Position controller

Abstract

The utility model relates to a position controller, which is used for a pneumatic actuating mechanism to operate a regulating device of process technical equipment, such as a regulating valve, and comprises an electric pneumatic converter, such as a current-pressure converter; a circuit board carrying power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter; a housing comprising at least an electronics compartment, in which at least one electronic component of the position controller, in particular the power supply electronics, is housed, and a converter compartment, in which the electro-pneumatic converter is housed, the electronics compartment and the transducer compartment are spatially separated from each other, the transducer compartment being at least partially delimited by the circuit board.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a position controller for process technology equipment, which is used for a pneumatic actuator to operate a regulating device, such as a regulating valve. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, DE 10 2020 122 321 A1 discloses a field device for process technology equipment, which has a housing for pressure-tight encapsulation of electrical components in an explosive or flammable environment. An electro-pneumatic position controller can be accommodated in a compartment of the housing. Through a pneumatic opening in the outer wall of the housing, a pneumatic supply line is guided to operate a pneumatic actuator through an electro-pneumatic transducer of the position controller. In order to connect the position controller with a compressed air source and / or sink, the outer wall of the housing can be provided with a safety pneumatic opening.

[0003] EP 0 587 170 B1 describes an electro-pneumatic signal converter, which should be of modular construction and explosion-proof. The current-pressure converter is arranged in a hollow housing section, which has a pneumatic supply connection and a pneumatic output for controlling an actuator. The housing also comprises a box-shaped section, in which electrical contacts are accommodated. Electrical, pneumatic and electro-pneumatic components are accommodated in the housing. The housing has an electronics housing module for the electrical components and a pressure housing module into which the pneumatic and electro-pneumatic components can be screwed. The electronics housing module is separated from the pressure housing module by a module wall through which the conductor wires are guided in an explosion-proof manner to contact the electro-pneumatic components. A pressure sensor is also arranged in the electronics compartment.

[0004] In the case of improper use of electro-pneumatic position controllers, there is a risk that dirt introduced into the housing chamber can lead to deposits on the position controller electronics and the electro-pneumatic devices. Dirt deposits can lead to damage or malfunctions, for example due to short circuits of the electrical contacts. It has been shown that dirt ingress can occur, for example in the case of damage or contamination of the pneumatic pressure supply, or when using a pneumatic pressure supply of poor quality.

[0005] If explosive and / or flammable gases, such as natural gas, are to be used as the pneumatic medium, it is also required that no leakage of combustible gases is allowed to occur at the position controller. The combustible pneumatic medium must be discharged through a manifold. Such combustible gases can also be corrosive and cause damage to the electronic components. In addition, it is conceivable that an electric current can cause ignition. SUMMARY

[0006] The object of the utility model is to provide a position controller which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and is particularly suitable for use with critical pneumatic media, such as corrosive, contaminating, explosive and / or flammable pneumatic media.

[0007] Thus, a position controller for a pneumatic actuator to operate a regulating device, such as a regulating valve, for a process technology plant, in particular a petrochemical plant, a power plant, a food processing plant, in particular a brewery, and the like, is provided. The position controller comprises an electro-pneumatic transducer, a circuit board and a housing.

[0008] In particular, the electro-pneumatic transducer can be implemented as a current-to-pressure transducer. The electro-pneumatic transducer implements the electrical-to-pneumatic component of the position controller. The electro-pneumatic transducer is preferably designed and arranged to adjust the transducer pressure in dependence on an electrical signal. Preferably, the electro-pneumatic transducer is designed and arranged to adjust the transducer pressure based on a pneumatic source on the one hand, which provides a pressurized pneumatic medium, such as ambient air, nitrogen or the like, at a supply pressure, and a pneumatic sink on the other hand, such as the atmosphere, which defines a reference pressure, for example corresponding to the ambient pressure. Also preferably, the electro-pneumatic transducer is arranged to adjust the transducer pressure in consideration of an electrical signal, in particular analog or digital, such as a current signal or a voltage signal. For example, the electro-pneumatic transducer can be implemented as a current-to-pressure transducer and, in particular, adjusts the transducer pressure proportional or at least substantially proportional to the current signal. The electro-pneumatic transducer is preferably designed and arranged to provide the transducer pressure at an effort input or an effort output for at least one further pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier. Preferably, the pneumatic components represent purely pneumatic or mechanical-pneumatic components, in particular without electronic devices. In other words, it is clear that within the framework of the present disclosure, a distinction can be made between purely pneumatic components on the one hand, purely electronic components and electro-pneumatic hybrid components on the other hand. For operation with a combustible pneumatic medium, in particular natural gas, at least one electronic component, at least one electro-pneumatic transducer and / or possibly at least one pneumatic sensor can be intrinsically safe. Preferably, the electro-pneumatic transducer provides the transducer pressure with a very small volume flow.

[0009] The circuit board carries the power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter. Optionally, the circuit board can carry the control and / or regulating electronics for operating the electro-pneumatic converter. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control and / or regulating electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter are distributed over a plurality of electronic components, in particular the circuit board of the position controller, preferably including the circuit board. In general, the circuit board can denote a component, preferably planar, which is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material, preferably fiber-reinforced, a ceramic material, a hard paper, etc., on which electrical and / or electronic components are fixed. The circuit board can generally be designed as a so-called printed circuit board. In particular, the circuit board has electrically conductive tracks on at least one surface, preferably on two opposite surfaces. The electrically conductive tracks are preferably firmly attached to the at least one surface of the circuit board, for example printed or soldered. Additionally or alternatively, the circuit board can be provided with through-holes to electrically connect electrically conductive tracks on a first surface, for example a top side, with electrically conductive tracks on a second surface, for example a bottom side. Electrical and / or electronic components, such as microchips, microprocessors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, contacts, plug connectors, etc., can be fixed to the at least one surface of the circuit board, preferably in electrical contact with the electrically conductive tracks, for example adhesively, clamped, screwed and / or soldered. The circuit board generally has a planar shape, wherein the planar profile is preferably adapted to the housing in which the circuit board is accommodated, for example can be designed semicircular. The circuit board preferably has a width dimension and a length dimension, which are essentially of the same order of magnitude or whose dimensions differ by no more than a factor of one hundred, in particular no more than a factor of ten. The circuit board has a thickness dimension, which is significantly smaller than the width dimension and the length dimension of the circuit board, wherein its dimension is for example at least ten times smaller, in particular at least one hundred times smaller. Through-holes, etc. extend through the circuit board in the thickness dimension.

