Knob assembly and cooking apparatus comprising same

The knob assembly with a locking mechanism addresses unintended operation risks by using a locking projection and guiding member to ensure controlled push-and-turn operation, enhancing safety and convenience in cooking appliances.

WO2026135345A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-25LG ELECTRONICS INC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
LG ELECTRONICS INC
Filing Date
2025-12-18
Publication Date
2026-06-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cooking appliances with push-and-turn knobs are prone to unintended operation due to accidental contact or manipulation, posing safety risks such as fire or burns, especially when infants or users unintentionally rotate the knob while pressing it.

Method used

A knob assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a valve cap, base portion, and knob portion, featuring a locking projection and guiding member to prevent unintended operation by interfering with the knob projection and locking projection, allowing controlled push-and-turn operation only when intended by the user.

Benefits of technology

The solution enhances safety by preventing arbitrary operation or malfunction, extending the service life of the knob and shaft member, and providing user convenience by ensuring the cooking appliance operates only as intended, while maintaining design flexibility and stability in gas-based systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a knob assembly and a cooking apparatus including same, the knob assembly comprising: a valve cap coupled to a heating driving part for controlling the supply of an energy source to a cooking part of the cooking apparatus; a knob part which is coupled to a shaft member so as to move together with the shaft member along a rotational axis of the shaft member protruding from an operating panel of the cooking apparatus and rotate together with the shaft member around the rotational axis; and a base part coupled to the valve cap between the valve cap and the knob part, wherein the valve cap is coupled to a gas pipe of the heating driving part, the base part includes a base body coupled to the valve cap, and locking protrusions protruding from the base body in a first direction toward the knob part, and operation buttons of the knob part can move between a locking position at which the knob protrusions protruding from the operation buttons interfere with the locking protrusions and an unlocking position at which the knob protrusions avoid interference with the locking protrusions.
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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 valve cap coupled to a heating drive unit that controls the supply of an energy source to a cooking unit having a cooking appliance; a knob portion coupled to an axial member so as to move together with the axial member along the rotational axis of the axial member protruding from the control panel having the cooking appliance and rotate together with the axial member around the rotational axis; and a base portion coupled to the valve cap between the valve cap and the knob portion.

[0010] The valve cap may be coupled to a gas pipe having the heating drive unit. The base portion may include a base body coupled to the valve cap, and a locking projection protruding from the base body toward a first direction toward the knob portion. 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. The operating button may be coupled to the knob cover so as to be movable between a locked position where the knob projection interferes with the locking projection and an unlocked position where the knob projection avoids interference with the locking projection.

[0011] The valve cap may include a first coupling member coupled to the gas pipe and a second coupling member spaced apart from the first coupling member. The base body may be coupled to each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

[0012] The valve cap may include a connecting member coupled to each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member between the first coupling member and the second coupling member. Each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member may protrude from the connecting member toward the first direction.

[0013] The above connecting member may be positioned on the first direction side with respect to the valve module having the heating drive unit, and on the second direction side with respect to the drive switch having the heating drive unit.

[0014] The above valve cap may include a valve hole formed by penetrating the above connecting member. The shaft member may be inserted into the valve hole such that the shaft member protrudes toward the first direction.

[0015] The first coupling member and the second coupling member may be spaced apart along a first axis direction perpendicular to each of the rotation axes and a spacing direction in which a plurality of shaft members coupled to the operating panel are spaced apart from each other.

[0016] The above-mentioned shaft member may include a sealing portion for sealing a panel hole formed in the operating panel so that it protrudes from the operating panel toward the first direction. The base portion may be coupled to the valve cap to pressurize the sealing portion.

[0017] The base body may be positioned on the second direction side with respect to the control panel. The sealing part may be positioned between the base body and the control panel.

[0018] The base body may be positioned on the first direction side with respect to the control panel. The sealing part may be positioned on the second direction side with respect to the control panel. The base part may include a pressure projection that protrudes from the base body toward the second direction and presses the sealing part.

[0019] 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 locking projection may include a locking body coupled to the base 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.

[0020] The first guiding member may include a first guiding surface formed such that the distance from the rotation axis increases as it protrudes from the locking body. The first guiding surface may press a knob projection rotating in the second rotational direction to guide the operation button to move to the release position.

[0021] The first guide surface above may be formed to form an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0022] The first guiding member may be formed such that the end positioned in the direction protruding from the locking body forms a curved surface.

[0023] The base portion may include a base hole into which the shaft member is inserted. The locking projection may include an inner surface positioned to face toward the shaft member inserted into the rotational shaft, and a return groove formed on the inner surface to allow a knob projection positioned between the shaft member inserted into the rotational shaft and the inner surface to be inserted. The operating button may be moved to the locking position as the knob projection is inserted into the return groove.

[0024] The above restoration groove can be formed such that its depth increases as it extends toward the first direction.

[0025]

[0026] The above base portion may include locking ribs coupled to each of the locking projection and the base body.

[0027] The above locking rib can be coupled to the locking projection and the base body, respectively, between the locking projection and the rotation axis.

[0028] The above locking rib may be formed in such a way that the distance from the rotation axis increases as it protrudes from the base body toward the first direction.

[0029] The valve cap may include a support projection protruding toward the first direction. The support projection may be positioned toward the second direction relative to the locking projection to support the base body.

[0030] The base portion may include a limiting projection protruding toward the first direction at a position spaced apart from the locking projection. The limiting projection is positioned opposite to the knob portion and can limit the angle at which the knob portion tilts when the operating button is in the locked position.

[0031] The base portion may include a base hole into which the shaft member is inserted. The limiting projection, the locking projection, and the shaft member inserted into the base hole may be arranged on the same line.

[0032] The base portion may include a base hole into which the shaft member is inserted. The limiting projection and the locking projection may be positioned at different distances from each other from the base hole.

