Knob assembly and cooking apparatus comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a knob assembly and a cooking apparatus comprising same, the knob assembly comprising: a knob part which is coupled to a shaft member so as to move together with the shaft member along a rotational axis of the shaft member protruding from an operating panel of the cooking apparatus, and which rotate together with the shaft member about the rotational axis; and a locking protrusion protruding from the operating panel in a first direction toward the knob part, wherein the knob part includes: a driving knob coupled to the shaft member; a knob cover coupled to the driving knob; an operation button coupled to the knob cover; a knob protrusion protruding from the operation button in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction; and a reduction part coupled to the operation button.

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 heat source used, their form, and the type of fuel used. 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 only be operated by the user rotating it while pressing it. At this time, the user can adjust the heating temperature by controlling the amount of rotation around the axis while pressing the knob. Since the cooking appliance can only be operated when both steps are completed, this push-and-turn knob enhances the safety of the cooking appliance.

[0006] However, since this push-and-turn type knob protrudes from the outside of the cooking appliance, 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 manipulation 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 cooking appliance from operating by blocking the knob from being pushed in unintended situations by the user.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to allow the cooking appliance to operate by allowing the knob to be pushed without separate operation in a situation intended by the user.

[0009] According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a knob assembly according to the present invention may include: a knob portion coupled to an axial member so as to move together with said axial member along a rotational axis of an axial member protruding from an operating panel of a cooking appliance and rotate together with said axial member around said rotational axis; and a locking projection protruding from said operating panel toward a first direction toward said knob portion.

[0010] 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, a knob projection protruding from the operating button toward a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a reduction portion coupled to the operating button.

[0011] The above-mentioned operating button may be coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable between a locked position in which the knob projection interferes with the locking projection and an unlocked position in which the knob projection avoids interference with the locking projection.

[0012] The above-mentioned reduction unit is coupled to the operating button so as to be positioned between the knob cover and the operating button, and can be in contact with the knob cover at least one of the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0013] The above-mentioned reduction part may be formed of a material that is elastically deformable.

[0014] The above reduction unit may include a locking reduction unit coupled to the operating button so as to contact the knob cover at the locking position.

[0015] The above-described operating button may include a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the locking position, a support member to which the knob projection is coupled, and a connecting member coupled to each of the button member and the support member between the button member and the support member. The lock reduction member may be coupled to the connecting member.

[0016] The above locking reduction member can be coupled to the connecting member so as to protrude from the connecting member toward the knob cover.

[0017] The above reduction unit may include a plurality of the locking reduction units. The locking reduction units are knob assemblies arranged spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

[0018] The above-mentioned operating button may include a connecting groove formed in the above-mentioned connecting member. The above-mentioned locking reduction member may be inserted into the connecting groove and coupled to the above-mentioned connecting member.

[0019] The above locking reduction member may be coupled to the connecting member so as to surround the outer surface of the connecting member.

[0020] The knob cover may include a gripping member to which the button member is movably coupled, and a cover member to which the support member is movably coupled. The cover member may include a limiting member that supports the lock reduction member between the button member and the support member when the operating button is positioned in the lock position.

[0021] The above-described operating button may include a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the locking position, a support member to which the knob projection is coupled, a connecting member coupled to each of the button member and the support member between the button member and the support member, and a mounting member protruding from the connecting member. The locking reduction member may be coupled to the mounting member so as to protrude further toward the knob cover than the connecting member.

[0022] The above-mentioned operating button may include a mounting projection protruding from the outer surface of the mounting member. The locking reduction member may be coupled to the mounting member so as to be positioned between the mounting projection and the connecting member.

[0023] The above reduction unit may include a release reduction unit coupled to the operating button so as to contact the knob cover at the release position.

[0024] The above-described operating button may include a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the lock position, and a protruding member protruding from the button member in the release direction moving from the lock position to the release position. The release reduction member may be coupled to the protruding member.

[0025] The above-mentioned release reduction member may be coupled to the protruding member so as to protrude from the protruding member toward the release direction.

[0026] The above-mentioned release reduction member may include an insertion groove into which the protruding member is inserted, and a reduction body having the insertion groove formed therein. The protruding member may include an insertion member inserted into the insertion groove.

[0027] The above-mentioned release reduction member may include an extension member protruding from the reduction main body toward the protruding member. The extension member may be positioned to contact the protruding member.

[0028] The knob cover may include a gripping member to which the button member is movably coupled. The gripping member may include a limiting inner surface that supports the release reduction member when the operation button is positioned at the release position, thereby limiting the distance the operation button can move toward the release direction.

[0029] The above-described operating button may include a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover in the locking position, a protruding member protruding from the button member toward the release direction moving from the locking position to the release position, and a coupling member protruding from the protruding member in a direction different from the release direction. The release reduction member may be coupled to the coupling member so as to protrude further toward the release direction than the protruding member.

[0030] The above-mentioned operating button may include a coupling projection protruding from the outer surface of the coupling member. The above-mentioned release reduction member may be coupled to the coupling member so as to be positioned between the coupling projection and the protruding member.

[0031] 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 and rotate together with the shaft member around the rotation axis; and a locking projection protruding from the operating panel toward a first direction toward the knob portion.