[0010] The housing comprises at least an electronics compartment, in which at least one electronic component of the position controller, in particular a power electronics, is accommodated. Furthermore, the housing comprises at least a converter compartment, in which an electro-pneumatic converter is accommodated. The electronics compartment and the converter compartment are preferably spatially separated from one another. In particular, the electronics compartment and the converter compartment are pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from one another. The pressure-tight area or pressure-tight compartment of the position controller can be designed and configured, for example, to be pressure-tight for an environment with an explosive or flammable atmosphere. The different areas in the housing can be separated from one another, for example, in order to meet the explosion protection requirement "Ex d", i.e. the ignition protection type of a pressure-tight encapsulation "Ex d". With the configuration according to the application, a particularly simple, cost-effective, compact and reliable position controller can be realized. The housing preferably surrounds an interior space. The housing is preferably designed such that the interior space is designed as a pressure- encapsulated space. By separating the interior space into an electronics compartment and a converter compartment separated therefrom, corrosion and / or contamination of the electronic components, in particular on the circuit board, can be avoided. The housing preferably surrounds the converter compartment and the electronics compartment. The housing is preferably composed of at least two housing parts which are detachably connected to one another. The housing parts forming the housing can be realized, for example, as a basin-like base body having at least one opening and a detachable cover which completely closes the opening in the installed state of normal operation. The housing can be designed and configured for the preferably dust- and / or water-tight accommodation of electrical, electronic, electro-pneumatic and other components. The housing can be designed, for example, according to the protection class IP65 or higher. The housing for the dust- and / or water-tight accommodation of electrical components can be defined, for example, according to the protection class according to the so-called international protection code (IP code). The protection class can describe the degree of protection of the housing against contact, foreign bodies, water, etc. The IP code can be defined, for example, according to IEC 529, EN 60529, valid version 2014 of DIN VDE 0470-1. The first digit of the IP code indicates the protection against foreign bodies and contact, wherein a higher value determines a more pronounced protection. The first digit can have the following meanings: 3: protection against solid foreign bodies greater than 2.5 mm and contact with tools; 4: protection against solid foreign bodies greater than 1 mm and contact with electrical wires; 5: protection against dust and contact; 6: sealing against dust, protection against contact. The second digit of the IP code relates to the protection against water. The second digit can have the following meanings: 3: protection against water jets; 4: protection against splashing water; 5: protection against water jets; 6: protection against strong water jets or large waves; 7: protection against temporary immersion in water; 8: protection against permanent immersion in water. The housing can correspond, for example, to at least the protection class IP 65, at least IP 66, at least IP 67, at least IP 68 or at least IP 69.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the utility model, the converter compartment is at least partially defined by the circuit board. It is clear that the definition of the converter compartment by the circuit board is to be achieved in the installed state of the position controller in normal operation. In the installed state of the position controller in normal operation, the pressure-tight separation of the converter compartment on the one hand and the electronics compartment on the other hand can be achieved by means of the circuit board. The circuit board can achieve the complete definition of the converter compartment alone or in combination with one or more other components of the position controller, such as a support plate and / or at least one sealing element. By using the circuit board of the position controller for a functional combination to carry at least one electronic component and to define the converter compartment, the number of components in the position controller and the assembly effort can be reduced, wherein, by virtue of the clever arrangement of the circuit board, the position controller is particularly suitable for use with corrosive or other critical pneumatic media.

[0012] In an embodiment of the position controller according to the first aspect of the utility model, the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on the side of the circuit board facing away from the electronics compartment. In particular, the circuit board carries the electro-pneumatic converter. Alternatively or additionally, a support body, which is preferably fixed to the circuit board, can be provided, which carries the electro-pneumatic converter. The circuit board can be fixed to the housing of the position controller by means of the circuit board and / or the support body. The electro-pneumatic converter can be arranged, in particular fixed or fixable, for example insertable, on the side of the converter compartment side of the circuit board. It is preferred that at least one electronic component, in particular the power supply electronics and optionally control and / or regulating electronics, is arranged on a first, in particular upper, side of the circuit board, and the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on a second, in particular lower, side of the circuit board facing away from the first side. The circuit board can have a side, in particular only equipped with a small number of insensitive and / or protected components or components that can be equipped, to be arranged in the converter compartment, and a side opposite thereto, which is oriented to prevent critical pneumatic media from the converter compartment.

[0013] In another embodiment of the position controller according to the first aspect of the utility model, which can be combined with the aforementioned embodiments, the converter compartment is formed by at least one accommodation which is arranged in a wall portion of the housing and / or integrally formed with the housing, wherein the accommodation is at least partially covered by the circuit board. Preferably, the electro-pneumatic converter is at least partially or completely arranged in or arrangeable in this accommodation. The converter compartment can be formed by a plurality of accommodations which are arranged in a wall portion of the housing and / or integrally formed with the housing and at least partially covered by the circuit board. The plurality of accommodations forming the converter compartment can be spatially separated from each other by intermediate walls and optionally pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated. In the case of a housing with a converter compartment composed of a plurality of accommodations, a first accommodation can be designed and provided as a converter accommodation and accommodate the electro-pneumatic converter, and at least one second accommodation or further accommodation can accommodate further electro-pneumatic components, for example at least one pneumatic sensor. By means of the pneumatic and / or pressure-tight separation of the converter compartment which can be filled with a critical pneumatic medium, contamination or damage of the electronic components arranged in the electronics compartment can be avoided. For operation with a combustible pneumatic medium, in particular natural gas, at least one electronic component, at least one electro-pneumatic converter and / or possibly at least one pneumatic sensor can be operated intrinsically safe.

