Electrical switch

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical switch (1), in particular in the form of a signal transmitter for an electric tool comprising an electric motor, such as for an electric drill, a hammer drill, an electric screwdriver or the like, having a housing (2). An operating element (3) which can be adjusted between a starting position and an end position is arranged on the housing (2). A signal device for generating a signal which is associated with the adjustment path of the operating element (3) and / or a contact system for switching the contact system in a position of the operating element (3) are / is operatively connected to the operating element (3). A printed circuit board (5) which is arranged outside the housing (2) is provided, wherein at least parts of the signal device and / or of the contact system are located on the printed circuit board (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical switch according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such switches are used for power tools, for example for hand-held power tools such as electric drills, hammer drills, electric screwdrivers, etc.

[0003] The electrical switch converts or manipulates the electrical energy from the mains or a suitable battery system in such a way that an electric motor of the power tool, located downstream of the switch, is controlled by the operator. This allows the electric motor to be switched on and / or off, braked, its speed changed, and / or its torque and / or current regulated and / or controlled. The electrical switch thus serves as a signal transmitter for the power tool.

[0004] From DE 197 08 939 A1, an electrical switch suitable for these functions is known, comprising a housing in which a manually adjustable actuating element is arranged on the housing between an initial and an end position. The actuating element is operatively connected to a contact system in the housing, such that the contact system is switched on to start an electric motor of the power tool when the actuating element is moved from the initial position. The actuating element thus acts in one position, namely when leaving the initial position, by switching the contact system. The actuating element is also operatively connected to a potentiometer, which outputs an electrical voltage corresponding to the adjustment range of the actuating element.The potentiometer thus serves as a signaling device to generate a signal corresponding to the adjustment range of the actuator, which in this case is represented by the electrical voltage whose magnitude corresponds to the adjustment range of the actuator. This signal is fed to a control unit, which operates, controls, and / or regulates the electric motor based on this signal. For example, the control unit adjusts the speed of the power tool according to the adjustment of the actuator made by the user.

[0005] In the known switch, all components, in particular the signaling device and the contact system, are located within the housing. A circuit board, arranged within the switch housing, is provided at least for accommodating the signaling device. This necessitates a complex housing design. Furthermore, such a design offers little flexibility with regard to adapting to different power tools, especially concerning the switch's compatibility with the available installation space within the power tool.

[0006] Further electrical switches for a power tool, in which a circuit board is arranged in the housing, are shown in EP 0 423 673 A1 and in EP 1895 555 A2.

[0007] Finally, an electrical switch for a power tool is known from US 3,590,194 A or EP 0526,821 A1, in which a printed circuit board is provided outside the housing. At least parts of the signaling device and / or the contact system are located on the printed circuit board.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of further developing the electrical switch in such a way that its flexibility is increased and / or the effort is reduced.

[0009] This problem is solved by an electrical switch having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The switch according to the invention features a printed circuit board arranged outside the housing, with at least parts of the signaling device and / or the contact system located on the circuit board. This facilitates adaptation to the respective power tool in which the switch is used, since only the design of the circuit board needs to be adapted. Furthermore, such a switch is more cost-effective than conventional switches. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] In a non-inventive embodiment, the signaling device can comprise a wiper and a resistor arrangement in the form of a potentiometer. The resistor arrangement can be simply configured as a resistive track in the form of a resistive contact and / or a resistor cascade. The wiper can be located within the housing and movably interact with the actuating element. The resistor arrangement can be located on the circuit board. This creates a division of the signaling device, with the resistor arrangement, which is adapted to the respective power tool, advantageously being arranged on the external circuit board, i.e., located outside the housing.

