Household appliance for food preparation with a multifunctional rotary knob in one position

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance (1) for preparing food, with an operating device (4) which has a rotary knob (5) which is rotatably mounted about a rotary axis (A), wherein several discrete rotary positions (18) are specified in the direction of rotation about the rotary axis (A), at each of which at least one specific functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) of the household appliance (1) and an operating function of the household appliance (1) associated with the functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) can be selected, wherein at least one rotary position is assigned at least one further operating function of the household appliance (1) that differs from the first operating function.

Description

[0001] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance for food preparation. The household appliance has a control device. This control device has at least one rotary knob that is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis. Specific operating functions of the household appliance can be set using the rotary knob. Several discrete rotational positions are defined in the direction of rotation about the pivot axis, each of which corresponds to at least one specific functional unit of the household appliance and a corresponding operating function of the household appliance. Thus, when the rotary knob is moved to one of these discrete rotational positions, the corresponding functional unit of the household appliance can be selected and the associated operating function can be performed.

[0002] It is common for household appliances used for food preparation to feature such control devices. In this context, a rotary knob is a control element that typically protrudes forward, making it easily recognizable and manually operable. Therefore, such rotary knobs are advantageous for operation. Their simple and intuitive usability, combined with their robust construction, ensures safe and reliable operation and a long-lasting, low-wear design.

[0003] It is also known that several such discrete rotational positions are predefined in the direction of rotation around the axis of rotation, which can be reached by turning the rotary knob. These rotational positions are usually also recognizable by corresponding haptic feedback, so that the engagement or clicking of the rotary knob into a specific position is also perceptible. This ensures that the position of the rotary knob is maintained at this specific rotational position even when the knob is released. Unwanted movement of the rotary knob from this previously engaged position is thus prevented.

[0004] On the other hand, it is also the case that the mechanical and / or electronic components that enable such movement of the control element or rotary knob into a rotational position, and that also allow for electronic evaluation and the generation of corresponding signals, are limited. This also means that, when considering a full 360° rotation, the number of discrete rotational positions is limited.

[0005] Modern household appliances for food preparation offer a wide variety of operating functions, which must therefore be provided. To this end, such appliances are designed to have multiple, even distributed, control elements for selecting the appropriate operating functions. However, such concepts require more installation space and are more complex in terms of wiring and troubleshooting of the individual functional units.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create a household appliance for preparing food in which a rotary knob enables as many operating functions as possible while still providing a safe and error-minimized operating concept.

[0007] This problem is solved by a household appliance which has the features according to claim 1.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a household appliance for food preparation. The household appliance has a control device. This control device has at least one rotary knob that is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis. Specific operating functions of the household appliance can be set using the rotary knob. Several discrete rotational positions are defined in the direction of rotation about the pivot axis, each of which corresponds to at least one specific functional unit of the household appliance and a corresponding operating function of the household appliance. Thus, when the rotary knob is moved to one of these discrete rotational positions, the corresponding functional unit of the household appliance can be selected and the associated operating function can be performed.

[0009] At least one of these discrete rotary positions is assigned to a different operating function of the appliance than the first. This means that a number n of operating functions can be selected and / or set using the rotary knob, which is at least one greater than the number of fixed, discrete rotary positions in a complete rotation of the rotary knob around its axis. This ensures that at least one of these discrete rotary positions is assigned to at least two operating functions. This allows for a higher number of operating functions to be selected and / or set with a single rotary knob while still achieving a safe and error-minimized operating concept.Therefore, the number of maximum possible rotational positions in the direction of rotation around the axis of rotation is not increased, but rather left the same or possibly reduced, but at least one of these rotational positions is assigned at least two different operating functions.

[0010] In particular, the maximum number of operating functions or modes with such a mechanical selector switch, which is preferably a rotary knob, is limited to a maximum of twelve such discrete switch positions or rotary positions. It is possible that eleven of these rotary positions are assigned an operating function and the twelfth rotary position is a neutral position without any operating function. This could, for example, be the twelve o'clock position.

