Knob assembly and cooking appliance including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a knob assembly and a cooking appliance including same, the knob assembly comprising: a knob part that moves together with a shaft member protruding from an operation panel of a cooking appliance along the rotation axis of the shaft member, the knob part being coupled to the shaft member so as to rotate together with the shaft member about the rotation axis; a lighting part for emitting light; and a diffusion part coupled to the operation panel between the lighting part and the knob part. The diffusion part includes a locking protrusion protruding in a first direction toward the knob part and a limiting protrusion protruding in the first direction while being positioned to be spaced apart from the locking protrusion. The limiting protrusion limits the angle at which the knob part tilts in a state in which the operation button of the knob part is in a locked position.

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 a control panel having a cooking appliance and rotate together with said axial member around said rotational axis; a lighting portion emitting light; and a diffusion portion coupled to the control panel between said lighting portion and said knob portion.

[0010] The above-mentioned diffusion portion may include a locking projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion, and a limiting projection protruding toward the first direction at a position spaced apart from the locking projection.

[0011] The knob portion may include a drive knob coupled to the shaft member, a knob cover coupled to the drive knob, an operating button coupled to the knob cover, and a knob projection protruding from the operating button toward a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The limiting projection is positioned opposite the knob portion at a position spaced apart from the locking projection, and can limit the angle at which the knob portion tilts when the operating button is in the locking position.

[0014] The above-mentioned diffusion unit may include a diffusion body positioned toward the first direction with respect to the lighting unit. A plurality of limiting protrusions may be coupled to the diffusion body. The limiting protrusions may protrude from the diffusion body toward the first direction at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0015] The lighting unit may include a plurality of lighting modules that emit light. The limiting protrusions may be positioned in each of the lighting modules at a location spaced apart from an overlapping area extending toward the first direction, while being parallel to the rotation axis of the shaft member.

[0016] The above-mentioned diffusion section may include a diffusion hole formed by penetrating the above-mentioned diffusion body. The above-mentioned limiting protrusions may be arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along a circumference centered on an axial member inserted into the above-mentioned diffusion hole.

[0017] The above-mentioned limiting protrusions can be positioned at locations forming the same central angle along the circumference centered on the axial member inserted into the diffusion hole.

[0018] The above-mentioned diffusion section may include a diffusion body positioned on the first direction side with respect to the lighting section, and a diffusion hole formed through the diffusion body. A plurality of the limiting protrusions may be coupled to the diffusion body. Among the limiting protrusions, the first limiting protrusion may be positioned on an imaginary straight line connecting the locking protrusion and the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

[0019] Among the above limiting protrusions, the second limiting protrusion may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the first limiting protrusion along the circumference centered on the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

[0020] Among the above limiting protrusions, the third limiting protrusion may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the first limiting protrusion along the circumference centered on the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole. The first limiting protrusion may be positioned between the second limiting protrusion and the third limiting protrusion along the circumference centered on the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

[0021] With respect to the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole, the central angle between the first limiting projection and the second limiting projection and the central angle between the first limiting projection and the third limiting projection may be the same.

[0022] The central angle between the first limiting projection and the second limiting projection, centered on the axial member inserted into the diffusion hole, may be an acute angle.

[0023] The knob portion may be rotated around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The limiting projection may include a limiting surface for supporting the knob portion; a first side surface positioned to face the first rotation direction; a second side surface positioned to face the second rotation direction; a first connecting surface connected to each of the limiting surface and the first side surface between the limiting surface and the first side surface; and a second connecting surface connected to each of the limiting surface and the second side surface between the limiting surface and the second side surface. Each of the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface may be formed as a curved surface.

[0024] The above-mentioned diffusion section may include a diffusion body to which the limiting projection is coupled. The limiting projection may include a limiting body coupled to the diffusion body, and a limiting member disposed on the first direction side with respect to the limiting body. The limiting member may be formed such that its diameter decreases as it extends from the limiting body toward the first direction.

[0025] The knob portion can be moved by a switching distance toward the second direction to switch the shaft member to a rotatable state. The diffusion portion may include a diffusion body to which the limiting projection is attached. The limiting projection may protrude from the diffusion body toward the first direction such that the maximum travel distance of the shaft member resulting from the tilting of the knob portion while the operating button is in the lock position is shorter than the switching distance, and may protrude from the diffusion body toward the first direction such that the knob portion can move by the switching distance or a distance longer than the switching distance while the operating button is in the release position.

[0026] The knob portion may be rotated around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The diffusion portion may include a diffusion body to which the locking projection is coupled. The locking projection may include a locking body coupled to the diffusion body, and a first guiding member disposed on the first rotation direction side relative to the locking body. When the knob projection is pressed by contacting the first guiding member as the knob portion rotates in the second rotation direction, it may be moved toward the rotation axis by the first guiding member to move the operating button to the release position.

[0027] The first guiding member may include a first guiding projection protruding outwardly in a protruding direction with respect to the circumference centered on the rotation axis.

[0028] The first guide projection may be formed such that the end facing the protrusion direction forms a convex curved surface toward the protrusion direction.

[0029] The first guide projection may include a first guide surface positioned to face the first rotational direction. The first guide surface may be formed to form an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0030] The locking projection may include a second guiding member positioned on the second rotational direction side relative to the locking body. When the knob projection is pressed by contacting the second guiding member as the knob portion rotates in the first rotational direction, it may be moved toward the rotational axis by the second guiding member to move the operating button to the release position.

[0031] The first induction member and the second induction member may be formed in different shapes.

[0032] The second guiding member may include a second guiding surface positioned to face the second rotational direction. The second guiding surface may be formed to form a convex curved surface toward the second rotational direction.

[0033] The above-mentioned diffusion portion may include a support projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion. The support projection is positioned opposite the knob portion at a location spaced apart from the locking projection and may limit the distance that the knob portion can move toward the second direction when the operating button is positioned at the release position.

[0034] The knob portion may include a weight plate coupled to the drive knob. A movement hole may be formed in the weight plate for the knob projection to move as the operating button moves between the lock position and the unlock position. The support projection may be positioned opposite the weight plate at a position spaced apart from the movement hole.

[0035] The above-described diffusion section may include a diffusion body positioned on the first direction side with respect to the lighting section, and a diffusion hole formed through the diffusion body. The support projection may be positioned on an imaginary straight line connecting the locking projection and the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

[0036] A knob assembly according to the present invention may include a mounting portion coupled to the operating panel and a covering arranged to surround the outer side of the diffusion portion. The diffusion portion may be positioned toward the first direction with respect to the mounting portion. A plurality of through holes may be formed in the mounting portion. The through holes may be positioned toward the first direction with respect to each of the lighting modules having the lighting portion.

[0037] 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; a lighting portion emitting light; and a diffusion portion coupled to the operating panel between the lighting portion and the knob portion. The diffusion portion may include a locking projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion, and a limiting projection protruding toward the first direction at a position spaced apart from the locking projection. 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, 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 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 limiting projection is positioned opposite the knob portion at a location spaced apart from the locking projection and can limit the angle at which the knob portion tilts when the operating button is in the locked position.

[0038] The knob assembly according to the present invention as described above and the cooking device including the same have the following effects.

[0039] The present invention prevents the cooking unit from operating by utilizing interference between the knob projection of the knob portion and the locking projection of the diffusion portion to block the knob portion from being pushed in unintended situations by the user. Therefore, the present invention can prevent arbitrary operation or malfunction, thereby increasing the safety of the cooking appliance. Furthermore, the present invention allows for push-and-turn operation of the knob portion when the knob projection is positioned in an unlocked position that avoids the locking projection in accordance with the operation of the control button, as the knob projection is positioned so as not to interfere with the locking projection. Accordingly, the present invention enables the cooking unit to operate in situations intended by the user and allows the cooking unit to be controlled by adjusting the amount of rotation of the knob portion.

