Patent Description:
Cooktops heat food items using gas or electricity to cook the food items. The cooktops can include a knob that rotates around a shaft to adjust an amount of heat applied to a food item or to manipulate the cooktop such as the setting of a cooking mode and the like.

Knobs (or switches), around which light is emitted to improve visibility, is disclosed in prior art document <NUM> (<CIT>) and prior art document <NUM> (<CIT>) and the like.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views showing a switch assembly in prior art document <NUM>.

The switch assembly in document <NUM> can include a switch <NUM>, a light guide <NUM>, a switch holder <NUM>, a control panel <NUM>, a support bracket <NUM>, and a regulator <NUM>.

The light guide <NUM> includes a light guide path <NUM>-<NUM> and an LED module <NUM>-<NUM>. The LED module <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed at one end of the light guide path <NUM>-<NUM>. Since the LED module <NUM>-<NUM> as a light source is disposed at one end of the light guide path <NUM>-<NUM>, constant brightness of light cannot be ensured according to document <NUM>. That is, one end of the light guide path <NUM>-<NUM>, at which the LED module <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed, is relatively bright, while the other end on the opposite side of one end is relatively dark.

<FIG> is a view showing a portion of a knob assembly in prior art document <NUM>.

The knob assembly in document <NUM> includes a first light guide <NUM>, a second light guide <NUM>, and a bezel main body <NUM>. The second light guide <NUM> includes a leg <NUM>-<NUM> extended toward a light source, and a guide ring <NUM>-<NUM> forming a diffused light. According to document <NUM>, the light source is disposed in an end portion of the leg <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, a portion of the guide ring <NUM>-<NUM>, contacting the leg <NUM>-<NUM>, is relatively bright, while a portion far from the portion in contact with the leg <NUM>-<NUM> is relatively dark.

<CIT> relates to an electric decorative lighting device for electronic devices.

In one embodiment, provided is a knob assembly according to claim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, provided are a cooktop and knob assembly according to claim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, provided are a cooktop and a knob assembly that may improve aesthetic qualities thanks to light that has constant brightness and is emitted from around a knob body of a knob assembly.

Aspects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above ones, and other aspects and advantages that are not mentioned above can be clearly understood from the following description and can be more clearly understood from the embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, the aspects and advantages in the present disclosure can be realized via means and combinations thereof that are described in the appended claims.

In one embodiment, a cooktop and/or a knob assembly may include a reflective surface disposed between a knob body and a knob ring. Accordingly, irradiated light may be reflected by the reflective surface and then emitted to a gap between the knob body and the knob ring.

In one embodiment, a portion of a rear surface of the knob body of the cooktop and/or a knob assembly may reflect light.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of a front surface of the knob ring of the cooktop and/or the knob assembly may reflect light.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the knob body of the cooktop and/or the knob assembly may form a light diffusing part configured to diffuse light.

Thus, light rays, which are not directly emitted to a front of the knob assembly among light rays irradiated from a rear of the knob body, may be emitted to the front of the knob assembly as a result of reflection.

A cooktop in one embodiment may include a heating part configured to cook a food item, and a manipulating part including a control panel and a knob assembly fixed to the control panel and configured to control the heating part, and the knob assembly may include a knob body disposed on a front surface of the control panel and configured to rotate around a rotation shaft extended in a front-rear direction, a knob ring disposed at a rear of the knob body and having a diameter greater than a diameter of the knob body, and a light source part disposed at the rear of the knob body and including at least one of light sources configured to irradiate light to the rear of the knob body, and a first reflective surface configured to reflect light may be formed in at least a portion of a rear surface of the knob body, and a second reflective surface configured to reflect light may be formed in at least a portion of a surface of the knob ring facing the knob body.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, the knob ring may include a plate formed into a flat plate, and a ring surrounding an outer edge of the plate, protruding from the plate forward, having a diameter greater than the diameter of the knob body and forming an exterior of the knob assembly, and the second reflective surface may include a <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface formed in at least a portion of a front surface of the plate and a <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface formed in at least a portion of an inner surface of the ring.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, at least a portion of the knob body may be inserted into a space formed by the plate and the ring.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, the knob body may include a light diffusing part configured to diffuse light.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, the knob body may include a knob forming an exterior of a front surface of the knob assembly and having a rear surface that is open to form a first inner space, a knob inner inserted into the first inner surface and having a rear surface that is open to form a second inner space, and an insert inserted into the second inner space. In this case, the first reflective surface may be formed in at least a portion of a rear surface of the insert. And/or at least a portion of the knob inner may form a light diffusing part configured to diffuse light.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, when viewed from a rear, the insert of the knob body may be disposed in a central portion of the knob inner.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, the knob ring may be provided with at least one of openings, the light source part may be disposed at a rear of the knob ring, and at least one of the light sources may be disposed at a rear of at least one of the openings.

