Patent Publication Number: US-2022230818-A1

Title: Switch for a hand-held power tool

Description:
The invention relates to a switch for a hand-held power tool or as a component of a hand-held power tool, which has an electric drive motor that can be switched on by the switch, wherein the switch has a switch housing with a switch chamber in which a switch actuator that can be moved between at least two switch positions is arranged in order to actuate an electric switch element and is movement-coupled with the aid of a transmission element to an actuating element of the switch which is movable between at least two actuating positions, wherein the transmission element passes through a through opening in a wall of the switch housing, so that the switch actuator may be moved by moving the actuating element to actuate the switch element. 
     Such a switch is described in EP 2 395 527 A1. The switch has a magnetic pick-up as switch actuator, which is located in a switch chamber of the switch housing. Through pressure actuation of the actuating element, the switch actuator may be moved so as to switch on the drive motor and vary its speed. 
     For setting the respective direction of rotation of the drive motor, for example for the screwing in and out of screws, a separate switch element is provided, which likewise operates magnetically. However, the magnetic switch actuator of the direction of rotation switch tends to attract ferromagnetic dust, chips and the like, so that the hand-operated power tool can no longer be used. 
     It is therefore the problem of the present invention to provide an improved switch for a hand-operated power tool, and a hand-operated power tool equipped with it. 
     To solve the problem it is provided, for a switch of the type described above, that at the through opening a rotary bearing is located, on which the transmission element is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis. 
     The rotary bearing makes possible in a simple manner for example a design of the switch as a direction of rotation switch, i.e. that by the movement of the switch actuator the direction of rotation of the drive motor is presettable, for example clockwise rotation or anti-clockwise rotation of a tool holder of the hand-operated power tool. 
     For example the rotary bearing is in the form of a slide bearing. The rotary bearing may however also comprise a rolling bearing, for example a ball bearing or roller bearing. 
     Preferably the rotary bearing is a part of the through opening, or part of the wall on which the through opening is provided. For example the through opening itself is designed as a bearing location for the actuating element. 
     The rotary bearing, or a rotary bearing supporting the actuating element around its rotation axis may however also be arranged directly next to the through opening. For example the rotary bearing may comprise a rolling bearing or slide bearing which is in the form of a rotary bearing separate from the wall on which the through opening is provided or is a separate component. In this variant the through opening itself for example may not be designed as rotary bearing for the actuating element. However, even in this scenario it is advantageous for the actuating element to actually pass through the through opening, but to be sealed at the through opening. 
     It is preferred that the rotation axis passes through the wall on which the rotary bearing is mounted. For example the rotation axis runs parallel to a side wall face of the wall, i.e. the rotary bearing is mounted directly in the wall but has a rotation axis which is for example parallel to the wall of the switch housing and runs in the wall. 
     A preferred concept provides however that the rotation axis is at an angle, in particular a right-angle, to a wall surface of the wall on which the rotary bearing is mounted. Without further ado, however, it is also possible that the rotation axis is at an oblique angle, i.e. not a right-angle, to the wall surface. For example the transmission element is in the form of a shaft element or has a shaft section which is rotatably mounted in the rotary bearing round the rotation axis, which passes through the wall surface at an angle. 
     A preferred concept provides for the switch chamber to be closed apart from the through opening in which the rotary bearing is mounted or which forms the rotary bearing. Therefore the transmission element closes the through opening or is held with sealing in the through opening. The switch chamber houses the switch actuator tightly so that environmental influences, for example dust, in particular ferromagnetic dust, cannot penetrate into the switch housing and/or into the switch chamber in which the switch actuator is located. 
     Provided at the through opening are preferably shift-lock contours or a shift-lock for a non-displaceable hold of the transmission element parallel to its rotation axis or along the rotation axis. The transmission element is therefore held on the through opening preferably non-displaceably relative to its rotation axis. The shift-lock or the shift-lock contours comprise for example an arrangement of interlocking contours engaging in one another, wherein one interlocking contour is arranged on the transmission element, the other interlocking contour on the through opening or the wall of the switch housing with the through opening. The interlocking contours facilitate preferably rotatability of the transmission element around its rotation axis and/or support the transmission element around its rotation axis and/or form a component of the rotary bearing mounted at the through opening. 
     The shift-lock contours include for example an annular flange extending around the rotation axis as a part ring or a complete ring and engaging in an annular slot which is a part ring or a full ring. The annular flange may be located on the transmission element and the annular slot on the through opening. However, the reverse is also possible, with the annular flange provided on the through opening, i.e. for example protruding radially inwards into the through opening, while the annular slot is located on the transmission element. It goes without saying that the annular flange may include two or more partly ring-shaped annular flange sections, between which angular clearances relative to the rotation axis are provided. It also goes without saying that, with regard to the rotation axis of the transmission element, at least two pairs of annular flange and annular slot may be provided, with axial spacing, each engaging in one another. The annular flange is for example disc-shaped. The annular flange and/or the annular slot are preferably integral with the transmission element. 
