COOKING APPARATUS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus, and in particular, a cooking apparatus provided with a door opening and closing a cooking compartment.

BACKGROUND ART

Cooking apparatuses are installed in the kitchen and used to cook food items as the user wants. Cooking apparatuses can fall into different categories, based on a heat source or a type, and the sort of fuel.

Additionally, cooking apparatuses can be categorized into an open cooking apparatus in which a food item is placed in an open space, and a sealed cooking apparatus in which a food item is placed in a closed space, based on a way of cooking a food item. The sealed cooking apparatus comprises an oven, a microwave oven and the like, and the open cooking apparatus comprises a cooktop, a hob and the like.

In the sealed cooking apparatus, a space in which a food item is placed is shielded, and the shielded space is heated to cook the food item. In the sealed cooking apparatus, a chamber as a space, i.e., a cooking compartment, in which a food item is placed and which is shielded when a food item is cooked, is provided in a main body. The cooking compartment is a space in which a food item is substantially cooked, in the cooking apparatus. A heat source is supplied to the inner space or outer space of the cooking compartment to heat the cooking compartment.

A microwave oven in the category of sealed cooking apparatuses generates microwaves by using electricity and allows the microwaves to infiltrate into a target food item accommodated in the cooking compartment, to heat the target food item by triggering a molecular motion in the food item.

The microwave oven radiates a high frequency of a magnetron to a cooking target and heats the inside and outside of the cooking target at the same time. Ensuring high thermal efficiency, the microwave oven is widely used thanks to its advantages of significantly reducing cooking time of a cooking target, decreasing loss of nutrients of a cooking target during the processes of cooking, defrosting and heating the cooking target, and directly cooking a cooking target in the state of being stored in a container.

The microwave oven is provided with a door for opening and closing a cooking compartment ordinarily formed in a maim body. Based on a way of opening or closing the cooking compartment, a left-right opening-closing type door, an up-down opening-closing type door, a sliding door and the like may be applied to the door provided at the microwave oven, and in most cases, a left-right opening-closing type door may be applied to the microwave oven.

Additionally, a latch may be provided between the main body and the door to selectively fix the door opening and closing the cooking compartment. The latch detects whether the door is closed, not to proceed with cooking in the state where the door is opened, while serving as a holder that keeps the door closed.

Ordinarily, the latch cannot fix the door to completely prevent the door from being opened. That is, in the case where a force of predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the door in the state where the door closes the cooking compartment, the door fixed by the latch is unfixed without additional manipulation, and accordingly, rotates or slides to open the cooking compartment.

With the above-described door opening and closing structure, as the user pulls the door, the door is easily opened. Thus, the cooking compartment may be opened unintentionally due to the user's mistake or a child's mistake and the like while the microwave oven operates.

In the case where the cooking compartment is opened unintentionally during the operation of the microwave oven, the user may be burned or injured due to heat in the cooking compartment in which a food item is being cooked.

Additionally, in the case where a child frequently opens and closes the door even when cooking is not performed, the latch may be rapidly worn, and the worn latch makes the opening and closing operation of the door unreliable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problems

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking apparatus having an improved structure in which a door is fixed reliably to prevent a cooking compartment from being opened unintentionally.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking apparatus having an improved structure in which a door is fixed and unfixed conveniently and readily.

Technical Solutions

A cooking apparatus of one embodiment comprises a door button configured to rotate around one side of the door button in a lateral direction thereof to open a door, in the case where the door button experiences press manipulation, and a locking mechanism configured to selectively restrain a movement of the door button rotating based on the press manipulation, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locker provided in such a way that a posture of the locker is changeable, and a manipulation button provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible and configured to change the posture of the locker to a posture of restraining a rearward movement of the door button and a posture of allowing a rearward movement of the door button.

In the case where the locker is in the posture of restraining a rearward movement of the door button, the locker may interfere with a rear projection protruding rearward from the door button to restrain a rearward movement of the door button.

Additionally, in the case where the locker is in the posture of allowing a rearward movement of the door button, the locker may escape from a path in which the rear projection moves, to allow a rearward movement of the door button.

Accordingly, the cooking apparatus may provide a double door-fixation function of fixing the door automatically reliably, and a function of maintaining a state where the double door-fixation function is canceled.

The cooking apparatus in one aspect may comprise a main body configured to have a cooking compartment therein, and have an open front surface; a door disposed at a front of the main body, and rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the cooking compartment; a latching mechanism installed at the door in such a way that the latching mechanism is selectively coupled to the main body, and coupled to the main body to fix the door to a closing position; a door button provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible, configured to rotate around one side of the door button in a lateral direction thereof and move to a pressed position in the case where the door button experiences press manipulation, and configured to separate the latching mechanism from the main body at the pressed position; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively restrain a movement of the door button.

The locking mechanism may comprise a locker provided in such a way that a posture of the locker is changeable to a locking posture of restraining the door button from moving to the pressed position and a locking cancelation posture of allowing the door button to move to the pressed position; and a manipulation button provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible, and configured to change the posture of the locker from the locking posture to the locking cancelation posture in the case where the manipulation button experiences press manipulation.

Preferably, the posture of the locker changes while the locker rotates around a front-rear axis, and the manipulation button is disposed at one side of the locker in a lateral direction thereof, and configured to rotate the locker while pressing the locker at one side of the locker in the lateral direction thereof.

Preferably, the locker comprises a rotation shaft provided in such a way that the rotation shaft is rotatable around a front-rear axis; a first hold projection configured to restrain a movement of the door button at a first locking position, allow a movement of the door button at a first locking cancelation position, and connect to the rotation shaft in connection with a rotation of the rotation shaft, in such a way that the first hold projection is movable to the first locking position and the first locking cancelation position; and a first connection projection configured to extend from the rotation shaft to connect to the manipulation button, and rotate the rotation shaft while moving in connection with a movement of the manipulation button.

Preferably, the first connection projection protrudes from the rotation shaft in a centrifugal direction of the rotation shaft.

Preferably, the manipulation button is disposed at one side of the first connection projection in a lateral direction thereof and moves in a lateral direction.

Preferably, the first connection projection moves in a rotation direction of the rotation shaft in connection with a lateral movement of the manipulation button.

Preferably, the first hold projection and the first connection projection respectively protrude in a different direction, while protruding from the rotation shaft in the centrifugal direction of the rotation shaft.

Preferably, the locker further comprises a second hold projection that restrains a movement of the door button at a second locking position in the case where the first hold projection is at the first locking position.

Preferably, the second hold projection protrudes in a direction different from a protrusion direction of the first hold projection, while protruding from the rotation shaft in the centrifugal direction of the rotation shaft.

Preferably, the first hold projection and the first connection projection respectively protrude in a different direction, while protruding from the rotation shaft in the centrifugal direction of the rotation shaft.

Preferably, the locker further comprises a third hold projection that restraints a movement of the door button at a third locking position in the case where the first hold projection is at the first locking position.

Preferably, the third hold projection protrudes in a direction different from a protrusion direction of the first connection projection, while protruding from the first connection projection.

Preferably, the first hold projection and the first connection projection respectively protrude in a different direction, while protruding from the rotation shaft in the centrifugal direction of the rotation shaft.

Preferably, the locker further comprises a second hold projection and a third hold projection that restraint a movement of the door button at the second locking position and the third locking position in the case where the first hold projection is at the first locking position.

Preferably, the door button comprises a pressed surface that is provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible, and first to third rear projections that protrude rearward from the pressed surface.

Preferably, the first hold projection is disposed on a path in which the first rear projection moves, at the first locking position, the second hold projection is disposed on a path in which the second rear projection moves, at the second locking position, and the third hold projection is disposed on a path in which the third rear projection moves, at the third locking position.

Preferably, the first rear projection is spaced from the second rear projection in the lateral direction, and at least any one of the first rear projection and the second rear projection is spaced from the third rear projection in an up-down direction.

Preferably, the cooking apparatus further comprises a power transfer member that is provided in such a way that the power transfer member is movable to a coupling position and a coupling cancelation position.

Preferably, the power transfer member allows a coupling between the latching mechanism and the main body at the coupling position, and decouples the latching mechanism and the main body at the coupling cancelation position.

Preferably, the door button moves to the pressed position to move the power transfer member to the coupling cancelation position.

Preferably, the door button comprises a pressed surface that is provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible, and a push projection that protrudes rearward from the pressed surface.