The cooktop in one embodiment may further include a supporter disposed between the knob ring and the light source part and provided with the light source part fixed to a rear surface thereof.

In the cooktop of one embodiment, the supporter may include at least one of convex parts protruding forward from a front surface of a position corresponding to a position of the light source, and disposed in a way that the convex part passes through the opening.

A knob assembly in one embodiment may include a knob body configured to rotate around a rotation shaft extended in a front-rear direction, a knob ring disposed at a rear of the knob body, having a diameter greater than a diameter of the knob body and attached to a control panel, and a light source part disposed at the rear of the knob body and including at least one of light sources configured to irradiate light to the rear of the knob body, and a first reflective surface configured to reflect light may be formed in at least a portion of a rear surface of the knob body, and a second reflective surface configured to reflect light may be formed in at least a portion of a surface of the knob ring facing the knob body.

In the knob assembly of one embodiment, the knob ring may include a plate formed into a flat plate, and a ring surrounding an outer edge of the plate, protruding from the plate forward, having a diameter greater than the diameter of the knob body and forming an exterior of the knob assembly, and the second reflective surface may include a <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface formed in at least a portion of a front surface of the plate and a <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface formed in at least a portion of an inner surface of the ring.

In the knob assembly of one embodiment, at least a portion of the knob body may be inserted into a space formed by the plate and the ring.

In the knob assembly of one embodiment, the knob body may include a knob forming an exterior of a front surface of the knob assembly and having a rear surface that is open to form a first inner space, a knob inner inserted into the first inner surface and having a rear surface that is open to form a second inner space, and an insert inserted into the second inner space. In this case, the first reflective surface may be formed in at least a portion of a rear surface of the insert. And/or at least a portion of the knob inner may form a light diffusing part configured to diffuse light.

In the knob assembly of one embodiment, when viewed from a rear, the insert of the knob body may be disposed in a central portion of the knob inner.

The knob assembly in one embodiment may further include a supporter disposed between the knob ring and the light source part, provided with the light source part fixed to a rear surface thereof and including a convex part protruding forward from a front surface of a position corresponding to a position of the light source, the knob ring may be provide with at least one of openings, and the convex part may be disposed in a way that the convex part passes through the opening.

A cooktop and/or a knob assembly in one embodiment may enhance user recognition of operation of a product, thereby improving user convenience. Specifically, in one embodiment, irradiated light may be reflected by a reflective surface formed between a knob body and a knob ring, and emitted to a gap between the knob body and the knob ring, without being locked between the knob body and the knob ring. Thus, intensity of light emitted from the knob assembly may increase, thereby enhancing user recognition of operation of a product.

Additionally, in one embodiment, light may reflect in different directions, and light having constant brightness may be emitted around the knob body, thereby improving aesthetic qualities.

The above-described aspects, features and advantages are specifically described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the technical spirit of the disclosure. In the disclosure, detailed description of known technologies in relation to the disclosure is omitted if it is deemed to make the gist of the disclosure unnecessarily vague. Below, 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.

When one component is described as being "in an upper portion (or a lower portion)" of another component, or "on (or under)" another component, one component can be disposed on the upper surface (or under the lower surface) of another component, and an additional component can be interposed between another component and one component on (or under) another component.

When one component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, one component can be directly connected, coupled or connected to another component. However, it is also to be understood that an additional component can be "interposed" between the two components, or the two components can be "connected", "coupled", or "connected" through an additional component.

The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprise" or "include" and the like, set forth herein, are not interpreted as necessarily including all the stated components or steps but can be interpreted as excluding some of the stated components or steps or can be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

Hereunder, a cooktop and a knob assembly thereof in several embodiments are described.

