Operating device for an electric cooking appliance, electric cooking appliance with such an operating device and method for operating an electric cooking appliance

Abstract

A control device for an electric cooking appliance, which is installed in a worktop on a piece of furniture, wherein the control device is arranged on a front of the furniture, comprises a control unit, a control panel, and at least one operating element projecting beyond the control panel, with a front surface including a display device and a surrounding surface. The operating element has an operating position and a different stowage position, as well as a rotating ring occupying the surrounding surface, which is rotatable relative to the other operating element for operating the electric cooking appliance. The control device has a movable holding device to which the operating element is attached so that it can be moved from the operating position to the stowage position and vice versa. The front of the operating element is at an angle between 0° and 60° to the horizontal in the operating position and at an angle between 80° and 90° in the stowage position.

Description

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for an electric cooking appliance, for example a cooktop or an oven. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electric cooking appliance with such a control device and a method for operating such an electric cooking appliance.

[0002] Operating devices are known from DE 102 12 953 A1 and DE 102 12 954 A1, featuring a rotatable, two-part rotary control knob, which may itself contain an indicator light. The rotary control knob is rotatably mounted on a base that does not rotate with it.

[0003] From DE 10 2009 022 339 A1, operating devices are known with a rotatable control knob, in which light can be shone through a control panel into and through the control knob. This allows for an indicator light and / or illumination at the front of the control knob. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating a control device mentioned above, an electric cooking appliance equipped with it, and a method for operation, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and in particular it is possible to have a light indicator or a display on a control element that is practical and at the same time easy to read.

[0005] This problem is solved by an operating device with the features of claim 1, by an electric cooking appliance with the features of claim 17, and by a method with the features of claim 18. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims and are explained in more detail below. Some of the features are mentioned only for the operating device, only for an electric cooking appliance equipped with it, or only for a method of operation. However, they should be able to apply independently and separately to such an operating device, such an electric cooking appliance, and a method of operation. The wording of the claims is made part of the description by express reference.

[0006] The control device is designed for an electric cooking appliance that is installed in a worktop on or within a piece of furniture. The control device can be located at least partially on the front of the furniture. It has a control panel, which is preferably formed on or by the front of the furniture on or in which the electric cooking appliance is located. The control panel has at least one control element for the electric cooking appliance, advantageously several, such as two to four. The control element has a front surface and a surrounding surface that advantageously extends around the front surface. The control element has an operating position and a different storage position, in which it is arranged or oriented differently. It has at least one indicator on its front surface.

[0007] The control element features a rotating ring that at least partially covers the outer surface. This rotating ring can be turned relative to the rest of the control element to operate the electric cooking appliance. This is similar to a standard control with familiar rotary knobs, such as those mentioned earlier, except that here the rotary knobs should be located on the vertical front.

[0008] According to the invention, the operating device has a movable or inherently movable holding device for the operating element, to which it is attached, so that the operating element can be moved from the operating position to the stow position and vice versa by means of this holding device. Intermediate positions between these two end positions can be provided; advantageously, the movement or pivoting is stepless. The operating device detects, at least in the operating position, a rotation of the rotary ring for an operating operation, advantageously as is known from the prior art, for example, as mentioned above, in particular with signal magnets and Hall sensors.

[0009] In the operating position, the front of the control element is angled between 0° and 60° to the horizontal, while in the stowed position it is angled between 80° and 90°. This ensures that the display is clearly visible from above in the operating position, unlike in the stowed position. Furthermore, in the stowed position, the control element protrudes less from the front of the furniture than in the operating position. This better protects the display from damage when not in use and prevents it from being obtrusive.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the holding device can be designed such that movement of the control element between the operating position and the storage position is a rotation about a single axis of rotation, wherein this axis of rotation can run horizontally and / or parallel to the front of the furniture. The axis of rotation can run outside the control element and preferably between the front of the furniture and the control element in the operating position, or alternatively just behind the front so that the actual axis is not so visible.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the holding device for pivoting the control element about several axes of rotation can be designed such that, when it pivots from the storage position to the operating position, the front of the control element is tilted relative to the horizontal and simultaneously the front is moved away from the front of the furniture; advantageously, the control element itself is also moved away. Preferably, all axes of rotation can run horizontally and / or parallel to the front of the furniture.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the aforementioned pivoting holding device can be designed as a multi-axis joint, preferably comprising two articulated arms connected to the front and two articulated arms connected to the control element. The articulated arms are rotatably connected to each other about axes of rotation, with all axes of rotation being horizontal and parallel to each other.

