DE102019121888B3 - 4System, auxiliary device for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob of a device by visually impaired people as well as device rotary button and device rotary button part - Google Patents

Abstract

In order for visually impaired people to be able to determine a functionality of the household appliance selected by them or set on a household appliance, so that it can also be used as widely as possible, a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob of a device should be simple and flexible can be retrofitted.

Description

The invention relates to a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by a device rotary knob of a device for visually impaired people, wherein at least two functionalities can be selected by means of the device rotary knob by a selectable rotational position of the device rotary knob in relation to the device, the system being the device rotary knob, means for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotary position, and wherein the determining means and the device rotary knob are attached to the device as components of the system on the device. The invention also relates to an auxiliary device for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob of a device for visually impaired people, the auxiliary device having a connection side via which it can be connected to the device. The invention also relates to a device button and a device button part.

Decorative covers for household appliances with device knobs are for example from the EP 2 525 342 A1 known to individualize them, Braille symbols can also be provided on the corresponding cover here, so that visually impaired people can be easier to operate such household appliances. According to this publication, these covers have a connection side which is to be magnetically attached to the respective device, so that these covers can serve as an auxiliary device for determining the functionality of the device selected by a device rotary knob of a device for visually impaired people. Household appliances specially designed for the visually impaired are, for example, from the JP 60-171321 A or the CN 201811306 U is known, here the output and input takes place in each case via a Braille script integrated in the respective device and, if appropriate, an acoustic signal output.

The EP 2 604 742 A1 discloses a device knob in which the rotational resistance can be varied so that the visually impaired or blind can use it. Regardless of a possible use by the visually impaired or blind, the reveal DE 10 2006 026 187 A1 a retrofittable device knob and the DE 10 2007 038 368 A1 a remote control device for a household appliance.

In the case of intelligent or modern household appliances, it is also known to control them by voice output and input.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system or an auxiliary device for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob of a device by visually impaired people and appropriately trained device buttons or device button parts, which are also available to them in large numbers can.

The object of the invention is achieved by systems, auxiliary devices, device buttons or device button parts with the features of the independent claims. Further, possibly also independent, advantageous configurations can be found in the subclaims and the following description.

Here, the invention is based on the basic knowledge that visually impaired people, systems, auxiliary devices, device buttons or device button parts for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob of a device can then be made widely available if they can be easily and flexibly retrofitted. Exactly this is with those in the EP 2 525 342 A1 and the JP 60-171321 A shown and not the case with the arrangements known as intelligent household appliances. The latter two require complete integration into the respective devices, which make them very expensive and therefore only accessible to the visually impaired. The arrangement according to the EP 2 525 342 A1 can only be used for very special devices and also cannot be retrofitted easily or flexibly.

Thus, a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device button of a device by visually impaired people can be made available to a broad mass if at least two functionalities can be selected by means of the device rotary button by means of a selectable rotational position of the device rotary button in relation to the device that System comprises the device knob, means for determining the rotational position of the device knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, the determining means and the device knob are attached or to be attached to the device as device-side components of the system and the system is characterized in that the device-side components of the system are autonomous and a maximum diameter of the device-side components of the system perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the device rotary knob with the exception of any electrical supply lines and interfaces to separate components of the system ms exceeds a maximum diameter of the device knob perpendicular to its axis of rotation less than 3 times, in particular less than 2 times. Because the corresponding device-side components are autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, and are relatively small with the exception of any electrical supply lines and interfaces to separate components, the corresponding system can be retrofitted easily and flexibly. In particular, it is conceivable to provide a separate system for each rotary knob, which shares all at most electrical supply lines, interfaces to separate components and any separate components, which enables maximum flexibility, in particular if the corresponding system is used on devices of various types, in particular on different ones Household appliances to be retrofitted.

Accordingly, an auxiliary device for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device button of a device by visually impaired people can be made available to a broad mass if the auxiliary device has a connection side via which it can be connected to the device, means for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the determined rotational position and if the auxiliary device is characterized in that it can be arranged around the device rotary knob with a maximum diameter perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the device rotary knob on a device that has a maximum diameter of the device rotary knob perpendicular to its axis of rotation less more than 3 times, in particular less than 2 times. Because the auxiliary device is relatively small, it can be easily and flexibly retrofitted accordingly. In particular, it is conceivable to provide a separate auxiliary device for each rotary knob, which shares all at most electrical supply lines, interfaces to separate components and any separate components, which enables maximum flexibility, in particular if the respective auxiliary devices on devices of various types, in particular on different ones Household appliances to be retrofitted. Retrofitting can be carried out simply via the corresponding connection side by connecting the auxiliary device with its connection side to the corresponding device.

Cumulatively or alternatively, a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device button of a device by visually impaired people can also be made available in large numbers if the system by means of the device rotary button relates to at least two functionalities through a selectable rotational position of the device rotary button in relation can be selected on the device, the system comprises the device rotary knob, means for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, the determining means and the device rotary knob are or are to be attached to the device as device-side components of the system and the system is characterized in that the determining means comprise autonomous measuring means measuring the rotational positions of the device rotary knob and / or the system comprises an autonomous energy supply. The autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, measuring means or the autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, energy supply enable flexible and simple retrofitting, in particular if the system is completely independent, that is to say autonomous, of the system by further structural measures each device is designed, the system in particular being able to share interfaces and separate components with the respective device if the device itself communicates with separate components via corresponding interfaces or uses corresponding separate components.

A corresponding auxiliary device for determining the functionality of the device selected by a device button of a device for visually impaired people can also be made available to a broad mass if the auxiliary device has a connection side via which it can be connected to the device, means for determining the rotational position of the device Device rotary knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotary position and if the auxiliary device is characterized in that the determining means comprise autonomous measuring means measuring the rotary position of the device rotary knob and / or the auxiliary device comprises an autonomous energy supply. The autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, measuring means or the autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, energy supply also enable flexible and simple retrofitting with respect to the auxiliary device, in particular if the system or the associated auxiliary device is entirely independent, that is to say autonomously, of the respective device, the auxiliary device in particular being able to share interfaces and separate components, if appropriate, with the respective device or also with other corresponding auxiliary devices or corresponding systems if the device itself has corresponding interfaces communicates with separate components or uses corresponding separate components.

A device knob or a device knob part can also be made available to a broad mass and for determining the functionality of the device selected by a device button of a device by visually impaired people be used if the device knob or the device knob part are characterized in that the device knob or the device knob part each have means for determining the rotational position of the device knob or the device knob part and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, the device knob part, if applicable has a connection side, via which it can be connected to the device knob part or a device knob, and if the determining means comprise autonomous measuring means measuring the rotational position of the device knob or the device knob part and / or the device knob or the device knob part comprises an autonomous energy supply. The autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, measuring means or the autonomous, that is to say independent of the respective device, energy supply also enable flexible and simple retrofitting with respect to a device knob or a device knob part. This can be done, for example, simply by replacing the corresponding device knob with an existing device or by placing a device knob part on or on an existing device knob or otherwise connecting the latter to an at least two-part device knob consisting of the first, or attached device knob part and the already existing device knob as the second device knob part. The device knob or the device knob part can also share interfaces and separate components, if necessary, with the respective device or also with other corresponding auxiliary devices, device buttons, device knob parts or corresponding systems, if these in turn communicate with separate components via corresponding interfaces or corresponding separate components use.

Also, cumulatively or alternatively to the embodiments described above, a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device knob of a device by visually impaired people can be made available to the masses if at least two functionalities are selected by means of a selectable rotary position of the device by means of the device knob Device rotary knob can be selected in relation to the device, the system comprises the device rotary knob means for determining the rotational position of the rotary knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotary position, the determining means and the device rotary knob as device-side components of the system attached to or attached to the device are fastened and the system is characterized in that the device knob is formed in several parts and a first knob part, which consists of plastic and can absorb rotational forces applied by an operator, and a second knob part, we Lches consists of plastic, is rotatably connected to the first knob part and can transmit torques to the device. Such a multi-part structure makes it possible to adapt the respective device knob flexibly to certain device situations with a suitable design, so that it can also be easily and flexibly retrofitted.

In order to also provide a device knob of the broad mass, a device knob can also be characterized cumulatively or alternatively in that the device knob is constructed in several parts, as well as a first knob part made of plastic and absorbing torque applied by an operator and one made of plastic existing second rotary knob part connected to the first rotary knob part in a rotationally fixed manner and transmitting torque to a device. Such a multipart structure accordingly makes it possible, with a suitable design, to adapt the respective device knob flexibly to specific device situations, so that it can also be easily and flexibly retrofitted.

It goes without saying that an appropriately designed device rotary knob part, which can absorb rotational forces applied by an operator and can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second rotary knob part, can accordingly be advantageous, in particular if this device rotary knob part has at least one haptically detectable symbol as a determining and / or indicating means carries or whose determination means comprise the rotary position of the device rotary knob part measuring autonomous measuring means and / or an autonomous energy supply.

Visually impaired people develop various compensation strategies in order to be able to do most everyday work, and in particular how to use devices such as household appliances. However, this approach becomes increasingly problematic when the visual impairment increases and with new devices, since this requires considerable memory to be achieved with dry teaching, or the risk of accidents in everyday life increases significantly. In this regard, there are solutions such as intelligent household appliances or those in the EP 2 525 342 A1 or the JP 60-171321 A disclosed configurations that could remedy this. However, the corresponding solutions are either not specially designed for the visually impaired or are very expensive, since they ultimately represent special solutions if they are designed for blind or visually impaired people or, if they are so-called intelligent household appliances, are only assigned to the high-priced segment can. For one thing, it is visually impaired people can hardly be expected to buy extremely expensive household appliances, especially if the visual impairment only occurs in old age and there is no reason to buy a new household appliance. On the other hand, a visual impairment often goes hand in hand with a reduced income, so that for this reason too, it is hard to expect these people to buy very expensive, intelligent household appliances.

Systems, auxiliary devices, device buttons or device button parts, with which the visually impaired people can determine the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob and which can be easily and flexibly retrofitted, offer reasonably priced solutions to the aforementioned problems.