[0011] This concept, as described in the aforementioned aspect of the invention, allows for the elimination of any limitations in the haptic feedback of the rotary knob and also avoids or minimizes the issue of electrical interference, such as short circuits. Thus, the proposed household appliance satisfies all these restrictions and limitations while simultaneously increasing the number of operating functions that can be selected and / or adjusted with this single rotary knob.

[0012] This also makes it possible to offer additional energy-saving operating modes or functions of the appliance in the future, which can then be selected and / or set using the rotary knob. This allows for compliance with future energy efficiency targets for household appliances.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one further operating function is linked to the at least one functional unit that is linked to the first operating function. This means that this functional unit is required to perform the first operating function. Cleverly, at the same rotary position where the first operating function, which requires the at least one functional unit, is located, another such operating function, which also requires precisely this at least one functional unit, is also assigned. This grouping of operating functions requiring at least one identical functional unit at a single rotary position is particularly efficient. This minimizes the wiring complexity and / or any necessary control, especially via software.

[0014] In one embodiment, the functional unit is activated in this discrete rotary position to perform the first operating function, and the functional unit is activated in this rotary position to perform the second operating function. This means that by setting this discrete rotary position, at least one discrete functional unit can be activated, or is already activated. Thus, this discrete rotary position is also configured, in terms of circuitry and wiring, such that at least one functional unit is activated, or can be activated.

[0015] By setting this discrete rotary position, it is already predetermined that at least one functional unit will be activated, and it is then only necessary to select or set the first or at least the second operating function.

[0016] This also results in a very simple and intuitive operating concept with multiple functions assigned to a single rotary position. Operating errors are therefore reduced thanks to this very user-friendly assignment and operating concept.

[0017] In one embodiment, this at least one functional unit is a heating unit of the household appliance. Many operating functions of a household appliance for food preparation require at least one heating unit. This may be necessary, for example, for preparing food or cooking. Conversely, heat from a heating unit may also be required, for example, for cleaning the household appliance. Other functions, which primarily relate to food preparation but also provide other functions of the household appliance independently of food preparation, require heat from at least one heating unit.

[0018] Therefore, the proposed concept is particularly advantageous when heating units are the primary functional units, each linked to one or more operating functions, since the heat from at least one such heating unit is required for such an operating function. Especially with heating units, it is also advantageous to keep their wiring simple in order to avoid both space-related disadvantages and electrotechnical drawbacks such as extensive wiring, electromagnetic interference, short circuits, or similar issues.Therefore, it is advantageous for heating units if at least one heating unit is assigned to and can be activated at a specific or discrete rotary position, and if this heating unit is used for at least two different operating functions, and in particular is intended for their use.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heating unit can be a radiant heater or an inductor.

[0020] In one embodiment, it can be provided that when the rotary position is set or the rotary knob is turned in this discrete position, a first operating function takes precedence, and the second operating function only takes precedence over the first in this position if the second operating function is explicitly selected. This achieves a concept with at least two operating functions assigned to a discrete rotary position, while initially predefining a priority list of these operating functions. This can be advantageous if the first operating function is frequently used or takes precedence over the second operating function for general scheduling or process planning.Even when operating functions are linked and can be selected and executed in a specific sequence, such a predefined priority-based concept of operating functions at a rotary position can be advantageous.

[0021] In one embodiment, the operating device has a selection unit distinct from the rotary knob. The other operating function can be selected via this unit when the rotary knob is in a discrete rotational position. This allows one of the operating functions to be selected and / or adjusted using a separate selection unit on the operating device. Such a hardware-separated concept for selecting and / or adjusting operating functions, which are predefined at a specific rotational position of the rotary knob, enables the implementation of highly intuitive operating function selection concepts. This significantly reduces the risk of undetected or unintended operating errors and the selection of an unwanted operating function at a specific rotational position.In particular, this can also make it possible to ensure that, especially with a cascaded or prioritized list of at least two operating functions, a lower-priority operating function is not unintentionally selected and set at a discrete rotary position. Therefore, if no further action is taken on the selection unit, the higher-ranking, and in particular the first-ranked, operating function is always selected and / or set at the discrete rotary position of the knob when the list of multiple operating functions is prioritized, especially when the knob is turned to that discrete position.