Preferably, the power transfer member comprises a delivery shaft that is provided in such a way that the delivery shaft is rotatable around a lateral axis and connects to the latching mechanism, and a delivery panel that connects to the delivery shaft, is disposed at a rear side of the push projection, and provided in such a way that the delivery panel is rotatable around one side thereof connecting to the delivery shaft in a front-rear direction.

Preferably, the push projection connects to the delivery panel to rotate the delivery panel rearward.

Preferably, in the case where the door button is moved to the pressed position, the push projection pushes the delivery panel rearward to move the power transfer member to the coupling cancelation position.

Preferably, in the case where the power transfer member is moved to the coupling cancelation position, the delivery shaft decouples the latching mechanism and the main body while rotation in one direction.

Preferably, the cooking apparatus further comprises a control panel that is disposed at a front of the main body and disposed in a lateral direction of the door.

Preferably, the control panel comprises a front surface that forms a surface parallel with the door, a door button insertion hole that penetrates the front surface in the front-rear direction, and a rear support surface that forms a surface, disposed further rearward than the front surface, in the door button insertion hole.

Preferably, the rear support surface is disposed between the pressed surface and the delivery panel, and the push projection penetrates the rear support surface to connect to the delivery panel.

Preferably, the locker comprises a rotation shaft provided in such a way that the rotation shaft is rotatable around a front-rear axis; and a hold projection configured to restrain a movement of the door button from behind at a locking position, allow a movement of the door button at a locking cancelation position, and connect to the rotation shaft to move to the locking position and the locking cancelation position in connection with a rotation of the rotation shaft.

Preferably, the locker further comprises a locker fixation member that extends from the rotation shaft to connect to the delivery panel.

Preferably, the locker fixation member moves in connection with a movement of the hold projection, and in the case where the hold projection is at the locking cancelation position, is coupled to the delivery panel and fixes the locker to the delivery panel.

Preferably, the locker fixation member comprises a protrusion boss configured to connect to the hold projection; a fixation projection which is coupled to the protrusion boss in such a way that the fixation projection is movable in the front-rear direction, and at least a portion of which protrudes from the protrusion boss toward the delivery panel; and an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force of moving the fixation projection toward the delivery panel.

Preferably, the fixation projection is coupled to the delivery panel such that the locker fixation member is coupled to the delivery panel.

Preferably, a fixation groove is concavely formed rearward on a front surface of the delivery panel facing the fixation projection, and the fixation projection is inserted into the fixation groove and coupled to the delivery panel in the case where the hold projection is at the locking cancelation position.

Advantageous Effects

In the cooking apparatus of the present disclosure, a locking mechanism is provided to fix a door to a main body to allow the door to keep closing a cooking compartment, thereby reliably fixing the door and effectively preventing the cooking compartment from being opened unintentionally during the operation of the cooking apparatus.

In the cooking apparatus of the present disclosure, the locking mechanism enables automatic fixation of the door in the state of closing the cooking compartment, thereby ensuring improvement in the reliability of the cooking apparatus and convenience of manipulation.

In the cooking apparatus of the present disclosure, the door is fixed and unfixed conveniently and easily, thereby suppressing frequent occurrence of unnecessary opening and closing, and effectively suppressing unreliability in the opening and closing operation of the door, caused by an abnormally fast worn latching mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooking apparatus of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cooking apparatus in FIG. 1 with a door open.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view separately showing a control panel in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view showing a state in which the control panel and a locking mechanism in FIG. 3 are disassembled.

FIG. 5 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the state where the control panel and the locking mechanism in FIG. 3 are disassembled.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view showing the portion of a door button in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section along line “VII-VII” in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line “VIII-VIII” in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a locking cancelation state of the locking mechanism in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line “X-X” in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the states of a delivery panel and a locking mechanism when a locker is at a locking position.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the states of the delivery panel and the locking mechanism when the locker is at a locking cancelation position.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line “XIII-XIII”in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a power transfer member in FIG. 13 is moved to a coupling cancelation position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The above-described aspects, features and advantages are specifically described hereafter with reference to accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains can embody the technical spirit of the disclosure easily. In the disclosure, detailed description of known technologies in relation to the subject matter of the disclosure is omitted if it is deemed to make the gist of the disclosure unnecessarily vague Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the disclosure are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals can denote identical or similar components.

The terms “first”, “second” and the like are used herein only to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, the components are not to be restricted by the terms. Certainly, a first component can be a second component, unless stated to the contrary.

Embodiments are not restricted to the embodiments set forth herein, and can be modified and changed in various different forms. The embodiments in the disclosure are provided such that the disclosure can be through and complete and fully convey its scope to one having ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, all modifications, equivalents or replacements as well as a replacement of the configuration of any one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment or an addition of the configuration of any one embodiment to the configuration of another embodiment, within the technical spirit and scope of the disclosure, are to be included in the scope of the disclosure.

The accompanying drawings are provided for a better understanding of the embodiments set forth herein and are not intended to restrict the technical spirit of the disclosure. It is to be understood that all the modifications, equivalents or replacements within the spirit and technical scope of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure. The sizes or thicknesses of the components in the drawings are exaggerated or reduced to ensure ease of understanding and the like. However, the protection scope of the subject matter of the disclosure is not to be interpreted in a restricted way.

The terms in the disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments or examples and not intended to restrict the subject matter of the disclosure. In the disclosure, singular forms include plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In the disclosure, the terms “comprise”, “comprised of” and the like specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof but do not imply the exclusion of the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof.

The terms “first”, “second” and the like are used herein only to distinguish one component from another component, and the components are not to be restricted by the terms.

When any one component is described as “connected” or “coupled” to another component, any one component can be directly connected or coupled to another component, but an additional component can be “interposed” between the two components or the two components can be “connected” or “coupled” by an additional component. When any one component is described as “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, an additional component cannot be “interposed” between the two components or the two components cannot be “connected” or “coupled” by an additional component.

When any one component is described as being “on (or under)” another component, any one component can be directly on (or under) another component, and an additional component can be interposed between the two components.

Unless otherwise defined, all the terms including technical or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and unless explicitly defined herein, are not to be interpreted in an ideal way or an overly formal way.

In the state where a cooking apparatus stands on the floor, a direction in which a door is installed with respect to the center of the cooking apparatus is defined as a forward direction. Accordingly, a direction toward the inside of the cooking apparatus with the door open is defined as a rearward direction. For convenience, the forward direction and the rearward direction can be referred to as a first direction. Then the forward direction is referred to as one direction of the first direction, and the rearward direction is referred to as the other direction of the first direction.

Additionally, a gravitational direction can be defined as a downward direction, and a direction opposite to the gravitational direction can be defined as an upward direction.

Further, a horizontal direction across a front-rear direction of the cooking apparatus, i.e., a widthwise direction of the cooking apparatus that is seen in front of the door of the cooking apparatus, can be referred to as a left-right direction. For convenience, the left-right direction can be referred to as a second direction. Then the right side can be referred to as one direction of the second direction, and the left side can be referred to as the other direction of the second direction.

Further, the widthwise direction of the cooking apparatus can also be referred to as a lateral direction. Then the right side can also be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side can be referred to the other side of the lateral direction.

Additionally, an up-down direction can be referred to as a third direction. Then the upward direction can be referred to as one direction of the third direction, and the downward direction can be referred to as the other direction of the third direction.

Furthermore, the up-down direction can be referred to as a vertical direction. Then the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, i.e., the first direction and the second direction, can be referred to as the horizontal direction.

Throughout the disclosure, the terms “A and/or B” as used herein can denote A, B or A and B, and the terms “C to D” can denote C or greater and D or less, unless stated to the contrary.

Entire Structure of Cooking Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooking apparatus of one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cooking apparatus in FIG. 1 with a door open.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior of the cooking apparatus of one embodiment is formed by a main body 10. The main body 10 may have a shape comprising an approximate rectangular cuboid shape, and be made of a material having predetermined strength to protect a plurality of parts that are installed in the inner space of the main body. The main body 10 may comprise a cavity 11 and a cabinet 13.

The cavity 11 may form the inner skeleton of the main body 10. The cavity 11 may be shaped into a cuboid the front surface of which is open. A cooking compartment 14 may be formed in the cavity 11. The cooking compartment 14 may have a shape corresponding to the inner shape of the cavity 11, i.e., be shaped into a cuboid the front surface of which is open.

The cooking compartment 14 may be shaped into a cuboid the front surface of which is open. The inner space of the cooking compartment 14 is heated, with the cooking compartment 14 closed, to perform cooking. That is, in the cooking apparatus, the inner space of the cooking compartment 14 is a space in which a food item is cooked substantially.