[0032] The knob assembly according to the present invention as described above and the cooking device including the same have the following effects.

[0033] The present invention utilizes interference between a knob projection and a locking projection to prevent the knob from being pushed in unintended situations, thereby preventing the cooking unit from operating. Accordingly, the present invention can prevent arbitrary operation or malfunction, and thereby enhance the safety of the cooking appliance. Furthermore, when the knob projection is positioned in an unlocked position that avoids the locking projection in accordance with the operation of the control button, the knob projection is positioned so as not to interfere with the locking projection, thus allowing the push-and-turn operation of the knob unit. Therefore, the present invention can enable the cooking unit to operate in situations intended by the user and can control the cooking unit by adjusting the amount of rotation of the knob unit.

[0034] The present invention can be implemented such that when an operating button is positioned in a locked position where the knob projection interferes with the locking projection, a reduction member coupled to the operating button contacts the knob cover. Accordingly, the present invention can be implemented such that when the operating button moves to the locked position, the reduction member contacts the knob cover before the operating button. Therefore, the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process of the operating button moving to the locked position by utilizing the reduction member. Furthermore, the present invention can extend the service life of the operating button by using the reduction member to reduce the possibility of damage or breakage to the operating button during the process of the operating button repeatedly moving to the locked position.

[0035] The present invention can be implemented such that when an operating button is positioned in an unlocked position where the knob projection avoids the locking projection, a reduction member coupled to the operating button contacts the knob cover. Accordingly, the present invention can be implemented such that when the operating button moves to the unlocked position, the reduction member contacts the knob cover before the operating button. Therefore, the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process of the operating button moving to the unlocked position by utilizing the reduction member. Furthermore, the present invention can extend the service life of the operating button by using the reduction member to reduce the possibility of damage or breakage to the operating button during the process of the operating button repeatedly moving to the unlocked position.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cooking device according to the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the knob assembly according to the present invention in which the operating button is positioned in the locked position and the knob projection interferes with the lock projection.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing that, in a knob assembly according to the present invention, the operating button is positioned in the release position so that the knob projection avoids interference with the locking projection.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an operating button coupled with a reduction part in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an operating button coupled with a reduction part in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded side view of the reduction unit and the operation button based on FIG. 9.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operating button with a reduction part attached to a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on line I-I of FIG. 9.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operating button with a reduction part attached to a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on the line II-II of FIG. 9.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an operating button combined with a reduction part according to a modified embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of an operating button combined with a reduction part according to a modified embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operating button combined with a reduction part according to a modified embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on the line III-III of FIG. 14.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an operating button combined with a reduction part according to a modified embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on line IV-IV of FIG. 14.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of a cooking device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the knob assembly according to the present invention may be included in the cooking device according to the present invention, it will be described together with the description of the embodiments of the cooking device according to the present invention. Meanwhile, it should be noted that when 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 will be omitted.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is intended to cook ingredients to make food or to heat food to a temperature suitable for consumption. The cooking device (100) according to the present invention may be implemented as a composite cooking device as shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto and may be implemented as a closed cooking device, an open cooking device, etc.

[0054] The cooking device (100) according to the present invention may include a cooking body (110), a cooking section (120), an operating panel (130), and a knob assembly (1).

[0055] The above cooking body (110) can form the overall exterior of the above cooking device (100). The above cooking unit (120), the above control panel (130), and the above knob assembly (1) may be installed in the above cooking body (110). The above knob assembly (1) is coupled to the above control panel (130) and may be installed in the above cooking body (110) through the above control panel (130).

[0056] The above cooking unit (120) can cook ingredients to make food or heat food to a temperature suitable for consumption. The above cooking unit (120) can be implemented as at least one of a gas burner device using gas as an energy source, an electric cooktop, an induction, an oven, or a microwave oven. As shown in FIG. 1, a cooking unit (120) implemented as a gas burner device may be installed on the upper part of the cooking body (110). A cooking unit (120) implemented as an oven may also be installed inside the cooking body (110). Multiple cooking units (120) may be installed in the cooking body (110).

[0057] The above control panel (130) can control the operation of the cooking unit (120). When the knob assembly (1) is operated, the control panel (130) can control the on / off of the cooking unit (120), the cooking mode of the cooking unit (120), the heating temperature of the cooking unit (120), etc., in response to the operation of the knob assembly (1). The control panel (130) may be placed on the upper part of the cooking body (110). Although not illustrated, the control panel (130) may be placed at various other locations, such as the lower part of the cooking body (110), the side of the cooking body (110), or the top surface of the cooking body (110). The control panel (130) may include a display (140). The display (140) may display operation information of the cooking unit (120). The above display (140) may be composed of a touch panel. In this case, the user can control the operation of the cooking unit (120) through touch operation on the above display (140).

[0058] The above-mentioned 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). 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).

[0059] The above control panel (130) may include a driving unit (132, shown as a dotted line in FIG. 3). The driving unit (132) may serve to supply an energy source to the cooking unit (120). If the energy source supplied by the driving unit (132) is electricity, the driving unit (132) may be implemented as a regulator. If the energy source supplied by the driving unit (132) is gas, the driving unit (132) may be implemented as a valve assembly. The driving unit (132) may be coupled to the rear side of the control panel (130).