     The annular flange and the annular slot may for example be parts of the seal explained below. In particular, the annular flange and the annular slot advantageously form part of a labyrinth seal. It is however also possible that the annular flange and the annular slot have no sealing function, for example when they are only partly annular. 
     Provided at the through opening and/or on the rotary bearing is preferably a seal. It is preferred if the rotary bearing and/or the through opening are or is in the form of a seal or have or has a seal. For example parts of a labyrinth seal may at the same time be parts of the rotary bearing or the through opening. Preferably, components complementary to the seal, for example also components of a labyrinth seal, are located on the transmission element. 
     The seal may for example comprise a sliding seal in the form of a slide bearing, an O-ring or the like. 
     It is preferred if the seal encompasses the transmission element annularly. For example it is advantageous if the seal includes a seal flange which engages in an annular seal location. The seal flange is for example arranged on the transmission element, while the annular seal location is arranged on a bearing location of the rotary bearing. It is however also possible that the rotary bearing has an annular seal flange protruding radially inwards to the transmission element and engaging in an annular seal location on the transmission element. Also suitable as a seal flange is an O-ring. In particular it is possible that an O-ring or another rubber seal or elastic seal is fitted to a seal flange. 
     It is preferred if the seal comprises or is formed by a labyrinth seal. For example the aforementioned seal flange may be in the form of a labyrinth seal. It is preferred if, between the transmission element and the through opening, only a labyrinth seal is provided, and no elastic seal. The labyrinth seal may at the same time form a slide bearing or form a part of a slide bearing. By this means it is for example possible to obtain lower wear, if the transmission element rotates in the rotary bearing or slide bearing. 
     The actuating element, which drives or actuates the rotatable transmission element, is preferably mounted in a translational manner on a slide bearing, relative to the switch housing. The slide bearing may be a part of the switch housing or mounted on the switch housing. It is preferred if the slide bearing is provided on the machine casing of the hand-operated power tool. 
     Between the switch and the actuating element, in particular between the transmission element and the actuating element, there is preferably provided a transmission gear. Naturally it is possible for a transmission gear to be provided between the transmission element and the switch actuator. 
     The transmission gear may be located wholly or partly within the switch housing, in particular inside the switch chamber. Preferably, however, the transmission gear is located wholly or fully outside the switch housing. Consequently, for example, only a portion of the transmission element and the switch actuator are located within the switch housing or the switch chamber. 
     The transmission gear is preferably designed or provided to convert a linear or translational movement of the actuating element into a rotational movement of the switch actuator. Such a conversion may occur for example with the aid of a wedge gear or a bevel gear. Also a gear mechanism, in particular a combination of rack and gearwheel, may provide the aforementioned function. Provided for example on the actuating element is a rack or a rack section, which meshes with a gear or a rotating tooth arrangement on the transmission element. In an especially preferred embodiment, which is shown in the drawing, it is provided that the transmission gear comprises or is formed by a crank gear. 
     The transmission gear has preferably a drive section connected to the actuating element and/or driven by the actuating element, together with an output section driving for carrying the switch actuator. Preferably the drive section and/or the output section are located on the transmission element. In particular the transmission element is integral with the drive section and the output section. 
     It is advantageous when the transmission element is in the form of a crankshaft element or a crankshaft or is rotationally connected or firmly coupled to a crankshaft. For example the transmission element has a shaft section which is rotatably mounted at the through opening of the switch housing. From the shaft section a crank arm protrudes at an angle, in particular a right-angle. From the crank arm in turn protrudes at an angle, in particular a right-angle, an actuating arm. The shaft section and the actuating arm run preferably parallel to one another or have longitudinal extensions running parallel to one another. The shaft section, the crank arm and the actuating arm form for example a step contour or run stepped viewed from the side. It is preferred if only the shaft section engages in the switch housing and/or penetrates the through opening. The shaft section protrudes for example from the through opening on opposite sides. It is also advantageous if there is provided on the shaft section at least one seal for sealing the shaft section at the switch housing and/or one of the shift-lock contours and/or at least one of annular slot or annular flange in another annular slot or annular flange on the switch housing, in particular at the through opening. 
     It is advantageous if the transmission element has a shaft section which protrudes freely from the or a wall or side wall of the switch housing into a switch chamber of the switch housing bounded by the wall or side wall. Advantageously arranged on the shaft section is the aforementioned seal and/or one of the shift-lock contours and/or an annular flange extending around the rotation axis in a partly or completely annular manner and/or a partly or completely annular slot. The partly annular or annular flange or flanges of the shaft section engages or engage in an annular slot on the through opening, while the annular slot on the shaft section engages with a projection protruding radially to the rotation axis, for example an annular flange. 
