Knob assembly and cooking appliance including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a knob assembly and a cooking appliance including same. The present invention may include a knob body (NB) that rotates about a driving shaft (71) protruding from an operation panel (30) and linearly moves in the axial direction of the driving shaft (71). The present invention may further include a lock button (140) that moves along a different direction than the axial direction and restricts the axial movement of the knob body (NB). A button holder (170) may be disposed on the knob body (NB) or the operation panel (30). In this case, the button holder (170) may have a button restraining position at which the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140) to restrict the movement of the lock button (140) and a button release position to which the button holder (170) moves from the button restraining position to remove the interference with the lock button (140). Consequently, the lock button (140) can be continuously maintained in a state permitting a push operation of the knob assembly (100). Therefore, the user can operate the button holder (170) to activate the lock button (140) only when necessary.

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 may also be used to heat food to a temperature suitable for consumption. These cooking appliances can be classified in various ways depending on the type of heat source used, the type of fuel, and so on. For example, cooking appliances can be classified into open and closed types depending on the shape of the space where the ingredients are placed. Closed cooking appliances include ovens and microwave ovens, while open cooking appliances include cooktops and griddles.

[0003] Closed-type cooking appliances shield the space where ingredients are placed with a door and cook food by heating the enclosed space. Open-type cooking appliances place ingredients or containers holding ingredients in an open space and cook food by heating the ingredients or containers. Recently, hybrid cooking appliances that combine both closed and open types are also being used. Hybrid appliances combine multiple heat sources to cook a variety of ingredients and allow for the simultaneous cooking of multiple dishes.

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

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

[0006] However, since this push-and-turn type knob protrudes outward, users may unintentionally rotate it while pressing it. For example, a user's body might come into contact with the knob without them realizing it, causing it to be pressed and rotated simultaneously. Additionally, there is a possibility that an infant could operate the cooking appliance by manipulating the knob. Since unauthorized operation of the knob can lead to fire or burns, it is necessary to further enhance the safety of the cooking appliance.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the objective of the present invention is to prevent the knob assembly from operating when the lock button (safety button) provided in the knob assembly is not pressed.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to fix the lock button at a specific position using a button holder, thereby allowing the lock button to be used selectively.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to ensure that the operating directions of the lock button and the button holder are formed differently from the rotational direction and the pressing direction of the knob assembly, respectively.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to prevent the button holder from being exposed to the outside when the knob assembly is mounted on a cooking appliance or the like.

[0011] According to the features of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention may include a knob body that rotates around a drive shaft protruding from an operating panel and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft.

[0012] The present invention may further include a lock button that moves along a direction different from the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the knob body. A button holder may be disposed on the knob body or the operating panel.

[0013] At this time, the button holder may have a button restraint position that interferes with the lock button and restricts the movement of the lock button, and a button release position that moves from the button restraint position to release interference with the lock button. In this way, the lock button can be continuously maintained in a state that allows the push operation of the knob assembly. Accordingly, the user can operate the button holder to activate the lock button only when necessary.

[0014] The lock button may have a knob release position that enables axial movement of the knob body. In the button restraint position, the button holder interferes with the lock button positioned in the knob release position, so that the lock button may be restrained in the knob release position.

[0015] The above lock button may have a knob lock position that interferes with the operating panel in the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the knob body, and a knob unlock position that moves along a direction different from the axial direction from the knob lock position to enable the axial movement of the knob body.

[0016] In the above knob lock position, the lock button may be spaced apart from the operating panel or the base portion disposed on the operating panel by a first distance with respect to the axial direction. In the above knob unlock position, the lock button may be spaced apart from the operating panel or the base portion by a second distance greater than the first distance with respect to the axial direction.

[0017] In claim 1, the knob body may be moved linearly in a first direction which is the axial direction. The lock button may be moved linearly between a knob lock position and a knob unlock position along a second direction different from the first direction. The button holder may be moved linearly between a button restraint position and a button unlock position along a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0018] The direction of movement of the button holder may be orthogonal to the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button, respectively.

[0019] The button holder can move radially along the drive shaft.

[0020] The lock button may have a movement path that moves between a knob lock position that interferes with the axial movement of the knob body and a knob unlock position that enables the axial movement of the knob body. At the button restraint position, the interference portion of the button holder may be positioned on the movement path of the lock button and may interfere with the lock button.

[0021] The lock button may have a knob lock position that restricts the axial movement of the knob body, and a knob unlock position that enables the axial movement of the knob body by moving along a direction different from the axial direction from the knob lock position. The radial distance between the button operating part and the drive shaft at the knob lock position may be formed to be farther than the radial distance between the button operating part and the drive shaft at the knob unlock position. The radial distance between the button holder and the drive shaft at the button unlock position may be formed to be farther than the radial distance between the button holder and the drive shaft at the button restraint position.

[0022] The button holder may include a holder operating part and a movement guide connected to the holder operating part and supported by the knob body. An interference part is connected to the holder operating part in a direction different from the movement guide, and the interference part may interfere with the lock button.

[0023] A holder support may protrude from the knob body. The holder support may be positioned on the movement path of the button holder to limit the range of movement of the button holder.

[0024] A holder groove may be formed in the button holder. The holder support may be inserted into the holder groove.

[0025] A weight plate that rotates and moves together with the knob body may be coupled to the knob body. The knob body and the weight plate may be spaced apart in the axial direction, so that a guide space may be formed between the knob body and the weight plate. A portion of the button holder may be positioned in the guide space and moved along the guide space.

[0026] An elastic member that provides elastic force to the lock button may be disposed inside the knob body. The lock button may be provided with an elastic support member that supports one end of the elastic member. One end of the elastic member is supported on one side of the elastic support member, and an interference part of the button holder may interfere on the other side of the elastic support member.

[0027] A weight plate that rotates and moves together with the knob body may be coupled to the knob body. A holder storage groove may be formed in the weight plate, into which a holder operating part of the button holder is inserted. The holder storage groove may be recessed radially along the drive shaft to guide the movement of the button holder.

[0028] A weight plate that rotates and moves together with the knob body may be coupled to the knob body. A holder storage groove may be formed in the weight plate, into which a holder operating part of the button holder is inserted. The knob body may be provided with a holder support that blocks the entrance of the holder storage groove. A movement path of the button holder may be formed between the holder storage groove and the holder support.

[0029] An internal space open toward the operating panel may be formed in the knob body. The button holder may be placed in the internal space to prevent radial exposure of the knob body.

[0030] The knob body may be provided with a fixing projection that hooks the button holder and fixes the button holder to the button restraint position.

[0031] In claim 1, a base portion may be disposed on the control panel. The knob body may be provided with a safety pin that protrudes toward the control panel or the base portion and interferes with or is released from interference with the control panel or the base portion. The safety pin may be linked to the lock button and move between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position.

[0032] The above safety pin may protrude from the knob body in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the button holder.

[0033] A base portion may be disposed on the above-mentioned control panel. The above-mentioned control panel or the base portion may be provided with a stopper that interferes with the knob body or the lock button. The stopper may protrude from the above-mentioned control panel or the base portion along the axial direction toward the lock button.

[0034] The knob body may include a first knob body having an internal space open toward the control panel, and a second knob body disposed in the internal space and rotating and linearly moving together with the first knob body. In this case, the second knob body may be provided with a holder support disposed on the movement path of the button holder to limit the movement range of the button holder.

[0035] A weight plate that rotates and moves together with the second knob body may be coupled to the second knob body. A part of the button holder may be positioned between the second knob body and the weight plate.

[0036] The knob body may be provided with a gripping portion having a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The button holder may move independently of the knob body along the longitudinal direction.

[0037] The present invention may include a knob body that rotates around a drive shaft protruding from a control panel and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft. The present invention may further include a lock button that restricts the axial movement of the knob body by moving along a movement path in a direction different from the axial direction. A button holder that is movable independently of the lock button may be disposed on the knob body. In this case, the button holder may move along the movement path of the lock button along the axial direction to restrict the movement of the lock button. Accordingly, the user can operate the cooking appliance by pressing the knob body axially only after first pressing the lock button. Thus, the button holder that operates independently of the lock button is provided, and the operation of the lock button can be restricted according to the position of the button holder. Therefore, the user can activate the lock button only when necessary by operating the button holder.

[0038] The button holder may have a button restraint position that is placed in the movement path of the lock button and restricts the movement of the lock button, and a button release position that is moved away from the movement path of the lock button and releases interference with the lock button.

[0039] The button holder may have a button restraint position that interferes with the lock button and restricts the movement of the lock button, and a button release position that moves from the button restraint position and releases interference with the lock button.

[0040] The lock button may have a knob release position that enables axial movement of the knob body. In the button restraint position, the button holder interferes with the lock button positioned in the knob release position, so that the lock button may be restrained in the knob release position.

[0041] The above lock button may have a knob lock position that interferes with the operating panel in the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the knob body, and a knob unlock position that moves along a direction different from the axial direction from the knob lock position to enable the axial movement of the knob body.

[0042] The button holder can be fixed to the movement path of the lock button by rotating around a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction.

[0043] A gripping portion may protrude in the axial direction from the knob body. A safety pin may be connected to the knob body, protruding toward the operating panel or a base portion disposed on the operating panel, so as to interfere with or be released from interference with the operating panel or the base portion. The internal space may be divided into two regions based on a virtual centerline extending along the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion along the center of the gripping portion. The button holder may be disposed in the region among the two regions where the safety pin is disposed.

[0044] A base portion may be disposed on the above-mentioned control panel. The above-mentioned control panel or the base portion may be provided with a stopper that interferes with the knob body or the lock button. The stopper may protrude from the above-mentioned control panel or the base portion along the axial direction toward the lock button.

[0045] The knob body may include a first knob body having an internal space open toward the control panel, and a second knob body that rotates and moves linearly together with the first knob body. The second knob body may be positioned in the internal space at a location outside the movement path of the button holder.

[0046] The button holder may have a first rotational state that deviates from the movement path of the lock button, and a second rotational state that is rotated relative to the knob body in the first rotational state and enters the movement path of the lock button.

[0047] The button holder can move in a direction spaced apart from the control panel along the axial direction to enter the movement path of the lock button.

[0048] A holder storage hole may be formed in the axial direction in the knob body or the weight plate coupled to the knob body. The button holder may move in the axial direction along the holder storage hole.

[0049] An operating groove may be recessed in the surface of the button holder. The operating groove may be exposed toward the operating panel.

[0050] The button holder may include a holder body that is stored in the holder storage hole, and a support projection that protrudes radially from the holder body and is fitted into a seating groove formed in the holder storage hole. The support projection may be fitted into different seating grooves depending on the rotation angle of the button holder.

[0051] A plurality of seating grooves having different phase angles may be formed in the holder storage hole. The plurality of seating grooves may have different lengths with respect to the axial direction.

[0052] The above seating grooves may include a first seating groove in which the support protrusion is seated at a position where the button holder is out of the movement path of the lock button, and a second seating groove spaced apart from the first seating groove along the axial direction in which the support protrusion is seated at a position where the button holder is placed in the movement path of the lock button.

[0053] A weight plate that rotates and moves together with the knob body may be coupled to the knob body. A holder storage hole may be formed through the weight plate in the axial direction. The button holder moves axially along the holder storage hole and may rotate around the center of the holder storage hole.

[0054] One side of the button holder may face the movement path of the lock button through the holder storage hole, and the other side of the button holder may face the control panel.

[0055] In the above knob lock position, the lock button may be spaced apart from the operating panel or the base portion disposed on the operating panel by a first distance with respect to the axial direction. In the above knob unlock position, the lock button may be spaced apart from the operating panel or the base portion by a second distance greater than the first distance with respect to the axial direction.

[0056] Inside the knob body, a holder return member may be provided that provides elastic force to the button holder in the direction of the operating panel.

[0057] The lock button may be provided with a restraining support protruding toward the movement path of the button holder. The button holder may support the lock button by contacting the restraining support at the button restraint position.

[0058] A restraint support surface corresponding to the outer surface of the button holder may be formed on the above restraint support member. At the button restraint position, the outer surface of the button holder may come into surface contact with the restraint support surface.

[0059] The above restraint support member may be formed with a member passage that penetrates in the axial direction. The holder return member may pass through the button passage.

[0060] The knob body may be provided with a gripping portion protruding in the axial direction. The button holder may move in the direction in which the gripping portion protrudes and be positioned at a button restraint position.

[0061] A knob assembly according to the present invention may include: a knob portion coupled to an axial member so as to move together with the axial member along a rotational axis of the axial member protruding from the control panel of the cooking appliance and rotate together with the axial member around the rotational axis; a limiting portion coupled to the control panel so as to be disposed between the control panel and the knob portion, and including a limiting projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion; and a locking portion coupled to the knob portion. The knob portion may include a driving knob coupled to the axial member, a knob cover coupled to the driving knob, an operating button coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable along an operating direction different from the rotational axis, and a knob projection protruding from the operating button toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. The operating button may be coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable between a limiting position where the knob projection interferes with the limiting projection and an avoidance position where the knob projection avoids interference with the limiting projection. The locking portion may include a locking projection inserted into a switching groove formed in the operating button. The above locking projection is inserted into the allowable groove of the switching groove to allow the operation button to move between the restricted position and the avoidance position, and is inserted into the locking groove of the switching groove to fix the operation button at the avoidance position.

[0062] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the switching groove may include a connecting groove connecting the allowable groove and the locking groove. The locking projection may be inserted into the switching groove so as to be movable between the allowable groove and the locking groove through the connecting groove.

[0063] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the locking groove may be positioned spaced apart toward the first direction with respect to the allowable groove. The allowable groove may be formed by extending along the operating direction. The connecting groove may include a first connecting groove formed by extending from one end of the allowable groove toward the first direction, and a second connecting groove connected to the locking groove by extending from the first connecting groove along the operating direction.

[0064] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the operating button may include a partition member formed extending along the operating direction between the locking groove and the allowable groove, and a support projection formed extending from the partition member toward the first direction. The support projection may be positioned between the locking groove and the first connecting groove with respect to the operating direction. The second connecting groove may be positioned toward the first direction with respect to the support projection.

[0065] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the locking groove may be positioned spaced apart toward the first direction with respect to the allowable groove. The locking portion may include a locking body having the locking projection formed thereon. The locking body may be coupled to the knob portion so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction, such that the locking projection moves between the locking groove and the allowable groove through the connecting groove.

[0066] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the knob portion may include a weight plate coupled to the driving knob. The weight plate may support the locking projection that moves along the allowable groove.

[0067] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the knob portion may include a weight plate coupled to the drive knob. The weight plate may include a movable hole into which the locking body is inserted so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction, and N inner surfaces (N is a natural number greater than 2) arranged to face the movable hole. The locking body may include N sides inserted into the movable hole and arranged to face the inner surfaces of the weight plate. The inner surfaces of the weight plate may contact the sides of the locking body to block rotation of the locking body inserted into the movable hole and movement in the operating direction.

[0068] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the locking member may include an elastic body disposed between the inner surface of the knob cover and the locking body inside the knob cover. The elastic body may be supported on the inner surface of the knob cover and press the locking body toward the second direction.

[0069] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the locking member may include an elastic groove formed on one surface of the locking body facing the first direction. The elastic body may be inserted into the elastic groove.

[0070] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the knob portion may include a weight plate coupled to the drive knob. The weight plate may include a movable hole into which the locking body is inserted so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction. The locking body may be positioned so as to be exposed toward the second direction relative to the weight plate through the movable hole.

[0071] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the locking portion may include a locking body having the locking projection formed thereon. The locking body may be coupled to the knob portion so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction, such that the locking projection moves between the locking groove and the allowable groove through the connecting groove. The locking projection is positioned at the portion where the allowable groove and the first connecting groove are connected when the operating button is positioned at the limiting position; after the locking body is moved in the first direction while the operating button is positioned at the limiting position and is positioned at the portion where the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove are connected, the locking projection is positioned at the portion where the second connecting groove and the locking groove are connected when the operating button is moved to the avoidance position; and when the locking body is moved in the second direction while the locking projection is positioned at the portion where the second connecting groove and the locking groove are connected, the locking projection is inserted into the locking groove to fix the operating button at the avoidance position.

[0072] In a knob assembly according to the present invention, the locking portion may include a locking body having the locking projection formed thereon. The locking body may be coupled to the knob portion so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction, such that the locking projection moves between the locking groove and the allowable groove through the connecting groove. When the locking body moves in the first direction while the locking projection is positioned in the locking groove, the locking projection is positioned at the portion where the second connecting groove and the locking groove are connected; when the operating button moves to the limiting position while the locking projection is positioned at the portion where the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove are connected, the locking projection is positioned at the portion where the allowable groove and the first connecting groove are connected when the locking body moves in the second direction while the locking projection is positioned at the portion where the first connecting groove and the second connecting groove are connected, thereby allowing the operating button to move between the limiting position and the avoidance position.

[0073] A cooking device according to the present invention may include a cooking body; a cooking unit coupled to the cooking body; an operating panel coupled to the cooking body; and a knob assembly coupled to the operating panel. The knob assembly may include a knob portion coupled to the shaft member so as to move together with the shaft member along the rotation axis of the shaft member protruding from the operating panel of the cooking device and rotate together with the shaft member around the rotation axis; a limiting portion coupled to the operating panel so as to be positioned between the operating panel and the knob portion and including a limiting projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion; and a locking portion coupled to the knob portion. The knob portion may include a driving knob coupled to the shaft member, a knob cover coupled to the driving knob, an operating button coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable along an operating direction different from the rotation axis, and a knob projection protruding from the operating button toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. The above-described operating button may be coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable between a restricted position where the knob projection interferes with the restricted projection and an avoidance position where the knob projection avoids interference with the restricted projection. The locking portion may include a locking projection inserted into a switching groove formed in the operating button. The locking projection may be inserted into an allowance groove of the switching groove to allow the operating button to move between the restricted position and the avoidance position, and may be inserted into a locking groove of the switching groove to fix the operating button in the avoidance position.

[0074] The knob assembly according to the present invention as described above and the cooking device including the same have the following effects.

[0075] In the present invention, the knob body (handle) is not pressed axially unless the lock button is pressed. The user must first press the lock button to apply axial pressure to the knob body and operate the cooking appliance. In this way, arbitrary manipulation or malfunction of the knob assembly can be prevented through the lock button, and thus the safety of the cooking appliance can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, the present invention is provided with a button holder that operates independently of the lock button, so that the operation of the lock button can be restricted depending on the position of the button holder. For example, the button holder can fix the lock button in the knob release position. In this way, the lock button can be continuously maintained in a state that allows the push operation of the knob assembly. Accordingly, the user can activate the lock button only when necessary by operating the button holder, thereby enhancing the convenience of the knob assembly.

[0077] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button may operate in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body. If the direction in which the lock button is pressed and the direction in which the knob body is pressed are formed differently, the possibility of a user accidentally operating the knob assembly may be reduced. This can increase the safety of the cooking appliance.

