Device for the controlled actuation of a switching organ, in particular a valve and actuator for use in motor vehicle technology

there is provided an actuator having a linearly movable ram (2) for use in automotive engineering, preferably for the operation of a switching element of a valve, in particular a container switching valve of a utility vehicle, with a housing (3) having a wax element (5) and an electric heater (10 ) (for heating the Dehnstoffarbeitselementes 5). It is further a device for the controlled actuation of a switching member (1) of a valve, in particular a container switching valve of a utility vehicle proposed, which comprises an actuator (1) of the aforementioned type.