) may be inserted may be formed in the reinforcing plate (42). The holder cover (170) may be positioned within the hole (42a). The reinforcing plate (42) may be made of glass. However, the reinforcing plate (42) may be omitted.

[0161] The control panel (41) may include a plurality of holes (41a, 41b, 41c), and a shaft (300) may pass through the first hole (41a). A fastening member for mounting a stopper holder (160) to the control panel (41) may pass through the second hole (41b). The fastening member passing through the second hole (41b) may pass through the regulator (200), and thus the stopper holder (160), the control panel (41), and the regulator (200) may be coupled. A mounting pin (173) of a holder cover (170) may be inserted into the third hole (41c).

[0162] The cooking appliance (1) may further include a regulator (200). The regulator (200) may be positioned at the rear of the control panel (41). The regulator (200) may operate the heating source in response to the rotation of the knob (110). The regulator (200) may also be configured to be included in the knob assembly (100).

[0163] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the combination of some components of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8, in a knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment, a knob (110), a button (120), a locking pin (130), and a weight (140) can be coupled. For example, a fastening member (190) can fasten the knob (110), the button (120), the locking pin (130), and the weight (140). However, the coupling method of the knob (110), the button (120), the locking pin (130), and the weight (140) is not limited to the above-described example.

[0165] In a knob assembly (100) according to one embodiment, a stopper (150), a stopper holder (160), and a holder cover (170) may be coupled. For example, the stopper (150), the stopper holder (160), and the holder cover (170) may be coupled by a hook (164) and a screw. However, the coupling method of the stopper (150), the stopper holder (160), and the holder cover (170) is not limited to the above.

[0166] The locking pin (130) and the stopper groove (151) may correspond to each other. The locking pin (130) may be accommodated in the stopper groove (151) or may be detached from the stopper groove (151). For example, while the button (120) is not pressed, the locking pin (130) is positioned within the stopper groove (151), and the knob (110) cannot be rotated. In addition, for example, in response to the button (120) being pressed, the locking pin (130) may be detached from the stopper groove (151), and the knob (110) may be rotatable.

[0167] The shaft (300) can be fixed to the weight (140). For example, the shaft receiving portion and the shaft (300) are formed to correspond to each other, so that the shaft (300) can be inserted into and fixed to the weight (140). For example, the shaft (300) can include a flat surface (300a), and the shaft receiving portion has a shape corresponding thereto, so that the shaft (300) can be fixed to the weight (140).

[0168] The shaft (300) is fixed to the weight (140) and can rotate together as the knob (110) rotates. For example, since the knob (110), the button (120), and the weight (140) are fastened through the fastening member (190), the shaft (300) can rotate along the knob (110).

[0169] When the button (120) is pressed in a side direction so that the locking pin (130) is released from the stopper groove (151), and the knob (110) is pressed backward so that the fixing projection (320) of the shaft (300) is released from the fixing groove (211a) so that the cam (240) electrically connects the plurality of terminals (201), the regulator (200) can transmit an electrical signal to the processor (1100) to operate the heating source (90) (see FIGS. 10 to 13).

[0170] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the combination of some components of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0171] Referring to Fig. 9, the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be moved in one direction as pressed by a user. For example, the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be moved in the left and right directions.

[0172] While the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) are pressed, the first button portion (121) can move toward the second button portion (122), and the second button portion (122) can move toward the first button portion (121). While the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) are not pressed, the first button portion (121) can move away from the second button portion (122), and the second button portion (122) can move away from the first button portion (121) due to the spring (123) arranged between the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122).

[0173] The button (120) may be guided in linear movement by the weight (140). The button (120) may be slidably moved relative to the weight (140). For example, a guide groove (121e, 122e) that is recessed forward may be formed in the guide portion (121b, 122b) of the button (120), and a guide rail (142) that protrudes forward from the base (141) of the weight (140) may be formed. Alternatively, a guide rail (142) that protrudes rearward from the guide portion (121b, 122b) of the button (120), and a guide groove (121e, 122e) that is recessed rearward from the base (141) of the weight (140) may be formed. In addition, the guide rail (142) may be formed in the knob (110). The guide home (121e, 122e) and the guide rail (142) can be formed to correspond to each other.