It is still common on the market to use various functionalities, such as different settings for a coffee machine, the temperature in washing machines or stoves, the speed of laundry dryers, or special functions such as top or bottom heat, circulating air mode, drying levels or washing programs for household appliances, such as Cookers, dryers and washing machines can be set using device knobs, also known as knobs or knobs elsewhere. While such knobs are ideal for people with good eyesight, the corresponding functionality can also be read off immediately, for example by providing any pictures, pictograms, pointers or other markings on the knobs or in the area of the knobs corresponding pictures or labels on the front panels of the devices Symbols for visually impaired people are not recognizable or not recognizable to a sufficient extent, so that even if, for example, the position of the rotary knob can still be sensed haptically, the actual functionality must be deduced from the memory. This is very difficult to learn for visually impaired people, especially if the visual impairment only starts later and requires considerable memory, which also entails a high risk of errors. It is well known that corresponding errors in the operation of devices, such as household appliances, also represent an extremely high risk of accident and injury or even the risk of serious damage to property or personal injury.

As a rule, the respective devices, which are equipped with such device rotary knobs, have determination means within their housing for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob, in order to then use the specific rotational positions to determine the functionality of the device, for example in a specific program selection, heating setting, speed or let temperature work. It is precisely in this way of working that the purpose of a device knob is, since it should enable an operator to specify a certain functionality of the device.

In particular, it is not necessary to touch the integrity of the respective device if the autonomous device-side components of the system are to be retrofitted, so that any guarantee or warranty claims or conformity information are not affected thereby and retrofitting can be carried out accordingly simply and flexibly. The components on the device side are preferably attached to the respective device or externally connected to it. This applies in particular, naturally, to the device knob, which can be replaced, for example, by the device knob provided by the manufacturer. This also applies to the device knob part that, for example, its connection side can be used to connect an existing or also an exchangeable device knob or another device knob part. The determination means, such as haptic symbols, pointers or markers, can also be attached to the device as components on the device knob or on the device knob part itself or as the auxiliary devices introduced above.

The attachment can take place, for example, by gluing, plugging on, screwing on or spraying on, it also being particularly advantageous here if the integrity of the device itself is not affected.

In addition to components on the device side that are attached to or are to be attached to the device, the system can also comprise separate components, such as, for example, separate loudspeakers, separate communication devices, such as mobile telephones, computers and radios, and the like, which are then not necessarily attached to the device must be fastened, which, however, if this is desired by the respective user, can also be implemented if necessary. Even when such separate components are attached to the respective device, it is advantageous if the integrity of the device itself is not affected.

Electrical lines, optical lines and other suitable interfaces can be provided between the separate components and the components on the device, in particular, for example, for a power supply or a transmission of the rotational position of the device knob or determined by the determination means to enable the functionality specified by the information means.

On the other hand, it goes without saying that the information means can also be provided, for example, on the rotary knob or as components on the device, which enables a particularly compact configuration of the system. The same also applies to an energy supply, which can be implemented, for example, via batteries or rechargeable batteries or also via other energy sources, for example via energy generation from thermal or electromagnetic energy or via photocells or the like, as a component on the device side.

In particular, pointers, markers, stencils with haptically ascertainable symbols or device rotary knobs with haptically ascertainable symbols, but also output units such as loudspeakers, color displays, Braille texts and the like, can serve as information means.

In this respect, it is conceivable that the determination means and the indication means, in particular when haptically detectable symbols are used, are designed to be coherent and inseparable from one another, since the respective position of the haptically detectable symbols and possibly further markers or pointers mean both the rotational position of the determined device knob as well as the respective person is specified. However, if electrical, electronic or other metrological or information technology measures are used, the determination means, for example as measuring means measuring the rotational position of the device rotary knob, and the information means are implemented by differentiable or different assemblies, such as by the output units listed above become.

In this respect, in the present context, the term “determining means” is understood to mean any means which is suitable and intended for being able to determine the rotational position of the device rotary knob. In addition to the haptically detectable symbols mentioned above, this can in particular be measuring means which can measure the rotational position of the respective device knob. In particular, however, these can also be color displays, magnets, pointers or markers, which can be used accordingly as part of measuring means or in some other way for determining the rotational position of the respective device knob. It is particularly advantageous if the determination means are autonomous, i.e. are designed independently of the respective device and in particular do not include any means of determination of the device, such as rotary switches and the like integrated therein. On the other hand, it is conceivable that the determination means of the system explained here, of the auxiliary device explained here or of the device knob or device knob part explained here, information or output means of the device, such as, for example, electrical displays or lamps which shine or do not shine according to the selected functionality, in order to use them autonomously determine the rotational position of the respective device knob and then be able to specify visually impaired people in a suitable form.

Accordingly, means of indication are understood to be all means which are suitable and intended for indicating to a visually impaired person a rotational position of a device knob determined by the means of determination. This can be done, for example, by a corresponding output. It also goes without saying that the indication can be made by the haptically detectable symbols already mentioned several times above. It goes without saying that such haptically detectable symbols can be firmly connected to the respective device knob, part of the device knob and / or the auxiliary device. Alternatively, these haptically detectable symbols can also be provided at a completely different location, for example on a Braille display or on a separate output unit.

The system for determining the functionality of the device selected by a device rotary knob of a device for visually impaired people is designed as an autonomous system, that is to say independent of the respective device, so that it can be retrofitted relatively easily and flexibly. In particular, it is not necessary for the respective device to have appropriate interfaces which can then output the respective selected functionality, for example via a voice output, which can be carried out separately via a loudspeaker or the like. With a suitable design, it is in particular not necessary to touch the integrity of the respective device when the autonomous system is to be retrofitted, so that any guarantee or warranty claims are not affected thereby and retrofitting can be carried out accordingly simply and flexibly.

In this context, it should be mentioned that measuring devices are naturally provided in the respective devices themselves, which measure the selected rotational position of the respective device knob and then provide a specific functionality of the device on the basis of this measurement data. However, it has proven to be very difficult, if not impossible, to provide this information to the visually impaired at an affordable cost, due either to the effort or The necessary interventions in the device and the associated loss of guarantee or warranty or the enormous costs of the devices, which provide this information anyway, for example via suitable interfaces, in such a way that it can also be made accessible to visually impaired people.

Accordingly, it is advantageous if the device knob or a device knob part is designed as a retrofit knob. A suitably designed retrofit rotary knob can then, if it is adapted to a specific device or to a specific situation, simply be exchanged for a rotary knob provided for the device anyway or by the manufacturer. Retrofitting can be carried out, for example, by gluing or by other fastening, for example by magnetic fastening or plugging on.

The entire system is preferably designed for retrofitting, so that retrofitting can be easily implemented accordingly. Here, too, it can be advantageous for retrofitting to be carried out, for example, by gluing or other fastening to a device surface, for example by attaching appropriate auxiliary devices, such as templates, device knob parts or other components of the system, to the device surface.

Such device knob parts or auxiliary devices can in particular have a connection side, via which they can be connected to the respective device knob or the respective device. In this case, each side of the auxiliary device or the device knob that is suitable or intended for a connection with further assemblies of a device knob or a device knob itself or with a device serves as the connection side. For such a connection, the connection side can, for example, be provided with a suitable adhesive layer. It is also conceivable that the connection side can carry other connection means, be it one-component, such as an adhesive connection, or more component, such as a screw or snap-in connection, in order to provide an immediate, i.e. without further measures, such as the additional application of an adhesive layer or the like, to enable connection. In particular, in addition to adhesive connections, magnetic connections, electrostatic connections, welded or soldered connections, for example by cold welding, or other material connections, for example by vulcanizing, or snap-in connections or screw connections.

A device knob naturally has an axis of rotation and a maximum diameter to be determined or determined perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the device knob. In this respect, the components on the device side, a corresponding auxiliary device or even the entire system can also be assigned a maximum diameter perpendicular to this axis of rotation, which should ultimately be provided in relation to a specific device knob or a specific group of device knobs. If the maximum diameter of the components of the system on the device side exceeds the maximum diameter of the device rotary knob less than 3 times or 2 times, the result is a relatively compact arrangement, in particular perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which in turn simplifies retrofitting or, if the design is suitable, also enables flexible. It goes without saying that the maximum diameter of the components on the device can also correspond to the maximum diameter of the device knob if all of these components can be arranged in the knob or in the space between the knob and the corresponding device, which, for example, when using measuring devices as Determination means succeed and can be advantageous in order to be able to hide them underneath the respective device knob. Even if the auxiliary device may consist of several individual templates or other subassemblies, each of which is arranged individually on the device around the device rotary knob and only results in the actual auxiliary device after being arranged together, a corresponding maximum diameter of the auxiliary device can be determined and is it of Advantage if the maximum diameter of the device-side components of the system or the composite auxiliary device exceeds the maximum diameter of the device knob less than 3 times or less than 2 times, since then an assignment to the associated device knob as a whole and an assignment of the individual Templates or other assemblies of the auxiliary device can be ensured to a certain rotational position of the corresponding device knob.

As already indicated above, the indication means can also be attached or attached to the device as components on the device, where appropriate - with suitable configurations - it is then possible to dispense with separate feed lines and possibly interfaces. Then it is even conceivable that the system as a whole has a maximum diameter perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the device knob, which exceeds the maximum diameter of the device knob perpendicular to its axis of rotation less than 3 times or 2 times. This then requires a particularly compact design. In the end, if it is If all components of the system can be arranged in the device knob or in the space between the knob and the corresponding device, the maximum diameter of the entire system perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the device knob can correspond to the maximum diameter of the device knob perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

Possibly. A further system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a further device rotary knob of the device by visually impaired people can be provided, wherein at least two functionalities can also be selected by means of the selectable rotational position of the further device rotary knob in relation to the device by means of the further device rotary knob. Here, the further system preferably comprises the further device rotary knob, means for determining the rotational position of the further device rotary knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, and the determining means and the further device rotary knob are attached to the device as components on the device side of the further system fasten. In this further system, too, it is advantageous if the device-side components of the further system are autonomous and the maximum diameter of the device-side components of the further system exceeds the maximum diameter of the further device rotary knob less than 3 times, in particular less than 2 times. As a result, this additional system can also be easily retrofitted - and this is relatively flexible, since a corresponding system can be provided for each device rotary knob of the device.

