The invention concerns gas cooker appliances equipped with a gas tap by which gas flow adjustment can be carried out manually between a minimum and a maximum value, especially gas hobs.

Gas taps used in cooking appliances have a rotating drive shaft which adjusts the gas flow passing through the gas tap, and a flow control element entry to which the shaft is coupled. The shaft is directly connected to a button on the front panel of the cooking appliance. The rotating of the shaft for gas flow adjustment is provided by rotating a button.

One of the arrangements for gas taps in the current state of the art can be seen in patent publication number EP1672279A1. A bar adapted so that it can slide axially on a level with the shaft in the gas tap forms the gas control element within a recess. One end of the bar presses on the second inner end of the shaft. A second end of the bar is in contact with a first conical surface which bears upon an inclined plane. The shaft partially enters the flow control element and is equipped with a first outer end into which a control button passes and a second inner end connected to the first end of the bar. There is a spring between the flow control element and the first end of the bar, and by means of the bar, it pushes the shaft into an inactive axial position, pushing on the first outer end of the shaft.

Another gas tap in the current state of the art may be seen in patent publication number US2005284519. A manual gas tap for a cooking appliance is of the type with a conical adjustment entry which adjusts the gas flow. It is located in a central recess in the tap body and is coupled to a rotating drive shaft. A tap cover closes off the central recess. A transverse pin ensures the rotation of the rotating shaft to a two interval position which corresponds to the highest and lowest flows of gas, and to an intermediate locking position depending on the gas feed. The tap cover is in the form of a tubular bush shroud, and includes a gasket base with a sliding surface within a circular circlip with many notches on it. The circular circlip notches are in frictional contact with a transverse pin, thus creating a tactile and auditory effect. The purpose of the invention is to provide detachable modular elements on a gas tap which provide a sense of tactile feedback.

The invention is a cooking appliance which includes a carcass, a front panel on the carcass, a button fitted to the front panel, a flow control element which regulates gas flow by the driving force provided by a shaft connected to a button being turned, and a gas tap equipped with a tap body with a hollow interior into which a flow control element is seated. The cooking appliance includes a tactile feedback device equipped with a follower, which extends radially toward the shaft and is adjusted to grip an external section of the shaft of the gas tap, and a guidance section which provides guidance to the follower in order to permit sensory adjustment of gas adjustment levels by rotation of the button. Thus is introduced a tactile feedback device which can be mounted on or demounted from the gas tap without altering the existing structure of the gas tap of the cooking appliance and which provides a sense of the gas flow level.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the tactile feedback device can be attached to or detached from the gas tap shaft. Thus, it may be attached or detached to an external section of the gas tap of the cooking appliance, providing a tactile feedback device of modular structure.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the tactile feedback device includes a sleeve with a guide section which provides guidance for the follower. Thus the follower can be operated over the sleeve in a manner that provides a sense of tactile feedback.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the sleeve includes upon it a multiplicity of sequential depressions which provide guidance for the follower. Thus the follower can be operated providing a sense of tactile feedback.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the depressions are each a groove in a periphery of the sleeve. Thus, as the follower enters and exits the depressions in its forward and backward movements, it provides a sense of tactile feedback.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is formed in such a way as to enclose a peripheral section of the exterior part of the shaft. Thus, the guidance section which is rotated by the shaft, which rotates with the rotating motion of the button, has the freedom to move throughout a full circle of 360°. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the sleeve includes a fixing aperture which fixes the sleeve to the shaft by corresponding to the form of the exterior section of the shaft. Thus the sleeve is fixed on the shaft.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the follower, a cylindrical element of suitable configuration permitting it to move over the depressions on the guidance section in particular. This ensures that the follower can move effectively and easily. In possible embodiments of the invention, the depressions are in the form of a semicircular groove, channel or projection, so that the cylindrical element of the follower can easily move over the depressions.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the follower includes an elastic element which permits the cylindrical element to compress and extend, and thereby move backwards and forwards. Thus, the cylindrical element may travel a certain distance within a certain range of tolerance during level adjustment. The elastic element may be a spring or material with elastic capability.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the follower includes a recessed element with a recess which accommodates the cylindrical element and the elastic element. This provides support from a location for the cylindrical and elastic elements of the follower.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the tactile feedback device includes a recessed element positioned within it permitting the sleeve to move in a rotating motion. This permits the guidance section, or a sleeve with a guide section, to be positioned within the tactile feedback device in a manner which permits it to operate.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the recessed element positioned within the follower has been fixed on the recessed element of the tactile feedback device. Thus, by partially attaching the follower to the tactile feedback device, support is provided from the recessed element.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the recessed element of the tactile feedback device has been fixed within the cooking appliance. Thus, the fixing, albeit partial, of the tactile feedback device within the cooking appliance, permits the mechanism of the tactile feedback device to operate. Thus, when the shaft and the sleeve attached to the shaft is moving, the recessed elements are held in a fixed position. This ensures that the follower receives support from a point and travels over the depressions.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the tactile feedback device includes a primary cover and a secondary cover, each covering the other to provide a recessed element to provide a recess in which the sleeve is housed. Thus a recess is provided in which the sleeve can move with a rotating motion.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the primary cover includes a clip projection which clips to the second cover. The clip projection can be formed around the periphery of the primary cover.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the secondary cover includes a clip projection which permits it to be clipped to the primary cover. The clip projection may be formed around the periphery of the secondary cover.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the primary cover includes a shaft aperture through which the shaft passes. Thus, the first cover can be fitted on the shaft.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the secondary cover includes an aperture through which the shaft passes. Thus, the second cover can be fitted on the shaft.