[0060] The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the drive unit (132). When the drive unit (132) is coupled to the rear of the control panel (130), the shaft member (131) may be coupled to the drive unit (132) so as to be inserted into the control panel (130) and protrude forward from the front (130a) of the control panel (130). The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the drive unit (132) so as to be rotatable around 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 drive 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), the driving unit (132) may 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. Even after the energy source is supplied to the cooking unit (120), the driving unit (132) may allow the shaft member (131) to rotate around the rotation axis (131a) only when the shaft member (131) is pushed. Meanwhile, after an energy source is supplied to the 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.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the knob assembly (1) can be coupled to the shaft member (131). When a user applies an operating force to the knob assembly (1), the operating force can be transmitted to the shaft member (131). Accordingly, the shaft member (131) can be operated by the user's operating force, thereby controlling the cooking unit (120). The knob assembly (1) can be implemented as a knob assembly according to the present invention. Meanwhile, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may include a plurality of knob assemblies (1). In this case, the control panel (130) may include a plurality of shaft members (131) and a driving unit (132), respectively. The shaft members (131) can control the operation of different cooking units (120) through the driving units (132). Each of the knob assemblies (1) can be connected to the shaft members (131).

[0062] The knob assembly (1) may include a locking projection (2) and a knob portion (3).

[0063] The locking projection (2) 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 being parallel to the rotation axis (131a).

[0064] The locking projection (2) may be coupled to the base portion (20). The base portion (20) may be coupled to the control panel (130). The base portion (20) may be positioned between the control panel (130) and the knob portion (3). The base portion (20) may be coupled to the front surface (130a) of the control panel (130). In this case, the locking projection (2) may be coupled to the base portion (20) on the front surface (130a) of the control panel (130) and may protrude from the base portion (20) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). The shaft member (131) may be positioned to protrude from the base portion (20) coupled to the control panel (130) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). The knob portion (3) may be coupled to the portion of the shaft member (131) protruding from the base portion (20). Accordingly, depending on the user's operation, the knob portion (3) and the shaft member (131) may move together along the rotation axis (131a) and rotate together around the rotation axis (131a). A base hole may be formed in the base portion (20) for inserting the shaft member (131). The base hole may be formed by penetrating the base portion (20). The base portion (20) may be formed in the shape of a plate overall. The locking projection (2) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the base hole. Accordingly, the locking projection (2) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the shaft member (131) inserted into the base hole. The locking projection (2) and the base portion (20) may be formed integrally.

[0065] The locking projection (2) may be coupled to the driving unit (132) on the rear side of the operating panel (130) and may protrude from the operating panel (130) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). One side of the locking projection (2) may be coupled to the driving unit (132) on the rear side of the operating panel (130), and the other side may protrude from the front side (130a) of the operating panel (130) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). In this case, the locking projection (2) may be inserted into a through hole (not shown) formed through the operating panel (130), and may be positioned on both the rear side of the operating panel (130) and the front side (130a) of the operating panel (130) through the through hole. The locking projection (2) and the shaft member (131) may be inserted into the through hole. In this case, the locking projection (2) and the shaft member (131) can be inserted into the through hole at a position spaced apart from each other and can be positioned to protrude through the through hole to the front (130a) of the operating panel (130).

[0066] The locking projection (2) may be coupled to the ignition switch of the regulator having the driving unit (132). In this case, the energy source supplied by the driving unit (132) may be gas. When the energy source supplied by the driving unit (132) is gas, the base unit (20) is provided on the front (130a) of the control panel (130), and the locking projection (2) is positioned on the front (130a) side of the control panel (130) using the base unit (20). In this case, a fastening means (not shown), such as a bolt, for fixing the base unit (20) to the front (130a) of the control panel (130) may come into contact with the ignition switch and cause damage or breakage. To prevent this, when the energy source supplied by the drive unit (132) is gas, the locking projection (2) is implemented to be coupled to the drive unit (132) on the rear side of the control panel (130), thereby allowing the base unit (20) and the fastening means placed on the front side of the control panel (130) to be omitted. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can stably position the locking projection (2) while preventing damage or breakage to the ignition switch when the energy source supplied by the drive unit (132) is gas. Meanwhile, the locking projection (2) may be coupled to the base unit (20) on the rear side of the control panel (130) and may protrude from the control panel (130) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). In this case, the base part (20) is coupled to the driving part (132), and the locking projection (2) can be coupled to the driving part (132) through the base part (20).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, 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). As the knob portion (3) is pushed, the knob portion (3) and the shaft member (131) can move along the rotation axis (131a) in a second direction (SD arrow direction). The second direction (SD arrow direction) and the first direction (FD arrow direction) may be directions opposite to each other while 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 control panel (130).

[0068] The above knob part (3) may include a knob projection (31), a driving knob (32), a knob cover (33), and an operation button (34).

[0069] 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 locking projection (2), thereby selectively blocking the knob portion (3) from being pushed. This is described in detail as follows.

[0070] First, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the operating button (34) is moved along the operating direction (MD axis direction) and positioned at the locking position (LP), the knob projection (31) may interfere with the locking projection (2). 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 locking projection (2), the locking projection (2) 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 locking 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 locking projection (2) 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, thereby increasing safety.