[0022] On the other hand, this concept with an additional selection unit is also advantageous if, for example, more than two operating functions are located at a single rotary position. If such multiple assignments with different operating functions are provided at at least one rotary position, this additional selection and setting of these operating functions at the selection unit can improve clarity and thus also the understanding of operating concepts. This also creates a visual and operator-specific separation of the entire concept. This can also improve the intuitive understanding of the number and type of operating functions offered at a rotary position, and facilitates easier comprehension of the selection and operating sequence of these functions at a rotary position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the selection unit features a touch-sensitive control panel or an additional manually rotatable rotary knob. This allows for different actuation concepts or, conversely, the same operating concept to be provided with the additional rotary knob as with the first. Depending on the situation and, if applicable, the device type, a wide variety of hardware configurations for the operating device can thus be provided.

[0024] In another embodiment, when the rotary knob is set to at least one discrete position, the at least two functional units can be offered for selection on an internal selection unit of the rotary knob, equally and / or simultaneously. It is therefore also possible that the at least two different operating functions at this single discrete position are not available in a predetermined priority order, but are initially available to a user equally. In this case, it is advantageous that these functions are also offered for selection again equally when the rotary knob is turned to this discrete position. For this purpose, it is advantageous in one embodiment for the rotary knob itself to have a selection unit. This could, for example, also be a touch-sensitive control panel.However, as with the aforementioned embodiments, a speech recognition unit can also be provided here. This allows a user to select one of the at least two operating functions available at this rotary position, if necessary, by voice input. In one embodiment, the speech recognition unit can be integrated into the rotary knob. Alternatively, it can be arranged externally and be part of the operating device.

[0025] In one embodiment, it is also possible for the selection of one of the at least two operating functions at a rotary position to be made by gesture when the rotary knob is moved to that discrete rotary position. The operating device can thus also include a gesture recognition module. This module can optionally be integrated into the rotary knob or be external to it.

[0026] In one embodiment, this selection unit integrated into the rotary knob is a touch-sensitive control panel located on an end face or front of the knob. Alternatively, the selection unit can be a touch-sensitive control panel on the outer surface of the rotary knob. This is particularly feasible if the rotary knob is cylindrical. This allows for the integration of such selection units on highly exposed surfaces of the rotary knob. Both perception and the corresponding touch input are then targeted and intuitive. This also significantly reduces the likelihood of incorrect operation.

[0027] In one embodiment, the household appliance has several functional units, each of which is linked to different operating functions in at least pairs depending on the rotary knob's position. In one embodiment, the at least two functional units are functionally coupled at a discrete rotary position and form a specific operative connection with each other. For example, if the functional units are heating units of the household appliance, then for the "top heat" operating function, only an upper heating element or unit may be provided for activation. For another operating function, "bottom heat," a different heating unit, located at the bottom, may be provided for activation.For example, if an operating function is "top heat and bottom heat", then these are intended to be activated by at least two different heating units or are required for heating from above and from below.

[0028] Especially with a household appliance for preparing food, such as a cooking appliance, which could be an oven, other operating functions such as "convection" or "grilling" or the like are also possible, which require at least one heating unit or several heating units.

[0029] Another operating function can be "pyrolysis". In particular, several separate heating units of the household appliance may be provided for this operating function.

[0030] Another functional unit could be, for example, a light unit of the household appliance.

[0031] Operating functions can also include, for example, automatic programs designed for food preparation. Cleaning functions of the appliance, particularly in the case of an oven, can also be considered operating functions. Setting a time can also be an operating function. This could, for instance, be the duration of a food preparation process. A clock can be a functional unit of the appliance for this purpose.

[0032] In particular, the number of rotation positions of the rotary knob is less than or equal to 12. Specifically, it is 11 or 12.

[0033] In particular, in one embodiment, the above-described functional connection between at least two functional units is the same for both operating functions selectable at one rotary position. Thus, the predefined wiring is identical for these at least two functional units and can therefore be maintained at this rotary position, while still allowing two different operating functions, which require this wiring and these functional units, to be used or selected and / or set at this point in the rotary position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least two functional units can be of the same functional type. This means that their primary functionality and their intended function are identical. For example, these could be two heating units. However, this does not necessarily mean that these two functional units of the same type have different functional parameters and / or are installed in the same location within the appliance. They can be installed differently and can also have different specifications or different values ​​for functional parameters.