[0174] Even if the user presses the upper or lower portion of the pressing portion (121a, 122a) rather than the central portion or the entire pressing portion (121a, 122a), the button (120) can be moved linearly and stably through the guide grooves (121e, 122e) and the guide rail (142). For example, even if the user presses the upper or lower portion of the pressing portion (121a, 122a), the shaking of the button (120) can be minimized due to the guide grooves (121e, 122e) and the guide rail (142), and the button portion (121, 122) can be prevented from tilting upward or downward.

[0175] While the button (120) is linearly moved relative to the weight (140), the locking pin (130) can be moved within the guide hole (141a). The guide hole (141a) can guide the movement of the locking pin (130). The guide hole (141a) can extend in one direction. For example, the guide hole (141a) can extend in the left-right direction. The guide hole (141a) can be formed at a position corresponding to the locking pin (130).

[0176] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the regulator taken along line D-D' in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a regulator in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0177] FIGS. 10 to 13 illustrate a process in which a heating source (90) is controlled as a knob (110) is rotated in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include a control unit (1000). The control unit (1000) may include a processor (1100) and a memory (1200).

[0179] The processor (1100) may include a program (a plurality of instructions) for processing signals and providing control signals.

[0180] The memory (1200) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), and non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM) and Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM).

[0181] The memory (1200) may be provided integrally with the processor (1100) or may be provided as a semiconductor device separate from the processor (1100).

[0182] The processor (1100) may further include a processing core (e.g., a memory circuit and a control circuit) that processes signals based on a program or data stored in the memory (1200) and outputs control signals.

[0183] The regulator (200) may include a plurality of terminals (201), and when the plurality of terminals (201) are in contact with each other, the regulator (200) may generate a signal for the processor (1100) to receive.

[0184] The processor (1100) can control the heating source (90) to operate based on the user input detected by the regulator (200). For example, when the shaft (300) rotates by the rotation of the knob (110), the cam (240) rotates by the shaft (300), and the cam (240) can electrically connect a plurality of terminals (201) of the regulator (200) to each other, and at this time, the regulator (200) can generate a signal. The processor (1100) can turn on the heating source (90) based on the signal generated by the regulator (200).

[0185] However, in order for the shaft (300) to rotate and the cam (240) to rotate, the shaft (300) may be at the second shaft position. This is because, when the shaft (300) is at the first shaft position, the fixing projection (320) is received in the fixing groove (211a), thereby limiting the rotation of the shaft (300). Therefore, the shaft (300) must be moved from the first shaft position to the second shaft position so that the regulator (200) can operate. The shaft position may correspond to the knob position. For example, the first shaft position may correspond to the first knob position, and the second shaft position may correspond to the second knob position.

[0186] The cooking appliance (1) may include a regulator (200). The regulator (200) may include a case (210, 220, 230). The cases (210, 220, 230) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple cases (210, 220, 230) may form the exterior of the regulator (200).

[0187] The plurality of cases (210, 220, 230) may include a first case (210), a second case (220), and a third case (230).

[0188] The first case (210) may be positioned in front of the second and third cases. The first case may be combined with the third case to form an internal space within the case. The first case (210) may form one side of the regulator (200).

[0189] The first case (210) can cover the second case (220). The first case (210) can be configured to correspond to the second case (220).

[0190] A shaft hole (211) can be formed in the first case (210). A shaft (300) can pass through the shaft hole (211).

[0191] The shaft hole (211) may have a shape corresponding to the shaft (300) so that the shaft (300) can pass through it. For example, if the cross-section of the shaft (300) is circular, the shaft hole (211) may also have a cylindrical shape. In addition, for example, the shaft hole (211) may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter similar to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft (300).

[0192] A fixing groove (211a) may be formed in the first case (210). A fixing projection (320) of the shaft (300) may be inserted into the fixing groove (211a). The fixing groove (211a) may be positioned in the first case (210).

[0193] The fixed groove (211a) can be sunk in one direction from the shaft hole (211). The fixed groove (211a) can be sunk in the radial direction from the shaft hole (211).

[0194] The fixed groove (211a) may have a shape corresponding to that of the fixed protrusion (320). The fixed protrusion (320) may be accommodated in the fixed groove (211a). While the fixed protrusion (320) is accommodated in the fixed groove (211a), the movement of the fixed protrusion (320) is restricted, thereby preventing rotation of the shaft (300). At this time, the shaft (300) may be at the first shaft position.