     In both aforementioned embodiments of the transmission element, a shaft section is provided. The switch actuator is preferably located on the shaft section. An actuating arm or crank arm of the transmission element provided for rotary actuation of the transmission element around the rotation axis is preferably radially further away from the shaft section than the switch actuator, relative to the rotation axis. The switch actuator is for example a non-contact switch actuator, in particular a magnet sensor or magnet. 
     Also possible however is that the transmission gear redirects a linear movement direction of the actuating element in a first direction into a linear movement of the switch actuator in a second direction differing from the first direction, for example a direction at an angle, in particular a right-angle, to the first direction. 
     On the transmission gear there are preferably no blocking contours by which, if one actuating element is in a predetermined actuating position, the other actuating element may be blocked. 
     The transmission element is preferably mounted both on the rotary bearing, which is located on the wall of the switch housing and also, with longitudinal clearance relative to the rotation axis, on the switch housing, for example on a wall of the switch housing which lies opposite the through opening. It is advantageous if the transmission element is rotatably mounted on opposite walls of the switch housing relative to its rotation axis. 
     An advantageous concept provides that the switch not only has the aforementioned actuating element and switch actuator, but that the actuating element forms a first actuating element and the switch actuator forms a first switch actuator to actuate the switch element, which represents a first switch element. The switch also has a second actuating element, located outside the switch housing and adjustable between at least two actuating positions, together with a second switch actuator, actuable by the second actuating element to actuate a second electrical switch element. Thus the switch can therefore perform a second function with the aid of the second switch actuator and the second electrical switch element. 
     The second actuating element is preferably movement-coupled to the second switch actuator with the aid of a second transmission element, which penetrates a second through opening in a wall of the switch housing. This wall may be the same wall on which the transmission element of the first switch actuator is also rotatably mounted. 
     The second transmission element may certainly also be mounted rotatably with respect to the switch housing. It is however preferred if the second transmission element is mounted linearly along a sliding axis with respect to the switch housing. 
     It is advantageous if the second transmission element penetrates the through opening with linear movement along a sliding axis, being for example movably mounted at the through opening. At the same time it is especially preferred if the sliding axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the first switch actuator. 
     With the second transmission element and the second switch actuator for example the drive motor may be switched on and/or off and/or its speed may be varied. 
     It is preferred if the actuating elements are located on the same side of the switch housing. Consequently, both actuating elements may be operated by one operator from the same side. 
     It is advantageous if the rotation axis of the first transmission element and the sliding axis of the second transmission element enclose an angle of less than 90°, in particular less than 60°, and especially preferred less than 30° to one another. 
     It is advantageous if the rotation axis of the first transmission element and the sliding axis of the second transmission element are parallel to one another or run parallel to one another. 
     At least one of the actuating elements or both actuating elements expediently have blocking contours for blocking the other actuating element. In particular it is advantageous if the actuating elements and/or the blocking contours of the actuating elements are designed for reciprocal blocking. For example it is possible that one of the actuating elements in a predetermined actuating position, for example an intermediate actuating position, blocks an actuation of the other actuating element from a first actuating position into a second actuating position. Thus it is possible to provide for example that the sliding actuating element, when moved from its non-actuated initial position into an actuating position, blocks any actuation of the first actuating element, so that for example a direction of rotation of the drive motor cannot be changed over when the drive motor is already running. It is however also possible that the actuating element for direction of rotation, preferably the first actuating element, only allows actuation of the second actuating element, with which the drive motor may be switched on, when the first actuating element is in a defined first or second actuating position, but not in an intermediate position between the first and second actuating position. 
     In the first and second actuating position, the first actuating element may be used for example to set clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of the drive motor. 
     The blocking contours are preferably provided directly on the respective actuating element, in particular its actuating body or actuating housing. 
     The switch chamber accommodating the first switch actuator expediently forms a first switch chamber. The second switch actuator is located in a second switch chamber separate from this first switch chamber. Consequently, therefore, both switch actuators are mounted in switch chambers which are separate from one another. 
     For example it is possible for the first and second switch chambers to be separated or screened off from one another by a partition wall. The partition wall may for example be joined to the side walls or peripheral walls of the switch housing. 
     It is also advantageous if the first switch chamber is sealed off from the second switch chamber. For example, sealing contours, sealing projections or the like are provided, which engage in one another and seal and separate the switch chambers from one another. It is advantageous for at least one labyrinth seal and/or an elastic seal or rubber seal to be provided between the first and second switch chambers. 
     The second switch chamber is expediently closed or sealed for the second transmission element except for the second through opening or bearing opening. For example the first and/or second switch chamber are or is encompassed by peripheral walls, in each case a base and a ceiling. 