In contrast to the arrangements known from the prior art, with a suitable design, a separate system can be provided for each device rotary knob, which enables the corresponding systems to be extremely flexible.

Depending on the specific design, the system and the other system can share certain device-side components if the two device knobs are sufficiently close together that the maximum diameters of the individual systems are not exceeded. Otherwise, and particularly preferred because of the flexibility, the respective systems are separated with regard to their components on the device side. In addition, the system and the further system may share separate components, such as separately arranged information means, electrical supply lines or interfaces. On the one hand, this serves to reduce costs and, on the other hand, enables a compact structure of the entity formed from the system and the further system as well as the interfaces, electrical supply lines and separate components, insofar as these are present.

In this context, it should be emphasized that the above considerations regarding a plurality of systems also apply to a number of corresponding auxiliary devices, a number of appropriately trained device rotary knobs or a number of correspondingly designed device rotary knob parts.

Depending on the specific implementation, as already explained above, the determination means and the indication means can be implemented by separate assemblies, such as, for example, by measurement means as determination means and a corresponding evaluation electronics or electronics or another computing unit as indication means. In particular, however, if pointers or markers, such as target webs, or templates or haptically detectable symbols are used, the determining means and the indicating means can also coincide.

For example, the determining means and / or the indicating means can include a pointer and / or marker representing the rotational position on the device rotary knob and a template attached or attachable to a stationary assembly of the device as an auxiliary device with haptically detectable symbols. By touching the pointer or marker on the one hand and the haptic symbols on the other hand, the selected functionality can then be recorded reliably by visually impaired people.

Preferably, the auxiliary device connected or connectable to a stationary assembly of the device, such as in particular the template attached or attachable to a stationary assembly of the device, has a diameter less than 3 times the maximum diameter of the device knob. In particular, the diameter of the template is selected to be less than twice the maximum diameter of the device rotary knob. As already explained above, this requires a compact and flexibly retrofittable construction of the system.

It is also conceivable that the determination means and / or the indication means have haptically detectable symbols located on the device rotary knob. This makes it possible to restrict the system to the rotary knob if, in addition, a suitable design of the system is selected, since the position of the symbols can usually provide sufficient information about the functionality set. Here it goes without saying that by means of a device rotary knob, the means for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob and means for specifying the rotational position determined proper functionality and which is characterized in that the determination means and / or the information means of the device knob include at least one haptically detectable symbol located on the device knob, these visually impaired people are also available or can be made available in large numbers. Cumulatively or alternatively, by means of a device knob part, which carries means for determining the rotational position of the device knob and means for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, which has a connection side, via which the device knob part can be connected to a second knob part or a device knob, and which is characterized in that the determination means and / or the information means of the device rotary knob comprise at least one haptically detectable symbol located on the device rotary knob, visually impaired people device rotary knobs are also available or can be made available in large numbers.

For example, typeface, numbers, letters and / or Braille symbols, which can be felt by elevations and / or depressions, can serve as haptically detectable symbols. However, other symbols, such as a rectangle for the stove or empty and filled circles as symbols for corresponding stove plates, as are already well known in printed form from household appliances and similar devices, can be designed to be palpable by means of elevations and / or depressions. Writing, numbers, letters and the latter symbols in particular enable visually impaired people who do not master the relatively complex Braille script to determine the functionality of the device accordingly. This also applies in particular to people who can only see very poorly, since they can then follow the corresponding determination and indication means both haptically and with their remaining eyesight, so that in particular in the case of creeping blindness, the transition between determining functionality via the eye for a haptic determination of functionality in a gentle way. However, no symbols represent pointers or markers, since they only serve to determine or indicate a direction or position.

The elevations and / or depressions are preferably more than 0.2 mm high or deep. Elevations and / or depressions in the order of magnitude between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm have proven to be particularly practical.

If the determination means and / or the indication means have haptically detectable symbols on the device rotary knob, it can be advantageous if at least one marker is attached or is to be attached to a stationary assembly of the device. By touching the marker, the selected functionality can then be determined relatively reliably by haptically comparing this marker with the symbol on the device knob. This is particularly the case if the functionality cannot be determined reliably by a natural position of the device knob and the symbols located on it, for example if it is not the upper symbol but a symbol arranged at an angle to it that indicates the corresponding functionality.

A simple point or a line can be used as a marker, for example, which is or can be attached to the corresponding stationary assembly, the latter preferably being realized by gluing but also, for example, magnetically.

However, it appears to be particularly cost-effective if the determination means and / or the indication means comprise haptically detectable symbols located on the device rotary knob, since then further measures can be dispensed with as long as the correspondingly arranged symbol indicates the respective functionality. Additional markers can then be omitted if necessary.

As already explained above, the haptically detectable symbols can include, in particular, writing, numbers, letters, Braille characters and haptically designed pictograms.

The pointer, the marker and / or the haptically detectable symbols can be contrasted in color and / or represented by matt or non-reflecting surfaces. This enables visually impaired people with low eyesight to still use their low eyesight in order to still be able to see the contrasting, matt or non-reflecting symbols, pointers and markers. However, such a configuration has the disadvantage that it is generally relatively expensive.

The device rotary knob can have flat surfaces which carry symbols which can be detected by haptics. On the one hand, this enables the haptically detectable symbols to be worked out particularly clearly and thus designed to be easily palpable. It is then also relatively easy to apply the symbols subsequently, for example, so that a corresponding device knob can be easily adapted to different circumstances. This requires a very flexible basic structure of such device knobs, which can then be individually adapted to a specific device by applying the associated symbols.

As already explained above, the determining means can in particular comprise autonomous measuring means which can measure the rotational position of the device rotary knob. In this context, too, it should be emphasized that the term “autonomous” refers to the independence of the corresponding measuring device from the respective device, in particular in such a way that these measuring devices can be attached to the device or to the device rotary knob without endangering the integrity of the device . In this context, it should be mentioned that, of course, measuring devices are provided in the respective devices themselves, which measure the selected rotational position of the respective device knob and then provide a specific functionality of the device on the basis of this measurement data. The autonomous measuring devices described here therefore represent a double measure, which - particularly in view of the modern intelligent household appliances - seems nonsensical. However, such a double measure proves to be cost-effective for the respective visually impaired person, in particular in the case of retrofitting or when converting cheaper devices, in particular cheaper household appliances.

The autonomous measuring means are, in particular, electrical switches which can be actuated by corresponding mechanical counterparts, such as, for example, by projections, ramps or cams, in order in this way to be able to measure the respective rotational position of the device rotary knob. Hall sensors can also be used in this regard, for example, which respond, for example, to a magnet which is in their vicinity, in order to be able to measure the respective rotational position. Light barriers, photo sensors, such as photodiodes and the like, can also be used, for example, in order to be able to measure the rotational position of the device knob in conjunction with corresponding reflective surfaces. Possibly. Hall sensors, which can measure the orientation of the earth's magnetic field in a reliable manner, or acceleration sensors, which can measure their position in relation to the earth's gravitational field, can also be used to determine the rotational positions of the respective device knob. Gyroscopes, individual and / or networked with one another can also be used in this regard.

The associated functionality can then be specified from the rotational position determined via the measuring means via the specification means. Here, the system preferably comprises at least one output unit for outputting the functionality corresponding to the rotational positions measured by the measuring means, which is selected on the basis of the rotational position of the device rotary knob for the respective device.

Loudspeakers or other devices that enable voice output, such as modern radios, televisions or mobile phones, are particularly suitable as output units. Computers or tablets can also be used accordingly. The output unit may also include Braille output if necessary. In addition, it is possible that the output unit is combined with a color display, so that even people with poor eyesight receive clear optical information, which enables them to determine the functionality of the device selected using the device rotary knob.

For example, the output unit can be arranged in or on the device knob or a part of the device knob, such as, in particular, the device knob part explained above. This can be, for example, a loudspeaker arranged in or on the device knob, which can output or indicate the corresponding functionality. It is also conceivable to provide a color display on the device rotary knob which, for example, represents a certain temperature by means of a corresponding color.

An output unit in or on the device rotary knob enables compact and ergonomically sensible information output to the respective user.

It is also conceivable to provide the output unit in or on the auxiliary device explained above, which also enables a very compact design of a system resulting therefrom.

Alternatively or cumulatively to an output unit arranged in or on the device knob, on the device knob part or on the auxiliary device, the output unit can be provided separately from the device knob or as a separate component or in a separate component. In particular, the output unit can then be connected to the measuring means, for example via an interface. Bluetooth, W-LAN, LAN and all other systems with which data can be exchanged between separate components, if possible according to a defined protocol, are suitable interfaces. The use of standardized protocols makes it possible, in particular, to use very flexible devices as output units that, in case of doubt, are already directly accessible to the visually impaired, such as radios, loudspeakers, mobile phones, computers or tablets, so that additional costs are reduced to a minimum can.

Depending on the specific implementation, a corresponding interface also enables a significantly more complex evaluation or a combination with other security functions. For example, central devices, such as a computer or a mobile phone, can be used to carry out acoustic remote monitoring of the corresponding device knobs and therefore also of the corresponding devices if, for example, you leave the house and the device knobs are still set on the stove so that the stove is hot .

If the output unit is provided in a separate component of the system, it can be arranged at a very different location than the device, for example on the body of the person operating the device or centrally, and possibly also be part of several systems. Then it is advantageous if the interface bridges the distance between the device rotary knob or the device-side components on the one hand and the corresponding separate component, that is to say in particular the output unit and / or the information means, on the other hand in a wired and / or wireless manner.

It goes without saying that a wireless bridging enables the greatest flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the individual components. In addition, the omission of a cable also offers significant advantages over a wired bridging of this distance with regard to the risk of contamination and the effort involved in cleaning activities, but also with regard to the risk of an accident.

On the other hand, higher energy densities can be transmitted by cable, so that, for example, a power supply via a cable is also possible. It also goes without saying that trouble-free and reliable data, in particular large amounts of data, can be transmitted via a cable.

