Abstract: An actuating element mounted on an electrical appliance for pivotal movement about a pivoting axis in the switching direction of a switch, in order to switch a function of the electrical appliance by actuating the switch, and comprises a slide with an actuating surface that is guided along a slide path provided on the actuating element to adjust an operating parameter. An operating rocker/slide is provided enabling uniform forces introduced into the operating rocker during displacement of the slide. The actuating element includes the slide path and the pivoting axis extending substantially parallel to each other. The parallel orientation of the pivoting axis and the slide path enables the same length of lever arm to be obtained in relation to the pivoting axis of the actuating element, in each position of the slide, during the introduction of forces into the actuating surface of the slide.

Abstract: A household appliance, particularly a vacuum cleaner, has a housing of rigid material and formed with at least two interconnected housing parts and a handle that is also made of a rigid material. The household appliance is rendered especially rigid and the risk of losing grip of the handle of the appliance is reduced by integrating the handle into a stiffening element that is disposed at the intersection of the housing parts and by providing the handle with a cover that is made of a softer material.

Abstract: A household appliance, particularly a vacuum cleaner, has a housing of rigid material and formed with at least two interconnected housing parts and a handle that is also made of a rigid material. The household appliance is rendered especially rigid and the risk of losing grip of the handle of the appliance is reduced by integrating the handle into a stiffening element that is disposed at the intersection of the housing parts and by providing the handle with a cover that is made of a softer material.