[0033] The locking projection may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the base hole by a first distance. The limiting projection may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the base hole by a second distance longer than the first distance.

[0034] The above limiting projection may be positioned outside the rotation path of the knob projection that rotates around the rotation axis as the knob portion rotates around the rotation axis.

[0035] The above base portion may include a limiting rib coupled to each of the limiting projection and the base body.

[0036] 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 valve cap coupled to a heating drive unit that controls the supply of an energy source to the cooking unit having the cooking device; a knob part 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 having the cooking device and rotate together with the shaft member around the rotation axis; and a base part coupled to the valve cap between the valve cap and the knob part. The valve cap may be coupled to a gas pipe having the heating drive unit. The base part may include a base body coupled to the valve cap, and a locking projection protruding from the base body toward a first direction toward the knob part. 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. The 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.

[0037] The knob assembly according to the present invention as described above and the cooking device including the same have the following effects.

[0038] 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 base 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.

[0039] The present invention includes a valve cap coupled to a gas pipe of a heating drive unit, and can be implemented such that a base unit is coupled to and supported by the valve cap. Accordingly, since the base unit of the present invention can be firmly supported in the gas pipe through the valve cap, it can be stably applied to a gas-based system (a system that supplies gas as an energy source), where relatively more flow and shaking occur during operation compared to an electric-based system (a system that supplies electricity as an energy source).

[0040] The present invention can be implemented such that a first coupling member and a second coupling member of a valve cap are spaced apart from each other along a first axial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of each of the spacing direction in which a plurality of shaft members are spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, even if the base part is positioned on the front side of the control panel, the present invention can be implemented such that the fastening means for coupling the base part to the first coupling member and the second coupling member is positioned in a location that does not damage or break the drive switch of the heating drive part. Therefore, even if the present invention is implemented as a gas method supplying gas as an energy source, it is possible for the base part to be positioned not only on the rear side of the control panel but also on the front side of the control panel, thereby increasing the degree of design freedom regarding the position of the base part. Furthermore, since there is no need to secure additional space along the spacing direction to connect the base part, the present invention does not require increasing the spacing between knob assemblies based on the spacing direction.

[0041] The present invention is implemented such that a valve cap includes a support projection protruding toward a locking projection of a base portion, and the support projection supports the base body of the base portion to support the locking projection. Accordingly, the present invention is implemented such that the knob projection is supported while the locking projection is supported by the support projection, thereby further strengthening the blocking force that prevents the knob portion from being pushed when the operating button is in the locked position. Therefore, the present invention can prevent arbitrary operation or malfunction, and thereby further enhance the safety of the cooking appliance.

[0042] The present invention includes a locking projection having a base part and a locking rib coupled to each of the base body, and can strengthen the support force for the locking projection by using the locking rib. Accordingly, the present invention can strengthen the support force of the locking projection supporting the knob projection when the operating button is positioned in the locked position.

[0043] 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 base 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 unit 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, since the present invention can prevent damage or breakage to the knob portion, shaft member, etc., caused by excessive tilting of the knob portion, the service life of the knob portion, shaft member, etc., can be extended.

[0044] The present invention can induce an operation button to move to a release position by applying pressure to the knob projection as the knob portion rotates using a first guiding member of a locking projection. Accordingly, when the cooking portion is operated by the push-and-turn of the knob portion, if the user presses and rotates only the knob portion without pressing the operation button, the present invention can move the operation button to a release position using the first guiding member. Accordingly, the present invention is implemented so that the operation of the cooking portion 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.

[0045] The present invention is implemented such that, after the operating button is moved to the release position by the first guiding member, the knob projection is inserted into the return groove of the locking projection, thereby allowing the operating button to be moved from the release position to the locking position. Accordingly, the present invention is implemented to prevent the operating button from remaining in the release position and failing to move to the locking position due to the frictional force acting between the knob projection and the locking projection. Therefore, the present invention is implemented to stop the operation of the cooking unit and move the operating button to the locking position even without the user pressing the operating button, thereby providing the user with convenience of operation and simultaneously enhancing safety.

[0046] The present invention is implemented to seal a panel hole formed in an operating panel and an axial member inserted into the panel hole using a sealing part. Accordingly, the present invention can block moisture, etc. from penetrating toward the rear side of the operating panel through the panel hole and the axial member. Therefore, the present invention can improve safety by blocking moisture, etc. from penetrating toward the heating drive part using the sealing part.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cooking device according to the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the knob assembly according to the present invention separated from the knob shaft member.

[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic exploded perspective views of a valve cap, a base part, and a knob part in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded side view of the valve cap, base portion, and knob portion in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a valve cap in a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a knob assembly in a cooking appliance according to the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic combined perspective view of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 10 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.

[0056] FIG. 11 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.

[0057] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of a knob assembly according to the present invention coupled to an operating panel.

[0058] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a knob assembly according to the present invention, based on line II of FIG. 12.

[0059] FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of the base portion of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 15 is a schematic enlarged view showing part A of FIG. 14.

[0061] FIG. 16 is a schematic enlarged view showing the locking projection of FIG. 15 in a more enlarged size.

[0062] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a knob assembly according to the present invention, showing a locking projection along the line II-II of FIG. 16.

[0063] FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an embodiment in which a base portion of a knob assembly according to the present invention is positioned on the front side of an operating panel.

[0064] FIG. 19 is a schematic front view of a base portion according to a modified embodiment of a knob assembly according to the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 20 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a knob assembly according to the present invention along the line III-III of FIG. 19.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments of a cooking device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the knob assembly according to the present invention may be included in the cooking device according to the present invention, it will be described together with the description of the embodiments of the cooking device according to the present invention. Meanwhile, it should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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 (150). The display (150) may display operation information of the cooking unit (120). The above display (150) 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 display (150).