[0035] In one embodiment, it is therefore possible that the two functional units are heating units and the first operating function is a food preparation function and the second operating function is another food preparation function or is not a food preparation function.

[0036] In one embodiment, the operating device may comprise a rotary knob, a selection unit, particularly in the form of a touch-sensitive control panel, and another rotary knob. The second rotary knob may, for example, be configured to set an operating parameter of a functional unit. This could be, for instance, the temperature. The time could also be a corresponding operating parameter.

[0037] In particular, it is stipulated that, for example, the operating function of an automatic program or automatic operating function requires heating units as a functional unit, specifically a top heating unit and a bottom heating unit. This applies when the household appliance for preparing food is an oven.

[0038] The household appliance could also be, for example, a steam cooker or a microwave oven. It could also be, for example, a deep fryer or a fully automatic coffee machine, or something similar.

[0039] In one embodiment, symbols are displayed on a control panel of the operating device at each rotary position, symbolizing the respective operating functions associated with that position. This makes it extremely quick and easy to see which operating functions are available at each rotary position.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a household appliance for preparing food. In particular, the household appliance is designed according to the aspect mentioned above or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In the method, a rotary knob of an operating device of the household appliance is used to perform a rotational movement about a rotational axis. The rotary knob is turned to a discrete, in particular a defined, predetermined position. At least one specific functional unit of the household appliance and an operating function of the household appliance linked to this functional unit are assigned to this position, in particular selectable and / or adjustable there. At least one further operating function of the household appliance, different from the first operating function, is assigned to this specific operating position, in particular selectable and / or adjustable there.Such at least double assignment of a specific rotary position with several different operating functions also enables a more comprehensive provision of operating functions here, while maintaining or minimizing the number of discrete rotary positions.

[0041] It may therefore be provided that at least two different operating functions are linked to and offered at several of these discrete rotary positions, in particular for selection and / or setting.

[0042] The method thus allows for the selective selection and / or setting of at least one of the several operating functions offered at a given rotary position.

[0043] Advantageous embodiments of the household appliance are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method. In particular, the respective physical elements of the operating device, especially its mechanics and / or electronics, enable the selection and / or setting of at least one discrete rotary position and the selection and / or setting of at least one specific operating function.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective schematic representation of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the invention; Fig. 2 an enlarged representation of an embodiment of an operating device of the household appliance according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 An exemplary representation of symbols that may be displayed at discrete rotary positions of a rotary knob and that each symbolize multiple assignments with different operating functions.

[0045] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a household appliance 1. The household appliance 1 is designed for preparing food. It can be, for example, an oven, a steam cooker, or a microwave cooker. However, the functionalities of these appliances can also be combined in a single cooking appliance.

[0047] It is also possible that the household appliance 1 is, for example, a deep fryer or a fully automatic coffee machine.

[0048] The household appliance 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 contains at least one preparation chamber 3, in particular a cooking chamber. This chamber is intended for the placement and preparation of food. The household appliance 1 also has a control device 4. The control device 4 has a rotary knob 5. This knob can be rotated about a rotational axis A. The rotational axis A is oriented in the depth direction (z-direction) of the household appliance 1.

[0049] Furthermore, the operating device 4 can include a display unit 6. In one embodiment, the display unit 6 can also be designed, at least partially, as a touch-sensitive control panel 7. In addition, in one embodiment, the operating device 4 can include a further rotary knob 8, which can be referred to as the second rotary knob 8.

[0050] The household appliance 1 also has a door 9. This is located at the front and is designed to close the front of the storage compartment 3. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 has a control unit 10.

[0051] The household appliance 1 also has several functional units. This could be a functional unit 11. This functional unit 11 could, for example, be a heating unit. In this case, it is a bottom heating element. Furthermore, the household appliance 1 could have another functional unit 12. This could also be a heating unit. For example, this heating unit could be a top heating element.