<FIG> is a view showing a cooktop provided with a knob assembly in one embodiment. The cooktop may include a manipulating part <NUM> and a heating part, and the heating part may include a cooktop part <NUM>, an oven part <NUM> and a drawer <NUM>.

Components for manipulating operation of the cooktop may be disposed at the manipulating part <NUM>. For example, a knob assembly <NUM> may be disposed at the manipulating part <NUM>, and the knob assembly <NUM> may rotate around a rotation shaft that extends in a front-rear direction to adjust a thermal power generated by each part (e.g., the cooktop part <NUM>, the oven part <NUM> and the drawer <NUM>) of the cooktop or to set an operation mode of each part of the cooktop. The knob assembly <NUM> may be fixed to a control panel <NUM> of the manipulating part <NUM>.

The cooktop part <NUM> may be disposed in an upper portion of the cooktop. The cooktop part <NUM> may include at least one of cooktop burners <NUM>. The cooktop burner <NUM> may heat a vessel containing a food item or directly heat a food item to cook the food item using a flame that is produced by burning gases.

The oven part <NUM> may be disposed in a central portion of the cooktop. The oven part <NUM> may include a main body forming a cooking space in which a food item is cooked, and a burner assembly for cooking a food item accommodated in the cooking space. Additionally, the oven part <NUM> may include a door for opening and closing the cooking space.

The drawer <NUM> may slide into the cooktop or may be withdrawn from the cooktop and may keep a vessel containing a food item and the like at a predetermined temperature.

In <FIG>, the cooktop includes the oven part, the cooktop part and the drawer as a heating part for cooking a food item, for example. However, the cooktop in one embodiment may exclude some of the oven part, the cooktop part and the drawer.

Additionally, <FIG> shows a gas oven including the oven part, the cooktop part and the drawer, which are heating parts capable of cooking a food item, as an example of the cooktop. But the subject matter of the present disclosure may be applied to various types of cooktops such as a cooktop that generates heat using electricity rather than gas or an oven and the like. For example, the cooktop part of the cooktop according to the disclosure may include an induction heater capable of inductively heat a vessel and/or an electric heater capable of generating heat using electricity.

Hereunder, the front denotes a front-surface direction of the cooktop, and the rear denotes a rear-surface direction of the coking appliance, in the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the knob assembly in one embodiment, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the knob assembly in one embodiment of <FIG>, <FIG> is a view for describing the proceeding of light in the knob assembly in one embodiment, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the knob assembly in one embodiment of <FIG>.

The knob assembly <NUM> in one embodiment may include a knob body <NUM>, a knob ring <NUM>, a supporter <NUM>, a light source part <NUM>, and an adjusting part <NUM>. The adjusting part <NUM> may include an ignition switch <NUM> and a valve <NUM>.

The knob body <NUM> may form an exterior of a front surface of the knob assembly <NUM>. The knob body <NUM> may be formed into a single component based on integration, or may be comprised of a plurality of components based on coupling. The knob body <NUM> may rotate around a rotation shaft ax that extends in the front-rear direction. That is, the knob body <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the knob ring <NUM>, the supporter <NUM>, the light source part <NUM> and the adjusting part <NUM>.

The knob body <NUM> may be provided with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light, in at least a portion of a rear surface thereof. Additionally, the knob body <NUM> may include a light diffusing part capable of diffusing light. Specifically, the knob body <NUM> may include a knob <NUM>, a knob inner <NUM>, and an insert <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may be provided with a first reflective surface <NUM> capable of reflecting light, in at least a portion of a rear surface thereof. Further, at least a portion of the knob inner <NUM> may be formed in to a light diffusing part <NUM> capable of diffusing light. In <FIG>, a portion of the knob inner <NUM>, which is disposed on an edge of the insert <NUM> and faces the knob ring <NUM>, is formed into the light diffusing part <NUM>, for example. However, the knob inner <NUM> may be made of a material that diffuses light in the entire knob inner <NUM>. Below, the configuration of the knob body <NUM> is described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The knob ring <NUM> may be disposed at a rear of the knob body <NUM> and may form an exterior of the knob assembly <NUM>. The knob ring <NUM> may be made of an opaque material and fixed to the control panel <NUM>. Additionally, the knob ring <NUM> may protect the supporter <NUM>.