[0072] 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).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a heating drive unit (140, shown as a dotted line in FIG. 3) may be coupled to the control panel (130). The heating drive unit (140) may serve to supply an energy source to the cooking unit (120). If the energy source supplied by the heating drive unit (140) is electricity, the heating drive unit (140) may be implemented as a regulator. If the energy source supplied by the heating drive unit (140) is gas, the heating drive unit (140) may be implemented as a valve assembly. The heating drive unit (140) may be coupled to the rear surface of the control panel (130).

[0074] The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the heating drive unit (140). When the heating drive unit (140) is coupled to the rear side of the control panel (130), the shaft member (131) may be coupled to the heating drive unit (140) so as to be inserted into the control panel (130) and protrude forward from the front side (130a) of the control panel (130). In this case, a panel hole (130b) may be formed in the control panel (130). The panel hole (130b) may be formed by penetrating the control panel (130). The shaft member (131) may be positioned to protrude from the control panel (130) through the panel hole (130b). The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the heating drive unit (140) so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis (131a). The shaft member (131) may be coupled to the heating drive unit (140) so as to be movable along the rotation axis (131a). The heating drive unit (140) may be implemented such that the shaft member (131) does not rotate when the shaft member (131) is not pushed along the rotation axis (131a). Only when the shaft member (131) is pushed along the rotation axis (131a) may the heating drive unit (140) allow the shaft member (131) to rotate about the rotation axis (131a). As the pushing and rotation of the shaft member (131) occur, the heating drive unit (140) may selectively supply an energy source to the cooking unit (120). In this case, the heating drive unit (140) 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 heating drive unit (140) may allow the shaft member (131) to rotate around the rotation axis (131a) only when the shaft member (131) is pushed.Meanwhile, after an energy source is supplied to the cooking unit (120), the heating drive unit (140) may allow the shaft member (131) to rotate around the rotation axis (131a) even when the shaft member (131) is not pushed.

[0075] When the energy source supplied by the heating drive unit (140) is gas, the heating drive unit (140) may include a gas pipe (141), a nozzle (142), a valve module (143), and a drive switch (144).

[0076] The gas pipe (141) may receive gas from an external gas supply source (not shown). For example, the gas supply source may be a city gas pipeline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), etc. The gas supplied from the gas supply source to the gas pipe (141) may be selectively supplied to the cooking unit (120) under the control of the valve module (143) and the drive switch (144).

[0077] The nozzle (142) can be connected to the gas pipe (141). The nozzle (142) can function as a passage for receiving gas from the gas supply source.

[0078] The valve module (143) can be connected to the gas pipe (141). The valve module (143) can be connected to the cooking unit (120) through piping, etc. The valve module (143) can be connected to the drive switch (144). The valve module (143) can selectively supply gas supplied from the gas pipe (141) to the cooking unit (120) according to the operation of the drive switch (144).

[0079] The above drive switch (144) can be turned on and off according to the rotation angle of the shaft member (131). When the shaft member (131) rotates as the knob assembly (1) rotates, the drive switch (144) can receive the rotational force of the shaft member (131) and can be turned on and off according to the rotation angle of the shaft member (131). The drive switch (144) can be viewed as a type of ignition device. If the energy source is gas, the drive switch (144) can be an ignition switch.

[0080] A plurality of shaft members (131) may be coupled to the above-mentioned control panel (130). When a plurality of shaft members (131) are provided, a plurality of valve modules (143) and drive switches (144) may also be provided. The shaft members (131, 131', 131") may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the spacing direction (Y-axis direction). A knob assembly (1) may be coupled to each of the shaft members (131, 131', 131"). FIGS. 4 and 5 show the shaft members (131, 131', 131") coupled to each of the valve modules (143), but this is to show the shaft members (131, 131', 131") spaced apart from each other along the spacing direction (Y-axis direction), and the shaft members (131, 131', 131") can be coupled to each of the drive switches (144). Meanwhile, the shaft members (131, 131', 131") can also be coupled to each of the valve modules (143).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, 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) is operated by the user's operating force, thereby allowing the cooking unit (120) to be controlled through the control of the heating drive unit (140). The knob assembly (1) can be implemented as a knob assembly according to the present invention. When the cooking device (100) according to the present invention includes a plurality of knob assemblies (1), the knob assemblies (1) can control the operation of different cooking units (120).

[0082] The above knob assembly (1) may include a valve cap (2), a base part (3), and a knob part (4).

[0083] The valve cap (2) can be coupled to the heating drive unit (140). In this case, the valve cap (2) can be coupled to the gas pipe (141) of the heating drive unit (140). Accordingly, the valve cap (2) can be firmly supported by the gas pipe (141). The valve cap (2) can be directly coupled to the gas pipe (141) through welding or the like. The valve cap (2) may also be supported by the gas pipe (141) by being coupled to a bracket (not shown) coupled to the gas pipe (141).

[0084] The base part (3) can be coupled to the valve cap (2). Since the valve cap (2) is supported by the gas pipe (141), the base part (3) can be firmly supported by the gas pipe (141) through the valve cap (2). Accordingly, when the heating drive part (140) is operated by the push and turn of the knob part (4), even if flow and shaking occur relatively more in the method of supplying gas as an energy source (hereinafter referred to as the 'gas method') than in the method of supplying electricity as an energy source (hereinafter referred to as the 'electric method'), the base part (3) is implemented to be firmly supported by the valve cap (2), so that it can be stably applied to the gas method as well.

[0085] A valve hole (20) may be formed in the valve cap (2). The valve hole (20) may be formed by penetrating the valve cap (2). Through the valve hole (20), the valve module (143) and the drive switch (144) may be connected to each other. The shaft member (131) may be inserted into the valve hole (20). In this case, the shaft member (131) may be inserted into the valve hole (20) so as to protrude toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The first direction (direction of the FD arrow) may be a direction parallel to the rotation axis (131a) and toward the knob portion (4) on the control panel (130).

