A control device (10) for electro-hydraulic support frames with a casing (11) accommodating a circuit, several plug-in connectors (20) accessible from outside the casing (11) for the connection of control leads, and with actuating control elements (13) connected to the circuit. The control elements (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) are grouped together in several exchangeable modules (27), accommodated in the casing (11), which are connected to the circuit and to each other by plug-in connecting elements (30) when installed in the casing (11). The modules (27) are exchangeable independently of each other. The operating keys of a keyboard (16) and/or an indicator unit (18) can be combined in one operating module (28), which can be removed from the casing (11). The actual control of the control device in the casing (11) and operation of the support frame is permitted to continue during the exchange of the operating module (28).