In particular if a cable is dispensed with, it is advantageous if the system, the auxiliary device, the device knob or the device knob part comprises an autonomous energy supply. It should be emphasized here that the term “autonomous” also refers to an energy supply that can be retrofitted independently of the device or without endangering the integrity of the device. Photocells, batteries and rechargeable batteries are particularly suitable as autonomous energy supplies. However, suitable energy converters, which can obtain sufficient energy from thermal energy or electromagnetic energy from their surroundings, for example, may also be possible, in order to be able to make this available to the determination means and possibly also the indication means.

The measuring means are preferably configured in two or more components, a first of the measuring means components being attached to the device knob and a second of the measuring means components being attached to the device or to the auxiliary device. Such an embodiment has the advantage that such measuring devices are relatively robust with regard to their functioning. Corresponding measuring devices are also relatively inexpensive. However, corresponding measuring devices are somewhat more complicated or complex to attach to the respective device, since it is not sufficient to simply replace the device knob, but to attach or attach at least the second of the measuring device components to the device, in particular as a device-side component of the system or as an auxiliary device is to be attached.

The two or more component measuring means include, in particular, Hall probes on the one hand and at least one magnet on the other, electrical bridges on the one hand and contacts to be closed via the electrical bridge on the other hand, electrical switches on the one hand and one or more mechanical switch actuation elements on the other hand or optical transmitters on the one hand and optical ones Receiver on the other hand in question. In this regard, the person skilled in the art has many systems already available on the market, from which he can choose appropriately. It goes without saying that novel two- or more-component measuring devices can also be used accordingly if their use appears advantageous.

A simple retrofit can be ensured if the second of the measuring device components or the device-side component of the system, in particular in the context of a corresponding auxiliary device, is connected, attached or attached to the device surface of the device, preferably on a front panel of the device, can be attached or fastened. This can be done for example by magnets or by gluing but also by spraying or similar suitable measures without the integrity of the device needing to be jeopardized.

It is also conceivable to design the measuring means as one component, so that the respective measuring means can measure the corresponding rotational position without a stationary partner. For this purpose, measuring devices are particularly suitable which use external fields, such as the gravitational field or the magnetic field of the earth, to determine the rotational position or their rotational position. In this way, the rotational position of the device knob can also be concluded. Gyroscopes or inertial sensors can also be used to determine the respective rotational position or a change to determine the rotational position. One-component measuring devices of this type have the advantage that they are relatively simple and compact to install, even if they generally appear - at least at the present time - to be even more expensive.

Gravity sensors or magnetic field sensors, which, as already explained above, use the gravitational field or the magnetic field of the earth for determining their position or their rotational position are particularly suitable as one-component measuring means. It goes without saying that other sensors which use external fields for determining their position or rotational position, such as GPS sensors, may also be used if they provide sufficient measurement accuracy. It goes without saying that inertial sensors or gyroscopes can be used accordingly.

The one-component measuring means are preferably arranged on the device knob or on a component of the device knob, such as, in particular, on the device knob part explained above, so that the entire system is extremely compact with a suitable design. A very simple installation can then also be carried out since the components on the device side can also be reduced to a minimum. Alternatively, a corresponding one-component sensor, for example a camera, could be arranged on the device or in the vicinity thereof, preferably at a distance of less than 3 times the maximum diameter of the device knob from the axis of rotation of the device knob, in this way measure the rotational position of the corresponding device knob. Possibly. Calibration measures may then still prove to be necessary in order to be able to adapt or adapt the corresponding sensor or the camera to the respective local conditions.

As already explained above, the device rotary knob can preferably be constructed in several parts and comprise a first rotary knob part consisting of plastic and absorbing rotational forces applied by an operator and a second rotary knob part consisting of plastic and non-rotatably connected to the first rotary knob part and transmitting torque to the device. This multi-part design makes it possible, with a suitable design, to adapt the respective device knob flexibly to certain device situations, in particular since it has been found that such device knobs are attached to almost identical shafts and only to the design of the device knob itself or in the functionality that can be selected via the device knob differentiate.

It is known per se that some device knobs have metallic parts on the device side, which are intended to ensure a firm fit of the respective knobs on the associated shafts. In this sense, this can not or only partially be implemented by designing the device rotary knobs from two rotary knob parts, each consisting of plastic, here, for example, by selecting the plastic of the second rotary knob part sufficiently hard and preferably harder than the plastic of the first rotary knob part . However, because due to the relatively small range of shafts that can be found on the market for interaction with the corresponding device knobs, the second knob parts on the device side, i.e. in their interaction area with the corresponding shaft, can be constructed in the same way, so it is possible to use these second ones Turning knob parts in large numbers and therefore very inexpensive to manufacture, which accordingly facilitates access to the masses. In particular, it is conceivable to rely on mass production with regard to the second rotary knob parts.

The situation is different for the first rotary knob parts, which, particularly if they carry symbols or other haptic configurations which should be adapted to the respective functionality, must or should be manufactured very individually and differently. Because of the high degree of individuality, mass production is only possible under special conditions, in particular this only appears justified if, for example, these first knob parts can be combined with different second knob parts, each of which is adapted to the few shafts on the market. Otherwise, it can be advantageous to rely in particular on individual production for the first rotary knob parts, for example by rapid prototyping or by 3D printing or additive manufacturing processes.

The plastics of the two knob parts can be chosen the same, even if different manufacturing techniques are used, if this appears advantageous for the intended use. In particular, problems that could be caused by different coefficients of thermal expansion or different aging behavior can then be reduced to a minimum.

On the other hand, different plastics can also be selected in order in this way to adapt the two rotary knob parts particularly to their respective tasks. For example, the plastic for the second rotary knob part can be chosen to be relatively hard, in particular in order to counter the high forces at small radii in the vicinity and in the transition to the associated shaft can. The plastic of the first rotary knob part, since it is usually to be gripped by operators, can be chosen to be correspondingly haptically pleasant and optimized in order to achieve a firm grip or for a good haptic recognition of any haptically detectable symbols.

When operating rotary knobs, the rotational forces to be applied by an operator who wants to operate the corresponding device and select a functionality are relatively complex. A sufficient friction or form fit must first be created manually between the operator and the first rotary knob part, which takes place on the one hand by reaching behind certain structures on the rotary knob and / or on the other hand by pressing the surface of the first rotary knob part sufficiently firmly. Only then is it possible for the operator to have a rotating effect on the first knob part.

Because the first rotary knob part and the second rotary knob part are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, the torques applied by the operator to the first rotary knob part are then transmitted to the second rotary knob part, which can then guide them to the device or to a corresponding shaft of the device.

In particular, the first knob part can also be formed in several parts and these parts can be arranged rotationally symmetrically on the second knob part. The rotationally symmetrical parts can, for example, carry haptic symbols and serve to absorb the forces exerted by an operator in order to close a frictional connection with the respective rotary knob - if necessary also to close a positive connection with the rotary knob - so that the operator turns this device rotary knob can. Such a multi-part design of the first rotary knob part may enable a high degree of flexibility in different functionalities of the devices, in particular if haptic or other information is to be provided about the first rotary knob part or its many parts.

Cumulatively or alternatively, the second rotary knob part can be formed in several parts, the part of the second rotary knob part on the device then preferably being metallic and the other part being made of plastic. As already explained above, the metallic part, which can represent, for example, a sliding guide for the corresponding shaft or also a pressure spring or the like, can ensure an operationally reliable, non-rotating connection, which is nevertheless releasable, between the device rotary knob and the associated shaft. The design of the other part of the second rotary knob part made of plastic makes it possible, on the one hand, to connect this plastic very firmly to the metallic parts, for example by injection molding or shrink fitting, so that relatively high forces can be transmitted. On the other hand, the plastic design enables inexpensive mass production and in particular also a snap-in connection or the like to be provided for the first rotary knob part.

Possibly. A third rotary knob part can be provided, which is connected on the one hand in a rotationally fixed manner to the first rotary knob part and on the other hand in a rotationally fixed manner to the second rotary knob part, as a result of which the flexibility in adapting the specific device rotary knob to different devices can be increased even further. It can be advantageous here to provide this third rotary knob part in mass production, since individualization may already be possible to a sufficient extent using the first rotary knob parts.

Depending on the specific design of the haptic symbols, they can also be subsequently configured in or on the device rotary knob, for example by shaping such symbols on a device rotary knob blank in an abrasive manner. For example, the symbols can be subsequently milled out or lasered away. Symbols can also be subsequently applied to the device knob blank using additive manufacturing processes.

In order to facilitate mass production in particular, the device knob or the device knob part, in particular the second knob part, can have a shaft receptacle which extends over a receptacle depth and has a receptacle cross section, so that a shaft of a device can be rotatably received in the shaft receptacle. If this shaft receptacle is characterized by a contact surface that reduces the receptacle cross-section along the shaft receptacle and is arranged in a bending area of the shaft receptacle, it can be used to provide a device knob or the device knob part independently of the other features of the present invention, which simple mass production and reliable operation Seat of the device knob or the corresponding device knob part allows.

Due to the rotationally fixed receptacle, it can be ensured via the shaft receptacle that any torques which are applied to the device knob or the corresponding device knob part can be transmitted to a device shaft in a reliable manner. On the other hand - naturally - the device knob or the device knob part can only be plugged onto the device shaft so that the device knob is on can easily slip off the device shaft, which can lead to serious disadvantages, especially for visually impaired people, if they are looking for such a device knob on the floor or if they had to be retrofitted to a device shaft, especially if the device would even be switched on in the worst case.

The pressure surface, which reduces the cross-section of the receptacle along the shaft receptacle, can be used to provide pressure forces that can ensure that the device knob or the corresponding device knob part sits securely on the device shaft. For an operationally reliable setting of the pressure forces exerted by the pressure surface, the pressure forces are arranged in a bending area of the shaft receptacle, so that these pressure forces can be selected to the desired extent by adjusting the flexibility of the bending area of the shaft seating.

In the present context, the bending area of a wave recording is understood to be any area in which there is a targeted weakening of the material of the wave recording compared to other areas of the wave recording. The desired bending possibility of the bending area and consequently also the pressure force to be applied to the pressure surface can then be set simply and reliably, precisely via the extent of the material weakening.