[0013] In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the holding device can comprise a sliding part and a rotating part. The sliding part and the rotating part are designed such that, when the control element is moved from the storage position to the operating position, the sliding part first moves the control element forward, particularly in a horizontal direction, away from the front of the furniture. Then, preferably after the sliding part has moved out as far as possible, the control element rotates or tilts upwards by means of the rotating part, specifically around a horizontal axis. This allows the display device on the front of the control element to be easily seen and read from above in the operating position.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can lock into the operating position or be held in the operating position by spring force. This can preferably also be provided in the stowed position. In this way, the control element is held stably in each end position, especially in the operating position. This allows the control element to be rotated as smoothly and stably as possible.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can have a distance from the front of the furniture in the operating position, in particular at least 2 mm. This makes it easy to grip and turn.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the operating device can be designed without a separate electrical drive for moving the control element between the stowed position and the operating position, thus being very simple and requiring no power supply. Preferably, a triggerable spring mechanism can be provided which, upon release, moves the control element from the stowed position to the operating position. Release can advantageously be achieved by pressing on the front of the control element or the rotary ring in the direction of the furniture, as is also known from so-called push-to-open mechanisms for furniture doors.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the operating device can have an electric drive for the holding device, which is designed to move the operating element from the stowed position to the operating position. In particular, it can also be designed for movement in the opposite manner or direction, wherein the electric drive is preferably an electric motor or can have an electric motor, or alternatively an electromagnet.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the electric drive can be activated by a control command from the operating device, preferably by triggering a control element on the electric cooking appliance. Alternatively, the approach of a hand or operator can be detected, triggering the movement of the operating element.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the display device on the front of the control element can be an illuminated display, making it clearly visible. Advantageously, it can be an OLED display. It can be a pixel or matrix display, or alternatively, it can have several individual LEDs, for example, in the manner of a seven-segment display. In a further development of the invention, the display device on the front of the control element, or of all control elements, can be the only display or illuminated display for the electric cooking appliance and its components.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, touch sensors or mechanical push buttons can be arranged on the front of the control element. This allows for additional operating options.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can be connected to a control unit of the operating device by means of an electrical conductor, preferably a foil conductor or a flat conductor. Thus, it does not need its own power supply or wireless signal transmission.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the operating device can be designed such that it can be operated by means of the operating element in both the operating position and the stowed position. Preferably, this can also be possible in the intermediate positions between these two positions.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the holding device can have a sensor for distinguishing between the operating position and the storage position. This can preferably be achieved by detecting the angular orientation of the operating element; such sensors are known.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the holding device can have a switch that can be automatically switched between the operating position and the storage position, or is switched by moving the control element from the operating position to the storage position. Advantageously, the switch can be in the storage position to deactivate at least one heating element or other functional unit of the electric cooking appliance that can be operated by the control element.

[0025] In this embodiment of the invention, the control element, in the stowed position, can essentially protrude beyond the front of the furniture, particularly with the rotating ring. It is therefore not necessarily intended to be completely recessed, but above all to be visible.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, the electric cooking appliance can have a housing, wherein the operating device or at least the control element is arranged outside the housing and is connected to the housing by means of electrical conductors. A part of the operating device, and in particular the control unit, can advantageously be arranged inside the housing, so that only the control elements and an electrical supply line extend from it.

[0027] An electric cooking appliance is advantageously a cooktop with a cooking zone, preferably divided into several smaller cooking zones, each with its own heating element. Alternatively, the electric cooking appliance can be an oven, steam cooker, or microwave oven.