[0086] The above valve cap (2) may include a first coupling member (21) and a second coupling member (22).

[0087] The base portion (3) can be coupled to the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22). The first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22) can be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the valve cap (2) can support different parts of the base portion (3) using the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22), thereby strengthening the support force for the base portion (3). In this case, the first coupling member (21) can be firmly supported by the gas pipe (141) by being coupled to the gas pipe (141).

[0088] The first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22) may be spaced apart along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The first axial direction (X-axis direction) may be an axial direction perpendicular to the spacing direction (Y-axis direction) and the rotation axis (131a), respectively. Therefore, even if a gas method is applied in which a number of parts of the heating drive unit (140) and related parts are arranged along the spacing direction (Y-axis direction), the base part (3) can be coupled to the valve cap (2) without interference with the parts of the heating drive unit (140) and related parts. In this case, even if the base part (3) is placed on the front (130a) of the control panel (130) and coupled to the valve cap (2) by a fastening means such as a bolt, the fastening means can be placed in a position that does not damage or break the drive switch (144). Accordingly, in the cooking device (100) according to the present invention, the base part (3) can be positioned not only on the rear of the control panel (130) but also on the front (130a), thereby increasing the degree of design freedom regarding the position of the base part (3). In addition, since there is no need to secure additional space along the separation direction (Y-axis direction) to combine the base part (3), the cooking device (100) according to the present invention does not need to further increase the spacing between the knob assemblies (1) based on the separation direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the first axis direction (X-axis direction) may be an axis direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0089] The above valve cap (2) may include a connecting member (23).

[0090] The connecting member (23) may be coupled to the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22) respectively between the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22). In this case, the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22) respectively may protrude from the connecting member (23) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). Accordingly, sufficient space may be secured in the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22) to fasten the base portion (3) with fastening means such as a bolt. Additionally, with respect to the first direction (direction of the FD arrow), the connecting member (23) may be formed to have a shorter length compared to the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22) respectively. Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can be implemented so that the driving switch (133) and the valve module (143) are easily connected to each other even if the valve cap (2) is provided. The valve cap (2) can be formed in an overall U-shape.

[0091] The connecting member (23) may be positioned in the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) with respect to the valve module (143). The connecting member (23) may be positioned in the second direction (direction of the SD arrow) with respect to the driving switch (144). With respect to the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the driving switch (144) may be positioned between the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22). The driving switch (144) and the valve module (143) may be connected to each other through the valve hole (20). In this case, the valve hole (20) may be formed by penetrating the connecting member (23).

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the base portion (3) may be coupled to the valve cap (2) between the valve cap (2) and the knob portion (4). The base portion (3) may include a base body (30). The base body (30) may form the overall appearance of the base portion (3). The base body (30) may be coupled to the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22), respectively. The base body (30) may be formed such that the length based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction) is longer than the length based on the separation direction (Y-axis direction). Accordingly, the first fastening means for connecting the base body (30) to the first connecting member (21) and the second fastening means for connecting the base body (30) to the second connecting member (22) can be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Thus, the base part (3) can be implemented so that the first fastening means and the second fastening means are connected to the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22), respectively, without damaging or breaking the drive switch (144). The base body (30) can be positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) with respect to the valve cap (2). The base body (30) can be positioned in the second direction (SD arrow direction) with respect to the knob part (4). The base body (30) can be formed in the shape of a plate overall. A base hole (30a) may be formed in the base body (30). The base hole (30a) may be formed by penetrating the base body (30). The shaft member (131) may be inserted into the base hole (30a). Accordingly, the shaft member (131) may be coupled to a knob part (4) positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) relative to the base part (3) through the base hole (30a).

[0093] The base part (3) may include a locking projection (31).

[0094] The locking projection (31) may protrude from the base body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The locking projection (31) may be coupled to the base body (30). The locking projection (31) may be coupled to the base body (30) at a position spaced apart from the base hole (30a). Accordingly, the locking projection (31) may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the shaft member (131) inserted into the base hole (30a). The locking projection (31) and the base body (30) may be formed integrally.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, 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 base portion (3).

[0096] 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 heating drive portion (140) allows the rotation of the shaft member (131) only when the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) are moved beyond the turning distance as the knob portion (4) is pushed, thereby converting the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) into a rotatable state. 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 heating drive portion (140) blocks the rotation of the shaft member (131), thereby preventing the knob portion (4) and the shaft member (131) from converting 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.

[0097] The above knob part (4) may include a knob projection (41), a driving knob (42), a knob cover (43), and an operation button (44).

[0098] 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.

[0099] First, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, 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. In addition, in the cooking device (100) according to the present invention, since the base part (3) having the locking projection (31) is firmly supported by the gas pipe (141) through the valve cap (2), when the operating button (44) is positioned at the locking position (LP), the locking projection (31) supports the knob projection (41), thereby strengthening the blocking force to prevent the knob part (4) from being pushed. Meanwhile, the valve cap (2) may include a support projection (24) protruding toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The support projection (24) may be positioned toward the second direction (direction of the SD arrow) relative to the locking projection (31) to support the base body (30).Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented such that the knob projection (41) is supported while the locking projection (31) is supported by the support projection (24), thereby further strengthening the blocking force that prevents the knob portion (4) from being pushed when the operating button (44) is positioned at the locking position (LP). The support projection (24) may protrude from the connecting member (23) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). The support projection (24) may be positioned at a location spaced apart from the valve hole (20). Based on the spaced direction (Y-axis direction), the support projection (24) and the driving switch (144) may be arranged side by side. In this case, a groove for inserting the support projection (24) may be formed on the side of the driving switch (144). The above support projection (24) can be inserted into the groove to support the base part (3) positioned on the first direction (FD arrow direction) relative to the drive switch (144).