[0078] In particular, the operating part of the lock button can move along a straight or curved path in the axial direction (first direction), which is the linear movement direction of the knob body, and in a direction different from the rotational direction of the knob body (second direction). Accordingly, the possibility of the knob assembly operating arbitrarily due to user error or interference with objects around the cooking appliance can be further reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, in the present invention, the button holder can move in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body and the movement of the lock button. This further reduces the possibility of a user accidentally operating the knob assembly and the lock button.

[0080] In addition, in the present invention, the button holder may be positioned inside the knob assembly and not exposed to the outside. To operate the button holder, the user must first detach the knob assembly from the cooking appliance before operating the button holder. By restricting access to the button holder in this way, it is possible to prevent the locking state of the lock button from being arbitrarily set and to increase the operational reliability of the cooking appliance.

[0081] In addition, if the button holder is placed inside the knob assembly and is not exposed to the outside, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appeal of the knob assembly from being compromised by the exposure of the button holder.

[0082] Furthermore, in the present invention, the button holder can move along the gap (guide space) between the knob body and the weight plate constituting the knob assembly. In this way, the operation of the button holder can be implemented by utilizing the knob body and the weight plate without the need to provide a separate space to guide the movement of the button holder. Therefore, even if a button holder is added, no separate parts are required for the operation of the button holder, and the knob assembly has the advantage of maintaining a simple structure.

[0083] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button may protrude to the side of the knob body. The user can naturally press the lock button protruding to the side in this manner while gripping the knob body. Therefore, even with the addition of a lock button, the operability of the knob assembly is not compromised, and the user can easily operate the cooking appliance.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present invention, the lock button can move linearly between a knob lock position where axial movement is interfered with and a knob unlock position where axial movement is possible. At this time, the lock button directly interferes with the base of the knob assembly or the operating panel on which the knob assembly is mounted at the knob lock position, thereby restricting axial movement. Therefore, a structure that restricts the operation of the knob assembly can be implemented very simply, and the addition of parts due to the lock button can be minimized.

[0085] In addition, in the present invention, a second knob body (inner body) may be provided inside a first knob body (outer body) that forms the exterior of the knob body, and the second knob body (inner body) may be symmetrical with respect to the lock button. When the second knob body and the lock button are symmetrically arranged in the knob assembly, the center of gravity of the knob assembly may be prevented from shifting to one side due to the lock button. Therefore, the knob assembly according to the present invention can provide excellent operability even with the addition of a lock button. Furthermore, by the second knob body filling the empty space on one side of the internal space of the knob assembly where the lock button is not present, the overall durability of the knob assembly can also be increased.

[0086] In addition, if the second knob body and the lock button are symmetrically arranged within the knob assembly, the volume occupied by the parts within the internal space of the knob assembly can be reduced, and the utilization rate of the internal space of the knob assembly can be increased. This enables the miniaturization and weight reduction of the knob assembly.

[0087] Furthermore, in the present invention, the second knob body constituting the knob body can be responsible for coupling with other parts, 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 made with a relatively simple structure, and shrinkage caused by a complex shape during injection molding can be prevented. Accordingly, the aesthetics and manufacturing quality of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0088] In addition, in the present invention, a pair of elastic members are provided inside the knob body to return the lock button to the knob lock position. A support plate provided in the second knob body is disposed between the pair of elastic members to guide them when the pair of elastic members contract or expand. As such, in the present invention, since the pair of elastic members return the lock button together, the lock button can return stably without twisting to one side, and the operational reliability of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0089] In addition, in the present invention, the button holder can move in a direction different from the movement direction of the lock button. This allows the movement path of the button holder and the movement path of the lock button to be set more easily within the knob assembly.

[0090] In addition, when the knob assembly is detached from the cooking appliance, the button holder can be exposed toward the user in a wide space open at the rear of the knob assembly. Therefore, after the knob assembly is detached, the user can easily access and operate the button holder.

[0091] Furthermore, in the present invention, the button holder can move along a hole (holder storage hole) formed between the weight plates constituting the knob assembly. In this way, the operation of the button holder can be implemented by utilizing the weight plates without the need to provide a separate space to guide the movement of the button holder. Therefore, even if a button holder is added, no separate parts are required for the operation of the button holder, and the knob assembly has the advantage of maintaining a simple structure.

[0092] In addition, in the present invention, the lock button may protrude to the side of the knob body. The user can naturally press the lock button protruding to the side in this manner while gripping the knob body. Therefore, even with the addition of a lock button, the operability of the knob assembly is not compromised, and the user can easily operate the cooking appliance.

[0093] Furthermore, in the present invention, the lock button can move linearly between a knob lock position where axial movement is interfered with and a knob unlock position where axial movement is possible. At this time, the lock button directly interferes with the base of the knob assembly or the operating panel on which the knob assembly is mounted at the knob lock position, thereby restricting axial movement. Therefore, a structure that restricts the operation of the knob assembly can be implemented very simply, and the addition of parts due to the lock button can be minimized.

[0094] In addition, in the present invention, a second knob body (inner body) may be provided inside a first knob body (outer body) that forms the exterior of the knob body, and the second knob body (inner body) may be symmetrical with respect to the lock button. When the second knob body and the lock button are symmetrically arranged in the knob assembly, the center of gravity of the knob assembly may be prevented from shifting to one side due to the lock button. Therefore, the knob assembly according to the present invention can provide excellent operability even with the addition of a lock button. Furthermore, by the second knob body filling the empty space on one side of the internal space of the knob assembly where the lock button is not present, the overall durability of the knob assembly can also be increased.

[0095] In addition, if the second knob body and the lock button are symmetrically arranged within the knob assembly, the volume occupied by the parts within the internal space of the knob assembly can be reduced, and the utilization rate of the internal space of the knob assembly can be increased. This enables the miniaturization and weight reduction of the knob assembly.

[0096] Furthermore, in the present invention, the second knob body constituting the knob body can be responsible for coupling with other parts, 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 made with a relatively simple structure, and shrinkage caused by a complex shape during injection molding can be prevented. Accordingly, the aesthetics and manufacturing quality of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0097] In addition, in the present invention, a pair of elastic members are provided inside the knob body to return the lock button to the knob lock position. A support plate provided in the second knob body is disposed between the pair of elastic members to guide them when the pair of elastic members contract or expand. As such, in the present invention, since the pair of elastic members return the lock button together, the lock button can return stably without twisting to one side, and the operational reliability of the knob assembly can be improved.

[0098] The present invention is implemented so that, after separating the knob portion from the shaft member, switching between safety mode and simple mode is possible by operating the locking portion and the operating button without disassembling the knob portion. Accordingly, the present invention can improve the ease of switching between safety mode and simple mode.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cooking appliance to which a knob assembly according to the present invention is applied.

[0100] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of an operating panel and a knob assembly constituting an embodiment of the cooking device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0101] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the parts constituting an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the parts constituting an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention disassembled and viewed from an angle different from FIG. 3.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first knob body constituting an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention and a weight plate omitted.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention when it is in a locked state.

[0105] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII' of Figure 6.

[0106] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in a loosened state.

[0107] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX' of Figure 8.

[0108] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention in a pressed state.

[0109] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI' of Figure 10.

[0110] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention when it is in a rotated state.

[0111] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0112] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the first knob body constituting an embodiment of the present invention omitted, with the button holder positioned at the button release position.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the first knob body constituting an embodiment of the present invention omitted, with the button holder positioned at the button restraint position.

[0114] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of a button holder constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] FIGS. 17 to 19 are operation state diagrams that sequentially show the operation of a lock button and a button holder, with the first knob body constituting an embodiment of the present invention omitted.

[0116] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the parts constituting a second embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0117] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the parts constituting a second embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention disassembled and viewed from an angle different from FIG. 20.

[0118] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a first knob body constituting a second embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention and a weight plate omitted.

[0119] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the knob assembly according to the present invention separated from the control panel.

[0120] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a button holder constituting a second embodiment of the present invention separated from a weight plate.

[0121] FIGS. 25 to 27 are operation state diagrams sequentially showing the process of a button holder constituting a second embodiment of the present invention restraining a lock button.

[0122] FIGS. 28 to 30 are operation state diagrams sequentially showing the process of a button holder constituting another embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention restraining a lock button.

[0123] FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view showing a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0124] FIG. 32 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0125] FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0126] FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view showing that in a knob assembly according to the present invention, an operating button is positioned at a restricted position and the knob projection interferes with the restricted projection.

[0127] FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view showing that, in a knob assembly according to the present invention, the operating button is positioned in an avoidance position so that the knob projection avoids interference with the limiting projection.

[0128] FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the combined operation button, weight plate, and locking part in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0129] FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the locking projection positioned in the allowable groove in a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on line II of FIG. 36.

[0130] FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the locking projection positioned in the locking groove of a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on line II of FIG. 36.

[0131] FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view based on line II-II of FIG. 36 showing the locking part of a knob assembly according to the present invention fixed to an operating button in an avoidance position.

[0132] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0133] The present invention relates to a knob assembly (100) and a cooking appliance including the same, wherein a cooktop unit (20) including a plurality of heating devices (28) may be provided on the upper part of the cooking appliance. The heating devices (28) may be gas heating devices (28) using gas as an energy source, electric cooktops, or induction cooktops. FIG. 1 illustrates, among the heating devices (28), a gas heating device (28) is shown as an example in the cooktop unit (20). As shown in FIG. 1, the heating devices (28) may be positioned to be exposed on the upper part of the cooking appliance. As another example, the heating devices (28) may be positioned inside the cooking appliance, or may be positioned inside and outside the cooking appliance, respectively.

[0134] The knob assembly (100) is used to operate the heating device (28). A user can turn the heating device (28) on or off by operating the knob assembly (100). A user can also adjust the amount of heat provided by the heating device (28) by operating the knob assembly (100). Alternatively, a user can operate the knob assembly (100) to operate the oven unit (40, 50) or select a cooking mode of the cooking device.

[0135] 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 operated due to user error or interference with surrounding objects, the present invention is provided with a lock button (140). Depending on the position of the lock button (140), the pushing operation of the knob assembly (100) can be selectively enabled. In addition, a button holder (170) is provided to restrain the lock button (140) to a specific position or to release the restraint. Below, the knob assembly (100) will be described focusing on the lock button (140), the button holder (170), and the malfunction prevention structure.

[0136] Looking at the structure of the above cooking device, the exterior of the cooking device is formed by an outer body (10). The outer body (10) can form the frame of the cooking device, excluding a door positioned at the front. A separate inner housing (not shown) may be positioned inside the outer body (10).

[0137] At least one heating device (28) for heating food to be cooked or a container containing food is disposed of in the cooktop unit (20). In this embodiment, a total of four heating devices (28) are disposed of in the cooktop unit (20).

[0138] The above-mentioned 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 the upper side of the heating device (28). The grate (25) is detachably seated on the above-mentioned cooktop unit (20). The grate (25) may be located on the upper side of the heating device (28).

[0139] An operating panel (30) may be positioned above the oven section (40, 50) and in front of the cooktop section (20). The operating panel (30) may include knob assemblies (100) for operating the oven section (40, 50) and the cooktop section (20). Each of the multiple knob assemblies (100) may operate separate heating devices (28) and oven devices. The operating panel (30) may be viewed as an operating device or referred to as a front panel. The operating panel (30) may be positioned at various locations other than in front of the cooktop section (20), such as the bottom of the cooking device, the side of the cooking device, or the top surface of the cooking device.

[0140] The above-mentioned control 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 composed of a touch panel and may be used by a user to operate the cooking appliance. That is, the display unit (60) may also serve as a type of control unit. As another example, the display unit (60) may be omitted.

[0141] Looking at the oven section (40, 50) above, the oven section (40, 50) may include a plurality of oven devices. In this 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 from each other. Separate cooking chambers partitioned from each other may be formed in the first oven device (40) and the second oven device (50).

[0142] The first door (45) of the first oven device (40) may be operated in a pull-down manner in which the upper part rotates up and down around the lower part. As another example, the first door (45) may be operated in a side-swing manner in which it opens sideways. Reference numeral 47 indicates a handle for opening and closing the first door (45).

[0143] The second door (55) of the second oven device (50) can be operated in a sliding manner in the forward and backward directions. As another example, similar to the first door (45) mentioned earlier, the second door (55) can also be operated in a pull-down manner in which the upper part rotates up and down around the lower part. Reference numeral 57 indicates a handle for opening and closing the first door (55).

[0144] Next, let us examine the knob assembly (100). For reference, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, six knob assemblies (100) are arranged on the control panel (30). This is merely one example, and the control panel (30) may be equipped with one to five or seven or more knob assemblies (100). As another example, the knob assembly (100) may be placed directly on the upper surface or side of the cooking appliance rather than on the control panel (30). As yet another example, the knob assembly (100) may be placed on the lower front surface of the cooking appliance.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 2, the knob assembly (100) may include a roughly circular body and a part protruding from the circular body to facilitate gripping. In this embodiment, a lock button (140) is provided on the side of the knob assembly (100). The user must first press the lock button (140) to enable the operation of the knob assembly (100), more precisely, axial movement.

[0146] For reference, the axial direction described below refers to the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft (71, see FIG. 3) and corresponds to the X-axis direction of FIG. 2 to FIG. 4. The rotational direction described below refers to the direction in which the knob assembly (100) rotates around the drive shaft (71) (see arrow in FIG. 12). Additionally, the radial direction described below refers to the radial direction of the drive shaft (71) and corresponds to the radial direction of the rotation path of the knob assembly (100). The direction in which the lock button (140) moves linearly corresponds to the Y-axis direction of FIG. 2 to FIG. 4. Of course, if the knob assembly (100) rotates, the linear movement direction of the lock button (140) may also change. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the gripping part (123) corresponds to the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the linear movement direction of the button holder (170) described below.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, the parts of the knob assembly (100) are shown in a disassembled state. For convenience of explanation, let us first look at the drive shaft (71). The drive shaft (71) is coupled to the knob assembly (100). The drive shaft (71) serves as the rotational center of the knob assembly (100). The drive shaft (71) can rotate together with the knob assembly (100) when the knob assembly (100) rotates. The drive shaft (71) can move linearly together with the knob assembly (100) when the knob assembly (100) moves in the axial direction.

[0148] The above drive shaft (71) may be provided in a heating drive unit (70, see FIG. 4). The heating drive unit (70) may serve to supply an energy source to the heating device (28). For example, the heating drive unit (70) may be configured to control the heating device (28) while being driven by the drive shaft (71). Accordingly, the drive shaft (71) may be viewed as a valve shaft.

[0149] Here, the energy source can be gas or electricity. If the energy source is electricity, the heating drive unit (70) can be referred to as a regulator, and if the energy source is gas, the heating drive unit (70) can be referred to as 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 part of the heating drive unit (70). Reference numeral 32 indicates a through hole in the front plate (31) through which the drive shaft (71) passes.

[0150] More specifically, the drive shaft (71) can be pushed and rotatably coupled to the heating drive unit (70). At this time, the heating drive unit (70) can prevent the drive shaft (71) from rotating when the drive shaft (71) is not pushed. As the drive shaft (71) is pushed and rotated relative to the heating drive unit (70), the heating drive unit (70) can supply an energy source to the heating device (28).

[0151] A coupling member (75) may be provided on the drive shaft (71). The coupling member (75) may wrap around the outer surface of the drive shaft (71). The coupling member (75) may be made of an elastic material such as a leaf spring. The coupling member (75) is positioned between the drive shaft (71) and the shaft coupling part (131) to be described later, thereby providing elastic force between the drive shaft (71) and the shaft coupling part (131). Accordingly, the drive shaft (71) may be prevented from easily coming out of the shaft coupling part (131).

[0152] The drive shaft (71) can be operated through the knob assembly (100). More precisely, the drive shaft (71) is coupled to the knob body (NB) and can rotate together with the knob body (NB). The drive shaft (71) can move linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body (NB). Thus, when a user operates the knob assembly (100), the heating drive unit (70) is driven via the drive shaft (71), and the heating device (28) is operated through this.

[0153] Looking at the structure of the knob assembly (100) above, the knob assembly (100) may be provided with a base part (110). The base part (110) may be placed on the front plate (31) of the control panel (30). A base hole (111) through which the drive shaft (71) passes is formed through the base part (110) to support the rotation of the drive shaft (71). That is, the base part (110) can enable the drive shaft (71) to rotate stably and move linearly in the axial direction.

[0154] As another example, the base hole (111) may be omitted in the base portion (110). In this case, the drive shaft (71) may pass directly through the front plate (31) without passing through the base portion (110).

[0155] The base portion (110) may have a roughly circular structure. A base fixing hole (112) is formed on the outer side of the base hole (111), centered on the base hole (111) formed at the center of the base portion (110). The base fixing hole (112) is a part through which a first fastener (B1) passes, and the first fastener (B1) can assemble the base portion (110) to the front plate (31).

[0156] 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, that is, in the direction of the lock button (140). The stopper (115) may interfere axially with the lock button (140) to restrict the lock button (140) from moving axially. The stopper (115) can prevent the lock button (140) from moving in a straight line toward the front plate (31), thereby preventing the knob body (NB) from being pressed toward the front plate (31).

[0157] The stopper (115) may protrude toward the safety pin (150) when the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position. When the lock button (140) is rotated together with the knob body (NB) and placed in a third position (see FIG. 12), the stopper (115) fixed to the control panel (30) is spaced circumferentially apart from the safety pin (150). Here, the circumferential direction refers to the rotational direction of the knob body (NB).

[0158] The stopper (115) may be provided at the edge of the base portion (110). The stopper (115) may be provided at the end portion of the base portion (110) which becomes narrower towards one end. The stopper (115) may be positioned at the location furthest from the base hole (111). The stopper (115) may have a shape that becomes narrower towards the end portion (115b, see FIG. 13) facing the direction of the base hole (111), that is, the drive shaft (71), which will be explained again below.

[0159] The stopper (115) may be omitted. The stopper (115) may be omitted, and a driving hole (not shown) may be opened in the base portion (110). The pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) described below may interfere with the surface of the base portion (110) when the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position, and may pass through the driving hole when the knob is in the knob unlock position. When the pin portion (155) passes through the driving hole, the lock button (140) and the knob body (NB) may move axially.

[0160] As another example, the base portion (110) may be omitted. As yet another example, the base portion (110) may be formed integrally with the control panel (30). That is, the base portion (110) may be considered as part of the control panel (30). As yet another example, the base portion (110) may have various polygonal shapes rather than a circular shape.

[0161] The skeleton of the knob assembly (100) may be formed by a knob body (NB). The knob body (NB) may enclose the drive shaft (71) and the base portion (110). The knob body (NB) is the part that the user grips. In this embodiment, the knob body (NB) is composed of a first knob body (120) and a second knob body (130). The first knob body (120) may be exposed to the outside. The second knob body (130) may be placed inside the first knob body (120).

[0162] In this embodiment, the first knob body (120) may be exposed to the outside and serve as a part where the user operates the knob assembly (100). The second knob body (130) may be positioned inside the first knob body (120) to be responsible for coupling with other parts and to guide the elastic member (S) described later. As another example, the first knob body (120) and the second knob body (130) may be formed as a single unit.

