Method for determining the position and/or speed of motion of a control element that can be moved back and forth between two switching positions

In control elements that can move back and forth between two switching positions, particularly fast-moving control elements, it is often necessary to determine the respective instantaneous speed and the respective instantaneous position of the switching element relative to the respective switching position in connection with a regulation and/or control during the movement of the control element. This is especially the case for determining the speed and position as the control element approaches the respective switching position. The invention relates to a method for determining the position and/or the speed of motion of a control element which can be moved back and forth between a first and second switching position. According to said method, an immersion body which is connected to the control element is guided through at least one stationary plunger coil, synchronously with the motion of said control element. The voltage that is generated as a result of the immersion body moving in relation to a permanent magnet and/or a permanent magnet moving in relation to the plunger coil is detected as a signal for the speed of motion of the control clement. The changes in impedance and or a current that are caused as a result of the movement of the immersion body in the plunger coil are detected as a signal for the position of the control element.