[0012] In In one embodiment, the signaling device can comprise a sensor element and a transmitter element. The transmitter element can be located in the housing and movably interact with the actuator. Alternatively, the sensor element can be located on the circuit board. This again creates a division of the signaling device, whereby, advantageously, the sensor element, which must be adapted to the respective power tool, is arranged on the external circuit board, i.e., located outside the housing. Of course, it is also possible for the sensor element to be located in the housing and movably interact with the actuator. The transmitter element can be located on the circuit board, thus creating a division of the signaling device in which the transmitter element located outside the housing can be easily adapted to the respective power tool.According to the invention, the signaling device operates without contact, so that the housing can be designed to be closed or sealed to the outside for use in harsh conditions.

[0013] For example, the sensor element could be a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, a reed sensor, or the like, and the encoder element could be a magnet, a magnetic tape, or the like. Other examples include: the sensor element is an inductive sensor and the transmitter element is an electrical conductor, and / or the sensor element is a capacitive sensor and the transmitter element is an electrical conductor and / or a dielectric, and / or the sensor element is at least one light source and at least one photosensor and the transmitter element is at least one aperture that is movable in the light path between the light source and the photosensor.

[0014] In In the usual manner, the contact system, in variants not corresponding to the invention, can comprise a switching contact and at least one fixed contact. In In a further embodiment, the switching contact can be located inside the housing and movably interact with the actuating element. The fixed contact can be located on the circuit board. This creates a division of the contact system, with the fixed contact arrangement, which must be adapted to the respective power tool, advantageously being located on the external circuit board, i.e., outside the housing.

[0015] In In a different configuration, the contact system can include the following elements: a magnetic sensor and a magnet, wherein the magnetic sensor may be a Hall sensor, a reed sensor or the like, and / or an inductive sensor and an electrical conductor and / or a capacitive sensor and an electrical conductor and / or a dielectric and / or at least one light source and at least one photosensor and at least one aperture that is movable in the light path between the light source and the photosensor, The magnet and / or the electrical conductor and / or the dielectric and / or the aperture may be located in the housing and may interact movably with the actuating element. The magnetic sensor and / or the inductive sensor and / or the capacitive sensor and / or the light source and the photosensor may be mounted on the circuit board. be located. In turn, a division of the contact system is created, whereby the sensor, which must be adapted to the respective power tool, is advantageously arranged on the external circuit board, i.e., located outside the housing.

[0016] Naturally, the contact system can also be configured in such a way that the magnetic sensor and / or the inductive sensor and / or the capacitive sensor and / or the light source and the photosensor are located in the housing and are in movable interaction with the actuating element, while the magnet and / or the electrical conductor and / or the dielectric and / or the aperture are located on the circuit board. Furthermore, in these configurations, the contact system can operate without physical contact, allowing the housing to be designed to be closed or sealed for use in harsh environments.

[0017] To enhance the switch's functionality, an actuating element can be movably mounted on the housing. Specifically, the actuating element can be designed as a reversing lever for the forward / reverse rotation of the electric motor. A contact spring element can be located within the housing and movably interact with the actuating element. A contact pad for switching contact with the contact spring element can be located on the circuit board. Again, for simple and cost-effective adaptation, the forward / reverse switch is appropriately divided.

[0018] In another embodiment, the component, which is movably mounted on the housing, particularly in the form of a switching lever for the right-left rotation of the electric motor, can be

[0019] The actuating element is movably connected to a magnet, a magnetic tape, or the like, and / or to an electrical conductor, and / or to a dielectric, and / or to an aperture. Furthermore, a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, a reed switch, or the like, and / or an inductive sensor, and / or a capacitive sensor, and / or a light source, and a photosensor may be located on the circuit board, thus creating a contactless switching device. Naturally, in such a switching device, a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, a reed switch, or the like, and / or an inductive sensor, and / or a capacitive sensor, and / or a light source, and a photosensor may also be movably connected to the actuating element, and a magnet, a magnetic tape, or the like, and / or an electrical conductor, and / or a dielectric, and / or an aperture may be located on the circuit board.

[0020] In In a compact design, the circuit board can be arranged on one side of the housing. The housing can be attached to the circuit board, for example, using simple methods such as hot stapling, snap-fit, screwing, or similar techniques.