[0071] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the operation button (34) is moved along the operation direction (MD axis direction) and positioned at the release position (RP), the knob projection (31) can avoid interference with the locking projection (2). In this case, the knob projection (31) can be spaced apart from the locking projection (2) along the operation direction (MD axis direction). The release position (RP) and the locking position (LP) can be spaced apart from each other along the operation direction (MD axis direction). As the knob projection (31) avoids interference with the locking projection (2), the locking projection (2) does not interfere with the knob projection (31), thus allowing the knob portion (3) to move in the second direction (SD arrow direction). That is, the knob projection (31) can allow the knob portion (3) to be pushed at the release position (RP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention allows the knob part (3) to be pushed when the user moves the operating button (34) to the release position (RP), thereby enabling the cooking part (120) to operate in a situation intended by the user. In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention allows the knob part (3) to be pushed and turned when the user moves the operating button (34) to the release position (RP), thereby enabling the amount of rotation of the knob part (3) to be adjusted in a situation intended by the user, so that the cooking part (120) can be controlled.

[0072] 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).

[0073] The above drive knob (32) may include a coupling member (321) and an interlocking member (322).

[0074] The above-mentioned connecting member (321) is a part of the drive knob (32) that is connected to the shaft member (131). The connecting member (321) may be formed in the shape of a semicircular plate overall. The connecting member (321) may be connected to the shaft member (131) so as to move and rotate together with the shaft member (131).

[0075] 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 in the shape of a plate extending tangentially to a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis (131a). The interlocking member (322) can be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate overall. The above interlocking member (322) and the above coupling member (321) can be formed integrally.

[0076] 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).

[0077] The knob cover (33) may include a gripping member (331) and a cover member (332).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 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 knob projection (31). The above-mentioned operation button (34) may be coupled to the knob cover (33) so as to be movable between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP). The knob projection (31) may protrude from the above-mentioned operation button (34) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) inside the knob cover (33).

[0081] The above-mentioned operating button (34) can be coupled to the knob cover (33) so as to be movable along the operating direction (MD axis direction), which is different from the direction in which the knob part (3) moves together with the shaft member (131) along the rotation axis (131a). That is, the operating direction (MD axis direction) and the direction in which the knob part (3) is pushed may be different from each other. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the operating button (34) from moving to the release position (RP) and the knob part (3) from being pushed and turned due to unintended situations or user errors, thereby increasing safety. This can be examined in more detail as follows.

[0082] First, in the comparative example where the operating button (34) is implemented to move between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP) in the same direction as the knob part (3) moves along the rotation axis (131a) together with the shaft member (131), the force pushing the knob part (3) due to unintended circumstances or user error may cause the operating button (34) to also move to the unlock position (RP). Accordingly, in the comparative example, there is a risk that the cooking part (120) may be operated due to unintended circumstances or user error.

[0083] In contrast, in an embodiment in which the operating button (34) is implemented to be movable along the operating direction (MD axis direction) which is different from the direction in which the knob part (3) moves together with the shaft member (131) along the rotation axis (131a), the possibility of the force pushing the knob part (3) moving the operating button (34) to the release position (RP) due to unintended situations or user error can be reduced. Therefore, since the embodiment can reduce the possibility of the cooking part (120) being operated due to unintended situations or user error, safety can be further enhanced.

[0084] The above-mentioned operating button (34) can be inserted into a cover hole (330) having the knob cover (33). The above-mentioned cover hole (330) can be formed in a gripping member (331) having the knob cover (33). Accordingly, the above-mentioned operating button (34) can be inserted into the above-mentioned cover hole (330) and placed on the above-mentioned gripping member (331). Thus, 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 above-mentioned gripping member (331) to operate the above-mentioned knob part (3), thereby improving convenience of use.

[0085] The above-mentioned operation button (34) may include a button member (341) and a support member (342).

[0086] The button member (341) may be exposed to the outside of the knob cover (33) at the lock position (LP). In this case, 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 lock position (LP) toward the unlock position (RP). If the user does not push the button member (341), a portion of the button member (341) may protrude from the gripping member (331).

[0087] The support member (342) may be disposed 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 locking projection (2), 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). The support member (342) and the knob projection (31) may be formed integrally. The knob projection (31) may be detachably coupled to the support member (342). In this case, the knob projection (31) can be coupled to the support member (342) through a coupling plate (not shown). The coupling plate can be inserted into and coupled to the support member (342) to allow the knob projection (31) to be coupled to the support member (342). The knob projection (31) can protrude from the coupling plate toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). The coupling plate and the knob projection (31) can be formed integrally. The support member (342) can be formed in the shape of a semicircular plate overall.

[0088] 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 lock position (LP) to the unlock position (RP), the coupling member (321) supports the support member (342), thereby limiting the distance the operation button (34) can move from the lock position (LP) to the unlock position (RP). 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 lock position (LP) to the unlock position (RP). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can position the operating button (34) at the release position (RP) 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 release position (RP).

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the knob portion (3) may include an elastic member (35).

[0090] 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 lock position (LP). Accordingly, when the force moving the operating button (34) to the release position (RP) is removed, the operating button (34) may return to the lock position (LP) by the elastic member (35).

