Title of Invention

MANIPULATION DEVICE OF MICROWAVE OVEN

Abstract

This invention relates to a manipulation device of a microwave oven. In the manipulation device, a coupling shaft 110 of a dial knob 120 includes a guide rib 130 on its outer surface, a coupling tab 150 extending from a leading end of the guide rib 130, and a reinforcement rib formed on a side of the guide rib 130. Therefore, the coupling shaft 110 can be protected from an excessive force acted on the dial knob 100.

Full Text

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title] MAN IPULATI ON DEVICE OF MICROWAVE OVEN [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a manipulation device of a microwave oven, and more particularly, to a control panel of a microwave oven In which coupling structure of a dial knob and an output adjust ing gear is improved to increase durability. [Background Art] A microwave oven is a cool ing appliance in which a magnetron converts electrical energy into microwave and appl ies the microwave to food or other objects to be heated. The microwave oven is usually placed on a piece of kitchen furniture to use it at the kitchen. Also, a microwave oven combined with a hood may be p I aced above a gas range to cook the food and exhaust smoke or fumes. Meanwhile, the users can set or adjust cooking time by rotating a dial knob extended from a front control panel of the microwave oven. Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a dial knob according to the related art. Refer r ing to Fig. 1, a dial knob 20 is mounted on a control panel 40 of a microwave oven. The dial knob 20 has a circular barrel shape and includes acoupl ing shaft 22 extending from an inner center with a predetermined length. The coupl ing shaft 22 is to be coupled with an output adjusting gear (not shown) that is instal led insideof the control panel 40. The coupling shaft 22 defines a coupling hole 24 at its leading end to receive a coupl ing member such as a screw. The coupl ing shaft 22 has a circular sect ion of which some port ion is cut off. The output adjusting Gear defines a shaft hole at a center portion to receive the coup I ing shaft 20. Therefore, when the coupl ing shaft 22 is inserted into the shaft hole, the output adjust ing gear can be rotated by rotating the dial knob 20. Further, a coupler gear (not shown) is interposed between the output adjusting gear and a control circuit gear (not shown) controlling the output power of the microwave oven. The Operation of the dial knob assembly will now be described briefly. When the user rotates the dial knob 20 to set cooking temperature or heating intensity (output power) of the microwave oven, the output adjust ing gear coupled with the coupl ing shaft 22 of the dial knob 20 is rotated proport ional ly to the rotat ion of the dial knob 20. The rotat ion of the output adjust ing gear causes the coupler gear to rotate. Dial knobs having the same or simi lar structures as ment ioned above are disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-2003-0079583 and 10-2003-0085887, appl ied by the present appl icant of the present invent ion. However, thedial knobof the related art has some disadvantages. The shaft 22 of the dial knob 20 has a circular section of which some port ion is cut of f, and def ines the coupl ing hole 24 for coupl ing with the coupl ing member to prevent detachment of the dial knob 20 from the output adjust ing gear. Therefore, the sect ion of the shaft 22 around the coupl ing hole 24 is not uniform. This non-uniform sect ion may cause a crack at a narrower port ion when the coupl ing member is inserted. Further, rotat ing the dial knob 20 with an excessive force may cause a crack at the narrower sect ion of the coupl ing shaft 22. and once the crack is formed it maybe easi ly developed even when the dial knob 20 is gently rotated, thereby breaking the coupl ing shaft 22 and causing ma I funct ion of the dial knob 20. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to amanipulat ion device of amicrowave oven that substantial ly obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the relatedart. An object of the present invention is to provide a man ipulat ion device of a microwave oven, in which coupling structure of a dial knob and an output adjusting gear is improved to prevent breakage of a couoling shaft of the dial knob. Another object of the present Invention is to provide a manipulation device of a microwave oven, in which rotat ion of a dial knob is restrictedwi thin a predetermined range to prevent breakage of a couplling shaft of the dial knob, such that the dial knob can be used without malfunction. [Technical Solution] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, there is provided a manipulation device of amicrowave oven, including: a control panel; a dial knob stably mounted on the control panel, the dial knob including a coupl ing shaft formed at a center portion with a predetermined length and at least one guide rib formed on an outer surface of the coupl ing shaft; and an output adjust ing gear coupled with thedial knob. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manipulation device of a microwave oven, including: a dial knob; a coupl ing shaft extended from a center of the dial knob with a predetermined length; an output adjusting gear having a shaft hole in which the coupling shaft is inserted; a control panel in which the dial knob is rotatably inserted; and a couplling member fixing the output adjusting gear to the dial knob, for an integral rotation of the output adjusting gear with the dial knob. According to a further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a manipulation device of a microwave oven, including: a dial knob; an output adjusting gear coupled with the dial knob for transmitting the rotation motion of the dial knob; a control panel having a knob hole in which the dial knob is rotatably inserted and a stop projection extending from a circumference of the knob hole toward a center of the knob hole; and a coupl ing member for the coupl ing of the dial knob and the output adjust ing gear. [Advantageous Effects] According to the present invention, a manipulation device of a microwave oven is designed such that a dial knob of the manipulation device is not cracked even when it is excessively rotated, thereby increasing durability and reliability. [Descr iption of Drawings] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a dial knob according to the related art; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dial knob assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a rear view of a dial knob according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a phantom view of a dial knob assembly according to the present invention; and Fig. 5 is a sectional viewof a dial knob assembly according to the present invention. [Best Mode] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dial knob assembly according to the present invent ion. Referring to Fig. 2, a dial knob assembly includes: a dial knob 100 which a user can rotate; a control panel 300 on which display devices are installed; an output adjusting gear 200 to be installed inside of the control panel 300 and coupled with the dial knob 100; and a screw 330 for fastening the output adjust ing gear to the dial knob 100. The dial knob 100 is rotatably inserted in the control panel 300 (when assembled). The dial knob 100 defines a recessed opening on the back and includes a cyl indrical coupl ing shaft 110 protruded from a center of the recessed open ing with a predetermined length. The coupl ing shaft 110 defines a screw hole 120 having a predetermined depth, in which a coupl ing member such as the screw 300 is to be inserted. Further, the dial knob 100 includes at least one guide rib 130 (two are shown) formed on an outer surface of the coupling shaft 110 with a predetermined length and width, and includes a reinforcement rib 140 extended from a side of the guide rib 130 with a predetermined length. The guide rib 130 includes a coupl Ing tab 150 at its leading end with a predetermined length. The width , of the coupl ing tab 150 issomewhat smal ler than that of the guide r ib 130. The rotational movement of the dial knob 100 is restricted by the guide rib 130 and a stop projection 310 (tne stopping is distinctly shown in Fig. 4). That Is, the dial knob 100 can be rotated until the guide rib 130 is abutted against the stop project ion 310. The reinforcement rib 140 protects the guide rib 130 from an excessive force acted when the guide rib 130 Is abutted against the stop projection 310. The coupling tab 150 is to be inserted in a tab slot 211 of the output adjusting gear 200. The width and length of the coupling tab 150 is not limited to the illustrated shape. For example, the width and length of the coupl ing tab 150 may be the same values as the guide rib 130. Also, it is apparent that the size of the tab slot 211 of the output adjusting gear 200 should be changed depend ing on thewidthof the coupl ing tab 150. The control panel 300 includes a knob hole 320 and the stop project ion 310. The dial knob 100 is inserted into the knob hole 320, and the stop projection 310 is extended toward the center of the knob hole 320 to restrict the rotation of the dial knob 100. The stop project ion 310 is designed such that the guide rib 130 is abutted against the side of the stop project ion 310 when the dial knob 100 is rotated a predetermined angle, thereby restricting the rotat ion of the dial knob 100. The output adjust ing gear 200 includes a shaft hole 210 and the tab slot 211. The shaft hole 210 is def ined at a center port ion of the output adjust ing gear 200 to receive the coupl ing shaft 110 of the dial knob 100. The tab slot 211 (two are shown) is defined in a radial direction of the shaft hole 210 with a width corresponding to the width of the coupl ing tab 150, such that the coupl ing tab 150 can be inserted into the tab slot 211. Therefore, the coup I ing shaft 110 and the coupling tab 150 can be exactly inserted into the shaft hole 210 and the tab slot 211 respectively, such that the output adjust ing gear 200 can be coupled with the dial knob 100. Further, the output adjusting gear 200 includes gear teeth 220 at its circumference to engage with a coupler gear (now shown) that is engaged with a control circuit gear. The output adjusting gear 200 also includes a guide surface 230 that is extended from the gear teeth 220. The guide surface 230 has a less width than that of the gear teeth 220 but a large outer diameter than that of the gear teeth 220. The guide surface 230 supports the coupler gear to prevent disengagement of the coupler gear from the output adjust ing gear 200. The coupling member (screw 330) is to be inserted in the screw hole 120 of the coupl ing shaft 110 in order to secure thecoupling of the dial knob 100 and the output adjusting gear 200. The operation of the dial knob assembly wi 11 nowbedescr ibed. Operating input values such as heating time and heating intensity (output power) are set using the dial knob 100. That is, theoperation of the microwave oven is started by manipulating the dial knob 100. When a