[0100] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when the operation button (44) is moved along the operation direction (MD axis direction) to 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) is not interfered with by 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) may allow the knob portion (4) to be pushed at the release position (RP). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may allow the user to push the knob portion (4) when the user moves the operation button (44) to the release position (RP), thereby allowing the cooking portion (120) to operate in a situation intended by the user. In addition, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may allow the user to push and turn the knob portion (4) when the user moves the operation button (44) to the release position (RP), thereby allowing the amount of rotation of the knob portion (4) to be adjusted in a situation intended by the user, so that the cooking portion (120) can be controlled.

[0101] 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).

[0102] The above drive knob (42) may include a coupling member (421) and an interlocking member (422).

[0103] 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 in the shape of 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] The knob cover (43) may include a gripping member (431) and a cover member (432).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The above-mentioned operation button (44) may include a button member (441) and a support member (442).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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 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 in the shape of a semicircular plate overall.

[0117] 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).

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the knob portion (4) may include an elastic member (45).

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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 operating button (44). Accordingly, the elastic members (45) can reduce the tilting that occurs in the operating button (44) during the process of the operating 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 operating button (44) moves between the lock position (LP) and the unlock position (RP).

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the knob portion (4) may include a weight plate (46).

[0122] 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.

[0123] The weight plate (46) may be positioned between the drive knob (42) and the base part (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 may be formed in the weight plate (46). The through hole may be formed by penetrating the weight plate (46). The drive knob (42) may be inserted into the through hole. Accordingly, the drive knob (42) may be coupled to the shaft member (131) through the through hole. A moving hole may be formed in the weight plate (36). The moving hole may be formed by penetrating the weight plate (46). The knob projection (41) may be inserted into the moving hole. The knob projection (41) can be moved along the operation direction (MD axis direction) while inserted into the movement hole. 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 movement hole. To this end, the movement hole may 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 movement hole, thereby allowing the operation button (44) to move in a straight line along the operation direction (MD axis direction). The movement hole and the through hole may be formed to be connected to each other.

[0124] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13, 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), which can convert the shaft member (131) into a rotatable state. In this case, the shaft member (131) can be moved beyond the conversion distance due to the tilting of the knob portion (4). In this way, even when the operating button (44) is in the lock position (LP), the cooking portion (120) can be operated in an unintended situation due to the tilting of the knob portion (4).

[0125] To prevent this, in the cooking device (100) according to the present invention, the base part (3) may include a limiting projection (32).

[0126] 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.

[0127] The limiting projection (32) may protrude from the base body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The limiting projection (32) and the base 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.

[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 13, 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 base body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow) 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 (direction of the FD arrow). Accordingly, when the knob portion (4) moves toward the second direction (direction of the SD arrow) 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 (direction of the SD arrow) 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.

[0129] Meanwhile, there is a concern that when the above-mentioned operating button (44) is in the lock position (LP) and the knob part (4) is tilted, the shaft member (131) may move toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) and switch to a rotatable state. To prevent this, the limiting projection (32) may protrude from the base body (30) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) so that the maximum movement distance of the shaft member (131) when the above-mentioned operating button (44) is in the lock position (LP) and the knob part (4) is tilted is shorter than the switching distance. Accordingly, even if the shaft member (131) moves toward the second direction (SD arrow direction) as the knob part (4) is tilted, the limiting projection (32) can support the weight plate (46) so that the shaft member (131) does not switch to a rotatable state. Additionally, the limiting projection (32) may protrude from the base 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] The limiting projection (32) may be placed in an area opposite to the area where the locking projection (31) is placed, based on the base hole (30a). For example, when the locking projection (31) is placed in one side area (left area) with respect to the base hole (30a) with respect to FIG. 14, the limiting projection (32) may be placed in the other side area (right area) with respect to the base hole (30a). 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 projection (31) and the knob projection (41) in the one side area, and the knob part (4) can be prevented from tilting by utilizing interference between the limiting projection (32) and the knob part (4) in the other side area.

[0132] The limiting projection (32) can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the locking projection (31) and the shaft member (131) inserted into the base hole (30a). That is, the limiting projection (32), the locking projection (31), and the shaft member (131) inserted into the base hole (30a) can be positioned on the same line. 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 limiting projection (32) by positioning the limiting projection (32) at a location where the tilting of the knob part (4) can occur most significantly. The limiting projection (32) and the locking projection (31) can be positioned apart from each other at an angle of 180° with respect to the rotation axis (131a).

[0133] The limiting projection (32) and the locking projection (31) may be positioned at different distances from the base hole (30a). As shown in FIG. 14, when the locking projection (31) is positioned at a first distance (D1) from the base hole (30a), the limiting projection (32) may be positioned at a second distance (D2) from the base 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), and 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 base hole (30a) and the inner surface (31a) of the locking projection (31). The inner surface (31a) of the locking projection (31) may be a surface of the locking projection (31) arranged to face the shaft member (131) inserted into the base hole (30a). The second distance (D2) may be a straight distance connecting the center of the base 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 base hole (30a). The inner surface of the limiting projection (32) and the inner surface (31a) of the locking projection (31) may be positioned to face the shaft member (131) inserted into the base hole (30a). Meanwhile, the center of the base hole (30a) may be positioned on the rotation axis (131a).

[0134] The limiting projection (32) may be positioned outside the rotation path (41a) 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).

[0135] Here, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can be implemented such that when the user rotates the cooking unit (120) by pressing only the knob unit (4) without pressing the operation button (44) while the user is operating the cooking unit (120) through the push and turn of the knob unit (4), the movement of the operation button (44) is induced using the knob projection (41). To this end, the locking projection (31) can be implemented as follows.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 17, the locking projection (31) may include a locking body (310) and a first guiding member (311).

[0137] The locking body (310) may be coupled to the base body (30). The locking body (310) may protrude from the base 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 base hole (30a) and the limiting projection (32). The locking body (310) and the base body (30) may be formed integrally.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 (41a) 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).