[0014] In the improvement of the position controller, at least one sealing element, such as a sealing ring, is arranged between the circuit board and the housing region surrounding the accommodation to separate the converter compartment from the electronics compartment, in particular pressure-tightly and / or pneumatically. Preferably, the pressure-tight separation can be designed and provided for a pressure difference between the converter compartment on the one hand and the electronics compartment on the other hand, or between the converter accommodation on the one hand and the electronics compartment and / or further accommodations on the other hand, of at least 50 mbar, in particular at least 100 bar, preferably at least 1 bar, particularly preferably at least 1 bar, and / or not more than 10 bar, in particular not more than 5 bar, preferably not more than 2.5 bar. The at least one sealing element can be arranged in sealing contact with the circuit board and / or the housing. It is clear that the at least one sealing element, in particular in the installed state of normal operation, can be arranged in the position controller to fluidically separate the converter compartment.

[0015] In an alternative or additional improvement of the position controller, the circuit board has, in the region of the converter compartment, in particular in the region of the at least one receptacle, a preferably locally limited surface coating to protect against the influence of the pneumatic medium. The surface coating can have a thickness in the range from 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, preferably in the range from 10 micrometers to 300 micrometers. Preferably, the surface coating can comprise or consist of a plastic material. The plastic material of the surface coating is preferably particularly resistant to corrosion by the pneumatic medium expected in normal operation. Additionally, optionally, at least a partially enclosing encapsulation can be provided which at least partially surrounds the circuit board and forms the chamber and / or at least a portion of the receptacle. The surface coating can comprise or consist of, for example, a varnish.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the converter compartment. The pneumatic sensor can be, for example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc., or a combination of several or all of the aforementioned sensors. Preferably, the circuit board carries at least one pneumatic sensor. Here, it is particularly preferred that the electronic components, in particular the power supply electronics and optionally the control and / or regulating electronics, are arranged on a first, in particular upper, side of the circuit board, and the pneumatic sensor is arranged on a second, in particular lower, side of the circuit board facing away from the first side. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged on the same side of the circuit board as the electro-pneumatic converter. In particular, the converter compartment comprises at least one accommodation in which the at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged. This accommodation can also be referred to as a sensor accommodation. The converter compartment can in particular comprise a plurality of accommodations for a plurality of pneumatic sensors. For example, the position controller can comprise, in the converter compartment, a converter accommodation and a plurality of sensor accommodations, which are pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from one another. It is clear that, alternatively or additionally, the at least one pneumatic sensor can be arranged in an accommodation for the electro-pneumatic converter. This at least one accommodation can be formed, for example, by a recess of the housing, etc. It is preferred that different measuring points are provided in the position controller, and that each of a plurality of different pneumatic sensors is associated with a different measuring point. According to a preferred refinement, the position controller comprises, in the converter compartment, a plurality of, in particular further, accommodations in which different pneumatic sensors are arranged in order to detect different pressures in the position controller, for example the pressure of the pneumatic medium at the inlet and / or outlet of the electro-pneumatic converter, the pressure of the pneumatic medium at a supply inlet of the position controller connected to a pneumatic source and / or the pressure of the pneumatic medium at an actuator outlet of the position controller for operating a pneumatic actuator. Preferably, the different accommodations form separate pressure encapsulation spaces inside the housing. The separate pressure encapsulation spaces are pressure-tightly separated from one another. The part region of the housing associated with the converter compartment, which accommodates the electro-pneumatic converter, forms a first separate pressure encapsulation space. A plurality of separate part regions of the housing associated with the converter compartment, which accommodate at least one or exactly one pneumatic sensor, form a plurality of second separate pressure encapsulation spaces. In the normal operating state, it is preferably possible to exchange the pneumatic medium in and / or from the pressure encapsulation spaces only via a certain number of predetermined pneumatic lines, preferably exactly one, exactly two or exactly three pneumatic lines. Preferably, the first pressure encapsulation space is equipped with exactly two pneumatic lines, namely a ventilation line and an exhaust passage. Preferably, each of the second pressure encapsulation spaces has exactly one pneumatic line. The electronics compartment can realize a further separate pressure encapsulation space, wherein the electronics compartment can be equipped with no pneumatic lines or with exactly one pneumatic line, in particular designed as an exhaust line.Optionally, the pneumatic compartment can form an additional separate pressure encapsulation space. The number of pneumatic lines with which the pneumatic compartment is equipped can preferably correspond to the sum of the pneumatic lines of the first and second pressure encapsulation spaces.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the utility model, a position controller is provided, which comprises an electro-pneumatic converter, a circuit board with supply electronics and a housing having a converter compartment and an electronics compartment separate therefrom. The first and second aspects of the utility model can be combined with one another.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the utility model, it is provided that the converter compartment has a venting channel for venting a pneumatic medium from the electro-pneumatic converter to a waste gas header and / or into the pneumatic compartment. According to the second aspect of the utility model, the position controller can have a pneumatic compartment, in which at least one pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier, pressure reducer or flow restrictor, is accommodated. Preferably, the housing has, in addition to the converter compartment and the electronics compartment, a pneumatic compartment. For example, the housing can have an interior space which is divided or can be divided into the electronics compartment and the converter compartment, and a pneumatic compartment which is separate from the interior space by means of a peripheral wall, wall portion or the like. The pneumatic compartment can be realized, for example, by means of a side compartment having an opening which can be completely closed by a cover. Preferably, the pneumatic components are components which act purely pneumatically or mechanically-pneumatically, in particular without electronics. In other words, it is clear that, within the framework of the present disclosure, a distinction can be made between, on the one hand, purely pneumatic components, on the other hand purely electronic components and electro-pneumatic components. By means of the venting channel and / or the header, it is possible to bypass the electronic components, preferably all of the electronic components, for venting critical pneumatic media from the converter compartment. Preferably, the waste gas of the position controller, in particular of the electro-pneumatic converter thereof, is vented at an electronics unit which is remote from sensitive components, in particular electronic components. The waste gas of the electro-pneumatic converter is preferably captured in a separate waste gas chamber which is sealed off from the electronics compartment. The venting channel supports the pressure encapsulation of, on the one hand, the electro-pneumatic converter accommodated in the converter compartment or in a partial region thereof and, on the other hand, the electronics compartment. The partial region of the converter compartment associated with the accommodation of the electro-pneumatic converter forms a first separate pressure encapsulation space from which the waste gas is controlled to escape exclusively by means of the venting channel. The electronics compartment can realize a further separate pressure encapsulation space, thereby advantageously ensuring that the electronic components in the electronics compartment are protected from the effects of contaminated waste gas.