The cabinet 13 may form the exterior of the main body 10, outside the cavity 11. The cabinet 13 may form the exterior of the main body 10 while covering the cavity 11 from the upper portion and the lateral portion of the cavity 11.

In this embodiment, a front plate 12 is disposed at the front of the cavity 11, for example.

The front plate 12 may form the exterior of the front surface of the main body 10, at the front of the cavity 11. In an example, the front plate 12 may be provided in the form of a metal sheet having a hollow hole.

A door 20 selectively opening and closing the cooking compartment 14 may be swivably provided at the front of the main body 10. The door 20 may open and close the cooking compartment 14, based on a side-swing method in which the other side of the door 20 in the lateral direction thereof swivels in the left-right direction around one side of the door in the lateral direction thereof. For example, the door 20 may close the cooking apparatus 14 at a closing position, and open the cooking apparatus 14 by swiveling at the closing position.

The door 20 may be shaped into a cuboid that has a predetermined thickness entirely. Additionally, a hinge may be installed between the main body 10 and the door. The hinge may be disposed at one side of the main body 10 in the lateral direction thereof and couple one side of the door 20 in the lateral direction thereof to the main body 10 in such a way that one side of the door 20 in the lateral direction thereof is rotatable. The door 20 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge, on the front surface of the main body 10, and open and close the cooking compartment 14 while rotating around the hinge.

Additionally, a cooking compartment heat source for heating in the cooking compartment 14 is provided in the main body 10. The cooking compartment heat source may be embodied as one sort of heat source, or two or more sorts of heat source.

In this embodiment, the cooking compartment heat source comprises a magnetron that may supply a high-frequency heat source into the cooking compartment 14, for example. The magnetron may be disposed and installed in the upper portion or lateral portion of the cooking compartment 14, while being installed in the main body 10.

Further, an electric component compartment may be formed in the main body 10 and disposed in the upper portion or lateral portion of the cooking compartment 14 in the main body 10. In this embodiment, the magnetron and the electric component compartment are disposed in the lateral portion of the cooking compartment 14, for example. Electric components such as a magnetron, a high-voltage transformer and the like may be installed in the electric component compartment.

Further, a control panel 15 may be provided on the front surface of the main body 10. The control panel 15 may be disposed at the front side of the cavity 11, and disposed in an area where the control panel 15 does not overlap the cooking compartment 14 in the front-rear direction. For example, the electric component compartment may be disposed in the lateral portion of the cooking compartment 14, and the control panel 15 may be disposed at the front side of the electric component compartment.

The control panel 15 may be shaped into a cuboid having a predetermined inner space, and an input part 16 may be provided on the front surface of the control panel 15 such that the user inputs a manipulation signal for operating the cooking apparatus to the input part 16.

The input part 16 may be provided with a plurality of manipulation switches, and through the manipulation switches, the user may input a manipulation signal directly.

Further, the control panel 15 may be further provided with a display part 16 that provides information on the operation of the door and the operation of the cooking apparatus provided with the door or information on cooking of a food item and the like, such that the user sees a variety of information on the cooking apparatus through the display part 17.

Further, the control panel 15 may be provided with a door button 30. In this embodiment, the door button 30 is disposed further lower than the display part 17 and the input part 16, for example. The door button 30 may serve as a switch that is used to open the door 20.

In this embodiment, the door button 30 is provided in the form of a push button, for example. As the door button 30 is pressed, the door 20 may be opened while a latching mechanism 40 described hereinafter escapes from a structure having held the latching mechanism.

In another example, the door button 30 may be provided as an electronic button, or a structure in relation to the opening of the door 20 may be embodied in various different forms in such a way that the door 20 is provided to be opened without the door button 30, and the like.

Structure of Door

The door 20 may comprise a door panel 21 forming the skeleton of the door 20. The door panel 21 may have a cuboid shape corresponding to the shape of the front surface of the main body 10. An open window 22 may be formed inside the door panel 21 in such a way that the open window 22 penetrates the door panel 21 to allow the user to look into the cooking compartment 14 with the naked eye. In this embodiment, the door panel 21 is made of a metallic material having predetermined strength, for example.

Additionally, a door frame 25 may be installed outside the door panel 21. The door frame 25 may form the exteriors of the front surface, upper surface, lower surface and lateral surface of the door 20, and be shaped into a cuboid the rear surface of which is open. The door panel 21 may be accommodated in the door frame 25.

Further, a hinge may be installed at one side of the door frame 25 in the lateral direction thereof, and couple the door panel 21 to the main body 10 in such a way that the door panel 21 is swivable. The hinge may be installed respectively at the upper end and the lower end at one side of the door frame 25 in the lateral direction thereof.

Further, the cooking apparatus may further comprise a latching mechanism 40. The latching mechanism 40 may be provided to fix the door 20 at the closing position.

In this embodiment, the latching mechanism 40 is installed at the door 20, for example. The latching mechanism 40 installed at the door 20, as described above, may be inserted into the main body 10 by penetrating a latch slot formed in such a way that the latch slot penetrates the front surface of the main body 10 as the door 20 shields the cooking compartment 14.

The latching mechanism 40 inserted into the main body 10 is engaged with a holding structure installed in the main body 10 and is coupled to the holding structure, to fix the door 20 to the main body 10 selectively.

A swivel of the door 20 with respect to the main body 10 is restricted based on the operation of the latching mechanism 40, such that the cooking compartment 14 remains shielded by the door 20 substantially. Additionally, based on an operation of detecting whether the latching mechanism 40 is engaged with the holding structure, it may be detected whether the door 20 is closed, and accordingly, in the state where the door 20 is opened, the operation of the cooking apparatus may be controlled no to proceed with cooking.

Further, the cooking apparatus may further comprise a locking mechanism 100. The locking mechanism 100 may fix the door 20 at the closing position, together with the latching mechanism 40.

The locking mechanism 100 may be provided to fix the door button 30 to prevent the door button 30 from being manipulated. The locking mechanism 100 may be disposed near the door button 30, while being disposed at the control panel 15.

Specifically, the locking mechanism 100 may be disposed at the lower side of the control panel 15 and the rear side of the door button 30. The locking mechanism 100 is provided to restrict the movement of the door button 30. In the case where the door button 30 is prevented from being manipulated, the door 20 is not opened, and accordingly, the locking mechanism 100 restricts the movement of the door button 30 to restrict the swivel of the door 20.

Thus, in the cooking apparatus of this embodiment, the door 20 may be provided in such a way that the door 20 is fixed doubly by the latching mechanism 40 and the locking mechanism 100. That is, in the cooking apparatus of this embodiment, the latching mechanism 40 and the main body 10 need to be decoupled, and the locking mechanism 100 and the door button 30 need to be decoupled, such that the door 20 opens the cooking compartment 14.

Structures of Door Button and Peripheral Parts Thereof

FIG. 3 is a perspective view separately showing a control panel in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view showing a state in which the control panel and a locking mechanism in FIG. 3 are disassembled. FIG. 5 is an exploded rear perspective view showing the state where the control panel and the locking mechanism in FIG. 3 are disassembled, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view showing the portion of a door button in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the door button 30 may be installed at the control panel 15, and provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible. In the case where the door button 30 experiences press manipulation, the door button 30 is moved to a pressed position, such that the latching mechanism 40 may operate to separate from the main body 10, specifically, the holding structure provided at the main body 10.

In this embodiment, one side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof is rotatably coupled to the control panel 15, for example. Accordingly, the door button 30 may move to the pressed position by rotating around one side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof.

In an example, the door button 30 may comprise a pressed surface 31 and an edge projection 33. The pressed surface 31 corresponds to front surface of the door button 30 that is provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible. The pressed surface 31 may form a planar surface approximately parallel with the front surface of the control panel 15. The edge projection 33 may be formed in such a way that the edge projection extends rearward from the edge of the pressed surface 31 in the lateral direction thereof.

The door button 30 may further comprise a hinge part 32. The hinge part 32 may be disposed in such a way that the hinge part is eccentric to one side out of one side and the other side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof. The hinge part 32 may be coupled to the control panel 15 in such a way that the hinge part 32 is rotatable around an up-down axis.

Based on a coupling between the hinge part 32 and the control panel 15, the door button 30 may rotate in the front-rear direction around one side of the door button, at which the hinge part 32 is disposed, in the lateral direction thereof.