[0040] The present invention is implemented such that when the knob portion tilts while the operating button is in the locked position, the limiting projection of the diffusion portion supports the knob portion, thereby limiting the angle at which the knob portion tilts. Accordingly, the present invention utilizes the limiting projection to prevent the cooking portion from operating due to the tilting of the knob portion in situations unintended by the user. Therefore, the present invention can prevent malfunctions caused by the tilting of the knob portion, thereby enhancing safety. Furthermore, the present invention can prevent damage or breakage to the knob portion, shaft member, etc., caused by excessive tilting of the knob portion, thus extending the service life of the knob portion, shaft member, etc.

[0041] The present invention can provide information to a user regarding the location of the knob assembly, the current status of the cooking appliance, etc., by utilizing light emitted by a lighting unit. Additionally, the present invention can be implemented so that the light emitted by the lighting unit is emitted to the outside of the knob assembly. Accordingly, the present invention can enhance aesthetic appeal by utilizing the light emitted to the outside of the knob assembly.

[0042] The present invention can diffuse the light emitted by the lighting unit using a diffuser. Accordingly, the present invention can provide a soft lighting function without glare by using the lighting unit and the diffuser, thereby contributing to enhancing a high-end image.

[0043] The present invention is implemented such that when the knob portion is tilted while the operating button is in the locked position, a plurality of limiting protrusions support different parts of the knob portion at spaced-apart positions. Accordingly, by limiting the angle at which the knob portion tilts using the limiting protrusions, the present invention can improve the stability of a safety function that prevents the cooking portion from operating unintended by the user.

[0044] The present invention is implemented to support a knob portion using a plurality of limiting protrusions, thereby making it possible to reduce the support area of ​​each limiting protrusion supporting the knob portion. In other words, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the size of each limiting protrusion. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce the degree to which light emitted by the lighting portion is interfered with and blocked by the limiting protrusions. Therefore, the present invention can improve both lighting function and safety.

[0045] The present invention is implemented such that a plurality of limiting protrusions are positioned so as not to face each of the lighting modules having a lighting unit. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce the degree to which light emitted by the lighting unit is interfered with and blocked by the limiting protrusions.

[0046] The present invention can induce an operation button to move to a release position by applying pressure to a knob projection as the knob part is rotated using a first inducing member. Accordingly, when the cooking part is operated by the push and turn of the knob part, if the user presses and rotates only the knob part without pressing the operation button, the present invention can move the operation button to a release position using the first inducing member. Accordingly, the present invention is implemented so that the operation of the cooking part can be stopped even if the user does not press the operation button, thereby providing convenience of operation to the user in cases where the risk of safety accidents is low or non-existent.

[0047] The present invention is implemented such that a knob projection rotating in a second rotational direction can be pressed using a first guiding member provided by a locking projection to move an operation button to a release position, and a knob projection rotating in a first rotational direction can be pressed using a second guiding member provided by a locking projection to move an operation button to a release position. In this case, the present invention is implemented such that the first guiding member and the second guiding member are formed in different shapes, thereby enabling application to both a driving unit that supplies gas as an energy source and a driving unit that supplies electricity as an energy source. That is, the knob assembly of the present invention can be commonly applied to both a driving unit that supplies gas as an energy source and a driving unit that supplies electricity as an energy source. Therefore, since there is no need to manufacture a knob assembly suitable for a driving unit that supplies gas as an energy source and a knob assembly suitable for a driving unit that supplies electricity as an energy source separately, the present invention can contribute to reducing manufacturing costs, such as the cost of making a mold for manufacturing the knob assembly.

[0048] The present invention is implemented such that a support projection is positioned opposite the knob portion at a location spaced apart from the locking projection. Accordingly, the present invention can limit the distance the knob portion is pushed when the operating button is in the release position by utilizing the support projection. Therefore, by using the support projection to prevent the knob portion from being pushed an excessive distance, the present invention can prevent the locking projection from getting stuck in the knob portion. Accordingly, the present invention can improve safety by utilizing the locking projection while simultaneously ensuring stability in the operation of the knob portion.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cooking device according to the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0051] FIGS. 3 to 5 are schematic exploded perspective views of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 7 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.

[0054] FIG. 8 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.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a diffusion section in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing a diffusion portion coupled to an operating panel in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the knob portion pushed when the operating button is positioned in the release position in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a limiting projection along the line II-II of FIG. 11.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of a limiting projection based on the line II-II of FIG. 11.

[0062] FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of a diffusion section in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 17 is a schematic enlarged view showing part A of FIG. 16.

[0064] FIG. 18 is a schematic enlarged view showing the locking projection of FIG. 17 in enlarged form.

[0065] FIG. 19 is a schematic enlarged view showing the knob projection supported by the locking projection in FIG. 9.

[0066] FIG. 20 is a schematic enlarged view showing the knob projection avoiding the locking projection and the support projection supporting the weight plate in FIG. 13.

[0067] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cooking appliance 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 appliance according to the present invention, it will be described together with the description of the embodiment of the cooking appliance 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 as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a knob assembly according to the present invention based on the cross-sectional line II of FIG. 10.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the drive unit (132). When the drive unit (132) is coupled to the rear side 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 side (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 drive unit (132) 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 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.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, 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).

[0077] The above knob assembly (1) may include a lighting part (2), a diffusion part (3), and a knob part (4).

[0078] The lighting unit (2) can emit light. The light emitted by the lighting unit (2) can be emitted to the outside of the knob assembly (1). Through this, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can provide the user with information regarding the location of the knob assembly (1), the current state of the cooking device, etc. In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can enhance aesthetic appeal by utilizing the light emitted to the outside of the knob assembly (1). The lighting unit (2) can be placed on the rear side of the control panel (130). The lighting unit (2) can be coupled to the driving unit (132).

[0079] The lighting unit (2) may include a plurality of lighting modules (20). Each of the lighting modules (20) may emit light. The lighting modules (20) may be mounted on a substrate. The substrate may be coupled to the driving unit (132). The lighting modules (20) may emit light of the same color. The lighting modules (20) may emit light of different colors. The lighting modules (20) may be implemented as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), etc.

[0080] The above-mentioned diffuser (3) can be coupled to the control panel (130) between the lighting unit (2) and the knob unit (4). The above-mentioned diffuser (3) can diffuse the light emitted by the lighting unit (2). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can provide a soft lighting function without glare by utilizing the lighting unit (2) and the above-mentioned diffuser (3), thereby contributing to enhancing a high-end image. The above-mentioned diffuser (3) can be formed from an opaque or translucent plastic material. The above-mentioned diffuser (3) can also serve to protect the lighting unit (2) by being positioned to cover it. The above-mentioned diffuser (3) can be positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) relative to the lighting unit (2). The above-mentioned diffuser (3) can be a direction parallel to the rotation axis (131a) and facing the knob unit (4) from the control panel (130).

[0081] The above-mentioned diffusion section (3) may include a diffusion body (30). The diffusion body (30) may form the overall appearance of the above-mentioned diffusion section (3). The above-mentioned diffusion body (30) may be positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the above-mentioned lighting section (2). The above-mentioned diffusion body (30) may be formed in the shape of a circular plate overall. A diffusion hole (30a) may be formed in the above-mentioned diffusion body (30). The above-mentioned diffusion hole (30a) may be formed by penetrating the above-mentioned diffusion body (30). The above-mentioned shaft member (131) may be inserted into the above-mentioned diffusion hole (30a). Accordingly, the above-mentioned shaft member (131) may be coupled to a knob section (4) positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the above-mentioned diffusion section (3) through the above-mentioned diffusion hole (30a). A diffusion ring (30b) may be formed in the above-mentioned diffusion body (30). The diffusion ring (30b) may protrude from the outer surface of the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). Accordingly, the diffusion ring (30b) may be positioned to surround the space between the diffusion body (30) and the knob part (4). Additionally, the diffusion part (3) may radiate light emitted by the lighting part (2) to the side of the knob assembly (1) through the diffusion ring (30b). A fastening hole (30c) may be formed in the diffusion part (3). The fastening hole (30c) may be formed by penetrating the diffusion part (3). Through the fastening hole (30c), the diffusion part (3) may be coupled to the control panel (130) by a fastening means such as a bolt. The fastening hole (30c) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the diffusion hole (30a).