[0163] The first knob body (120) may include a knob ring (121) in the shape of a truncated cone or a cylinder. The knob ring (121) is positioned facing the front plate (31). A gripping portion (123) may protrude from the upper surface (122) of the knob ring (121). The gripping portion (123) protrudes axially from the upper surface (122) of the knob ring (121). The gripping portion (123) may be a part that is gripped by a user. The gripping portion (123) may be extended in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (refer to the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). Reference numeral 123a is a reference scale formed on the gripping portion (123). Although not shown, a scale may also be marked on the surface of the knob ring (121).

[0164] An operating hole (125) may be formed through the knob body (NB) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) is exposed to the outside through the operating hole (125), so that the button operating portion (143) can form the exterior of the knob assembly (100) together with the knob body (NB). Referring to FIG. 2, the button operating portion (143), which is part of the lock button (140), protrudes from the knob body (NB) and can 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 lock button (140) fills the operating hole (125).

[0165] In contrast, the button holder (170) may not be exposed to the outside of the knob body (NB). More precisely, as shown in FIG. 2, when the knob assembly (100) is mounted on the control panel (30), the button holder (170) is not exposed to the outside. This is because the knob body (NB) surrounds the button holder (170). Therefore, in order for a user to operate the button holder (170), the user must first detach the knob assembly (100) from the drive shaft (71) and then operate the button holder (170). This structure will be explained again below.

[0166] In this embodiment, the first knob body (120) may have an operating hole (125) through which the button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) protrudes. More precisely, the operating hole (125) penetrates the gripping portion (123) of the first knob body (120). At this time, since the operating hole (125) is formed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) may also protrude through the operating hole (125) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. In other words, the operating hole (125) may be opened in a direction orthogonal to the linear movement direction of the knob body (NB).

[0167] The above-mentioned operating hole (125) may be formed on only one of the left and right sides of the first knob body (120). In this embodiment, the operating hole (125) is formed on the left side of the first knob body (120). In this embodiment, since only one lock button (140) is provided, the operating hole (125) also needs to be formed on only one side of the first knob body (120). As another example, the operating hole (125) may be formed on the right side of the first knob body (120). As yet another example, the operating hole (125) may be formed on the left and right sides of the first knob body (120), respectively.

[0168] As described below, the lock button (140) may be restricted from moving by interfering with the edge (125a) of the operating hole (125) during the process of moving from the knob unlock position to the knob lock position. The lock button (140) may be caught on the edge (125a) of the operating hole (125) and remain in the internal space (121a) formed inside the first knob body (120) without being completely separated from the knob body (NB). The edge (125a) of the operating hole (125) can be viewed as a catch (125a). The knob lock position and the knob unlock position of the lock button (140) will be described in detail below.

[0169] 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 together and operated together.

[0170] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a shaft coupling part (131) to which one end of the drive shaft (71) is coupled. The shaft coupling part (131) may be approximately cylindrical in shape. The shaft coupling part (131) may be positioned at the center of the knob body (NB). A shaft coupling hole (132) is formed in the shaft coupling part (131), and the drive shaft (71) may be inserted into the shaft coupling hole (132). The drive shaft (71) may be fixed inside the shaft coupling hole (132) without rotating freely inside the shaft coupling hole (132).

[0171] When one end of the drive shaft (71) is inserted into the shaft coupling hole (132), the drive shaft (71) rotates together with the second knob body (130) and can 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 drive shaft (71) is also driven together. For example, when the second knob body (130) is pushed axially together with the first knob body (120), the drive shaft (71) also moves axially. When the second knob body (130) rotates around the drive shaft (71) together with the first knob body (120), the drive shaft (71) also rotates together. Therefore, the drive shaft (71) may be referred to as a rotation shaft.

[0172] The second knob body (130) is coupled to the drive shaft (71) and can also be coupled to the weight plate (160). Since a coupling structure with other parts is implemented in the second knob body (130) in this way, the first knob body (120) can be made into a relatively simple and thin structure. Therefore, when the first knob body (120) is injection molded, the phenomenon of sink marks or flow marks being formed due to shrinkage of a part of the first knob body (120) caused by the complex shape can be prevented.

[0173] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a body plate (133). The body plate (133) has a roughly plate-like structure. The shaft coupling part (131) is connected to the body plate (133). The body plate (133) is a part that is coupled to the first knob body (120) and the weight plate (160). To this end, a fastener passage 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), which is fitted into the 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 together or fixed together with an adhesive.

[0174] In this embodiment, the body plate (133) is approximately semicircular in shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space (121a). That is, a portion of the side of the second knob body (130) facing the inner surface of the internal space (121a) has a curved shape, and another portion of the side of the second knob body (130) facing the lock button (140) has a flat shape. The curved portion faces the inner surface of the internal space (121a), and the flat portion faces the lock button (140). A portion of the lock button (140) may interfere with the flat portion of the second knob body (130). Because the lock button (140) interferes with the flat portion of the second knob body (130), the distance traveled from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position may be limited.

[0175] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a support plate (136). The support plate (136) protrudes along the axial direction toward the opposite side of the base portion (110). The support plate (136) protrudes from the body plate (133) in a roughly plate-like shape. The support plate (136) may be extended in the same direction as the gripping portion (123), that is, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. One end of the support plate (136) may be in close contact with the inner surface of the first knob body (120), that is, the inner surface of the gripping portion (123). Such an appearance is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0176] The support plate (136) can be placed between a pair of elastic members (S) to be described later. Referring to FIG. 5, the support plate (136) is placed between a pair of elastic members (S) to maintain a gap between the pair of elastic members (S). That is, the support plate (136) can prevent the pair of elastic members (S) from twisting to one side during the contraction / expansion process.

[0177] The remaining part of the second knob body (130), excluding the shaft coupling part (131), and the lock button (140) may be positioned on opposite sides of the shaft coupling part (131). More precisely, the body plate (133) and the lock button (140) may be positioned on opposite sides of the drive shaft (71). Referring to FIG. 7, with respect to the drive shaft (71), the body plate (133) is positioned on the left and the lock button (140) is positioned on the right. This prevents the center of gravity of the knob assembly (100) from shifting to one side due to the lock button (140). Additionally, the body plate (133) fills the empty space in the internal space (121a) where the lock button (140) is not located, thereby increasing the overall durability of the knob assembly (100).

[0178] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the knob assembly (100) is provided with a lock button (140). The lock button (140) is positioned on the knob body (NB) and may 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 lock button (140) may move linearly and rotate together with the knob body (NB). However, the lock button (140) may move independently from the knob body (NB) along a direction different from the axial direction.

[0179] The lock button (140) may form part of the gripping surface that the user grips when gripping the knob assembly (100). For example, when the user grips the knob assembly (100) with their thumb and index finger, they may grip the surface of the gripping portion (123) with their index finger while simultaneously gripping the button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) with their thumb. In this state, when the user presses the knob assembly (100) with their thumb and index finger, the surface of the gripping portion (123) remains fixed, but the button operating portion (143) formed on the opposite side is pressed and can be moved inward into the knob body (NB).

[0180] As shown in FIG. 5, the lock button (140) can be positioned on the opposite side of the second knob body (130) excluding the shaft coupling part (131), with respect to the shaft coupling part (131). More precisely, the body plate (133) and the lock button (140) can be positioned on opposite sides of each other with respect to the drive shaft (71).

[0181] The lock button (140) may restrict the movement of the knob body (NB), the weight plate (160), and the lock button (140) constituting the knob assembly (100) in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the control panel (30), or may release the restriction on movement. The lock button (140) may have a knob lock position in which axial movement is restricted by interference from the base part (110), and a knob unlock position in which axial movement is possible.

[0182] Here, the knob lock position is the state in which the lock button (140) protrudes relatively from the knob body (NB), which is the state of FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7. The lock button (140) is positioned at the radially furthest position from the drive shaft (71) in the knob lock position. At the same time, the knob lock position refers to the position in which the safety pin (150) is positioned at the radially furthest position from the drive shaft (71). The knob unlock position is the position moved from the knob lock position when the lock button (140) is pressed, which is the state of FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9. The lock button (140) is positioned closest to the drive shaft (71) along the radial direction in the knob unlock position. At the same time, the knob unlock position refers to the position in which the safety pin (150) is positioned closest to the drive shaft (71) in the radial direction.

[0183] The lock button (140) may interfere axially with the base part (110) at the knob lock position. Here, interference means that the axial movement of the lock button (140) is restricted. In this way, if the lock button (140) is axially interfered with by the base part (110), the lock button (140) may not be able to move along the axial direction toward the control panel (30), or its movement distance may be limited.

[0184] The knob body (NB) and the lock button (140) are constrained to each other in the axial direction, so that the knob body (NB) and the lock button (140) can move linearly together along the axial direction. Since the lock button (140) is constrained to the knob body (NB) in the axial direction, if the axial movement of the lock button (140) is restricted, the axial movement of the entire knob body (NB) is also restricted.

[0185] At this time, the lock button (140) may move linearly along a direction different from the axial direction between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position. In this embodiment, the lock button (140) may reciprocate between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position while moving in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. As another example, the lock button (140) may move in an oblique direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction. As yet another example, the lock button (140) may move along a curved path with respect to the axial direction.

[0186] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the lock button (140) positioned in the knob lock position. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the lock button (140) positioned in the knob unlock position. In other words, when the lock button (140) in the knob lock position is pressed, it can move to the knob unlock position. The lock button (140) in the knob unlock position can return to the knob lock position when the external force pressing the lock button (140) is removed. However, as described below, when the button holder (170) moves to the button lock position, the lock button (140) is constrained to the knob unlock position.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 6, at the knob lock position, the lock button (140) may be spaced apart from the base part (110) by a first distance (H1) in the axial direction. In this embodiment, at the knob lock position, the pin part (155) and the base part (110) are spaced apart by a first distance (H1). Referring to FIG. 9, at the knob unlock position, the lock button (140) may be spaced apart from the base part (110) by a second distance (H2) in the axial direction. In this embodiment, at the knob unlock position, the pin part (155) and the base part (110) are spaced apart by a second distance (H2). At this time, the second distance (H2) may be formed to be farther than the first distance (H1). For reference, in FIG. 6, the first distance (H1) represents the distance between the surface (155a) of the pin portion (155) and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) provided on the base portion (110). In FIG. 9, the second distance (H2) represents the distance between the surface (155a) of the pin portion (155) and the first fastener (B1) that fixes the base.

[0188] In this way, at the knob release position, the lock button (140) and the base part (110) are separated from each other by a second distance (H2), and this second distance (H2) represents the distance that the lock button (140) can move in the axial direction. Since the lock button (140) moves linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body (NB), the second distance (H2) consequently becomes the axial movable distance of the knob body (NB). In FIG. 7, the reference numeral G indicates the distance between the knob body (NB) and the front plate (31), and when the lock button (140) is placed at the knob release position, the knob body (NB) and the lock button (140) can move together in a direction that narrows the distance (G).

[0189] The first distance (H1) may be 0. If the first distance (H1) is 0, the surface of the lock button (140) at the knob lock position, more precisely the surface (155a) of the pin portion (155) and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) may be in close contact. Therefore, the lock button (140) cannot move in the axial direction at all at the knob lock position. As another example, the first distance (H1) may be greater than 0.

[0190] The first distance (H1) is shorter than the distance required for the knob assembly (100) to press the drive shaft (71) to activate the operation of the cooking device. That is, the first distance (H1) is shorter than the minimum distance (reference distance) that the drive shaft (71) must move axially to operate the cooking device. Therefore, even if the first distance (H1) is greater than 0, the axial movement distance of the knob assembly (100) is shorter than the reference distance of the drive shaft (71), and thus cannot lead to rotational movement of the drive shaft (71).

[0191] The radial distance (L1) between the button operating part (143) and the drive shaft (71) in the above knob lock position may be greater than the radial distance (L2) between the button operating part (143) and the drive shaft (71) in the above knob unlock position. That is, when the lock button (140) moves to the knob unlock position, the radial distance between the lock button (140) and the drive shaft (71) becomes shorter. Here, the radial distance refers to the direction from the drive shaft (71) toward the edge of the knob body (NB).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 7, the radial distance (L1) between the button operating part (143) of the knob lock position and the drive shaft (71) can be seen as the distance between the protruding end (144) protruding from the button operating part (143) of the lock button (140) and the center line (L) extended from the drive shaft (71). Likewise, referring to FIG. 9, the radial distance (L2) between the button operating part (143) of the knob unlock position and the drive shaft (71) can be seen as the distance between the protruding end (144) protruding from the button operating part (143) of the lock button (140) and the center line (L) extended from the drive shaft (71).

[0193] Referring to FIG. 5, the structure of the lock button (140) may include a button body (141). The button body (141) may be inserted into the internal space (121a). The button body (141) may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The side of the button body (141) may have a curved shape corresponding to the inner surface of the internal space (121a).

[0194] Referring to FIG. 7, a pin coupling portion (142) may be provided at the lower part of the button body (141). The pin coupling portion (142) is a part for connection with a safety pin (150). The safety pin (150) may be connected to the pin coupling portion (142). As another example, the safety pin (150) may be attached to the pin coupling portion (142). As yet another example, the safety pin (150) may be screw-fastened to the pin coupling portion (142).

[0195] The button body (141) may be provided with a button operating part (143). The button operating part (143) may extend in an upright direction from the button body (141). Here, the upright direction is the up and down direction based on FIG. 5. The button operating part (143) is the part that a user presses to operate the button body (141). At least a portion of the button operating part (143) may be exposed to the outside of the knob assembly (100) through the operating hole (125) to form a gripping surface.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 7, the surface (143a) of the button operating part (143) and the surface (136a) of the support plate (136) of the second knob body (130) can be arranged to face each other. A predetermined empty space (R) is formed between the surface (143a) of the button operating part (143) and the surface (136a) of the support plate (136), and this empty space becomes a free space in which the button operating part (143) of the lock button (140) can move.

[0197] The button operating portion (143) may be provided with the protruding portion (144). The protruding portion (144) may extend from the button operating portion (143) in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the button operating portion (143) extends from the button body (141). The protruding portion (144) may increase the contact area between the surface of the button operating portion (143) and the surface of the knob body (NB). Referring to FIG. 7, the upper surface of the protruding portion (144) and the lower surface of the first knob body (120) constituting the knob body (NB) come into contact with each other. Due to the protruding portion (144), the lock button (140) can be operated stably in a certain direction (left and right direction based on FIG. 7).

[0198] Referring again to FIG. 5, the button operating part (143) may be provided with an elastic support part (145). The elastic support part (145) supports one end of the elastic member (S). The elastic support part (145) may be provided on each side of the button operating part (143) to support one end of each of a pair of elastic members (S). The elastic support part (145) may protrude further toward the center of the internal space (121a) than the button operating part (143). The surface of the elastic support part (145) may be formed as a flat structure.

[0199] In this embodiment, a pair of elastic support members (145) are positioned outside the support plate (136) of the second knob body (130). The pair of elastic members (S) are each positioned on both sides of the support plate (136), and the pair of elastic members (S) can each be supported by the pair of elastic support members (145). Accordingly, when one end of each of the pair of elastic members (S) is supported by the pair of elastic support members (145), the spacing between the pair of elastic members (S) can be maintained by the support plate (136).

[0200] The elastic member (S) can provide elastic force to the lock button (140) in a direction that moves the lock button (140) to the knob lock position. In this embodiment, the elastic member (S) is placed on both sides of the support plate (136). A pair of elastic members (S) can be made to reciprocate in a constant direction without the lock button (140) being deviated or twisted in either direction.

[0201] Both ends of the elastic member (S) may be supported on the surface of the knob body (NB) and the surface of the lock button (140), respectively, which are positioned facing each other. More precisely, one end of the elastic member (S) may be supported on the elastic support member (145), and the other end of the elastic member (S) may be supported on the inner wall (127, see FIG. 4) of the first knob body (120).

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the knob body (NB) may be provided with a safety pin (150) that interferes with or is released from interference with the base portion (110). The safety pin (150) may protrude further along the axial direction toward the base portion (110) than the lock button (140). The pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) may be approximately cantilevered. At the knob lock position, the pin portion (155) becomes the part that substantially interferes with the base portion (110).

[0203] The knob body (NB) can be moved linearly in the first direction, which is the axial direction, and the lock button (140) can be moved linearly between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position along a second direction different from the first direction. At this time, the safety pin (150) can move along the lock button (140) in conjunction with the lock button (140). The pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) protrudes in the first direction, and the protruding pin portion (155) can be moved linearly between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position by the lock button (140).

[0204] The safety pin (150) may interfere with the stopper (115) of the base part (110). In the knob lock position, the stopper (115) interferes with the safety pin (150) by being aligned with it in the axial direction. In the knob unlock position, the stopper (115) is positioned to be offset from the safety pin (150) in the axial direction, thereby releasing the interference. In this way, depending on the position of the lock button (140), the safety pin (150) may interfere with the stopper (115) or the interference may be released. This structure will be explained again below.

[0205] The safety pin (150) can be connected to the pin coupling portion (142) of the lock button (140). The safety pin (150) connected to the pin coupling portion (142) is dependent on the operation of the lock button (140). That is, the safety pin (150) can move axially and rotate around the drive axis (71) together with the lock button (140).

[0206] As another example, the safety pin (150) may be omitted, and a protrusion (not shown) may be provided directly on the lock button (140). A part of the operating button (140) may protrude in the first direction, which is the axial direction, to form the protrusion. As yet another example, the lock button (140) may be viewed as a part of the safety pin (150). As yet another example, the lock button (140) may be omitted, and the safety pin (150) may be directly connected to the knob body (NB). If the lock button (140) is omitted, the safety pin (150) can be operated directly by the user.

[0207] As another example, the knob body (NB) may be provided with a plurality of safety pins. Each of the plurality of safety pins may interfere with a plurality of stoppers (115) or the surface of the base part (110).

[0208] Referring to FIG. 5, the operation of the knob body (NB) and the lock button (140) can be examined. The lock button (140) can be pressed in the direction of arrow ①. When the lock button (140) is pressed in the direction of arrow ①, the lock button (140) moves from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position. For reference, in FIG. 5, the lock button (140) is positioned in the knob lock position, so axial movement is restricted. When the lock button (140) moves in the direction of arrow ①, the knob assembly (100), including the second knob body (130), excluding the base part (110), can move in the axial direction (arrow ②).

[0209] The knob assembly (100) that has moved in the axial direction can be rotated in the direction of arrow ③. At this time, the first knob body (120) and the lock button (140) are also rotated together with the second knob body (130). The second knob body (130) can also be rotated in the opposite direction to arrow ③. Meanwhile, when the user removes the external force pressing the lock button (140), the lock button (140) can be moved in the direction of arrow ④ by the elastic member (S) and return to the knob lock position.

[0210] At this time, when the button holder (170) moves in the direction of arrow ⑤, the button holder (170) can be positioned in the button lock position. In the button lock position, the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140), thereby restricting the lock button (140) from moving back to its original position, that is, in the direction toward the knob lock position (arrow ④). As shown in FIG. 5, the button holder (170) moves to the button lock position and is shown interfering with the elastic support (145) of the lock button (140). This structure will be examined in detail below.