     Preferably provided at the second through opening or bearing opening for the second transmission element is a seal, for example a ring seal, an O-ring or the like. Also, the sealing measures already cited in connection with the first transmission element, for example a sealing flange which engages in an annular seal location, are readily possible in connection with the second transmission element. 
     Preferably it is provided for the switch that it has a spring assembly for biasing at least one switch actuator, in particular the second switch actuator, into a predetermined switching position. A latching arrangement, clamping arrangement or other fixing arrangement for engaging or fixing at least one switch actuator in a predetermined switching position is advantageous. For example the first actuating element or a component connected to the first actuating element may be engaged with the aid of the latching arrangement or fixing arrangement, in particular to fix a direction of rotation presetting of the switch. 
     The spring assembly or latching arrangement may act directly on the switch actuator, but also on the relevant actuating element which actuates the switch actuator. 
     At least one switch actuator, preferably both switch actuators, is or are in the form of magnets or have a magnetic pick-up or a non-contact switch actuator, e.g. a capacitive or optical sensor, or are so designed. Naturally other actuating principles are also readily possible, for example mechanically operating actuating principles, optical sensors, etc. The switch actuator may also for example actuate electrical contacts, for example between a switch-on position and a switch-off position. 
     At least one of the electrical switch elements is expediently located outside the switch housing and/or on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board expediently forms a part of a power supply unit for power supply of the drive motor of the hand-operated power tool. Thus it is possible for example to provide on the printed circuit board one or more switch elements which may be actuated by the switch. Therefore the switch may indeed have the switch element but this is not essential. It is sufficient when the switch element represents a part of the printed circuit board, while the switch actuator or actuators represent part of the switch according to the invention. 
     The electrical switch element or elements which may be operated by the switch are advantageously provided on a printed circuit board, with the relevant switch element preferably arranged in sandwich form between the switch housing and the printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally it is advantageous when the printed circuit board is cast with the switch housing with the aid of a casting compound. It is preferred if the switch housing or the switch have sealing projections which extend towards the printed circuit board and bound a locating capacity for the respective switch element. Therefore it is for example possible that the casting compound does not flow as far as the switch element, but instead is held by the sealing projections as it were outside the cavity for the switch element. 
     The invention also relates to a hand-operated power tool with a switch according to the above description. 
     A hand-operated power tool according to the invention is preferably a screwdriver and/or a drill. But other hand-operated power tools may also readily be equipped with the switch according to the invention, in particular such hand-operated power tools as those for which, with the aid of the switch according to the invention, a direction of rotation of the drive motor may be preset, for example clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation. 
     The switch housing is preferably in two parts or has two matching housing shells which, when fitted to one another, define one or more switch chambers. For example the switch housing includes a housing base part which is covered by a housing cover. On the housing base part and housing cover, side walls protruding in each case towards the respective other part may be provided. Preferably a seal is provided between the two housing parts, the housing base part and the housing cover. The housing parts, i.e. the housing base part and the housing cover may in a complementary manner bound a through opening or bearing opening for one or both of the aforementioned transmission elements. 
    
    
     
       An embodiment of the invention is explained below with the aid of the drawing, which shows in: 
         FIG. 1  a side view of a hand-operated power tool with a switch and with its machine casing open 
         FIG. 2  a top view of a power supply unit and the switch of the hand-operated power tool according to  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  a side view of the switch according to the above Figures with switch housing open and unactuated second actuating element or switch-on element 
         FIG. 4  the view according to  FIG. 3 , but with the first actuating element in switch-on position 
         FIG. 5  a perspective oblique view of the switch element according to the above Figures, with the second actuating element in a neutral actuating position 
         FIG. 6  the view according to  FIG. 5 , but with an actuating element moved into a first actuating position assigned to an anti-clockwise rotation of the drive motor of the hand-operated power tool according to  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 7  the view according to  FIG. 5 or 6 , but with the second actuating element moved into a second actuating position assigned to a clockwise rotation of the drive motor 
         FIG. 8  a section through the switch element according to the above Figures, along a section line A-A in  FIG. 3  corresponding to the actuating position according to  FIG. 5   
         FIG. 9  the section according to  FIG. 8 , but in the actuating position according to  FIG. 6  of the first actuating element 
         FIG. 10  the section according to  FIGS. 8, 9 , but with the first actuating element moved into the actuating position according to  FIG. 7   
         FIG. 11  an exploded view of the switch according to the above Figures and 
         FIG. 12  a perspective oblique view of the switch according to the above Figures, at an angle from above. 
