Patent ID: 7138783

Claim:
An actuator for moving a power-activated control element, comprising a drive unit, a drive mechanism, and an electronic control unit to control/regulate the actuator, wherein: the drive unit and/or the drive mechanism comprise at least one mechanical component, which acts as a switching transducer, the drive unit and/or the drive mechanism comprise at least one further mechanical component with a switching element, the switching transducer and the switching element interact with each other, the switching transducer and the switching element move in relation to each other both due to the driving of the actuator by the drive unit on a drive side and due to the action of an external force via the control element on an output side, the switching element switches due to relative movement between the switching transducer and the switching element caused by the external force and occurring when the operating energy supply to the actuator is disconnected; and the electronic control unit having a first operating mode comprising an energy saving mode wherein the operating energy supply to the actuator is disconnected and at least one further operating mode.