[0211] 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 disc structure corresponding to the internal space (121a). The weight plate (160) can increase the total weight of the knob assembly (100) to improve the operability of the knob assembly (100). To this end, the weight plate (160) may be made of a metal material.

[0212] A shaft passage hole (161) into which the drive shaft (71) is inserted may be formed through the center of the weight plate (160). Centered on the shaft passage hole (161), a plate fastening hole (164) through which a second fastening member (B2) passes and a plate groove (167) may be formed around the shaft passage hole (161). The plate protrusion (137) of the body plate (133) is fitted into the plate groove (167).

[0213] A pin through hole (165) may be formed through the weight plate (160). The pin through hole (165) is the portion through which the pin portion (155) passes. At this time, since the pin portion (155) must move from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position, the pin through hole (165) may be extended along the radial direction of the weight plate (160). The pin portion (155) can move from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position while inserted into the pin through hole (165).

[0214] FIGS. 6 to 12 sequentially illustrate the operation of the components constituting the present embodiment. For reference, the button holder (170) is not depicted in FIGS. 6 to 12 due to the angle. First, looking at FIGS. 6 and 7, the state in which the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position is illustrated. When the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position, the button operating part (143) is in a state where it protrudes outward from the operating hole (125). When the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position, the safety pin (150) is axially aligned with the stopper (115) of the base part (110), thereby restricting the axial movement of the safety pin (150). In FIG. 7, the first distance (H1) between the pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) and the stopper (115) is shorter than the distance required for the knob assembly (100) to press the drive shaft (71) to activate the operation of the cooking device.

[0215] In this state, when the user presses the button operating part (143) in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8, the lock button (140) can be inserted into the inside of the knob body (NB). At this time, the user must press the button operating part (143) while overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member (S). When this happens, the lock button (140) can move to the knob unlock position. In this way, the user can naturally press the lock button (140) that protrudes laterally while gripping the knob body (NB). Therefore, even if the lock button (140) is added, the operability of the knob assembly (100) is not reduced, and the user can easily operate the cooking device.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 9, the safety pin (150) is not axially aligned with the stopper (115) of the base part (110) and is positioned away from the stopper (115). Here, a position away means that the pin part (155) of the safety pin (150) and the stopper (115) do not have a position facing each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the safety pin (150) can move axially without interference from the stopper (115). In FIG. 9, H2 represents the distance the safety pin (150) can move.

[0217] The user can press the lock button (140), grasp the gripping part (123), and press the knob body (NB) axially. In FIG. 10, the arrow indicates the direction in which the knob body (NB) is pressed axially. When this happens, the knob body (NB), the lock button (140), and the weight plate (160) can move simultaneously toward the front plate (31).

[0218] In this embodiment, the lock button (140) can be operated in a direction different from the axial movement of the knob body (NB). If the direction in which the lock button (140) is pressed and the direction in which the knob body (NB) is pressed are formed differently, the possibility of the user accidentally operating the knob assembly (100) is reduced.

[0219] More specifically, the button operating part (143) of the lock button (140) can move linearly in the axial direction (first direction, up and down direction in FIG. 9), which is the linear movement direction of the knob body (NB), and in the second direction (left and right direction in FIG. 9), which is different from the rotation direction of the knob body (NB). Accordingly, the possibility of the knob assembly (100) being operated arbitrarily due to user error or interference with objects around the cooking appliance can be further reduced.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 11, compared to FIG. 9, the knob body (NB), the lock button (140), and the weight plate (160) are shown moved closer to the control panel (30). The safety pin (150) can move past the stopper (115) and closer to the base portion (110). In this embodiment, one end of the safety pin (150), i.e., the pin portion (155), can move to a position where it comes into contact with the first fastener (B1).

[0221] When the knob body (NB), the lock button (140), and the weight plate (160) move in the axial direction in this manner, the second knob body (130), which fixes the drive shaft (71) through the shaft coupling part (131), moves the drive shaft (71) together in the axial direction. The drive shaft (71) that has moved in the axial direction can drive the heating drive unit (70) of the cooking appliance. Here, the driving of the heating drive unit (70) includes various operations such as turning the cooking appliance on / off and selecting the cooking mode of the cooking appliance.

[0222] When the drive shaft (71) moves by a reference distance in the axial direction, the drive shaft (71) can be rotated. In this embodiment, the heating drive unit (70) is limited to rotating only when the drive shaft (71) moves by a reference distance in the axial direction. FIG. 12 shows the knob body (NB) rotated clockwise, and the drive shaft (71) can also be rotated clockwise along with the knob body (NB). When the knob body (NB) is rotated in this way, the operating button (140) can be moved to a third position. At this time, when the drive shaft (71) is rotated together with the knob body (NB), functions such as controlling the heat of the cooking appliance, the number of heating devices (28) to operate, and selecting a cooking mode can be implemented.

[0223] Thus, in this embodiment, the operation of the lock button (140) precedes the subsequent operation of the knob body (NB). The axial movement and rotation of the knob body (NB) can only occur when the lock button (140) moves to the knob unlock position, and in the process, the drive shaft (71) dependent on the knob body (NB) can also be operated together.

[0224] Looking more closely at the structure and operation of the lock button (140), FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 9 show the relative positions of the lock button (140) and the base part (110). As shown in FIGS. 7, in the knob lock position, the surface (155a) of the pin part (155) faces the surface (115a) of the stopper (115). The surface (155a) of the pin part (155) overlaps axially with the surface (115a) of the stopper (115), so that the safety pin (150) can be supported on the stopper (115).

[0225] At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the stopper (115) can be formed such that the width of one end facing the drive shaft (71) gradually narrows. Here, the direction facing the drive shaft (71) is the right direction based on FIG. 5. In this way, the stopper (115) is formed such that its width narrows toward one end, thereby forming a guide surface (115b). The guide surface (115b) can prevent interference between the stopper (115) and the safety pin (150) when the knob assembly (100) returns to the knob lock position from the third position.

[0226] More precisely, in the process of the knob assembly (100) being pressed in the axial direction and then rotating in the opposite direction to return to its original state, the safety pin (150) may come into contact with the stopper (115). When the pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) comes into contact with the stopper (115), the pin portion (155) is guided by the guide surface (115b), and the entire operating button (140) can move to the knob release position. That is, when the knob assembly (100) returns to its original position, the pin portion (155) is not prevented from rotating by being caught on the stopper (115), but can return to its original position by moving along the guide surface (115b) of the stopper (115).

[0227] Meanwhile, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the stopper (115) narrows in the direction of the drive shaft (71), the surface (155a) of the pin portion (155) and the surface (115a) of the stopper (115) overlap in the axial direction can be significantly reduced as the knob lock position moves toward the knob unlock position. Through this, even if manufacturing tolerances occur, movement of the lock button (140) can be made possible in the knob unlock position, and axial movement can be stably restricted in the knob lock position.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 9, at the knob unlock position, the safety pin (150) completely disengages from the stopper (115). When the pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) disengages from the stopper (115), the safety pin (150) becomes a knob unlocked state where axial movement is possible. In this way, in the present embodiment, the lock button (140) can move linearly between a knob lock position where axial movement is interfered with and a knob unlock position where axial movement is possible. At this time, the lock button (140) is directly interfered with by the base portion (110) of the knob assembly (100) at the knob lock position, thereby restricting axial movement. Therefore, a structure that restricts the operation of the knob assembly (100) can be implemented very simply.

[0229] Next, the button holder (170) will be described. The button holder (170) is movable independently of the lock button (140). In this embodiment, the button holder (170) is placed on the knob body (NB). The button holder (170) is guided by the knob body (NB) and can move between the button unlock position (position of the button holder (170) in FIG. 14) and the button lock position (position of the button holder (170) in FIG. 15). As another example, the button holder (170) may be placed on the control panel (30). When the button holder (170) is placed on the control panel (30), the button holder (170) is guided by the control panel (30) and can move between the button unlock position and the button lock position.

[0230] Here, the button unlock position refers to a state in which the lock button (140) can move between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position. The button lock position refers to a state in which the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140), thereby constraining the lock button (140) to a specific position. For example, if the button holder (170) moves to the button lock position, the lock button (140) may be constrained to the knob unlock position. As another example, if the button holder (170) moves to the button lock position, the lock button (140) may be constrained to the knob lock position.

[0231] As such, in this embodiment, the button holder (170) can disable the function of the lock button (140) by restraining the lock button (140) to a specific position. If the user does not want the function of the lock button (140), that is, the knob assembly (100) to be in a locked state, the button holder (170) can be moved to a button unlock position. The function and structure of such a button holder (170) will be described below.

[0232] The button holder (170) has a button restraint position that interferes with the lock button (140) and restricts the movement of the lock button (140), and a button release position that moves away from the button restraint position and releases interference with the lock button (140). The button restraint position and the button release position can each be formed at both ends of a straight path of the button holder (170).

[0233] In the above button restraint position, the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140) positioned in the above knob release position, so that the lock button (140) can be restrained in the above knob release position. Referring to FIG. 5, the lock button (140) is moved to the above knob release position, and the state in which the safety pin (150) is not axially aligned with the stopper (115) is shown. At this time, FIG. 5 illustrates the state in which the button holder (170) is moved to the above button restraint position (direction of arrow ⑤) so that the lock button (140) is restrained so that it cannot move back to the direction of the above knob lock position (direction of arrow ④).

[0234] In this embodiment, the button holder (170) moves linearly between the button restraint position and the button release position along a third direction that is different from the first direction and the second direction, respectively. With reference to FIG. 5, the first direction is the axial direction (arrow ② direction and the opposite direction) which is the direction in which the knob body (NB) moves when pushed, and the second direction is the direction of movement of the lock button (140) (arrows ① and ④ directions). The third direction is arrow ⑤ direction and the opposite direction, which are different from the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Accordingly, the movement paths of the parts can be dispersed without overlapping, and the parts can be efficiently arranged.

[0235] The direction of movement of the button holder (170) may be orthogonal to the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button (140), respectively. That is, the third direction may be a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively. As another example, the direction of movement of the button holder (170) may be different from the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button (140), but may be an inclined direction rather than orthogonal. As yet another example, the direction of movement of the button holder (170) may be an arc direction different from the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button (140), respectively.

[0236] The button holder (170) can move radially along the drive shaft (71). The linear movement path of the button holder (170) can be formed in a direction toward the drive shaft (71) and in a direction away from the drive shaft (71) along the radial direction of the drive shaft (71). In this way, torque caused by an external force pressing the button holder (170) during the process of moving the button holder (170) can be prevented from being generated in the knob body (NB). That is, the knob body (NB) can be prevented from rotating due to the force pressing the button holder (170).

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, when examining the button holder (170), the interference portion (175) of the button holder (170) at the button restraint position may be placed on the movement path and may interfere with the lock button (140). FIG. 13 illustrates a state in which the interference portion (175) of the button holder (170) does not interfere with the lock button (140). When the button holder (170) rises based on FIG. 13, the interference portion (175) of the button holder (170) is placed in the restraint space (BS) through which the lock button (140) has passed, and may interfere with the elastic support portion (145), which is part of the lock button (140).

[0238] FIGS. 14 and FIGS. 15 illustrate the position in which the button holder (170) is placed at a button unlock position where it does not restrain the lock button (140) and at a button restraint position where it restrains the lock button (140), respectively. When the lock button (140) moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 14, the lock button (140) moves from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position. When this happens, the space occupied by the elastic support (145) of the lock button (140) becomes an empty restraint space (BS).

[0239] Referring to FIG. 15, the button holder (170) rises, and the interference portion (175) of the button holder (170) occupies the restraint space (BS). That is, the button holder (170) moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 15, and the button holder (170) moves from the button release position to the button restraint position. Accordingly, the lock button (140) cannot move to the left relative to the drawing and is restrained in the knob release position.

[0240] Comparing FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the radial distance (up-down distance based on FIG. 14) between the button holder (170) and the drive shaft (71) at the button release position is formed to be farther than the radial distance (up-down distance based on FIG. 15) between the button holder (170) and the drive shaft (71) at the button restraint position. That is, the button holder (170) can be moved in a direction closer to the drive shaft (71) and positioned at the button restraint position.

[0241] The button holder (170) can be moved independently of the knob body (NB) along the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion (123). Here, the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion (123) is the vertical direction with respect to FIG. 3. When the button holder (170) moves along the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion (123), the button holder (170) can be positioned at the bottom or top of the knob body (NB).

[0242] Referring to FIG. 16, the structure of the button holder (170) can be seen in detail, and the button holder (170) may include a holder operating part (171). The holder operating part (171) may have a roughly cuboidal shape. The holder operating part (171) can be used by a user to grip and operate the button holder (170). Referring to FIG. 14, the holder operating part (171) may be positioned at the location furthest from the drive shaft (71) with respect to the radial direction of the drive shaft (71) among the button holders (170). Thus, the user can easily grip the holder operating part (171).

[0243] A holder groove (172) may be formed in the holder operating part (171). The holder groove (172) is recessed in the direction of movement of the button holder (170) from the holder operating part (171). A holder support part (135) of the second knob body (130) may be inserted into the holder groove (172). Referring to FIG. 17, the holder support part (135) inserted into the holder groove (172) is shown. When the holder support part (135) is inserted into the holder groove (172), the holder support part (135) can guide the movement of the button holder (170) and prevent the button holder (170) from completely detaching from the knob body (NB).

[0244] Referring again to FIG. 16, a holder plate (174) is provided inside the holder groove (172). The holder plate (174) is formed to block one side of the holder groove (172). The holder support part (135) may interfere with the holder plate (174). When the holder plate (174) interferes with the holder support part (135), the button holder (170) is prevented from completely detaching from the knob body (NB).

[0245] A movement guide (173) may be connected to the holder operating part (171). The movement guide (173) may extend from the holder operating part (171) in a roughly cantilevered shape. The movement guide (173) may have a thin bar structure. The movement guide (173) may have a shape in which the width narrows toward one end. In this embodiment, the movement guide (173) extends radially along the drive shaft (71) at a position offset from the center of the holder operating part (171). The radial direction becomes the direction of movement of the button holder (170).

[0246] The above-mentioned movement guide (173) is supported by the knob body (NB) and can guide the movement of the button holder (170). More precisely, as shown in FIG. 17, the movement guide (173) can be placed in a guide space (K) between the knob body (NB) and the weight plate (160). The guide space (K) can be formed between the knob body (NB) and the weight plate (160) such that the knob body (NB) and the weight plate (160) are spaced apart in the axial direction. When the movement guide (173), which is part of the button holder (170), is placed in the guide space (K), the movement guide (173) can move stably without flowing in the axial direction (up and down direction based on FIG. 17).

[0247] An interference member (175) may be connected to the holder operating part (171). The interference member (175) may be connected to the holder operating part (171) in a direction different from the movement guide (173). The interference member (175) may interfere with the lock button (140) and restrain the lock button (140). The interference member (175) may extend from the holder operating part (171) in a roughly cantilevered form. The interference member (175) may have a thin bar structure. The interference member (175) may be positioned on the opposite side of the movement guide (173) with the holder operating part (171) in between.

[0248] The interference portion (175) may be extended in the axial direction. The axially extended interference portion (175) may be positioned on the movement path of the lock button (140) at the button restraint position. Accordingly, the interference portion (175) interferes with the lock button (140). More precisely, the elastic support portion (145) of the lock button (140) and the interference portion (175) interfere in the movement direction of the lock button (140).

[0249] All or part of the holder operating part (171) may be inserted into the weight plate (160). As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, a holder storage groove (168) is formed in the weight plate (160), and the holder operating part (171) is inserted into the holder storage groove (168). The holder operating part (171) may be guided into the holder storage groove (168) during movement. The holder storage groove (168) may be recessed radially in the direction of the drive shaft (71) to guide the movement of the button holder (170).

[0250] At this time, the holder operating part (171) is inserted into the holder storage groove (168) and, at the same time, can also be supported on the opposite side by the holder support part (135) of the second knob body (130). Accordingly, a movement path of the button holder (170) can be formed between the holder storage groove (168) and the holder support part (135). Looking at FIG. 15, the movement path of the button holder (170) is in the up-and-down direction.

[0251] In this embodiment, the button holder (170) is positioned in the internal space (121a) so that radial exposure of the knob body (NB) can be prevented. More precisely, the button holder (170) is positioned between the internal space (121a) and the control panel (30). Accordingly, the button holder (170) is exposed toward the control panel (30), but when the knob assembly (100) is mounted on the control panel (30), it is obscured by the control panel (30).

[0252] In this way, if the button holder (170) is not exposed to the outside of the knob assembly (100), the user can operate the button holder (170) after first separating the knob assembly (100) from the cooking appliance. Accordingly, accessibility to the button holder (170) is restricted, thereby preventing the locking state of the lock button (140) from being arbitrarily set. Of course, if the button holder (170) is placed inside the knob assembly (100) and is not exposed to the outside, it is also possible to prevent the aesthetic appeal of the knob assembly (100) from being compromised due to the exposure of the button holder (170).

[0253] Although not illustrated, the button holder (170) may be fixed to the button restraint position. For example, the knob body (NB) may be provided with a fixing projection to hook the button holder (170) so that the button holder (170) is fixed to the button restraint position. Conversely, the knob body (NB) may have a fixing groove (not illustrated) formed therein, and the button holder (170) may be provided with a fixing projection (not illustrated) that fits into the fixing groove, thereby being fixed to the button restraint position.

[0254] Next, referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, we will examine the process of the lock button (140) being restrained. FIG. 17 illustrates a state in which the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position and the button holder (170) is in the button unlock position. As shown, a part of the holder operating portion (171) of the button holder (170) protrudes radially (forward relative to the drawing) from the holder storage groove (168) of the weight plate (160). This protruding part of the holder operating portion (171) becomes a part that the user can press.

[0255] In this state, the user can detach the entire knob assembly (100) from the control panel (30). When the knob assembly (100) is pulled axially from the control panel (30), the knob assembly (100) and the drive shaft (71) are separated from each other, causing the knob assembly (100) to detach from the control panel (30).

[0256] The user can move the lock button (140) of the separated knob assembly (100) inward (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 18) to the knob unlock position. In this state, when the user removes the external force pressing the lock button (140), the lock button (140) can be moved back to the knob lock position by the elastic member (S).

[0257] When the user moves the button holder (170) while pressing the lock button (140), the lock button (140) can be constrained in the knob unlock position. More precisely, when the user pushes the button holder (170) upward in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 19 while pressing the lock button (140), the button holder (170) moves to the button constrained position. When it moves to the button constrained position, the interference portion (175) of the button holder (170) interferes with the elastic support portion (145), thereby constraining the lock button (140) from moving to the knob lock position.

[0258] In this embodiment, one end of the elastic member (S) is supported on one side of the elastic support member (145), and the interference part (175) of the button holder (170) is interfered with on the other side of the elastic support member (145). Accordingly, even if the elastic member (S) presses the elastic support member (145), the elastic support member (145) that is interfered with by the interference part (175) is prevented from moving.