The knob ring <NUM> may be short entirely and formed into a cylinder having a front surface that is completely open. The knob ring <NUM> may include a plate <NUM> formed into a flat plate, and a ring <NUM> surrounding an outer edge of the plate <NUM> and protruding forward from the plate <NUM>. The knob ring <NUM> may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the knob body <NUM>. More particularly, the knob ring <NUM> may have an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the knob body <NUM>. Wherein, the inner diameter of the knob ring <NUM> may mean an inner diameter of the ring <NUM> of the knob ring <NUM>. Additionally, the plate <NUM> may be provided with an opening through which light passes.

The knob body <NUM> may be inserted into a space formed by the plate <NUM> and the ring <NUM>. In this case, the knob body <NUM> may be slightly spaced from the ring <NUM>.

A second reflective surface capable of reflecting light may be formed in at least a portion of surfaces (i.e., a front surface of the plate <NUM> and an inner surface of the ring <NUM>) of the knob ring <NUM>, on which the knob body <NUM> is disposed. Specifically, the second reflective surface may include a <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> formed in at least a portion of the front surface of the plate <NUM>, and a <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> formed in at least a portion of the inner surface of the ring <NUM>. The <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> and/or the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> may be formed in a way that a portion of the surfaces of the knob ring <NUM>, which face the knob body <NUM>, is plated or coated. Since the knob ring <NUM> (specifically, the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM>) reflects light, brightness of light emitted from the knob assembly <NUM> may become higher, thereby improving visibility.

The supporter <NUM> may be disposed at a rear of the knob ring <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> may fix and protect the light source part <NUM>.

A convex part <NUM> may be formed on a front surface of a portion of the supporter <NUM>, in which a light source <NUM> of the light source part <NUM> is disposed, in a way that the convex part <NUM> protrudes from a surface of the supporter <NUM>. Additionally, a coupling hole <NUM> for a coupling with the control panel <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM> may be formed on the supporter <NUM>.

The light source part <NUM> may be disposed at a rear of the knob ring <NUM>. The light source part <NUM> may include at least one of light sources <NUM> configured to irradiate light toward the rear surface of the knob body <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may be a light-emitting diode.

The light source part <NUM> may be fixed to the supporter <NUM> disposed at the rear of the knob ring <NUM>.

The adjusting part <NUM> may adjust thermal power output from the cooktop, or adjust operation of the cooktop such as a mode of the cooktop and the like, as a result of rotation of the knob body <NUM>. When the cooktop uses gas as a heat source, the adjusting part <NUM> may include an ignition switch <NUM> or a valve <NUM>.

The ignition switch <NUM> may receive torque of the knob body <NUM>. An on/off state of the ignition switch <NUM> may change based on a rotation angle of the knob body <NUM>. The ignition switch <NUM> may be turned on and produce a spark on a fire mouth of a burner (<NUM> in <FIG>) when the knob body110 makes a rotation of a predetermined angle.

The valve <NUM> may receive torque from the knob body <NUM>. An opening degree of the valve <NUM> may be determined based on a rotation degree of the knob body <NUM>. In some cases, the valve <NUM> may receive torque from the knob body <NUM> only when the knob body <NUM> rotates in a state of being pressed.

The ignition switch <NUM> and the valve <NUM> may receive torque of the knob body <NUM> through a valve shaft.

The control panel <NUM> may be disposed between the knob ring <NUM> and the supporter <NUM>. The knob ring <NUM> and/or the supporter <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may be a portion (e.g., a front surface of the cooktop part <NUM> in <FIG>) of the cooktop or a portion of the knob assembly <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may have an opening <NUM>-<NUM> through which light of the light source part <NUM> passes. The convex part <NUM> of the supporter <NUM> may be disposed to pass through the opening <NUM>-<NUM>. Additionally, the control panel <NUM> may have at least one of panel holes <NUM>-<NUM> through which the knob ring <NUM> and/or the supporter <NUM> are coupled to the control panel <NUM>.

A path in which light proceeds in the knob assembly in one embodiment is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, dashed arrows indicate directions in which light proceeds.

As described above, the light source part <NUM> may be fixed to the supporter <NUM>, and the convex part <NUM> may formed on a front surface of the supporter <NUM>, corresponding to the position of the light source <NUM>. The knob ring <NUM> may have an opening, and the convex part <NUM> may pass through the opening.