[0021] In In a variant not belonging to the invention, the housing may have an opening on the side facing the circuit board for the wiper and / or for the contact spring element and / or for other elements. The opening is covered by the circuit board to protect the interior of the housing. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to have control electronics for controlling the electric motor located on the circuit board. This allows the control electronics located on the externally arranged circuit board to be easily adapted to the respective power tool. To increase functionality and / or to save costs, the contact system can be integrated into the signaling device, in particular by providing only a single wiper, wherein this single wiper interacts with the resistor arrangement and also with the fixed contact.

[0022] The following can be stated regarding a particularly preferred embodiment of the switch according to the invention.

[0023] Hand-held electrical devices, such as power tools, typically have internal electromechanical systems or assemblies to convert the incoming electrical energy, for example to drive electric motors, change their speed and / or direction of rotation and / or regulate the brightness of corresponding lighting units.

[0024] In many cases, the operator of such an electrical device activates an external control element, which transmits the information from this mechanical input to an electronic system for further processing via signal generation and / or modification. Such a signal generator, also known as an "actuating element," in power tool switches or power tool systems essentially consists of an actuated push button and an attached wiper element. When actuated, this wiper element moves back and forth in a linear or circular motion along a resistive track (printed or implemented via a cascade). The resulting change in resistance is used directly or indirectly as an input signal in the corresponding electronic system.Alternatively, there are also contactless systems in which, for example, by using reed or Hall sensors, a permanent magnet is moved relative to a sensor and the resulting set and / or changing magnetic field is converted into electrical signals, which are then processed further by the electronics.

[0025] Solutions for such signal transmitters can be divided into three categories: #1: First, the principle of a separate signal transmitter, a potentiometer (pot) switch, which is positioned as a completely self-contained assembly near or far from the electronics and electrically connected to them via wires or other means. The potentiometer switch contains all necessary components, including an internal circuit board with a resistive track or resistor cascade and various mechanical and / or electrical contacts. #2: In the second case, the potentiometer switch is installed as part of the electronic assembly; its individual components are mounted onto such an assembly step by step. Typically, a housing or cup serves both as a mount for the electronic circuit board and as part of the potentiometer switch assembly. #3: In the third case, the actuator is mechanically decoupled at a specific distance from the electronics. Here, a contactless principle (e.g., a Hall sensor) is used.

[0026] The aim and / or purpose of the invention is to develop a solution that utilizes the advantages of the aforementioned principles while simultaneously avoiding their disadvantages. Specifically... Case #1 offers the advantages of compactness and the possibility of separate, self-contained assembly, but with significantly reduced effort for components and contacting; Case #2 offers the relatively simple structure, but without the high requirements for housing and / or cups and the necessary inline assembly, as well as the lack of self-contained compactness; and Case #3 offers the possibility of contactless signal transmission, but without the lack of mechanical robustness, accuracy and / or flexibility.

[0027] The solution consists of a compact signal transmitter that does not require its own separate circuit board. The transmitter can be pre-assembled independently, allowing it to be mounted directly onto the main circuit board as an existing component. This eliminates the need for connecting wires. The transmitter is flexibly applicable for resistance pressure or resistance cascades and is also optionally suitable for non-contact signaling. Furthermore, the transmitter includes an optional switching signal function. Finally, the transmitter is characterized by its simple and cost-effective design.

[0028] The unique aspect of this solution lies firstly in its compact signal transmitter design, which implements and ensures the mechanical functionality, namely the actuation, the movement of the wiper and / or permanent magnet, and the switching mechanism. Secondly, this solution splits the actual signal transmitter functionality. The "counterparts," i.e., the resistive track (pressure or cascade) or the Hall or reed sensor, are located externally from the signal transmitter on a circuit board. This circuit board can also, for example, include the motor control. The signal transmitter is mounted on the circuit board, for example, by hot-stitching, snap-in mounting, or screw fastening. The switching function is implemented in the same manner.The mechanical switching lever located in the signal transmitter either contains a contact spring element which contacts contact pads on the external circuit board through the open back of the signal transmitter, or a permanent magnet whose magnetic field change when the switch is flipped is processed accordingly by a sensor on the main circuit board.