[0052] The household appliance 1 can also have another functional unit 13. This can also be a heating unit. It can be a grill heating element.

[0053] A further functional unit 14 may be provided. This could, for example, be a fan. The fan can preferably be used, for example, in a recirculation mode.

[0054] Furthermore, the household appliance 1 can have a clock as an additional functional unit 15. It can also have a microwave unit as a functional unit 16. Another functional unit 17 could, for example, be a steam cooking unit.

[0055] Another functional unit 25 can be a light unit of the household appliance 1, in particular for illuminating the recording room 3.

[0056] In one embodiment, all of the aforementioned functional units can be controlled by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 can also be a control and regulation unit.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged schematic representation of the operating device 4. It should be noted that both the position and number of the elements shown are merely illustrative. As already mentioned, the operating function selection rotary knob 5 is rotatable about the axis of rotation A. In this exemplary embodiment, twelve discrete rotary positions arranged in the direction of rotation around the axis of rotation A are shown. These are symbolically characterized by the respective lines and the symbols displayed chronologically on a control panel of the operating device 4. In addition, these discrete rotary positions, which are functional rotary positions and of which Fig. For the sake of clarity, only some of the reference numbers 18 are designated with a zero position 19. No operating function is assigned to or associated with this zero position 19.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment, at least one of these multiple rotary positions 18 is not only assigned or linked to a first operating function, but also to at least one different second operating function. Thus, when the rotary knob 5 is turned to one of these discrete rotary positions 18, at least two operating functions can be selected and / or adjusted at that discrete position. Preferably, at least one specific functional unit of the household appliance 1 and an operating function of the household appliance 1 linked to that functional unit are offered at at least some of these rotary positions 18. The selected and / or adjustable function can therefore be chosen at those positions.In particular, it is intended that the second operating function, which differs from the first, also requires this functional unit, selectable and / or adjustable at this discrete rotary position 18, for the second operating function or for carrying out this second operating function. This advantageously allows an already provided allocation concept for assigning the functional units to the respective rotary positions and the associated wiring to be used for at least two different operating functions, each requiring at least one functional unit. Thus, through such an intelligent allocation, two different operating functions, each requiring at least one functional unit, are bundled at at least one rotary position 18.

[0059] For example, it's possible that in a rotary position where "top and bottom heat" is selectable as the operating function, and thus the top and bottom heating elements are selected and set or activated, an additional function, such as an automatic program, is also offered or assigned to this discrete rotary position. This is because the automatic roasting function, as an example of an additional operating function, also requires the top and bottom heating elements. Therefore, in this case, the heating element connections at this rotary position are the same for both operating functions: "top and bottom heat" and "automatic roasting."This is just one of many examples where a functional unit is used as a basis for various operating functions or is required to carry out these operating functions.

[0060] It is possible, for example, that by selecting this discrete rotary position, to which "top and bottom heat" is assigned as the first operating function, the rotary knob 5 is moved to this discrete rotary position. If no further step is then taken, one embodiment may provide that this first operating function is started. This means that the top heating element and the bottom heating element are activated and this specific operating function "top and bottom heat" runs as a kind of cooking program or cooking function.

[0061] However, if the second operating function is to be activated, one embodiment may provide that when, for example, a symbol 20 is pressed on a selection unit 21, which may be part of the touch-sensitive control panel 7, a menu display opens or appears on the display unit 6. This menu may then prompt the user to select a second operating function, such as an automatic program. This selection can be made, for example, using specific digits displayed on the display unit 6. The desired digit can then be selected using the plus and minus buttons 22 and 23.

[0062] In a further step, it is also possible to enter the weight of the food to be cooked via another touch-sensitive control panel 24, which is labelled "kg" here.

[0063] The additional rotary knob 8, which is used here to set a specific operating parameter of a functional unit, can then be turned to the desired digit that characterizes the value of this temperature parameter. For example, the operating parameter could be the temperature. It is also possible for this additional rotary knob 8 to be turned to a position where the symbol of the automatic program is displayed. Once this has been done, after a preferably predefined period, which could be, for example, a few seconds, the household appliance 1 can start automatic operation. The cooking temperature and the cooking time then run automatically in the background. The temperature can be measured, for example, by means of a temperature sensor, such as a PT500 or a comparable sensor, and not only controlled but also regulated via the control unit 10.This operating mode in this submenu allows you to select different temperature levels, depending on which automatic program has been chosen. The corresponding cooking time is preferably determined via parameters and depends on the food being cooked. Once the cooking time has elapsed, this can be indicated by a signal and / or a clock symbol.