[0082] The above diffusion part (3) may include a locking projection (31).

[0083] The locking projection (31) may protrude toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The locking projection (31) may be coupled to the diffusion body (30). The locking projection (31) may be coupled to the diffusion body (30) at a position spaced apart from the diffusion hole (30a). Accordingly, the locking projection (31) may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). If the fastening hole (30c) is formed in the diffusion body (30), the locking projection (31) may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the diffusion hole (30a) and the fastening hole (30c), respectively. The locking projection (31) and the diffusion body (30) may be formed integrally.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, the knob portion (4) can control the operation of the cooking portion (120) by user operation. The knob portion (4) can be coupled to the shaft member (131). The knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) can move together along the rotation axis (131a). As the knob portion (4) is pushed, the knob portion (4) 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 (4) is removed, the knob portion (4) 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 (4) and the shaft member (131) can be rotated together around the rotation axis (131a). The knob portion (4) 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 diffusion portion (3).

[0085] The knob portion (4) can be moved by a turning distance toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) to convert the shaft member (131) into a rotatable state. In this case, the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) can be converted into a rotatable state only when the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) are moved more than the turning distance as the knob portion (4) is pushed, by the driving portion (132) allowing the rotation of the shaft member (131). Meanwhile, even if the knob portion (4) is pushed, if the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) are moved less than the turning distance, the driving portion (132) blocks the rotation of the shaft member (131), so the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) are not converted into a rotatable state. The above switching distance is a distance that prevents the cooking unit (120) from operating in situations where the user does not intend, and can be pre-set by the operator.

[0086] The above knob part (4) may include a knob projection (41), a driving knob (42), a knob cover (43), and an operation button (44).

[0087] The knob projection (41) may protrude from the operating button (44) in the second direction (SD arrow direction). Depending on whether the operating button (44) is operated, the knob projection (41) may selectively interfere with the locking projection (31), thereby selectively blocking the pushing of the knob portion (4). This is examined in detail as follows.

[0088] First, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the operating button (44) is moved along the operating direction (MD axis direction) and positioned at the locking position (LP), the knob projection (41) may interfere with the locking projection (31). The operating direction (MD axis direction) may be a direction different from the direction in which the knob portion (4) moves along the rotation axis (131a) together with the axis member (131). For example, the operating direction (MD axis direction) may be an axial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (131a). As the knob projection (41) is positioned to interfere with the locking projection (31), the locking projection (31) may support the knob projection (41) and block the knob portion (4) from moving toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). That is, the knob projection (41) can block the knob portion (4) from being pushed in the lock position (LP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the cooking portion (120) from operating by using the knob projection (41) and the lock projection (31) to block the knob portion (4) from being pushed in a situation where the user does not intend it. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent arbitrary operation or malfunction, thereby increasing safety.

[0089] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the operation button (44) is moved along the operation direction (MD axis direction) and positioned at the release position (RP), the knob projection (41) can avoid interference with the locking projection (31). In this case, the knob projection (41) can be spaced apart from the locking projection (31) 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 (41) avoids interference with the locking projection (31), the locking projection (31) does not interfere with the knob projection (41), thus allowing the knob portion (4) to move in the second direction (SD arrow direction). That is, the knob projection (41) can allow the knob portion (4) to be pushed at the release position (RP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention allows the user to push the knob part (4) when the user moves the operating button (44) to the release position (RP), thereby enabling the cooking part (120) to operate in a situation intended by the user. Additionally, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention allows the user to push and turn the knob part (4) when the user moves the operating button (44) to the release position (RP), thereby enabling the amount of rotation of the knob part (4) to be adjusted in a situation intended by the user, so that the cooking part (120) can be controlled.

[0090] The above drive knob (42) can be coupled to the shaft member (131). The above drive knob (42) can be placed inside the knob cover (43). The portion of the drive knob (42) coupled to the shaft member (131) can protrude toward the second direction (SD arrow direction).

[0091] The above drive knob (42) may include a coupling member (421) and an interlocking member (422).

[0092] The above-mentioned connecting member (421) is a part of the drive knob (42) that is connected to the shaft member (131). The connecting member (421) may be formed as a semicircular plate overall. The connecting member (421) may be connected to the shaft member (131) so as to move and rotate together with the shaft member (131).

[0093] The interlocking member (422) can interlock the coupling member (421) and the knob cover (43). When an operating force is applied to rotate the knob cover (43), the interlocking member (422) can rotate together with the knob cover (43) by being pushed by the knob cover (43), thereby rotating the coupling member (421). The interlocking member (422) can protrude from the coupling member (421) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The interlocking member (422) can be inserted into the interior of the knob cover (43) and come into contact with the inner surface of the knob cover (43). The interlocking member (422) and the coupling member (421) can be formed integrally.

[0094] The knob cover (43) can be coupled to the drive knob (42). The knob cover (43) can move along the rotation axis (131a) together with the drive knob (42) and can rotate together with the drive knob (42) around the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, by operating the knob cover (43), the user can operate the shaft member (131) through the drive knob (42) and thereby control the operation of the cooking unit (120).

[0095] The knob cover (43) may include a gripping member (431) and a cover member (432).

[0096] The gripping member (431) may be provided for user operation. The gripping member (431) may protrude from the cover member (432) in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). By forming the gripping member (431) in a smaller size than the cover member (432), convenience of operation may be provided to the user. For example, the gripping member (431) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular body with a hollow interior. The interlocking member (422) may be disposed inside the gripping member (431). By contacting the inner surface of the gripping member (431), the interlocking member (422) may interlock the knob cover (43) and the drive knob (42).

[0097] The cover member (432) may be coupled to the drive knob (42). The coupling member (421) may be disposed inside the cover member (432). The gripping member (431) may be coupled to the cover member (432). Accordingly, when a user grips and operates the gripping member (431), the cover member (432) may be operated together. The cover member (432) may be formed in the shape of a disc with an entirely hollow interior.

[0098] The above-mentioned operation button (44) may be coupled to the knob cover (43) so as to be movable along the operation direction (MD axis direction). The knob projection (41) may be coupled to the above-mentioned operation button (44). The above-mentioned operation button (44) may be positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the knob projection (41). The above-mentioned operation button (44) may be coupled to the knob cover (43) so as to be movable between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP). The knob projection (41) may protrude from the above-mentioned operation button (44) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) inside the knob cover (43).

[0099] The above-mentioned operating button (44) may be coupled to the knob cover (43) so as to be movable along the above-mentioned operating direction (MD axis direction). In this case, the above-mentioned operating direction (MD axis direction) and the direction in which the above-mentioned knob part (4) is pushed may be different from each other. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the above-mentioned operating button (44) from moving to the above-mentioned release position (RP) and the above-mentioned knob part (4) from being pushed and turned due to unintended situations or user errors, thereby increasing safety. This can be examined in more detail as follows.

[0100] First, in the comparative example where the operating button (44) is implemented to move between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP) in the same direction as the knob part (4) moves along the rotation axis (131a) together with the shaft member (131), the force pushing the knob part (4) due to unintended circumstances or user error may cause the operating button (44) 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.

[0101] In contrast, in an embodiment in which the operating button (44) is implemented to be movable between the locking position (LP) and the unlocking position (RP) along the operating direction (MD axis direction) which is different from the direction in which the knob part (4) moves together with the shaft member (131) along the rotation axis (131a), the possibility of the operating button (44) moving to the unlocking position (RP) by the force pushing the knob part (4) 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.