[0259] In this state, when the user reconnects the knob assembly (100) to the drive shaft (71), the knob assembly (100) can be placed on the control panel (30). At this time, the lock button (140) is in a pressed state, that is, moved to the knob release position and is in a restrained state, so the user does not need to press the lock button (140) to operate the cooking device. Therefore, the user can activate the lock button (140) only when necessary by operating the button holder (170), thereby increasing the convenience of the knob assembly (100).

[0260] As another example, although not illustrated, the button holder (170) may restrain the lock button (140) to the knob lock position. For example, if the interference portion (175) of the button holder (170) interferes with the other surface of the elastic support portion (145), the lock button (140) may be restrained to the knob lock position. When the button holder (170) restrains the lock button (140) to the knob lock position, the knob body (NB) is maintained in a state where it cannot be pressed axially by the lock button (140). Therefore, operation of the cooking appliance can be fundamentally blocked.

[0261] As another example, although not illustrated, the elastic member (S) may be omitted from the knob assembly (100). In this case, the user can manually move the lock button (140) from a second position to a first position. The user can return the operation button (140) to the first position by pulling the lock button (140) or by grasping a separate gripping structure (not illustrated) provided on the lock button (140).

[0262] As another example, although not illustrated, the safety pin (150) may be omitted from the above-mentioned operating button (140), and a stopper (115) may protrude from the above-mentioned base part (110). In this case, when the lock button (140) is in the first position, the stopper (115) interferes with the surface of the lock button (140), and when the lock button (140) is in the second position, the stopper (115) does not interfere with the surface of the lock button (140).

[0263] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 30. For parts identical to those in the previous embodiment, the same reference numerals will be assigned, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Looking at FIGS. 20 and FIGS. 21, the parts of the knob assembly (100) are shown in a disassembled state. For convenience of explanation, let us first look at the drive shaft (71). The drive shaft (71) is coupled to the knob assembly (100). The drive shaft (71) serves as the rotational center of the knob assembly (100). The drive shaft (71) can rotate together with the knob assembly (100) when the knob assembly (100) rotates. The drive shaft (71) can move linearly together with the knob assembly (100) when the knob assembly (100) moves in the axial direction.

[0264] The above drive shaft (71) may be provided in a heating drive unit (70, see FIG. 21). The heating drive unit (70) may serve to supply an energy source to the heating device (28). For example, the heating drive unit (70) may be configured to control the heating device (28) while being driven by the drive shaft (71). Accordingly, the drive shaft (71) may be viewed as a valve shaft.

[0265] Here, the energy source can be gas or electricity. If the energy source is electricity, the heating drive unit (70) can be referred to as a regulator, and if the energy source is gas, the heating drive unit (70) can be referred to as 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 part of the heating drive unit (70). Reference numeral 32 indicates a through hole in the front plate (31) through which the drive shaft (71) passes.

[0266] More specifically, the drive shaft (71) can be pushed and rotatably coupled to the heating drive unit (70). At this time, the heating drive unit (70) can prevent the drive shaft (71) from rotating when the drive shaft (71) is not pushed. As the drive shaft (71) is pushed and rotated relative to the heating drive unit (70), the heating drive unit (70) can supply an energy source to the heating device (28).

[0267] A coupling member (75) may be provided on the drive shaft (71). The coupling member (75) may wrap around the outer surface of the drive shaft (71). The coupling member (75) may be made of an elastic material such as a leaf spring. The coupling member (75) is positioned between the drive shaft (71) and the shaft coupling part (131) to be described later, thereby providing elastic force between the drive shaft (71) and the shaft coupling part (131). Accordingly, the drive shaft (71) may be prevented from easily coming out of the shaft coupling part (131).

[0268] The drive shaft (71) can be operated through the knob assembly (100). More precisely, the drive shaft (71) is coupled to the knob body (NB) and can rotate together with the knob body (NB). The drive shaft (71) can move linearly in the axial direction together with the knob body (NB). Thus, when a user operates the knob assembly (100), the heating drive unit (70) is driven via the drive shaft (71), and the heating device (28) is operated through this.

[0269] Looking at the structure of the knob assembly (100) above, the knob assembly (100) may be provided with a base part (110). The base part (110) may be placed on the front plate (31) of the control panel (30). A base hole (111) through which the drive shaft (71) passes is formed through the base part (110) to support the rotation of the drive shaft (71). That is, the base part (110) can enable the drive shaft (71) to rotate stably and move linearly in the axial direction.

[0270] As another example, the base hole (111) may be omitted in the base portion (110). In this case, the drive shaft (71) may pass directly through the front plate (31) without passing through the base portion (110).

[0271] The base portion (110) may have a roughly circular structure. A base fixing hole (112) is formed on the outer side of the base hole (111), centered on the base hole (111) formed at the center of the base portion (110). The base fixing hole (112) is a part through which a first fastener (B1) passes, and the first fastener (B1) can assemble the base portion (110) to the front plate (31).

[0272] 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, that is, in the direction of the lock button (140). The stopper (115) may interfere axially with the lock button (140) to restrict the lock button (140) from moving axially. The stopper (115) can prevent the lock button (140) from moving in a straight line toward the front plate (31), thereby preventing the knob body (NB) from being pressed toward the front plate (31).

[0273] The stopper (115) may protrude toward the safety pin (150) when the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position. When the lock button (140) is rotated together with the knob body (NB) and placed in a third position (see FIG. 12), the stopper (115) fixed to the control panel (30) is spaced circumferentially apart from the safety pin (150). Here, the circumferential direction refers to the rotational direction of the knob body (NB).

[0274] The stopper (115) may be provided at the edge of the base portion (110). The stopper (115) may be provided at the end portion of the base portion (110) which becomes narrower towards one end. The stopper (115) may be positioned at the location furthest from the base hole (111). The stopper (115) may have a shape that becomes narrower towards the end portion (see FIG. 22) facing the direction of the base hole (111), that is, the drive shaft (71), which will be explained again below.

[0275] The stopper (115) may be omitted. The stopper (115) may be omitted, and a driving hole (not shown) may be opened in the base portion (110). The pin portion (155) of the safety pin (150) described below may interfere with the surface of the base portion (110) when the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position, and may pass through the driving hole when the knob is in the knob unlock position. When the pin portion (155) passes through the driving hole, the lock button (140) and the knob body (NB) may move axially.

[0276] As another example, the base portion (110) may be omitted. As yet another example, the base portion (110) may be formed integrally with the control panel (30). That is, the base portion (110) may be considered as part of the control panel (30). As yet another example, the base portion (110) may have various polygonal shapes rather than a circular shape.

[0277] The skeleton of the knob assembly (100) may be formed by a knob body (NB). The knob body (NB) may enclose the drive shaft (71) and the base portion (110). The knob body (NB) is the part that the user grips. In this embodiment, the knob body (NB) is composed of a first knob body (120) and a second knob body (130). The first knob body (120) may be exposed to the outside. The second knob body (130) may be placed inside the first knob body (120).

[0278] In this embodiment, the first knob body (120) may be exposed to the outside and serve as a part where the user operates the knob assembly (100). The second knob body (130) may be positioned inside the first knob body (120) to be responsible for coupling with other parts and to guide the elastic member (S) described later. As another example, the first knob body (120) and the second knob body (130) may be formed as a single unit.

[0279] The first knob body (120) may include a knob ring (121) in the shape of a truncated cone or a cylinder. The knob ring (121) is positioned facing the front plate (31). A gripping portion (123) may protrude from the upper surface (122) of the knob ring (121). The gripping portion (123) protrudes axially from the upper surface (122) of the knob ring (121). The gripping portion (123) may be a part that is gripped by a user. The gripping portion (123) may be extended in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (refer to the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). Reference numeral 123a is a reference scale formed on the gripping portion (123). Although not shown, a scale may also be marked on the surface of the knob ring (121).

[0280] An operating hole (125) may be formed through the knob body (NB) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) is exposed to the outside through the operating hole (125), so that the button operating portion (143) can form the exterior of the knob assembly (100) together with the knob body (NB). Referring to FIG. 2, the button operating portion (143), which is part of the lock button (140), protrudes from the knob body (NB) and can 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 lock button (140) fills the operating hole (125).

[0281] In contrast, the button holder (170) may not be exposed to the outside of the knob body (NB). More precisely, as shown in FIG. 2, when the knob assembly (100) is mounted on the control panel (30), the button holder (170) is not exposed to the outside. This is because the knob body (NB) surrounds the button holder (170). Therefore, in order for a user to operate the button holder (170), the user must first detach the knob assembly (100) from the drive shaft (71) and then operate the button holder (170). This structure will be explained again below.

[0282] In this embodiment, the first knob body (120) may have an operating hole (125) through which the button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) protrudes. More precisely, the operating hole (125) penetrates the gripping portion (123) of the first knob body (120). At this time, since the operating hole (125) is formed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) may also protrude through the operating hole (125) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. In other words, the operating hole (125) may be opened in a direction orthogonal to the linear movement direction of the knob body (NB).

[0283] The above-mentioned operating hole (125) may be formed on only one of the left and right sides of the first knob body (120). In this embodiment, the operating hole (125) is formed on the left side of the first knob body (120). In this embodiment, since only one lock button (140) is provided, the operating hole (125) also needs to be formed on only one side of the first knob body (120). As another example, the operating hole (125) may be formed on the right side of the first knob body (120). As yet another example, the operating hole (125) may be formed on the left and right sides of the first knob body (120), respectively.

[0284] As described below, the lock button (140) may be restricted from moving by interfering with the edge (125a) of the operating hole (125) during the process of moving from the knob unlock position to the knob lock position. The lock button (140) may be caught on the edge (125a) of the operating hole (125) and remain in the internal space (121a) formed inside the first knob body (120) without being completely separated from the knob body (NB). The edge (125a) of the operating hole (125) can be viewed as a catch (125a). The knob lock position and the knob unlock position of the lock button (140) will be described in detail below.

[0285] 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 together and operated together.

[0286] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a shaft coupling part (131) to which one end of the drive shaft (71) is coupled. The shaft coupling part (131) may be approximately cylindrical in shape. The shaft coupling part (131) may be positioned at the center of the knob body (NB). A shaft coupling hole (132) is formed in the shaft coupling part (131), and the drive shaft (71) may be inserted into the shaft coupling hole (132). The drive shaft (71) may be fixed inside the shaft coupling hole (132) without rotating freely inside the shaft coupling hole (132).

[0287] When one end of the drive shaft (71) is inserted into the shaft coupling hole (132), the drive shaft (71) rotates together with the second knob body (130) and can 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 drive shaft (71) is also driven together. For example, when the second knob body (130) is pushed axially together with the first knob body (120), the drive shaft (71) also moves axially. When the second knob body (130) rotates around the drive shaft (71) together with the first knob body (120), the drive shaft (71) also rotates together. Therefore, the drive shaft (71) may be referred to as a rotation shaft.

[0288] The second knob body (130) is coupled to the drive shaft (71) and can also be coupled to the weight plate (160). Since a coupling structure with other parts is implemented in the second knob body (130) in this way, the first knob body (120) can be made into a relatively simple and thin structure. Therefore, when the first knob body (120) is injection molded, the phenomenon of sink marks or flow marks being formed due to shrinkage of a part of the first knob body (120) caused by the complex shape can be prevented.

[0289] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a body plate (133). The body plate (133) has a roughly plate-like structure. The shaft coupling part (131) is connected to the body plate (133). The body plate (133) is a part that is coupled to the first knob body (120) and the weight plate (160). To this end, a fastener passage hole (134) through which the second fastener (B2) passes is formed in the body plate (133). Referring to FIG. 21, the body plate (133) is provided with a plate protrusion (137), which is fitted into the plate groove (167, see FIG. 20) of the weight plate (160). As another example, the second knob body (130) and the first knob body (120) may be press-fitted together or fixed together with an adhesive.

[0290] In this embodiment, the body plate (133) is approximately semicircular in shape corresponding to the shape of the internal space (121a). That is, a portion of the side of the second knob body (130) facing the inner surface of the internal space (121a) has a curved shape, and another portion of the side of the second knob body (130) facing the lock button (140) has a flat shape. The curved portion faces the inner surface of the internal space (121a), and the flat portion faces the lock button (140). A portion of the lock button (140) may interfere with the flat portion of the second knob body (130). Because the lock button (140) interferes with the flat portion of the second knob body (130), the distance traveled from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position may be limited.

[0291] The second knob body (130) may be provided with a support plate (136). The support plate (136) protrudes along the axial direction toward the opposite side of the base portion (110). The support plate (136) protrudes from the body plate (133) in a roughly plate-like shape. The support plate (136) may be extended in the same direction as the gripping portion (123), that is, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. One end of the support plate (136) may be in close contact with the inner surface of the first knob body (120), that is, the inner surface of the gripping portion (123). Such an appearance is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0292] The support plate (136) can be placed between a pair of elastic members (S) to be described later. Referring to FIG. 22, the support plate (136) is placed between a pair of elastic members (S) to maintain a gap between the pair of elastic members (S). That is, the support plate (136) can prevent the pair of elastic members (S) from twisting to one side during the contraction / expansion process.

[0293] The remaining part of the second knob body (130), excluding the shaft coupling part (131), and the lock button (140) may be positioned on opposite sides of the shaft coupling part (131). More precisely, the body plate (133) and the lock button (140) may be positioned on opposite sides of the drive shaft (71). Referring to FIG. 7, with respect to the drive shaft (71), the body plate (133) is positioned on the left and the lock button (140) is positioned on the right. This prevents the center of gravity of the knob assembly (100) from shifting to one side due to the lock button (140). Additionally, the body plate (133) fills the empty space in the internal space (121a) where the lock button (140) is not located, thereby increasing the overall durability of the knob assembly (100).

[0294] Referring again to FIGS. 20 and FIGS. 21, the knob assembly (100) is provided with a lock button (140). The lock button (140) is positioned on the knob body (NB) and may 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 axis (71), the lock button (140) may move linearly and rotate together with the knob body (NB). However, the lock button (140) may move independently from the knob body (NB) along a direction different from the axial direction.

[0295] The lock button (140) may form part of the gripping surface that the user grips when gripping the knob assembly (100). For example, when the user grips the knob assembly (100) with their thumb and index finger, they may grip the surface of the gripping portion (123) with their index finger while simultaneously gripping the button operating portion (143) of the lock button (140) with their thumb. In this state, when the user presses the knob assembly (100) with their thumb and index finger, the surface of the gripping portion (123) remains fixed, but the button operating portion (143) formed on the opposite side is pressed and can be moved inward into the knob body (NB).

[0296] As shown in FIG. 22, the lock button (140) can be positioned on the opposite side of the second knob body (130) excluding the shaft coupling part (131), with respect to the shaft coupling part (131). More precisely, the body plate (133) and the lock button (140) can be positioned on opposite sides of the drive shaft (71).

[0297]

[0298] The lock button (140) may be provided with a restraining support member (148). The restraining support member (148) is intended to prevent interference with the button holder (170) and protrudes from the button body (141). The restraining support member (148) will be described again below.

[0299]

[0300] Referring to FIG. 22, the operation of the knob body (NB) and the lock button (140) can be examined. The lock button (140) can be pressed in the direction of arrow ①. When the lock button (140) is pressed in the direction of arrow ①, the lock button (140) moves from the knob lock position to the knob unlock position. For reference, in FIG. 22, the lock button (140) is positioned in the knob lock position, so axial movement is restricted. When the lock button (140) moves in the direction of arrow ①, the knob assembly (100), including the second knob body (130), excluding the base part (110), can move in the axial direction (arrow ②).

[0301] The knob assembly (100) that has moved in the axial direction can be rotated in the direction of arrow ③. At this time, the first knob body (120) and the lock button (140) are also rotated together with the second knob body (130). The second knob body (130) can also be rotated in the opposite direction to arrow ③. Meanwhile, when the user removes the external force pressing the lock button (140), the lock button (140) can be moved in the direction of arrow ④ by the elastic member (S) and return to the knob lock position.

[0302] At this time, when the button holder (170) moves in the direction of arrow ⑤, the button holder (170) can be placed in the button restraint position. In the button restraint position, the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140), thereby restricting the lock button (140) from moving back to its original position, that is, in the direction toward the knob lock position (arrow ④). Referring to FIG. 22, the button holder (170) is shown moving to the button restraint position and interfering with the elastic support (145) of the lock button (140). This structure will be examined in detail below.

[0303] Next, the button holder (170) will be described. The button holder (170) is movable independently of the lock button (140). In this embodiment, the button holder (170) is placed on the weight plate (160). The button holder (170) is guided by the weight plate (160) and can move between a button unlock position (position of the button holder (170) in FIG. 25) and a button restraint position (position of the button holder (170) in FIG. 27).

[0304] If the weight plate (160) is considered as part of the knob body (NB), the button holder (170) may be considered to be placed on the knob body (NB). As another example, the weight plate (160) may be omitted, and the button holder (170) may be placed on the knob body (NB). When the button holder (170) is placed on the knob body (NB), the button holder (170) is guided by the knob body (NB) and can move between a button release position and a button restraint position.

[0305] Meanwhile, the button release position refers to a state in which the lock button (140) can move between the knob lock position and the knob release position. The button restraint position refers to a state in which the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140), thereby restraining the lock button (140) to a specific position. For example, if the button holder (170) moves to the button restraint position, the lock button (140) may be restrained to the knob release position. As another example, if the button holder (170) moves to the button restraint position, the lock button (140) may be restrained to the knob lock position.

[0306] As such, in this embodiment, the button holder (170) can disable the function of the lock button (140) by restraining the lock button (140) to a specific position. If the user does not want the function of the lock button (140), that is, the knob assembly (100) to be in a locked state, the button holder (170) can be moved to a button unlock position. The function and structure of such a button holder (170) will be described below.

[0307] The button holder (170) has a button restraint position that interferes with the lock button (140) and restricts the movement of the lock button (140), and a button release position that moves away from the button restraint position and releases interference with the lock button (140). The button restraint position and the button release position can each be formed at both ends of a straight path of the button holder (170).

[0308] In the above button restraint position, the button holder (170) interferes with the lock button (140) placed in the above knob unlock position, so that the lock button (140) can be restrained in the above knob unlock position. Referring to FIG. 22, the lock button (140) is placed in the knob lock position, and the safety pin (150) is axially aligned with the stopper (115). At this time, FIG. 22 shows the button holder (170) placed in the above button unlock position, and in this state, the button holder (170) can move in the axial direction (arrow ⑤ direction) to restrain the lock button (140) so that it cannot move back to the knob lock position direction (arrow ④ direction).

[0309] In this embodiment, the button holder (170) moves linearly between the button restraint position and the button release position along a third direction that is different from the second direction and opposite to the first direction. Referring to FIG. 22, the first direction is the axial direction (arrow ② direction) in which the knob body (NB) moves when pushed, and the second direction is the direction of movement of the lock button (140) (arrows ① and ④ directions). The third direction is the axial direction and is opposite to the first direction (arrow ⑤ direction). Accordingly, the movement paths of the parts can be dispersed without overlapping, and the parts can be efficiently arranged.