     
    
    
     A hand-operated power tool  10  has a machine casing  11 , in which is provided a drive train  15  with a drive motor  16 . The drive train  15  is located in a drive section  12 , from which there extends a handle section  13  for gripping or grasping by an operator. The handle section  13  extends at an angle from the drive section  12  in the manner of a pistol grip, in particular at an angle of around 80-90°. 
     The drive motor  16  could drive directly an output element  19  with a suitable tool holder, in which is held for example a screwdriver, a drill or the like. Here, however, a gear  17  is connected between the drive motor  16  and the output element  19 . 
     Provided to control and operate the drive train  15 , and therefore the hand-operated power tool  10  as a whole, is a control module  20 , which includes a power supply unit  21 . The control module  20  is located substantially in the handle section  13 . Regarding the machine casing  11  it should also be noted that only the rear other casing part  14  is shown in the drawing, while a complementary casing part, closing the interior of the machine casing  11  together with the shown casing part  14 , is not visible in the drawing. 
     The power supply unit  21  includes a board  22 , on which are located various electronic and electrical components for control of the drive motor  16 , in particular for its power supply, and not visible in the drawing. Shown schematically, though, are switch elements  23  and  24 , for example magnetic sensors. With switch element  23 , for example, the power supply unit  21  and therefore the drive motor  16  may be switched on or off. The speed of the drive motor  16  may also be preset by switch element  23 . One may also describe switch element  23  as host switch element. With switch element  24 , a direction of rotation of the drive motor  16  may be set, for example clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation. 
     The power supply unit  21  is or may be connected with the aid of lines  25  to the drive motor  16 , in particular to its energy coils of an energy coil assembly not shown in detail in the drawing. The drive motor  16  is for example a brushless motor or an electrically commutated motor. But also the use of a switch  30 , for switching the switch elements  23  and switch element  24 , would be readily possible with a universal motor or other electrical motor. 
     The power supply unit  21  is or may be connected with the aid of lines  26  to a supply interface  28 , via which the hand-operated power tool  10  may be supplied with electrical power. For example, in a manner not shown, an electrical supply cable, e.g. a power cable, may be provided at the supply interface  28  for connection to an electrical supply network, for example with 110 volt or 230 volt a.c. Here however the hand-operated power tool  10  is a hand-operated power tool which may be operated cordlessly. The supply interface  28  serves for the connection of a schematically indicated electrical energy store  29 , for example in to form of a battery pack. Energy stored in the energy store  29  is used to supply the power supply unit  21  and thus the drive motor  16 . 
     When operating the hand-operated power tool  10  in especially dust-laden environments, there is however the risk that the sensitive electrical components, switch elements or the like will be contaminated. Especially problematic are ferromagnetic dusts, which can adhere magnetically to magnetic sensors, for example magnetic pick-ups of the switch according to EP 2 395 527 A1. These problems however do not occur with the switch  30 , or only to a much reduced extent. 
     The switch  30  include actuating elements  31  and  32 , by which the switch elements  23  and  24  may be actuated. Correspondingly, therefore, the actuating element  31  may be used to switch on and off the drive motor  16  and to influence its speed, while the actuating element  32  is provided for presetting the direction of rotation of the drive motor  16 . 
     The switch  30  has a switch housing  33  in which switch chambers  34  and  35 , separate from one another, are provided. The switch housing  33  includes a housing base part  36 , which is closed by a housing cover  37 . Both switch chambers  34  and  35  are closed on the peripheral side, with the exception of through openings  53 ,  54 , at side walls  51 ,  52  of the switch chambers  34  and  35 . Between the switch chambers  34  and  35  there is also a partition wall  42 , which separates the switch chambers  34  and  35  from one another. 
     The housing base part  36  and the housing cover  37  form housing parts  36 A,  37 A, complementary to one another and closing the switch chambers  34 ,  35 . 
     The housing base part  36  has a base  45  from which the peripheral walls  46  extend. The housing cover  37  has a ceiling  47  from which the peripheral walls  48  extend. The end faces of the peripheral walls  46 ,  48  together with the wall sections of the housing base part  36  and the housing cover  37  lie with their end faces opposite one another. 
     Provided at these end faces of the peripheral walls  46 ,  48 , together with the partition wall sections of the partition wall  42 , are sealing projections  38 ,  39  for bounding the switch chambers  34 ,  35 , together with complementary seal locations  40 ,  41  in which the sealing projections  38 ,  39  engage with sealing and thereby form the seals  38 A,  39 A. The seals  38 A,  39 A seal the switch chambers  34 ,  35  from one another and from the environment. The sealing projections  38 ,  39  are for example in the form of springs, which engage in the seal locations  40 ,  41  which are in the form of locating slots. 
     The sealing projections  38 ,  39  form together with the seal locations  40 ,  41  for example labyrinth seals. Instead of the sealing projections  38 ,  39  it would also readily be possible to provide seal locations into which for example a rubber seal, in particular in the form of an O-ring or a seal lip, is inserted. The sealing projections  38 ,  39  could also be in the form of elastic sealing projections or rubber sealing projections. 