[0102] The above-mentioned operating button (44) can be inserted into the cover hole (43a) of the knob cover (43). The above-mentioned cover hole (43a) can be formed in the gripping member (431) of the knob cover (43). Accordingly, the above-mentioned operating button (44) can be inserted into the cover hole (43a) and placed on the gripping member (431). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the user can push the above-mentioned operating button (44) while gripping the gripping member (431) to operate the knob part (4), thereby improving convenience of use.

[0103] The above-mentioned operation button (44) may include a button member (441) and a support member (442).

[0104] The button member (441) may be exposed to the outside of the gripping member (431) through the cover hole (43a). The user may push the button member (441) to move the operating button (44) from the lock position (LP) toward the unlock position (RP). If the user does not push the button member (441), a portion of the button member (441) may protrude from the gripping member (431).

[0105] The support member (442) may be disposed inside the cover member (432). The knob projection (41) may be coupled to the support member (442). The knob projection (41) may protrude from the support member (442) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). When the knob projection (41) is supported by the locking projection (31), the support member (442) supports the cover member (432), thereby limiting the distance the knob portion (4) can move toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). The knob projection (41) and the operating button (44) may be formed integrally. In this case, the knob projection (41) and the support member (442) may be formed integrally. Although not illustrated, the knob projection (41) and the operating button (44) may be manufactured separately, after which the knob projection (41) may be implemented to be coupled to the operating button (44). In this case, a coupling plate (not illustrated) may be coupled to the knob projection (41). The coupling plate may be inserted into and coupled to the support member (442), thereby coupling the knob projection (41) to the support member (442). The knob projection (41) may protrude from the coupling plate toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). The coupling plate and the knob projection (41) may be formed integrally. The support member (442) may be formed as a semicircular plate overall.

[0106] The support member (442) may be positioned facing the coupling member (421) of the drive knob (42) inside the cover member (432). Accordingly, when the operation button (44) is moved from the lock position (LP) to the unlock position (RP), the coupling member (421) supports the support member (442), thereby limiting the distance the operation button (44) 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 (441) from detaching from the cover hole (43a) during the process of moving the operation button (44) 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 (44) at the release position (RP) by moving the operating button (44) until the support member (442) is supported by the coupling member (421). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the ease and accuracy of the operation of positioning the operating button (44) at the release position (RP).

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the knob portion (4) may include an elastic member (45).

[0108] The elastic member (45) may be positioned inside the knob cover (43) between the operating button (44) and the knob cover (43). The elastic member (45) may be supported by the knob cover (43) to press the operating button (44) toward the lock position (LP). Accordingly, when the force moving the operating button (44) to the release position (RP) is removed, the operating button (44) may return to the lock position (LP) by the elastic member (45).

[0109] The knob portion (4) may include a plurality of elastic members (45). The elastic members (45) may be supported on different parts of the knob cover (43) and may press on different parts of the operation button (44). Accordingly, the elastic members (45) can reduce the tilting that occurs in the operation button (44) during the process of the operation button (44) moving between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP). The elastic members (45) may be spaced apart from each other along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operation button (44) moves between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the knob portion (4) may include a weight plate (46).

[0111] The weight plate (46) can be coupled to the drive knob (42). The weight plate (46) can improve the operability of the knob part (4) by increasing the total weight of the knob part (4). The weight plate (46) can be formed of a metal material.

[0112] The weight plate (46) may be positioned between the drive knob (42) and the diffusion section (3). The weight plate (46) may be coupled to the coupling member (421). The weight plate (46) may be coupled to the coupling member (421) by means of fastening means such as a bolt. A through hole (460) may be formed in the weight plate (46). The through hole (460) may be formed by penetrating the weight plate (46). The drive knob (42) may be inserted into the through hole (460). Accordingly, the drive knob (42) may be coupled to the shaft member (131) through the through hole (460). A moving hole (461) may be formed in the weight plate (36). The moving hole (461) may be formed by penetrating the weight plate (46). The knob projection (41) can be inserted into the above-mentioned moving hole (461). The knob projection (41) can be moved along the operation direction (MD axis direction) while inserted into the above-mentioned moving hole (461). In this case, as the operation button (44) moves between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP), the knob projection (41) can be moved while inserted into the above-mentioned moving hole (461). To this end, the above-mentioned moving hole (461) can be formed in the shape of an elongated hole having a long length along the operation direction (MD axis direction). In this case, the weight plate (46) can guide the knob projection (41) inserted into the above-mentioned moving hole (461), thereby allowing the operation button (44) to move in a straight line along the operation direction (MD axis direction). The above moving hole (461) and the above through hole (460) can be formed to be connected to each other.

[0113] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, when the operating button (44) is positioned at the locking position (LP), the knob projection (41) and the locking projection (31) may be arranged to interfere with each other at a position offset in one direction from the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, even when the operating button (44) is positioned at the locking position (LP), the knob portion (4) may tilt toward the opposite side of the knob projection (41) and the locking projection (31) relative to the rotation axis (131a), depending on the direction of the external force applied to the knob portion (4) in a situation where the user does not intend it. As the knob portion (4) tilts, the knob portion (4) moves toward the second direction (SD arrow direction), thereby moving the shaft member (131) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction), thereby converting the shaft member (131) into a rotatable state. In this case, the shaft member (131) can be moved beyond the switching distance due to the tilting of the knob part (4). In this way, even when the operating button (44) is in the lock position (LP), the cooking part (120) can be operated in an unintended situation due to the tilting of the knob part (4).

[0114] To prevent this, in the cooking device (100) according to the present invention, the diffusion part (3) may include a limiting projection (32).

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 14, the limiting projection (32) may protrude toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) at a position spaced apart from the locking projection (31). The limiting projection (32) may be positioned opposite the knob portion (4) at a position spaced apart from the locking projection (31). Accordingly, when the knob portion (4) tilts while the operating button (44) is in the locking position (LP), the limiting projection (32) supports the knob portion (4), thereby limiting the angle at which the knob portion (4) tilts. Thus, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent the cooking portion (120) from operating by using the limiting projection (32) to prevent the shaft member (131) from being switched to a rotatable state due to the tilting of the knob portion (4) in a situation where the user does not intend. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent malfunction caused by tilting of the knob part (4), thereby increasing safety. In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can prevent damage or breakage of the knob part (4), the shaft member (131), etc. due to excessive tilting of the knob part (4), thus extending the service life of the knob part (4), the shaft member (131), etc.

[0116] The limiting projection (32) may protrude from the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The limiting projection (32) and the diffusion body (30) may be formed integrally. The limiting projection (32) may be positioned opposite the weight plate (46) having the knob part (4) in the second direction (direction of the SD arrow) relative to the knob part (4). In this case, the limiting projection (32) may limit the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts by supporting the weight plate (46) as the knob part (4) tilts.

[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the knob projection (41) contacts the locking projection (31) while the operating button (44) is positioned in the locking position (LP), the limiting projection (32) may protrude from the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) so as to be positioned at a location spaced apart from the knob portion (4). In this case, the limiting projection (32) may be formed with a length that is positioned opposite the weight plate (46) at a location spaced apart from the weight plate (46) toward the second direction (FD arrow direction). Accordingly, when the knob portion (4) moves toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) after the operating button (44) is positioned in the release position (RP), the knob portion (4) may be implemented to be movable toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) by the distance between the weight plate (46) and the limiting projection (32). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the angle at which the knob part (4) is tilted can be limited using the limiting projection (32), and the operation of controlling the cooking part (120) through the push and turn of the knob part (4) can be carried out smoothly.