[0029] The advantages achieved with the invention consist particularly of the compact design of the electrical switch. Furthermore, the switch can be flexibly adapted to different electrical devices. Finally, the switch according to the invention is also cost-effective. Exemplary embodiments of several variants not belonging to the invention, with various further developments and configurations, are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below. They show Fig. 1 shows an electrical switch with a housing and a circuit board in perspective view, Fig. 2 shows the switch as in Fig. 1 , with the circuit board removed, Fig. 3 the switch as in Fig. 2 , where part of the housing is removed and / or shown transparent, Fig. 4 the switch from Fig. 1 In another perspective view, with the housing shown open, Fig. 5 shows the switch as in Fig. 4 , where parts of the switch are shown transparently, Fig. 6 a switch as in Fig. 2 according to a further embodiment, Fig. 7, the switch according to the further embodiment as in Fig. 4 , Fig. 8 the switch off Fig. 7 , wherein parts of the switch are removed in such a way that the circuit board is visible, Fig. 9 the switch as in Fig. 8 according to a further embodiment, Fig. 10, the switch as in Fig. 2 according to a further embodiment, Fig. 11, the switch off Fig. 10 , where parts of the switch are shown transparently, and Fig. 12 the switch made of Fig. 10 , with other parts of the switch shown transparently.

[0030] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an electrical switch 1 for a power tool with an electric motor, such as an electric drill, a hammer drill, an electric screwdriver, or the like. The switch 1 has a housing 2 and an actuating element 3 arranged on the housing 2, which can be manually adjusted by the user between an initial and an end position. The actuating element 3 is operatively connected to a Fig. 2 A partially visible signaling device 4 generates a signal corresponding to the adjustment range of the actuating element 3. In other words, the value, magnitude, type, etc., of the signal corresponds to the adjustment range of the actuating element 3. Additionally or alternatively to the signaling device 4, a contact system (not shown) can be operatively connected to the actuating element 3. This allows the contact system to be switched in a specific position of the actuating element 3.

[0031] Finally, a circuit board 5 is provided outside the housing 2, wherein at least parts of the signaling device 4 and / or the contact system are located on the circuit board 5. In this case, the signaling device serves, for example, for the "throttle" function of the power tool, and the contact system serves, for example, as a switching contact for the electric motor.

[0032] A plunger 8 is arranged on the actuating element 3, wherein the plunger 8 extends movably into the housing 2 by means of a sliding seal 9, as further described in Fig. 3 as can be seen. A compression spring 10 acts on the plunger 8 in such a way that a restoring force is exerted on the actuating element 3 in the direction of the initial position. How to proceed based on Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 As shown, the signaling device 4 comprises a wiper 6 and a resistor assembly 7. The resistor assembly 7 can be a resistive track in the form of a resistive print on the circuit board 5 or a resistor cascade mounted on the circuit board 5. The wiper 6 is located in the housing 2. The wiper 6 is in movable contact with the actuating element 3 by being arranged on the part of the plunger 8 located inside the housing 2. The contact system, not shown further, comprises a switching contact and at least one fixed contact in the usual manner. The switching contact is located in the housing 2 and is in movable contact with the actuating element 3, for example, by being actuated by a cam on the plunger 8. The fixed contact is located on the circuit board 5. In a further embodiment, the contact system can be integrated into the signaling device 4.For this purpose, it is advantageous to use the wiper 6 additionally as a switching contact for the contact system. The wiper 6 then acts both as a signal-giving contact with the resistor arrangement 7 for the "acceleration" function and as a switching contact with the fixed contact for the "on" function.

