Knob assembly and cooking appliance including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a knob assembly (100) and a cooking appliance including same. The knob assembly (100) of the present invention may be provided with a locking device (150) that moves along a locking direction different from the axial direction and has a pressing portion (157) exposed to the outside of a knob body (NB). The locking device (150) may have: a locking position in which the axial movement is restricted due to interference with a base unit (110); and an unlocking position in which the axial movement is allowed by moving from the locking position in the locking direction. An operation button (140) may move in the operation direction to move the locking device (150) from the locking position to the unlocking position. Therefore, a user first must first presses the operation button (140) to release the locking device (150), thereby allowing the knob body (NB) to be axially pressed to operate the cooking appliance. Thus, the unintended operation or malfunction of the knob assembly (100) can be prevented through the operation button (140).

Description

Knob assembly and cooking appliance including the same

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

[0002] Cooking appliances are used to prepare food by cooking ingredients. They can also be used to heat food to an appropriate temperature for consumption. These cooking appliances can be categorized by the type of heat source used, the type of fuel, and other factors. For example, cooking appliances can be classified as open or enclosed based on the space in which the food is placed. Enclosed cooking appliances include ovens and microwave ovens, while open cooking appliances include cooktops and griddles.

[0003] Closed cooking appliances seal the space containing food with a door, and cook food by heating the enclosed space. Open cooking appliances heat the food or containers in an open space, and cook food by heating the food or containers. Recently, hybrid cooking appliances that combine closed and open cooking appliances have also become popular. Hybrid cooking appliances combine multiple heat sources to cook a variety of ingredients and multiple dishes simultaneously.

[0004] Such a cooking appliance may be equipped with a knob for operation. The knob may be used to turn the cooking appliance on and off or to set a cooking mode. The knob may also be used to adjust the heating temperature.

[0005] Taking a gas range as an example among cooking appliances, the knob can be operated in a push-and-turn manner to operate the cooking appliance. The push-and-turn knob is designed so that the user can operate the cooking appliance only when the user presses and turns the knob. At this time, the user can adjust the heating temperature or select a cooking mode by adjusting the amount of rotation around the drive shaft while pressing the knob. This push-and-turn knob can operate the cooking appliance only when both steps are completed, thereby enhancing the safety of the cooking appliance.

[0006] However, because these push-and-turn knobs protrude outward, users can unintentionally rotate them while pressing them. For example, the user may unknowingly touch the knob and simultaneously press and rotate it. Furthermore, there are cases where infants operate the knob and use it to operate the appliance. Since such unintentional manipulation of the knob can lead to fire or burns, the safety of the appliance needs to be further improved.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a knob assembly with a lock button (safety button), and to prevent the knob assembly from operating when the lock button is pressed.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to enable the lock button to be easily moved to the unlocked position when the user operates the operation button.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to form the operating directions of the lock button and the operation button differently from the rotational direction and pressing direction of the knob assembly.

[0010] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-described object, the knob assembly of the present invention may be provided with a locking device that moves along a locking direction different from the axial direction and has a pressing portion exposed to the outside of the knob body. The locking device may have a locking position in which the axial movement is restricted by interference from a base portion, and a releasing position in which the axial movement is possible by moving from the locking position along the locking direction. At this time, the operating button may move along the operating direction to move the locking device from the locking position to the releasing position. Therefore, since the user must first press the operating button to release the locking device and press the knob body in the axial direction to operate the cooking appliance, arbitrary manipulation or malfunction of the knob assembly can be prevented through the operating button.

[0011] In addition, the present invention may include a base portion arranged on an operation panel and a drive shaft protruding from the operation panel. The knob assembly may be provided with a knob body that rotates around the drive shaft and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft. The operation button and the locking device may be arranged on the knob body.

[0012] The above operation button has an operation part exposed to the outside of the knob body, and can move the locking device by moving along an operation direction different from the axial direction.

[0013] The above operation button may have a standby position in which the operation part protrudes outside the knob body, and an operation position in which the locking device is pressed by moving in the operation direction.

[0014] In the above-described release position, the pressing portion may protrude outward from the knob body. When the locking device is moved from the release position to the locking position along the locking direction, the amount by which the pressing portion protrudes outward from the knob body may be reduced.

[0015] In the above-mentioned locked position, the locking device can be spaced apart from the base portion by a first distance based on the axial direction. In the above-mentioned unlocked position, the locking device can be spaced apart from the base portion by a second distance based on the axial direction. The second distance can be longer than the first distance.

[0016] The locking device may include a lock button that moves in the locking direction. The lock button may be independently movable from the knob body in a direction other than the axial direction between the locked position and the unlocked position. When the knob body is rotated about the drive shaft, the lock button may be rotated along the knob body to move to a third position.

[0017] The above locking direction and the above operating direction may each be a direction orthogonal to the above axial direction. The above locking direction and the above operating direction may be formed in directions orthogonal to each other.

[0018] The above knob body may have an operating hole formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The operating portion may be exposed to the outside through the operating hole, so that the operating portion may form a part of the exterior of the knob body.

[0019] The above locking device may include a lock button that moves independently of the knob body in the interference direction. The lock button may be provided with the pressing portion and the interference portion that protrudes in the axial direction. In the locking position, the interference portion interferes with the base portion, and in the releasing position, the interference portion can be released from the base portion.

[0020] The knob body may have a grip portion protruding in the axial direction. The grip portion may have a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The locking device may include a locking button that moves independently of the knob body in the interference direction. The locking direction of the locking button may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion.

[0021] The locking device may include a locking button having a pressing portion protruding outward from the knob body and an interference portion protruding in the axial direction and interfering with the base portion at the locking position. The locking device may further include a return member providing elastic force to the locking button in a direction toward the release position.

[0022] The locking device may include a locking casing disposed in the inner space of the knob body and having a mounting space. A locking button may be disposed in the mounting space, and the locking button may have the pressing portion exposed to the outside of the knob body. An interference portion is connected to the locking button, and the interference portion may protrude in the axial direction from the mounting space and interfere with the base portion at the locking position. In addition, the locking device may further include a return member that provides elastic force to the locking button in a direction toward the releasing position.

[0023] The above lock button may have a release protrusion protruding in a direction different from the locking direction. The operation button may be moved in the operation direction to press the release protrusion, thereby moving the lock button to the release position.

[0024] The lock button may include a fixing projection that fixes the lock button in the locked position or the unlocked position. The lock button may be provided with a release projection that releases the fixed state of the fixing projection when pressed by the operation button. The fixing projection and the release projection may protrude in a direction different from the locking direction.

[0025] The above fixing protrusion and the release protrusion may be provided on the same plane as the lock button. The fixing protrusion and the release protrusion may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the locking direction of the lock button.

[0026] The above lock casing may be formed with a first fixing hole and a second fixing hole. The fixing projection of the lock button may be caught in the first fixing hole in the locking position. The fixing projection of the lock button may be caught in the second fixing hole in the unlocking position.

[0027] The lock button may include a guide portion extending in the locking direction, and a pressing portion extending from the guide portion and protruding to the outside of the knob body. A lever portion that is elastically deformable so that its relative position with respect to the guide portion can be changed may be connected to the guide portion. An interference portion that interferes with the base portion at the locking position may be connected to the guide portion or the lever portion. At this time, the lever portion may be fixed by being caught on the knob body or the locking casing provided on the knob body at the locking position and the releasing position, respectively.

[0028] The above lock button may be provided with a lever portion having a protruding release protrusion. The operation button may elastically deform the lever portion by pressing the release protrusion in the operation direction. The release protrusion may move in the operation direction to release the fixed state of the lock button.

[0029] The above base portion may be provided with a stopper that interferes with the lock button. The stopper may protrude from the base portion along the axial direction toward the lock button.

[0030] The above locking device may include an interference member that interferes with or releases interference from the base member. In the locking position, the stopper may be aligned with the interference member in the axial direction to interfere with each other. In the releasing position, the stopper may be misaligned with the interference member in the axial direction to release interference.