[0019] According to a refinement of the second aspect, an anti-detonation barrier, in particular a sintered filter, is arranged in or on at least one exhaust channel and / or at least one collecting pipe. The collecting pipe and / or the exhaust channel is preferably completely covered by the anti-detonation barrier along at least a channel section in its cross section. Such a design can be advantageous in particular when the position controller is used together with a flammable or explosion- hazardous pneumatic fluid and / or in a flammable and / or explosion-hazardous environment, in order to locally limit the consequences of sparks or similar occurrences that can occur at the electro-pneumatic transducer.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the application, a position controller is provided, comprising an electro-pneumatic transducer, a circuit board having power supply electronics, and a housing having a transducer compartment and an electronics compartment separate therefrom. The third aspect of the application can be combined with the first and / or second aspect of the application.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the utility model, a pneumatic compartment is provided, which accommodates at least one pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier, pressure reducer or flow restrictor. Preferably, the housing has a pneumatic compartment in addition to the converter compartment and the electronics compartment. For example, the housing can have an interior space which is divided or can be divided into the electronics compartment and the converter compartment, and a pneumatic compartment which is separated from the interior space by a peripheral wall, a wall portion or the like. The pneumatic compartment can be implemented, for example, by a side chamber which has an opening which can be completely closed by a lid. In the third aspect according to the utility model, it is also provided that the electronics compartment is preferably spatially separated from the converter compartment and the pneumatic compartment. It is clear that the separation of the pneumatic compartment from the electronics compartment and the converter compartment relates to the installed state of the position controller according to the utility model in normal operation. The division into the converter compartment, the electronics compartment and the pneumatic compartment can be implemented, for example, by a barrier, such as a partition, which can be inserted into the housing and / or is formed integrally with the housing. Alternatively, the division into the converter compartment, the electronics compartment and the pneumatic compartment can be implemented by a multipart housing, wherein, in a preassembled state of one or more compartments, different components of the assemblable components of the housing can be arranged in one another or without separation within one component of the housing, and wherein, in the installed state of normal operation, the compartments are separated from one another. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one housing part is provided in the preassembled state, which is not separated or has a partition, such as a partition, to form two of the three aforementioned compartments, for example the electronics compartment and the converter compartment, wherein the third compartment, for example the pneumatic compartment, is provided by at least one other housing module, in particular a housing module which can be connected to the housing, in the installed state of normal operation. In particular, the converter compartment and the pneumatic compartment are pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from one another. Alternatively, the electronics compartment is pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the converter compartment. In particular, the electronics compartment is pneumatically isolated from the converter compartment and, optionally, from the pneumatic compartment.

[0022] In the improvement of the position controller according to the third aspect of the utility model, at least one pneumatic line is provided, which connects the converter compartment (in particular at least one accommodation, such as a converter accommodation or a sensor accommodation) with the pneumatic compartment. For example, the pneumatic line leading from the converter compartment can be realized by means of a manifold and / or an exhaust channel as described above with respect to the second aspect of the utility model. Preferably, the housing has a wall portion which preferably at least partially delimits the converter compartment, and the at least one pneumatic line extends through this wall portion and / or the bottom. It is conceivable that two or more (in particular separate from one another) pneumatic lines lead from the converter compartment to the pneumatic compartment. For example, the converter compartment can be equipped with an exhaust channel for discharging exhaust gas of the electro-pneumatic converter and a pneumatic line realized as a gas supply channel. Additionally, each of the individual sensor compartments can be associated with at least one pneumatic line for fluid communication with the individual measuring points in the pneumatic compartment area.

[0023] According to a preferred improvement, at least one deflagration barrier (in particular a sintered filter) is arranged in the at least one pneumatic line. In particular, at least one deflagration barrier is arranged in the at least one pneumatic line between the pneumatic compartment and the electro-pneumatic converter. Alternatively or additionally, a deflagration barrier is arranged in the at least one pneumatic line between the pneumatic compartment and the at least one pneumatic sensor. Preferably, a plurality of pneumatic lines, in particular all pneumatic lines, are equipped with at least one respective deflagration barrier, in particular a sintered filter. By arranging the electro-pneumatic components (such as the electro-pneumatic converter and optionally the pneumatic sensors) preferably individually in the cavities of the converter compartment and connecting them to other pneumatic and / or electro-pneumatic components or the surroundings by means of respective pneumatic lines, which are equipped with deflagration barriers, the risk of damage due to a malfunction of the individual electro-pneumatic components can be minimized.

[0024] In a preferred improvement of the position controller according to the third aspect of the utility model, the housing has a housing section which at least partially forms (in particular surrounds) the pneumatic compartment, which housing section comprises a pneumatic interface for connecting at least one pneumatic component (preferably a plurality of pneumatic components, particularly preferably all pneumatic components of the position controller), wherein the pneumatic interface is in fluid communication with the converter compartment. The pneumatic components are preferably contained in a common and / or component-unified pneumatic module. By integrating one or preferably a plurality of pneumatic components into a single common pneumatic module, the construction and assembly of the position controller can be designed particularly simply. The modular design of such a position controller is a great advantage, without major modifications to the various assembly states of the individual components being necessary.

[0025] In an embodiment of the position controller according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the utility model, the circuit board is covered by a potting (in particular a casting compound). Alternatively or additionally, the power supply electronics are covered by a potting (in particular a casting compound). Additionally, the potting can cover optional control and / or regulating electronics. In particular, the potting forms a preferably pressure-tight pneumatic seal for separating the electronics compartment from the converter compartment. Alternatively or additionally, in particular, the potting seals or at least substantially seals the circuit board and / or the power supply electronics with respect to the electronics compartment. The circuit board can be sealed or at least substantially sealed with respect to the electronics compartment at least partially in at least one region or a plurality of regions by the potting, wherein at least one electronic component and / or an electrically conductive track is fixed to the circuit board. Preferably, all electronic components and / or electrically conductive tracks on the electronics compartment side surface of the circuit board are covered by at least one potting. In particular, for use with explosive and / or flammable gases, such as natural gas, as pneumatic fluid, the circuit board and optionally the support body can be completely potted within the housing, wherein only at least one plug for electrically contacting at least one electronic component, such as the power supply electronics, and / or a small area of the circuit board around the contacts of the electro-pneumatic converter and / or at least one pneumatic sensor is free.