[0140] 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. 15, 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).

[0141] The first guiding member (311) may include a first guiding surface (311a). The first guiding surface (311a) may be a surface of the first guiding member (311) positioned to face the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction). The first guiding surface (311a) may be formed such that the distance from the rotation axis (131a) increases as it protrudes from the locking body (310). Accordingly, the first guiding surface (311a) can move the knob projection (41) toward the rotation axis (131a) by pressing the knob projection (41) which is rotated in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction). Thus, the first guiding surface (311a) can move the operation button (44) to the release position (RP). The first guiding surface (311a) 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 (311a). If the first guiding surface (311a) is formed as a curved surface, the first guiding surface (311a) may be formed as a convex curved surface toward the second rotation direction (direction of the R2 arrow).

[0142] 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 (311a), 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).

[0143] The first guiding member (311) may be formed such that the end (311b) positioned in the direction protruding from the locking body (310) forms a curved surface. 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 guiding member (311) by using the curved surface of the end (311b) of the first guiding member (311) during the process in which the knob projection (41) contacts the first guiding member (311). 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 guiding member (311) by using the curved surface of the end (311b) of the first guiding member (311). The center of curvature of the curved surface of the first guiding member (311) can be located on the inner side of the first guiding member (311).

[0144] Although not illustrated, the locking projection (31) may include a second guiding member. The second guiding member may be positioned toward the second rotational direction (R2 arrow direction) relative to the locking body (310). The second guiding member may induce the operation button (44) to move to the release position (RP) by pressing the knob projection (41) as the knob portion (4) rotates in the first rotational direction (R1 arrow direction). The pressing force applied by the second guiding member to the knob projection (41) may be achieved by the force of the user rotating the knob portion (4) in the first rotational direction (R1 arrow direction). The second guiding member may include a second guiding surface. The second guiding surface may be a surface of the second guiding member positioned to face toward the second rotational direction (R2 arrow direction). The second guiding surface may be formed to have a convex curved surface toward the second rotational direction (direction of the R2 arrow). When the second guiding member is provided, the knob projection (41) may include a second projection surface (412) corresponding to the second guiding member. By forming the second projection surface (412) as an inclined surface or a curved surface corresponding to the second guiding surface, the guiding force that induces the knob projection (41) to move toward the rotation axis (131a) using pressure from the second guiding member can be increased.

[0145] Meanwhile, in the case of the above gas method, the available range to be rotated around the rotation axis (131a) for the control of the above cooking unit (120) is implemented up to the position before the knob projection (41) contacts the second guiding member. Therefore, when applied to the above gas method, the locking projection (31) can be implemented to have only the first guiding member (311) without the second guiding member.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17, the base portion (3) may include a restoration groove (312).

[0147] The above restoration groove (312) can induce the operation button (44) to move to the lock position (LP). The above restoration groove (312) can be formed on the inner surface (2a) of the locking projection (31). Accordingly, the knob projection (41) located between the inner surface (2a) and the shaft member (131) can be inserted into the restoration groove (312) and moved through the restoration groove (312). Thus, the operation button (44) can be moved from the unlock position (RP) to the lock position (LP) using the restoration groove (312). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented to prevent the operation button (44) from remaining at the unlock position (RP) and failing to move to the lock position (LP) due to the frictional force acting between the knob projection (41) and the inner surface (2a). Meanwhile, the force to move the knob projection (41) through the restoration groove (312) so that the above-mentioned operating button (44) moves to the above-mentioned lock position (LP) can be provided by the elastic member (35).

[0148] The above-mentioned restoration groove (312) may be formed such that its depth increases as it extends toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). Accordingly, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can increase the inducing force to guide the operation button (44) to move to the lock position (LP) by utilizing the above-mentioned restoration groove (312). The portion of the inner surface (2a) positioned to face the above-mentioned restoration groove (312) may be formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0149] When the first guiding member (311) is provided together with the above-mentioned restoration groove (312), the user can operate the cooking unit (120) by pushing and turning the knob part (4) without pressing the operating button (44) and by pressing only the knob part (4) to rotate it in the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction), thereby moving the operating button (44) to the release position (RP) using the first guiding member (311), and then moving the operating button (44) to the lock position (LP) using the above-mentioned restoration groove (312). In this way, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention is implemented so that the operation of the cooking unit (120) can be stopped and the operating button (44) can be moved to the lock position (LP) even without the user pressing the operating button (44), thereby providing the user with convenience of operation and simultaneously increasing safety.

[0150] The base portion (3) may include a locking rib (33).

[0151] The locking rib (33) can be coupled to the locking projection (31) and the base body (30), respectively. Accordingly, the locking rib (33) can strengthen the support force for the locking projection (31). Thus, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can strengthen the support force of the locking projection (31) supporting the knob projection (41) when the operating button (44) is positioned at the locking position (LP). In addition, when the cooking device (100) according to the present invention operates the cooking unit (120) by pushing and turning the knob unit (4) and the user rotates it by pressing only the knob unit (4) without pressing the operation button (44), the locking projection (31) can strengthen the supporting force of the locking projection (31) that supports the knob unit (41) during the process of the locking projection (31) pressing the knob unit (41) to move the operation button (44) to the release position (RP). In this way, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of the locking projection (31) being damaged or broken by strengthening the supporting force for the locking projection (31) using the locking rib (33).

[0152] The locking rib (33) can be coupled to the locking projection (31) and the base body (30) respectively between the locking projection (31) and the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, the locking rib (33) can not only strengthen the supporting force of the locking projection (31) supporting the knob projection (41), but also strengthen the supporting force for the locking projection (31) during the process in which the knob projection (41) moves to the locking position (LP) through the restoration groove (312). The base part (3) may include a plurality of the locking ribs (33). The locking ribs (33) can be coupled to the locking projection (31) and the base body (30) respectively at different locations to strengthen the supporting force of the locking projection (31).