[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the method for operating an electric cooking appliance with a previously described operating device can provide that the electric cooking appliance is switched on by turning the rotary ring or by moving the control element out of the storage position. The operating device can then recognize that the electric cooking appliance is to be operated, i.e., switched on.

[0029] These and other features are evident not only from the claims but also from the description and the drawings, whereby the individual features, either alone or in combination, may be implemented in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and may represent advantageous and individually protectable embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The division of the application into subheadings and individual sections does not limit the general validity of the statements made therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A front view of a hob arrangement on a piece of furniture with rotary controls on the front of the furniture. Fig. 2 a top view from the front of the rotary control element with indicator light, Fig. 3 a side view of the rotary control Fig. 2 with a two-part base and rotating ring in a storage position on the front, Fig. 4 a side view accordingly Fig. 3 with the rotary control element rotated away from the front in an intermediate position, Fig. 5 a side view accordingly Fig. 3 with a rotary control element rotated further away from the front in an end position as the operating position, Fig. 6 a modification of the operating device with a differently designed swivel joint for the rotary control element in a stowable position at the front, Fig. 7 a side view accordingly Fig. 6 with rotary control element swiveled away from the front in an end position as operating position, Fig. 8 a further modification of the operating device with a sliding part for the rotary control element in a stowable position at the front, and Fig. 9 a side view accordingly Fig. 8 with rotary control element moved away from the front and rotated in an end position as operating position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0031] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement 10 of a cooktop 11 as an electric cooking appliance mounted on a worktop 14 of a piece of furniture 16. The cooktop 11 has a cooking surface 12 and rotary knobs 13 or other conventional touch switches for various functions arranged on the front of the cooking surface 12. It has a cooktop housing arranged in a known manner beneath the cooking surface 12, in which conventional functional units such as heating elements are arranged. The installation on or in the worktop 14 is also known.

[0032] The furniture 16 can be a kitchen front made up of several individual parts. In front of the cooktop 11, the furniture 16 has a front panel 17, for example made of wood or a similar material, especially lacquered. The front panel 17 usually extends over the entire height. However, it can also be divided vertically into an upper fixed section and a lower movable section, for example for a door or a drawer.

[0033] For the cooktop 11, a control device 18 according to the invention is provided, which has an abstract control unit 20 (shown in dashed lines) and four rotary controls 22a to 22d. The control unit 20 is part of the cooktop 11 and can be arranged in the cooktop housing. The rotary controls 22 are electrically connected to it. Furthermore, the rotary controls 22a to 22d are fixed and immovably attached to the front panel. They can have their own additional control panel or, alternatively, be mounted directly onto, for example, a painted front panel of the furniture 16. They can be independent of each other and each be connected separately to the control unit 20.

[0034] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view from the front of a rotary control element 22 of the operating device 18, and in the Fig. 3 from the side. The rotary control element 22 has a base 35 that rests against the front 17 of the furniture 16 and may also be recessed into it. This base 35 is not rotatable. A rotary ring 32 is rotatably arranged on the base 35, and essentially only this rotary ring 32 is rotatable. A substantial area of ​​the rotary control element 22 radially within the rotary ring 32 is also fixed, advantageously fixedly connected to or mounted on the base 35. The rotary ring 32 can be rotatable to any desired extent, possibly with a detent device for haptic feedback to an operator and for precise adjustment of a specific position. Rotation can be detected, for example, as described in the aforementioned DE 102 12 953 A1 and DE 102 12 954 A1, for example, by means of capacitive or magnetic sensors. The rotary ring 32 should also not be easily removable from the base 35; for example, it may be screwed on.It can be made of materials such as plastic or aluminum.