[0026] According to a special embodiment of the position controller according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the utility model, the electronics compartment has a venting line for equalizing a pressure difference, in particular an overpressure or an underpressure, to the surroundings of the position controller. In particular, the venting line is arranged away from the converter compartment, in particular from its accommodation, i.e. the converter accommodation and optionally a plurality of sensor accommodations. The electronics compartment is preferably formed pneumatically and / or pressure-tight separately from the converter compartment and optionally the pneumatic compartment, i.e. not in fluid communication with one or more other compartments. By means of the venting line, the electronics compartment can in particular be closed or ventilated or vented independently of possibly installed pneumatic modules, pneumatic chambers or operating media. In the case of a hermetically closed electronics compartment, a pressure difference can arise with respect to atmospheric pressure possibly due to temperature differences to the surroundings. In such a design, there is a risk that a housing previously exposed to the sun will cool down suddenly, for example due to a sudden rain shower. This will result in a negative pressure in the closed compartment with respect to the surroundings, which can suck in rainwater from the surroundings through a gap. Ventilation or venting of the electronics compartment by means of the venting line can effectively prevent such an effect.

[0027] In an improvement of a position controller having an exhaust channel, the exhaust line has a discharge opening which is preferably completely covered by a cover, in particular a removable cover. Alternatively or additionally, an anti-knock barrier, in particular a sintered filter, is arranged in the exhaust line. Preferably, the anti-knock barrier is arranged before the cover. The anti-knock barrier preferably covers the exhaust line between the cover arranged at the discharge opening and the electronics compartment. The cover can be designed to be movable. The housing of the position controller and the cover are preferably adapted to each other in such a way that the cover can be assembled in at least one first and at least one second predetermined covering position. The cover and the housing can be equipped with at least one positioning aid for fixing the predetermined positions, for example the housing can have a protrusion and the cover can have one or more openings or recesses complementary to the protrusion. The cover can be positioned at the discharge opening in a first covering position in which the cover preferably hermetically closes the electronics compartment. The cover can be positioned at the discharge opening in a second covering position in which the exhaust line is designed to be open to the surroundings through the cover. The cover can have at least one ventilation area in which, for example, through-holes or recessed channels are arranged through which the discharge opening is in fluid communication with the surroundings. The cover can be designed at least partially as a closure for sealingly closing the exhaust line.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of the position controller according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the application, a ventilation channel fluidically connects the electronics compartment with the converter compartment. Ventilation of the electronics compartment, in particular in order to avoid underpressure, can here take place through the ventilation channel leading to the converter compartment. Such a design can be suitable, for example, when the position controller is used with non-critical pneumatic fluids, such as ambient air. Preferably, this alternative embodiment of the position controller is implemented in combination with a circuit board without encapsulation. For example, in the contact area of the circuit board and the housing and / or in the contact area of the circuit board and the support body, at least one ventilation channel can be arranged. Preferably, the area of the ventilation channel is free of sealing elements.

[0029] According to the improvement, the ventilation channel is realized through at least one opening, such as a recess, in a sealing seat on the circuit board, the support body or the housing for accommodating a sealing element, such as a sealing ring. In this improvement, the sealing seat is not occupied by an insertable sealing element. For example, the ventilation channel can be realized at the peripheral edge of a ring-shaped recess accommodation for inserting a sealing ring between the support body and the circuit board, while omitting this sealing ring.

[0030] In another exemplary refinement of the position controller with an exhaust channel, the exhaust line has a discharge opening, which is preferably completely covered by a cover, in particular a removable cover. A membrane can be arranged between the discharge opening and the cover. The membrane can be designed such that it is effective in particular only in the open position of the cover or plate. The membrane serves as a pressure equalizing element. Designs with pressure equalizing elements other than a membrane are also conceivable. The membrane or the pressure equalizing element can be attached, for example bonded, to the housing, to the inner wall or to the cover, or clamped between the cover and the housing, in particular directly or via a sealing element. Alternatively, the cover can be arranged in front of the discharge opening such that a part of the cover without through-holes, recess channels or the like covers the exhaust channel. A sealing element can be arranged between the cover and the outer wall, which annularly surrounds the discharge opening. The membrane can be implemented integrally with the sealing element as a pressure equalizing element with a bonded circular sealing ring, for example as a standard component. In the closed position of the cover, the exhaust line can be closed or sealed by means of the sealing element. In the state in which the cover covers the discharge opening to close the electronics compartment, it is alternatively conceivable to omit or not install the membrane or the pressure equalizing element. The sealing element can be detachably attached to the membrane and / or to the discharge opening, wherein in particular the electronics compartment can be flexibly connected or disconnected from the surroundings. It is conceivable that the housing forms a storage area, in particular in the form of a recess, in which the sealing element can be stored in a state separated from the membrane and / or the discharge opening. Preferably, in the state in which the cover is fixed to the housing, the storage area is covered by the cover. Preferably, in the state in which the cover is fixed to the housing, the sealing element is held in the storage area by the cover, and in particular the sealing element can be removed from the storage area when the state of the cover changes, for example in order to be installed at the membrane or the discharge opening, preferably in order to disconnect the electronics compartment from the surroundings.

[0031] A position controller for a pneumatic actuator for operating a regulating device of a process-technological apparatus, comprising an electro-pneumatic converter, an electronic board carrying power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter, and a housing comprising at least an electronics compartment in which at least one electronic component of the position controller is accommodated and a converter compartment in which the electro-pneumatic converter is accommodated, wherein the electronics compartment and the converter compartment are spatially separated from each other, the converter compartment being at least partially delimited by the electronic board.

[0032] The electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on a side of the electronic board facing away from the electronics compartment.

[0033] The converter compartment is formed by at least one accommodation which is arranged in a wall portion of the housing and / or integrally formed with the housing, wherein the accommodation is at least partially covered by the electronic board.