[0033] Furthermore, an actuating element 11 is movably mounted on the housing 2, as shown in Fig. 1 The actuating element 11 is designed in the manner of a switch lever for the clockwise / counterclockwise rotation of the electric motor. As shown in more detail in Fig. 2 As can be seen, a contact spring element 12 is located in the housing 2, which is in movable interaction with the actuating element 11 by means of the part of the actuating element 11 that extends into the housing 2. On the circuit board 5, according to Fig. 5 at least one contact pad 13 for switching contact with the contact spring element 12 is located.

[0034] According to the Fig. 1 The circuit board 5 is arranged on one side of the housing 2. For the interaction of the wiper 6 located in the housing 2 with the resistor arrangement 7 arranged on the circuit board 5, and of the contact spring element 12 located in the housing 2 with the contact pad 13 arranged on the circuit board 5, the housing 2 has an opening 16, 17 on the side facing the circuit board 5 for the wiper 6 and / or for the contact spring element 12, as can be seen from the Fig. 2 recognizes. The housing 2 is attached to the circuit board 5 by means of hot stapling, for which purpose in Fig. 2 Visible projections 14 on the housing 2 serve as attachment points, which in turn engage in corresponding holes 15 in the circuit board 5. Of course, the circuit board 5 can also be attached to the housing 2 by snap-fit ​​connections, screws, or similar means. The openings 16 and 17 are covered by the circuit board 5, thus preventing contaminants from entering the housing 2 through these openings. If desired, an additional seal (not shown) can be provided between the housing 2 and the circuit board 5 for this purpose. Finally, it may also be advantageous to have control electronics (not shown) for controlling the electric motor located on the circuit board 5.

[0035] Instead of the described configuration for the signaling device 4, it can also include a sensor element and a transmitter element, so that the signaling device 4 operates without contact for the "accelerator" function. Likewise, the contact system for the "switch-on" function and the further contact system for the "right-left switching" function can also be designed in a correspondingly contactless manner. Such embodiments are described in the Fig. 6 bis Fig. 12 shown.

[0036] As in Fig. 7 As can be seen, the signaling device and the contact system comprise a magnet 19 or a magnetic tape as a transmitter element and a magnetic sensor 20, 21 as a sensor element. The magnetic sensor 20, 21 is, for example, a Hall sensor or a reed sensor. The magnet 19 is located in the housing 2 and is in movable interaction with the actuating element 3, such that the magnet 19 moves according to Fig. 6 is arranged on the plunger 8. The magnetic sensor 20, 21 is arranged according to Fig. 8 located on the circuit board 5. Likewise, the contact system for the switching function can also include a further magnetic sensor 22, in particular a Hall sensor, a reed sensor or the like, as well as a magnet 18. Again, the magnet 18 is located in the housing 2 and is arranged according to Fig. 6 The magnetic sensor 22 is located according to... Fig. 8 also on circuit board 5. If the actuator 3 is moved from its initial position, this is detected by the magnetic sensor 20, which then generates the corresponding "switch-on" signal. If the actuator 3 is moved further between the initial and final positions, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 19 changes with respect to the magnetic sensors 20 and 21, which then generate signals corresponding to the detected magnetic field. The signal from magnetic sensor 21, and optionally alternatively or additionally the signal from magnetic sensor 20, then serves as the "accelerator" signal. The movement of the magnet 18 on the actuator 11 is detected by magnetic sensor 22 for the "switching" signal.

[0037] Instead of the ones in the Fig. 6 bis 8 In addition to the magnetic sensors 20, 21, 22 shown, an inductive sensor can also be used as the sensing element and an electrical conductor as the transmitting element, although this is not shown further. In a further embodiment, which is described in Fig. 9 As can be seen, a capacitive sensor element is used instead of the magnetic sensors 20, 21, 22. The "switch-on" signal is generated by the capacitive sensors 23, 25. The "throttle" signal is generated by the capacitive sensors 26, 27, which are arranged in a series of four. Finally, the "switch" signal is generated by the capacitive sensors 28, 29. The capacitive sensors 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 are arranged on the circuit board 5, for example, in the manner of electrical conductive surfaces. Each capacitive sensor 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 interacts with an electrical conductor and / or a movable dielectric, which can be moved by the actuator 3 and the actuator 11, as the sensor element.