[0031] The above knob body may include a first knob body having an internal space open toward the base portion, and a second knob body that rotates and moves linearly together with the first knob body. At this time, a locking hole that exposes the pressing portion to the outside and an operating hole that exposes the operating portion to the outside may be formed in the first knob body, respectively.

[0032] The second knob body may be provided with a shaft coupling portion to which one end of the driving shaft is coupled. The remaining portion of the second knob body, excluding the shaft coupling portion, and the operation button may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the shaft coupling portion as the center.

[0033] The knob assembly according to the present invention and the cooking appliance including the same as described above have the following effects.

[0034] In the present invention, when the locking device is pressed to a safe state, the knob body (handle) is not pressed axially. The user must first move the locking device to the unlocked state before axially pressing the knob body to operate the cooking appliance. In this way, the locking device prevents unintentional manipulation or malfunction of the knob assembly, thereby enhancing the stability of the cooking appliance.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention allows the locking device to be easily moved to the unlocked position using an operating button. When the user presses the operating button, the locking device moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. This improves the operability of the knob assembly for locking and unlocking.

[0036] Additionally, in the present invention, the locking device and the operating button can be operated in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body. If the direction in which the locking device and the operating button are pressed differs from the direction in which the knob body is pressed, the likelihood of the user accidentally operating the knob assembly can be reduced. This can enhance the stability of the cooking appliance.

[0037] Additionally, in the present invention, the locking device may protrude downward in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the knob body is gripped. Accordingly, the exposure of the locking device can be minimized under normal circumstances, thereby preventing the aesthetic appeal of the knob assembly from deteriorating even when the locking device is added.

[0038] Additionally, this downward-protruding locking mechanism must be pressed upward, against gravity, to lock. This reduces the likelihood of users accidentally operating the locking mechanism.

[0039] In particular, the operating portion of the operating button and the pressing portion of the locking device can move in a straight or curved path in the axial direction (first direction), which is the linear movement direction of the knob body, and in a second direction different from the rotational direction of the knob body. Accordingly, the possibility of the knob assembly being operated arbitrarily due to user error or interference with objects surrounding the cooking appliance can be further reduced.

[0040] Additionally, in the present invention, the locking device may protrude laterally from the knob body. This laterally protruding locking device can be naturally pressed by the user while gripping the knob body. Therefore, even if the locking device is added, the operability of the knob assembly is not compromised, and the user can easily operate the cooking appliance.

[0041] In addition, in the present invention, the locking device can be linearly moved between a locking position where axial movement is interfered with and an unlocking position where axial movement is possible. At this time, the locking device directly interferes with the base of the knob assembly or the operating panel on which the knob assembly is mounted at the locking position, thereby limiting axial movement. Therefore, the structure for limiting the operation of the knob assembly can be implemented very simply, and the number of additional parts due to the locking device can be minimized.

[0042] In addition, in the present invention, the knob body may be provided with a second knob body (inner body) on the inside of the first knob body (outer body) forming the exterior, and the second knob body (inner body) may be symmetrical with the locking device. When the second knob body and the operation button are arranged symmetrically in the knob assembly, the center of gravity of the knob assembly can be prevented from being tilted to one side due to the operation button. Therefore, the knob assembly according to the present invention can provide an excellent operating feel even if an operation button is added. In addition, since the second knob body fills an empty space on one side of the internal space of the knob assembly where the operation button is not present, the overall durability of the knob assembly can be increased.

[0043] In addition, if the second knob body and the operation button are arranged symmetrically in the knob assembly, the volume occupied by the components in the internal space of the knob assembly can be reduced, and the internal space utilization of the knob assembly can be increased. This has the effect of making the knob assembly smaller and lighter.

[0044] Furthermore, in the present invention, the second knob body constituting the knob body can be responsible for coupling with other components, including the drive shaft (valve shaft). In this way, the first knob body, which is exposed to the outside and gripped by the user, can be manufactured with a relatively simple structure, and shrinkage due to complex shapes during injection molding can be prevented. Consequently, the aesthetics and manufacturing quality of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0045] Additionally, in the present invention, a pair of elastic members are provided inside the knob body to return the operating button to its original position (standby position). In this way, since the pair of elastic members in the present invention return the operating button together, the operating button can be returned stably without being twisted to either side, and the operational reliability of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0046] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a cooking appliance to which a knob assembly according to the present invention is applied.

[0047] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of an operation panel and a knob assembly constituting an example of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0048] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the components constituting one example of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the disassembled parts constituting an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention from a different angle than Fig. 3.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a first knob body constituting an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention, and a state in which a weight plate is omitted.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention when it is in an unlocked state.

[0052] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII' of Figure 6.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention when switched to a locked state.

[0054] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX' of Fig. 8.

[0055] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention in which an operation button is pressed and switched to an unlocked state.

[0056] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI' of Fig. 10.

[0057] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention when it is rotated.

[0058] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure of a locking device and an operation button, omitting the first knob body and weight plate constituting one example of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the locking device and the operation button in an exploded state when the locking device constituting one example of a knob assembly according to the present invention is in a locked state.

[0060] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the locking device and the operating button in an exploded state when the locking device constituting one example of a knob assembly according to the present invention is in an unlocked state.

[0061] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a locking device constituting an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention in a locked state.

[0062] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a locking device constituting an example of a knob assembly according to the present invention in an unlocked state.

[0063] Figures 18 to 20 are cross-sectional views sequentially showing the process of the knob body being pressed in the axial direction after the knob assembly according to the present invention is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0064] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0065] The present invention relates to a knob assembly (100) and a cooking appliance including the same, wherein a cooktop portion (20) including a plurality of heating devices (28) may be provided on the upper portion of the cooking appliance. The heating devices (28) may be a gas heating device (28) that uses gas as an energy source, an electric cooktop, or an induction device. In Fig. 1, among the heating devices (28) on the cooktop portion (20), a gas heating device (28) is illustrated as an example. As shown in Fig. 1, the heating device (28) may be arranged to be exposed on the upper portion of the cooking appliance. As another example, the heating devices (28) may be arranged inside the cooking appliance, or may be arranged respectively inside and outside the cooking appliance.

[0066] The above knob assembly (100) is used to operate the heating device (28). A user can operate the knob assembly (100) to turn the heating device (28) on / off. A user can also operate the knob assembly (100) to adjust the amount of heat provided by the heating device (28). Alternatively, a user can operate the oven section (40, 50) or select a cooking mode of the cooking appliance by operating the knob assembly (100).

[0067] The user can control the heating device (28) by pressing and rotating the knob assembly (100). At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to prevent the knob assembly (100) from being arbitrarily manipulated due to a user's mistake or interference with surrounding objects, a locking device (150) is provided in the present invention. Hereinafter, the knob assembly (100) will be described focusing on the malfunction prevention structure including the locking device (150) and the operation button (140) for releasing the locked state of the locking device (150).

[0068] Looking at the structure of the above cooking appliance, the exterior of the cooking appliance is formed by an outer body (10). The outer body (10) may form the skeleton of the cooking appliance, excluding the door positioned at the front. A separate inner housing (not shown) may be positioned inside the outer body (10).

[0069] At least one heating device (28) for heating food to be cooked or a container containing food is arranged in the above cooktop unit (20). In the present embodiment, a total of four heating devices (28) are arranged in the cooktop unit (20).

[0070] The above cooktop unit (20) may be equipped with a grate (25). The grate (25) is a frame on which a cooking vessel can be placed on top of a heating device (28). The grate (25) is detachably mounted on the cooktop unit (20). The grate (25) may be positioned on top of the heating device (28).

[0071] An operation panel (30) may be arranged above the oven section (40, 50) and in front of the cooktop section (20). The operation panel (30) may include knob assemblies (100) for operating the oven section (40, 50) and the cooktop section (20). Each of the plurality of knob assemblies (100) may operate separate heating devices (28) and the oven device. The operation panel (30) may be viewed as an operation device or may be referred to as a front panel. The operation panel (30) may be arranged in various locations, such as the lower part of the cooking device, the side of the cooking device, or the upper surface of the cooking device, rather than in front of the cooktop section (20).