[0034] At least one sealing element is arranged between the circuit board and a housing region surrounding the accommodation, to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separate the converter compartment from the electronics compartment.

[0035] The circuit board has a surface coating in the region of the converter compartment, to prevent the influence of a pneumatic medium.

[0036] At least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the converter compartment, if appropriate within an accommodation.

[0037] The circuit board has a locally limited surface coating in the region of the converter compartment, to prevent the influence of a pneumatic medium.

[0038] The circuit board has a locally limited surface coating in the region of the at least one accommodation, to prevent the influence of a pneumatic medium.

[0039] At least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in an accommodation for the electro-pneumatic converter.

[0040] A ventilation channel fluidically connects the electronics compartment with the converter compartment.

[0041] The position controller is used for a pneumatic actuator to operate a regulating device of a process-technology apparatus, the position controller comprising: an electro-pneumatic converter; an electronics board, which carries the power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter;

[0042] A housing, which comprises at least an electronics compartment, in which at least one electronics component of the position controller is accommodated, and a converter compartment, in which the electro-pneumatic converter is accommodated, wherein the electronics compartment and the converter compartment are separated from one another, the converter compartment having an exhaust channel for discharging a pneumatic medium from the electro-pneumatic converter to a waste-gas header and / or into a pneumatic compartment, in which at least one pneumatic component is accommodated.

[0043] An explosion-proof barrier is arranged in or on the at least one exhaust channel and / or in or on the at least one header.

[0044] A sintered filter is arranged in or on the at least one exhaust channel.

[0045] The position controller is used for a pneumatic actuator to operate a regulating device of a process technology device, the position controller comprising: an electro-pneumatic converter; a circuit board carrying power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter; and a housing comprising at least an electronics compartment in which at least one electronic component is accommodated, such as the converter compartment in which the electro-pneumatic converter is accommodated, a pneumatic compartment in which at least one pneumatic component is accommodated, and the electronics compartment is spatially separated from the converter compartment and the pneumatic compartment.

[0046] At least one pneumatic line connects the converter compartment with the pneumatic compartment.

[0047] The housing has a housing section at least partially forming the pneumatic compartment, the housing section comprising a pneumatic interface for connecting the at least one pneumatic component, wherein the pneumatic interface is in fluid communication with the converter compartment.

[0048] The power supply electronics and / or the circuit board are encapsulated by an encapsulation.

[0049] The encapsulation forms a pneumatic sealing element for separating the electronics compartment from the converter compartment.

[0050] The encapsulation seals or at least substantially seals the circuit board and / or the power supply electronics with respect to the electronics compartment.

[0051] The electronics compartment has a vent line for equalizing a pressure difference with respect to a surrounding of the position controller (1).

[0052] The vent line has a discharge opening which is covered by a detachable cover.

[0053] An explosion-proof barrier is arranged in the vent line, in front of the cover.

[0054] A ventilation channel is realized through at least one opening in a sealing seat on the circuit board or the housing for accommodating a sealing element, wherein the sealing seat is not occupied by the sealing element.

[0055] At least one pneumatic line connects the at least one accommodation with the pneumatic compartment.

[0056] The at least one pneumatic line extends through a wall portion and / or a bottom portion of the housing.

[0057] The power supply electronics and / or the circuit board are encapsulated by a potting compound.

[0058] The package forms a pressure-tight pneumatic sealing element for separating the electronics compartment from the converter compartment.

[0059] The electronics compartment has a venting line for equalizing overpressure or underpressure relative to the ambient environment of the position controller.

[0060] The discharge opening is completely covered by a detachable cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] The preferred embodiments of the utility model are described in other aspects. Other characteristics, advantages and features of the utility model become clear through the following description of the preferred embodiments of the utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0062] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model;

[0063] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, which has a potting material surrounding the circuit board;

[0064] Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view of the position controller according to Figure 2 ;

[0065] Figure 4 is a top view of the inner space of the position controller according to Figure 2 ;

[0066] Figure 5 is a top view of the inner space of the position controller without support body and circuit board according to Figure 4 ;

[0067] Figure 6 is a perspective detail view of the support plate from a first direction;

[0068] Figure 7 is a perspective detail view of the support plate from a second direction according to Figure 6 ;

[0069] Figure 8 is a sectional view through the support plate with the circuit board fixed thereon;

[0070] Figure 9 is a perspective detail view of the circuit board;

[0071] Figure 10 is a detail view of a cover for covering a venting channel of the electronics compartment of the housing of the position controller according to the utility model;

[0072] Figure 11is a cross-sectional view through a cover according to Figure 10

[0073] Figure 12 is a detail view of the cover;

[0074] Figure 13 is a bottom view of a housing of a position controller according to Figure 10

[0075] Figure 14 is a detail view of an alternative cover having a recess channel;

[0076] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a position controller according to Figure 10

[0077] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a position controller according to the application.

[0078] List of reference signs

[0079] 1 position controller

[0080] 3 electro-pneumatic converter

[0081] 4 pneumatic sensor

[0082] 5 circuit board

[0083] 6 support body

[0084] 7 pneumatic component

[0085] 11 housing

[0086] 50 power supply electronics

[0087] 51 top side / surface (circuit board)

[0088] 52 bottom side / surface (circuit board)

[0089] 53 potting compound

[0090] 55 plug connector

[0091] 57 plug receptacle

[0092] 60 support section

[0093] 61 through-hole

[0094] 62 seat section

[0095] 63 step

[0096] 64 further through-hole

[0097] 65 cavity ​​​

[0098] 66 protrusion

[0099] 67 mounting aid

[0100] 70 pneumatic module

[0101] 71 top side (support body)

[0102] 72 bottom side (support body)