In particular, openings, recesses, slots or recesses can be used as material weakenings, which make a certain area of the shaft holder more flexible than other areas.

With a suitable design of the contact surface and the material weakening, it is in particular possible that such bending areas can also be provided by means of primary molding processes, for example by providing corresponding slides. In particular, however, in the case of additive shaping methods, such as 3D printing, such bending areas, such as suitable material weakenings, recesses or slots and the like, can be provided without further measures, since this is merely a question of control in the corresponding shaping. This also applies to a contact surface which reduces the cross-section of the receptacle along the shaft receptacle, which can also be easily represented in additive shaping processes.

It goes without saying that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims can also be combined, if appropriate, in order to be able to implement the advantages in a correspondingly cumulative manner.

• 1 eine perspektivische Schemaansicht eines als Herd ausgestalten Geräts mit mehreren Gerätedrehknöpfen und einer entsprechenden Zahl an Systemen zur Bestimmung der mittels der Gerätedrehknöpfe gewählten Funktionalität;
• 2 eine frontale Schemaansicht eines als Waschmaschine ausgebildeten Geräts mit zwei Gerätedrehknöpfen und zwei Systemen zur Bestimmung der mittels der Gerätedrehknöpfe gewählten Funktionalität des Geräts;
• 3 eine Detailansicht des Geräts nach 2;
• 4 einen der Gerätedrehknöpfen aus 1 bis 3 in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 5 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 4 in einer Explosionsansicht;
• 6 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 7 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 8 eine Schablone zur Anwendung in einem System zur Bestimmung der mittels eines Gerätedrehknopfs eines Geräts gewählten Funktionalität des Geräts in perspektivischer Schemaansicht;
• 9 eine weitere Schablone zur Anwendung in einem System zur Bestimmung der mittels eines Gerätedrehknopfs eines Geräts gewählten Funktionalität des Geräts in perspektivischer Schemaansicht;
• 10 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer Explosionsansicht;
• 11 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer Explosionsansicht vom Gerät aus gesehen;
• 12 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 11 vom Gerät aus gesehen in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 13 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 14 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 13 in einer Frontansicht;
• 15 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 16 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 17 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 18 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer Explosionsansicht;
• 19 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer Frontansicht;
• 20 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 19 in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 21 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 19 und 20 in einer zweiten perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 22 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 19 bis 21 in einer dritten perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 23 einen weiteren Gerätedrehknopf in einer perspektivischen Schemaansicht;
• 24 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 23 in einer Frontansicht;
• 25 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 23 und 24 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 26 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 23 bis 25 in einer Rückansicht;
• 27 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 23 bis 26 in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht;
• 28 den Gerätedrehknopf nach 23 bis 27 in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie XXIIX-XXIIX aus 26
• 29 ein Gerätedrehknopfteil in einer Seitenansicht;
• 30 das Gerätedrehknopfteil nach 29 in einer Frontansicht;
• 31 das Gerätedrehknopfteil nach 29 und 30 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg vorne;
• 32 das Gerätedrehknopfteil nach 29 bis 31 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg hinten;
• 33 einen Satz an Gerätedrehknopfteile und als Hilfseinrichtungen nutzbaren Schablonen, der auch das Geräteknopfteil nach 29 bis 32 allerdings ohne Klebstoffschicht umfasst, zum Bereitstellen eines oder mehrerer Systeme zur Bestimmung der mittels der Gerätedrehknöpfe gewählten Funktionalität in einer Frontansicht;
• 34 den Satz nach 33 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg vorne;
• 35 den Satz nach 33 und 34 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg hinten;
• 36 eine perspektivische Schemaansicht eines weiteren als Herd ausgestalten Geräts mit mehreren Gerätedrehknöpfen und einer entsprechenden Zahl an die Geräteknopfteile und Hilfseinrichtungen nach 33 bis 35 nutzenden Systemen zur Bestimmung der mittels der Gerätedrehknöpfe gewählten Funktionalität;
• 37 eine frontale Schemaansicht des Geräts nach 36;
• 38 das Detail XXXIIX in 36 des Geräts nach 36 und 37;
• 39 das Detail XXXIX in 37 des Geräts nach 36 bis 38;
• 40 eine perspektivische Schemaansicht eines weiteren als Herd ausgestalten Geräts mit mehreren Gerätedrehknöpfen und einer entsprechenden Zahl an Systemen zur Bestimmung der mittels der Gerätedrehknöpfe gewählten Funktionalität;
• 41 eine frontale Schemaansicht des Geräts nach 40;
• 42 exemplarisch ein Geräteknopfteil zur Anwendung in der Anordnung nach 40 und 41 in einer Seitenansicht;
• 43 den Geräteknopfteil nach 42 in einer Frontansicht;
• 44 den Geräteknopfteil nach 42 und 43 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von schräg vorne; und
• 45 eine schematische Explosionsansicht des Geräteknopfteils nach 42 bis 44.

Further advantages, aims and properties of the present invention are explained on the basis of the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are also shown in particular in the attached drawing. The drawing shows:

• 1 a perspective schematic view of a device designed as a stove with several device knobs and a corresponding number of systems for determining the functionality selected by means of the device knobs;
• 2nd a front schematic view of a device designed as a washing machine with two device knobs and two systems for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of the device knobs;
• 3rd a detailed view of the device 2nd ;
• 4th one of the device knobs 1 to 3rd in a perspective schematic view;
• 5 the device knob 4th in an exploded view;
• 6 another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 7 another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 8th a template for use in a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device knob of a device in a perspective schematic view;
• 9 a further template for use in a system for determining the functionality of the device selected by means of a device rotary knob of a device in a perspective schematic view;
• 10th another device knob in an exploded view;
• 11 seen another device knob in an exploded view from the device;
• 12th the device knob 11 seen from the device in a perspective schematic view;
• 13 another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 14 the device knob 13 in a front view;
• 15 another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 16 another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 17th another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 18th another device knob in an exploded view;
• 19th another device knob in a front view;
• 20 the device knob 19th in a perspective schematic view;
• 21 the device knob 19th and 20 in a second perspective schematic view;
• 22 the device knob 19th to 21 in a third perspective schematic view;
• 23 another device knob in a perspective schematic view;
• 24th the device knob 23 in a front view;
• 25th the device knob 23 and 24th in a side view;
• 26 the device knob 23 to 25th in a rear view;
• 27 the device knob 23 to 26 in a perspective rear view;
• 28 the device knob 23 to 27 in a section along the line XXIIX-XXIIX 26
• 29 a device knob part in a side view;
• 30th the device knob part after 29 in a front view;
• 31 the device knob part after 29 and 30th in a perspective view obliquely from the front;
• 32 the device knob part after 29 to 31 in a perspective view obliquely from behind;
• 33 a set of device knob parts and templates that can be used as auxiliary devices, which also follows the device knob part 29 to 32 however without an adhesive layer, for providing one or more systems for determining the functionality selected by means of the device knobs in a front view;
• 34 the sentence 33 in a perspective view obliquely from the front;
• 35 the sentence 33 and 34 in a perspective view obliquely from behind;
• 36 a perspective schematic view of another device designed as a stove with several device knobs and a corresponding number of the device button parts and auxiliary devices after 33 to 35 using systems to determine the functionality selected using the device knobs;
• 37 a frontal schematic view of the device 36 ;
• 38 the detail XXXIIX in 36 of the device 36 and 37 ;
• 39 the detail XXXIX in 37 of the device 36 to 38 ;
• 40 a perspective schematic view of another device designed as a stove with several device knobs and a corresponding number of systems for determining the functionality selected by means of the device knobs;
• 41 a frontal schematic view of the device 40 ;
• 42 an example of a device button part for use in the arrangement according to 40 and 41 in a side view;
• 43 the device button part 42 in a front view;
• 44 the device button part 42 and 43 in a perspective view obliquely from the front; and
• 45 a schematic exploded view of the device button part after 42 to 44 .

The in the 1 to 3rd shown devices 50 are exemplary in 1 as a stove and in 2nd chosen as a washing machine. They each have device knobs 20 on, by means of which certain functionalities of the devices 50 can be chosen.

The device knobs are natural 20 about respective axes of rotation 24th (see for example 6 , 7 and 10th ) rotatably attached to corresponding rotary knob shafts, not shown here, but known per se, the devices 50 in relation to the device knobs 20 stationary assemblies 51 , and especially front panels 52 , through which the knob shafts not shown here extend. In this way, the functionalities of the devices 50 be chosen in the desired and well known manner.

Per device knob 20 are systems 10th to determine the by means of the respective device knob 20 selected functionality of the device 50 provided by visually impaired people, whereby at the in 1 illustrated embodiment all device knobs 20 replace the knobs provided by the manufacturer. In the 2nd and 3rd illustrated embodiments, this is only for the in 2nd and 3rd Device knob shown on the left 20 the case while for the in the 2nd and 3rd device knob shown on the right 20 an exchange did not appear to be necessary, but other measures that were explained in detail below were provided.

The device knob 20 , by which the knobs of the in 1 shown device 50 and the left knob of the in 2nd and 3rd shown device 50 are replaced is schematically in 4th and 5 shown.

The one in the 4th and 5 shown device knob 20 each has a knob body 64 on the one hand on the corresponding knob shafts of the devices 50 can be put on and on the other hand haptically detectable symbols 36 wearing. It goes without saying that the haptically detectable symbols 36 to the respective functionalities, which are set by the respective device knob 20 can be selected, are adapted.

At its the device 50 each side facing away from the knob body 64 an opening into which a printed circuit 63 can be used, which in turn a data processing chip 67 and a battery as an autonomous energy supply 32 as well as an electromagnetic interface 13 wearing.

In the corresponding opening is the printed circuit 63 and covering the components it supports, a loudspeaker 41 used, which through an aperture 61 is partially covered and held in the opening.

Next to the bezel 61 are two buttons 62 on the knob body 63 - and also on the device 50 each side facing away - provided by which certain functions of the data processing chip 67 , such as a reset, programming but also the output of voice information. Instead of the button 62 For example, capacitive switches or other manually operated switch elements can also be used in different embodiments.