     In particular it is advantageous that the switch chambers  34  and  35  are sealed from one another and/or tightly separated from one another by the seals  38 A,  39 A. For example the seals  38 A,  39 A comprise a seal section  38 B, for example in the form of a labyrinth seal, which extends along an area  35 A, where the switch chambers  34  and  35  directly adjoin one another. For example the seal section  38 B includes sections of the sealing projections  38 ,  39  and seal locations  40 ,  41  which engage in one another in the form of labyrinth seals. 
     Thus the two switch chambers  34 ,  35  are sealed by a seal assembly on the one hand from the environment, but on the other hand also relative to one another. Switch actuators  65 ,  75  accommodated in the interiors of the switch chambers  34 ,  35  are therefore protected from environmental influences. 
     The housing base part  36  and the housing cover  37  are latched together with the aid of a latching arrangement. Provided for example on the housing base part  36  are latching projections  43 , in particular latching hooks or the like, which engage in latching locations  44  of the housing cover  37 . The latching projections  43  and latching locations  44  form a latching arrangement  43 A and are provided for example in the area of the peripheral walls  46 ,  48 . Preferably several latching projections and latching locations are provided, spaced apart from one another, so that the housing cover  37  is held securely to the housing base part  36 . Naturally, bonding, welding or other similar means of joining housing base part  36  and housing cover  37  would also be possible, so that these two parts are held firmly together and the switch chambers  34 ,  35  are sealed. 
     Provided advantageously on the switch housing  33 , for example the housing cover  37 , are line holders  49  which are suitable for holding lines, in particular the lines  25 . 
     The switch housing  33  is also supported on the circuit board  22  with the aid of support feet  50 . Through the support feet  50 , a space is provided between the base  45  and the printed circuit board  22 , in which the switch elements  23 ,  24 , for example semiconductor elements, are arranged in sandwich fashion. It is possible that the base  45  is in contact with the switch elements  23 ,  24 , for example lying flat against their upper side facing the switch  30 . It is however also possible that there is a space between the base  45  and the switch elements  23 ,  24 . From the base  45 , a seal projection  51 A extends preferably towards the printed circuit board  22  and bounds an interior in which the switch element  23  and/or the switch elements  24  are located. The switch housing  33  is namely advantageously cast with the printed circuit board  22  with the aid of a casting compound  27 A, which is kept away from the seal projection  51 A, so that the switch elements  23 ,  24  do not come into contact with the casting compound  27 A, but are held as it were in a cavity sealed by the casting compound  27 A, the base  45  and the printed circuit board  22 . The casting compound  27 A forms a cast body  27  which holds the switch housing  33  to the printed circuit board  22  and preferably protects electrical components mounted on the printed circuit board  22  from environmental influences. 
     The actuating element  31  is connected to the switch actuator  65  with the aid of a transmission body  60 . The switch actuator  65  includes for example a magnet or is formed by a magnet  65 A, through the effect of which the switch element  23  may be actuated. The transmission body  60  forms part of a sliding guide or a slide bearing  60 A. The transmission body  60  has a shaft section  61  which is connected by a holding section  62 , for example a holding projection, to the actuating element  31 , for example engaging in a holding location  31 A, in particular a plug-in socket of the same. The transmission body  60  therefore protrudes from the actuating element  31  towards the switch housing  33 , in which it engages. 
     Located at the longitudinal end of the shaft section  61  opposite the actuating element  31  is a slide  63 , which has linear guidance in a slide guide  57  with respect to the sliding axis S. The slide guide  57  is provided in the switch chamber  34 , so that the slide  63  is held in the switch chamber  34  movable relative to the sliding axis S or along the sliding axis S. The slide guide  57  comprises e.g. a guide projection  57 A and a guide socket  57 B on the slide  63  and the switch chamber  34 . 
     The sliding axis S and the rotation axis D are parallel to one another. 
     The switch actuator  65 , for example a magnet, is located on the slide  63 . By shifting the slide  63  and thus the switch actuator  65  along the sliding axis S, a relative position of the switch actuator  65  relative to the switch element  22  may be set, so that the latter adopts different switching positions. If then for example, starting from an actuating position A, which corresponds to a switch-off position, the actuating element  31  is actuated in the direction of an actuating position E, i.e. a switch-on position ( FIG. 4 ), then the magnetic field of switch actuator  65  actuates switch element  23 , for example to switch the drive motor  16  on or off or to vary its speed. 
