A sensor element of an inductive proximity sensor or distance sensor contains a coil arrangement with at least one excitation coil and at least one receiving coil and includes an electrically conductive shielding which contains a shielding cup that surrounds the coil arrangement laterally and on the rear face. A method operates the sensor element. The shielding of the sensor element further contains a flange which is provided on the front face of the sensor element, is connected to the shielding cup in an electrically conductive manner, and completely surrounds the coil arrangement.

A proximity sensor (12) is provided which comprises a magnet (16) and a sensor (18). The sensor (18) is aligned relative to the magnet (16) in such a manner that the direction (E) of maximum sensitivity of the sensor (18) is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the magnet axis (M) extending through the poles (20, 22) of the magnet (16). Further, an assembly unit (10) is provided.

A switch including a housing comprising a hole at a predetermined surface, an operating part disposed at the hole and configured to move with respect to the predetermined surface, a magnetic body configured to move in conjunction with the operating part, a magnetic sensor disposed in the housing and configured to detect magnetic force by the magnetic body, and a sheet disposed between the magnetic body and the operating part.