The control panel 15 may comprise a front surface forming the exterior of the front of the control panel 15, and a lateral surface extending rearward from the edge of the front surface of the control panel 15. The front surface of the control panel 15 may form a surface approximately parallel with the door 20. The input part 16 and the display part 17 may be disposed on the front surface of the control panel 15.

Additionally, the control panel 15 may further comprise a rear support surface 19. The rear support surface 19 may be disposed at the lower side of the control panel 15, and form a surface disposed further rearward than the front surface of the control panel 15, at the lower side of the control panel 15.

The locking mechanism 100 may be disposed between the pressed surface 31 of the door 30 and the rear support surface 19, and supported by the rear support surface 19.

The control panel 15 may comprise a lateral wall surface 18. The lateral wall surface 18 of the control panel 15 may be provided in the form of a wall surface surrounding the edge of the rear support surface 19. The lateral wall surface 18 may be shaped into a wall surface protruding forward from the edge of the rear support surface 19.

The edge projection 33 of the door button 30 may extend rearward from the pressed surface 31 while forming a surface parallel with the lateral wall surface 18 of the control panel 15. The edge projection 33 of the door button 30 may be coupled to the lateral wall surface 18 of the control panel 15 in such a way that the edge projection is slidable in the front-rear direction.

A fitting projection 35 may protrude rearward from the pressed surface 31. The door button 30 may be provided with a plurality of fitting projections 35. For example, the fitting projection 35 may be disposed respectively at the upper end side and the lower end side of the door button 30.

Each of the fitting projections 35 may be coupled to the rear support surface 19 in such a way that the fitting projection is movable in the front-rear direction, while penetrating the rear support surface 19. Based on a coupling between the fitting projection 35 and the rear support surface 19, the door button 30 may be installed at the control panel 15 in such a way that the door button is movable in the front-rear direction.

A hook projection 35a may be provided in the end portion of the rear side of each of the fitting projections 35. The hook projection 35a may be formed to protrude from the end portion of the rear side of the fitting projection 35 in the up-down direction or the lateral direction. For example, the hook projection 35a provided at the fitting projection 35 that is disposed at the upper end side of the door button 30 may be formed to protrude upward. Additionally, the hook projection 35a provided at the fitting projection 35 that is disposed at the lower end side of the door button 30 may be formed to protrude downward.

Each of the hook projections 35a may be held by the rear surface of the rear support surface 19 and restrict a forward movement of the fitting projection 35. That is, the door button 30 may be installed at the control panel 15 in such a way that the door button 30 is movable in the front-rear direction based on a coupling between the fitting projection 35 and the rear support surface 19, and while the hook projection 35a is held by the rear support surface 19, the separation of the door button 30 from the control panel 15 may be suppressed.

The cooking apparatus of this embodiment may further comprise a power transfer member 50. The power transfer member 50 may be provided in such a way that the power transfer member is movable to a coupling position and a coupling cancelation position. The power transfer member 50 may allow a coupling of the latching mechanism 40 and the main body 10 at the coupling position. Additionally, the power transfer member 50 may decouple the latching mechanism 40 and the main body 10 at the coupling cancelation position.

The power transfer member 50 may be disposed at the rear of the door button 30. In other words, the rear support surface 19 may be disposed between the door button 30 and the power transfer member 50, specifically, between the rear support surface 19 and a delivery panel 55 described hereinafter.

In this embodiment, the power transfer member 50 comprises a delivery shaft 51 and a delivery panel 55, for example.

The delivery shaft 51 may be provided in such a way the delivery shaft is rotatable around a lateral axis. The delivery shaft 51 may connect to the latching mechanism 40 and change the position of the latching mechanism 40.

For example, the latching mechanism 40 engaged with and coupled to the holding structure may move to a position at which the latching mechanism separates from the holding structure, by a rotation shaft 111 that rotates in one direction. Additionally, the latching mechanism 40 may move to a position at which the latching mechanism is engaged with and coupled to the holding structure, by the rotation shaft 111 that rotates in the other direction.

That is, as the power transfer member 50 moves from the coupling position to the coupling cancelation position, the delivery shaft 51 may decouple the latching mechanism 40 and the main body 10 while rotating in one direction. Additionally, as the power transfer member 50 moves from the coupling cancelation position to the coupling position, the delivery shaft 51 may allow a coupling of the latching mechanism 40 and the main body 10 while rotating in the other direction.

At a time of press manipulation, the door button 30 may move to the pressed position and move the power transfer member 50 to the coupling cancelation position. To this end, the door button 30 may be provided with a push projection 37, and the power transfer member 50 may be provided with a delivery panel 33.

The push projection 37 may be formed to protrude rearward from the pressed surface 31. The push projection 37 may connect to the delivery panel 55 by penetrating the rear support surface 19 disposed between the pressed surface 31 and the delivery panel 55.

In an example, the length of the push projection 37 in the front-rear direction may be set to a length corresponding to a gap between the pressed surface 31 and the delivery panel 55. The push projection 37 may push the delivery panel 55 rearward to move the power transfer member 50 to the coupling position, as the door button 30 is moved to the pressed position.

Preferably, the push projection 37 may be disposed in such a way that the push projection is eccentric to the other side of the door button 30 out of one side and the other side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof. That is, the hinge part may be disposed to be eccentric to one side of the door button 30 from the center of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof, and the push projection 37 may be disposed to be eccentric to the other side of the door button from the center of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof.

The push projection 37 may be disposed at a position that is far from the rotation center of the door button 30 in the lateral direction. Accordingly, as press manipulation occurs to the door button 30, the push projection 37 may move the power transfer member 50 while moving rearward effectively.

Additionally, the push projection 37 may be disposed to be eccentric to the upper portion of the door button 30 from the center of the door button 30 in the up-down direction thereof. The push projection 37 may connect to the power transfer member 50 at a position close to the rotation center of the power transfer member 50.

Accordingly, a distance moved rearward by the push projection 37 may be greater than a distance moved by the power transfer member 50, such that the door button 30 moves the power transfer member 50 more effectively.

That is, since the push projection 37, as described above, is disposed at the other side and upper side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof, although the door button 30 is pressed deeply, the door 20 may be opened more conveniently and readily.

The delivery panel 55 may connect to the delivery shaft 51 and be disposed at the rear side of the push projection 37. The delivery panel 55 may be provided in such a way that the delivery panel 55 is rotatable around its one side connecting to the delivery shaft 51 in the front-rear direction.

The front surface of the delivery panel 55, facing the push projection 37, may be provided in the form of a planar surface. Additionally, the delivery panel 55 may comprise a support structure that protrudes rearward from the front surface of the delivery panel 55. The delivery shaft 51 may be disposed further rearward than the front surface of the delivery panel 55, and connect to the support structure protruding to the rear of the delivery panel 55.

The front surface of the delivery panel 55, shaped in the form of a planar surface, may provide a contact surface that allows the push projection 37 to slide on the delivery panel 55 as the push projection 37 pushes the delivery panel 55 rearward. Additionally, the support structure protruding to the rear of the delivery panel 55 may help to improve the strength of the power transfer member 50.

Further, the delivery shaft 51 connects to the support structure protruding to the rear of the delivery panel 55, such that a contact point between the delivery panel 55 and the push projection 37 is disposed further forward than the delivery shaft 51.

Accordingly, the length of the push projection 37 decreases, leading to a reduction in the possibility that the push projection 37 shakes or is damaged and leading to improvement in the structural stability of the door button 30 comprising the push projection 37.

Further, a first elastic member 39 elastically supporting the door button 30 may be provided between the pressed surface 31 of the door button 30 and the rear support surface 19 of the control panel 16. The first elastic member 39 may provide an elastic force of returning the door button 30 having moved to the pressed position to an original position. The first elastic member 39 may be provided in the form of a coil spring the end portion of the rear side of which is supported by the rear support surface 19 and the end portion of the front side of which supports the pressed surface 31.

In an example, the rear support surface 19 may be provided with a support projection 19a. The support projection 19a may protrude from the rear support surface 19, and the coil spring may be fixed to the rear support surface 19 while being fitted into the support projection 19a.

That is, the support projection 19a may fix the first elastic member 39 to the rear support surface 19 while supporting the first elastic member, such that the first elastic member 39 is fixed to the control panel 15 reliably and supports the door button 30 reliably.

Further, the door button 30 may comprise a plurality of rear projections 30a, 30b, 30c. In this embodiment, a first rear projection 30a and a second rear projection 30b and a third rear projection 30c are provided at the door button 30, for example.