[0072] The above operation panel (30) may be equipped with a display unit (60). The display unit (60) may display information about the cooking appliance. The display unit (60) may be configured as a touch panel and may be used by a user to operate the cooking appliance. In other words, the display unit (60) may also be a type of operation unit (143). As another example, the display unit (60) may be omitted.

[0073] Looking at the above oven section (40, 50), the oven section (40, 50) may include a plurality of oven devices. In the present embodiment, the oven section (40, 50) includes a first oven device (40) and a second oven device (50). The first oven device (40) and the second oven device (50) are arranged at different heights. The first oven device (40) and the second oven device (50) may each be formed with separate cooking chambers that are partitioned from each other.

[0074] The first door (45) of the first oven device (40) may be operated in a pull-down manner in which the upper portion rotates up and down around the lower portion. As another example, the first door (45) may be operated in a side-swing manner in which it opens sideways. Drawing reference numeral 47 indicates a handle for opening and closing the first door (45).

[0075] The second door (55) of the second oven device (50) may be operated in a manner that slides forward and backward. As another example, similar to the first door (45) above, the second door (55) may also be operated in a type of pull-down manner in which the upper portion rotates up and down around the lower portion. Drawing reference numeral 57 indicates a handle for opening and closing the first door (55).

[0076] Next, the knob assembly (100) will be examined. For reference, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present embodiment, six knob assemblies (100) are arranged on the operation panel (30). This is merely an example, and the operation panel (30) may be provided with one to five or seven or more knob assemblies (100). As another example, the knob assembly (100) may be arranged directly on the top or side of the cooking appliance, rather than on the operation panel (30). As yet another example, the knob assembly (100) may be arranged on the front lower portion of the cooking appliance.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 2, the knob assembly (100) may include a generally circular body and a portion protruding from the circular body to facilitate gripping. In the present embodiment, an operation button (140) is provided on a side of the knob assembly (100). The operation of the knob assembly (100), more precisely, axial operation, is possible only when the user first presses the operation button (140).

[0078] For reference, the axial direction hereinafter refers to the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft (71) (71, see FIG. 3), which is the X-axis direction of FIGS. 2 to 4. The rotational direction hereinafter refers to the direction in which the knob assembly (100) rotates with the drive shaft (71) as the center (see the arrow of FIG. 12). In addition, the radial direction hereinafter refers to the radial direction of the drive shaft (71), which is the same as the radial direction of the rotational path of the knob assembly (100). Hereinafter, the direction in which the lock button (155) included in the locking device (150) moves linearly (hereinafter referred to as the “locking direction”) is the Z-axis direction of FIGS. 2 to 4. The direction in which the operation button (140) moves linearly (hereinafter referred to as the “operation direction”) is the Y-axis direction of FIGS. 2 to 4. Of course, when the knob assembly (100) is rotated, the locking direction and the operation direction may also be changed.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the components of the knob assembly (100) are illustrated in an exploded state. For convenience of explanation, the drive shaft (71) will be first examined. The drive shaft (71) is coupled to the knob assembly (100). The drive shaft (71) becomes the center of rotation of the knob assembly (100). The drive shaft (71) can rotate together when the knob assembly (100) rotates. The drive shaft (71) can move linearly together when the knob assembly (100) moves in the axial direction.

[0080] The above driving shaft (71) may be provided in a heating driving unit (70, see FIG. 4). The heating driving unit (70) may serve to supply an energy source to the heating device (28). For example, the heating driving unit (70) may be configured to control the heating device (28) while being driven by the driving shaft (71). Therefore, the driving shaft (71) may also be viewed as a valve shaft.

[0081] Here, the energy source can be gas or electricity. When the energy source is electricity, the heating drive unit (70) can be called a regulator, and when the energy source is gas, the heating drive unit (70) can be called a valve assembly. The drive shaft (71) can be a component constituting the knob assembly (100). As another example, the drive shaft (71) can be viewed as a part of the heating drive unit (70). Drawing reference numeral 32 indicates a through hole of the front plate (31) through which the drive shaft (71) passes.

[0082] More specifically, the driving shaft (71) can be coupled to the heating driving unit (70) in a push-and-rotate manner. At this time, the heating driving unit (70) can prevent the driving shaft (71) from rotating when the driving shaft (71) is not pushed. As the driving shaft (71) is pushed and rotated with respect to the heating driving unit (70), the heating driving unit (70) can supply an energy source to the heating device (28).

[0083] The driving shaft (71) may be provided with a coupling member (75). The coupling member (75) may surround the outer circumferential surface of the driving shaft (71). The coupling member (75) may be made of an elastic material such as a plate spring. The coupling member (75) is arranged between the driving shaft (71) and a shaft coupling portion (131) to be described later, and may provide elastic force between the driving shaft (71) and the shaft coupling portion (131). Accordingly, the driving shaft (71) may be prevented from easily coming off from the shaft coupling portion (131).

[0084] The above driving shaft (71) can be manipulated through the knob assembly (100). More precisely, the driving shaft (71) is coupled to the knob body (NB) and can rotate together with the knob body (NB). The driving shaft (71) can move linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body (NB). Therefore, when a user manipulates the knob assembly (100), the heating driving unit (70) is driven via the driving shaft (71), and thereby the heating device (28) is operated.

[0085] Looking at the structure of the above knob assembly (100), the knob assembly (100) may be provided with a base portion (110). The base portion (110) may be placed on the front plate (31) of the operation panel (30). A base hole (111) through which the drive shaft (71) passes may be formed in the base portion (110), thereby supporting the rotation of the drive shaft (71). That is, the base portion (110) may allow the drive shaft (71) to rotate stably and move linearly in the axial direction.

[0086] As another example, the base hole (111) may be omitted from the base portion (110). In this case, the driving shaft (71) may pass directly through the front plate (31) without passing through the base portion (110).

[0087] The above base portion (110) may have a roughly circular plate structure. A base fixing hole (152)(112) is formed on the outside of the base hole (111) with the base hole (111) formed at the center of the base portion (110) as the center. The base fixing hole (152)(112) is a portion through which a first fastener (B1) passes, and the first fastener (B1) can assemble the base portion (110) to the front plate (31).

[0088] A stopper (115) may protrude from the base portion (110). The stopper (115) protrudes in the axial direction. More precisely, the stopper (115) protrudes forward, i.e., in the direction of the operating button (140). The stopper (115) may interfere with the locking device (150) in the axial direction, thereby restricting the locking device (150) from moving in the axial direction. The stopper (115) may prevent the locking device (150) from moving linearly toward the front plate (31), thereby preventing the knob body (NB) from being pressed toward the front plate (31).

[0089] The stopper (115) can protrude toward the interference portion (159) of the locking device (150) when the lock button (155) of the locking device (150) is in the first position (hereinafter referred to as the “locked position”). The state in which the lock button (155) is in the locked position can be referred to as the “locked state.” When the lock button (155) is in the second position (hereinafter referred to as the “released position”), the stopper (115) is positioned to be misaligned with the interference portion (159). The state in which the lock button (155) is in the released position can be referred to as the “released state.” When the locking device (150) is rotated together with the knob body (NB) and is positioned in the third position (see FIG. 12), the stopper (115) fixed to the operation panel (30) is circumferentially spaced from the interference portion (159) of the locking device (150). Here, the circumferential direction means the rotational direction of the knob body (NB).

[0090] The stopper (115) may be provided at the edge of the base portion (110). The stopper (115) may be provided at the end of the base portion (110) whose width becomes narrower as it goes toward one end. The stopper (115) may be viewed as being positioned at the furthest position from the base hole (111). The stopper (115) may have a shape in which the width becomes narrower as it goes toward the end toward the base hole (111), that is, toward the driving shaft (71).

[0091] The above stopper (115) may be omitted. If the stopper (115) is omitted, a driving hole (not shown) may be opened in the base portion (110). The interference portion (159) of the locking device (150) to be described below may interfere with the surface of the base portion (110) when the lock button (155) is in the locked position, and may pass through the driving hole when it is in the unlocked position. When the interference portion (159) passes through the driving hole, the locking device (150) and the knob body (NB) may move in the axial direction.