     An advantageous measure provides that, on first actuation of the actuating element  31  from the actuating position A towards the actuating position E, switch element  23  is as it were awoken and the other components of the power supply unit  21  are activated. If the switch element  31  remains unactuated for a predetermined time, i.e. adopts actuating position A, then switch element  23  switches the hand-operated power tool  10  and its electronic components off, in particular the power supply unit  21 , going therefore into a kind of sleep mode, so that electrical power consumption is minimal or even switched off. 
     The switch actuator  65  is biased, through a spring assembly  64 A, by a spring  64  which is supported on a side opposite the through opening  53 , namely on a support  58 , in the direction of actuating position A. Consequently, therefore, the operator may, with the aid of an operating force BK, actuate the switch actuator  65  against the spring force of the spring  64 , from actuating position A towards actuating position E. 
     Preferably provided at the through opening  53 , which at the same time represents a bearing location of a slide bearing for the transmission body  60 , is a seal  66 . The seal  66 , for example a seal ring, in particular a seal ring of plastic and/or an O-ring, is penetrated by the transmission body  60  and fits with sealing on its outer periphery. Provided in the switch housing  33 , in particular the side wall  51  close to the through opening  53 , is a seal location  55 , for example an annular slot, for the seal  66 . The housing base part  36  and the housing cover  37  have, in the area of the side wall  51 , segments  67 A,  67 B of a bearing location  67  or the through opening  53 . At the bearing location  67  or the through opening  53 , the transmission body  60  has linear guidance with respect to the sliding axis S. The bearing location  67  comprises for example sleeve-like segments  67 A,  67 B fitted to the housing base part  36  and the housing cover  37 . 
     Provided for actuation of the switch actuator  75  is a transmission element  70  which, in respect of the switch housing  33 , is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis D. The transmission element  70  has a shaft section  71  which is substantially located within the switch chamber  35  and penetrates a through opening  54  on the side wall  52  of the switch chamber  35  or on the switch housing  33 . The through opening  54  forms at the same time a bearing location of a rotary bearing  77  on the side wall  52 . Provided on the housing base part  36  and on the housing cover  37  are sleeve-like segments  79 A,  79 B of the bearing location  79  or the through opening  54 . 
     On a side opposite the side wall  52 , the shaft section  71  is rotatably mounted at a bearing location  59  of a rotary bearing  59 A. For example, to form the bearing location  59 , support sections or wall sections  59 B protrude from a wall section of the peripheral walls  46  and/or a wall section of the peripheral walls  48 . 
     Between the bearing location  59  and the rotary bearing  77 , the switch actuator  75 , for example a magnet  75 A, is mounted on the shaft section  71 , e.g. of a location  73 , by which the switch element  24  may be actuated. Depending on a particular rotary position or angular position of the switch actuator  75  relative to the rotation axis D, the switch actuator  75  moves between switching positions assigned to opposite directions of rotation of the drive motor  16 , for example, clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation. At the same time the actuating element  32  which is for example in the form of a slide element, adopts actuating positions R and L. 
     Actuating element  32  is mounted along a positioning axis BS on the machine casing  11 . The machine casing  11  has for example a bearing location  95 , at which the actuating element  32  is mounted movably relative to the positioning axis BS. In actuating position R, for example a actuating section  96  of the actuating element  32  protrudes further from a side of the machine casing  11  than an actuating section  97  of the actuating element  32  from the other opposite side of the machine casing  11 . The operator therefore presses on one of the actuating sections  96  or  97 , in order to actuate the actuating element  32  from the actuating position R into the actuating position L or vice-versa. 
     To transfer the linear movement of the actuating element  32  along the positioning axis BS into a rotary movement of the transmission element  70  around the rotation axis D, a transmission gear  80  is provided. The transmission gear  80  is for example a crank gear  81 . For example, there extends at an angle, in particular at a right-angle, from the shaft section  71  of the transmission element  70 , a crank arm  72 . From the crank arm  72  in turn extends an actuating arm  74 , with the actuating arm  74 , the crank arm  72  and the shaft section  71  being stepped when viewed from the side. Thus, a longitudinal axis of the shaft section  71  (corresponding to the rotation axis D) and a longitudinal axis of the actuating arm  74  are parallel to one another. 
     The crank arm  72  is rotatable around the rotation axis D and swivels in a circular path around the rotation axis D. The crank arm  72  is held pivotably, around a swivel axis K, between driving projections  82  which protrude from the actuating element  32 . Provided between the driving projections  82 , therefore, is a rotary bearing or swivel bearing  83  with the rotation axis or swivel axis K for the actuating arm  74 . Thus the components of the transmission element  70  and the rotary bearing  82  located outside the switch housing  33  form the crank gear  81 . 
     Shown schematically in the drawing but readily possible, is for example also that instead of the crank arm  72 , a gear  172  is provided on the shaft section  71  and engages with a tooth section  182  of the actuating element  32 , which is for example located on the side of the actuating element  32  facing this gear  172  and extends between its actuating sections  96 ,  97 . 