[0195] However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and a fixing projection (320) may be positioned on the first case (210), and a fixing groove (211a) may be positioned on the shaft (300).

[0196] The second case (220) may be positioned forward of the third case (230). The second case (220) may be positioned between the first case and the third case. The second case may be positioned in the internal space formed by the first case and the third case. The second case (220) may have the shape of a flat plate having a predetermined thickness. However, the shape and thickness of the second case (220) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0197] When the cases (210, 220, 230) have the shape of a rectangular solid, the third case (230) may have a configuration defining five faces of the rectangular solid.

[0198] The regulator (200) may include a shaft (300). The shaft (300) may be configured to rotate relative to the case (210, 220, 230). The shaft (300) may extend in one direction. For example, the shaft (300) may extend in the forward-backward direction. Additionally, for example, the cross-section of the shaft (300) may be approximately cylindrical.

[0199] The shaft (300) can penetrate the first case (210). The shaft (300) can move along the extension direction of the shaft (300) inside the case (210, 220, 230).

[0200] The shaft (300) may include a shaft body (310). The shaft body (310) may extend in one direction. For example, the shaft body (310) may extend in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the shaft body (310) may be inserted into the case (21, 220, 230).

[0201] As the knob (110) moves and is pressed, the shaft body (310) may also move and be pressed. For example, in response to the knob (110) and the shaft body (310) moving a predetermined distance (D0), the cam (240) may electrically connect the terminal (201) inside the case (210, 220, 230), and the regulator (200) may generate an electrical signal to transmit the signal to the processor (1100).

[0202] The shaft (300) may include a fixing protrusion (320). The fixing protrusion (320) may prevent rotation of the shaft (300). The fixing protrusion (320) may protrude radially from the shaft body (310). The fixing protrusion (320) may be accommodated in a fixing groove (211a). While the fixing protrusion (320) is accommodated in the fixing groove (211a), the fixing protrusion (320) may contact the first case (210), thereby limiting rotation of the shaft (300).

[0203] The fixed protrusion (320) may have a shape corresponding to the fixed groove (211a). The fixed protrusion (320) may have a shape similar to the fixed groove (211a).

[0204] The fixed projection (320) can protrude from the shaft body (310) to be received in the fixed groove (211a) while the shaft (300) is in the first shaft position. The fixed projection (320) can be detached from the fixed groove (211a) while the shaft (300) is in the second shaft position.

[0205] The shaft (300) may include a shaft flange (330). The shaft flange (330) may be configured to contact the second case (220) or the first case (210) when the shaft (300) moves forward or backward.

[0206] The shaft flange (330) may protrude radially from the shaft body (310). The shaft flange (330) may extend circumferentially from the shaft body (310).

[0207] The shaft (300) can be prevented from moving forward by the cases (210, 220, 230). For example, the shaft flange (330) can prevent the shaft (300) from moving forward by coming into contact with the first case (210) when the shaft (300) moves forward.

[0208] The shaft flange (330) may have a home stopper (331). The home stopper (331) may prevent rotation of the shaft (300) while the shaft (300) is in the first shaft position.

[0209] The home stopper (331) may be positioned on the shaft flange (330). The home stopper (331) may be recessed from the outer diameter of the shaft flange (330) toward the rotational axis of the shaft (300).

[0210] The home stopper (331) may accommodate a home stopper catch (112). The home stopper catch (112) may be included in the first case (210). The home stopper catch (112) may protrude toward the rear. The home stopper catch (112) may protrude toward the second case (220). The home stopper catch (112) may have a shape corresponding to the home stopper (331).

[0211] The home stopper catch (112) can be accommodated in the home stopper (331) when the shaft (300) is in the first shaft position. Accordingly, when the shaft (300) is in the first shaft position and an attempt is made to rotate the shaft (300), the home stopper catch (112) can limit the rotation of the shaft (300) by contacting the shaft flange (330).

[0212] The home stopper engaging portion (112) can be detached from the home stopper (331) when the shaft (300) is in the second shaft position. Accordingly, when the shaft (300) is rotated when the shaft (300) is in the second shaft position, the home stopper engaging portion (112) can rotate without any contacting structure.

[0213] The shaft (300) can be prevented from moving backward by the cases (210, 220, 230). For example, the shaft flange (330) can prevent the shaft (300) from moving backward by coming into contact with the second case (220) when the shaft (300) moves backward.