[0310] The direction of movement of the button holder (170) may be parallel to the axial direction and orthogonal to the direction of movement of the lock button (140). That is, the third direction may be parallel to the first direction and orthogonal to the second direction. As another example, the direction of movement of the button holder (170) may be different from the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button (140), but may be an inclined direction rather than orthogonal. As yet another example, the direction of movement of the button holder (170) may be an arc direction different from the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button (140).

[0311] The button holder (170) can move along the axial direction of the drive shaft (71). The linear movement path of the button holder (170) can be formed in a direction that is spaced apart from the control panel (30) along the axial direction and in a direction that is closer to the control panel (30). In this way, torque caused by an external force pressing the button holder (170) during the process of moving the button holder (170) can be prevented from being generated in the knob body (NB). That is, the knob body (NB) can be prevented from rotating due to the force pressing the button holder (170).

[0312] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the button holder (170) can be seen in the button restraint position, where the button holder (170) may enter the movement path of the lock button (140) or move away from the movement path of the lock button (140).

[0313] The internal space (121a) can be divided into two areas based on a virtual centerline extending along the longitudinal direction of the gripping part (123) along the center of the gripping part (123). In this embodiment, the button holder (170) can be placed in the area where the safety pin is placed (the right area based on FIG. 23) among the two areas.

[0314] The button holder (170) may have a button restraint position that interferes with the lock button (140) and restricts the movement of the lock button (140), and a button release position that moves away from the button restraint position and releases interference with the lock button (140). More precisely, the button holder (170) may have a button restraint position that is placed in the movement path of the lock button (140) and restricts the movement of the lock button (140), and a button release position that moves away from the movement path of the lock button (140) and releases interference with the lock button (140). Referring to FIG. 23, the button holder (170) may move in the axial direction of the drive shaft (71) and enter the movement path of the lock button (140).

[0315] In this embodiment, the button holder (170) can be fixed in the movement path of the lock button (140) by rotating around a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction. Looking at the enlarged portion of FIG. 23, when the support projection (175) of the button holder (170) is fitted into the seating groove (169) of the weight plate (160), the axial movement of the button holder (170) can be restricted. Although the button holder (170) can move in the axial direction, it can be fixed in a specific position by being fitted into the seating groove (169) through rotation. The button holder (170) can maintain a fixed state without being separated from the weight plate (160) at the button release position and the button restraint position. This structure will be explained again below.

[0316] FIG. 23 illustrates a state in which the button holder (170) does not interfere with the lock button (140). When the button holder (170) advances based on FIG. 23, the button holder (170) is placed in the restraint space (BS) through which the lock button (140) has passed, and can interfere with the elastic support member (145), which is part of the lock button (140).

[0317] The button holder (170) may include a first rotational state that deviates from the movement path of the lock button (140) and a second rotational state that is rotated relative to the knob body (NB) in the first rotational state. Comparing the button release position in FIG. 25 with the button restraint position in FIG. 27, the button holder (170) is in the first rotational state at the button release position, and the button holder (170) is in the second rotational state at the button restraint position. At this time, the first rotational state and the second rotational state may have a phase difference of 90 degrees. Here, the rotation of the button holder (170) may be centered on a direction parallel to the axial direction, or more precisely, on an imaginary line passing through the center of the holder storage hole (168) in the axial direction. The phase difference between the first rotational state and the second rotational state does not need to be limited to 90 degrees.

[0318] Looking at the structure of the button holder (170), the holder body (171) stored in the holder storage hole (168) can form the skeleton of the button holder (170). The holder body (171) may have a cylindrical shape. The holder body (171) can be moved in the forward and backward direction (axial direction) along the holder storage hole (168), and at the same time, can be rotated inside the holder storage hole (168).

[0319] The holder body (171) may be provided with a support projection (175). The support projection (175) may protrude radially from the holder body (171). The support projection (175) may be fitted into a seating groove (169) formed in the holder storage hole (168). When the support projection (175) is fitted into the seating groove (169), the button holder (170) is prevented from moving in the axial direction. More precisely, when the support projection (175) is fitted into the seating groove (169), the button holder (170) is prevented from moving along the axial direction toward the control panel (30). In this embodiment, a pair of support projections (175) are arranged on the holder body (171) with a 180-degree phase difference. As another example, the support projection (175) may be composed of one or three or more.

[0320] Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the weight plate (160) has a seating groove (169) into which the support protrusion (175) is inserted. The seating groove (169) may be radially recessed from the inner surface of the holder storage hole (168). The inner diameter of the holder storage hole (168) corresponds to the outer diameter of the holder body (171), but the outer diameter of the button holder (170), including the support protrusion (175), is larger than the inner diameter of the holder storage hole (168). Therefore, when the support protrusion (175) is fitted into the seating groove (169), the button holder (170) can be fixed at a specific position in the holder storage hole (168).

[0321] For reference, FIG. 24 shows the button holder (170) separated from the weight plate (160) toward the rear control panel (30). However, when assembling the button holder (170) to the weight plate (160), it may be assembled from the front to the rear of the weight plate (160) based on the drawing.

[0322] The above-mentioned mounting groove (169) may be composed of a plurality of mounting grooves (169). The support protrusion (175) may be fitted into each of the different mounting grooves (169) according to the rotation angle of the button holder (170). A plurality of mounting grooves (169) having different phase angles may be formed in the holder storage hole (168). At this time, the plurality of mounting grooves (169) may have different lengths with respect to the axial direction. Here, different lengths refer to the depth of the mounting grooves (169) with respect to the axial direction.

[0323] Specifically, the above-mentioned seating grooves (169) may include a first seating groove (169a) and a second seating groove (169b). The first seating groove (169a) is the part where the support protrusion (175) is seated when the button holder (170) is out of the movement path of the lock button (140). That is, when the button holder (170) is in the button release position, the support protrusion (175) is seated in the first seating groove (169a). The first seating groove (169a) may be composed of two first seating grooves (169a) having a 180-degree phase difference, similar to the support protrusion (175).

[0324] One end of the first mounting groove (169a) may be opened in the opposite direction of the operating panel (30), that is, in the direction toward the second knob body (130) (to the right in FIG. 24). The other end of the first mounting groove (169a) may not be opened toward the direction of the operating panel (30) (to the right in FIG. 24) but may be closed to form the bottom surface of the first mounting groove (169a). Accordingly, the support protrusion (175) may be caught on the bottom surface of the first mounting groove (169a).

[0325] The second mounting groove (169b) may be spaced apart from the first mounting groove (169a) along the axial direction. More precisely, the bottom surface of the second mounting groove (169b) is positioned further from the operating panel (30) than the bottom surface of the first mounting groove (169a). In other words, the bottom surface of the second mounting groove (169b) is formed closer to the movement path of the lock button (140) than the bottom surface of the first mounting groove (169a). Accordingly, when the support protrusion (175) is mounted in the second mounting groove (169b), the button holder (170) can be positioned in the movement path of the lock button (140).

[0326] Reference numeral 168' indicates a hole step formed at the edge of the holder storage hole (168). The hole step (168') is intended to correspond to the axial thickness of the support protrusion (175). The hole step (168') can create a clearance space in which the support protrusion (175) can be seated in the second seating groove (169b), and the support protrusion (175) can also be rotated within the clearance space provided by the hole step (168').

[0327] As shown in FIG. 24, a holder return member (179) that provides elastic force to the button holder (170) in the direction of the control panel (30) may be provided inside the knob body (NB). One end of the holder return member (179) may be received in a mounting groove (173) formed in the holder body (171). The other end of the holder return member (179) may be in close contact with the surface of the second knob body (130). Although not illustrated, the second knob body (130) may be provided with a groove or projection structure for fixing the other end of the holder return member (179).

[0328] The holder return member (179) can always push the button holder (170) toward the control panel (30). Accordingly, when the support protrusion (175) of the button holder (170) is rotated while seated in the second seating groove (169b) and moves out of the second seating groove (169b), the moment it aligns with the first seating groove (169a), the support protrusion (175) can be moved inward into the first seating groove (169a) by means of elastic force. Of course, the button holder (170) moves simultaneously toward the control panel (30) by means of the support protrusion (175).

[0329] When the support protrusion (175) is fitted into the second seating groove (169b), the button holder (170) is fixed in the button restraint position and may interfere with a part of the lock button (140). More precisely, the button holder (170) may contact the restraint support member (148) in the button restraint position to support the lock button (140). When the restraint support member (148) interferes with the button holder (170), the movement of the lock button (140) is restricted and it is restrained in the knob release position. Referring to FIGS. 23 and FIGS. 26, the lock button (140) is provided with a restraint support member (148). The restraint support member (148) protrudes from the button body (141) of the button holder (170) in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the lock button (140) (upward with respect to FIG. 26). That is, the restraint support member (148) protrudes from the button body (141) of the button holder (170) in a direction parallel to the weight plate (160).

[0330] A portion of the restraint support member (148) may protrude from the lock button (140) toward the movement path of the button holder (170). More precisely, the restraint support member (148) is provided with a support end (148c), which protrudes from the restraint support member (148) in the direction of movement of the lock button (140). The support end (148c) may be formed in a roughly ring or arc shape to create a member passage (149) through which the holder return member (179) passes inside. The member passage (149) is intended to avoid interference with the holder return member (179).

[0331] The restraining support member (148), including the support end (148c), may cover the holder storage hole (168) axially or be positioned along the edge of the holder storage hole (168). More precisely, as shown in FIG. 25, when the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position, the restraining support member (148) covers the holder storage hole (168) axially. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, when the lock button (140) moves to the knob unlock position, the restraining support member (148) is removed from the state of covering the holder storage hole (168) axially, and the restraining support member (148) and the support end (148c) may be positioned along the edge of the holder storage hole (168). Accordingly, the member passing portion (149) may be connected axially to the holder storage hole (168).

[0332] A restraining support surface (148b) corresponding to the outer surface of the button holder (170) may be formed on the restraining support member (148). The restraining support surface (148b) may come into contact with the outer surface of the button holder (170) at the button restraint position. The restraining support surface (148b) may be a curved surface or an inclined surface facing the outer surface of the button holder (170). The restraining support surface (148b) may be an arc shape having a larger diameter than the member passing portion (149). Reference numeral 148a is a reinforcing rib provided on the restraining support member (148) to supplement the strength of the restraining support member (148).

[0333] Meanwhile, looking again at the button holder (170), in this embodiment, the button holder (170) can be moved in the direction in which the gripping part (123) protrudes and positioned at the button restraint position. Looking at FIG. 23, the gripping part (123) protrudes in the axial direction to the rear, and the button holder (170) can be moved to the rear where the gripping part (123) protrudes. Accordingly, when a user grips the entire knob assembly and operates the button holder (170), the user can naturally grip the gripping part (123), making the work easier.

[0334] When a user operates the button holder (170) in this way, the user can utilize the operating groove (172) of the button holder (170). Referring to FIG. 23, the operating groove (172) is recessed on the surface of the button holder (170). The operating groove (172) is exposed toward the operating panel (30), allowing the user to rotate the button holder (170) while inserting a tool, such as a screwdriver, into the operating groove (172). As another example, although not illustrated, the button holder (170) may have an operating protrusion instead of the operating groove (172). In this case, the user can rotate the button holder (170) by gripping the operating protrusion without a separate tool.

[0335] Referring to FIG. 23, in this embodiment, one side of the button holder (170) faces the movement path of the lock button (140) through the holder storage hole (168), and the other side of the button holder (170) faces the operation panel (30). Here, the movement path of the lock button (140) can be formed in the space between the weight plate (160) and the knob body (NB). As a result, only the other side of the button holder (170) can be exposed to the outside of the knob assembly. Of course, when the knob assembly is placed on the operation panel (30), the other side of the button holder (170) is not exposed. The operation groove (172) can be formed on the other side of the button holder (170).

[0336] In this way, if the button holder (170) is not exposed to the outside of the knob assembly (100), the user can operate the button holder (170) after first separating the knob assembly (100) from the cooking appliance. Accordingly, accessibility to the button holder (170) is restricted, thereby preventing the locking state of the lock button (140) from being arbitrarily set. Of course, if the button holder (170) is placed inside the knob assembly (100) and is not exposed to the outside, it is also possible to prevent the aesthetic appeal of the knob assembly (100) from being compromised due to the exposure of the button holder (170).

[0337] Next, referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, we will examine the process of the lock button (140) being restrained. First, the user can separate the entire knob assembly (100) from the control panel (30). When the knob assembly (100) is pulled axially from the control panel (30), the knob assembly (100) and the drive shaft (71) are separated from each other, and the knob assembly (100) is removed from the control panel (30).

[0338] Referring to FIG. 25, FIG. 25 illustrates a state in which the lock button (140) is in the knob lock position and the button holder (170) is in the button unlock position. A portion of the button holder (170) may protrude axially (rearward relative to the drawing) from the holder storage hole (168) of the weight plate (160). At the same time, a portion of the opposite side of the button holder (170) is not yet protruded toward the movement path of the lock button (140).

[0339] In this state, the user can move the lock button (140) of the separated knob assembly (100) inward (to the right according to FIG. 26) to the knob unlock position. In this state, when the user removes the external force pressing the lock button (140), the lock button (140) can be moved back to the knob lock position by the elastic member (S).

[0340] Looking at FIG. 26, when the lock button (140) moves toward the knob release position (to the right based on the drawing), the restraint support part (148) is released from the state of covering the holder storage hole (168), and the member passing part (149) and the holder storage hole (168) can be connected to each other.

[0341] When the user moves the button holder (170) while pressing the lock button (140), the lock button (140) can be restrained in the knob unlock position. More precisely, while the user presses the lock button (140), the button holder (170) is advanced forward in FIG. 26 to move to the button restraint position. When moved to the button restraint position, the button holder (170) interferes with the restraint support (148), thereby restraining the lock button (140) from moving to the knob lock position.

[0342] Looking more closely, when the button holder (170) advances forward (in the direction of arrow ① in FIG. 27), the support protrusion (175) is separated from the bottom surface of the first seating groove (169a). At this time, the user must advance the button holder (170) while overcoming the elastic force of the holder return member (179). When the support protrusion (175) reaches the position where the second seating groove (169b) is formed, the user can rotate the button holder (170) (in the direction of arrow ② in FIG. 27). When this happens, the support protrusion (175) can be inserted into the second seating groove (169b).

[0343] In this state, when the user removes the force pushing the button holder (170), the support protrusion (175) can be pressed against the bottom surface of the second seating groove (169b) by the elastic force of the holder return member (179). Accordingly, the button holder (170) can be maintained in a state moved to the button restraint position.

[0344] When the button holder (170) is positioned in the button restraint position, as shown in FIG. 27, a part of the button holder (170) protrudes axially (forward with respect to FIG. 27) and interferes with the lock button (140). More precisely, the outer surface of the button holder (170) comes into contact with the restraint support (148) to support the lock button (140). In this way, even if the elastic member pushes the lock button (140) in the direction of the knob lock position (left direction with respect to FIG. 27), it can be maintained in the knob unlock position by the button holder (170).

[0345] In this state, when the user reconnects the knob assembly (100) to the drive shaft (71), the knob assembly (100) can be placed on the control panel (30). At this time, the lock button (140) is in a pressed state, that is, moved to the knob release position and is in a restrained state, so the user does not need to press the lock button (140) to operate the cooking device. Therefore, the user can activate the lock button (140) only when necessary by operating the button holder (170), thereby increasing the convenience of the knob assembly (100).

[0346] FIGS. 28 to 30 illustrate the operation of another embodiment of the knob assembly according to the present invention. To describe a structure different from the previously described embodiment, the button holder (170) is provided with a support projection (175) in a direction that widens the diameter of the holder body (171). The support projection (175) is provided at one end of the holder body (171) and can be caught on the edge of the holder storage hole (168). In this way, as shown in FIG. 28, the button holder (170) may not be separated in the axial direction (rearward with respect to FIG. 28). The support projection (175) may be provided in pairs on both sides at one end of the button holder (170).

[0347] The support protrusion (175) may interfere with the lock button (140). The lock button (140) is provided with a restraining support member (148) into which the support protrusion (175) is fitted. The restraining support member (148) extends from the button body (141) in a roughly arc shape, and the support protrusion (175) is fitted inside it. A member passage (149) formed in a recessed shape inside the restraining support member (148) becomes a part through which the holder return member (179) passes.

[0348] As shown in FIG. 29, when the lock button (140) moves in the direction of the knob release position (to the right based on the drawing), the restraint support part (148) is released from the state of covering the holder storage hole (168), and the member passing part (149) and the holder storage hole (168) can be connected to each other.

[0349] The restraint support member (148) may be provided with a restraint support surface (148b) in a stepped shape. The restraint support surface (148b) is formed closer to the button operating member (143) with respect to the axial direction from the restraint support member (148). Since the restraint support surface (148b) is in a stepped shape, the support protrusion (175) can be engaged axially with the restraint support surface (148b). When the support protrusion (175) engages with the restraint support surface (148b), a wide contact area can be formed between the button holder (170) and the lock button (140).

[0350] Meanwhile, as the button holder (170) advances forward in FIG. 29, the support protrusion (175) can pass through the restraining support surface (148b). Since the support protrusion (175) is not aligned with the restraining support surface (148b), it can pass through without interfering with the restraining support surface (148b). When the support protrusion (175) passes through the restraining support surface (148b), the button holder (170) moves to a button restraining position that interferes with the lock button (140).

[0351] In this state, when the button holder (170) is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 30, the support protrusion (175) can also rotate and be aligned to interfere axially with the restraining support surface (148b). Accordingly, the button holder (170) is caught on the restraining support surface (148b) and is not separated again in the opposite direction, that is, the rearward exiting through the holder storage hole (168).

[0352] As another example, although not illustrated, the weight plate (160) or the knob body (NB) may not have a plurality of spaced seating grooves (169) formed therein, but instead have a continuous groove in an approximate J shape formed therein. The support projection (175) can move along the continuous groove in the J shape and move between the button release position and the button restraint position.

[0353] As another example, a mounting hole with screw threads on its inner surface may be formed in the weight plate (160) or the knob body (NB). A screw thread that engages with the screw threads may be formed on the outer surface of the button holder (170). In this way, the button holder (170) can be screwed to the weight plate (160) or the knob body (NB) while rotating continuously like a screw.

[0354] As another example, the button holder (170) may be fixed by being pressed into the weight plate (160) or the knob body (NB) or by being hook-fastened, while moving only in a straight line and not rotating.

[0355] In the preceding embodiments, the knob assembly (100) was described as being applied to an early-stage device, but the knob assembly (100) can be applied to various electronic products such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stylers, air conditioners, mixers, and dishwashers.

[0356] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 39. For reference, in the following embodiments, different reference numerals have been assigned to structures identical or similar to those in the preceding embodiments for convenience.