[0153] The locking rib (33) may be formed such that the distance from the rotation axis (131a) increases as it protrudes from the base body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). Accordingly, the locking rib (33) can not only further strengthen the supporting force of the locking projection (31) supporting the knob projection (41), but also further strengthen the supporting force for the locking projection (31) during the process in which the knob projection (41) moves to the locking position (LP) through the restoration groove (312). In this case, the outer surface of the locking rib (33) may be formed such that the distance from the outer surface of the locking projection (31) decreases as it extends from the base body (30) toward the first direction (direction of the FD arrow). The outer surface of the locking rib (33) may be a surface of the locking rib (33) positioned to face opposite to the direction in which the locking projection (31) is located. The outer surface of the locking projection (31) may be a surface of the locking projection (31) positioned to face the locking rib (33).

[0154] The above base portion (3) may include a limiting rib (34).

[0155] The limiting rib (34) can be coupled to the limiting projection (32) and the base body (30), respectively. Accordingly, the limiting rib (34) can strengthen the support force for the limiting projection (32). Thus, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can strengthen the support force for the limiting projection (32) supporting the knob portion (4) to prevent the shaft member (131) from being converted to a rotatable state due to the tilting of the knob portion (4).

[0156] The limiting rib (34) can be coupled to the limiting projection (32) and the base body (30) respectively between the limiting projection (32) and the rotation axis (131a). Accordingly, the limiting rib (34) can strengthen the supporting force of the limiting projection (32) supporting the knob part (4). The base part (3) may include a plurality of the limiting ribs (34). The limiting ribs (34) can be coupled to the limiting projection (32) and the base body (30) respectively at different locations to strengthen the supporting force of the limiting projection (32). For example, one of the limiting ribs (34) may be positioned on the first rotation direction (R1 arrow direction) side with respect to the limiting projection (32). Any one of the limiting ribs (34) may be positioned toward the second rotation direction (R2 arrow direction) with respect to the limiting projection (32). Any one of the limiting ribs (34) may be positioned toward the direction in which the rotation axis (131a) is located with respect to the limiting projection (32). The limiting projection (32) may be positioned between any one of the limiting ribs (34) and the rotation axis (131a). The outer surface of the limiting rib (34) may be formed such that the distance from the outer surface of the limiting projection (32) decreases as it extends from the base body (30) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction). The outer surface of the limiting rib (34) may be a surface of the limiting rib (34) positioned to face opposite to the direction in which the limiting projection (32) is located. The outer surface of the limiting projection (32) may be a surface of the limiting projection (32) positioned to face the limiting rib (34).

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, the knob assembly (1) may include a sealing portion (5).

[0158] The sealing part (5) can seal the panel hole (130b) formed in the control panel (130). The panel hole (130b) can be formed by penetrating the control panel (130). The shaft member (131) can be inserted into the panel hole (130b). The sealing part (5) can be in close contact with the control panel (130) and also in close contact with the shaft member (131). Accordingly, the sealing part (5) can block moisture, etc. from penetrating toward the rear side of the control panel (130) through the panel hole (130b) and the shaft member (131). Therefore, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention can improve safety by using the sealing part (5) to block moisture, etc. from penetrating toward the heating drive part (140). The sealing part (5) can be positioned on the rear side of the control panel (130). In this case, the sealing part (5) may be positioned on the second direction (SD arrow direction) with respect to the control panel (130). A through hole may be formed in the sealing part (5) for inserting the shaft member (131). The sealing part (5) may be made of a gasket.

[0159] The sealing part (5) can be pressurized by the base part (3). The base part (3) is coupled to the valve cap (2) and pressurizes the sealing part (5), thereby strengthening the sealing force using the sealing part (5). As shown in FIG. 13, when the base body (30) is positioned in the second direction (SD arrow direction) relative to the control panel (130), the sealing part (5) can be positioned between the base body (30) and the control panel (130). In this case, the base body (30) can press the sealing part (5) toward the first direction (FD arrow direction) so that the sealing part (5) is in close contact with the control panel (130).

[0160] Here, the cooking device (100) according to the present invention may be implemented such that the base part (3) is coupled to the valve cap (2) on the rear side of the control panel (130) as shown in FIG. 4, or may be implemented such that the base part (3) is coupled to the valve cap (2) on the front side (130a) of the control panel (130) as shown in FIG. 18. Although the above description has focused on an embodiment in which the base part (3) is coupled to the valve cap (2) on the rear side of the control panel (130), the above description may also be implemented such that the base part (3) is coupled to the valve cap (2) on the front side of the control panel (130). Meanwhile, in the case of an embodiment in which the base part (3) is coupled to the valve cap (2) on the front side (130a) of the control panel (130), the base part (3) may be implemented as follows.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the base body (30) may be positioned on the front (130a) of the control panel (130) and connected to the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22), respectively. The base body (30) may be formed such that its length in the first axis direction (X-axis direction) is longer than its length in the separation direction (Y-axis direction). Accordingly, the first fastening means for connecting the base body (30) to the first connecting member (21) and the second fastening means for connecting the base body (30) to the second connecting member (22) may increase the distance between them along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Accordingly, the base portion (3) can be implemented such that the first fastening means and the second fastening means are coupled to the first coupling member (21) and the second coupling member (22), respectively, without damaging or breaking the drive switch (144). The base body (30) can be coupled to the front surface (130a) of the operating panel (130) between the front surface (130a) of the operating panel (130) and the knob portion (4).