[0214] Therefore, the shaft flange (330) can prevent the shaft (300) from being detached from the case (210, 220, 230).

[0215] The shaft (300) can be positioned at the first shaft position. While the shaft (300) is positioned at the first shaft position, the fixing projection (320) can be accommodated in the fixing groove (211a). For example, the fixing projection (320) can protrude from the shaft body (310) to be accommodated in the fixing groove (211a) while the shaft (300) is positioned at the first shaft position.

[0216] The shaft (300) may be at a second shaft position. While the shaft (300) is positioned at the second shaft position, the fixing projection (320) may be spaced apart from the fixing groove (211a) by a working distance.

[0217] While the shaft (300) is in the second shaft position, the cam (240) may rotate with the shaft (300) so that the regulator (200) can detect user input. The cam (240) may be adjacent to the shaft (300) so that the shaft (300) may be inserted.

[0218] The shaft (300) may include an anti-rotation protrusion (340). The anti-rotation protrusion (340) may be provided so as to be rotatable together with the cam (240) while being accommodated in the cam (240). For example, the anti-rotation protrusion (340) may be formed to correspond to the cam (240), so that the cam (240) rotates together without spinning while the shaft (300) rotates.

[0219] The regulator (200) may include a cam (240). The cam (240) may be configured to receive rotational force from a shaft (300). The cam (240) may rotate together with the shaft (300). The cam (240) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the third case (230). Accordingly, the cam (240) may be rotatable while being supported by the third case (230).

[0220] The regulator (200) may include a terminal (201). The terminal (201) may be configured to allow electricity to flow. While a plurality of terminals (201) are electrically connected to each other, the regulator (200) may generate a signal based on a user input.

[0221] The cam (240) can make contact with a plurality of terminals arranged inside the case (210, 220, 230), and when the plurality of terminals are contacted, the regulator (200) can output a signal corresponding to the user input.

[0222] The regulator (200) may include a shaft elastic member (301). The shaft elastic member (301) may be configured to urge the shaft (300) forward. The shaft elastic member (301) may be positioned between the shaft (300) and the cam (240).

[0223] The shaft elastic member (301) may be configured to press the shaft (300) so that the fixing protrusion (320) of the shaft (300) is positioned in the fixing groove (211a). The shaft elastic member (301) may press the anti-rotation protrusion (340). The shaft elastic member (301) may be in contact with the anti-rotation protrusion (340). The shaft elastic member (301) may be compressed by the shaft (300), thereby pressing the shaft (300) in the opposite direction to which it is compressed.

[0224] A user can generate a signal from the regulator (200) by applying pressure and rotating the shaft (300). If the user wishes to stop generating a signal from the regulator (200), the user can release the pressure from the shaft (300) to return the shaft (300) to its original position.

[0225] For example, the shaft elastic member (301) may include a compression spring.

[0226] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a front view of a knob and button as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a front view of a stopper as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, the knob (110) cannot be rotated until the button (120) is not linearly moved. For example, the knob (110), the button (120), and the locking pin (130) are coupled, and even if the knob (110) is attempted to be rotated, the rotation of the locking pin (130) is restricted by the walls (150a, 150c) of the stopper (150), so that the locking pin (130) cannot be rotated in the stopper groove (151). At this time, while the button (120) is not moved and pressed, the button (120) can be positioned at the first button position (P1). For example, while the button portions (121, 122) are not moved and pressed, the button portions (121, 122) can be positioned at the first button position (P1). For example, at the first button position (P1), the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) may have a predetermined distance (D1). In addition, while the button (120) is not moved or pressed, the locking pin (130) may also be positioned at the first pin position (P1). For example, while the button portions (121, 122) are not moved or pressed, the locking pin (130) may be positioned at the first pin position (P1). The button position and the pin position may correspond. For example, while the button (120) is at the first button position (P1), the pin (130) may be at the first pin position (P1), and while the button (120) is at the second button position (P2), the pin (130) may be at the second pin position (P2).