At its the device 50 facing side is the in 4th and 5 device knob shown in detail 20 also open and with a lid 65 locked, which in turn is one of the number by the specific device knob 20 Functionalities to be selected according to the number of Hall sensors 66 wearing.

The Hall sensors 66 can with a magnet 68 (please refer 4th ) interact, which on the front panel 52 of the respective device 50 is glued above the associated rotary knob shaft. In alternative embodiments, the magnet 68 or other corresponding assemblies in a different way between the device knob 20 and the device 50 itself or the fixed assembly 51 be attached.

The Hall sensors 66 thus form a first measuring device component 37 autonomous measuring equipment 31 and the magnet 68 a second measuring device component 38 of the autonomous measuring devices 31 , with which, regardless of the corresponding measuring devices, which are already in this regard in the device 50 are provided, the rotational position of the respective device knob 20 can be measured. It is understood in alternative embodiments instead of the Hall sensors 66 and the magnet 68 for example, switches on the lid 65 or on one of the devices 50 facing side of the device knob 20 can be arranged in corresponding positions, which with a on the front panel 52 interact with glued or molded cams accordingly. As an alternative, corresponding optical detection systems can also use first and second measuring device components 37 , 38 of the autonomous measuring devices 31 represent.

The autonomous measuring devices 31 are also part of the means of determination in this way 30th for determining the rotational position of the device knob 20 .

Using the autonomous measuring equipment 31 measured rotational position can be via the data processing chip 67 and the speaker 41 are output in the form of a voice output, which in the present embodiment occurs specifically when one of the buttons 62 is pressed. If the other is the button 62 is printed, the voice output of an instruction manual takes place in this embodiment. It goes without saying that, in other exemplary embodiments, a somewhat different mode of operation can be selected here, as long as a corresponding voice output is targeted in the loudspeaker 41 can be realized.

In the present embodiment, there is also a voice output when the device knob 20 is rotated so that an operator immediately knows which functionality is currently selected.

Likewise, the data processing chip 67 a corresponding signal to the interface 13 be sent, so that any mobile phones 42 or radios 43 can output a corresponding voice output. The speaker or speakers 41 as well as the cell phones 42 and radios 43 or, in alternative embodiments, also other output devices, such as computers or tablets, thus serve as the output unit 40 and are therefore also part of the disclosure tool 15 to indicate that of the determination means 30th or the autonomous measuring devices 31 functionality associated with a particular rotational position.

The data processing chip is also in the present exemplary embodiment 67 and the one on the device knob 20 speakers 41 to the disclosure tools 15 to count.

The mobile phone 42 or the radios 43 that in the 1 to 3rd are therefore represented, separate components 14 of the respective system, which are different than device-side components 11 not on the device 50 attached or to be attached.

In addition, device-side components 11 is therefore on the other hand especially in 4th and 5 shown device knob 20 to count.

Furthermore, in 2nd and 3rd system shown on the right 10th next to the device knob shown on the right 20 , which in this embodiment as the manufacturer-provided device knob 20 is left, a sensor plate 72 as an auxiliary facility 70 for autonomous determination of the rotational position of the corresponding device knob 20 on the corresponding device knob 20 around on the front panel 20 is attached. The sensor plate 72 is here via an electrical lead 12th with that on the device 50 standing radio 43 via an electrical supply line 12th connected, which on the one hand the electrical power supply of the sensor plate 72 and on the other hand the transmission of data from the sensor plate 72 to the radio 43 serves. In the present specific exemplary embodiment, the electrical lead is 12th implemented by a USB cable, wherein in alternative embodiments a different connection or several cables can also be provided here. A wireless connection may also be provided, as long as the sensor plate 72 or the auxiliary device 70 for example through an autonomous energy supply 32 , for example via photocells, can be supplied with sufficient energy.

The sensor plate 72 wears photo sensors 69 which is a color change by a manufacturer's button on the corresponding device 20 markers already provided 34 is conditional if this is in front of a corresponding photo sensor 69 comes to rest, can grasp each. In this way, the marker 34 in this embodiment, the first measuring device component 37 and the photo sensors 69 the second measuring device component 38 of autonomous measuring devices 31 by means of which as a means of determination 30th the rotational position of the device knob 20 can be determined.

Also inside the sensor plate 72 are disclosure tools 15 in the form of one or more data processing chips (not numbered here), which is one of the determination means 30th certain rotational position of the device knob 20 corresponding signal via the electrical supply line 12th to the radio 43 so that there is the appropriate functionality of this device knob 20 can be output as voice output.

The auxiliary facility 70 or the sensor plate 72 have a connection side (not numbered here), which on the front panel 52 comes to rest and is glued to this, in this embodiment. Instead, another type of connection, for example magnetic or electrostatic, can also be provided.

In itself, it should be sufficient if the in 4th and 5 device knob shown in detail 20 and more precisely via the loudspeaker provided there 41 A corresponding voice output is made in order for the visually impaired to be determined by means of the corresponding device knob 20 selected functionality of the device 50 to enable reliable operation, so that first the interface 13 which in the device knob 20 is provided, does not appear to be absolutely necessary. In particular, a supplementary speech output by the mobile phone appears 42 or the radios 43 or unnecessary or redundant by other output devices.

However, situations are conceivable, for example in a kitchen or also in a laundry room, in which loud ambient noises occur, for example when coffee is ground, a mixer is operated at high speed or laundry is spun. Here it is conceivable that the on a device knob 20 provided speakers 41 due to the relatively small amount of energy that this is due to the autonomous energy supply 32 can be provided, is not loud enough to reliably drown out such ambient noise. In this respect, there are separate components 14 how this a cell phone 42 who have favourited Radios 43 and similar output devices, better equipped.

Possibly. the corresponding device knob 20 be designed such that the buttons 62 the mode of operation of the respective device knob 20 is chosen that in quieter Environment for energy saving the speakers 41 the device knob 20 used and the interface 13 not be used while in a noisy environment to save energy to the speakers 41 the device knob 20 not and only the interface 13 as a means of disclosure 15 be used.

In itself, it seems relatively complex that the in 2nd and 3rd completely different systems 10th to determine the by means of the respective device knob 20 selected functionality.

It goes without saying that, for example, for the 2nd and 3rd Device knob shown on the left 20 the system 10th which for the in 2nd and 3rd device knob shown on the right 20 is used, can be used. Because of the maximum diameter 17th of the components on the device side 11 of in 2nd and 3rd system shown on the left 10th perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24th the associated device knob 20 only less than 1.5 times the maximum diameter 27 the device knob 20 perpendicular to this axis of rotation 24th has, remains when the in 2nd and 3rd arrangement shown similar systems 10th for the two knobs 20 there should be enough space around the in 2nd and 3rd device knob shown on the right 20 a corresponding sensor plate 72 or a differently designed auxiliary device 70 to provide. This is possible even if the two device knobs 20 are even closer together or slightly larger maximum diameter 17th , 27 are used.

So far the distance between the device knobs 20 smaller than twice the diameter of the device knob 20 of the two device knobs 20 with the larger diameter, a common sensor plate can also be used if necessary 72 or auxiliary device 70 be provided, by which the condition can still be met that the maximum diameter 27 of the components on the device side 11 of the system 10th less than 3 times the maximum diameter 27 the device knob 20 with the larger diameter. For reasons of flexibility, however, a separate auxiliary device appears 70 or sensor plate 72 for each of the device knobs 20 advantageous, for example common interfaces or common electrical leads 12th can be provided if necessary.

On the other hand, it goes without saying that, as is immediately understandable, the in 2nd and 3rd Device knob shown on the left 20 and therefore also in 1 , 4th and 5 shown device knobs 20 Systems 10th represent where the maximum diameter 17th of the components on the device side 11 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24th the device knob 20 the diameter 27 the device knob 20 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 24th corresponds. These systems 10th are therefore regarding their device-side components 11 extremely compact.

In this respect, the in 2nd and 3rd illustrated embodiment also both device knobs 20 according to the in 2nd and 3rd Device knob shown on the left 20 be designed, meaningfully the haptic symbols 36 each should be adapted to the associated functionalities, which also applies to the electronic or electrical information means 15 applies which of the particular rotary positions the functionality via the output units 40 should specify.

In the 6 and 7 shown further device knobs 20 also corresponds to the maximum diameter 27 the device knob 20 the maximum diameter in each case 17th of the components on the device side 11 of the associated system, as immediately understandable. In addition, the device knobs 20 of the 6 and 7 to autonomous measuring devices as determining devices for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob 20 waived, so that only the tactile symbols 36 which on the device knobs 20 are provided as a means of determination 30th for determining the rotational position of the respective device knob 20 and as a means of disclosure 15 serve. In addition, the in 6 shown device knob 20 another marker 34 , which is also designed to be haptically detectable, in the body of the device knob 20 a corresponding recess is provided, and thus to the determination means 30th is to be counted.

Similar to that in 2nd and 3rd sensor plate shown 72 can in 8th and 9 shown stencils 71 with tactile symbols 36 as auxiliary facilities 70 one device knob each 20 around with a connecting side 28 , the haptically detectable symbols in these exemplary embodiments 36 is arranged opposite, on a front panel or on another stationary assembly of a device, so that, with the help of any pointers or markers, which on the corresponding device knob 20 are provided, the corresponding functionality, which for the respective device knob 20 was selected, can be determined haptically.

Here, on the connection side 73 For example, an adhesive layer may be provided, with a magnetic or electrostatic or similar connection can be provided.

The haptically detectable symbols thus serve here 36 of stencils 71 together with the pointers or markers of the respective device knobs 20 as a means of determination 30th for determining the rotational position of the device knob 20 .