user rotates the dial knob 100 to set operating input values such as cooking time and output power, the rotational force acted on the dial knob 100 by the user is transmitted to the shaft hole 210 through the coupl ing shaft 110 and the coupl ing tab 150. The transmitted force rotates the output adjust ing gear 200. That is, rotation of the dial knob 100 causes the output adjust ing gear 200 to rotate. Further, the rotation of the output adjust ing gear 200 causes the coupler gear torotate, and thecontrol circuit gear engagedwith thecoupler gear is also rotated. Intheend, the cooking time and output power (operating input values) can beset by the rotation of the control circuit gear. Fig. 3 is a rear view of a dial knob according to the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a phantom view of a dial knob assembly according to the present invention. Refer r ing to Figs. 3 and 4, the dial knob 100 has a circular barrel shape with a predetermined diameter and depth and is provided wi th the coupl ing shaft 110 extended from the inner center. The coupl ing shaft 110 includes the guide rib 130 (two are shown) formed in the radial direction with a predetermined radial width and axial length. The reinforcement rib 140 is projected from one side of the guide rib 130 to enhance the strength of the guide rib 130. The other side of the guide rib 130 where the reinforcement rib 140 is not formed is to be brought into contact with the stop projection 310. Therefore, though a user excessively rotates the dial knob 100, the excessive load on the guide rib 130 can be transmitted to the reinforcement rib 140, such that the guide rib 130 can be protected from breakage. Most weak region, border between the coupl ing shaft 110 and the guide rib 130, can be protected wel I owing to the reinforceraeitrib 140. Fig. 5 is a sectional viewof a dial knob assembly according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, the dial knob 100 is mounted on the control panel 300, and the output adjust ing gear 200 is coup led with the dial knob 100 from an inside of the control panel 300. The control panel 300 includes an inwardly recessed surface and a circular receiving sleeve 340. On the inwardly recessed surface, the dial knob 100 is mounted. The circular receiving sleeve 340 is protruded from the opposite surface of the inwardly recessed surface with a predetermined length to receive the output adjust ing gear 200. That is, the output adjusting gear 200 is inserted in the receiving sleeve 340 and is rotated when the dial knob 100 is rotated. Since the output adjusting gear 200 is inserted into the receiving sleeve 340, the output adjusting gear 200can be prevented from separat ing from the control panel 300. The teeth 220 are formed on a circumference of the output adjusting gear 200. The guide surface 230 is formed under the teeth 220 with a large diameter than that of the teeth 220. The output adjusting gear 200 includes a gear sleeve 240 protruded from a surface faced with the control panel 300. The outer diameter of the gear sleeve 240 is the same as the inner diameter of the receiving sleeve 340 of the control panel 300, such that the gear sleeve 240 can be tightly inserted into the receiving sleeve 240. When the dial knob 100 is rotated, the gear sleeve 240 is also rotated in the receiving sleeve 340. The coupl ing tab 150 is extended forwardly from the guide rib 130 with a predetermined height. The coupl ing tab 150 is inserted into the tab slot 211 of the output adjust ing gear 200. The screw 330 is inserted into the screw hole 120 formed in the coupling shaft 110. The stop project ion 310 of the control panel 300 restr icts the rotat ion of the dial knob 100, such that the dial knob 100 is rotated within a restricted range. This restriction protects the coupling shaft from a crack. According to the construct ion of the dial knob, the coupl ing shaft 110 can have a circular section. Also, in case the screw hole 120 is defined in the coupl ing shaft 110, the coupl ing shaft 110 can have a uniform section without a narrower portion. Therefore, stress concentration is not appeared when a force is acted on the coupl ing shaft 110, such that durabi I ityof the dial knob can be increased. Further, the relationship between the guide rib 130 and the stop project ion 310 restricts the rotat ion of the dial knob 100 within a predetermined range, such that operational rel iabi I i ty of thedial knob 100 can be increased. Furthermore, the guide rib 130 and the reinforcement rib 140 enhances the strength of the dial knob 100, such that the dial knob 100 can be protected from the excessive force without breakage, thereby increasing durability of the dial knob 100. [Industrial Applicability] The dial circular section, and in case the screw hole is defined in the coupl ing shaft the coupl ing shaft can have a uniform sect ion. Therefore, thedial knob of the present invent ion can be appl ied to var ious home appl iances such as microwave ovens and washing machines that require the dial knob to input operating set values. We claim: 1. A manipulation device of a microwave oven, comprising: a control panel 300; a dial knob 100 stably mounted on the control panel 300, the dial knob 100 having a coupling shaft 110 formed at a center portion with a predetermined length and at least one guide rib 130 formed on an outer surface of the coupling shaft 110; and an output adjusting gear 200 coupled with the dial knob 100. 2. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control panel 300 comprises a recessed portion on which the dial knob 100 is mounted. 3. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control panel 300 comprises a knob hole 320 at a predetermined location in which the dial knob 100 is inserted for the stable mounting. 4. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control panel 300 comprises a stop projection 310 protruded from a circumference of the knob hole 320 toward a center of the knob hole 320 to restrict a movement of the dial knob 100 within a predetermined range. 5. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a coupling member 330 is inserted at an end of the coupling shaft 130 to fix the output adjusting gear 200 to the dial knob 100. 6. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling shaft 110 has a hole 120 at a leading end with a predetermined depth, for receiving a coupling member 330. 7. The manipulation device according to claim 1, wherein the guide rib 130 comprises a coupling tab 150 protruded from a leading end with a predetermined width and height. 8. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide rib 130 comprises a reinforcement rib 140 formed at one side with a predetermined width and length. 9. A manipulation device of a microwave oven, comprising: a dial knob 100; a coupling shaft 110 extending from a center of the dial knob 100 with a predetermined length; an output adjusting gear 200 having a shaft hole 210 in which the coupling shaft 110 is inserted; a control panel 300 in which the dial knob 100 is rotatably inserted; and a coupling member 330 fixing the output adjusting gear 200 to the dial knob 100, for an integral rotation of the output adjusting gear 200 with the dial knob 100". 1.0. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the output adjusting gear 200 comprises a tab slot 211 extending from a circumference of the shaft hole 210 with a predetermined length. 11. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein. the output adjusting gear 200 comprises a guide surface 230 for preventing an engaged gear from separating from the output adjusting gear 20.0. 12. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the output adjusting gear 200 comprises a guide surface 230 on a back, an outer diameter of the guide surface being larger than an outer diameter of gear teeth 220 of the output adjusting gear 200. 13. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the coupling member 330 is a screw of which outer surface is threaded. 14. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the output adjusting gear 200 comprises a gear sleeve 240 formed at a back with a predetermined diameter and height. 15. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control panel 300 comprises: a mounting surface at one side on which the dial knob 100 is stably mounted; and a receiving sleeve 34 0 formed on the other side with a predetermined diameter and height to stably receive the output adjusting gear 200. 16. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the output adjusting gear 200 comprises at least one slot 211 extending radially from a circumference of the shaft hole 210 with a predetermined length and width. 17. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the output adjusting gear 200 comprises at least one slot 211 in which a rib 150 formed on the coupling shaft 110 is inserted, such that the dial knob 100 is rotated integrally with the output adjusting gear 200 without slip. 18. A manipulation device of a microwave oven, comprising: a dial knob 100; an output adjusting gear 200 coupled with the dial knob 3 00 for transmitting the rotation motion of the dial knob 100; a a control panel 300 having a knob hole 320 in which the dial knob 100 is rotatably inserted and a stop projection 310 extending from a circumference of the knob hole 320 toward a center of the knob hole 32 0; and a coupling member 330 for the coupling of the dial knob 100 and the output adjusting gear 200. 19. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 18, wherein rotational range of the dial knob 100 inserted in the knob hole 320 is determined by a width of the stop projection 310. 20. The manipulation device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the output adjusting gear 200 comprises a guide surface 2.30 on a side to prevent an engaged gear from separating from the output adjusting gear 200. This invention relates to a manipulation device of a microwave oven. In the manipulation device, a coupling shaft 110 of a dial knob 120 includes a guide rib 130 on its outer surface, a coupling tab 150 extending from a leading end of the guide rib 130, and a reinforcement rib formed on a side of the guide rib 130. Therefore, the coupling shaft 110 can be protected from an excessive force acted on the dial knob 100.

Documents:

245-kolnp-2006-granted-abstract.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-assignment.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-claims.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-correspondence.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-description (complete).pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-drawings.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-examination report.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-form 1.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-form 18.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-form 3.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-form 5.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-gpa.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

245-kolnp-2006-granted-specification.pdf