[0118] Meanwhile, when the above-mentioned operating button (44) is positioned in the above-mentioned lock position (LP), the above-mentioned shaft member (131) may be moved toward the above-mentioned second direction (SD arrow direction) and converted to a rotatable state as the knob portion (4) tilts. To prevent this, the limiting projection (32) may protrude from the above-mentioned diffusion body (30) toward the above-mentioned first direction (FD arrow direction) so that the maximum travel distance of the above-mentioned shaft member (131) when the above-mentioned operating button (44) is positioned in the above-mentioned lock position (LP) and the above-mentioned knob portion (4) tilts is shorter than the conversion distance. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned shaft member (131) is moved toward the above-mentioned second direction (SD arrow direction) as the above-mentioned knob portion (4) tilts, the limiting projection (32) can support the above-mentioned weight plate (46) so that the above-mentioned shaft member (131) is not converted to a rotatable state. Additionally, the limiting projection (32) may protrude from the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) so that the knob part (4) can move to the switching distance or a longer distance than the switching distance while the operation button (44) is positioned at the release position (RP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts can be limited using the limiting projection (32), while the operation of controlling the cooking part (120) through the push and turn of the knob part (4) can be performed smoothly. When the operation button (44) is positioned at the lock position (LP), the limiting projection (32) may be formed with a length that is positioned at a location spaced apart from the weight plate (46) by the switching distance toward the second direction (SD arrow direction).

[0119] Although not shown, the limiting projection (32) may be positioned opposite the knob cover (43). In this case, the limiting projection (32) can limit the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts by supporting the knob cover (43) as the knob part (4) tilts.

[0120] The above diffusion section (3) may include a plurality of the above limiting protrusions (32).

[0121] The above limiting protrusions (32) may protrude from the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) at positions spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, when the knob portion (4) is tilted while the operating button (44) is in the lock position (LP), the limiting protrusions (32) can support different parts of the knob portion (4). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the stability of the safety function that prevents the cooking portion (120) from operating in unintended situations by limiting the angle at which the knob portion (4) is tilted using the limiting protrusions (32). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented to support the knob portion (4) using a plurality of limiting protrusions (32), thereby making it possible to reduce the support area of ​​each limiting protrusion (32) supporting the knob portion (4). That is, it is possible to reduce the size of each of the above-mentioned limiting protrusions (32). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the degree to which light emitted by the lighting unit (2) is interfered with and blocked by the limiting protrusions (32). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve both lighting function and safety.

[0122] The above-mentioned limiting protrusions (32) can be positioned at a location spaced apart from the overlapping area (OA, shown as a dotted line in FIG. 12) that extends toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) while being parallel to the rotation axis (131a) of the shaft member (131) in each of the lighting modules (20). That is, the limiting protrusions (32) and the lighting modules (20) are not positioned facing each other. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the degree to which light emitted by the lighting unit (2) is interfered with and blocked by the limiting protrusions (32).

[0123] The limiting protrusions (32) can be positioned at spaced-apart locations along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). Accordingly, the limiting protrusions (32) can support different parts of the weight plate (46) along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131), thereby improving the stability of the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts. The limiting protrusions (32) can be positioned to face different directions at spaced-apart locations along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131). In this case, each of the limiting protrusions (32) can be positioned parallel to the tangential direction of the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131). Meanwhile, the center of the circumference (CF) can be positioned on the rotation axis (131a). In this case, the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131) and the circumference (CF) centered on the rotation axis (131a) are identical to each other.

[0124] The above limiting protrusions (32) may be positioned at a location that forms the same central angle (CA) along a circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). The central angle (CA) may be the angle formed by imaginary radius lines connecting two limiting protrusions (32) placed adjacent to each other and the shaft member (131). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the deviation occurring in the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts according to the direction in which the knob part (4) tilts. Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve the stability of the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts regardless of the direction in which the knob part (4) tilts.

[0125] The above-mentioned limiting protrusions (32) may be placed in an area opposite to the area where the locking protrusion (31) is placed, based on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). For example, when the locking protrusion (31) is placed in one side area (left area) relative to the shaft member (131) with respect to FIG. 12, the above-mentioned limiting protrusions (32) may be placed in the other side area (right area) relative to the shaft member (131). In this case, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the knob part (4) can be prevented from tilting by utilizing interference between the locking protrusion (31) and the knob protrusion (41) in the one side area, and the knob part (4) can be prevented from tilting by utilizing interference between the limiting protrusions (32) and the knob part (4) in the other side area. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can further improve the stability of the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts regardless of the direction in which the knob part (4) tilts by using the arrangement of the locking projection (31) and the limiting projection (32).

[0126] Among the above limiting protrusions (32), the first limiting protrusion (32a) can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the locking protrusion (31) and the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). That is, the first limiting protrusion (32a) and the locking protrusion (31) can be positioned facing each other with respect to the shaft member (131). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can increase the accuracy of the operation of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts using the first limiting protrusion (32a) by positioning the first limiting protrusion (32a) at a position where the tilting of the knob part (4) can occur most significantly. The first limiting protrusion (32a) and the locking protrusion (31) can be positioned spaced apart from each other at an angle of 180° with respect to the rotation axis (131a).

[0127] Among the above limiting protrusions (32), the second limiting protrusion (32b) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the first limiting protrusion (32a) along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can be implemented such that the first limiting protrusion (32a) and the second limiting protrusion (32b) support different parts of the weight plate (46) along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131), thereby improving the stability of the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts.

[0128] Among the above limiting protrusions (32), the third limiting protrusion (32c) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the first limiting protrusion (32a) along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). In this case, the first limiting protrusion (32a) may be positioned between the third limiting protrusion (32c) and the second limiting protrusion (32b) along the circumference (CF) centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can implement a function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts according to the direction in which the knob part (4) tilts. With the axis member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a) as the center, the central angle (CA) between the first limiting projection (32a) and the second limiting projection (32b) and the central angle (CA') between the first limiting projection (32a) and the third limiting projection (32c) may be the same. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the deviation occurring in the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts according to the direction in which the knob part (4) tilts, and thus can improve the stability of the function of limiting the angle at which the knob part (4) tilts according to the direction in which the knob part (4) tilts.

[0129] Meanwhile, the central angle (CA) between the first limiting projection (32a) and the second limiting projection (32b), centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a), may be an acute angle. Accordingly, since the first limiting projection (32a), the shaft member (131), and the locking projection (31) are arranged on the same line, the second limiting projection (32b) can be placed in the other side area together with the first limiting projection (32a). The central angle (CA) between the first limiting projection (32a) and the third limiting projection (32c), centered on the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a), may also be an acute angle. Accordingly, the third limiting projection (32c) can be placed in the other side area together with the first limiting projection (32a). In this case, the fastening hole (30c) can be positioned such that the central angle between the first limiting projection (32a) and the locking projection (31), respectively, is perpendicular to the axis member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). Accordingly, the second limiting projection (32b) and the third limiting projection (32c) can be positioned at a distance from the fastening hole (30c).

[0130] The above limiting projection (32) may include a limiting surface (320a), a first side surface (320b), a second side surface (320c), a first connecting surface (320d), and a second connecting surface (320e), as shown in FIG. 14.

[0131] The limiting surface (320a) is intended to support the knob portion (4). The limiting surface (320a) may correspond to the end surface of the limiting projection (32) facing the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The limiting surface (320a) may be positioned opposite to the weight plate (46).

[0132] The first side (320b) may be positioned to face the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction). The first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction) may correspond to one of two rotation directions in which the knob part (4) can rotate around the rotation axis (131a). In this case, the knob part (4) may rotate around the rotation axis (131a) in the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction) and in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) opposite to the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction). Although FIG. 12 shows the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction) as counterclockwise and the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) as clockwise around the rotation axis (131a), it is not limited thereto, and the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction) may be clockwise and the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) may be counterclockwise.