[0091] 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 operation button (34). Accordingly, the elastic members (35) can reduce the tilting that occurs in the operation button (34) during the process of the operation button (34) moving between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP). The elastic members (35) may be spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operation button (34) moves between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP). 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).

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, the knob portion (3) may include a weight plate (36).

[0093] 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.

[0094] The weight plate (36) may be positioned between the drive knob (32) and the control panel (130). 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 locking projection (2) through the through hole of the weight plate (36).

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, the knob portion (3) may include a reduction portion (37).

[0096] The above reduction unit (37) may be coupled to the above operation button (34). The above reduction unit (37) may be coupled to the above operation button (34) so ​​as to be positioned between the above knob cover (33) and the above operation button (34). Accordingly, the above reduction unit (37) may come into contact with the above knob cover (33) in at least one of the cases where the above operation button (34) is located in the above lock position (LP) and where the above operation button (34) is located in the above unlock position (RP). That is, the above reduction unit (37) may come into contact with the above knob cover (33) at at least one of the above lock position (LP) and the above unlock position (RP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated when the operating button (34) hits the knob cover (33) during the process of the operating button (34) moving between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP) by using the reduction unit (37).

[0097] For example, if the reduction unit (37) is coupled to the operating button (34) so ​​as to contact the knob cover (33) at the lock position (LP), when the operating button (34) moves to the lock position (LP), the reduction unit (37) contacts the knob cover (33) before the operating button (34), thereby reducing the noise generated by the operating button (34) hitting the knob cover (33). In this case, the reduction unit (37) may also block the operating button (34) from directly contacting the knob cover (33) by contacting the knob cover (33) at the lock position (LP).

[0098] For example, if the reduction unit (37) is coupled to the operating button (34) so ​​as to contact the knob cover (33) at the release position (RP), when the operating button (34) moves to the release position (RP), the reduction unit (37) contacts the knob cover (33) before the operating button (34), thereby reducing the noise generated by the operating button (34) hitting the knob cover (33). In this case, the reduction unit (37) may also block the operating button (34) from directly contacting the knob cover (33) by contacting the knob cover (33) at the release position (RP).

[0099] In this way, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated when the operating button (34) strikes the knob cover (33) during the process of moving the operating button (34) between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP) by using the reduction unit (37). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage caused by the operating button (34) repeatedly striking the knob cover (33) during the process of moving the operating button (34) between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP) by using the reduction unit (37). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can extend the service life of the operating button (34).

[0100] The above-mentioned noise reduction part (37) may be formed of a material that is elastically deformable. Accordingly, the above-mentioned noise reduction part (37) may be elastically deformed while in contact with the knob cover (33), thereby reducing the noise generated while in contact with the knob cover (33). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can further reduce the noise generated during the operation of the control button (34) by utilizing the elastic deformation of the above-mentioned noise reduction part (37). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the impact applied to the knob cover (33) by utilizing the elastic deformation of the above-mentioned noise reduction part (37), thereby reducing damage or breakage to the knob cover (33). For example, the above-mentioned noise reduction part (37) may be formed of rubber. The above-mentioned noise reduction part (37) may also be formed of a synthetic resin such as a sponge.

[0101] The above reduction unit (37) may include a lock reduction unit (371).

[0102] The lock reduction unit (371) may be coupled to the operating button (34) so ​​as to contact the knob cover (33) at the lock position (LP). When the operating button (34) moves to the lock position (LP), the lock reduction unit (371) may contact the knob cover (33) before the operating button (34), thereby reducing the noise generated by the operating button (34) hitting the knob cover (33). In this case, the lock reduction unit (371) may also block the operating button (34) from directly contacting the knob cover (33) by contacting the knob cover (33) at the lock position (LP).

[0103] The above lock reduction member (371) may be coupled to the connecting member (343) having the above operation button (34). The above connecting member (343) is coupled to each of the button member (341) and the supporting member (342) between the button member (341) and the supporting member (342). Through the above connecting member (343), the button member (341) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the supporting member (342) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). The button member (341) may be formed by extending from one side of the above connecting member (343) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). The above supporting member (342) may be formed by extending from the other side of the above connecting member (343) toward the lock direction (LD arrow direction). The above locking direction (LD arrow direction) may be a direction facing from the above unlocking position (RP) toward the above locking position (LP). In this case, the above operating button (34) may move from the above unlocking position (RP) toward the above locking direction (LD arrow direction) and be positioned at the above locking position (LP). When the above operating button (34) is positioned at the above locking position (LP), the above cover member (332) may be inserted between the above button member (341) and the above support member (342). In this case, the above locking reduction part (371) may be coupled to the above connecting member (343) and may come into contact with the above cover member (332) before the above connecting member (343). Accordingly, the above locking reduction part (371) can reduce the noise generated as the above connecting member (343) comes into contact with the above cover member (332). In this case, the lock reduction member (371) may be in contact with the cover member (332) at the lock position (LP) to prevent the connecting member (343) from directly contacting the cover member (332). Meanwhile, when the operation button (34) is positioned at the lock position (LP), the cover member (332) may include a limiting member (332a) to support the lock reduction member (371).When the above-mentioned operating button (34) is positioned at the above-mentioned lock position (LP), the limiting member (332a) can be inserted between the above-mentioned button member (341) and the above-mentioned support member (342) to support the above-mentioned lock reduction member (371). The limiting member (332a) may be a part of the above-mentioned cover member (332) coupled to the above-mentioned gripping member (331). The limiting member (332a) may be positioned on the side of the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) with respect to the above-mentioned support member (342).