[0064] Another representation, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, fixed symbols 18a may also be provided, of which only some are provided with a reference sign for the sake of clarity.

[0065] In this regard, in Fig. Three symbols 18a are shown, which are to be understood as merely exemplary and in no way exhaustive or concretizing. These symbols each contain several, in particular two sub-symbols 18b and 18c, which characterize the operating functions offered at this discrete rotary position 18.

[0066] Touch-sensitive areas can be formed on an end face 5a and / or a casing wall 5b of the rotary knob 5. These areas can also be used to select at least one operating function available in a given rotary position. These can then be examples of selection units internal to the rotary knob. Reference symbol list 1 household appliance 2 cases 3 recording rooms 4 Operating device 5 rotary knobs 5a Front 5b Mantel wall 6 Display unit 7 Control panel 8 rotary knobs 9 Door 10 Control unit 11 Functional unit 12 Functional Unit 13 Functional unit 14 blowers 3 p.m 16 microwave units 17 Steam cooking unit 18 Rotation position 18a Symbols 18b Subsymbol 18c Subsymbol 19 Zero position 20 Symbol 21 selection unit 22 Plus-Minus key 23 Plus-Minus button 24 Control Panel 25 functional units

Claims

[1] Household appliance (1) for preparing food, with an operating device (4) having a rotary knob (5) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (A), wherein several discrete rotation positions (18) are specified in the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation (A), at each of which at least one specific functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) of the household appliance (1) and an operating function of the household appliance (1) linked to the functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) can be selected, characterized by , that at least one rotation position (18) is assigned at least one further operating function of the household appliance (1) that differs from the first operating function. [2] Household appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the further operating function is linked to the at least one functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) that is linked to the first operating function. [3] Household appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) is activated in the rotation position to perform the first operating function and the functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) is activated in this rotation position to perform the second operating function. [4] Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) is a heating unit of the household appliance (1). [5] Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when setting the rotary position (18) a first operating function takes precedence and the second operating function at this rotary position (18) only takes precedence over the first operating function if the second operating function is explicitly selected. [6] Household appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterized by, that the operating device (4) has a selection unit (20) different from the rotary knob (5), on which the other operating function can be selected when the rotary knob (5) is in the rotary position. [7] Household appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the selection unit (20) is a touch-sensitive control panel (7) and / or another rotary knob (8). [8] Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that when the rotary knob (5) is set to the discrete rotary position (18), at least two operating functions are offered for selection on a rotary knob-internal selection unit (20) in an equivalent and / or simultaneous manner. [9] Household appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the selection unit (20) is a touch-sensitive control panel on a front side (5a) of the rotary knob (5) and / or a touch-sensitive control panel on the outer wall (5b) of the rotary knob (5). [10] Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the household appliance (1) has several functional units (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) which are linked at least in pairs to different operating functions in different discrete rotational positions (18), wherein the at least two functional units (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) have a specific functional connection at a discrete rotational position (18). [11] Household appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the functional connection for both operating functions, which can be selected at the one discrete rotary position (18), is the same. [12] Household appliance (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that at least two functional units (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) are of the same functional type. [13] Household appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein the two functional units (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) are heating units, and the first operating function is a food preparation function, and the second operating function is another food preparation function or is not a food preparation function. [14] Household appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second operating function is an automatic program of the household appliance (1). [15] Method for operating a household appliance (1) for preparing food, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotary knob (5) of an operating device (4) of the household appliance (1) is rotated about a rotary axis (A) into a discrete rotary position (18) at which at least one specific functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) of the household appliance (1) and an operating function of the household appliance (1) associated with the functional unit (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 25) can be selected, and in the discrete rotary position (18) at least one further operating function of the household appliance (1) different from the first operating function is assigned and selectable.

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