[0133] The second side (320c) may be positioned to face the second rotational direction (R2 arrow direction). The second side (320c) and the first side (320b) may be positioned to face opposite directions along the circumference (CF) centered on the rotational axis (131a).

[0134] The first connecting surface (320d) may be connected to each of the limiting surface (320a) and the first side (320b) between the limiting surface (320a) and the first side (320b). The first connecting surface (320d) may be formed as a curved surface. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process in which the knob part (4) contacts the limiting projection (32) by utilizing the curved surface of the first connecting surface (320d). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage to each of the knob part (4) and the limiting projection (32) during the process in which the knob part (4) contacts the limiting projection (32) by utilizing the curved surface of the first connecting surface (320d). The first connecting surface (320d) may be formed as a curved surface with a center of curvature located on the inner side of the limiting projection (32). That is, the first connecting surface (320d) may be formed as a curved surface that is convex toward the outer side of the limiting projection (32).

[0135] The second connecting surface (320e) may be connected to each of the limiting surface (320a) and the second side (320c) between the limiting surface (320a) and the second side (320c). The second connecting surface (320e) may be formed as a curved surface. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process in which the knob part (4) contacts the limiting projection (32) by utilizing the curved surface of the second connecting surface (320e). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage to each of the knob part (4) and the limiting projection (32) during the process in which the knob part (4) contacts the limiting projection (32) by utilizing the curved surface of the second connecting surface (320e). The second connecting surface (320e) may be formed as a curved surface with a center of curvature located on the inner side of the limiting projection (32). That is, the second connecting surface (320e) may be formed as a curved surface that is convex toward the outer side of the limiting projection (32).

[0136] The above limiting projection (32) may include a limiting body (321) and a limiting member (322) as shown in FIG. 15.

[0137] The limiting body (321) may be coupled to the diffusion body (30). The limiting body (321) may protrude from the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The limiting body (321) may be formed to have a uniform cross-sectional area while extending toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). For example, the limiting body (321) may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a uniform diameter while extending toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow).

[0138] The limiting member (322) may be positioned in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) relative to the limiting body (321). When the knob portion (4) is tilted or moved toward the second direction (direction of the SD arrow), the limiting member (322) may support the knob portion (4). The limiting member (322) may protrude from the limiting body (321) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The limiting member (322) may be formed such that its diameter decreases as it extends toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). In this case, the end of the limiting member (322) facing toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) may be a part for supporting the knob portion (4). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the surface area of ​​the limiting member (322) that contacts the knob portion (4), thereby reducing noise generated during the process in which the knob portion (4) contacts the limiting projection (32). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage to each of the knob portion (4) and the limiting projection (32) during the process in which the knob portion (4) contacts the limiting projection (32). For example, the limiting member (322) may be formed in a conical shape in which the diameter decreases as it extends toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). In this case, the end of the limiting member (322) facing toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) may be formed to form a curved surface.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 16, the limiting projection (32) and the locking projection (31) may be positioned at different distances from the diffusion hole (30a). As shown in FIG. 16, when the locking projection (31) is positioned at a first distance (D1) from the diffusion hole (30a), the limiting projection (32) may be positioned at a second distance (D2) from the diffusion hole (30a) that is longer than the first distance (D1). Accordingly, the limiting projection (32) may be positioned at a location that limits the angle at which the knob portion (4) tilts, while also being positioned at a location that does not interfere with the knob projection (41) which rotates around the shaft member (131) as the knob portion (4) rotates around the shaft member (131) after the shaft member (131) is switched to a rotatable state. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that safety can be increased by using the limiting projection (32), while the operation of controlling the cooking unit (120) through the push and turn of the knob unit (4) can be performed smoothly. The first distance (D1) may be a straight distance connecting the center of the diffusion hole (30a) and the inner surface of the locking projection (31). The inner surface of the locking projection (31) may be a surface of the locking projection (31) arranged to face the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). The second distance (D2) may be a straight distance connecting the center of the diffusion hole (30a) and the inner surface of the limiting projection (32). The inner surface of the limiting projection (32) may be a surface of the limiting projection (32) positioned to face the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). The inner surface of the limiting projection (32) and the inner surface (210) of the locking projection (31) may be positioned to face the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). Meanwhile, the center of the diffusion hole (30a) may be positioned on the rotation axis (131a).

[0140] The limiting projection (32) may be positioned outside the rotation path (41b) of the knob projection (41) which rotates around the rotation axis (131a) as the knob portion (4) rotates around the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, the limiting projection (32) may be positioned opposite the weight plate (46) without interfering with the rotation of the knob projection (41). In this case, the distance at which the inner surface of the limiting projection (32) is spaced from the rotation axis (131a) may be greater than the radius of rotation of the knob projection (41) around the rotation axis (131a).

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 18, the locking projection (31) may include a locking body (310) and a first guiding member (311).

[0142] The locking body (310) may be coupled to the diffusion body (30). The locking body (310) may protrude from the diffusion body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The locking body (310) may be positioned on an imaginary straight line connecting the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a) and the first limiting projection (32a). The locking body (310) and the diffusion body (30) may be formed integrally.

[0143] The first guiding member (311) may be positioned on the first rotational direction (R1 arrow direction) side with respect to the locking body (310). When the knob part (4) comes into contact with the first guiding member (311) as it rotates in the second rotational direction (R2 arrow direction), the first guiding member (311) can induce the operation button (44) to move to the release position (RP) by pressing the knob projection (41). This is described in detail as follows.

[0144] First, while the cooking unit (120) is operated by the push and turn of the knob part (4), the user can rotate it in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) by pressing only the knob part (4) without pressing the operation button (44). For example, the user can rotate it in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) by pressing only the knob part (4) without pressing the operation button (44) during the process of stopping the operation of the cooking unit (120). In this case, since the locking projection (31) is positioned within the rotation path (41b) of the knob projection (41), the user can no longer rotate the knob part (4) in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) when the knob projection (41) comes into contact with the locking projection (31). Therefore, there is the inconvenience of having to press the operation button (44) even during the process of stopping the operation of the cooking unit (120). To resolve this, the locking projection (31) may include the first guiding member (311).

[0145] Next, when the first guiding member (311) is provided, the knob projection (41) is pressed by contacting the first guiding member (311) as the knob part (4) rotates in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction), and is moved toward the rotation axis (131a) by the first guiding member (311) as shown by the arrow in FIG. 17, thereby allowing the operation button (44) to be moved to the release position (RP). Accordingly, while the cooking part (120) is operated by the push and turn of the knob part (4), the user can move the operation button (44) to the release position (RP) by using the first guiding member (311) by pressing only the knob part (4) to rotate it in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) without pressing the operation button (44). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the operation of the cooking unit (120) can be stopped even if the user does not press the operation button (44), thereby providing convenience of operation to the user in cases where there is no risk of safety accidents. Meanwhile, the pressing force applied by the first induction member (311) to the knob projection (41) can be implemented by the force of the user rotating the knob unit (4) in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction).

[0146] The first guiding member (311) may protrude from the locking body (310) toward the first rotational direction (direction of the R1 arrow). The first guiding member (311) may include a first guiding projection (311a). The first guiding projection (311a) may protrude toward the outwardly inclined protrusion direction (direction of the PD arrow) relative to the circumference (CF) centered on the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, the first guiding member (311) may have space to move the knob projection (41), which rotates in the second rotational direction (direction of the R2 arrow), toward the rotation axis (131a). Therefore, the first guiding member (311) can increase the guiding force to induce the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a) by utilizing the pressure applied by the first guiding projection (311a). The included angle between the tangential direction of the circumference (CF) centered on the rotation axis (131a) and the protrusion direction (PD arrow direction) can be an acute angle.