The first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b and the third rear projection 30c may respectively protrude rearward from the pressed surface 31. The first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b and the third rear projection 30c may move rearward together with the door button 30, as the door button 30 moves to the pressed position.

Entire Structure of Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism 100 may be provided to restrain the movement of the door button 30 selectively. The locking mechanism 100 may comprise a locker 110 and a manipulation button 120.

The locker 110 may be a component that restrains the movement of the door button 30 substantially. The locker 110 may be provided in such a way that the posture of the locker 110 is changeable to a locking posture and a locking cancelation posture.

In the locking posture, the locker 110 may restrain the door button 30 from moving to the pressed position. In the locking cancelation posture, the locker 110 may allow the door button 30 to move to the pressed position.

The locker 110 may be disposed in the control panel 15. Most of the locker 110 may be disposed in an area covered by the door button 30. The locker 110 may be disposed at the rear of the door button 30 and rotate around a front-rear axis. The posture of the locker 110 may change to the locking posture and the locking cancelation posture, based on the above-described rotation of the locker 110.

The locker 110 may comprise a rotation shaft 111, a hold projection 112, 113, 114, and a first connection projection 115.

The rotation shaft 111 may be provided in such a way that the rotation shaft 111 is rotatable around a front-rear axis. Additionally, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 may connect to the rotation shaft 111 such that the hold projection 112, 113, 114 moves in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111. Additionally, the first connection projection 115 may extend from the rotation shaft 111 such that the first connection projection 115 connects to the manipulation button 120.

In an example, the first connection projection 115 may be formed in such a way that the first connection projection 115 protrudes from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction. The first connection projection 115 may rotate the rotation shaft 111 while moving in connection with the movement of the manipulation button 120.

Structures of Manipulation Button and Peripheral Parts Thereof

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line “VII-VII” in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line “VIII-VIII” in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a locking cancelation state of the locking mechanism in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line “X-X” in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the manipulation button 120 may be provided in such a way that press manipulation is possible. The manipulation button 120 having experienced press manipulation may change the posture of the locker 110 from the locking posture to the locking cancelation posture.

In this embodiment, the manipulation button 120 is disposed at one side of the control panel 15 in the lateral direction thereof, for example. Accordingly, the manipulation button 120 may be installed on the lateral surface of the control panel 15 in such a way that the manipulation button 120 is movable in the lateral direction. The manipulation button 120 may move toward the other side of the control panel 15 in the lateral direction thereof at a time of press manipulation.

The control panel 15 may be provided with a manipulation button insertion groove 15a. The manipulation button insertion groove 15a may be formed in such a way that the manipulation button insertion groove 15a is concave in the lateral direction from the lateral surface of the control panel 15.

The manipulation button 120 may be inserted into the manipulation button insertion groove 15a, and installed at the control panel 15 in such a way that the manipulation button 12 is movable in the lateral direction. The manipulation button 120 may connect to the first connection projection 115 while penetrating the manipulation button insertion groove 15a in the lateral direction.

A second elastic member 125 elastically supporting the manipulation button 120 may be provided in the manipulation button insertion groove 15a. The second elastic member 125 may provide an elastic force of returning the manipulation button 120 pressed and moved rearward to an original position. The second elastic member 125 may be provided in the form of a coil spring the end portion of the rear side of which is supported by the manipulation button insertion groove 15a and the end portion of the front side of which supports the manipulation button 120.

Additionally, the manipulation button 120 may be disposed in the lateral potion of the door button 30. That is, the user may press the manipulation button 120, disposed near the door button 30 and disposed on the lateral surface of the control panel 15, in the lateral direction, to change the state of the locking mechanism 100 to a locking cancelation state.

The posture of the locker 110 may change based on linkage between the manipulation button 120 and the first connection projection 115. The manipulation button 120 may move toward the other side of the control panel 15 in the lateral direction thereof at a time of press manipulation, and the first connection projection 115 may move in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 111 in connection with the movement of the manipulation button 120 in the lateral direction thereof.

In this embodiment, the manipulation button 120 and the first connection projection 115 may connect to each other in such a way that the manipulation button 120 and the first connection projection 115 touch each other in the lateral direction. In the case where the manipulation button 120 connecting to the first connection projection 115 experiences press manipulation as described above, the manipulation button 120 moves toward the other side of the control panel 15 in the lateral direction thereof.

The manipulation button 120, moving in the lateral direction in the state where the manipulation button 120a and the first connection projection 115 touch each other in the lateral direction, may press the first connection projection 115 in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 111. Accordingly, the rotation shaft 111 may rotate, and the hold projection 112, 113, 114 may move to a locking position in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111 (see FIG. 9).

Structures of Hold Projection and Peripheral Parts Thereof

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the locker 110 may comprise a rotation shaft 111 connecting to a first connection projection 115, and a hold projection 112, 113, 114 connecting to the rotation shaft 111.

The rotation shaft 111 may be provided in such a way that the rotation shaft 111 is rotatable around a front-rear axis. The rotation shaft 111 may be rotated by the first connection projection 115 moved by a manipulation button 120.

In an example, the rotation shaft 111 may be shaped into a ring. The rotation shaft 111 may be rotatably coupled to the control panel 15, specifically, the rear support surface 19.

In an example, the rear support surface 19 may be provided with a support shaft 19b. The support shaft 19b may protrude forward from the rear support surface 19. Preferably, the support shaft 19b may shaped into a cylinder extending in the front-rear direction.

The rotation shaft 111 may be rotatably fitted and coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft 19b such that the rotation shaft 111 is rotatably installed between the pressed surface 31 of the door button 30 and the rear support surface 19.

The first connection projection 115 connecting to the rotation shaft 111 may protrude approximately toward the manipulation button 120, while protruding from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction.

For example, the rotation shaft 111 and the manipulation button 120 may be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, and the manipulation button 120 may be installed at one side of the locking mechanism 100 in the lateral direction thereof in such a way that the manipulation button 120 is movable in the lateral direction. The rotation shaft 111 may be disposed further upward than the manipulation button 120. Additionally, the first connection projection 115 may protrude to extend from the rotation shaft 111 toward the manipulation button 120, i.e., in a direction between the lateral direction and the downward direction.

The hold projection 112, 113, 114 may connect to the rotation shaft 111 in such a way that the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is movable in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111. In this embodiment, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 protrudes from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction, for example.

The locking mechanism 100 may comprise a first hold projection 112. The first hold projection 112 may protrude in a direction different from the direction of the first connection projection 115, while protruding from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction thereof. That is, each of the first hold projection 112 and the first connection projection 115 may protrude in a different direction, while protruding from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction thereof.

The first hold projection 112 may connect to the rotation shaft 111 in such a way that the first hold projection 112 is movable in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111. The first hold projection 112 may move to a first locking position and a first locking cancelation position in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111.

In the case where the locker 110 is in the locking posture, the first hold projection 112 may restrain the door button 30 from moving, at the first locking position. Additionally, in the case where the locker 110 is in the locking cancelation posture, the first hold projection 112 may allow the door button 30 to move, at the first locking cancelation position.

In this embodiment, a position at which the first hold projection 112 overlaps the first rear projection 30a in the front-rear direction is defined as the first locking position. Accordingly, in the case where the first hold projection 112 is at the first locking position, the first hold projection 112 may be on the path in which the first rear projection 30a moves, while being disposed at the rear of the first rear projection 30a.

The first hold projection 112 placed at the first locking position as described above may restrain the movement of the door button 30 from behind while interfering with the first rear projection 30a at the rear of the first rear projection 30a.

Further, in this embodiment, a position at which the first hold projection 112 moves upward outside the first locking position is defined as the first locking cancelation position. Accordingly, in the case where the first hold projection 112 is at the first locking cancelation position, the first hold projection 112 may be disposed at a position outside the path in which the first rear projection 30a moves.

In an example, the first rear projection 30a may be disposed at a position where the first rear projection is eccentric to the one side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof from the center of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof and a position where the first rear projection 30a is eccentric to the lower side of the door button 30 from the center of the door button 30 in the up-down direction. That is, the first rear projection 30a may be disposed at a position adjacent to the edge of the lower end at one side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof.

The first hold projection 112 may protrude to extend from the rotation shaft 111 toward the first rear projection 30a, i.e., in a direction between the lateral direction and the downward direction. Additionally, the first hold projection 112 may be provided with an inclination protrusion 112a that extends from the end portion of the first hold projection 112 at a slant.