[0092] As another example, the base portion (110) may be omitted. As another example, the base portion (110) may be formed integrally with the operation panel (30). That is, the base portion (110) may be viewed as a part of the operation panel (30). As another example, the base portion (110) may have various polygonal shapes rather than a circular shape.

[0093] The skeleton of the above knob assembly (100) may be formed by a knob body (NB). The knob body (NB) may surround the driving shaft (71) and the base portion (110). The knob body (NB) is a portion that a user holds. In the present embodiment, the knob body (NB) is composed of a first knob body (120) and a second knob body (130). The first knob body (120) may be exposed to the outside. The second knob body (130) may be arranged inside the first knob body (120).

[0094] In this embodiment, the first knob body (120) may be exposed to the outside and may be a part through which a user operates the knob assembly (100). The second knob body (130) may be positioned inside the first knob body (120), and may be responsible for coupling with other parts and may serve to guide an elastic member (S1) to be described later. As another example, the first knob body (120) and the second knob body (130) may be formed integrally.

[0095] The first knob body (120) may include a knob ring (121) having a roughly truncated cone or cylinder shape. The knob ring (121) is positioned to face the front plate (31). A grip portion (123) may protrude from an upper surface (122) of the knob ring (121). The grip portion (123) protrudes axially from the upper surface (122) of the knob ring (121). The grip portion (123) may be a portion gripped by a user. The grip portion (123) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (see the Z-axis direction of FIG. 2). Reference numeral 123a denotes a reference scale formed on the grip portion (123). Although not illustrated, a scale may also be indicated on the surface of the knob ring (121).

[0096] An operation hole (125) may be formed through the above-described knob body (NB) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The operation portion (143) of the operation button (140) may be exposed to the outside through the operation hole (125), so that the operation portion (143) may form the exterior of the knob assembly (100) together with the knob body (NB). Referring to Fig. 2, the operation portion (143), which is a part of the operation button (140), may protrude from the knob body (NB), so that the operation portion (143) may form the exterior of the knob assembly (100) together with the knob body (NB). That is, it can be seen that a part of the operation button (140) fills the operation hole (125).

[0097] In this embodiment, the first knob body (120) may have an operation hole (125) through which the operation portion (143) of the operation button (140) protrudes. More precisely, the operation hole (125) is formed through the grip portion (123) of the first knob body (120). At this time, since the operation hole (125) is formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the operation portion (143) of the operation button (140) may also protrude in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction through the operation hole (125). In other words, the operation hole (125) may be opened in a direction perpendicular to the linear movement direction of the knob body (NB).

[0098] The above-mentioned operation hole (125) may be formed on only one of the left and right sides of the first knob body (120). In the present embodiment, the operation hole (125) is formed on the left side of the first knob body (120). In the present embodiment, since only one operation button (140) is provided, the operation hole (125) may also be formed on only one side of the first knob body (120). As another example, the operation hole (125) may be formed on the right side of the first knob body (120). As yet another example, the operation hole (125) may be formed on each of the left and right sides of the first knob body (120).

[0099] As described below, the operation button (140) may be restricted in its movement by interference with the edge (125a) of the operation hole (125) during the process of moving from the standby position to the operation position. The operation button (140) may be caught on the edge (125a) of the operation hole (125) and may not be completely separated from the knob body (NB), but may remain in the internal space (121a) formed inside the first knob body (120). The edge (125a) of the operation hole (125) may be viewed as a catch (125a). The standby position and operation position of the operation button (140) will be described in detail below.

[0100] Referring to Fig. 6, a locking hole (128) may be opened in the first knob body (120). The locking hole (128) may be formed in the grip portion (123) of the first knob body (120). A portion of the locking button (155) of the locking device (150), more precisely, the pressing portion (157), may be exposed through the locking hole (128). Based on the drawing, the locking hole (128) is opened downward, and the pressing portion (157) is also exposed downward.

[0101] More precisely, the grip portion (123) may have a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the axial direction. At this time, the locking hole (128) is opened in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion (123). Accordingly, in the process in which the locking button (155) moves independently from the knob body (NB) in the interference direction, the pressing portion (157) of the locking button (155) may protrude outward through the locking hole (128) or be accommodated inwardly in the grip portion (123). Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which the pressing portion (157) protrudes outward through the locking hole (128).

[0102] The second knob body (130) may be placed in the internal space (121a) of the first knob body (120). The second knob body (130) may be coupled to the first knob body (120) through a second fastener (B2). The second fastener (B2) may be fixed to the assembly hole (124) of the first knob body (120) after passing through the weight plate (160) and the second knob body (130), respectively. Accordingly, the first knob body (120), the second knob body (130), and the weight plate (160) may be assembled with each other and operated together.

[0103] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a shaft coupling portion (131) to which one end of the driving shaft (71) is coupled. The shaft coupling portion (131) may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The shaft coupling portion (131) may be positioned at the center of the knob body (NB). A shaft coupling hole (132) is formed in the shaft coupling portion (131), and the driving shaft (71) may be inserted into the shaft coupling hole (132). The driving shaft (71) may be fixed within the shaft coupling hole (132) without rotating within the shaft coupling hole (132).

[0104] When one end of the driving shaft (71) is inserted into the shaft coupling hole (132), the driving shaft (71) can rotate together with the second knob body (130) and move axially together with the second knob body (130). That is, when the second knob body (130) is driven together with the first knob body (120), the driving shaft (71) is also driven together. For example, when the second knob body (130) is pushed axially together with the first knob body (120), the driving shaft (71) also moves axially. When the second knob body (130) is rotated around the driving shaft (71) together with the first knob body (120), the driving shaft (71) also rotates together. Therefore, the driving shaft (71) may also be referred to as a rotational shaft.

[0105] The second knob body (130) is coupled to the driving shaft (71) and can also be coupled to the weight plate (160). Since the second knob body (130) has a coupling structure with other components, the first knob body (120) can be made with a relatively simple and thin structure. Accordingly, when the first knob body (120) is injection-molded, a phenomenon in which a part of the first knob body (120) shrinks due to its complex shape, thereby creating a sink mark or a flow mark can be prevented.

[0106] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a body plate (133). The body plate (133) has a substantially plate-shaped structure. The shaft coupling portion (131) is connected to the body plate (133). The body plate (133) is a portion that is coupled with the first knob body (120) and the weight plate (160). For this purpose, a fastener through hole (134) through which the second fastener (B2) passes is formed in the body plate (133). Referring to FIG. 4, the body plate (133) is provided with a plate protrusion (137), and the plate protrusion (137) is fitted into a plate groove (167, see FIG. 3) of the weight plate (160). As another example, the second knob body (130) and the first knob body (120) may be press-fitted to each other or fixed to each other with an adhesive.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the body plate (133) has an approximately semicircular shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space (121a). That is, a portion of the side surface of the second knob body (130) facing the internal space (121a) has a curved shape, and another portion of the side surface of the second knob body (130) facing the operation button (140) has a flat shape. The curved portion faces the inner surface of the internal space (121a), and the flat portion faces the operation button (140). A portion of the operation button (140) may interfere with the flat portion of the second knob body (130). The distance that the operation button (140) moves from the locked position to the unlocked position may be limited due to interference with the flat portion of the second knob body (130).

[0108] The remaining portion of the second knob body (130) except for the shaft coupling portion (131) and the operation button (140) may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the shaft coupling portion (131). More precisely, the body plate (133) and the operation button (140) may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the drive shaft (71). Referring to FIG. 7, the body plate (133) is arranged on the left side and the operation button (140) is arranged on the right side with respect to the drive shaft (71). In this way, the center of gravity of the knob assembly (100) can be prevented from being tilted to one side due to the operation button (140). In addition, since the body plate (133) fills an empty space on one side of the internal space (121a) where the operation button (140) is not present, the overall durability of the knob assembly (100) can be increased.