[0147] The first guide projection (311a) may be formed such that the end (311b) facing the protrusion direction (PD arrow direction) forms a convex curved surface toward the protrusion direction (PD arrow direction). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage of the knob projection (41) and the first guide projection (311a) by using the curved surface of the first guide projection (311a) during the process in which the knob projection (41) contacts the first guide projection (311a). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process in which the knob projection (41) contacts the first guide projection (311a) by using the curved surface of the first guide projection (311a). The center of curvature of the curved surface of the first guide projection (311a) can be located on the inner side of the first guide member (311).

[0148] The first guiding projection (311a) may include a first guiding surface (311c). The first guiding surface (311c) may be a surface of the first guiding projection (311a) positioned to face the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction). The first guiding surface (311c) may be formed to form an inclined surface or a curved surface. Accordingly, the first guiding member (311) can increase the guiding force that induces the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a) by utilizing the inclined surface or curved surface formed by the first guiding surface (311c). If the first guiding surface (311c) is formed as an inclined surface, the first guiding surface (311c) may be formed parallel to the protrusion direction (PD arrow direction). If the first guide surface (311c) is formed as a curved surface, the first guide surface (311c) may be formed as a curved surface that is convex toward the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction).

[0149] When the first guiding member (311) is provided, the knob projection (41) may include a first projection surface (411) corresponding to the first guiding member (311). The first projection surface (411) is formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface corresponding to the first guiding surface (311c), thereby increasing the guiding force that induces the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a) using pressure applied by the first guiding member (311).

[0150] The locking projection (31) may include a second guiding member (312).

[0151] The second guiding member (312) may be positioned on the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) side with respect to the locking body (310). The second guiding member (312) can induce the operation button (44) to move to the release position (RP) by pressing the knob projection (41) as the knob part (4) rotates in the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction). Accordingly, while the cooking part (120) is operated by the push and turn of the knob part (4), the user can move the operation button (44) to the release position (RP) using the second guiding member (312) by pressing only the knob part (4) to rotate it in the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction) without pressing the operation button (44). Meanwhile, the pressing force applied by the second induction member (312) to the knob projection (41) can be achieved by the force of the user rotating the knob portion (4) in the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction).

[0152] The second guiding member (312) may include a second guiding surface (312a). The second guiding surface (312a) may be a surface of the second guiding member (312) positioned to face the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction). The second guiding surface (312a) may be formed to form a convex curved surface toward the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage of the knob protrusion (41) and the second guiding member (312) by using the curved surface of the first guiding surface (312a) during the process in which the knob protrusion (41) contacts the second guiding member (312) by means of dents, etc. In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process in which the knob projection (41) contacts the second guiding member (312) by utilizing the curved surface of the second guiding surface (312a).

[0153] When the second guiding member (312) is provided, the knob projection (41) may include a second projection surface (412) corresponding to the second guiding member (312). The second projection surface (412) is formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface corresponding to the second guiding surface (312a), thereby increasing the guiding force that induces the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a) using pressure applied by the second guiding member (312).

[0154] The second induction member (312) and the first induction member (311) may be formed in different shapes. For example, the first induction member (311) may be formed in a shape that protrudes at an angle toward the protrusion direction (PD arrow direction) with respect to the circumference (CF) centered on the rotation axis (131a), and the second induction member (312) may be formed to form a convex curved surface toward the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction). In this case, the first induction member (311) may be implemented to suit a driving unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source, and the second induction member (312) may be implemented to suit a driving unit (132) that supplies electricity as an energy source. This is examined in detail as follows.

[0155] First, the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source may generate relatively more flow and shaking during the process of being controlled by the push and turn of the knob unit (4). Therefore, the first guiding member (311) that generates relatively less flow and shaking during the process of inducing the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a) may be suitably applied to the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source.

[0156] Next, the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source may generate relatively less flow and shaking during the process of being controlled by the push and turn of the knob unit (4). Therefore, in the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source, not only the first induction member (311) but also the second induction member (312), which generates relatively more flow and shaking during the process of inducing the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a), may be applied. In this case, since the first induction member (311) has a higher processing cost than the second induction member (312), the second induction member (312) may be suitably applied to the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source. Meanwhile, in the case of the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source, the available range to be rotated around the rotation axis (131a) for the control of the cooking unit (120) is implemented up to the position before the knob projection (41) contacts the second induction member (312). Therefore, even if the second induction member (312) is implemented to be suitable for the drive unit (132) that supplies electricity as an energy source, it is possible to apply the second induction member (312) to the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source.

[0157] In this way, the knob assembly (1) is implemented so that it can be applied to both the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source and the drive unit (132) that supplies electricity as an energy source using the first induction member (311) and the second induction member (312). That is, the knob assembly (1) can be applied commonly to both the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source and the drive unit (132) that supplies electricity as an energy source. Therefore, since there is no need to manufacture the knob assembly (1) suitable for the drive unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source and the knob assembly (1) suitable for the drive unit (132) that supplies electricity as an energy source separately, manufacturing costs such as the cost of making a mold for manufacturing the knob assembly (1) can be reduced. Meanwhile, the first induction member (311) and the second induction member (312) may be formed in the same shape. In this case, both the first induction member (311) and the second induction member (312) may be formed in a shape that protrudes outwardly with respect to the circumference (CF) centered on the rotation axis (131a). That is, both the first induction member (311) and the second induction member (312) may be formed in a shape suitable for a driving unit (132) that supplies gas as an energy source.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 20, the diffusion portion (3) may include a support projection (33).

[0159] The support projection (33) may protrude toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The support projection (33) may be coupled to the diffusion body (30). The support projection (33) and the diffusion body (30) may be formed integrally.

[0160] The support projection (33) may be positioned opposite the knob portion (4) at a location spaced apart from the locking projection (31). The support projection (33) may limit the distance that the knob portion (4) can move toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) while the operating button (44) is positioned at the release position (RP). Accordingly, the support projection (33) prevents the knob portion (4) from moving an excessive distance toward the second direction (SD arrow direction), thereby preventing the locking projection (31) from getting stuck in the knob portion (4) by moving an excessive distance toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). In this case, the support projection (33) can prevent the locking projection (31) from being inserted into the moving hole (461) of the weight plate (46) by blocking the locking projection (31) from being inserted into the moving hole (461) and getting stuck between the knob projection (41) and the weight plate (46). To this end, the support projection (33) can be positioned opposite the weight plate (46) at a position spaced apart from the moving hole (461). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19, when the locking projection (31) is positioned opposite the moving hole (461) as the operating button (44) moves to the release position (RP), the support projection (33) can be positioned opposite the weight plate (46) at a position spaced apart from the moving hole (461). In this state, when the knob part (4) moves in the second direction (SD arrow direction), as shown in FIG. 20, the support projection (33) supports the weight plate (46) and limits the distance the knob part (4) can move in the second direction (SD arrow direction), thereby preventing the locking projection (31) from being inserted into the moving hole (461).Accordingly, the support projection (33) can prevent the locking projection (31) from getting stuck between the knob projection (41) and the weight plate (46).

[0161] The support projection (33) may be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the locking projection (31) and the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). In this case, the locking projection (31) may be positioned between the support projection (33) and the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a). Meanwhile, the support projection (33), the locking projection (31), the shaft member (131) inserted into the diffusion hole (30a), and the first limiting projection (32a) may be positioned on the same line.

[0162] The support projection (33) may be formed in the same shape as the limiting projection (32). In this case, a curved surface corresponding to the first connecting surface (320d) and the second connecting surface (320e) of the limiting projection (32) may be applied to the portion of the support projection (33) for supporting the weight plate (46). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce noise generated during the process in which the weight plate (46) contacts the support projection (33) by utilizing the curved surface of the support projection (33). In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage to the weight plate (46) and the support projection (33) respectively during the process in which the weight plate (46) contacts the support projection (33) by utilizing the curved surface of the support projection (33).

[0163] Referring to FIG. 4, in the cooking device (100) according to the present invention, the knob assembly (1) may include a mounting part (5) and a covering (6).