In this embodiment, the inclination protrusion 112a connects to the first hold projection 112 in such a way that the inclination protrusion 112a extends upward from the end portion of the first hold projection 112 at a slant, for example. The inclination protrusion 112a is a portion that directly contacts the first rear projection 30a in the case where the first hold projection 112 is at the first locking position.

In an example, the first rear projection 30a may protrude in the forms of a rectangular cuboid, while protruding from the pressed surface 31. The first rear projection 30a may be shaped into a rectangular cuboid the lower surface and the upper surface of which is parallel with the ground surface or a floor surface. Additionally, the inclination protrusion 112a may have a shape in which the inclination protrusion 112a extends in a direction parallel with the lower surface and the upper surface of the first rear projection 30a.

Since the first rear projection 30a and the inclination protrusion 112a are formed as described above, a contact surface between the first rear projection 30a and the first hold projection 112 may expand effectively. Accordingly, in the case where the locking mechanism 100 maintains the door button 30 in a locking state, the first hold projection 112 may restrain the door button 30 from moving while supporting the first rear projection 30a reliably.

The locker 110 may further comprise a second hold projection 113. The second hold projection 113 may protrude in a direction different from the directions of the first connection projection 115 and the first hold projection 112, while protruding from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction thereof. That is, the first connection projection 115 and the first hold projection 112 and the second hold projection 113 may respectively protrude in a different direction, while protruding from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction thereof.

The second hold projection 113 may connect to the rotation shaft 111 such that the second hold projection 113 moves in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111. The second hold projection 113 may move to a second locking position and a second locking cancelation position in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111.

In the case where the locker 110 is in the locking posture, the second hold projection 113 may restrain the door button 30 from moving, at the second locking position. Additionally, in the case where the locker 110 is in the locking cancelation posture, the second hold projection 113 may allow the door button 30 to move at the second locking cancelation position.

In this embodiment, a position at which the second hold projection 113 overlaps the second rear projection 30b in the front-rear direction is defined as the second locking position. Accordingly, in the case where the second hold projection 113 is at the second locking position, the second hold projection 113 may be disposed on a path in which the second rear projection 30b moves, while being disposed at the rear of the second rear projection 30b.

The second hold projection 113, disposed at the second locking position as described above, may restrain the movement of the door button 30 from behind while interfering with the second rear projection 30b at the rear of the second rear projection 30b.

Further, in this embodiment, a position at which the second hold projection 113 moves upward (or to one side of the cooking apparatus in the lateral direction thereof) outside the second locking position is defined as the second locking cancelation position. Accordingly, in the case where the second hold projection 113 is at the second locking cancelation position, the second hold projection 113 may be disposed at a position outside the path in which the second rear projection 30b moves.

The first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b may be disposed in such a way that the first rear projection 30a is spaced from the second rear projection 30b in the lateral direction. Additionally, the first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b may be disposed in such a way that the first rear projection 30a is spaced from the second rear projection 30b in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the first rear projection 30a is spaced from the second rear projection 30b in the lateral direction and the up-down direction, for example.

For example, the first rear projection 30a may be disposed at a position adjacent to the edge of the lower end at one side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof, and the second rear projection 30b may be disposed at a position adjacent to the center of the upper end of the door button 30 or the edge of the upper end at the other side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction hereof.

Accordingly, the locker 110 may restrain the door button 30 from moving while supporting the two rear projections 30a, 30b together, at two points spaced apart in the lateral direction and the up-down direction. That is, the locker 110 may maintain the locking state of the door button 30 effectively while restraining the door button 30 reliably at a plurality of points.

Further, the locker 110 may further comprise a third hold projection 114. The third hold projection 114 may protrude in a direction different from the directions of the first connection projection 115 and the first hold projection 112 and the second hold projection 113, while protruding from the rotation shaft 111. That is, the first connection projection 115 and the first hold projection 112 and the second hold projection 113 and the third hold projection 114 may respectively protrude from the rotation shaft 111 in a different direction.

In an example, the third hold projection 114 may protrude from the first connection projection 115. That is, the third hold projection 114 may connect to the rotation shaft 111 using the first connection projection 115 as a medium for connecting between the rotation shaft 111 and the third hold projection 114, without connecting to the rotation shaft 111 directly.

The third hold projection 114 may protrude in a direction different from the direction in which the first connection projection 115 protrudes, while protruding from the first connection projection 115. For example, the first connection projection 115 may protrude in the centrifugal direction of the rotation shaft 111, and the third hold projection 114 may protrude in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 111. The third hold projection 114 may move to a third locking position and a third locking cancelation position in connection of the rotation of the rotation shaft 111.

In the case where the locker 110 is in the locking posture, the third hold projection 114 may restrain the door button 30 from moving at the third locking position. Additionally, in the case where the locker 110 is in the locking cancelation posture, the third hold projection 114 may allow the door button 30 to move at the third locking cancelation position.

In this embodiment, a position at which the third hold projection 114 overlaps the third rear projection 30c in the front-rear direction is defined as the third locking position. Accordingly, the third hold projection 114 may be disposed on a path in which the third rear projection 30c moves, while being disposed at the rear of the third rear projection 30c, in the case where the third hold projection 114 is at the third locking position.

The third hold projection 114, placed at the third locking position as described above, may restrain the movement of the door button 30 from behind while interfering with the third rear projection 30c at the rear of the third rear projection 30c.

Additionally, in this embodiment, a position at which the third hold projection 114 moves upward (or to the other side of the cooking apparatus in the lateral direction thereof) outside the third locking position is defined as the third locking cancelation position. Accordingly, in the case where the third hold projection 114 is at the third locking cancelation position, the third hold projection 114 may be disposed at a position outside the path in which the third rear projection 30c moves.

At least any one of the first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b may be spaced from the third rear projection 30c in the up-down direction. Additionally, at least any one of the first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b may be spaced from the third rear projection 30c in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the first rear projection 30a and the second rear projection 30b and the third rear projection 30c are spaced apart in the lateral direction, and the second rear projection 30b and the third rear projection 30c are spaced apart in the up-down direction, for example.

For example, the first rear projection 30a may be disposed at a position adjacent to the edge of the lower end at one side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof, and the second rear projection 30b may be disposed at a position adjacent to the center of the upper end of the door button 30 or the edge of the upper end at the other side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof, and the third rear projection 30c may be disposed at a position adjacent to the edge of the lower end at the other side of the door button 30 in the lateral direction thereof.

Accordingly, the locker 110 may restrain the door button 30 from moving while supporting the three rear projections 30a, 30b, 30c together at three points spaced apart in the lateral direction and the up-down direction. That is, the locker 110 may maintain the locking state of the door button 30 effectively while restraining the door button 39 reliably at a plurality of points.

Further, the locking mechanism 100 may further comprise a third elastic member 117 elastically supporting the locker 110. The third elastic member 117 may provide an elastic force of returning the posture of the locker 110 changed to the locking cancelation posture to the locking posture. In this embodiment, the third elastic member 117 comprises a torsion spring the end portion of one side of which is supported by the control panel 15 and the end portion of the other side of which supports the locker 110, for example.

In an example, the end portion of one side of the third elastic member 117 may be coupled to the rear support surface 19, and the end portion of the other side of the third elastic member 117 may be coupled to the first hold projection 112. The third elastic member 117 may provide an elastic force of returning the first hold projection 112 moved to the first locking cancelation position to the first locking position.

The third elastic member 117 may move the first hold projection 112 as described above, such that the third elastic member 117 returns the posture of the locker 110 to the locking posture, while moving the second hold projection 113 and the third hold projection 114 together.

Further, a stopper 19c may be provided on the rear support surface 19. The stopper 19c may support the locker 110 to maintain the posture of the locker 110 in the locking posture. The stopper 19c may protrude on the path in which the hold projection 112, 113, 114 moves and may support the hold projection 112, 113, 114, while protruding from the rear support surface 19 forward.

In an example, the stopper 19c may be disposed near the first hold projection 112 to support the first hold projection 112 from below. The stopper 19c may restrain a downward movement of the first hold projection 112 while supporting the first hold projection 112, which is willing to move downward based on the elastic force of the third elastic member 117, from below.

The position of the first hold projection 112 supported by the stopper 19c may be maintained at the first locking position, and accordingly, the posture of the locker 110 may be maintained in the locking posture.

Further, a support rib 19d may be further provided on the rear support surface 19. The support rib 19d may protrude from the rear support surface 19 forward to support the locker 110 from behind.

In this embodiment, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 restricts the movement of the door button 30 while supporting the door button 30 from behind. Accordingly, to restrict the movement of the door button 30 reliably, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 needs to be supported by the rear support surface 19 reliably.