[0357] In this embodiment, the control panel (130) may include an axle member (131). The axle member (131) may protrude from the control panel (130). The axle member (131) may protrude forward from the front surface (130a) of the control panel (130). The knob assembly (1) may be disposed in front of the control panel (130). The knob assembly (1) may be coupled to the axle member (131). The axle member (131) may be coupled to the control panel (130) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (131a). The axle member (131) may be coupled to the control panel (130) so as to be movable along the rotation axis (131a).

[0358] In this case, by operating the knob assembly (1), the shaft member (131) can be moved along the rotation axis (131a) and rotated around the rotation axis (131a). Meanwhile, the front surface (130a) of the control panel (130) may be positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. The front surface (130a) of the control panel (130) may also be positioned parallel to the vertical direction. The shaft member (131) may protrude from the control panel (130) such that the rotation axis (131a) is parallel to a perpendicular line to the front surface (130a) of the control panel (130).

[0359] The above-described control panel (130) may include a driving unit (132, shown as a dotted line in FIG. 32). The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the driving unit (132). When the driving unit (132) is coupled to the rear side of the control panel (130), the shaft member (131) may be coupled to the driving unit (132) so as to be inserted into the control panel (130) and protrude forward from the front side (130a) of the control panel (130). The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the driving unit (132) so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis (131a). The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the shaft member (131) so as to be movable along the rotation axis (131a). The driving unit (132) may be implemented such that the shaft member (131) does not rotate when the shaft member (131) is not pushed along the rotation axis (131a). Only when the shaft member (131) is pushed along the rotation axis (131a) may the driving unit (132) allow the shaft member (131) to rotate around the rotation axis (131a). As the pushing and rotation of the shaft member (131) occur, the driving unit (132) may selectively supply an energy source to the cooking unit (120). In this case, the driving unit (132) may adjust the amount of energy source supplied to the cooking unit (120) according to the amount of rotation of the shaft member (131). Such a shaft member (131) may function as a valve shaft. Meanwhile, after an energy source is supplied to the above cooking unit (120), the driving unit (132) may allow the shaft member (131) to rotate around the rotation axis (131a) even when the shaft member (131) is not pushed.

[0360] The above knob assembly (1) may include a limiting part (2) and a knob part (3).

[0361] The limiting part (2) may be coupled to the control panel (130). The limiting part (2) may be positioned between the control panel (130) and the knob part (3). The limiting part (2) may be coupled to the front surface (130a) of the control panel (130). The shaft member (131) may be positioned to protrude from the limiting part (2) coupled to the control panel (130). The knob part (3) may be coupled to the portion of the shaft member (131) protruding from the limiting part (2). Accordingly, depending on the user's operation, the knob part (3) and the shaft member (131) may move together along the rotation axis (131a) and rotate together around the rotation axis (131a). A through hole may be formed in the limiting part (2) for inserting the shaft member (131). The above-mentioned limiting part (2) can be formed as a circular plate overall.

[0362] The above-mentioned limiting part (2) may include a limiting projection (21).

[0363] The limiting projection (21) may protrude in a first direction (direction of the FD arrow) toward the knob portion (3). The first direction (direction of the FD arrow) may be a direction toward the knob portion (3) from the control panel (130) while parallel to the rotation axis (131a). The limiting projection (21) may be coupled to the limiting body (20). The limiting body (20) may correspond to the part of the limiting portion (2) coupled to the control panel (130). The limiting projection (21) may protrude from the limiting body (20) in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The limiting projection (21) may be positioned at a spaced-away location from the shaft member (131) inserted into the limiting body (20). The limiting projection (21) and the limiting body (20) may be formed integrally.

[0364] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 35, the knob portion (3) can control the operation of the cooking portion (120) by user operation. The knob portion (3) can be coupled to the shaft member (131). The knob portion (3) and the shaft member (131) can move together along the rotation axis (131a) of the shaft member (131). As the knob portion (3) is pushed, the knob portion (3) and the shaft member (131) can move in a second direction (SD arrow direction) along the rotation axis (131a). The second direction (SD arrow direction) and the first direction (FD arrow direction) may be opposite directions while being parallel to the rotation axis (131a). When the force pushing the knob portion (3) is removed, the knob portion (3) and the shaft member (131) can be moved along the rotation axis (131a) in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The movement in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) can be achieved by the restoring force of a spring (not shown) coupled to the shaft member (131). The knob portion (3) and the shaft member (131) can be rotated together around the rotation axis (131a). The knob portion (3) can be coupled to the shaft member (131) so as to be positioned in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) relative to the limit portion (2).

[0365] The above knob part (3) may include a knob projection (31), a driving knob (32), a knob cover (33), and an operation button (34).

[0366] The knob projection (31) may protrude from the operating button (34) in the second direction (SD arrow direction). Depending on whether the operating button (34) is operated, the knob projection (31) may selectively interfere with the limiting projection (21), thereby selectively blocking the pushing of the knob portion (3). This is described in detail as follows.

[0367] First, as illustrated in FIG. 34, when the operating button (34) is moved along the operating direction (MD axis direction) and positioned at the limiting position (LP), the knob projection (31) may interfere with the limiting projection (21). The operating direction (MD axis direction) may be an axial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (131a). As the knob projection (31) is positioned to interfere with the limiting projection (21), the limiting projection (21) can support the knob projection (31) to block the knob portion (3) from moving toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). That is, the knob projection (31) can block the knob portion (3) from being pushed at the limiting position (LP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the cooking unit (120) from operating by using the knob projection (31) and the limiting projection (21) to block the knob portion (3) from being pushed in a situation where the user does not intend. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent arbitrary operation or malfunction, and thereby increase the safety of the cooking device (100).

[0368] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 35, when the operating button (34) is moved along the operating direction (MD axis direction) and positioned at the avoidance position (AP), the knob projection (31) can avoid interference with the limiting projection (21). In this case, the knob projection (31) can be spaced apart from the limiting projection (21) along the operating direction (MD axis direction). The avoidance position (AP) and the limiting position (LP) can be spaced apart from each other along the operating direction (MD axis direction). As the knob projection (31) avoids interference with the limiting projection (21), the limiting projection (21) does not interfere with the knob projection (31), thus allowing the knob part (3) to move in the second direction (SD arrow direction). That is, the knob projection (31) may allow the knob portion (3) to be pushed at the avoidance position (AP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may allow the knob portion (3) to be pushed when the user moves the operation button (34) to the avoidance position (AP), thereby allowing the cooking portion (120) to operate in a situation intended by the user. In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may allow the knob portion (3) to be pushed and turned when the user moves the operation button (34) to the avoidance position (AP), thereby allowing the amount of rotation of the knob portion (3) to be adjusted in a situation intended by the user, so that the cooking portion (120) can be controlled.

[0369] The above drive knob (32) can be coupled to the shaft member (131). The above drive knob (32) can be placed inside the knob cover (33). The portion of the drive knob (32) coupled to the shaft member (131) can protrude toward the second direction (SD arrow direction).

[0370] The above drive knob (32) may include a coupling member (321) and an interlocking member (322).

[0371] The coupling member (321) is a part of the drive knob (32) that is coupled to the shaft member (131). The coupling member (321) may be formed as a semicircular plate overall. The coupling member (321) may be coupled to the shaft member (131) so as to move and rotate together with the shaft member (131).

[0372] The interlocking member (322) can interlock the coupling member (321) and the knob cover (33). When an operating force is applied to rotate the knob cover (33), the interlocking member (322) can rotate together with the knob cover (33) by being pushed by the knob cover (33), thereby rotating the coupling member (321). The interlocking member (322) can protrude from the coupling member (321) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The interlocking member (322) can be inserted into the interior of the knob cover (33) and come into contact with the inner surface of the knob cover (33). The interlocking member (322) can be formed as a plate extending tangentially to a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis (131a). The interlocking member (322) can be formed as a rectangular plate overall. The above interlocking member (322) and the above coupling member (321) can be formed integrally.

[0373] The knob cover (33) can be coupled to the drive knob (32). The knob cover (33) can move along the rotation axis (131a) together with the drive knob (32) and can rotate together with the drive knob (32) around the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, by operating the knob cover (33), the user can operate the shaft member (131) through the drive knob (32) and thereby control the operation of the cooking unit (120).

[0374] The knob cover (33) may include a gripping member (331) and a cover member (332).

[0375] The gripping member (331) may be provided for user operation. The gripping member (331) may protrude from the cover member (332) in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). By forming the gripping member (331) in a smaller size than the cover member (332), convenience of operation may be provided to the user. For example, the gripping member (331) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular body with a hollow interior. The interlocking member (322) may be disposed inside the gripping member (331). By contacting the inner surface of the gripping member (331), the interlocking member (322) may interlock the knob cover (33) and the drive knob (32).

[0376] The cover member (332) may be coupled to the drive knob (32). The coupling member (321) may be disposed inside the cover member (332). The gripping member (331) may be coupled to the cover member (332). Accordingly, when a user grips and operates the gripping member (331), the cover member (332) may be operated together. The cover member (332) may be formed in the shape of a disc with an entirely hollow interior.

[0377] The above-mentioned operation button (34) may be coupled to the knob cover (33) so as to be movable along the operation direction (MD axis direction). The above-mentioned knob projection (31) may be coupled to the above-mentioned operation button (34). The above-mentioned operation button (34) may be positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the above-mentioned knob projection (31). The above-mentioned operation button (34) may be coupled to the above-mentioned knob cover (33) so as to be movable between the above-mentioned restriction position (LP) and the above-mentioned avoidance position (AP). The above-mentioned knob projection (31) may protrude from the above-mentioned operation button (34) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) inside the above-mentioned knob cover (33).

[0378] The above-mentioned operating button (34) can be coupled to the knob cover (33) so as to be movable along the above-mentioned operating direction (MD axis direction) which is different from the above-mentioned rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the above-mentioned operating button (34) from moving to the above-mentioned avoidance position (AP) and the above-mentioned knob part (3) from performing a push-and-turn due to unintended situations or user errors, thereby increasing safety. This can be examined in more detail as follows.

[0379] First, in the comparative example where the above-mentioned operating button (34) is implemented to move between the limiting position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP) along the same direction as the rotation axis (131a), the force pushing the knob part (3) due to unintended circumstances or user error may also move the operating button (34) to the avoidance position (AP). Accordingly, in the comparative example, there is a risk that the above-mentioned cooking part (120) may be operated due to unintended circumstances or user error.

[0380] In contrast, in an embodiment in which the above-mentioned operating button (34) is implemented to be movable along the above-mentioned operating direction (MD axis direction) different from the above-mentioned rotation axis (131a), the possibility of the force pushing the above-mentioned knob part (3) moving the above-mentioned operating button (34) to the above-mentioned avoidance position (AP) due to unintended situations or user error can be reduced. Therefore, since the above-mentioned embodiment can reduce the possibility of the above-mentioned cooking part (120) being operated due to unintended situations or user error, safety can be further enhanced.

[0381] The above-mentioned operating button (34) can be inserted into the cover hole (330) of the knob cover (33). The above-mentioned cover hole (330) can be formed in the gripping member (331) of the knob cover (33). Accordingly, the above-mentioned operating button (34) can be inserted into the cover hole (330) and placed on the gripping member (331). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the user can push the above-mentioned operating button (34) while gripping the gripping member (331) to operate the knob part (3), thereby improving convenience of use.

[0382] The above-mentioned operation button (34) may include a button member (341) and a support member (342).

[0383] The button member (341) may be exposed to the outside of the gripping member (331) through the cover hole (330). The user may push the button member (341) to move the operating button (34) from the restricted position (LP) toward the avoidance position (AP). If the user does not push the button member (341), a portion of the button member (341) may protrude from the gripping member (331).

[0384] The support member (342) may be placed inside the cover member (332). The knob projection (31) may be coupled to the support member (342). The knob projection (31) may protrude from the support member (342) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). When the knob projection (31) is supported by the limiting projection (21), the support member (342) may restrict the movement of the knob portion (3) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) by supporting the cover member (332). A coupling plate (31b) may be coupled to the knob projection (31). The coupling plate (31b) may be inserted into and coupled to the support member (342), thereby allowing the knob projection (31) to be coupled to the support member (342). The knob projection (31) may protrude from the coupling plate (31b) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). The coupling plate (31b) and the knob projection (31) may be formed integrally. The knob projection (31) and the support member (342) may also be formed integrally. In this case, the coupling plate (31b) may not be provided on the knob projection (31). The support member (342) may be formed as a semicircular plate overall.

[0385] The support member (342) may be positioned facing the coupling member (321) of the drive knob (32) inside the cover member (332). Accordingly, when the operation button (34) is moved from the limiting position (LP) toward the avoidance position (AP), the coupling member (321) supports the support member (342), thereby limiting the distance the operation button (34) can move from the limiting position (LP) toward the avoidance position (AP). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the button member (341) from detaching from the cover hole (330) during the process of moving the operation button (34) from the limiting position (LP) toward the avoidance position (AP). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can position the operating button (34) at the avoidance position (AP) by moving the operating button (34) until the support member (342) is supported by the coupling member (321). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the ease and accuracy of the operation of positioning the operating button (34) at the avoidance position (AP).

[0386] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 35, the knob portion (3) may include an elastic member (35).

[0387] The elastic member (35) may be positioned inside the knob cover (33) between the operating button (34) and the knob cover (33). The elastic member (35) may be supported by the knob cover (33) to press the operating button (34) toward the limiting position (LP). Accordingly, when the force moving the operating button (34) to the avoidance position (AP) is removed, the operating button (34) may return to the limiting position (LP) by the elastic member (35).

[0388] The knob portion (3) may include a plurality of elastic members (35). The elastic members (35) may be supported on different parts of the knob cover (33) and may press on different parts of the operating button (34). Accordingly, the elastic members (35) can reduce the tilting that occurs in the operating button (34) during the process of the operating button (34) moving between the limiting position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). The elastic members (35) may be spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operating button (34) moves between the limiting position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). The interlocking member (322) may be placed between the elastic members (35). In this case, the interlocking member (322) may serve to guide the elastic members (35).

[0389] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 35, the knob portion (3) may include a weight plate (36).

[0390] The weight plate (36) can be coupled to the drive knob (32). The weight plate (36) can improve the operability of the knob part (3) by increasing the total weight of the knob part (3). The weight plate (36) can be formed of a metal material.

[0391] The weight plate (36) may be positioned between the drive knob (32) and the limiting part (2). The weight plate (36) may be coupled to the coupling member (321). The weight plate (36) may be coupled to the coupling member (321) by means of fastening, such as a bolt. At least one through hole may be formed in the weight plate (36). The drive knob (32) may be coupled to the shaft member (131) through the through hole of the weight plate (36). The knob projection (31) may protrude toward the limiting projection (21) through the through hole of the weight plate (36).

[0392] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 39, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may include a locking part (4) and a switching groove (5).

[0393] The locking part (4) may be coupled to the knob part (3). The locking part (4) may be placed inside the knob cover (33). The locking part (4) may be placed in a position that allows the operating button (34) to move between the limiting position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). In this case, the operating button (34) may allow the push-and-turn of the knob part (3) only when it is moved to the avoidance position (AP) by pushing. The locking part (4) may be placed in a position that supports the operating button (34) located at the avoidance position (AP), thereby fixing the operating button (34) at the avoidance position (AP). In this case, the operating button (34) may allow the push-and-turn of the knob part (3) without pushing.

[0394] In this way, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented to be able to switch between a safety mode that allows the push and turn of the knob part (3) only when the operation button (34) is pushed using the locking part (4), and a simple mode that allows the push and turn of the knob part (3) even when there is no push on the operation button (34) by fixing the operation button (34) to the avoidance position (AP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can provide a user with a choice of use for controlling the operation of the cooking part (120), thereby further improving convenience of use. For example, while it is necessary to repeatedly operate the knob assembly (1) for a considerable amount of time, the user can switch to the simple mode by fixing the operation button (34) to the avoidance position (AP) using the locking part (4). For example, while the cooking unit (120) is not operated for a considerable amount of time, the user can switch to the safety mode so that the push and turn of the knob unit (3) is performed only when the operating button (34) is pushed using the locking unit (4).

[0395] The above locking part (4) may include a locking projection (41).

[0396] The locking projection (41) may protrude toward the operation button (34). Depending on the relative position of the locking projection (41) to the operation button (34), the locking part (4) may be switched between the safety mode and the simple mode. The locking projection (41) may be inserted into the operation button (34) through the switching groove (5). When switched to the simple mode, the locking projection (41) may be positioned to support the operation button (34) located at the avoidance position (AP). Accordingly, the locking projection (41) may fix the operation button (34) at the avoidance position (AP). When switched to the safety mode, the locking projection (41) may be positioned so as not to interfere with the operation button (34) moving between the restriction position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP).

[0397] The locking projection (41) may protrude from the locking body (40) having the locking part (4). The locking body (40) may form the overall appearance of the locking part (4). The locking projection (41) may protrude from the outer surface of the locking body (40) toward the operation button (34). The locking body (40) and the locking projection (41) may be formed integrally.

[0398] The locking body (40) can be coupled to the knob portion (3) so as to be movable in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) and the second direction (direction of the SD arrow). Through the movement of the locking body (40) and the movement of the operation button (34), the relative position of the locking projection (41) with respect to the operation button (34) can be changed. By utilizing this, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can be switched between the safety mode and the simple mode.

[0399] The locking body (40) may be coupled to the weight plate (36). In this case, the weight plate (36) may include a movable hole (361) into which the locking body (40) is inserted. The locking body (40) may be coupled to the weight plate (36) so as to be movable in the first direction (FD arrow direction) and the second direction (SD arrow direction) by being inserted into the movable hole (361). Based on the operating direction (MD axis direction), the cross-sectional area of ​​the locking body (40) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the movable hole (361). In this case, the locking projection (41) is inserted into the operating button (34), and by utilizing the supporting force provided by the operating button (34) and the supporting force provided by the locking projection (41) on the weight plate (36), the locking body (40) can be prevented from being separated from the knob part (3) through the moving hole (361). In this case, depending on the relative position of the locking projection (41) with respect to the operating button (34), the locking projection (41) can be supported by the operating button (34) or the weight plate (36), thereby limiting the distance movable in the second direction (SD arrow direction).

[0400] The locking body (40) may be positioned to be exposed toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) relative to the weight plate (36) through the moving hole (361). Accordingly, after separating the knob part (3) from the shaft member (131), the user can change the relative position of the locking projection (41) with respect to the operating button (34) by operating the locking body (40) exposed through the moving hole (361). Thus, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the ease of switching between the safety mode and the simple mode. After the relative position of the locking projection (41) with respect to the operating button (34) is changed, the user can reattach the knob part (3) to the shaft member (131). Meanwhile, the moving hole (361) may be formed by penetrating the weight plate (36) along the first direction (FD arrow direction) and the second direction (SD arrow direction). When the locking body (40) is inserted into the moving hole (361), the locking projection (41) may be positioned on the first direction (FD arrow direction) side with respect to the weight plate (36).