[0109] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the knob assembly (100) is provided with an operation button (140). The operation button (140) is arranged on the knob body (NB) and can be dependent on the operation of the knob body (NB). Basically, when the knob body (NB) moves linearly in the axial direction or rotates around the drive shaft (71), the operation button (140) can move linearly and rotate together with the knob body (NB).

[0110] However, the operation button (140) can be moved independently from the knob body (NB) in a direction different from the axial direction. The operation button (140) can operate the lock button (155) while moving independently from the knob body (NB). Here, the operation means that the operation button (140) moves the lock button (155) from the locked position to the unlocked position. The operation button (140) can move in the operation direction to press the unlocking protrusion (P2) of the lock button (155), thereby moving the lock button (155) to the unlocked position. This structure will be described again below.

[0111] The above-described operation button (140) may constitute a part of a grip surface that a user grips when gripping the knob assembly (100). For example, when a user grips the knob assembly (100) with a thumb and index finger, the user may grip the surface of the grip portion (123) with the index finger and simultaneously grip the operation portion (143) of the operation button (140) with the thumb. In this state, when the user presses the knob assembly (100) with the thumb and index finger, the surface of the grip portion (123) is fixed, but the operation portion (143) formed on the opposite side may be pressed and moved toward the inside of the knob body (NB).

[0112] As shown in Fig. 5, the operation button (140) may be arranged on the opposite side of the remaining portion of the second knob body (130) excluding the shaft coupling portion (131) based on the shaft coupling portion (131). More precisely, the body plate (133) and the operation button (140) may be arranged on opposite sides with the drive shaft (71) as the center.

[0113] The above-described operation button (140) can move the locking device (150) from the locked position to the unlocked position. The operation button (140) can move from the standby position (see FIG. 8) to the operating position (see FIG. 10), and the operation button (140) moved to the operating position can press the lock button (155) of the locking device (150) to move it to the unlocked position (see FIG. 10). When the locking device (150) moves to the unlocked position, the pressing portion (157) of the locking button (155) protrudes outward from the knob body (NB) (see FIG. 10).

[0114] Here, the standby position is a state in which the operation button (140) protrudes relatively from the knob body (NB), as in the states of FIGS. 6 and 8. The operation button (140) is arranged at the farthest position in the radial direction from the drive shaft (71) in the standby position. The operation position is a position moved to when the operation button (140) is pressed from the standby position, as in the state of FIG. 10. The operation button (140) is arranged closest to the drive shaft (71) in the radial direction from the operation position.

[0115] The above-described operation button (140) can press the lever portion (158) of the lock button (155) in a direction different from the axial direction at the operation position. When the operation button (140) presses the lever portion (158) of the lock button (155), the lever portion (158) is elastically deformed, and the lock button (155) is released from the state of being fixed in the locked position. As will be described below, the return member (S3) provides elastic force to the lock button (155) in the direction of the release position, so that the operation button (140) can move to the release position at the moment when the operation button (140) releases the fixed state of the lock button (155). That is, the press portion (157) of the operation button (140) protrudes outward from the knob body (NB).

[0116] At this time, the operation button (140) can be moved in a straight line along an operating direction that is different from the axial direction between the standby position and the operation position. In the present embodiment, the operation button (140) can reciprocate between the standby position and the operation position while moving in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. As another example, the operation button (140) can be moved in an oblique direction while having a predetermined angle with the axial direction. As yet another example, the operation button (140) can be moved along a curved path with respect to the axial direction.

[0117] Figures 8 and 10 illustrate the operation button (140) positioned in the standby position and the operation position, respectively. The operation button (140), which has been moved to the operation position by the user, can be moved back to the standby position when the user removes the force applied to the operation part (143). The operation button (140) can be automatically moved to the standby position by an elastic member (S1) described below.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 5, the structure of the operation button (140) can be examined. The operation button (140) can include a button body (141). The button body (141) can be inserted into the internal space (121a). The button body (141) can extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The side surface of the button body (141) can have a curved shape corresponding to the inner surface of the internal space (121a).

[0119] The button body (141) may be provided with an operation part (143). The operation part (143) may extend in an upright direction from the button body (141). Here, the upright direction is the upright direction with reference to FIG. 5. The operation part (143) becomes a portion that a user presses to operate the button body (141). At least a portion of the operation part (143) may be exposed to the outside of the knob assembly (100) through the operation hole (125) to form a grip surface.

[0120] Referring to Fig. 14, a surface (143a) of the operation part (143) may be provided with an operation protrusion (145). The operation protrusion (145) protrudes from the surface (143a) of the operation part (143) toward the locking device (150). More precisely, the operation protrusion (145) protrudes from the surface (143a) of the operation part (143) toward the release protrusion (P2) provided on the lock button (155). When the lock button (155) is in the locked position, the operation protrusion (145) protrudes toward the release protrusion (P2). Accordingly, when the operation button (140) moves to the operation position, the operation protrusion (145) can press the release protrusion (P2), thereby releasing the state in which the release protrusion (P2) is caught in the first fixing hole (152a) of the locking device (150). As another example, the release protrusion (P2) may be omitted, and the surface (143a) of the operation part (143) may directly press the release protrusion (P2).

[0121] The above-described operation part (143) may be provided with the above-described protrusion (144). The above-described protrusion (144) may extend from the operation part (143) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operation part (143) extends from the button body (141). The above-described protrusion (144) may increase the contact area between the surface of the operation part (143) and the surface of the knob body (NB). Referring to FIG. 16, the upper surface of the above-described protrusion (144) and the lower surface of the first knob body (120) constituting the knob body (NB) are in contact with each other. By the above-described protrusion (144), the operation button (140) may be stably operated in a certain direction (left and right directions based on FIG. 16).

[0122] The above-described operation button (140) can be moved to a standby position by an elastic member (S1). The elastic member (S1) can provide elastic force to the operation button (140) in a direction that moves the operation button (140) to the standby position. In the present embodiment, the elastic members (S1) are configured as a pair, and the pair of elastic members (S1) can reciprocate in a certain direction without being tilted or twisted in either direction of the operation button (140).

[0123] The two ends of the elastic member (S1) may be supported on the surface of the knob body (NB) and the surface of the operation button (140), which are arranged to face each other. More precisely, one end of the elastic member (S1) may be supported on the surface (143a) of the operation part (143), and the other end of the elastic member (S1) may be supported on the inner wall (127, see FIG. 4) of the first knob body (120).

[0124] Referring to Fig. 14, the operation button (140) may be provided with an operation protrusion (145). The operation protrusion (145) is provided on the surface (143a) of the operation portion (143). When the lock button (155) moves along the operation direction to the operation position, the operation protrusion (145) presses the lock button (155). More precisely, the operation protrusion (145) can press the release protrusion (P2) provided on the lock button (155) to elastically deform the lever portion (158) of the lock button (155). Referring to Fig. 14, the release protrusion (P2) is pressed against the operation protrusion (145) and enters the inside of the first fixing hole (152a). In this way, the lock button (155) moves to the release position by a return member (S3) to be described later. As another example, the operating protrusion (145) may be omitted, and the surface (143a) of the operating portion (143) may directly press the release protrusion (P2).

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the knob body (NB) may be provided with a locking device (150) that interferes with or releases interference with the base portion (110). The locking device (150) moves in a locking direction different from the axial direction and has a pressing portion (157) exposed to the outside of the knob body (NB). The locking device (150) has a locking position in which the axial movement is restricted by interference with the base portion (110), and a releasing position in which the axial movement is possible by moving from the locking position along the locking direction. (i) When the locking device (150) is in the locking position, the heating drive unit (70) cannot be operated by operating the knob assembly (100), and (ii) when the locking device (150) is in the releasing position, the heating drive unit (70) can be operated by operating the knob assembly (100).