[0228] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a front view of a knob and button as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 17 is a front view of a stopper as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0229] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, a button (120) may be moved from a first button position (P1) to a second button position (P2) as it is pressed by a user. For example, the button portions (121, 122) may be moved from the first button position (P1) to the second button position (P2) as it is pressed by a user. The second button position (P2) of the button portions (121, 122) may be a position where the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) are closer to each other than the first button position (P1). For example, at the second button position (P2), the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) may be in contact, or the first receiving portion (121d) and the second receiving portion (122d) may be in contact. Additionally, the locking pin (130) can also be moved from the first button position (P1) to the second button position (P2) as the button (120) is pressed by the user. The second button position (P2) of the locking pin (130) may be a position separated and detached from the stopper groove (151). For example, at the second button position (P2), the locking pin (130) may be located on the hollow portion (or receiving space, 150b) side of the stopper (150).

[0230] The first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be linearly moved from the first button position (P1) to the second button position (P2) via the respective racks (121c, 122c) and pinions (124). As the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) are linearly moved, the locking pin (130) fixed to the first button portion (121) can also be linearly moved from the first button position (P1) to the second button position (P2). As the locking pin (130) is linearly moved, it can be moved into and out of the stopper groove (151). As the locking pin (130) is moved into and out of the stopper groove (151), the knob (110) can be made rotatable.

[0231] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 18 is a front view of a knob and button as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 19 is a front view of a stopper as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0232] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, the knob (110) can be rotated at the second position (P2) of the button (120) and the locking pin (130). Since the locking pin (130) is moved and removed from the stopper groove (151), the knob (110) can be rotated. For example, a user can rotate the knob (110) in one direction while moving the knob (110) toward the control panel (41) to the second position and moving the button (120) to the second button position (P2). For example, the knob (110) can be rotated clockwise when viewed from the front of the cooking appliance.

[0233] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 20 is a front view of a knob and button as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 21 is a front view of a stopper as seen from the front of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0234] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, a button (120) and a locking pin (130) may move from a second position (P2) to a first position (P1) as the user's pressure is removed. For example, the button portions (121, 122) and the locking pin (130) may move from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) as the user's pressure is removed.

[0235] The first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) can be linearly moved from the second button position (P2) to the first button position (P1) through the respective racks (121c, 122c) and pinions (124). As the first button portion (121) and the second button portion (122) are linearly moved, the locking pin (130) fixed to the first button portion (121) can also be linearly moved from the second pin position (P2) to the first pin position (P1). As the locking pin (130) is linearly moved, it can be positioned adjacent to the peripheral wall (150a) of the stopper (150). However, at this time, the locking pin (130) can be spaced apart from the peripheral wall (150a) of the stopper (150) by a predetermined distance without contacting it. Accordingly, even if the knob (110) is rotated without the button (120) being pressed, friction and damage due to the locking pin (130) and the peripheral wall (150a) of the stopper (150) coming into contact with each other can be prevented. As friction and damage of the locking pin (130) and the stopper (150) are prevented, the service life of the locking pin (130) and the stopper (150) can be extended.

[0236] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, the knob (110) can be continuously rotated at the first position (P1) of the button (120) and the locking pin (130). At this time, even if the knob (110) is rotated, the locking pin (130) can be spaced apart from the peripheral wall (150a) of the stopper (150) without coming into contact with it, and damage caused by the locking pin (130) and the peripheral wall (150a) of the stopper (150) coming into contact with each other can be prevented. As friction and damage of the locking pin (130) and the stopper (150) are prevented, the service life of the locking pin (130) and the stopper (150) can be extended.

[0238] Thereafter, the user can turn off the heating source by turning the knob (110) counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the cooking appliance. At this time, even if the user does not separately press the button (120), the locking pin (130) can be guided by the slope formed on the protruding wall (150c) and inserted back into the stopper groove (151).

[0239] Through the process of FIGS. 14 to 23, the knob (110) can be rotated by moving it toward the control panel (41) and moving the button (120) and the locking pin (130) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). Therefore, since two movement mechanisms are required to rotate the knob (110), malfunction of the knob (110) can be prevented. Since malfunction of the knob (110) is prevented, the heating source can be prevented from operating when the user does not want it, thereby reducing the risk of burns and fire to the user.

[0240] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a stopper in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 24, in a cooking appliance according to one embodiment, a stopper (150) may include a movement prevention member (153). The movement prevention member (153) may protrude from a peripheral wall (150a) of the stopper (150) toward the inside of the stopper (150).