[0164] The mounting portion (5) can be coupled to the control panel (130). The mounting portion (5) can be positioned between the driving portion (132) and the diffusion portion (3). In this case, the diffusion portion (3) can be positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the mounting portion (5). The mounting portion (5) can be positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the driving portion (132). A plurality of through holes (51) can be formed in the mounting portion (5). The through holes (51) can be formed by penetrating the mounting portion (5) at different locations. The through holes (51) can be positioned toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to each of the lighting modules (20). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can be implemented so that light emitted by the lighting modules (20) is transmitted to the diffusion part (3) through the passage holes (51), even if the mounting part (5) is provided.

[0165] The covering (6) may be positioned to surround the outer side of the diffusion section (3). The diffusion section (3) and the mounting section (5) may be positioned inside the covering (6). Accordingly, the covering (6) can perform the function of protecting the diffusion section (3) and the mounting section (5). The covering (6) may be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder with an empty interior.

[0166] 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 an axial member so as to move together with said axial member along the rotation axis of an axial member protruding from a control panel of a cooking device, and to rotate together with said axial member around said rotation axis; A lighting unit that emits light; and A diffusion part coupled to the control panel between the lighting part and the knob part; including The above-mentioned diffusion portion includes a locking projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion, and a limiting projection protruding toward the first direction at a position spaced apart from the locking projection. 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, and a knob projection protruding from the operating button toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. 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. A knob assembly in which the limiting projection is positioned opposite the knob portion at a position spaced apart from the locking projection, and the angle at which the knob portion tilts is limited when the operating button is positioned in the locking position.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned diffuser includes a diffuser body disposed on the first direction side with respect to the above-mentioned lighting unit, and A plurality of the above-mentioned limiting protrusions are coupled to the above-mentioned diffusion body, and The above limiting protrusions are knob assemblies protruding from the diffusion body toward the first direction at positions spaced apart from each other.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above lighting unit includes a plurality of lighting modules that emit light, and The above limiting protrusions are knob assemblies positioned at a location spaced apart from an overlapping area extending toward the first direction, parallel to the rotation axis of the shaft member in each of the above lighting modules.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above diffusion section includes a diffusion hole formed by penetrating the above diffusion body, and The above limiting protrusions are knob assemblies arranged at spaced-apart positions along a circumference centered on an axial member inserted into the diffusion hole.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above limiting protrusions are knob assemblies positioned at the same central angle along the circumference centered on the axial member inserted into the diffusion hole.

6. In Paragraph 1 The above-described diffuser includes a diffuser body disposed on the first direction side with respect to the lighting unit, and a diffuser hole formed penetrating the diffuser body. A plurality of the above-mentioned limiting protrusions are coupled to the above-mentioned diffusion body, and Among the above limiting protrusions, the first limiting protrusion is a knob assembly positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the locking protrusion and the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

7. In Paragraph 6, Among the above limiting protrusions, the second limiting protrusion is a knob assembly positioned at a location spaced apart from the first limiting protrusion along a circumference centered on an axial member inserted into the diffusion hole.

8. In Paragraph 7, Among the above limiting protrusions, the third limiting protrusion is positioned at a location spaced apart from the first limiting protrusion along a circumference centered on the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole, and The first limiting projection is a knob assembly disposed between the second limiting projection and the third limiting projection along a circumference centered on an axial member inserted into the diffusion hole.

9. In Paragraph 8, A knob assembly in which the central angle between the first limiting projection and the second limiting projection and the central angle between the first limiting projection and the third limiting projection are the same, centered on the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

10. In Paragraph 7, A knob assembly in which the central angle between the first limiting projection and the second limiting projection, centered on the axial member inserted into the diffusion hole, is an acute angle.

11. In Paragraph 1, The knob portion is rotated around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and The above limiting projection is, A limiting surface for supporting the above knob portion; A first side positioned to face the first rotational direction; A second side positioned to face the second rotational direction mentioned above; A first connecting surface connected to each of the limiting surface and the first side between the limiting surface and the first side; and It includes a second connecting surface connected to each of the limiting surface and the second side between the limiting surface and the second side, and A knob assembly in which the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are each formed as a curved surface.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned diffusion section includes a diffusion body to which the above-mentioned limiting projection is coupled, and The above limiting projection includes a limiting body coupled to the diffusion body, and a limiting member disposed on the first direction side with respect to the limiting body. The above limiting member is a knob assembly formed such that its diameter decreases as it extends from the limiting body toward the first direction.

13. In Paragraph 1, The knob portion is moved by a switching distance toward the second direction to switch the shaft member to a rotatable state, and The above-mentioned diffusion section includes a diffusion body to which the above-mentioned limiting projection is attached, The above limiting projection is a knob assembly that protrudes from the diffusion body toward the first direction such that the maximum travel distance of the shaft member is shorter than the switching distance when the knob portion is tilted while the operating button is in the locking position, and protrudes from the diffusion body toward the first direction such that the knob portion can move to the switching distance or a distance longer than the switching distance when the operating button is in the release position.

14. In Paragraph 1, The knob portion is rotated around the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and The above-mentioned diffusion part includes a diffusion body to which the locking projection is coupled, The locking projection comprises a locking body coupled to the diffusion body, and a first guiding member disposed on the first rotational direction side with respect to the locking body. The above knob projection is a knob assembly that moves toward the rotation axis by the first inducing member and moves the operating button to the release position when the knob portion is pressed by contacting the first inducing member as the knob portion is rotated in the second rotation direction.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above-mentioned first guiding member is a knob assembly comprising a first guiding projection protruding outwardly inclined toward the circumference centered on the rotation axis.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above-mentioned first guide projection is a knob assembly formed such that the end facing the protruding direction forms a convex curved surface toward the protruding direction.

17. In Paragraph 15, The first guide projection includes a first guide surface arranged to face the first rotational direction, and The above-mentioned first guide surface is a knob assembly formed to form an inclined surface or a curved surface.

18. In Paragraph 14, The above locking projection includes a second guiding member disposed on the second rotational direction side with respect to the locking body, and The above knob projection is a knob assembly that moves toward the rotation axis by the second induction member and moves the operating button to the release position when the knob portion is pressed by contacting the second induction member as the knob portion is rotated in the first rotation direction.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above-mentioned first induction member and the above-mentioned second induction member are knob assemblies formed in different shapes.

20. In Paragraph 18, The second guiding member includes a second guiding surface arranged to face the second rotational direction, and The knob assembly is formed such that the second guide surface is convex toward the second rotational direction.

21. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned diffusion portion includes a support projection protruding toward a first direction toward the knob portion, and A knob assembly in which the support projection is positioned opposite the knob portion at a position spaced apart from the locking projection, and the knob portion is limited to a distance that can be moved toward the second direction when the operating button is positioned at the release position.

22. In Paragraph 21, The above knob portion includes a weight plate coupled to the above drive knob, and The above weight plate has a moving hole formed therein for the knob projection to move as the operating button moves between the lock position and the unlock position, and The above support projection is a knob assembly positioned opposite the weight plate at a position spaced apart from the above moving hole.

23. In Paragraph 21, The above-described diffuser includes a diffuser body disposed on the first direction side with respect to the lighting unit, and a diffuser hole formed penetrating the diffuser body. The above support projection is a knob assembly positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the locking projection and the shaft member inserted into the diffusion hole.

24. In Paragraph 1, It includes a mounting part coupled to the above-mentioned control panel and a covering arranged to surround the outer side of the above-mentioned diffusion part, and The above diffusion part is positioned on the first direction side with respect to the mounting part, and A plurality of through holes are formed in the above-mentioned mounting part, and The above-mentioned through holes are knob assemblies disposed on the first direction side for each of the lighting modules having the lighting part.

25. 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 claims 1 to 24 coupled to the above-mentioned control panel.

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