[0103] 100 inner space

[0104] 102 screw

[0105] 104 housing region

[0106] 105 recess

[0107] 106 further housing region

[0108] 107 housing section

[0109] 108 protrusion

[0110] 109 fixing screw

[0111] 110 electronics compartment

[0112] 111 discharge opening

[0113] 113 ventilation channel

[0114] 115 bottom

[0115] 117 outer wall

[0116] 118 sintered filter

[0117] 119 exhaust line

[0118] 120 peripheral wall

[0119] 125 free space

[0120] 130 converter compartment

[0121] 131, 141 receptacle

[0122] 132 sealing ring

[0123] 138 sintered filter

[0124] 139 exhaust channel

[0125] 142 sealing ring

[0126] 148 sintered filter

[0127] 152, 162 sealing ring

[0128] 170 pneumatic compartments

[0129] 171 pneumatic interface

[0130] 172 pressure reducer

[0131] 173, 174 Pneumatic lines

[0132] 175 Preamplifier

[0133] 176 main amplifier

[0134] 179 manifold

[0135] 180, 181 cover pieces

[0136] 182-channel hole

[0137] 183 groove channel

[0138] 185 mounting holes

[0139] 186 sealing element

[0140] 187 membrane

[0141] 200 connection rooms

[0142] 210 cable entry piece

[0143] 220 connection circuit board

[0144] 230 cable entry piece

[0145] 250 Zener Barrier Detailed Implementation

[0146] In the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, for the sake of readability, the same or similar parts are provided with the same or similar reference numerals.

[0147] It is clear that the directional indications used here are relative to each other and should be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, and should not be construed as limiting the installation situation.

[0148] The position controller according to this utility model is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings. A first embodiment of the position controller 1 is described in... Figure 1 Another embodiment shown, and having a position controller 1 for potting compound 53, is described in [the diagram]. Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0149] Figure 1The position controller 1 shown comprises as basic components an electro-pneumatic converter 3 (in the following can be exemplarily referred to as current-pressure converter) and a circuit board 5 (in the following can be exemplarily referred to as printed circuit board). The circuit board 5 is essentially planar. For insertion into the cylindrical housing 11, the circuit board 5 can have a partly annular or partly circular cross section.

[0150] The circuit board 5 is equipped with electrically conductive tracks (not shown in detail) and at least one electronic component (may also be referred to as electronic assembly). The electronic components implementing the power supply electronics 50 are arranged on the circuit board 5. Other electronic components, for example, include a plug connector 55 for electrically and / or signal transmissionally connecting the power supply electronics 50 circuit board 5, for example, to a power supply unit, a superior control unit, etc., the position controller 1 (not shown in detail). The electro-pneumatic converter 3 is connected to the circuit board 5. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 can be firmly connected, for example, by soldering, to the circuit board 5. Alternatively, the electro-pneumatic converter 3 can be equipped with a plug, and the circuit board can be equipped with a socket or plug receptacle 57 corresponding thereto. The circuit board 5 is further equipped with power supply electronics (not shown in more detail) for the electro-pneumatic converter 3. Furthermore, the circuit board can be equipped with control and / or regulating electronics or parts thereof for operating the electro-pneumatic converter 3. In the exemplary embodiment described below, the circuit board 5 is further equipped with one or more electric-hydraulic components or hybrid components.

[0151] The position controller 1 comprises a housing 11. The housing encloses an interior space 100. The circuit board 5 and the electro-pneumatic converter 3 are arranged within the housing 11. The circuit board 5 is advantageously arranged within the housing 11 such that it divides the housing into, on the one hand, an electronics compartment 110 in which at least one electronic component of the position controller 1 is arranged and, on the other hand, a converter compartment 130 in which the electro-pneumatic converter 3 is accommodated. The circuit board 5 is a preferably one-piece planar body having a top side 51 and a bottom side 52. The electronics compartment 110 extends from the top side 51, and the converter compartment 130 extends from the bottom side 52. The electronic components are arranged on the top side 51. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 is arranged on the bottom side 52, as is exemplarily shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 On the bottom side 52, in addition to the electro-pneumatic converter 3, for example, four pneumatic sensors 4 Figure 9 ) can also be arranged.

[0152] The circuit board 5 is arranged in the installed arrangement of the position controller 1 in normal operation in its interior space 100. In the installed state of the position controller 1 in normal operation, the interior space 100 is divided into the electronics compartment 110 and the converter compartment 130. The circuit board 5 is firmly connected, for example, screwed, to the housing 11. Figure 2It is shown that the circuit board 5 is fixed to the housing 11 by means of fixing screws 109 which fix the circuit board 5 to the bottom 115 of the housing 11 which defines the interior space 100. In the bottom 115 of the housing 10, a recess 105 is embedded which is complementary to the circuit board 5, into which the circuit board 5 is inserted.

[0153] For example, as shown in the embodiment of the position controller 1 according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 15 , the circuit board 5 can be fixed to the housing 11 by means of a support body 6. In the installed state of normal operation, the support body 6 is arranged between the circuit board 5 and the bottom 115 of the housing 11. The support body 6 has a support section 60 which, together with the circuit board 5, is inserted into the recess 105. A free space 125 is provided between the circuit board 5 and the outer peripheral wall 120 of the housing 11. Between the support body 6 and the circuit board 5, a cavity or chamber 65 is formed in sections.

[0154] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a support body 6 having a substantially disc-like shape is shown. The support body 6 can be divided into three regions, namely a support section 60, a seat section 62 offset therefrom, and a step 63 connecting the support section 60 and the seat section 62. The circuit board 5 is arranged in the region of the support section 60. If a secure connection of the circuit board 5 to the support body 6 is desired, a plurality of fixing means (not shown in detail) such as screws or clips can be provided. The fixing means can be designed to pretension the circuit board 5 onto the support body 6. The support body 6 is penetrated by through-holes 61 for the electro-pneumatic transducer 3 and further through-holes 64 for the pneumatic sensor 4 (see Figure 3 ). The through-holes 61, 64 are formed in the support section 60.

[0155] The seat section 62 can be formed at least partially complementary to the shape of the interior space 100 of the housing 10 in order to fix the exact position of the support plate 6 and optionally the circuit board 5 pre-assembled thereon. For example, the seat section 62 can be equipped with one or more protrusions 66 and / or recesses which are adapted to the shape of the housing 11. Alternatively or additionally, the support plate 6 can have eccentric mounting aids 67 in order to cooperate with the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 120 and / or other wall sections, for example in the case of a substantially cylindrical housing 11.