[0242] The locking pin (130) may come into contact with the movement prevention unit (153). For example, when the user presses the knob (110) toward the control panel (41) without pressing the button (120), the locking pin (130) may come into contact with the movement prevention unit (153). At this time, the distance between the locking pin (130) and the movement prevention unit (153) may be shorter than the length of the fixing protrusion (320) of the shaft (300). For example, since the distance between the locking pin (130) and the movement prevention unit (153) is shorter than the length of the fixing protrusion (320) of the shaft (300), the locking pin (130) and the movement prevention unit (153) may come into contact with each other before the fixing protrusion (320) comes out of the fixing groove (211a) and the shaft (300) reaches the second shaft position at which it can rotate. The movement prevention part (153) can be a support part.

[0243] While the user presses the button (120), the locking pin (130) moves toward the hollow portion (150b) of the stopper (150), so that even if the knob (110) is pressed toward the control panel (41), the locking pin (130) may not come into contact with the movement prevention portion (153). Since the locking pin (130) does not come into contact with the movement prevention portion (153), the fixing projection (320) can come out of the fixing groove (211a), and the shaft (300) can reach the second shaft position where it can rotate.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the knob (110) can be rotated by moving the knob (110) toward the control panel (41) and moving the button (120) and the locking pin (130) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2). Therefore, since two movement mechanisms are required to rotate the knob (110), malfunction of the knob (110) can be prevented. Since malfunction of the knob (110) is prevented, the heating source can also be prevented from operating when the user does not want it, thereby reducing the risk of burns and fire to the user.

[0245] At this time, for example, the locking pin (130) according to one embodiment may be shorter than the locking pin (130) described in FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0246] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance is provided in which malfunction of the knob can be prevented by moving the knob and button to turn on the heating source by rotating the knob.

[0247] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance is provided that can prevent fire and burns caused by malfunction of a knob, since malfunction of the knob can be prevented.

[0248] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking appliance that minimizes contact between a stopper and a locking pin, thereby minimizing damage to the stopper and locking pin and increasing durability.

[0249] The effects according to one aspect of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0250] According to one embodiment, a cooking appliance includes a housing (10), a heating source (90) provided on one side of the housing, a control panel (41) coupled to the housing, a knob (110) rotatably mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source and movable backward, a stopper (150) including a rotation preventing portion (151) disposed between the control panel and the knob and configured to prevent rotation of the knob, a button (120) movably coupled to the knob in the left-right direction, and a locking pin (130) received in the rotation preventing portion and fixed to the button so as to move along the button, and as the button moves, the locking pin is detached from the rotation preventing portion, and while the knob is moved backward and the locking pin is detached from the rotation preventing portion, the knob is rotatable and can be configured so that the knob can be rotated to operate the heating source.

[0251] A cooking appliance in which the knob is prevented from rotating while the locking pin is received in the anti-rotation member.

[0252] The locking pin (130) is movable between a first pin position (P1) where the rotation of the knob is locked by being accommodated in the rotation preventing portion and a second pin position (P2) where the rotation of the knob is unlocked by being released from the rotation preventing portion, and the rotation preventing portion includes a stopper groove (151) where the locking pin is accommodated at the first pin position of the locking pin, and while the button is moved left and right, the locking pin can be moved from the first pin position to the second pin position so that the locking pin is released from the stopper groove.

[0253] The button is configured to rotate along the knob at the second pin position of the locking pin, and after the knob and the button are rotated by a predetermined angle, the locking pin can be moved to the first pin position.

[0254] After the knob and the button are rotated by a predetermined angle, the knob and the button may be rotatable while the locking pin is in the first pin position.

[0255] The above stopper (150) may include a hollow portion (150b), an inner wall (150a) forming the hollow portion, and a protruding wall (150c) protruding from the inner wall and forming the stopper groove.

[0256] The button (120) may include a first pressing portion (121a) and a second pressing portion (122a) arranged along one direction, a first rack (121c) extending from the first pressing portion toward the second pressing portion, a second rack (122c) extending from the second pressing portion toward the first pressing portion, and a pinion (124) arranged between the first rack and the second rack so as to be rotatable in response to the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion being pressed.

[0257] The above button (120) may further include a spring (123) disposed between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion to press the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion.

[0258] The control panel is arranged at the front of the housing, and the button (120) may include a first guide portion (121b) extending in the left-right direction from the rear end of the first pressurizing portion, a second guide portion (122b) extending in the left-right direction from the rear end of the second pressurizing portion, and a guide groove (121e, 122e) formed in the guide portion in the left-right direction so as to guide the movement of the first pressurizing portion and the second pressurizing portion.