[0104] The lock reduction member (371) may be coupled to the connecting member (343) so as to protrude from the connecting member (343) toward the knob cover (33). Accordingly, when the operating button (34) is moved to the lock position (LP), the lock reduction member (371) may be positioned to contact the knob cover (33) before the connecting member (343). As shown in FIG. 11, the lock reduction member (371) may be coupled to the connecting member (343) so as to surround the outer surface of the connecting member (343). Accordingly, the lock reduction member (371) may be positioned on both one side of the connecting member (343) facing toward the knob cover (33) and the other side of the connecting member (343) facing toward the interlocking member (322). Accordingly, the lock reduction unit (371) can reduce noise generated when the connecting member (343) collides with the knob cover (33) and the interlocking member (322) during the process in which the operating button (34) moves between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP). In this case, the lock reduction unit (371) may also block the connecting member (343) from directly contacting the knob cover (33) and the interlocking member (322) during the process in which the operating button (34) moves between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP).

[0105] The above lock reduction member (371) can be inserted into a connection groove (343a, shown in FIG. 10) formed in the connection member (343) and coupled to the connection member (343). The connection groove (343a) can be implemented as a groove formed to a certain depth on the outer surface of the connection member (343). By being inserted into the connection groove (343a), the lock reduction member (371) can be supported by a portion of the connection member (343) positioned to face the connection groove (343a) in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) and the second direction (direction of the SD arrow). Accordingly, even if the above-mentioned operating button (34) is repeatedly moved between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP), the lock reduction part (371) is firmly coupled to the connecting member (343) while inserted into the connecting groove (343a), thereby reducing noise generation.

[0106] The above reduction unit (37) may include a plurality of the lock reduction units (371). The lock reduction units (371, 371') may be spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can increase the contact area with respect to the knob cover (33) by using the lock reduction units (371, 371'), thereby further reducing the possibility of noise being generated as the connecting member (343) strikes the knob cover (33) during the process of moving the operating button (34) to the lock position (LP). When a plurality of the lock reduction units (371) are provided, a plurality of the connecting grooves (343a) may be formed in the connecting member (343).

[0107] The above reduction unit (37) may include a release reduction unit (372).

[0108] The above release reduction unit (372) may be coupled to the operating button (34) so ​​as to contact the knob cover (33) at the release position (RP). When the operating button (34) moves to the release position (RP), the release reduction unit (372) contacts the knob cover (33) before the operating button (34), thereby reducing the noise generated as the operating button (34) strikes the knob cover (33). In this case, the release reduction unit (372) may also block the operating button (34) from directly contacting the knob cover (33) by contacting the knob cover (33) at the release position (RP).

[0109] The above-mentioned release reduction member (372) may be coupled to a protruding member (344) having the above-mentioned operation button (34). The above-mentioned protruding member (344) protrudes from the above-mentioned button member (341) toward the release direction (RD arrow direction). The above-mentioned release direction (RD arrow direction) may be a direction toward the above-mentioned release position (RP) from the above-mentioned lock position (LP). In this case, the above-mentioned operation button (34) may be moved from the above-mentioned lock position (LP) toward the above-mentioned release position (RP) in the above-mentioned release direction (RD arrow direction) and positioned at the above-mentioned release position (RP). The above-mentioned protruding member (344) is supported by the above-mentioned knob cover (33) as the above-mentioned operation button (34) moves toward the above-mentioned release position (RP), thereby limiting the distance that the above-mentioned operation button (34) can move toward the above-mentioned release position (RP). In this case, the release reduction member (372) is coupled to the protruding member (344) so ​​that it may come into contact with the knob cover (33) before the protruding member (344). Accordingly, the release reduction member (372) can reduce the noise generated when the protruding member (344) hits the knob cover (33) during the process of the operation button (34) moving to the release position (RP). The release reduction member (372) may also block the protruding member (344) from coming into direct contact with the knob cover (33). The protruding member (344) may protrude from one side of the button member (341) toward the release direction (RD arrow direction). One side of the button member (341) may correspond to the end portion of the button member (341) positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). Meanwhile, when the above-mentioned operating button (34) is positioned at the above-mentioned release position (RP), the above-mentioned release reduction member (372) may be supported by the above-mentioned gripping member (331). In this case, the above-mentioned gripping member (331) may include a limiting inner surface (331a, shown in FIG. 12) for supporting the above-mentioned release reduction member (372).When the above-mentioned operating button (34) is positioned at the above-mentioned release position (RP), the limiting inner surface (331a) supports the above-mentioned release reduction part (372), thereby limiting the distance that the above-mentioned operating button (34) can move toward the above-mentioned release direction (RD arrow direction). The limiting inner surface (331a) may be an inner surface of the above-mentioned gripping member (331) and may be a surface positioned to face the button member (341) placed inside the above-mentioned gripping member (331).