Light irradiated from the light source <NUM> of the light source part <NUM> may pass through the convex part <NUM> of the supporter <NUM> and proceed to a space between the knob ring <NUM> and the knob body <NUM>.

Some of the light having passed through the convex part <NUM> may proceed to a gap between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM>, and a user may recognize the light.

Some of the light having passed through the convex part <NUM> may be scatted and reflected by the first reflective surface <NUM> formed on the insert <NUM> and the second reflective surface (i.e. the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM>) formed on the knob ring <NUM>, and some of the light scattered and reflected may proceed to the gap <NUM> between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM> such that the user recognizes the light.

Some of the light having passed through the convex part <NUM> and some of the light scattered and reflected may diffuse in the knob inner <NUM>, and the diffused light may proceed to the gap <NUM> between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM> through an outer end of the knob inner <NUM> such that the user recognizes the light. As described above, the knob inner <NUM> may be entirely made of a material capable of diffusing light, or a portion <NUM> of the knob inner <NUM> may be made of a material capable of diffusing light. When a portion <NUM> of the knob inner <NUM> is made of a material capable of diffusing light, the knob inner <NUM> may be implemented in a way that two components are assembled.

That is, in one embodiment, the light reflected by the first reflective surface <NUM> formed on the insert <NUM> and by the second reflective surface (i.e., the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> reflective surface <NUM>) formed on the knob ring <NUM> may proceed to the gap <NUM> between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM> while the light irradiated from the light source <NUM> may directly proceed to the gap <NUM> between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM>. Further, the light diffused in the knob inner <NUM> may also proceed to the gap <NUM> between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM>. As a result, an amount of the light proceeding to the gap <NUM> between the knob <NUM> and the knob ring <NUM> may increase, thereby improving visibility. In the structure, light having constant brightness may be emitted entirely from the gap <NUM>, thereby ensuring improvement in aesthetic qualities.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of a knob body <NUM> of the knob assembly <NUM> in one embodiment. The knob body <NUM> may include a knob <NUM>, a knob inner <NUM>, an insert <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and screw bolts <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

The knob <NUM> may form an exterior of a front surface of the knob assembly <NUM>. The knob <NUM> may have a cylindrical body and a handle protruding from a front surface of the body. The knob <NUM> may have a rear surface that is open, and an inner space may be formed inside the open surface. The knob <NUM> may be formed as a result of injection molding.

The knob inner <NUM> may be inserted into the inner space of the knob <NUM> through the rear surface of the knob <NUM>. The knob inner <NUM> may have a rear surface that is open, and an inner space may be formed inside the open surface. In this case, the open surface may be a central portion of the knob inner <NUM>. That is, when viewed from the rear, the knob inner <NUM> may have the inner space in the central portion thereof. Additionally, the knob inner <NUM> may be made of a material capable of diffusing light. For example, the knob inner <NUM> may be made of an opaque plastic material. That is, in one embodiment, the knob inner <NUM> capable of diffusing light may be disposed between the knob <NUM> and the light source part <NUM>. The diffused light, and the light directly emitted from the light source part <NUM> may be diffused by the knob inner <NUM> out of the knob assembly, thereby improving visibility.

The insert <NUM> may be inserted into the inner space of the knob inner <NUM> through the rear surface of the knob inner <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may be made of a material such as metal, and may be inserted into the knob <NUM> along with the knob inner <NUM>, thereby improving rigidity and preventing deformation of the knob <NUM>.

At least a portion of the rear surface of the insert <NUM> may reflect light. To this end, at least a portion of the rear surface of the insert <NUM> may be plated or coated.

The spring <NUM> may be disposed in the knob body <NUM> and may connect between the knob <NUM> and the valve shaft.

The screw bolts <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may fix the knob inner <NUM> and the insert <NUM> to the knob <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing a supporter <NUM> of the knob assembly <NUM> in one embodiment, when viewed from the front, and <FIG> is a view showing the supporter <NUM> of the knob assembly <NUM> in one embodiment, when viewed from the rear.

The supporter <NUM> may fix and protect the light source part <NUM>. The supporter <NUM> may be made of a material capable of transmitting and/or diffusing light. For example, the supporter <NUM> may be made of an opaque plastic.