However, in the case where the entire hold projection 112, 113, 114 is supported by the rear support surface 19 in such a way that the hold projection 112, 113, 114 contacts the rear support surface 19, friction may occur excessively between the hold projection 112, 113, 114 and the rear support surface 19. As a result, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 may not move properly, and the hold projection 112, 113, 114 or the rear support surface 19 is highly likely to wear or be damaged.

Considering this, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is supported in the state where a portion of the hold projection 112, 113, 114 and the support rib 19d are only contacted, in this embodiment.

Accordingly, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 may be supported by the rear support surface 19 in the state where the first hold projection 112, specifically, an inclination protrusion 112a, and the support rib 19d are contacted only.

The first hold projection 112 has the greatest length among the hold projections 112,113,114. The support rib 19 d may selectively support the first hold projection 112 that needs to be supported at a maximum level among the hold projections 112,113,114, such that the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is supported effectively while a contact surface between the hold projection 112, 113, 114 and the rear support surface 19 decreases.

Further, the support rib 19d may support the end portion of the first hold projection 112, directly contacting the first rear projection 30a, i.e., the inclination protrusion 112a, to support the hold projection 112, 113, 114 more reliably even in the case where the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is pressed by the door button 30.

The support rib 19d may be formed in such a way that the support rib 19d extends along the path in which the inclination protrusion 112a moves, while protruding from the rear support surface 19. For example, the support rib 19d may be formed along the path in which the first hold projection 112 moves from the first locking position to the first locking cancelation position. The support rib 19d formed as described above may support the hold projection 112, 113, 114 reliably regardless of the position of the first hold projection 112.

Structures of Locker Fixation Member and Peripheral Parts Thereof

FIG. 11 is a front view showing the states of a delivery panel and a locking mechanism when a locker is at a locking position, and FIG. 12 is a front view showing the states of the delivery panel and the locking mechanism when the locker is at a locking cancelation position. Additionally, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line “XIII-XIII”in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a power transfer member in FIG. 13 is moved to a coupling cancelation position.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 11, the locker 110 may further comprise a locker fixation member 130. The locker fixation member 130 is provided in such a way that the locker fixation member 130 is movable in connection with the movement of the hold projection 112, 113, 114. The locker fixation member 130 may connect to the delivery panel 55 to fix the locker 110 to the delivery panel 55 in the case where the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is at the locking cancelation position.

In this embodiment, the locker fixation member 130 is provided in such a way that the locker fixation member 130 protrudes from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction, for example. The locker fixation member 130 may fix the locker 110 to the delivery panel 55 in the case where the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is at the locking cancelation position, such that the posture of the locker 110, changed to the locking cancelation posture, does not return to the locking posture and remains in the locking cancelation posture.

In an example, the locker fixation member 130 may connect to the rotation shaft 111 by using the second connection projection 116 that protrudes as a medium from the rotation shaft 111 in the centrifugal direction. The locker fixation member 130 may connect to the end portion of the second connection projection 116, and protrude rearward from the second connection projection 116.

The locker fixation member 130 protruding rearward as described above may penetrate the rear support surface 19 to connect to the power transfer member 50. To this end, a second penetration hole 19e may be provided on the rear support surface 19. The second penetration hole 19e may be formed in such a way that the second penetration hole 19e penetrates in the front-rear direction on the rear support surface 19.

The locker fixation member 130 may penetrate the rear support surface 19 through the second penetration hole 19e to connect to the power delivery member 50, specifically, the delivery panel 55.

In this embodiment, the locker fixation member 130 may comprise a protrusion boss 131, 132 and the fixation projection 133, 134 and a fourth elastic member 135.

The protrusion boss 131, 132 may be provided to connect to the second connection projection 116. The protrusion boss 131, 132 may be provided in such a way that the protrusion boss 131, 132 protrudes rearward from the second connection projection 116, while connecting to the end portion of the second connection projection 116. In this embodiment, the protrusion boss 131, 132 is formed to protrude in the form of a cylinder having a hollow hole, for example. The protrusion boss 131, 132 may support the fixation projection 133, 134 and the fourth elastic member 135 while accommodating the fixation projection 133, 134 and the fourth elastic member 135.

The fixation projection 133, 134 may be movably coupled to the protrusion boss 131, 132. The fixation projection 133, 134 may be inserted into the protrusion boss 131, 132 and installed at the protrusion boss 131, 132 in such a way that the fixation projection 133, 134 is movable in the front-rear direction. Most of the fixation projection 133, 134 may be accommodated in the protrusion boss 131, 132, and a portion of the rear of the fixation projection 133, 134 may penetrate the protrusion boss 131, 132 and protrude to the rear of the protrusion boss 131, 132.

The fixation projection 133, 134 may comprise a projection part 133 and a flange part 134. The projection part 133 may be shaped into a rod that extends in the front-rear direction. Most of the projection part 133 may be accommodated in the protrusion boss 131, 132, and a portion of the rear of the projection part 133 may penetrate the protrusion boss 131, 132 and protrude to the rear of the protrusion boss 131, 132. The end portion of the rear of the projection part 133 may be formed in a rounded manner.

The flange part 134 may be formed to protrude from the projection part 133 in the centrifugal direction. The flange part 134 may be accommodated in the protrusion boss 131, 132, and move in the front-rear direction together with the projection part 133.

The protrusion boss 131, 132 may be divided into a front section 131 and a rear section 132. The front section 131 and the rear section 132 may be arranged in the front-rear direction, and the inner diameter of the front section 131 may be greater than the inner diameter of the rear section 132.

For example, the inner diameter of the front section 131 may be set to be greater than the outer diameter of the flange part 134. Additionally, the inner diameter of the rear section 132 may be set to have a length between the outer diameter of the projection part 133 and the outer diameter of the flange part 134. Further, a step may be formed in the boundary portion of the front section 131 and the rear section 132.

The flange part 134 may be accommodated in the front section 131 and move in the front-rear direction in the area of the front section 131. Additionally, a portion of the projection part 133, disposed at the rear of the flange part 134, may move in the front-rear direction in the area of the rear section 132.

Accordingly, a rearward movement of the fixation projection 133, 134 may be restricted up to a position at which the flange part 134 and the step interfere with each other. Additionally, based on the interference between the flange part 134 and the step, the fixation projection 133, 134 may be prevented from escaping through the rear side of the protrusion boss 131, 132.

Further, the locker fixation member 130 may further comprise a boss cap 137. The boss cap 137 may be coupled to the protrusion boss 131, 132 while covering an open front side of the protrusion boss 131, 132.

The fourth elastic member 135 may provide an elastic force of moving the fixation projection 133, 134 toward the delivery panel 55, i.e., rearward. The fourth elastic member 135 may be provided in the form of a coil spring the end portion of the front side of which is supported by the boss cap 137, and the end portion of the rear side of which supports the flange part 134.

In this embodiment, the fixation projection 133, 134 may be coupled to the delivery panel 55, and accordingly, the locker fixation member 130 may be coupled to the delivery panel 55.

To this end, a fixation groove 55a may be provided at the delivery panel 55, and the fixation projection 133, 134 may be inserted into the fixation groove 55a and coupled to the delivery panel 55.

The fixation groove 55a may be formed on the front surface of the delivery panel 55, facing the fixation projection 133, 134. The fixation groove 55a may be formed on the front surface of the delivery panel 55 in such a way that the fixation groove 55a is concave rearward.

In this embodiment, the end portion of the rear side of the fixation projection 133, 134 is shaped into an approximate hemisphere, for example. The fixation groove 55a may be concavely formed at the delivery panel 55 in the form of a hemisphere corresponding to the shape of the end portion of the rear side of the fixation projection 133, 134.

In the case where the posture of the locker 110 is the locking posture, that is, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is at the locking position, the fixation projection 133, 134 may keep contacting the delivery panel 55, outside the fixation groove 55a.

At this time, the fixation projection 133, 134 may contact the delivery panel 55 in the state where the fixation projection 133, 134 is withdrawn further forward than the position at which the fixation projection 133, 134 can protrude rearward at a maximum level. The fixation projection 133, 134 may keep contacting the delivery panel 55, based on an elastic force provided by the fourth elastic member 135.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the case where the locker 110 is in the locking cancelation posture, i.e., the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is at the locking cancelation position, the fixation projection 133, 134 may move toward the fixation groove 55a along the hold projection 112, 113, 114. The fixation projection 133, 134 may be coupled to the delivery panel 55 while being inserted into the fixation groove 55a.