[0259] It may further include a weight (140) placed in front of the stopper, and the weight may include a base (141) and a guide rail (142) protruding from the base toward the button and provided in the left and right direction to be inserted into the guide groove.

[0260] The above knob (110) includes a receiving space (110a) configured to receive the button, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion can be exposed from the receiving space and pressurized.

[0261] A cooking appliance further comprising a weight (140) disposed in front of the stopper, wherein the weight (140) comprises a base (141), a pinion mounting portion (144) protruding from the base so that the pinion is mounted, and a guide hole (141a) formed in the base so as to guide movement of the locking pin.

[0262] A cooking appliance further comprising a stopper holder (160) coupled to the control panel to fix the stopper, wherein the stopper holder (160) comprises a fixing portion (160a) to which the stopper is fixed, a light source substrate (161) disposed on the outside of the fixing portion and to which a light source is electrically connected, and a light diffusion portion (162) disposed on the outside of the fixing portion to diffuse light emitted from the light source.

[0263] The control panel covers a front portion of the housing, the knob is movable between a first knob position and a second knob position moved rearward from the first knob position, the cooking appliance further includes a regulator (200) arranged at the rear of the control panel to operate the heating source in accordance with rotation of the knob, a shaft (300) coupled to the regulator to be movable to a first shaft position in which rotation of the knob with respect to the regulator is restricted at the first knob position and a second shaft position rotatable with respect to the regulator at the second knob position of the knob to operate the heating source, a fixing protrusion (320) protruding from the shaft in a radial direction of the shaft, and a fixing groove (211a) formed in the regulator to receive the fixing protrusion while the shaft is positioned at the first shaft position, and based on movement of the knob toward the control panel, the shaft can be moved to the second shaft position.

[0264] The regulator may further include a processor (1100) configured to generate a signal based on the rotation of the knob and operate the heating source in response to the signal generated by the regulator.

[0265] A cooking appliance according to one embodiment may include a housing (10), a heating source (90) provided on one side of the housing, a control panel (41) coupled to the housing, a knob (110) rotatably mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source, a button (120) movably coupled to the knob, a stopper (150) disposed between the control panel and the button and including a rotation preventing portion (151) to prevent rotation of the knob, and a locking pin (130) fixed to the button so as to be accommodated in the rotation preventing portion and preventing rotation of the knob while accommodated in the rotation preventing portion.

[0266] The above button may include a first pressing portion (121a), a second pressing portion (122a), and a spring (123) disposed between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion so that the locking pin moves from the unlocking position to the locking position.

[0267] The button may include a first rack (121c) extending from the first pressurizing portion toward the second pressurizing portion, a second rack (122c) extending from the second pressurizing portion toward the first pressurizing portion, and a pinion (124) arranged between the first rack and the second rack so as to be rotatable based on the first pressurizing portion and the second pressurizing portion being pressed.

[0268] According to one embodiment, a cooking appliance comprises a housing (10), a heating source (90) provided on one side of the housing, a control panel (41) covering a front portion of the housing, a knob (110) mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source and configured to move toward the control panel, a button (120) movably coupled to the knob, a pin (130) fixed to the button so as to move based on movement of the button, the pin having a first pin position (P1) and a second pin position (P2) moved from the first pin position based on movement of the button, and a stopper (150) disposed between the button and the control panel and including a movement preventing part (153) that can come into contact with the pin at the first pin position to prevent the knob from moving toward the control panel, wherein the knob (110) is moved toward the control panel (41) and the pin (120) is at the second pin position. Based on this, the knob may be rotatable.

[0269] The above stopper (150) includes a hollow portion (150b) and a wall (150a) forming the hollow portion, and the movement prevention portion protrudes from the wall toward the hollow portion and may not come into contact with the pin at the second pin position of the pin.

[0270] The above has illustrated and described specific embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical ideas of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Housing; A heating source provided on one side of the above housing; A control panel coupled to the above housing; A knob rotatably mounted on the control panel to operate the heating source and move backwards; A stopper including a rotation prevention part arranged between the control panel and the knob and configured to prevent rotation of the knob; A button coupled to the above knob so as to be moved left and right; and A locking pin is included which is received in the above rotation prevention member and is fixed to the button so as to move along the button; As the above button is moved, the above locking pin is disengaged from the above anti-rotation member, While the knob is moved rearward and the locking pin is disengaged from the anti-rotation member, the knob is rotatable; A cooking appliance configured such that the above knob can be rotated to operate the heating source.