Referring to <FIG>, the supporter <NUM> may include a plurality of convex parts <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that is formed on the front surface of the supporter <NUM>. The plurality of convex parts <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the light source <NUM> of the light source part <NUM>. The convex part may be formed on a front surface of a position where the light source <NUM> of the light source part <NUM> is disposed when the light source part <NUM> is fixed to a rear surface of the supporter <NUM>. The convex parts <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may perform a function similar to the function of a lens.

Additionally, the supporter <NUM> may have at least one of first coupling holes <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> for a coupling with the control panel <NUM> and/or the knob ring <NUM>. As a result of insertion of a bolt and the like into the first coupling holes <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, the supporter <NUM> may be coupled to the control panel <NUM> and/or the knob ring <NUM>.

Further, the supporter <NUM> may have at least one of second coupling holes <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> for a coupling with the knob ring <NUM>. Though not illustrated, the knob ring <NUM> may have at least one of coupling hooks, on a rear surface thereof, and the coupling hooks and the second coupling holes may be fitted-coupled to one another.

Referring to <FIG>, light source fixing parts <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the supporter <NUM>. Each of the first light source fixing part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second light source fixing part <NUM>-<NUM> may push a rear surface of the light source part <NUM> forward while guiding the light source part <NUM> on one side to fix the light source part <NUM>. Each of the third light source fixing part <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth light source fixing part <NUM>-<NUM> may push the rear surface of the light source part <NUM> forward while supporting an edge portion of the light source part <NUM> in two directions to fix the light source part.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a knob assembly <NUM>-<NUM> in another embodiment. The knob assembly <NUM>-<NUM> may include a knob body <NUM>-<NUM>, a knob ring <NUM>-<NUM>, a supporter <NUM>-<NUM>, a light source part <NUM>-<NUM>, and an adjusting part <NUM>-<NUM>. The knob ring <NUM>-<NUM> may include a plate <NUM>-<NUM> and a ring <NUM>-<NUM>. The adjusting part <NUM>-<NUM> may be a rotary switch. In <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> indicates a control panel.

The knob body <NUM>-<NUM>, the knob ring <NUM>-<NUM>, the supporter <NUM>-<NUM> and the light source part <NUM>-<NUM> may be respectively the same as the knob body <NUM>, the knob ring <NUM>, the supporter <NUM> and the light source part <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The adjusting part <NUM>-<NUM> may perform a function the same as that of the adjusting part <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

That is, the knob assembly <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> is the same as the knob assembly <NUM> in <FIG> and the like except that the adjusting part <NUM>-<NUM> is a rotary switch. When the cooktop inductively heats a vessel or adopts an electric heater and the like using electricity to generate heat, a rotary switch may be applied instead of the adjusting part comprised of the ignition switch and the valve.

Claim 1:
A knob assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a knob body (<NUM>) that is disposed at a front surface of a control panel and that is configured to rotate with respect to a rotation shaft extended in a front-rear direction of the knob assembly (<NUM>),
a knob ring (<NUM>) that is disposed at a rear side of the knob body (<NUM>) and that has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the knob body (<NUM>), and
a light source part (<NUM>) that is disposed at the rear side of the knob body (<NUM>) and that includes one or more light sources (<NUM>) configured to irradiate light to the rear side of the knob body (<NUM>),
wherein a portion of a rear surface of the knob body (<NUM>) includes a first reflective surface (<NUM>) configured to reflect light irradiated from the light source part (<NUM>), and
wherein a portion of a surface of the knob ring (<NUM>) includes a second reflective surface configured to reflect light reflected from the first reflective surface (<NUM>), the portion of the surface of the knob ring (<NUM>) facing the knob body (<NUM>), and
wherein the knob body (<NUM>) further comprises:
a knob (<NUM>) that defines an exterior of a front surface of the knob assembly (<NUM>) and that defines an opening at a rear side defining a first inner space,
a knob inner (<NUM>) that is inserted into the first inner space and that defines an opening at a rear side defining a second inner space, and
an insert (<NUM>) that is inserted into the second inner space, and
wherein a portion of the knob inner (<NUM>) provides a light diffusing part (<NUM>) configured to diffuse light irradiated from the light source part (<NUM>).