The fixation projection 133, 134 may be inserted into the fixation groove 55a while protruding rearward based on an elastic force provided by the fourth elastic member 135. The fixation projection 133, 134 in the state of being inserted into the fixation groove 55a may be coupled to the delivery panel 55 while closely contacting the delivery panel 55. The locker fixation member 130 may be coupled to the delivery panel 55 by the fixation projection 133, 134 coupled to the delivery panel 55.

As the locker fixation member 130 is coupled to the delivery panel 55 as describe above, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 moved to the locking cancelation position may remain at the locking cancelation position. Accordingly, although the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is released from the force of moving the hold projection 112, 113, 114 to the locking cancelation position, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 does not return to the locking position, while the locker fixation member 130 remains coupled to the delivery panel 55.

The state in which the locker fixation member 130 and the delivery panel 55 are coupled may be maintained even in the case where the hold projection 112, 113, 114 is released from the force of moving the hold projection 112, 113, 114 to the locking cancelation position. Accordingly, once the posture of the locker 110 changes from the locking posture to the locking cancelation posture, the posture of the locker 110 may be maintained in the locking cancelation posture as long as additional manipulation is not applied to the locking mechanism 100.

The state where the locker 110 remains in the locking cancelation posture as described above is a state where press manipulation against the door button 30 is possible. In this state, the door button 30 may move to a pressed position, based on press manipulation.

As the door button 30 moves to the pressed position, the delivery panel 55 may move rearward while being pushed by the push projection 37 as illustrated in FIG. 14. As the delivery panel 55 moves rearward as described above, the locker fixation member 130 and the delivery panel 55 may be decoupled, at the same time as the latching mechanism and the main body are decoupled.

As a result, the door may go into a state where the door can be opened, and the hold projection 112, 113, 114 may return to the locking position from the locking cancelation position, such that the posture of the locker 110 returns from the locking cancelation posture to the locking posture.

Operation and Effect of Locking Mechanism

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the cooking apparatus of the embodiment are described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, in the state where the door 20 closes the cooking compartment 14, the door 20 may be fixed to the main body 10 by a latching mechanism 40 (see FIG. 2). Accordingly, the door button 30 may be fixed by the locking mechanism 100 such that the movement of the door button 30 to the pressed position, based on press manipulation, is restrained.

In other words, the door 20 in the state of closing the cooking compartment 14 may be fixed to the main body 10 by the latching mechanism 40, and the door button 30 for opening the door 20 may be fixed by the locking mechanism 100.

That is, in the cooking apparatus of the embodiment, the opening of the door 20 may be restrained doubly by the latching mechanism 40 and the locking mechanism 100.

In the state where the opening of the door 20 is restrained doubly by the latching mechanism 40 and the locking mechanism 100, the door button 30 fixed by the locking mechanism 100 needs to be unfixed first.

That is, for the door 20 to open the cooking compartment 14, the posture of the locking mechanism 100 in the state of restraining the movement of the door button 30 from behind needs to change from the locking posture to the locking cancelation posture as illustrated in FIG. 10.

To this end, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the user may press the manipulation button 120 provided on the lateral surface of the control panel 15 to move the manipulation button 120 in the lateral direction. Accordingly, the first connection projection 115 connecting to the manipulation button 120 may rotate the rotation shaft 111 while moving in the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 111.

Accordingly, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 placed at the locking position may move to the locking cancelation position in connection with the rotation of the rotation shaft 111, and as a result, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 escapes from the path in which the rear projection 30a, 30b, 30c moves.

As the posture of the locker 110 changes to the locking cancelation posture as described above, an obstruction restraining the movement of the door button 30 from behind disappears from the path in which the door button 30 moves. Accordingly, press manipulation against the door button 30 and the movement of the door button 30 to the pressed position, caused by the press manipulation, are possible.

As the posture of the locker 110 changes to the locking cancelation posture as described above, the fixation projection 133, 134 may be coupled to the delivery panel 55 while being inserted into the fixation groove 55a, and accordingly, the locker fixation member 130 may be coupled to the delivery panel 55, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

The locker fixation member 130 coupled to the delivery panel 55 may maintain the posture of the locker 110 in the locking cancelation state. Accordingly, in the case where the user presses the manipulation button 120 once to change the posture of the locker 110 to the locking cancelation posture, the posture of the locker 110 may remains in the locking cancelation posture although the user does not keep pressing the manipulation button 120.

That is, since the user presses the door button 30 by the hand having pressed the manipulation button 120 to open the door, the user may open the door conveniently and readily by using a hand without using both hands.

In the case where press manipulation is applied to the door button 30, and accordingly, the door is opened, the locker fixation member 130 and the delivery panel 55 may be decoupled, at the same time as the latching mechanism and the main body are decoupled.

Then, as the door button 30 is released from the force of pressing the door button 30, the door button 30 moves forward and returns to an original position, and accordingly, the hold projection 112, 113, 114 returns from the locking cancelation position to the locking position.

Since press manipulation against the door button 30 leads to opening of the door and a return of the posture of the locker 110 together as described above, the door button 30 may be automatically closed without additional manipulation in the case where the door 20 is closed again.

As the locker 120 returns to a fixed position automatically as described above, the door 20 may be locked again by the locking mechanism 100 without additional manipulation to the locking mechanism 100, in the case where the door 20 rotates rearward again and closes the cooking compartment 14.

That is, in the cooking apparatus of the embodiment, the door button 30 fixed by the locking mechanism 100 may be unfixed only by pressing the manipulation button 120, and without additional manipulation, the door button 30 may be locked again by the locking mechanism 100.

The door button 30 locked by the locking mechanism 100 may be unlocked only by pulling the locking mechanism 100 in the lateral direction, and the door button 30 may be locked again by the locking mechanism 100 without additional manipulation after the opening and closing of the door 20 (see FIG. 2).

Accordingly, the cooking apparatus of the embodiment enables the restriction of the door 20 for preventing unintended opening of the cooking compartment 14 (see FIG. 2) conveniently and readily and automatic and safe locking of the door button 30 without additional manipulation.

The cooking apparatus of the embodiment allows manipulation for opening of the door 20 only after the door button 30 needs to get out of a restricted state to prevent unintended opening of the cooking compartment 14 effectively during the operation of the cooking apparatus.

The cooking apparatus of the embodiment allows the locker 110 to automatically return to an original posture of locking and closing the door button 30 without additional manipulation, to ensure improvement in the reliability of the cooking apparatus and the convenience of manipulation.

Further, the cooking apparatus suppresses unnecessarily frequent opening and closing, to suppress the unreliability in the opening and closing operation of the door, caused by an abnormally fast worn latching mechanism, effectively.

The embodiments are described above with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof. However, the embodiments are provided as examples, and numerous other modifications and equivalent embodiments can be drawn by one having ordinary skill in the art from the embodiments. Thus, the technical scope of protection of the subject matter of the disclosure is to be defined according to the following claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

• • 10: Main body
  • 11: Cavity
  • 13: Cabinet
  • 14: Cooking compartment
  • 15: Control panel
  • 15a: Manipulation button insertion groove
  • 16: Input part
  • 17: Display part
  • 18: Lateral wall surface
  • 19: Rear support surface
  • 19a: Support projection
  • 19b: Support shaft
  • 19c: Stopper
  • 19d: Support rib
  • 19e: Second penetration hole
  • 20: Door
  • 21: Door panel
  • 22: Open window
  • 25: Door frame
  • 30: Door button
  • 30a: First rear projection
  • 30b: Second rear projection
  • 30c: Third rear projection
  • 31: Pressed surface
  • 32: Hinge part
  • 33: Edge projection
  • 35: Fitting projection
  • 35a: Hook projection
  • 37: Push projection
  • 39: First elastic member
  • 40: Latching mechanism
  • 50: Power transfer member
  • 51: Delivery shaft
  • 55: Delivery panel
  • 55a: Fixation groove
  • 100: Locking mechanism
  • 110: Locker
  • 111: Rotation shaft
  • 112: First hold projection
  • 112a: Inclination protrusion
  • 113: Second hold projection
  • 114: Third hold projection
  • 115: First connection projection
  • 116: Second connection projection
  • 117: Third elastic member
  • 120: Manipulation button
  • 125: Second elastic member
  • 130: Locker fixation member
  • 131, 132: Protrusion boss
  • 133,134: Fixation projection
  • 135: Fourth elastic member
  • 137: Boss cap