In the 8th and 9 The illustrated embodiments are the inner diameter of the auxiliary device 70 or the templates 71 chosen such that this the maximum diameter 27 the device knob 20 corresponds, with different embodiments in this regard also smaller or larger inner diameters or divided auxiliary devices 70 , Stencils or single stencils that do not enclose the respective device knob can be selected. In this respect, however, the in 8th and 9 shown stencils 71 the maximum diameter 17th of the components on the device side 11 which by the stencils 71 are essentially defined less than 2 times the maximum diameter 27 the associated device knob 20 , and this including the upward extension of the stencils 71 , through which more precise information, for which hotplates the associated device knob 20 is intended to be perceptible to a visually impaired person. Such auxiliary facilities can be directly understood 70 or templates 71 as components on the device side 11 of a system 10th to determine the by means of a device knob 20 of a device 50 selected functionality of the device 50 easily and flexibly by visually impaired people on front panels or other stationary assemblies of the respective devices 50 are attached or attached, this even with relatively close to each other device knobs 20 due to separate components on the device side 11 , which are also separate systems 10th form, can be realized, which guarantees a correspondingly high flexibility.

The in 10th shown device knob 20 consists essentially of a first knob part 21 , which in turn is made of several parts and essentially the receptacle for turning the device knob 20 forces to be applied by an operator, a second rotary knob part 22 , by means of which torques can be conducted to the device, and a third rotary knob part 23 , which on the one hand rotatably with the second knob part 22 is connected and on the other hand, the parts of the first knob part 21 are each individually secured against rotation.

The parts of the first knob part 21 each have haptically detectable symbols 36 on which functionalities correspond to the respective rotational position of the device rotary knob 20 correspond, represented haptically comprehensible.

How immediately understandable, can by a multi-part design of the first knob part 21 or by individualizing the individual haptically detectable symbols 36 extremely high flexibility on individual modules with regard to the adjustment of the respective device knob 20 can be guaranteed to the respective functionalities provided by the manufacturer, which, however, can possibly require a high manufacturing effort.

This customization allows, in particular, the third knob part 23 can be manufactured in very large numbers and thus relatively inexpensively. Due to the individual insertion of the individual haptically detectable symbols 36 this also applies to the various parts of the first knob part 21 which may then also be manufactured in large quantities and only have to be used individually.

The latter also applies to second knob parts 22 which ultimately only have to be adapted for the rotary knob shafts on the market. However, since the latter are somewhat limited in their variability, relatively large numbers of items can also be produced here, in order to then produce the individually manufactured rotary knob parts 21 , 22 , 23 to be able to combine them in a suitable manner.

At this point it should be emphasized that the flat design in the area of the haptically detectable symbols on the one hand enables haptic detection and on the other hand also the connection between the parts of the first rotary knob part 21 and the third knob part 23 is easy and reliable to deploy.

Accordingly, the in 4th to 7 illustrated embodiments to capture relatively good haptic.

The same applies to the in 11 and 12th exemplary rotary knob, in which the haptically detectable symbols 36 are also arranged on flat surfaces. Here, the flat surfaces of the individual knob parts 21 are referred to as the connecting side, by means of which the respective knob parts 21 on the remaining knob parts 22 , 23 or on the rest of the device knob 20 can be connected. This can be done in particular by an adhesive connection, but also by a snap connection or the like.

The in 11 and 12th shown device knob 20 only has a first knob part 21 the haptic symbols 36 has and absorbs the rotational forces applied by an operator, and a second rotary knob part 22 on which with the first knob part 21 can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner and transmits torques to the device. Again, the first knob part 21 a connecting page 28 be assigned to which this with the second knob part 22 connected is.

However, in deviation from the in 10th illustrated embodiment, the second knob part 22 formed in several parts and has a metallic part on the device side 25th on, which can be rotatably attached to a device shaft, while that with the first knob part 21 connected part 26 consists of plastic. A similar structure is also for the in 10th shown second knob part 22 but the other knobs presented here 20 conceivable.

The part on the device side 25th is designed in this embodiment as a metallic sleeve, which are rotatably attached to a rotary knob shaft in a known manner, the latter as a shaft receptacle 80 can accommodate and ensures a reliable and stable fit. In alternative embodiments, a metallic spring or a combination thereof can also be provided here.

Because that with the first knob part 21 connected part 26 of the second knob part 22 to the part on the device side 25th of the second knob part 22 is molded, a very intimate and non-rotatable connection, even with relatively small radii.

For connection to the first knob part 21 points the part 26 arms pointing radially outwards so that any turning forces are correspondingly lower there. This increases the overall stability of the device knob 20 , in particular in the area of the connection between the first and the second rotary knob part 21 , 22 .

At the in 11 and 12th illustrated embodiment but also in the 10th arrangement shown or in other comparable arrangements, it may be advantageous to the first knob part 21 to be produced by individual manufacturing processes, for example by rapid prototyping or by 3D printing or by additive manufacturing processes, since this enables very individual components to be manufactured at relatively low cost.

As based on the embodiments of 13 to 17th visible, the haptically detectable symbols 36 not necessarily to be found on flat surfaces.

The exemplary embodiments described there have symbols that can be haptically detected on the front 36 that are provided on a flat surface. In the present exemplary embodiments, these haptically detectable symbols serve to indicate for which unit of the associated device the respective device knob 50 is thought.

On the other hand, the in 13 to 17th shown device knobs 20 haptically detectable symbols 36 which in conical areas of the respective device knob 20 can be found. This applies on the one hand to numbers, but also to one in 13 and 14 exemplarily illustrated spiral 36A or in elevation above the surface of the device knob 20 gradually increasing and in 15 and 16 illustrated surveys 36B that are gradually increasing the spiral 36A or the amount of the surveys 36B represent corresponding temperature representation, with the in 16 shown knob still numbers in Braille on the surveys 36B are provided.

Also in 18th shown device knob 20 is formed in several parts and has a first knob part 21 , which consists of a very handy plastic, and a second knob part 22 on, which consists of a relatively stable plastic. The first knob part 21 is here with its connecting side 28 simply on the second knob part 22 attached.

This device also carries a rotary knob 20 haptically detectable symbols 36 .

In addition, the in the 13 , 14 and 16 to 18th shown device knobs 20 still pointer 33 which is a selected rotary position of the respective device knob 20 display so that the position of the respective device knob 20 can easily be detected optically. Here are the pointers 33 also designed to be haptically detectable, so that visually impaired people can use these pointers 33 for determining the rotational position of the respective device knob 20 to be able to use.

It goes without saying that - depending on the specific implementation - such pointers 33 with otherwise unstructured device knobs, for example, together with the templates 71 of the 8th and 9 or the sensor plate 72 of the 2nd and 3rd can be used.

Depending on the specific implementation of the 6 to 18th The illustrated embodiments can also electronic components such as autonomous measuring means in these embodiments 31 , electronic information tools 15 and output units 40 and any interfaces 13 and electrical leads 12th be provided.

This also corresponds to that in 19th to 22 shown device knob 20 which has a haptically detectable symbol on its front 36 which indicates the type of function - here an oven - that can be controlled with this device knob. In a cylindrical area of this device knob 20 are other haptically detectable symbols 36 arranged, via which the functionality set for this function for visually impaired people can then be detected. A pointer also serves this purpose 33 this device knob 20 , which extends from the cylindrical area to a conical area of this device knob.

The one in the 23 to 28 shown device knob 20 largely corresponds to that in 13 to 16 shown device knob 20 and also has a haptically detectable symbol on the front 36 on which the respective functionality, which by this device knob 20 can be chosen indicates. In this embodiment, this is a hotplate.

In addition, the device knob carries 20 another haptically detectable spiral 36A , which is used to indicate the selected output, which is brought to the corresponding hotplate, so that it can also be recorded by visually impaired people.

The device knob 20 consists essentially of a knob body 64 who is also a wave shot 80 wearing.

The wave recording 80 has a recording depth 81 , please refer 28 , on which a device shaft rotates with the knob body 64 can be connected. For this purpose, the wave recording 80 a corresponding recording cross-section 82 on.

The recording cross section 82 is by a pressure surface 83 tapers which is in a bending area 84 the wave recording.

In the present embodiment, the bending area 84 through a structural weakening 85 provided, which here specifically a slot 86 in the wave recording 80 includes.

Because of the structural weakening 85 can the pressure surface 83 be radially expressed from a device shaft, so that the receiving cross-section also at this point 82 to adapt to the respective device shaft. However, this then causes pressure forces which ensure that the device knob is securely seated 20 enable on the respective device shaft.

It is understood that in different embodiments instead of the slot 86 other structural weaknesses 85 in the bending area 84 can be provided.

That in the 29 to 32 shown device knob part 21 on the one hand carries a haptically detectable symbol 36 for a functionality of a corresponding device knob, here a certain hob. Via a pointer 33 of the device knob part 21 can also assign the correspondingly marked hotplate of this haptically detectable symbol to different rotational positions 36 respectively. In addition, the device knob part carries 21 a haptically detectable spiral 36A , via which the selected heat level can be haptically detected by a visually impaired person.

The device knob part 21 also has a connection page 28 on which an adhesive layer 29 is provided, by means of which the device knob part 21 on an existing device knob 20 can be stuck on, as exemplified in 36 to 39 shown.

It is understood that this device knob part 21 if necessary, can also be placed on a second or third rotary knob part, in order to then represent a corresponding device rotary knob together with the latter.

It is understood that in different embodiments the adhesive layer 29 not necessarily in advance with the device knob part 21 or on the connection side 28 must be provided. Rather, the adhesive layer can also be provided later or directly on the device knob or another knob part. It also goes without saying that, in different embodiments, other connection types may also be provided on the connection side 28 can be provided.

This in 29 to 32 shown device knob part 21 can, as in 33 to 35 exemplified, provided in the form of a set in which several device knob parts 21 and stencils 71 that as auxiliary facilities 70 serve or can be put together to be offered. From this set, different parts of the device can be turned 21 with various haptically detectable symbols of all kinds and also templates 71 with corresponding haptically detectable symbols 36 of any type and optionally at suitable points on a device 50 , i.e. as multi-part device knobs 20 or as auxiliary facilities 70 - whether they are multi-part or not - are used.

In the 33 to 35 The illustrated embodiment is first on an adhesive layer 29 waived, which can be retrofitted in a suitable form. In different embodiments, this can also be done from the front purely on the connection side 28 be provided.

Like especially the 39 can be seen from the templates 71 of in 33 to 35 illustrated set of auxiliary facilities 70 are compiled, their maximum diameter 17th less than 3 times the maximum diameter 27 the device knob 20 is.