[0110] The release reduction member (372) may be coupled to the protruding member (344) so ​​as to protrude from the protruding member (344) toward the release direction (RD arrow direction). Accordingly, when the operating button (34) is moved to the release position (RP), the release reduction member (372) may be positioned to contact the knob cover (33) before the protruding member (344). As shown in FIG. 12, the protruding member (344) may be inserted into the interior of the release reduction member (372). In this case, the release reduction member (372) can cover the entire surface of the protruding member (344) facing the limiting inner surface (331a), thereby further reducing the possibility of noise being generated as the protruding member (344) strikes the limiting inner surface (331a) during the process of the operating button (34) moving to the release position (RP).

[0111] The above release reduction member (372) may include an insertion groove (372a, illustrated in FIG. 12) into which the protruding member (344) is inserted, and a reduction body (372b) in which the insertion groove (372a) is formed. The release reduction member (372) may be maintained in a state coupled to the protruding member (344) by utilizing the frictional force acting between the reduction body (372b) and the protruding member (344) as the protruding member (344) is inserted into the insertion groove (372a). The protruding member (344) may include an insertion member (344a) that is inserted into the insertion groove (372a). By inserting the insertion member (344a) into the insertion groove (372a), the release reduction member (372) may be coupled to the protruding member (344).

[0112] The above release reduction member (372) may include an extension member (372c). The extension member (372c) may protrude from the reduction main body (372b) toward the protruding member (344). When the protruding member (344) is inserted into the insertion groove (372a), the extension member (372c) may be positioned to contact the protruding member (344). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the area of ​​contact between the release reduction member (372) and the protruding member (344) can be increased by using the extension member (372c). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can increase the frictional force acting between the release reduction part (372) and the protruding member (344) by using the extension member (372c), so that the release reduction part (372) can be implemented to be firmly maintained in a state coupled to the protruding member (344). As shown in FIG. 10, the extension member (372c) may protrude from the reduction body (372b) so as to be positioned toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) with respect to the insertion groove (372a). Although not shown, the extension member (372c) may also protrude from the reduction body (372b) so as to be positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the insertion groove (372a). The extension member (372c) and the reduction body (372b) may be formed integrally.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, in the reduction unit (37) according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the locking reduction unit (371) may be implemented as follows.

[0114] The lock reduction member (371) can be coupled to the mounting member (343b) of the operating button (34). The mounting member (343b) protrudes from the connecting member (343). The lock reduction member (371) can be coupled to the mounting member (343b) so that it protrudes further toward the knob cover (33) than the connecting member (343). In this case, the lock reduction member (371) can be coupled to the mounting member (343b) so that it protrudes further toward the locking direction (LD arrow direction) than the connecting member (343). Accordingly, when the operating button (34) moves to the locking position (LP), as shown in FIG. 15, the lock reduction member (371) can reduce noise generation by contacting the knob cover (33) before the connecting member (343) while coupled to the mounting member (343b). In this case, the lock reduction member (371) may come into contact with the limiting member (332a). The lock reduction member (371) may also block the connecting member (343) from coming into contact with the knob cover (33) while coupled to the mounting member (343b).

[0115] Meanwhile, the mounting member (343b) may protrude from the connecting member (343) along a width direction (WD axis direction) perpendicular to the operation direction (MD axis direction). The mounting members (343b) may also be arranged on both sides of the connecting member (343) along the width direction (WD axis direction). In this case, the reduction member (37) may include a plurality of locking reduction members (371). The locking reduction members (371, 371') may be coupled to each of the mounting members (343b). The mounting member (343b) may be formed in a bar shape or a cylinder shape extending along the width direction (WD axis direction). The operation button (34) may include a mounting projection (343c). The mounting projection (343c) may protrude from the outer surface of the mounting member (343b). The lock reduction member (371) may be coupled to the mounting member (343b) so as to be positioned between the mounting projection (343c) and the connecting member (343). Accordingly, the mounting projection (343c) can prevent the lock reduction member (371) from being arbitrarily separated or detached from the mounting member (343b) due to repeated use of the operating button (34), vibration, or shaking.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, in the reduction unit (37) according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the release reduction unit (372) may be implemented as follows.

[0117] The above release reduction member (372) can be coupled to the coupling member (344b) of the above operation button (34). The coupling member (344b) protrudes from the above protruding member (344). As shown in FIG. 16, the release reduction member (372) can be coupled to the coupling member (344b) so that it protrudes further toward the knob cover (33) than the above protruding member (344). In this case, the release reduction member (372) can be coupled to the coupling member (344b) so that it protrudes further toward the release direction (RD arrow direction) than the above protruding member (344). Accordingly, when the above operation button (34) moves to the above release position (RP), the release reduction member (372) can reduce noise generation by contacting the knob cover (33) before the above protruding member (344) while coupled to the coupling member (344b). In this case, the release reduction member (372) may come into contact with the limiting inner surface (331a). The release reduction member (372) may also block the protruding member (344) from coming into contact with the knob cover (33) while coupled to the coupling member (344b).

