Knob assembly with a rotary control element for an oven

Abstract

The invention relates to a knob assembly for a cooking appliance comprising a front panel (10); an opening (14) provided on the front wall (12) of the front panel (10), and a centering ring (20) provided behind the front panel (10). The knob assembly comprises a front extension (22) of the centering ring (20) that radially fits into the opening (14), and at least one tab (28) extending from the rear of the centering ring (20) towards a support frame (30), corresponding to at least one mounting slot (34) provided on an aperture (32) of the support frame (30).

Description

[0001] KNOB ASSEMBLY WITH A ROTARY CONTROL ELEMENT FOR AN OVEN

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a knob assembly provided in a cooking appliance, particularly in an oven.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The functions of cooking appliances, particularly ovens, are typically controlled via a rotary control element. These rotary control elements are generally connected to a thermostat or an electronic circuit element from the rear to manage the functions. In order to ensure the longevity and compact structure of the rotary control element, it is secured via a ring. However, when rotational force is applied to the rotary control element, the ring may flex, which shortens the component’s lifespan and results in cost disadvantages.

[0006] W02016050799A1 describes a household appliance that includes a body, a panel provided on the body, and multiple buttons made of plastic located on the panel. The button includes a cap, which has a front wall forming the button’s front surface, at least one first securing hole on the inner surface, and a side wall surrounding the front wall. The button’s circular support fits onto the panel and includes first securing holes and second securing holes on each projection, and at least one second securing hole on each projection, which engages when a securing element is fixed.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a compact knob assembly that prevents the rotary adjustment knob from getting stuck during rotation.

[0009] In order to achieve the above objective, the invention relates to a knob assembly for a cooking appliance, which includes a front panel, an opening provided on the front wall of the front panel, and a centering ring provided behind the front panel. The knob assembly contains a front extension that radially fits into the opening and at least one tab extending from the rear of the centering ring towards a support frame. The tabs correspond to at least one mounting slot provided on an aperture of the support frame. This ensures that the centering ring surrounding the rotary control element resists inward flexing caused by the force applied during rotational movement.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the centering ring includes a locking tongue that engages with a channel provided on the support frame. This limits the movement of the centering ring on the support frame and ensures it is fixed in place.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, a shielding plate is directly fixed onto the support frame, providing additional strength at the connection points, making the structure more durable and resistant to damage while offering a cost advantage through reduced material use.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the centering ring is directly fixed onto the support frame, resulting in a structurally strong and compact design.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the centering ring’s front extension is smaller than the diameter of its rear extension. This allows the rotary adjustment knobs to be compactly positioned, prevents accidental operation, and enhances the security of the connection.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the centering ring includes a flange resting against a rear wall of the front panel. This ensures proper alignment, increases mechanical strength, and provides insulation and protection.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the flange is provided between the front extension and the rear extension in a stepped configuration, which facilitates better fitting of the centering ring and speeds up the assembly process.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the flange extends across the entire length surrounding the rear wall of the front panel, ensuring a sealed structure and extending the product’s lifespan.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the centering ring includes a rotary adjustment knob that is rotatably placed inside an inner wall of the centering ring. This enables the user to make precise adjustments with the knob, and also allows the knob to be easily rotated to set the desired value.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the rotary adjustment knob extends from its rear end into an inner chamber of the support frame accessed through an aperture. This improves ergonomics and usability, offering the user convenience and comfort.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the rotary adjustment knob is aligned along the same central axis as the centering ring and the support frame. This results in a structurally strong and easy-to-assemble design.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the support frame and centering ring are made of plastic injection material. This provides a structurally strong and durable design with long product life, while allowing for easy, fast, and mass production.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the support frame includes a recess provided at the aperture that engages with the rear end of the centering ring. This enhances the structural strength and provides a compact structure.

[0022] The invention also relates to an oven equipped with a knob assembly according to any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 shows the position of the knob assembly on a panel before installation.

[0025] Figure 2 shows the position of the knob assembly before installation.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the mounting position of the centering ring on the support frame in crosssection.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the development subject of the invention is explained by reference to examples for a better understanding without any limitation.