That too 40 to 45 illustrated embodiment relies on device knob parts 21 which, in particular, can be retrofitted to an existing device knob 20 can be put on. Here too, it goes without saying that, in different embodiments, the corresponding device knob part 21 with a second knob part 22 to a device knob 20 can be put together.

As detailed in 42 to 45 visible, includes the device knob part 21 this embodiment, a knob body 64 with a connecting side 28 , on which an adhesive layer 29 is provided. The latter can also be attached there later in different embodiments, it also being understood that a different type of connection may also be provided here.

The knob body 64 is on its connecting side 28 opposite side with a cover 61 closed, which for your part is a haptically detectable symbol 36 carries, through which the respective functionality for a visually impaired person can be grasped.

Within the through the bezel 61 closed knob body 64 is on the one hand a battery as an autonomous energy supply 32 and on the other hand a printed circuit 63 provided, which in this embodiment is a data processing chip 67 and acceleration sensors 69A as autonomous measuring devices 31 wearing.

The data processing chip 67 is also designed to be wireless with separate components 14 such as cell phones 42 or speakers 41 , as output units 40 to communicate.

The data processing chip can use this communication 67 if over the accelerometers 69A as autonomous measuring devices 31 a changed rotational position of the respective device knob 20 with which the device knob part 21 is connected, it is determined the corresponding rotational position and via the output units 40 output.

The advantage of such a configuration is the extremely simple retrofitting and the possibility of the respective device knob parts 21 to be able to use it very flexibly.

Reference list

10th

system

11

component on the device side

12th

Electrical supply

13

interface

14

separate component

15

Disclosure means

17th

Maximum diameter of the components on the device 11

20

Device knob

21

first knob part

22

second knob part

23

third knob part

24th

Axis of rotation

25th

part on the device side

26

with the first knob part 21 connected part

27

Maximum diameter of the device knob 20

28

Connection side

29

Adhesive layer

30th

Determining means for determining the rotational position of the device knob 20

31

autonomous measuring equipment

32

autonomous energy supply

33

pointer

34

Marker

36

haptically detectable symbol

36A

haptically detectable spiral

36B

haptically detectable surveys

37

first measuring device component

38

second measuring device component

40

Output unit

41

speaker

42

Mobile phone

43

radio

50

device

51

stationary assembly of the device 50

52

Front panel

61

cover

62

Button

63

printed circuit

64

Knob body

65

cover

66

Hall sensor

67

Data processing chip

68

magnet

69

Photo sensor

69A

Accelerometer

70

Auxiliary device

71

template

72

Sensor plate

73

Connection side

80

Wave recording

81

Recording depth

82

Cross-section

83

Pressure surface

84

Bending area

85

Structural weakening

86

slot

Claims (19)

System (10) for determining the functionality of the device (50) selected by means of a device rotary knob (20) of a device (50) by visually impaired people, the device rotary knob (20) being used to determine at least two functionalities by means of a selectable rotational position of the device rotary knob (20) can be selected on the device (50), the system (10) comprising the device knob (20), means (30) for determining the rotational position of the device knob (20) and means (15) for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position and wherein the determining means (30) and the device knob (20) are or are to be attached to the device (50) as device-side components (11) of the system (10), characterized in that (i) the device-side components (11) of the Systems (10) are autonomous and a maximum diameter (17) of the device-side components (11) of the system (10) perpendicular to an axis of rotation (24) of the device knob (20) is a maximum diameter (27) of the Device knob (20) perpendicular to its axis of rotation (24) exceeds less than 3 times; (ii) the determining means (30) comprise the autonomous measuring means (31) measuring the rotational position of the device knob (20) and / or the system (10) comprises an autonomous energy supply (32); and / or (iii) the device rotary knob (20) is constructed in several parts and a first rotary knob part (21) made of plastic and absorbing rotational forces applied by an operator and a torque consisting of plastic and connected to the first rotary knob part (21) in a rotationally fixed manner Device (50) comprises conductive second rotary knob part (22). System (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the system (10) is designed as an autonomous system. System (10) according to Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the device knob (20) is designed as a retrofit knob, and preferably the entire system (10) for retrofitting. System (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized by a further system (10) for determining the functionality of the device (50) selected by means of a further device rotary knob (20) of the device (50) by visually impaired people, wherein at least two functionalities can also be selected by means of the further device rotary knob (20) Rotation position of the further device knob (20) can be selected in relation to the device (50), the further system (10) the further device knob (20), means (30) for determining the rotational position of the further device knob (20) and means ( 15) for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, the determination means (30) and the further device rotary knob (20) being attached or to be attached to the device (50) as device-side components (11) of the further system (10) and wherein the device-side components (11) of the further system (10) are autonomous and the maximum diameter (17) of the device-side components (11) of the further system (10) exceeds the maximum diameter (27) of the further device rotary knob (20) less than 3 times, in particular less than 2 times, and the system (10) and the further system (10) possibly separate components ( 14) and preferably also share electrical leads (12) or interfaces (13). Auxiliary device (70) for determining the functionality of the device (50) selected by means of a device rotary knob (20) of a device (50) visually impaired people, the auxiliary device (70) having a connection side (73) via which it can be connected to the device (50) and means (30) for determining the rotational position of the device knob (20) and means (15) for specifying the Functionality associated with the specific rotational position, characterized in that (i) the auxiliary device (70) can be arranged on the device (50) around the device knob (20) with a maximum diameter (17) perpendicular to an axis of rotation (24) of the device knob (20) which exceeds a maximum diameter (27) of the device rotary knob (20) perpendicular to its axis of rotation (24) less than 3 times; (ii) the determining means (30) comprise the autonomous measuring means (31) measuring the rotational position of the device rotary knob (20) and / or the auxiliary device (70) comprise an autonomous energy supply (32). Auxiliary device (70) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the maximum diameter (17) of the auxiliary device (70) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (24) of the device knob (20), the maximum diameter (27) of the device knob (20) perpendicular to its axis of rotation (24) is less than 2 times exceeds. System (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th or auxiliary device (70) Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the determining means (30) and / or the indicating means (15) attached to the device knob (20) haptically detectable symbols (36) and preferably at least one on a fixed assembly (51) of the device (50) or attached attaching marker (34). Device rotary knob (20), characterized in that the device rotary knob (20) carries means (30) for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob (20) and means (15) for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotational position, and (i) the determination means (30 ) and / or the information means (15) of the device knob (20) comprise at least one haptically detectable symbol (36) located on the device knob (20); and / or (ii) the determining means (30) of the device knob (20) the autonomous measuring means (31) measuring the rotational position of the device knob (20) and / or the device knob (20) comprise an autonomous energy supply (32); and / or (iii) the device rotary knob (20) is constructed in several parts, as well as a first rotary knob part (21) made of plastic and absorbing rotational forces applied by an operator and a torque consisting of plastic and non-rotatably connected to the first rotary knob part (21) Device (50) comprises conductive second rotary knob part (22). Device rotary knob part (21), characterized in that the device rotary knob part (21) carries means (30) for determining the rotational position of the device rotary knob part (21) and means (15) for specifying the functionality associated with the specific rotary position and also has a connection side (28) , by means of which the device knob part (21) can be connected to a second knob part (22) or a device knob (20) (i) the determination means (30) and / or the indication means (15) of the device knob part (21) at least one haptically detectable symbol ( 36); and / or (ii) the determination means (30) of the device knob part (21) the autonomous measuring means (31) measuring the rotational position of the device knob part (21) and / or the device knob part (21) comprise an autonomous energy supply (32). Device knob part (21) after Claim 9 , characterized in that the device rotary knob part (21) can absorb rotational forces applied by an operator and can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second rotary knob part (22). System (10) or auxiliary device (70) according to Claim 7 , Turn the device knob (20) Claim 8 or device rotary knob part (21) Claim 9 or 10th , characterized in that the pointer (33), the marker (34) and / or the haptically detectable symbols (36) are contrasted and / or represented by matt or non-reflecting surfaces, and / or by flat surfaces which which has at least one haptically detectable symbol (36), preferably a plurality of haptically detectable symbols (36). System (10), auxiliary device (70), device knob (20) or device knob part (21) according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , characterized by at least one output unit (40) for outputting one of the functions measured by the measuring means (31). System (10)), device knob (20) or device knob part (21) after Claim 12 , characterized in that the output unit (40) is arranged in or on the device knob (20) or the device knob part (21) and preferably comprises a loudspeaker. System (10) according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the output unit (40) is connected to the measuring means (31) via an interface (13), the output unit (40) preferably being provided in the separate component (14) and the interface (13) the distance between the device knob (20) or the device-side components (11) and the separate component (13) wired and / or bridged wirelessly. System (10), auxiliary device (70), device knob (20) or device knob part (21) according to one of the Claims 12 to 14 , characterized in that the measuring means (31) are of one-component design and are preferably arranged on the device rotary knob (20). System (10) according to one of the Claims 12 to 14 , characterized in that the measuring means (31) are of two or more components and a first of the measuring means components (37) is attached to the device knob (20) and a second of the measuring means components (38) is attached to the device (50). System (10) according to Claim 16 , characterized in that the second of the measuring means components (38) is attached to the device surface, preferably on a front panel (52) of the device (50). System (10) or device knob (20) according to one of the Claims 1 to 17th , characterized in that the first rotary knob part (21) is constructed in several parts and these parts are arranged rotationally symmetrically on the second rotary knob part (22), in that the second rotary knob part (22) is formed in several parts and the device-side part (25) is metallic and the rotationally fixed with the first The knob part (26) made of plastic and / or that between the two knob parts (21, 22) on the one hand rotatably connected to the first knob part (21) and on the other hand non-rotatably connected to the second knob part (22) is arranged a third knob part (23) . Device knob (20) or device knob part (21) according to one of the Claims 8 to 13 , 15 and 18th , characterized by a shaft receptacle (80) which extends over a receptacle depth (81) and a receptacle cross section (82) oriented perpendicular to the receptacle depth (81) for the rotationally fixed receptacle of a device shaft and a receptacle cross section (82) along the shaft receptacle (80) which reduces the receptacle cross section Has pressure surface (83) which is arranged in a bending area (84) of the shaft holder (80).

Images