[0118] Meanwhile, the coupling member (344b) may protrude from the protruding member (344) along the width direction (WD axis direction). The coupling members (344b) may also be arranged on both sides of the protruding member (344) along the width direction (WD axis direction). In this case, the reduction member (37) may include a plurality of release reduction members (372). The release reduction members (372, 372') may be coupled to each of the coupling members (344b). The coupling member (344b) may be formed in a bar shape or a cylindrical shape extending along the width direction (WD axis direction). The operating button (34) may include a coupling projection (344c). The coupling projection (344c) may protrude from the outer surface of the coupling member (344b). The above release reduction member (372) may be coupled to the coupling member (344b) so as to be positioned between the coupling projection (344c) and the protruding member (344). Accordingly, the coupling projection (344c) can prevent the release reduction member (372) from being arbitrarily separated or detached from the coupling member (344b) due to repeated use of the operating button (34), vibration, or shaking.

[0119] 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 portion coupled to a shaft member so as to move together with said shaft member along the rotation axis of a shaft member protruding from a control panel of a cooking device and rotate together with said shaft member around said rotation axis; and It includes a locking projection protruding in a first direction toward the knob portion from the above-mentioned control panel, and The knob portion comprises a drive knob coupled to the shaft member, a knob cover coupled to the drive knob, an operating button coupled to the knob cover, a knob projection protruding from the operating button toward a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a reduction portion coupled to the operating button. The above-mentioned operating button is coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable between a locked position in which the knob projection interferes with the locking projection and an unlocked position in which the knob projection avoids interference with the locking projection. The above-mentioned reduction member is coupled to the operating button so as to be positioned between the knob cover and the operating button, and is a knob assembly that contacts the knob cover at least one of the lock position and the unlock position.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reduction part is a knob assembly formed of an elastically deformable material.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reduction unit is a knob assembly comprising a locking reduction unit coupled to the operating button so as to contact the knob cover at the locking position.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-described operating button includes a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the locking position, a support member to which the knob projection is coupled, and a connecting member coupled to each of the button member and the support member between the button member and the support member. The above locking reduction unit is a knob assembly coupled to the above connecting member.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above locking reduction part is a knob assembly coupled to the connecting member so as to protrude from the connecting member toward the knob cover.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above reduction unit includes a plurality of the above lock reduction units, and The above locking reduction parts are knob assemblies spaced apart from each other along a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned operating button includes a connecting groove formed in the above-mentioned connecting member, and The above locking reduction part is a knob assembly that is inserted into the above connection groove and coupled to the above connection member.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above locking reduction member is a knob assembly coupled to the connecting member so as to surround the outer surface of the connecting member.

9. In Paragraph 4, The knob cover comprises a gripping member to which the button member is movably coupled, and a cover member to which the support member is movably coupled. The above cover member is a knob assembly comprising a limiting member that supports the lock reduction member between the button member and the support member when the above operating button is positioned in the lock position.

10. In Paragraph 3, The above-described operating button comprises a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the locking position, a support member to which the knob projection is coupled, a connecting member coupled to each of the button member and the support member between the button member and the support member, and a mounting member protruding from the connecting member. The above locking reduction member is a knob assembly coupled to the mounting member so as to protrude further toward the knob cover than the connecting member.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above-mentioned operating button includes a mounting projection protruding from the outer surface of the above-mentioned mounting member, and The above locking reduction part is a knob assembly coupled to the mounting member so as to be positioned between the mounting projection and the connecting member.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reduction part is a knob assembly comprising a release reduction part coupled to the operating button so as to contact the knob cover at the release position.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above-described operating button includes a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the lock position, and a protruding member protruding from the button member toward the release direction moving from the lock position to the release position. The above release reduction unit is a knob assembly coupled to the above protruding member.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above-mentioned release reduction member is a knob assembly coupled to the protruding member so as to protrude from the protruding member toward the release direction.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above-mentioned release reduction member includes an insertion groove for inserting the above-mentioned protruding member, and a reduction body having the insertion groove formed therein. The above protruding member is a knob assembly comprising an insertion member inserted into the insertion groove.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above-mentioned release reduction unit includes an extension member protruding from the reduction main body toward the protruding member, and The above extension member is a knob assembly positioned to contact the above protruding member.

17. In Paragraph 13, The above knob cover includes a gripping member to which the above button member is movably coupled, and The above gripping member is a knob assembly comprising a limiting inner surface that supports the release reduction member and limits the distance the operation button can move toward the release direction when the operation button is positioned at the release position.

18. In Paragraph 12, The above-described operating button includes a button member exposed to the outside of the knob cover at the lock position, a protruding member protruding from the button member in a release direction moving from the lock position to the release position, and a coupling member protruding from the protruding member in a direction different from the release direction. The above release reduction member is a knob assembly coupled to the coupling member such that it protrudes further toward the release direction than the above protruding member.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above operating button includes a coupling projection protruding from the outer surface of the coupling member, and The above release reduction member is a knob assembly coupled to the coupling member so as to be positioned between the coupling projection and the protruding member.

20. Cooking body; A cooking unit coupled to the above cooking body; A control panel coupled to the above cooking body; and A cooking appliance comprising any one of the knob assemblies of claims 1 to 19 coupled to the above-mentioned control panel.

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