[0038] In the Fig. 10 bis 12 Another embodiment of electrical switch 1 is shown. As in Fig. 11 As can be seen, at least one light source 31, which is for example a light-emitting diode, and at least one photosensor 32 are used as sensor elements. At least one aperture 30, which is arranged on the plunger 8 in the housing 2, serves as the transmitter element for the "switch-on" and "throttle-up" functions, as shown by Fig. 10 This is evident. The aperture of f / 30 is according to... Fig. 11 The actuator 3 can be moved into the beam path between the light source 31 and the photosensor 32, thereby generating the "switch-on" and, subsequently, the "acceleration" signals. As further described in Fig. 12 As can be seen, a further light source 33 and a further photosensor 34, in conjunction with a further aperture 35 movable by the actuating element 1, serve to generate the "switching" signal. The light sources 31, 33 and the photosensors 32, 34 are again arranged on the circuit board 5.

[0039] Conversely, the sensor element, i.e., the magnetic sensor 20, 21, 22 and / or the inductive sensor and / or the capacitive sensor 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and / or the optical sensor 31, 32, 33, 34, in conjunction with the actuating element 3 and / or the actuating element 11, and the encoder element, i.e., the magnet 18, 19 and / or the electrical conductor and / or the dielectric and / or the aperture 30, 35, can of course also be arranged on the circuit board 5. In summary, the following can be stated.

[0040] In the version with wiper 6, the electrical switch 1, which serves as a "signal transmitter," contains compact mechanical elements inside the housing 2, such as the plunger 8 (part of the push button 3), the wiper 6, part of the reversing lever 11, and the contact spring element 12. The housing 2 is open at the rear by means of the opening 16, allowing the wiper 6 to contact the external circuit board 5. The reversing switch for the forward / reverse rotation of the electric motor includes the contact spring element 12, which can also make contact with the external circuit board 5 through the opening 17. The signal transmitter 1 can be mounted separately, i.e., it is self-contained, has no electrical connections, and is only mechanically connected to the external circuit board 5, for example, by hot-stitching, snap-fit, or screwing.On the external circuit board 5 there is a printed resistive track or a resistor cascade as a resistor arrangement 7 in the area of ​​the wiper 6 and contact pads 13 in the area of ​​the switch for the right-left rotation.

[0041] If contactless communication is provided for the signal transmitter 1, the housing 2 is closed or can at least be optionally designed to be closed. Instead of the wiper 6, a sensor element, for example a magnet 19, is arranged in the housing 2. The reversing switch for forward / reverse rotation can also include a magnet 18 located in the housing 2 instead of the contact spring element 12.

[0042] The advantages of the signal transmitter 1 according to the invention consist in particular of its compactness, cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

[0043] The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment. Rather, it also encompasses all technically advanced developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. The electrical switch 1 can be used in a variety of ways in DC (direct current) and / or AC (alternating current) power tools requiring a signal transmitter that can be mounted close to the circuit board 5 for contactless signal transmission, particularly in brushless electronics in the AC or DC range. Furthermore, such a switch 1 can be used not only in power tools but also in other electrical devices powered by a voltage source, such as garden tools, kitchen appliances, or the like. For example, its use is also conceivable in consumer applications such as vacuum cleaners, blowers, lamps, or the like. In lighting units, the signal transmitter 1 can serve to regulate the light intensity. Reference numeral list:

[0044] 1: (Electrical) switch / signal transmitter 2: Housing 3: Actuator / push button 4: Signal device 5: Circuit board 6: Slider (of signal device) 7: Resistor assembly (of signal device) 8: Plunger 9: Sliding seal 10: Compression spring 11: Actuator / toggle lever 12: Contact spring element 13: Contact pad 14: Attachment (on housing) 15: Hole (in circuit board) 16, 17: Opening (in housing) 18, 19: Magnet 20, 21: Magnetic sensor 22: (Additional) magnetic sensor 23, 25: Capacitive sensor (for "on" function) 26, 27: Capacitive sensor (for "throttle" function) 28, 29: Capacitive sensor (for "toggle" function) 30: Cover 31: Light source 32: Photosensor 33: (Additional) light source 34: (Additional) photosensor 35: (Additional) aperture