[0028] Figure 1 shows the position of the knob assembly before installation. The knob assembly includes a front panel (10). On the front wall (12) of the front panel (10), there is an opening (14) formed as a through-hole. The opening (14) is aligned on a central axis (a). A centering ring (20) rests against the rear wall (16) of the front panel (10) and fully fits into the opening (14). The centering ring (20) is aligned on the same central axis (a) as the opening (14). A front extension (22) is provided on the surface of the centering ring (20) facing the front panel (10). The front extension (22) fully inserts into the opening (14) and is secured. The thickness of the front extension (22) is equal to the thickness of the opening (14). A flange (25) extends radially outward from the point where the front extension (22) ends. The flange (25) surrounds the opening (14) and rests entirely against the rear wall (16) of the front panel (10), ensuring a sealed structure. The diameter of the flange (25) is larger than that of the front extension (22) and the opening (14). A rear extension (24) is provided on the opposite side of the centering ring (20) from the flange (25). The rear extension (24) has a larger diameter than the front extension (22). Multiple tabs (28) extend from the rear extension (24). Five identical tabs (28) are formed on the rear extension (24). A locking tongue (26), longer than the tabs, extends linearly outward from the rear extension (24). The centering ring (20) is made of plastic injection material. The centering ring (20) engages with the support frame (30) via the tabs (28). The tabs (28) are placed in multiple mounting slots (34) provided on the aperture (32) of the support frame (30). Five mounting slots (34) are spaced around the aperture (32). The tabs (28) engage with the mounting slots (34), and the locking tongue (26) is placed into a channel (36) formed in the aperture (32), securing the centering ring (20). The support frame (30) is cage-shaped and made of plastic injection material.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the position of the knob assembly before installation. In the opening (14) provided on the front wall (12) of the front panel (10), a rotary adjustment knob (40) that controls the functions of the cooking appliance is provided. The rotary adjustment knob (40) extends from its front end (42) in the direction accessible to the user over the front panel (10). The centering ring (20) is in the form of a ring, and the inner diameter of the centering ring (20) is equal to the diameter of the rotary adjustment knob (40), so that the centering ring (20) completely surrounds the outer periphery (44) of the rotary adjustment knob (40). The outer periphery (44) of the rotary adjustment knob (40) makes contact with the inner wall (21 ) of the centering ring (20) and is placed in a rotatable manner. When placed inside the inner wall (21 ), the front extension (22) extends along the outer periphery (44) of the rotary adjustment knob (40) in a manner equal to the thickness of the opening (14). Behind the centering ring (20), a support frame (30) is provided, which includes an inner chamber (38) extending inwardly from the aperture (32). The inner chamber (38) is cylindrical in shape, and in the assembled state, the rear end (46) of the rotary adjustment knob (40) extends into the inner chamber (38) of the support frame (30).

[0030] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting position of the centering ring (20) on the support frame (30). The centering ring (20) engages with the support frame (30) via the five tabs (28) formed on the rear extension (24). Additionally, the centering ring (20) is secured by a locking tongue (26) which is positioned within a channel (36) formed on the aperture (32) of the support frame (30). Surrounding the entire aperture (32) of the support frame (30) is a recess (33) in which the rear end (29) of the centering ring (20) is seated. The recess (33) is provided in a circular shape on the support frame (30). When the tabs (28) are placed into any of the mounting slots (34) on the support frame (30), a stepped structure with a Z-like cross-section is formed between the tabs (28) and the mounting slots (34). The flange (25) extends upward from a contact edge (222) of the front extension (22) where it meets the flange (25). The flange (25) is provided perpendicularly to the front extension (22). When the tab (28) engages with the mounting slot (34), the tab (28) fully contacts the inside of the mounting slot (34). When the rear end (29) of the centering ring (20) is seated in the recess (33), a Z-like stepped structure is gradually formed due to the difference in height between the tab (28) and the front extension (22). This provides a compact structure with high structural strength, resulting in a long product lifespan.

[0031] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0032] 10 Front Panel 30 Support Frame

[0033] 12 Front Wall 32 Aperture

[0034] 14 Opening 33 Recess

[0035] 16 Rear Wall 34 Mounting Slot

[0036] 20 Centering Ring 36 Channel

[0037] 21 Inner Wall 38 Inner Chamber

[0038] 22 Front Extension 40 Rotary Adjustment Knob

[0039] 222 Edge 42 Front End

[0040] 24 Rear Extension 44 Outer Periphery

[0041] 25 Flange

[0042] 26 Locking Tongue

Claims

CLAIMS1. A knob assembly for a cooking appliance comprising a front panel (10); an opening (14) provided on a front wall (12) of the front panel (10), and a centering ring (20) provided behind the front panel (10), characterized in that a front extension (22) of the centering ring (20) is radially fitting into the opening (14) and at least one tab (28) is extending from the rear of the centering ring (20) towards a support frame (30) and corresponding to at least one mounting slot (34) provided on an aperture (32) of the support frame (30).

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a locking tongue (26) of the centering ring (20) is engaging with a channel (36) provided on the support frame (30).

3. The knob assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the centering ring (20) is directly fixed onto the support frame (30).

4. The knob assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front extension (22) of the centering ring (20) is having a smaller diameter than the rear extension (24).

5. The knob assembly according to claim 4, wherein the centering ring (20) is having a flange (25) resting against a rear wall (16) of the front panel (10).

6. The knob assembly according to claim 5, wherein the flange (25) is provided between the front extension (22) and the rear extension (24) in a stepped configuration.

7. The knob assembly according to any of claims 5-6, wherein the flange (25) is resting fully against the rear wall (16) of the front panel (10) and surrounding the opening (14), thereby ensuring a sealed structure.

8. The knob assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the centering ring (20) is having a rotary adjustment knob (40) that is rotatably placed within an inner wall (21 ) of the centering ring (20) from its outer periphery (44).

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, wherein the rotary adjustment knob (40) is extending from its rear end (46) into an inner chamber (38) of the support frame (30), accessed through an aperture (32).

10. The knob assembly according to any of claims 8-9, wherein the rotary adjustment knob (40) is aligned on the same central axis as the centering ring (20) and the support frame (30).

11. The knob assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (30) and the centering ring (20) are made of plastic injection material.

12. The knob assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (30) is having a recess (33) provided at the aperture (32) that engages with the rear end (29) of the centering ring (20).

13. A cooking oven comprising a knob assembly according to any of the preceding claims.

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