Figure 1 a shows a perspective view of a tactile feedback device which is the subject of the invention with a primary cover removed.

Figure 1 b is a cross section view taken from the tactile feedback device shown in

Figure 1 a.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a tactile feedback device which is the subject of the invention with a gas tap removed.

Figure 2b shows a perspective view of a tactile feedback device fitted to a gas tap. Figure 3 is a perspective view from the front of a cooking appliance fitted with the gas tap which is the subject of the invention.

The invention concerns a cooking appliance (1 ) which includes a gas tap (6) equipped with an integrated tactile feedback device (2) which provides effective perception of gas flow levels when opening a gas tap (6) and adjusting the gas. The tactile feedback device (2) which is the subject of the invention is fitted on an exterior section (603) of a shaft (60) which extends into a tap body (63) of a gas tap (6) (Figure 2a, 2b). The exterior section (603) of the shaft (60) lies on an exterior section of the tap body (63). The principal elements comprising the tactile feedback device (2) are a follower (20), a sleeve (21 ) which provides guidance as the follower (20) is moved according to the rotating movement of the shaft (60), and a recessed element (22) in which the sleeve (21 ) is positioned in a manner which permits it to move (Figure 1 a, 1 b).

Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the front of a cooking appliance (1 ) fitted with the buttons (5) which control the gas tap (6), being connected directly to the gas taps (6) which are the subject of the invention. The button (5) or buttons (5) are fitted to a front panel (1 1 ) on an accessible front face of the carcass (10) of the cooking appliance (1 ). The buttons (5) are fitted to the front panel (1 1 ) of the cooking appliance (1 ) in a manner which permits them to turn, and are directly and co-axially connected to a shaft (60) of the gas tap (6).

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the tactile feedback device (2) which is the subject of the invention and the gas tap with some elements disassembled (6), Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the fitted device. The gas tap (6) has a tap body (63) with an internal void. A flow control element (62) is positioned within a recess (631 ) within the tap body (63). The flow control element (62) is also recessed, and an inner end of the shaft (60) is fitted horizontally in a manner which permits it to advance axially into a recess (620). The shaft (60) is connected to a button (5) by one end of the exterior section (603) which faces outwards. The shaft (60) is held in such a way that it extends toward the gas tap (6) in a manner which permits it to move backwards and forwards axially within the tap body (63) and the cover (61 ) which is fitted to the tap body (63). Also shown are the advancing direction D1 and the rotating direction D2 of the shaft (60).

Figure 1 a shows a perspective view of a tactile feedback device (2) which is the subject of the invention with a primary cover (221 ) removed. Figure 1 b is a cross section view taken from the tactile feedback device (2) shown in Figure 1 a.

When the tactile feedback device (2) which is the subject of the invention is viewed from an exterior section the recessed element (22) may be seen (Figure 2b). The follower (20) and sleeve (21 ) are positioned within the recessed element (22). The recessed element (22) is produced by bringing the primary cover (221 ) and a secondary cover (222) together. For this purpose a clipping projection (221 1 ) on the primary cover (221 ) and a clipping projection (2221 ) on the secondary cover (222) clip together. The clipping projections (221 1 , 2221 ) are formed more or less along the peripheries of the covers (221 , 222). In the central section of each cover (221 , 222) is formed a shaft opening (2210, 2220) to permit the shaft (60) to pass through the center of it.

A recessed element (203) of the follower (20) is formed on the recessed element (22) and is integral with a secondary cover (222). The recessed element (203) may be a hollow cylindrical or rectangular prism. An elastic element (202) and a cylindrical element (201 ) in contact with the elastic element (202) are positioned within the recessed element (203). As may be seen from Figures 1 a and 1 b, the cylindrical element (201 ) is in contact with the sleeve (21 ). Depressions (21 1 ) are formed in a sequential manner on a periphery (213) of the sleeve (21 ) pointing inward to the center. The depressions (21 1 ) have been created to match the rotating tolerance of the button (5). The follower (20) is positioned so that it extends in a radial fashion toward a periphery (213) of the sleeve (21 ). The sleeve (21 ) moves together with the shaft (60). In order to achieve this, the shaft (60) passes through a fixing aperture (212) of the sleeve (21 ). A periphery of the exterior section (603) of the shaft (60) comprises a flat section (601 ) and a semicircular section (602), and may be said to be in the form of a letter Ό'. The fixing aperture (212) of the sleeve (21 ) is formed in a shape resembling the letter 'D' in order for it to firmly fit over the shaft (60). The flat section (601 ) acts as a key in order to ensure that the sleeve (21 ) is held in a fixed position on the shaft (60).