Claims

1. An electric switch as a signal generator for an electric tool having an electric motor, having a housing (2), having an actuating member (3) arranged on the housing (2) and adjustable between an initial and an end position, having a signal device (4) operatively connected to the actuating member (3) for generation of a signal associated with an adjustment path of the actuating member (3), and / or having a contact system operatively connected to the actuating member (3) for switching the contact system into a position of the actuating member (3), characterised in that a printed circuit board (5) arranged outside the housing (2) on one side of the housing (2) is provided, that the housing (2) is closed and a contactless contacting for the signal generator and the contact system is provided, and at least parts of the signal device (4) and / or of the contact system are located on the printed circuit board (5).

2. The electric switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device (4) comprises a sensor element and a transmitter element.

3. The electric switch according to claim 2, characterised in that the transmitter element is located in the housing (2) and is in movable interaction with the actuating member (3), and / or that the sensor element is located on the printed circuit board (5).

4. The electric switch according to claim 2, characterised in that the sensor element is located in the housing (2) and is in movable interaction with the actuating member (3), and / or that the transmitter element is located on the printed circuit board (5).

5. The electric switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor element is a magnetic sensor (21) and the transmitter element is a magnet (19) or a magnetic tape, and / or that the sensor element is an inductive sensor and the transmitter element is an electric conductor, and / or that the sensor element is a capacitive sensor (26, 27) and the transmitter element is an electric conductor and / or a dielectric, and / or that the sensor element is at least one light source (31) and at least one photo sensor (32), and the transmitter element is at least one shutter (30).

6. The electric switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact system comprises a magnetic sensor (20) and a magnet (19), and / or that the contact system comprises an inductive sensor and an electric conductor, and / or that the contact system comprises a capacitive sensor (23, 25) and an electric conductor and / or a dielectric, and / or that the contact system comprises at least one light source (31) and at least one photo sensor (32) and at least one shutter (30).

7. The electric switch according to claim 6, characterised in that the magnet (19) and / or the electric conductor and / or the dielectric and / or the shutter (30) is located in the housing (2) and is in movable interaction with the actuating member (3), and / or the magnetic sensor (20) and / or the inductive sensor and / or the capacitive sensor (23, 25) and / or the light source (31) and the photo sensor (32) is located on the printed circuit board (5).

8. The electric switch according to claim 6, characterised in that the magnetic sensor (20) and / or the inductive sensor and / or the capacitive sensor (23, 25) and / or the light source (31) and the photo sensor (32) is located in the housing (2) and is in movable interaction with the actuating member (3), and / or that the magnet (19) and / or the electric conductor and / or the dielectric and / or the shutter (30) is located on the printed circuit board (5).

9. The electric switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a further actuating element (11) is movably mounted on the housing (2).

10. The electric switch according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the further actuating element (11) is a change lever for the right-left rotation of the electric motor.

11. The electric switch according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that a magnet (18) or a magnetic tape and / or an electric conductor and / or a dielectric and / or a shutter (35) is in movable interaction with the further actuating element (11), and / or that a magnetic sensor (22) and / or an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor (28, 29) and / or a light source (33) and a photo sensor (34) is located on the printed circuit board (5).

12. The electric switch according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that a magnetic sensor (20) and / or an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor (28, 29) and / or a light source (33) and a photo sensor (34) is in movable interaction with the further actuating element (11), and / or that a magnet (18) or a magnetic tape and / or an electric conductor and / or a dielectric and / or a shutter (35) is located on the printed circuit board (5).

13. The electric switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that control electronics for controlling the electric motor are located on the printed circuit board (5).

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