[0035] The front surface 24 of the rotary control element 22 can be flush with the front edge of the rotary ring 32 or slightly recessed. A completely flat and closed surface, such as a glass plate or plastic cover, is advantageous. The front surface 24 features a display device in the form of an illuminated indicator 26, which can be, for example, a dotted OLED display 29. It can display several indicator elements 27 shown here, such as a central digit "5". To the left of this, a stylized flame symbol indicates that a cooking zone on the hob 11 is heating. A luminous dot is shown below the digit to indicate further options.For the display elements 27 shown here, a known light display with discrete LEDs can also be used, in particular with a central seven-segment display. By using the OLED display 29, a wide variety of highly detailed and diverse light displays can be realized, and any desired information can be displayed.

[0036] In the lower left corner, next to the number "5", a sensor button 30 is shown with a dashed line; this button can be capacitive. This forms a kind of simple touchscreen, and certain functions or operating options on the control device 18 can be confirmed via the sensor button 30. Alternatively, it can also be a mechanical push button.

[0037] It is important that when rotating the rotating ring 32 clockwise or counterclockwise in Fig. 2 the socket 35 and the area within it, in particular the OLED display 29, cannot be rotated or remain stationary.

[0038] From the comparison of Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 it is easy to see that in the stowing position according to Fig. 3. The rotary control element 22 is positioned as close as possible to the front 17, or as little away from it as possible. This corresponds to a standard arrangement of rotary knobs on cookers. However, in this position, the indicator light 26, or indeed the entire display of the OLED screen 29, is practically invisible. To see it, the operator would have to step away from the cooktop 11 and bend down, which is considered a significant disadvantage.

[0039] Therefore, the rotary control element 22 can be used according to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are rotated away from the front 17 by means of a holding device, which here is designed as a simple swivel joint 37 about a horizontal axis of rotation, or moved away by rotation. Fig. 4 shows an intermediate position, and the Fig. 5. An end position serves as the operating position. The angle α shown to the horizontal can be approximately 45°, but it could also be smaller so that the indicator light 26 is even more visible. However, such an angle is sufficient in practice. Normally, the rotary control element 22 is operated, or the rotary ring 32 is rotated relative to the base 35, in the operating position as shown. Fig. 5. The selected power level can be easily and conveniently read directly from above on the indicator light. The rotary control 22 can then be operated during cooking on the hob 11 in the operating position according to Fig. 5 remain, but could also be postponed.

[0040] This design of the control device 18 has the advantage that no further indicator devices are required at the top of the cooktop 11 or the cooktop plate 12, or at least none that display power levels or other detailed information. Furthermore, an additional indicator light can be activated on the rotary control element 22, particularly at the base 35, to indicate that the cooktop 11 is switched on. This also eliminates the need for an indicator at the top of the cooktop 11 or the cooktop plate 12.

[0041] An electrical connection between the rotary control element 22 and the operating device 18 or the control unit 20 can be made by means of a flat conductor or foil conductor 25 as shown. This can be guided through a corresponding opening in the front 17 of the furniture 16.

[0042] From the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 also shows that the pivot joint 37 runs just inside or behind the front panel 17. This means that, in order to achieve a slight pivoting of the base 35 at the top, a corresponding recess should be provided in the front panel 17. Alternatively, the base 35 could also be slightly beveled or flattened.

[0043] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a modification of an operating device with a rotary control element 122, which can be swivelled away from the front 117 of the furniture 116 in a somewhat more complex manner. It can be seen that the rotary control element 122 is located in the Fig. 6 according to the Fig. 3 on the front 117 is in the stowing position. In the operating position of the Fig. Figure 7 shows that the rotary control element 122 is located more than 1 cm away from the front face 117. This distance can, of course, be less or more, although more would probably be disadvantageous. Here, too, an angle α of approximately 45° to the horizontal line shown with dashed lines is indicated for a front face 124 of the rotary control element 122.