The tactile feedback device (2) is fixed on the cooking appliance (1 ) over the recessed element (22). In order to achieve this, the recessed element (22) is fitted to the cooking appliance (1 ) with a fixing plate (not shown in the figure). Thus, when the sleeve (21 ) moves within the recessed element (22), the recessed element (22) is fixed within the cooking appliance (1 ).

Each of the sequential depressions (21 1 ) may take the form of a channel, groove or peripheral projection which fit the shape of the cylindrical element (201 ) or follower (20). A section of the cylindrical element (201 ) which extends toward the periphery (213) of the sleeve (21 ) is semicircular in shape, and therefore the channel or grooves are also semicircular in cross section.

There follows a more detailed account of the operation of the invention. The button (5), which is pushed in direction D1 and rotated in direction D2 in the course of adjusting and switching the gas flow on and off, also turns the shaft (60) of the gas tap (6).

Meanwhile, a sleeve (21 ) of the tactile feedback device (2) fitted to the exterior section (603) of the shaft (60) turns together with the shaft (60). Gas flow adjustment and direction is provided by the flow control element (62). Simultaneously, the tactile feedback device (2) permits the levels of gas flow to be perceived by feedback with the rotation of the shaft (60) which is acted upon by the button (5). To this end, a follower

(20) extending radially toward a sleeve (21 ) advances over depressions (21 1 ) on the sleeve (21 ) with the rotation of the button (5). The advancing of the follower (20) over the depressions (21 1 ) is as follows: if the cylindrical element (201 ) follower (20) is in one of the depressions (21 1 ) of the sleeve (21 ), as shown in Figure 1 a, when the shaft (60) is rotated, with the force applied by the sleeve (21 ) on the cylindrical element (201 ), the elastic element (202) flexes and, moving over a periphery (213) of the sleeve

(21 ) of the cylindrical element (201 ), enters the recessed element (203), and as the rotating of the shaft (60) continues, it ensures that it enters the next depression (21 1 ). In this way the cylindrical element (201 ) progresses with backward and forward movements over the said depressions (21 1 ) on the periphery (213) of the sleeve (21 ). During the said progress, each time the follower (20) enters into and leaves the depressions (21 1 ), the user effectively feels the sensation of a level. Thus the user, when switching the hob on, is effectively in control of the gas adjustment.

In order to provide effective feedback perception between the levels of gas flow adjustment, the depth of each depression (21 1 ) forms approximately one radius of the circular end of the cylindrical element (201 ) of the follower (20) which is in contact with the sleeve (21 ).

The follower (20) must be supported in the forward and backward movements of the cylindrical element (201 ), which may be also be described as up and down

movements. A recessed element (203) into which the follower (20) can be located serves this purpose. The recessed element (203) is basically a rectangular prism form with one end open and the other end closed. The cylindrical element (201 ) is in the form of a cylindrical ball, while the elastic element (201 ) is a spring. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the depth of the depressions (21 1 ) may become progressively deeper. Thus the user, when turning the button (5) in rotation direction D2, will sense increasing difficulty in rotating the button (5) as the quantity of gas changes.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the situation may be reversed and the depth of the depressions (21 1 ) may be progressively reduced. That is, the user, when rotating the button (5) in direction D2, will feel progressively easier rotation of the button (5) as the quantity of gas changes.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical element (201 ) of the follower (20) may be a pin, while the elastic element (202) may be an elastic material which serves to project the pin and permit it to return as required.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, in order to permit the follower (20) to travel with gentle movements over the sleeve (21 ), the depressions (21 1 ) may take the form of a projection and the diameter of the depressions (21 1 ) may be smaller than the diameter of the part of the follower (20), the cylindrical element (201 ), for example, with which they come into contact.

The follower (20) may be a mechanical friction element, or a magnetic element.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the tactile feedback device (2) may include magnetic elements.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1. Cooking appliance 5. Button

10. Carcass

1 1 . Front panel 6. Gas tap

60. Shaft

2. Tactile feedback device 601 . Flat section

20. Follower 602. Semi-circular section

201. Cylindrical element 603. External section

202. Elastic element

203. Recessed element 61. Cover

21 . Sleeve 62. Flow control element

21 1. Depression 620. Recess

212. Fixing aperture

213. Periphery 63. Tap body

631 . Recess

22. Recessed element

221. Primary cover D1 : Advance direction

2210. Shaft aperture D2: Rotation direction

221 1 . Clipping projection

222. Secondary cover

2220. Shaft aperture

2221 . Clipping projection