[0162] The base portion (3) may include the locking projection (31), the limiting projection (32), the locking rib (33), etc. Since the locking projection (31), the limiting projection (32), the locking rib (33), etc. can be implemented in a manner roughly consistent with that described in the embodiment above in which the base body (30) is positioned on the rear side of the control panel (130), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0163] In an embodiment where the base body (30) is positioned on the front (130a) of the control panel (130) and coupled to the valve cap (2), the sealing part (5) may be positioned in the second direction (SD arrow direction) relative to the control panel (130). The base body (30) may be positioned in the first direction (FD arrow direction) relative to the control panel (130). The base body (30) may include a pressure projection (30b). The pressure projection (30b) may protrude from the base body (30) toward the second direction (SD arrow direction). Accordingly, the pressure projection (30b) may be inserted into the panel hole (130b) as shown in FIG. 20 and pressurize the sealing part (5) positioned on the rear side of the control panel (130). In this case, the sealing portion (5) is compressed by the driving switch (144) and the pressure projection (30b), thereby strengthening the sealing force with which the sealing portion (5) adheres to the rear surface of the control panel (130). Accordingly, the pressure projection (30b) can strengthen the sealing force using the sealing portion (5). The base hole (30a) may be formed in the pressure projection (30b).

[0164] 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 valve cap coupled to a heating drive unit that controls the supply of an energy source to the cooking section of the cooking device; 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 control panel of the cooking device and rotate together with the shaft member around the rotation axis; and It includes a base portion coupled to the valve cap between the valve cap and the knob portion, The above valve cap is coupled to the gas pipe having the heating drive unit, and The above base portion includes a base body coupled to the valve cap, and a locking projection protruding in a first direction toward the knob portion from the base body. 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-described operating button is a knob assembly 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 a unlocked position in which the knob projection avoids interference with the locking projection.

2. In Paragraph 1, The valve cap comprises a first coupling member coupled to the gas pipe and a second coupling member spaced apart from the first coupling member. The above base body is a knob assembly coupled to each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above valve cap includes a connecting member coupled to each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, and Each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is a knob assembly protruding from the connecting member toward the first direction.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above connecting member is a knob assembly disposed on the first direction side with respect to the valve module having the heating drive unit and disposed on the second direction side with respect to the drive switch having the heating drive unit.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above valve cap includes a valve hole formed by penetrating the above connecting member, and A knob assembly in which the shaft member is inserted into the valve hole such that the shaft member protrudes toward the first direction.

6. In Paragraph 2, The first coupling member and the second coupling member are a knob assembly in which a plurality of shaft members coupled to the operating panel are spaced apart along a first axis direction perpendicular to each of the spacing direction and the rotation axis.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned shaft member includes a sealing portion for sealing a panel hole formed in the operating panel so that it protrudes from the operating panel toward the first direction, and The above base portion is coupled to the above valve cap and is a knob assembly that pressurizes the above sealing portion.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above base body is positioned on the second direction side with respect to the above control panel, and The above sealing part is a knob assembly disposed between the base body and the control panel.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above base body is positioned on the first direction side with respect to the above control panel, and The above sealing part is positioned on the second direction side with respect to the above control panel, and A knob assembly comprising a base portion that protrudes from the base body toward the second direction and presses the sealing portion.

10. 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 locking projection comprises a locking body coupled to the base 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.

11. In Paragraph 10, The first guiding member includes a first guiding surface formed such that the distance from the rotation axis increases as it protrudes from the locking body, and The above first guiding surface is a knob assembly that presses a knob projection rotating in the above second rotational direction to guide the above operating button to move to the above release position.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned first guide surface is a knob assembly formed to form an inclined surface or a curved surface.

13. In Paragraph 10, The first guiding member is a knob assembly formed such that the end positioned in the direction protruding from the locking body forms a curved surface.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above base portion includes a base hole for inserting the shaft member, and The locking projection comprises an inner surface positioned to face toward a shaft member inserted into the rotational shaft, and a restoration groove formed on the inner surface to allow a knob projection positioned between the shaft member inserted into the rotational shaft and the inner surface to be inserted therein. The above-described operating button is a knob assembly that moves to the locking position as the knob projection is inserted into the restoration groove.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above-mentioned restoration groove is a knob assembly formed such that its depth increases as it extends toward the first direction.

16. In Paragraph 1, The above base portion is a knob assembly comprising a locking rib coupled to each of the locking projection and the base body.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above locking rib is a knob assembly coupled to the locking projection and the base body, respectively, between the locking projection and the rotation axis.

18. In Paragraph 16, The above locking rib is a knob assembly formed in such a way that the distance from the rotation axis increases as it protrudes from the base body toward the first direction.

19. In Paragraph 1, The above valve cap includes a support projection protruding toward the first direction, and A knob assembly that supports the base body by positioning the support projection on the second direction side relative to the locking projection.

20. In Paragraph 1, The above base portion includes a limiting projection protruding toward the first direction at a position spaced apart from the locking projection, and A knob assembly in which the limiting projection is positioned opposite to the knob portion and limits the angle at which the knob portion tilts when the operating button is in the lock position.

21. In Paragraph 20, The above base portion includes a base hole for inserting the shaft member, and The above limiting projection, the above locking projection, and the shaft member inserted into the base hole are a knob assembly arranged on the same line.

22. In Paragraph 20, The above base portion includes a base hole for inserting the shaft member, and The above limiting projection and the above locking projection are knob assemblies positioned at different distances from each other from the base hole.

23. In Paragraph 22, The above locking projection is positioned at a location spaced apart from the base hole by a first distance, and The above limiting projection is a knob assembly positioned at a second distance from the base hole that is longer than the first distance.

24. In Paragraph 22, The above limiting projection is a knob assembly positioned outside the rotation path of the knob projection that rotates around the rotation axis as the knob portion rotates around the rotation axis.

25. In Paragraph 20, The above base portion is a knob assembly comprising a limiting rib coupled to each of the limiting projection and the base body.

26. Cooking body; A cooking unit coupled to the above cooking body; A control panel coupled to the above cooking body; and A cooking appliance comprising any one of the knob assemblies of claims 1 to 25 coupled to the above-mentioned control panel.