2. In paragraph 1, A cooking appliance wherein the knob is prevented from rotating while the locking pin is received in the anti-rotation member.

3. In paragraph 2, The above locking pin, The knob is movable between a first pin position where the rotation of the knob is locked by being accommodated within the anti-rotation portion and a second pin position where the rotation of the knob is unlocked by being released from the anti-rotation portion. The above anti-rotation part is, including a stopper groove in which the locking pin is received at the first pin position of the locking pin; A cooking appliance wherein the locking pin moves from the first pin position to the second pin position so that the locking pin is released from the stopper groove while the button is moved left and right.

4. In paragraph 3, The above button is configured to rotate along the knob at the second pin position of the above locking pin, A cooking appliance in which the locking pin is movable to the first pin position after the knob and the button are rotated by a predetermined angle.

5. In paragraph 4, A cooking appliance in which the knob and the button are rotatable while the locking pin is in the first pin position after the knob and the button have been rotated a predetermined angle.

6. In paragraph 3, The above stopper, the central government; Inner wall forming the above hollow portion; A cooking appliance comprising a protruding wall protruding from the inner wall and in which the stopper groove is formed.

7. In paragraph 3, The above button is, First pressurizing portion and second pressurizing portion arranged along one direction; A first rack extending from the first pressurizing portion toward the second pressurizing portion; A second rack extending from the second pressurizing portion toward the first pressurizing portion; and A cooking appliance including a pinion disposed between the first rack and the second rack so as to be rotatable in response to the first pressurizing portion and the second pressurizing portion being pressurized.

8. In paragraph 7, The above button is, A cooking appliance further comprising a spring disposed between the first pressurizing portion and the second pressurizing portion and pressurizing the first pressurizing portion and the second pressurizing portion.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control panel is placed at the front of the housing, The above button is, A first guide section extending in the left and right directions from the rear end of the first pressurizing section; A second guide section extending in the left and right directions from the rear end of the second pressurizing section; and A cooking appliance including a guide groove formed in the guide section in the left-right direction so as to guide the movement of the first pressurizing section and the second pressurizing section.

10. In paragraph 9, Further comprising a weight disposed in front of the above stopper; The above weights are, Base; and A cooking appliance including a guide rail which protrudes from the base toward the button and is provided in the left and right directions to be inserted into the guide groove.

11. In paragraph 7, The above knob includes a receiving space configured to receive the button, A cooking appliance in which the first pressurized portion and the second pressurized portion are exposed from the receiving space and capable of being pressurized.

12. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a weight disposed in front of the above stopper; The above weights are, base; a pinion mounting portion protruding from the base so that the pinion is mounted; and A cooking appliance including a guide hole formed in the base to guide movement of the locking pin.

13. In paragraph 12, Further comprising a stopper holder coupled to the above control panel to secure the stopper, The above stopper holder, A fixed part to which the above stopper is fixed; A light source substrate arranged on the outside of the above-mentioned fixed part and to which a light source is electrically connected; and A cooking appliance including a light diffusion part arranged outside the fixed part to diffuse light emitted from the light source.

14. In paragraph 1, The above control panel covers a portion of the front of the housing, The above knob is movable between a first knob position and a second knob position moved rearward from the first knob position, The above cooking appliance, A regulator positioned at the rear of the control panel to operate the heating source according to the rotation of the knob; A shaft coupled to the regulator so as to be movable to a first shaft position in which rotation relative to the regulator is restricted in the first knob position of the knob and to a second shaft position in which rotation relative to the regulator is possible in the second knob position of the knob to operate the heating source; a fixed projection protruding radially from the shaft; and further comprising a fixing groove formed in the regulator so that the fixing projection is received while the shaft is positioned at the first shaft position; A cooking appliance wherein the shaft is moved to the second shaft position based on the movement of the knob toward the control panel.

15. In paragraph 14, Based on the rotation of the above knob, the regulator generates a signal, A cooking appliance further comprising a processor configured to operate the heating source in response to a signal generated by the regulator.

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