[0401] The locking body (40) may include N sides (40a, illustrated in FIG. 39) (N is a natural number greater than 2). In this case, the weight plate (36) may include N inner surfaces (362, illustrated in FIG. 39) positioned toward the moving hole (361). When the locking body (40) is inserted into the moving hole (361), the sides (40a) of the locking body (40) may be positioned toward the inner surfaces (362) of the weight plate (36). In this case, the inner surfaces (362) of the weight plate (36) may come into contact with the sides (40a) of the locking body (40) to block rotation of the locking body (40) inserted into the moving hole (361) and movement in the operating direction (MD axis direction). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can block rotation of the locking body (40) and the locking projection (41) and movement in the operation direction (MD axis direction) respectively, during the process in which the relative position of the locking projection (41) with respect to the operation button (34) is changed through the movement of the locking body (40) in the first direction (FD arrow direction) and the second direction (SD arrow direction) and the movement of the operation button (34) in the operation direction (MD axis direction). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the accuracy of the operation of switching between the safety mode and the simple mode.

[0402] The sides (40a) of the lock body (40) may be arranged to face in different directions. The sides (40a) of the lock body (40) may be directly connected to each other. The sides (40a) of the lock body (40) may also be connected through corners formed in a round shape. The inner surfaces (362) of the weight plate (36) may be arranged to face in different directions. The inner surfaces (362) of the weight plate (36) may be directly connected to each other. The inner surfaces (362) of the weight plate (36) may also be connected through corners formed in a round shape. The sides (40a) of the lock body (40) and the inner surfaces (362) of the weight plate (36) may be provided in equal numbers. For example, if the lock body (40) includes four sides (40a), the weight plate (36) may include four inner surfaces (362). The locking body (40) and the weight plate (36) may include three or five or more sides (40a) and inner surfaces (362).

[0403] The above locking part (4) may include an elastic groove (42). The elastic groove (42) may be formed on one surface of the locking body (40) facing the first direction (FD arrow direction). The elastic groove (42) may be implemented as a groove formed to a certain depth on one surface of the locking body (40).

[0404] The locking part (4) may include an elastic body (43). The elastic body (43) may be positioned inside the knob cover (33) between the inner surface of the knob cover (33) and the locking body (40). The elastic body (43) may be supported on the inner surface of the knob cover (33) to press the locking body (40) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). One side of the elastic body (43) may be supported on the inner surface of the cover member (332). If the elastic groove (42) is formed in the locking body (40), the other side of the elastic body (43) may be inserted into the elastic groove (42). Accordingly, the locking body (40) may serve to guide the portion of the elastic body (43) inserted into the elastic groove (42).

[0405] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 39, the switching groove (5) may be formed on the operating button (34). The locking projection (41) may be inserted into the switching groove (5). As the locking projection (41) moves along the switching groove (5), the relative position of the locking projection (41) with respect to the operating button (34) may be changed. The switching groove (5) may be formed on one of the two sides of the operating button (34) based on an axis direction perpendicular to the operating direction (MD axis direction). In this case, the locking part (4) may be positioned on one of the two sides of the operating button (34) based on an axis direction perpendicular to the operating direction (MD axis direction). The switching groove (5) may be implemented as a groove formed to a certain depth on the side of the operating button (34).

[0406] The above switching groove (5) may include an allow groove (51) and a locking groove (52).

[0407] The above allowance groove (51) is intended to allow the operation button (34) to move between the restriction position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). When the operation button (34) moves between the restriction position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP) while the locking projection (41) is inserted into the allowance groove (51), the locking projection (41) can allow the movement of the operation button (34) by changing its relative position within the allowance groove (51). That is, when the locking projection (41) is inserted into the allowance groove (51), it can be switched to the safety mode.

[0408] The allowable groove (51) may be formed by extending along the operation direction (MD axis direction). Based on the operation direction (MD axis direction), the length of the allowable groove (51) may be formed to be equal to the distance the operation button (34) moves between the restriction position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). Based on the operation direction (MD axis direction), the length of the allowable groove (51) may be formed to be longer than the distance the operation button (34) moves between the restriction position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP).

[0409] The allowable groove (51) may be formed to open the operation button (34) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). In this case, the weight plate (36) may be placed toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) relative to the operation button (34). Accordingly, when the locking projection (41) is inserted into the allowable groove (51), the weight plate (36) can support the locking projection (41) as it moves along the allowable groove (51). In this case, the movement of the locking projection (41) along the allowable groove (51) can be achieved by the operation button (34) moving along the operation direction (MD axis direction). When the locking projection (41) is inserted into the allowable groove (51), the locking projection (41) can be supported by the operation button (34) and the weight plate (36). Although not illustrated, when the locking projection (41) is inserted into the allowable groove (51), the locking projection (41) may be supported only by the operating button (34). In this case, the second direction (SD arrow direction) of the allowable groove (51) may be formed to be blocked by a part of the operating button (34).

[0410] The locking groove (52) is intended to fix the operation button (34) to the avoidance position (AP). When the locking projection (41) is inserted into the locking groove (52), the operation button (34) can be fixed in the position at the avoidance position (AP) by being supported by the locking projection (41). That is, when the locking projection (41) is inserted into the locking groove (52), the device can be switched to the simple mode. Based on the operation direction (MD axis direction), the locking groove (52) and the locking projection (41) can be formed with the same length. Based on the first direction (FD arrow direction) and the second direction (SD arrow direction), the locking groove (52) and the locking projection (41) can be formed with the same length.

[0411] The locking groove (52) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the allowance groove (51) in the first direction (FD arrow direction). In this case, a partition member (343) having the operation button (34) may be positioned between the locking groove (52) and the allowance groove (51). The partition member (343) may be formed extending along the operation direction (MD axis direction) between the locking groove (52) and the allowance groove (51). The operation button (34) may include a support projection (344) formed extending from the partition member (343) in the first direction (FD arrow direction). The support projection (344) may be positioned in the direction in which the operation button (34) moves from the restriction position (LP) to the avoidance position (AP) relative to the locking groove (52). In this case, the locking projection (41) is inserted into the locking groove (52) to support the support projection (344), thereby blocking the operation button (34) from moving from the avoidance position (AP) to the restriction position (LP).

[0412] The above switching groove (5) may include a connecting groove (53).

[0413] The above connecting groove (53) can connect the above allowing groove (51) and the above locking groove (52). Accordingly, the above locking projection (41) can be inserted into the switching groove (5) so as to be movable between the above allowing groove (51) and the above locking groove (52) through the above connecting groove (53). In this case, the movement of the above locking projection (41) can be achieved through the movement of the above locking body (40) in the above first direction (FD arrow direction) and the above second direction (SD arrow direction) and the movement of the above operating button (34) in the above operating direction (MD axis direction). In this way, by moving the above locking projection (41) between the above allowing groove (51) and the above locking groove (52) through the above connecting groove (53), a switching between the above safety mode and the above simple mode can be achieved. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the locking projection (41) can be moved between the allowable groove (51) and the locking groove (52) by operating the locking body (40) and the operation button (34) after separating the knob part (3) from the shaft member (131) without disassembling the knob part (3). Thus, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the ease of operation for switching between the safety mode and the simple mode. In this case, the locking body (40) can be moved in the first direction (FD arrow direction) and the second direction (SD arrow direction) so that the locking projection (41) can be moved between the allowable groove (51) and the locking groove (52) through the connecting groove (53). Meanwhile, the user can move the lock body (40) and the lock projection (41) in the first direction (FD arrow direction) and the second direction (SD arrow direction) by operating the lock body (40) exposed through the moving hole (361).

[0414] The above connecting groove (53) may include a first connecting groove (531) and a second connecting groove (532).

[0415] The first connecting groove (531) may be formed by extending from one end of the allowable groove (51) in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). One end of the allowable groove (51) may correspond to the end of the allowable groove (51) in the direction in which the operating button (34) moves from the limiting position (LP) to the avoidance position (AP). One side of the first connecting groove (531) may be connected to the allowable groove (51), and the other side of the first connecting groove (531) may be connected to the second connecting groove (532).

[0416] The second connecting groove (532) can be extended from the first connecting groove (531) along the operation direction (MD axis direction) and connected to the locking groove (52). One side of the second connecting groove (532) can be connected to the other side of the first connecting groove (531), and the other side of the second connecting groove (532) can be connected to the locking groove (52). Accordingly, the switching groove (5) can be formed by sequentially connecting the allowable groove (51), the first connecting groove (531), the second connecting groove (532), and the locking groove (52). Thus, the locking projection (41) can be moved between the allowable groove (51) and the locking groove (52) through the first connecting groove (531) and the second connecting groove (532).

[0417] The second connecting groove (532) may be positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) relative to the allowable groove (51). The partition member (343) may be positioned between the second connecting groove (532) and the allowable groove (51). The support projection (344) protruding from the partition member (343) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) may be positioned between the locking groove (52) and the first connecting groove (531) relative to the operation direction (MD axis direction). Accordingly, the locking projection (41) inserted into the locking groove (52) can fix the operation button (34) at the avoidance position (AP) by supporting the support projection (344). In this case, the second connecting groove (532) may be positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) relative to the support projection (344).

[0418] Through the connection groove (53) implemented in this manner, the locking projection (41) can be moved between the allowable groove (51) and the locking groove (52) to enable switching between the safety mode and the simple mode.

[0419] The process of the locking projection (41) moving from the allowable groove (51) to the locking groove (52) through the connecting groove (53) is described in detail as follows.

[0420] First, as illustrated in FIG. 37, when the operating button (34) is positioned at the limiting position (LP), the locking projection (41) may be positioned at the portion where the allowable groove (51) and the first connecting groove (531) are connected. In this case, the portion where the allowable groove (51) and the first connecting groove (531) are connected may correspond to a part of the allowable groove (51). The operating button (34) may be maintained in the position at the limiting position (LP) by the elastic member (35) when no external force is applied.

[0421] Next, when the locking body (40) is moved in the first direction (FD arrow direction) while the operating button (34) is positioned at the limiting position (LP), the locking projection (41) may be positioned at the part where the first connecting groove (531) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected. The part where the first connecting groove (531) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected may correspond to a part of the second connecting groove (532). As the locking body (40) is moved in the first direction (FD arrow direction) by user operation, the locking projection (41) may be positioned at the part where the first connecting groove (531) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected. In this case, the locking body (40) may compress the elastic body (43) while moving in the first direction (FD arrow direction).

[0422] Next, when the operating button (34) is moved to the avoidance position (AP) while the locking projection (41) is positioned at the part where the first connecting groove (531) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected, the locking projection (41) may be positioned at the part where the second connecting groove (532) and the locking groove (52) are connected. The part where the second connecting groove (532) and the locking groove (52) are connected may correspond to a part of the second connecting groove (532). The operating button (34) can be moved from the limiting position (LP) to the avoidance position (AP) by being pushed by the user. As the operating button (34) moves from the limiting position (LP) to the avoidance position (AP), the elastic member (35) can be compressed.

[0423] Next, when the locking body (40) is moved in the second direction (SD arrow direction) while the locking projection (41) is positioned at the part where the second connecting groove (532) and the locking groove (52) are connected, the locking projection (41) can be inserted into the locking groove (52). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 38, the locking projection (41) can block the operation button (34) from moving from the avoidance position (AP) toward the restriction position (LP) by supporting the support projection (344). Thus, the locking projection (41) can fix the operation button (34) to the avoidance position (AP). In this case, as the external force is removed, the locking body (40) can be moved in the second direction (SD arrow direction) by the restoring force of the elastic body (43) and the locking projection (41) can be inserted into the locking groove (52).

[0424] Through this process, the locking projection (41) can be moved from the allowable groove (51) to the locking groove (52) via the connecting groove (53), thereby allowing the operating button (34) to be fixed at the avoidance position (AP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is switched to the simple mode, thereby allowing the push and turn of the knob part (3) to operate even when there is no push on the operating button (34). Meanwhile, the operation of moving the locking projection (41) from the allowable groove (51) to the locking groove (52) via the connecting groove (53) can be performed without disassembling the knob part (3) after the knob part (3) is separated from the shaft member (131). When the locking projection (41) is positioned in the locking groove (52), the knob portion (3) is reconnected to the shaft member (131), thereby allowing it to be used in the simple mode. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the ease of operation for switching to the simple mode.

[0425] The process of the locking projection (41) moving from the locking groove (52) to the connecting groove (53) through the connecting groove (53) is described in detail as follows.

[0426] First, as shown in FIG. 38, when the locking projection (41) is positioned in the locking groove (52, shown in FIG. 37) and the locking body (40) is moved in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow), the locking projection (41) can be positioned at the part where the locking groove (52) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected. As the locking body (40) is moved in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) by user operation, the locking projection (41) can be positioned at the part where the locking groove (52) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected. In this case, the locking body (40) can compress the elastic body (43) while moving in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow).

[0427] Next, when the locking projection (41) is positioned at the part where the locking groove (52) and the second connecting groove (532) are connected, and the operating button (34) is moved to the limiting position (LP), the locking projection (41) may be positioned at the part where the second connecting groove (532) and the first connecting groove (531) are connected. The operating button (34) may be moved from the avoidance position (AP) to the limiting position (LP) as the supporting force that the locking projection (41) was supporting the supporting projection (344) is removed. In this case, the operating button (34) may be moved by the restoring force of the elastic member (35).

[0428] Next, when the locking body (40) is moved in the second direction (SD arrow direction) while the locking projection (41) is positioned at the part where the second connecting groove (532) and the first connecting groove (531) are connected, the locking projection (41) can be positioned at the part where the first connecting groove (531) and the allowance groove (51) are connected. Accordingly, the locking projection (41) can allow the operation button (34) to move between the restricted position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). When the operation button (34) moves between the restricted position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP), the position of the locking projection (41) within the allowance groove (51) can be changed. Meanwhile, as the external force is removed, the locking body (40) can be moved in the second direction (SD arrow direction) by the restoring force of the elastic body (43) and the locking projection (41) can be inserted into the allowable groove (51).

[0429] Through this process, the locking projection (41) is moved from the locking groove (52) to the allowable groove (51) via the connecting groove (53), thereby allowing the operating button (34) to move between the restricted position (LP) and the avoidance position (AP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is switched to the safety mode, thereby allowing the push and turn of the knob part (3) only when the operating button (34) is pushed, so that the cooking part (120) can be operated. Meanwhile, the operation of moving the locking projection (41) from the locking groove (52) to the allowable groove (51) via the connecting groove (53) can be performed without disassembling the knob part (3) after the knob part (3) is separated from the shaft member (131). When the locking projection (41) is positioned in the allowable groove (51), the knob portion (3) is re-engaged to the shaft member (131), thereby allowing it to be used in the safety mode. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the ease of operation for switching to the safety mode.

[0430] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A knob body that rotates around a drive shaft protruding from the control panel and moves linearly in the axial direction of the drive shaft; A locking button having a button operating portion exposed to the outside of the knob body and moving along a direction different from the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the knob body; A button holder disposed on the knob body or the control panel and movable independently of the lock button; comprising The above button holder is a knob assembly having a button restraint position that interferes with the lock button and restricts the movement of the lock button, and a button release position that moves from the button restraint position and releases interference with the lock button.

2. In claim 1, the locking button has a knob unlocking position that enables axial movement of the knob body, and At the button restraint position, the button holder interferes with the lock button positioned at the knob release position, and the lock button is a knob assembly restrained at the knob release position.

3. The knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the lock button has a knob lock position that interferes with the operating panel in the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the knob body, and a knob unlock position that moves along a direction different from the axial direction from the knob lock position to enable the axial movement of the knob body.

4. In claim 3, at the knob lock position, the lock button is spaced apart by a first distance from the operating panel or a base part disposed on the operating panel with respect to the axial direction, and At the above knob release position, the lock button is a knob assembly spaced apart from the operating panel or the base part by a second distance greater than the first distance with respect to the axial direction.

5. In claim 1, the knob body is linearly moved in a first direction which is the axial direction, and The above lock button moves linearly between the knob lock position and the knob unlock position along the second direction different from the above first direction, and The above button holder is a knob assembly that moves linearly between the button restraint position and the button release position along a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

6. A knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein the direction of movement of the button holder is orthogonal to the axial direction and the direction of movement of the lock button, respectively.

7. In claim 1, the button holder is a knob assembly that moves radially along the drive shaft.

8. In claim 1, the lock button has a movement path that moves between a knob lock position that interferes with the axial movement of the knob body and a knob unlock position that enables the axial movement of the knob body. A knob assembly that interferes with the lock button by being positioned on the movement path of the lock button at the above button restraint position.

9. In claim 1, the lock button has a knob lock position that restricts axial movement of the knob body and a knob unlock position that moves along a direction different from the axial direction from the knob lock position to enable axial movement of the knob body. The radial distance between the button operating part and the drive shaft at the knob lock position is formed to be farther than the radial distance between the button operating part and the drive shaft at the knob unlock position, A knob assembly formed such that the radial distance between the button holder and the drive shaft at the button release position is greater than the radial distance between the button holder and the drive shaft at the button restraint position.

10. In claim 1, the button holder Holder control unit; A moving guide connected to the above-mentioned holder operating part and supported by the above-mentioned knob body; and A knob assembly comprising: an interference part connected to the holder operating part in a direction different from the moving guide and interfering with the lock button.

11. In claim 1, a holder support portion protrudes from the knob body, and A knob assembly in which the holder support is positioned on the movement path of the button holder to limit the movement range of the button holder.

12. In claim 11, the button holder has a holder groove formed therein, and The above holder support is a knob assembly inserted into the holder groove.

13. The knob assembly of claim 1, wherein the button holder moves along the axial direction along the movement path of the lock button to restrict the movement of the lock button.

14. The knob assembly of claim 13, wherein the button holder rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the axial direction and is fixed to the movement path of the lock button.

15. In claim 13, the knob body has a gripping portion protruding in the axial direction, and A safety pin is connected to the knob body above, which protrudes toward the operating panel or a base part disposed on the operating panel and interferes with or is released from interference with the operating panel or the base part. Based on a virtual centerline extending along the longitudinal direction of the gripping part along the center of the gripping part, the internal space of the knob body is divided into two regions, and The above button holder is a knob assembly positioned in the area where the safety pin is positioned among the two areas.

16. In claim 13, the knob body A first knob body having an internal space open toward the above-mentioned control panel; and A second knob body disposed in the internal space and rotating and linearly moving together with the first knob body; comprising The second knob body is a knob assembly positioned outside the movement path of the button holder in the internal space.

17. In claim 13, the button holder A first rotational state deviating from the movement path of the above lock button; and A knob assembly having a second rotational state that is rotated relative to the knob body in the first rotational state and enters the movement path of the lock button.

18. In claim 13, the button holder A holder body stored in the holder storage hole above; and It includes a support projection that protrudes radially from the holder body and is fitted into a seating groove formed in the holder storage hole. The above support protrusion is a knob assembly that is fitted into different seating grooves according to the rotation angle of the button holder.

19. In claim 1, the button holder includes a locking projection that is inserted into a switching groove formed in the locking button, and A knob assembly in which the above locking projection is inserted into the allowable groove of the switching groove to allow the locking button to move between the knob locking position and the knob unlocking position, and the above operating button is fixed in the knob unlocking position by being inserted into the locking groove of the switching groove.

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

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