     The crank gear  81  and therefore the transmission gear  80  are located outside the switch housing  33 . The switch actuator  75 , for example a magnet, on the other hand is located inside the switch housing  33 , namely the switch chamber  35 . 
     The actuating arm  74  forms a drive section  74 A of the transmission gear  80  and at the same time of the transmission element  70 . The shaft section  71  forms an output section  71 A of the transmission gear  80  and at the same time of the transmission element  70 . The transmission element  70  therefore has the drive section  74 A and the output section  71 A as integral parts. 
     Provided on the rotary bearing  77  is a seal  76 , so that the transition zone between the transmission element  70  and the switch chamber  35  is sealed. The seal  76  comprises for example a seal flange  78 , for example designed as an annular flange  78 B, which extends radially outwards from the shaft section  71  and engages in a seal location  56  of the switch housing  33 . The seal location  56  comprises for example an annular slot  56 B in the side wall  52 . 
     The seal flange  78  and the seal location  56  also hold the transmission element  70 , in respect of the rotation axis D, on the switch housing  33  with longitudinal movement capability. Thus the seal flange  78  and the seal location  56  form shift-lock contours  78 A and  56 A, which hold the transmission element  70  non-displaceably relative to the rotation axis D, at the through opening  54 . The shift-lock contours  78 A and  56 A engage positively in one another and/or have or form support contours perpendicular to the rotation axis D, so that they hold the transmission element  70  non-displaceably relative to the rotation axis D. However the shift-lock contours  78 A and  56 A allow rotatability of the transmission element  70  around the rotation axis D relative to the switch housing  33 . 
     Depending on the respective angular position or switching position MN, ML, MR of the switch actuator  75 , for example of the magnet, the switch element  24  assumes various switching positions, with which then for example clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of the drive motor  16  may be set. The switching positions MN, ML, MR are assigned to the actuating positions N, L, R of the actuating element  32  and/or correlate with these actuating positions. In the switching positions MN, ML, MR, a magnetic field of the switch actuator  75  may penetrate the switch element  24  in different directions, so that the switch element  24  for example is activated for example to output different sensor signals or control signals SIG to a control unit  21 A, for example a microcontroller. With the aid of these control signals or sensor signals, the switch element  24  specifies to the control unit  21 A that the latter should trigger the power supply unit  21  to supply power to the drive motor  16  for anti-clockwise or clockwise rotation. 
     If however no clear direction of rotation is set, i.e. the actuating element  32  adopts a middle or neutral actuating position N and the switch actuator  75  the middle, as it were undefined, switching position MN, then blocking contours  90 ,  91  ensure that the actuating element  31  cannot be actuated from its actuating position A into one of the actuating positions E. On the other hand, if the actuating element  31  is actuated in one of the actuating positions E, then a change in the direction of rotation of the drive motor  16  is blocked, i.e. the blocking contours  90 ,  91  prevent any movement of the actuating element  32  out of the actuating position R into the actuating position L and vice-versa when the actuating element  31  is actuated into one of the actuating positions E i.e. a switch-on position of the drive motor  16  is actuated. 
     The blocking contours  90 ,  91  act directly on one another. It is advantageous that the blocking contours  90 ,  91  do not act directly on the transmission gear  80  or its components. The blocking contours  90 ,  91  are expediently not in engagement and/or direct contact with the transmission gear  80  or its components and/or the transmission element  70 . 
     The blocking contours  90 ,  91  include for example blocking projections  92 ,  93  on the actuating elements  31 ,  32 . The blocking projection  92  projects for example beyond a top of the actuating element  31  facing the actuating element  32 . In particular the blocking projection  92  is designed as a rib. From the actuating element  32 , the blocking contour  91  protrudes in the manner of a blocking projection  93 . In the actuating position N, the blocking projections  92 ,  93  strike against each other, so that actuation of the actuating element  31  in the direction of one of the actuating positions E is not possible. 
     Next to the blocking projection  92  are open spaces or recesses in which the blocking projection  93  can engage when the actuating element  32  is moved into one of the actuating positions R or L. Then it is possible for actuating element  31  to be moved from actuating position A into one of the actuating positions E. On the other hand, however, it is not then possible for the blocking projection  93  to be actuated past the blocking projection  92  from one of the actuating positions R, L into the respective other actuating position L, R. Then the blocking projection  93  strikes against the sides of blocking projection  92  which extend parallel to the sliding axis S. 
     The actuating element  32  may preferably be locked with the aid of a latching arrangement  98 . The latching arrangement comprises for example a latching projection  99 , immovable relative to the switch housing  33  and/or the machine casing  11 , which engages in one of two latching recesses  99 R,  99 L in the actuating positions R, L.