[0044] The rotary control element 122 with base 135 and rotary ring 132 including outer surface 131 can be designed in the same way as previously described in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 explained. Here, however, the holding device with the swivel joint 138 is considerably more complex. In a receiving compartment 141 in the furniture 116, the swivel joint 138 is in the stowed position of the Fig. 6 arranged. At the operating position of the Fig. 7 is largely outside of this. It can be seen that two articulated arms 139a and 139b are connected to the furniture 116. Two further articulated arms 140a and 140b of the four-armed swivel joint 138 are attached to the rear of the base 135. The articulated arms 139a and 140b are each connected only at their ends. The articulated arms 139b and 140a are each connected at three points, in particular also to each other. This type of swivel joint 138 is well known and does not need to be explained further here. From a corresponding application, especially in furniture construction, it is also known how locking end positions can be designed for the two end positions of the storage position and the operating position, possibly also with the aid of spring elements or the like. Similar to the rotary control element 22 according to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 is moved manually by pulling or turning, the rotary control element 12 can be used. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Manual swiveling away is provided.

[0045] In the Fig. Figure 6 shows a limit switch 142 on the left side of the recording space 141. The lower end of the articulated arm 139a rests against a switching arm projecting from the limit switch 142 and can, for example, switch it off. This allows a cooking zone on the hob 11, connected to and operable via the rotary control 122, to be deactivated. Power can only be enabled when the limit switch 142 is no longer pressed. This can be a safety measure against operation in the stowed position according to [reference to relevant figure]. Fig. 6, as explained at the beginning.

[0046] The rotary control elements 22 and 122 can also be equipped with a sensor that detects the tilt of the rotary control element. Depending on this, operation can take place, or operating commands resulting from a rotation of the rotary ring 32 or 132 are converted into operating commands.

[0047] A further embodiment of an operating device with a differently designed holding device is derived from the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that an elongated, cylindrical, or tube-like sliding element 244 is arranged in a receiving chamber 241 and is horizontally movable in a straight direction. A rack 245 can be provided on its upper side, into which a drive gear 246 of an electric motor (not shown) engages. Thus, the sliding element 244 can be extended and retracted by electric motor.

[0048] At the right end of the sliding part 244, a pivot joint 237 is arranged on an inclined surface 247. The pivot joint 237 is similar to the one in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a rotary control element 222 with a base 235 rotatably mounted. In the stowed position of the Fig. In 8, the rotary control element 222 is pressed against the front 217, so to speak, and thus, along with its front 224, is essentially vertical. It also covers the recording space 241.

[0049] When the sliding part 244 is extended from the furniture 216, a certain amount of movement is visibly created for the rotary control element 222, allowing it to rotate around the pivot joint 237. To ensure this rotation, a spring chamber 248 is provided in the lower part of the sliding part 244, in which a coil spring 249 is compressed. It presses against the rear of the base 235 below the pivot joint 237, but cannot rotate it because its upper surface is supported against the front 217.

[0050] Right up to the operating position of the Fig. 9. However, the coil spring 249 can push the base 235 away far enough that the back of the base 235 rests against the inclined surface 247 in a stable final position. Here, similar to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the indicator light on the front 224 can be easily read from above. Furthermore, operation can be carried out by turning the rotary ring 232, as previously explained.

[0051] The extension of the sliding section 244 can, if electrically motorized, be triggered, for example, by detecting contact with the rotary ring 232. Alternatively, a sensor button 30 can be used accordingly. Fig. 2 on the front 224 can be operated. An electric motor can also be used for retraction in a similar manner.