[0126] Looking at the structure of the above locking device (150) in detail, the locking device (150) may include a locking casing (151). The locking casing (151) is arranged in the inner space (121a) of the knob body (NB) and may have a mounting space (151a) (see FIG. 4) therein. The mounting space (151a) extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, more precisely, in the locking direction. Referring to FIG. 7, a locking button (155) is arranged in the mounting space (151a). In the present embodiment, the locking direction and the operating direction are formed in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0127] The above lock casing (151) forms the skeleton of the locking device (150). Since the lock casing (151) is disposed inside the knob body (NB), it is not exposed to the outside. The lock button (155), the lock return member (S3), and the interference portion (159) may be first assembled to the lock casing (151) and then disposed together with the lock casing (151) in the internal space of the knob body (NB). As another example, the lock casing (151) may be omitted, and the lock button (155) may be installed directly to the knob body (NB).

[0128] A fixing hole (152) may be formed in the above lock casing (151). The fixing hole (152) catches and fixes the lock button (155). The fixing hole (152) catches the fixing protrusion (P1) of the lock button (155) so that the lock button (155) is fixed at a specific position. The fixing hole (152) may include a first fixing hole (152a) and a second fixing hole (152b). When the fixing protrusion (P1) catches the first fixing hole (152a), the locking device (150) has a locked position. When the fixing protrusion (P1) catches the second fixing hole (152b), the locking device (150) has an unlocked position.

[0129] Referring to Fig. 16, the first fixing hole (152a) and the second fixing hole (152b) may be formed by penetrating the locking casing (151). The fixing protrusion (P1) caught in the first fixing hole (152a) and the second fixing hole (152b) is exposed to the outside of the locking casing (151). Of course, since the locking casing (151) is placed in the internal space (121a), it is not exposed to the user.

[0130] The release protrusion (P2) of the lock button (155) can protrude through the first fixing hole (152a). When the release protrusion (P2) protrudes through the first fixing hole (152a), the operation protrusion (145) of the operation button (140) can press the release protrusion (P2). In the present embodiment, the release protrusion (P2) moves along the first fixing hole (152a) and does not leave the first fixing hole (152a).

[0131] The above lock casing (151) may be provided with a mounting rib (153). The mounting rib (153) protrudes from the surface of the lock casing (151). The mounting rib (153) is caught on the first knob body (120) to fix the mounting position of the lock casing (151). In the present embodiment, the mounting rib (153) protrudes in the axial direction. Referring to FIG. 14, the mounting rib (153) protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lock casing (151).

[0132] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, a lock button (155) separated from the lock casing (151) is illustrated. The lock button (155) is housed in the mounting space (151a), and a portion thereof protrudes from the mounting space (151a) so that the user can press it. This protruding portion becomes a pressing portion (157).

[0133] In more detail, the lock button (155) may include a guide portion (156) extending in the locking direction. The guide portion (156) has an elongated structure extending approximately in one direction. The guide portion (156) may be kept in close contact with the inner surface of the mounting space (151a), thereby guiding the direction of movement when the entire lock button (155) moves along the mounting space (151a).

[0134] A pressing portion (157) may be extended from the above guide portion (156). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressing portion (157) may protrude to the outside of the knob assembly (100) by passing through the outlet (151b) of the mounting space (151a) and the through hole (128) of the knob body (NB), respectively. The pressing portion protruding in this way can be pressed by a user. In other words, the pressing portion (157) becomes a type of button that is operated by a user.

[0135] The lock button (155) may be provided with an interference portion (159) that protrudes in the axial direction. The interference portion (159) may extend from the guide portion (156). The interference portion (159) may be positioned on the opposite side of the pressing portion (157). In the locking position, the interference portion (159) interferes with the base portion (110), and in the releasing position, the interference portion (159) is released from the base portion (110). The interference portion (159) may have a bar shape that extends long in the axial direction.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the interference portion (159) is not axially aligned with the stopper (115) of the base portion (110), but is misaligned, i.e., a released state is illustrated. When the interference portion (159) is misaligned with the stopper (115), the interference portion (159) does not interfere with the stopper (115) when the knob body (NB) moves in the axial direction. Accordingly, the knob body (NB) can move in the axial direction toward the front plate (31) to perform a pushing operation.

[0137] At this time, in the locked position, the locking device (150) is spaced apart from the base portion (110) by a first distance based on the axial direction. The distance between the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) at the locked position becomes a first distance at the locked position, and the first distance may include “0”. In the released position, the locking device (150) is spaced apart from the base portion (110) by a second distance based on the axial direction. The distance between the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) at the released position becomes a second distance at the locked position. In the present embodiment, the second distance is formed to be longer than the first distance.

[0138] The above interference portion (159) may have a substantially cantilever shape. The interference portion (159) may be a type of safety pin. The interference length between the knob body (NB) and the base portion (110) may be increased by the length by which the interference portion (159) protrudes. As another example, the interference portion (159) may be omitted, and the knob body (NB) or the weight plate may directly interfere with the stopper (115) of the base portion (110).

[0139] A lever portion (158) can be connected to the above guide portion (156). The lever portion (158) is elastically deformable so that its relative position with respect to the guide portion (156) can be varied. One end of the lever portion (158) is connected to the guide portion (156), and the other end is a free end. In this way, the lever portion (158), which has a cantilever structure, can vary its relative distance with respect to the guide portion (156).

[0140] The lever portion (158) may have a button protrusion (P) (P) that is exposed through the first fixing hole (152a) and the second fixing hole (152b). The button protrusion (P) fixes the lock button (155) to the lock casing (151) and is pressed by the operation button (140). The button protrusion (P) protrudes from the surface of the lever portion (158) in the direction in which the lever portion (158) is elastically deformed.

[0141] The above button protrusion (P) may include a release protrusion (P2) and a fixing protrusion (P1). The release protrusion (P2) and the fixing protrusion (P1) protrude in a direction different from the locking direction. The release protrusion (P2) can be pressed by the operation button (140) to release the fixed state of the fixing protrusion (P1). The fixing protrusion (P1) can be caught on the edge of the first fixing hole (152a) or the second fixing hole (152b) to fix the lock button (155) in the locked position or the release position.

[0142] The above-described fixed protrusion (P1) and the above-described release protrusion (P2) may be provided on the same plane of the lock button (155). The above-described fixed protrusion (P1) and the above-described release protrusion (P2) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the locking direction of the lock button (155). The above-described release protrusion (P2) has a longer protruding length than the above-described fixed protrusion (P1). Accordingly, the operation protrusion (145) of the operation button (140) can elastically deform the lever portion (158) by pressing the release protrusion (P2), but does not press the above-described fixed protrusion (P1). In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the operation protrusion (145) has a position corresponding to the position of the release protrusion (P2) in the locked state, and therefore, the operation protrusion (145) does not press the fixed protrusion (P1).

[0143] A return member (S3) may be provided inside the lock casing (151). The return member (S3) provides elastic force to the lock button (155) in a direction toward the release position. One end of the return member (S3) is supported on the inner surface of the mounting space (151a), and the other end is in close contact with the surface of the guide part (156). At the moment when the release protrusion (P2) is pressed by the operation button (140) and the fixing protrusion (P1) is released from the state of being caught in the first fixing hole (152a), the entire lock button (155) moves so that the pressing part (157) protrudes out of the knob body (NB) through the outlet (151b) of the mounting space (151a) and the through hole (128) of the knob body (NB). The return member (S3) may be composed of a coil spring or a plate spring.

[0144] In this way, in the release position, the pressing portion (157) can protrude outward from the knob body (NB). And when the locking device (150) moves from the release position to the locking position along the locking direction, the protrusion amount by which the pressing portion (157) protrudes outward from the knob body (NB) can be reduced.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 5, the operation of the knob body (NB), the operation button (140), and the lock button (155) is examined. The operation button (140) can be pressed in the direction of arrow ①. When the operation button (140) is pressed in the direction of arrow ①, the operation button (140) moves from the standby position to the operation position. When the operation button (140) moves to the operation position, the operation button (140) can press the release protrusion (P2) to release the state in which the fixing protrusion (P1) is caught in the first fixing hole (152a).

[0146] At this moment, the return member (S3) moves the lock button (155) toward the release position (arrow ② direction). The lock button (155) may have a pressing portion (157) protrude as it moves to the release position. When the lock button (155) moves to the release position, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) of the lock button (155) may be disengaged from being axially aligned with the surface (115a) of the stopper (115). For reference, FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the lock button (155) moves to the release position and the interference between the stopper (115) and the interference portion (159) is released.