[0052] A purely mechanical mechanism for extending and retracting the sliding element 244 can be implemented, similar to handles for furniture doors. Pushing the element inwards tensions a spring, which then locks into place. A further light tap or press on the rotary control element 222 releases the lock, frees the spring, and allows the entire sliding element 244 to be extended for turning the rotary control element 222. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 12 953 A1 [0002, 0034] DE 102 12 954 A1 [0002, 0034] DE 10 2009 022 339 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Control device for an electric cooking appliance, wherein the electric cooking appliance is built into a worktop on a piece of furniture or into a piece of furniture and the control device is arranged on a front of the furniture, the control device comprising: - a control panel, preferably formed on or through the front of the furniture on which the electric cooking appliance is arranged, - at least one control element for the electric cooking appliance on the control panel, wherein the control element: - has a front and a circumferential surface, - has an operating position and a different storage position, - has a display device on the front, - has a rotating ring that at least partially occupies the surface of the casing, wherein the rotating ring is rotatable relative to the other control element for an operating process to operate the electric cooking appliance,characterized by , that: - the operating device has a movable holding device to which the operating element is attached, - the operating element can be moved from the operating position to the stowing position and vice versa by means of the holding device, preferably with intermediate positions in between, - the operating device detects a rotation of the rotary ring for an operating operation, at least in the operating position, - the front of the control element in the operating position runs at an angle between 0° and 60° to the horizontal, - the front of the control element in the stowed position runs at an angle between 80° and 90° to the horizontal, - the control element in the storage position protrudes less far from the front of the furniture than in the operating position. [2] Operating device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the holding device is designed such that a movement of the control element between the operating position and the storage position is a rotation about a single axis of rotation, wherein preferably the axis of rotation runs horizontally and / or parallel to the front of the furniture, wherein in particular the axis of rotation runs outside the control element and preferably between the front of the furniture and the control element in the operating position. [3] Operating device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the holding device for pivoting the control element about several axes of rotation is designed such that when moving from the storage position to the operating position the front of the control element is tilted relative to the horizontal and at the same time the front is moved away from the front of the furniture, wherein preferably all axes of rotation run horizontally and / or parallel to the front of the furniture. [4] Operating device according to claim 3, characterized by that the holding device is designed such that it is designed as a multi-axis joint, preferably connected to the front with two articulated arms and to the operating element with two articulated arms, wherein the articulated arms are each rotatably connected to each other about axes of rotation, wherein in particular all axes of rotation run horizontally. [5] Operating device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the holding device has a sliding part and a rotating part, wherein the sliding part and the rotating part are designed such that, in order to move the control element from the storage position to the operating position, the sliding part first moves the control element translationally, in particular in a horizontal direction, away from the front of the furniture, and then, preferably after the sliding part has been moved out as far as possible, the control element is rotated or tilted by means of the rotating part, in particular about a horizontal axis of rotation. [6] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element locks into the operating position or is held in the operating position by spring force, preferably also in the stowing position. [7] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control element in the operating position has a distance from the front of the furniture, in particular at least 2 mm. [8] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed without a separate electrical drive for the movement of the control element between the storage position and the operating position, preferably a triggerable spring device is provided which moves the control element from the storage position to the operating position after triggering, wherein in particular the triggering is a pressing on the front of the control element or the rotary ring in the direction of the furniture. [9] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat it has an electric drive for the holding device, wherein the electric drive is designed to move the control element from the stowing position to the operating position, in particular also for moving it in the opposite manner, wherein the electric drive is preferably an electric motor. [10] Operating device according to claim 9, characterized by that the electric drive can be activated by a control command from the operating device, preferably triggered at a control element on the electric cooking appliance. [11] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the display device on the front of the control element is a light indicator. [12] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that touch sensors or mechanical pressure switches are arranged on the front of the control element. [13] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element is connected to a control of the operating device by means of an electrical conductor, preferably as a foil conductor or as a flat conductor, and in particular does not have its own power supply or wireless signal transmission. [14] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is designed in such a way that it can be operated by means of the operating element in the operating position and in the stowing position, preferably also in the intermediate positions in between. [15] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the holding device has a sensor to distinguish between the operating position and the stowing position, preferably by detecting an angular orientation of the operating element. [16] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the holding device has a switch which can be automatically switched between the operating position and the storage position by moving the control element from the operating position to the storage position, wherein preferably the switch is open in the storage position to deactivate at least one heating device of the electric cooking appliance that can be operated with the control element. [17] Operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element, in the stowed position, essentially protrudes beyond the front of the furniture, particularly with the rotary ring. [18] Electric cooking appliance with a control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the electric cooking appliance has an electric cooking appliance housing, wherein the operating device or at least the control element is arranged outside the electric cooking appliance housing and is connected to the electric cooking appliance housing by means of electrical conductors. [19] Method for operating an electric cooking appliance with an operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by , that the electric cooking appliance is switched on by turning the rotary ring or by moving the control element out of the storage position.

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