[0147] When the lock button (155) is moved to the release position in this way, the knob body (NB) can be pushed in the axial direction (in the direction of arrow ③) without interference with the stopper (115). That is, when the lock button (155) is moved to the release position, the knob assembly (100) including the second knob body (130) can move in the axial direction, excluding the base portion (110).

[0148] The knob assembly (100) moved in the axial direction can be rotated in the direction of arrow ④. At this time, together with the second knob body (130), the first knob body (120), the operation button (140), and the locking device (150) are also rotated together. The second knob body (130) can also be rotated in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow ④. Meanwhile, when the user removes the external force pressing the operation button (140), the operation button (140) can be moved in the direction of arrow ①' by the elastic member (S1) and returned to the standby position.

[0149] If the user wishes to lock the knob assembly (100) again, the user must press the pusher (157) in the opposite direction (arrow ②' direction). In this case, the interference portion (159) of the lock button (155) is axially aligned with the stopper (115) of the base portion (110), so that the knob body (NB) cannot be pressed in the axial direction (arrow ③ direction), or the pressing distance is very limited.

[0150] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, a weight plate (160) that rotates and moves together with the knob body (NB) may be coupled to the knob body (NB). The weight plate (160) may have a circular plate structure to correspond to the internal space (121a). The weight plate (160) may increase the overall weight of the knob assembly (100), thereby improving the operating feel of the knob assembly (100). For this purpose, the weight plate (160) may be made of a metal material.

[0151] The center of the weight plate (160) may be provided with a shaft through hole (161) through which the driving shaft (71) is inserted. A plate fastening hole (164) through which a second fastener (B2) passes and a plate groove (167) may be formed around the shaft through hole (161), with the shaft through hole (161) as the center. The plate protrusion (137) of the body plate (133) is fitted into the plate groove (167).

[0152] The weight plate (160) may have a through hole (163) that passes through it. The through hole (163) is a portion through which the interference portion (159) passes. At this time, since the interference portion (159) must move from the interference position to the release position, the through hole (163) may extend along the radial direction of the weight plate (160). The interference portion (159) may move from the locking position to the release position while being fitted into the through hole (163).

[0153] FIGS. 6 to 12 sequentially illustrate the operations of components constituting the present embodiment. First, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a state in which the operation button (140) is in a standby position. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a state in which the push portion (157) of the lock button (155) protrudes outward from the knob body (NB), i.e., an unlocked state. Referring to FIG. 7, when the push portion (157) protrudes outward, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) does not face the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) in the axial direction, so that the knob assembly (100) can be pushed in the axial direction. In FIG. 6, arrow ① indicates the direction in which the operation portion (143) is pressed, and arrow ② indicates the direction in which the push portion (157) protrudes when the operation portion (143) is pressed.

[0154] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate the state in which the lock button (155) is pressed and the locking device (150) moves to the locked position. When the user presses the pressing portion (157) in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8, the locking button (155) is inserted into the inside of the knob body (NB). In this way, as shown in FIG. 9, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) axially faces the surface (115a) of the stopper (115), so that the locking device (150) has a locked position. That is, the interference portion (159) interferes with the stopper (115) in the axial direction, so that the knob body (NB) cannot be pressed. Therefore, the knob assembly (100) can be prevented from being operated arbitrarily due to a user's mistake or interference with surrounding objects.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the user presses the operation button (140) to release the locking state of the locking device (150). When the user presses the operation unit (143) in the direction of arrow ① in FIG. 10, the operation protrusion (145) of the operation unit (143) (see FIG. 14) presses the release protrusion (P2) (see FIG. 14) of the locking button (155), thereby moving the locking button (155) to the release position. Referring to FIG. 11, the locking button (155) is shown moving in the direction (arrow ②) protruding from the locking casing (151).

[0156] In this way, when the lock button (155) moves to the release position, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) is not axially aligned with the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) and is deviated. In Fig. 11, the distance at which the interference portion (159) and the stopper (115) are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction is expressed by the drawing symbol D. Since the interference portion (159) and the stopper (115) are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction, they do not interfere with each other during the movement of the knob body (NB).

[0157] Accordingly, in this released state, the user can press the knob body (NB) axially. The knob body (NB) pressed axially also moves the drive shaft (71) axially, and the drive shaft (71) becomes capable of turning. The user's appearance of activating the heating drive unit (70) by rotating the knob body (NB) is illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, arrow ① indicates the direction in which the knob body (NB) is pushed, and arrow ② indicates the direction in which the knob body (NB) is rotated.

[0158] Fig. 13 illustrates the operating directions of the operation button (140) and the locking device (150). The operation button (140) can be pressed in the direction of arrow ①. Here, the direction of arrow ① is the direction toward the driving shaft (71). In addition, when the operation button (140) presses the release protrusion (P2) of the locking device (150), the locking button (155) moves in the direction of arrow ②. This operation can be performed continuously.

[0159] As shown in Fig. 13, the operation button (140) may be provided with an additional auxiliary elastic member (S2) separately from the elastic member (S1). The auxiliary elastic member (S2) may provide elastic force to move the operation button (140) to a standby position. Referring to Fig. 14, the auxiliary elastic member (S2) may be a torsion spring wound around the shaft coupling portion (131). Each of the two ends of the auxiliary elastic member (S2) may press the surface of the operation button (140). The auxiliary elastic member (S2) may have different positions relative to the elastic member (S1) in the axial direction.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the relative positions of the operation button (140) and the locking device (150) are examined. The operation protrusion (145) of the operation button (140) has a position corresponding to the release protrusion (P2) of the locking position. The operation button (140) can be extended in the left-right direction to increase the contact area with the release protrusion (P2). The left-right direction here is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and at the same time, it becomes the movement direction of the driving button.

[0161] Fig. 15 illustrates a state in which the operating protrusion (145) presses the release protrusion (P2) so that the lock button (155) protrudes from the lock casing (151). As can be seen, the release protrusion (P2) can be pressed against the operating protrusion (145) to retract the fixing protrusion (P1). The fixing protrusion (P1), which has retracted from the first fixing hole (152a), comes out of the first fixing hole (152a) and is caught in the second fixing hole (152b). This prevents the fixing protrusion from being completely separated from the lock casing (151).

[0162] At this time, in the release state as shown in Fig. 15, the operating protrusion (145) does not face the release protrusion (P2). Therefore, even if the operating button (140) is pressed and moves to the operation position, the operating protrusion (145) does not interfere with the release protrusion (P2), and the lock button (155) can maintain its original position (release position).

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the positions of the interference portion (159) in the locking position and the releasing position can be seen, respectively. Looking at the locking position of FIG. 16, the interference portion (159) is positioned relatively far from the exit (151b) of the mounting space (151a) formed in the locking casing (151). At the same time, the pressing portion (157) is positioned retracted inwardly from the exit (151b) of the mounting space (151a). At this time, the fixing protrusion (P1) of the lock button (155) can be caught on the edge of the first fixing hole (152a) so that the lock button (155) can be fixed in the locking position. In this state, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) faces the surface (115a) of the stopper (115). (See FIG. 14)

[0164] Looking at the release position of Fig. 17, the interference portion (159) is positioned relatively close to the exit (151b) of the mounting space (151a) formed in the lock casing (151). At the same time, the pressing portion (157) is positioned to protrude outward from the exit (151b) of the mounting space (151a). At this time, the fixing protrusion (P1) of the lock button (155) can be caught on the edge of the second fixing hole (152b) so that the lock button (155) can be fixed in the locked position. In this way, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) is misaligned with the surface (115a) of the stopper (115), and the axial alignment is released. (See Fig. 15)

[0165] Figures 18 to 20 sequentially illustrate the operation of the knob assembly (100) for operating the heating drive unit (70) using the present embodiment. First, referring to Figure 18, it can be seen that the operating protrusion (145) of the operating button (140) is in contact with the release protrusion (P2). In this state, when the operating unit (143) is pressed in the direction of the arrow, the operating protrusion (145) presses the release protrusion (P2) toward the inside of the mounting space (151a).

[0166] When the above-mentioned release protrusion (P2) is pressed inward into the above-mentioned mounting space (151a), the state in which the above-mentioned fixing protrusion (P1) is caught in the first fixing hole (152a) is released, and at the same time, the entire lock button (155) moves to the release position by the above-mentioned return member (S3). This appearance is illustrated in Fig. 19.

[0167] As shown in Fig. 19, the entire lock button (155) moves in the release direction (arrow ② direction). In this way, the lock state of the locking device (150) can be released. That is, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) is not axially aligned with the surface (115a) of the stopper (115), and the two are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (D) in the radial direction. Accordingly, the height (H1) between the weight plate and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) becomes the axially movable distance of the knob body (NB). That is, the knob body (NB) can move in a direction that reduces the distance (G1) between the edge of the first knob body (120) and the front plate (31).

[0168] When the user pushes the knob body (NB) in the direction of arrow ③ of Fig. 20, the height (H2) between the weight plate and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) decreases. At the same time, the distance (G2) between the edge of the first knob body (120) and the front plate (31) also decreases. At this time, the surface (159a) of the interference portion (159) is moved closer to the front plate (31) than the surface (115a) of the stopper (115).

[0169] In this way, the driving shaft (71) also moves in the axial direction and becomes rotatable. When the user rotates the knob body (NB) while pushing it, the heating driving unit (70) is activated and the heating device (28) can be used.

[0170] Although not shown, the pressing portion (157) of the lock button (155) may not protrude outward from the knob body (NB) in the release position. In this case, the user can press the pressing portion (157) by inserting a thin tool into the through hole (128) of the knob body (NB).

[0171] Although not shown, the knob body (NB) may be provided with a protruding structure having a shape symmetrical to the operation unit (143) on the opposite side of the operation unit (143) based on the center of the knob body (NB). The protruding structure protrudes symmetrically to the operation unit (143), thereby enhancing the user's grip feeling.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the operation button (140) moves along the operation direction to move the locking device (150) from the locked position to the unlocked position, but the opposite may also be true. That is, the operation button (140) may move along the operation direction to move the locking device (150) from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0173] Meanwhile, although not shown, the knob assembly (100) may omit either the elastic member (S1) or the return member (S3). In this case, the user can manually move the operation button (140) from the operation position to the standby position. In addition, the user can pull the lock button (155) to move it from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0174] In the above examples, the knob assembly (100) was applied to an early-stage appliance as an example, but the knob assembly (100) can be applied to various electronic products such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, a styler, an air conditioner, a mixer, and a dishwasher.

[0175] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A knob body that rotates around a drive shaft protruding from the operation panel and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft; A locking device having a pressing portion that moves along a locking direction different from the axial direction and is exposed to the outside of the knob body; and An operation button having an operation part exposed to the outside of the knob body and moving the locking device along an operation direction different from the axial direction; The locking device has a locking position in which the axial movement is restricted by interference from the operating panel or the base, and an unlocking position in which the axial movement is possible by moving along the locking direction from the locking position. The above operation button is a knob assembly that moves along the operation direction to move the locking device from the locked position to the unlocked position.

2. In claim 1, the operation button is a knob assembly having a standby position in which the operation part protrudes outside the knob body, and an operation position in which the locking device is operated by moving in the operation direction.

3. In claim 1, in the release position, the pressing portion protrudes outside the knob body, A knob assembly in which the amount by which the pressing part protrudes outward from the knob body is reduced when the locking device is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position along the locking direction.

4. In claim 1, in the locking position, the locking device is spaced apart from the base portion by a first distance based on the axial direction, In the above release position, the locking device is spaced apart from the base part by a second distance based on the axial direction, The above second distance is a knob assembly further than the above first distance.

5. In claim 1, the locking device includes a locking button that moves in the locking direction, A knob assembly wherein the lock button is moved independently from the knob body in a direction other than the axial direction between the lock position and the release position.

6. In claim 1, the locking direction and the operating direction are each orthogonal to the axial direction, A knob assembly in which the locking direction and the operating direction are formed in directions perpendicular to each other.

7. In claim 1, the knob body has an operating hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, A knob assembly in which the above-mentioned operating part is exposed to the outside through the operating hole, and the above-mentioned operating part forms a part of the exterior of the knob body.

8. In claim 1, the locking device includes a locking button that moves independently of the knob body in the interference direction, The above lock button is provided with the above pressing part and the above axially protruding interference part, A knob assembly in which the interference portion interferes with the base portion in the axial direction in the locking position, and in which the interference portion is released from axial interference with the base portion in the releasing position.

9. In claim 1, the knob body has a grip portion protruding in the axial direction, The above-mentioned grip portion has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the axial direction, The above locking device includes a locking button that moves independently of the knob body in the interference direction, A knob assembly in which the locking direction of the above lock button is formed in the longitudinal direction of the above grip portion.

10. In claim 1, the locking device A lock button having a pressing portion protruding outward from the knob body and an interference portion protruding in the axial direction and interfering with the base portion at the locking position; and A knob assembly comprising a return member that provides elastic force toward the release position to the lock button.

11. In claim 1, the locking device A lock casing arranged in the inner space of the above knob body and having a mounting space; A lock button disposed in the above mounting space and having the pressing portion exposed to the outside of the knob body; An interference part connected to the above lock button, protruding in the axial direction from the above mounting space and interfering with the base part at the above locking position; and A knob assembly comprising a return member disposed in the above mounting space and providing elastic force to the lock button in a direction toward the release position.

12. In claim 11, the lock button has a release protrusion protruding in a direction different from the locking direction, A knob assembly that moves the above operation button in the above operation direction and presses the release protrusion, thereby moving the lock button to the release position.

13. In claim 11, the lock button A fixing projection that fixes the lock button in the lock position or the release position; and A release projection that releases the fixed state of the fixed projection by being pressed by the above operation button is provided; A knob assembly in which the fixed protrusion and the release protrusion protrude in a direction different from the locking direction.

14. In claim 11, a first fixing hole and a second fixing hole are formed in the lock casing, The fixing projection of the above lock button is caught in the first fixing hole at the above locking position, The fixing projection of the above lock button is a knob assembly that is caught in the second fixing hole in the above release position.

15. In claim 11, the lock button A guide portion extending in the above locking direction; The pressing portion extending from the above guide portion and protruding to the outside of the knob body; A lever part connected to the above guide part and elastically deformable so that its relative position with respect to the above guide part is variable; and An interference part connected to the guide part or the lever part and interfering with the base part at the locking position; A knob assembly in which the lever portion is fixed by being caught on the knob body or the lock casing provided on the knob body at the lock position and the release position, respectively.

16. In claim 11, the lock button is provided with a lever portion with a protruding release protrusion, The above operation button causes the release portion to be pressed in the operation direction to elastically deform the lever portion. A knob assembly in which the above-mentioned release protrusion moves in the above-mentioned operating direction to release the fixed state of the above-mentioned lock button.

17. In claim 1, the base portion is provided with a stopper that interferes with the lock button, The above stopper is a knob assembly that protrudes from the base portion in the direction of the lock button along the axial direction.

18. In claim 1, the knob body A first knob body having an internal space open toward the base portion; and A second knob body is disposed in the internal space and rotates and moves linearly together with the first knob body; A knob assembly in which a locking hole exposing the pressing part to the outside and an operating hole exposing the operating part to the outside are formed in the first knob body.

19. Drive shaft protruding from the control panel; A knob body that rotates around the drive shaft and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft; A locking device having a pressing portion that moves along a locking direction different from the axial direction and is exposed to the outside of the knob body; and An operation button having an operation part exposed to the outside of the knob body and moving the locking device along an operation direction different from the axial direction; The locking device has a locking position in which the axial movement is restricted by interference from the operating panel, and an unlocking position in which the axial movement is possible by moving along the locking direction from the locking position, A knob assembly for moving the locking device between the locked position and the unlocked position by moving the operating button along the operating direction.

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

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