[0156] Figure 2 and Figure 3An embodiment of the position controller 1 is shown, wherein the circuit board 5 is encapsulated by means of a potting compound 53. The potting compound 53 covers most of the circuit board 5. The top side 51 of the circuit board 5 is completely covered by the potting compound 53, except for the plug connector 55, thereby isolating and protecting the electrically conductive tracks and electronic components arranged on the surface 51 of the circuit board 5 from corrosion. The potting compound 53 can be realized, for example, by an air-hardening plastic, for example made of polyurethane. Advantageously, the circuit board 5 is first fixed to the support body 6 and then inserted together into the interior space 100 and then covered with the potting compound 53. If the circuit board 5 is covered and thus encapsulated in the interior space 100 by the potting compound, the cavity 65 and the free space 125 can be partially or even completely filled with the potting compound 53. The potting compound 53 can realize a form-fit connection of the circuit board 5 to the housing 11. The potting compound 53 can form a sealing element, which results in or at least contributes to the fluid, preferably pressure-tight, separation of the converter compartment 130 from the electronics compartment 110.

[0157] In the installed state of the position controller 1 in normal operation, at least one sealing element can be provided for pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separating the electronics compartment 110 from the converter compartment 130. To this end, the at least one sealing element is advantageously arranged between the circuit board 5 and the housing 11. The sealing element can be realized, for example, by a sealing ring.

[0158] Figure 6 A top side 71 of the support body 6 is shown, wherein a sealing ring 152 is inserted into a receptacle around the through-hole 61. Further through-holes 64 are also equipped with corresponding sealing rings 142 on the top side 71 of the support body 6. In the region of the through-holes 61, 64, in the installed state of normal operation, the support body 6 is in contact with the bottom 115 of the housing 11, for example according to Figure 2 and 3 is in contact with the bottom side 52 of the circuit board 5. In the installed state of normal operation, the sealing rings 152, 142 seal between the support body 6 and the circuit board 5.

[0159] Figure 7 A bottom side 72 of the support body 6 is shown, which is in contact with the bottom 115 of the housing 11 in the region of the through-holes 61, 64 in the installed state of normal operation. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 covers the converter through-holes for contacting the circuit board 5. Around the electro-pneumatic converter and the through-hole 61 occupied thereby, a sealing ring 132 is inserted into a sealing receptacle which is shaped to fit the electro-pneumatic converter 3. At the further through-holes 64, annular sealing rings 162 are arranged in corresponding receptacles. In the installed state of normal operation, the sealing rings 132, 162 seal between the support body 6 and the housing 11.

[0160] According to Figure 2A cross-sectional view through the electro-pneumatic converter 3 and a portion of the converter compartment 130 forming an accommodation 131 for the electro-pneumatic converter 3 (which can be referred to as converter accommodation 131) extends. According to Figure 3 A cross-sectional view through the electro-pneumatic converter 3 and a portion of the converter compartment 130 forming an accommodation 131 for the electro-pneumatic converter 3 (which can be referred to as converter accommodation 131) extends. According to Figure 9 ) the electro-pneumatic converter 4 is arranged in the converter accommodation 131.

[0161] Figure 2 The converter accommodation 131 shown forms a chamber pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the electronics compartment 110. The accommodation 131 is partially defined by a housing region 104 on the bottom 115 of the housing 11. With respect to the housing 11, the accommodation 131 is defined by the circuit board 5. Between the circuit board 5 and the housing 11, a through-hole 61 through the support body 6 defines the converter accommodation 131. The potting 53 and sealing elements, for example in the form of sealing rings 132, 162 (see Figure 6 , 7 ) ensure a reliable fluidic separation of the converter accommodation 131 in the converter compartment 130 from the electronics compartment 110 and from the other accommodation 141 in the converter compartment 130.

[0162] Figure 3 The sensor accommodation 141 shown likewise forms a chamber pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the electronics compartment 110. The sensor accommodation 141 is partially defined by a further housing region 106 on the bottom 115 of the housing 11. The sensor accommodation 141 is also defined with respect to the housing 11 by the circuit board 5 and between the circuit board 5 and the housing 11 by a further through-hole 64 of the support body 6. A sealing ring 142, 152 at the further through-hole 64 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 ) ensures (optionally together with the potting 53) a fluidic separation of the sensor accommodation 141 in the converter compartment 130 from the electronics compartment 110 and from the other accommodations (not shown in more detail) in the converter compartment 130. For detecting at least one property (such as pressure, temperature, etc.) of a pneumatic medium at a measurement point (not shown in detail) by means of the pneumatic sensor 4, a pneumatic line 174 extends from the sensor accommodation 141 to a pneumatic compartment 170 described below. The pneumatic line 147 is partially completely covered by a sintered filter 148 used as a flame barrier.

[0163] The partial areas of the position controller, such as the individual chambers forming the converter accommodation 131 or the sensor accommodation 141, the electronics compartment 110 and / or the pneumatic compartment 170, are preferably designed and arranged to be pressure-tight for a mutual pressure difference of at least 50 mbar, in particular at least 100 bar, preferably at least 1 bar, particularly preferably at least 1 bar, and / or not more than 10 bar, in particular not more than 5 bar, preferably not more than 2.5 bar between the partial areas.

[0164] Two pneumatic lines, i.e. the ventilation line 173 and the exhaust channel 139, extend from the converter accommodation 131 to the pneumatic compartment 170, as shown for example in Figure 5 The ventilation line 173 or the supply channel is designed and arranged to fluidically connect the converter chamber 131 and the electro-pneumatic converter 3 arranged therein with a pneumatic source (not shown in detail).

[0165] As shown in Figure 13 The pneumatic lines 139, 173, 174 can extend, for example substantially in parallel, from the converter compartment 130 in the interior space 100 of the housing 11 through the housing wall to the pneumatic compartment 170. The position controller 1 with the pneumatic module 170 and the pneumatic components 7 accommodated therein is shown schematically in Figure 16 As shown in Figure 2 The pneumatic compartment 170 can be formed by a side chamber of the housing 11. In the pneumatic compartment 170 there is provided a pneumatic interface 171, in which the pneumatic components 7 or a pneumatic module comprising a plurality of pneumatic components 7 (not shown in detail) can be fixed. The pneumatic interface 171 can be arranged on the housing section 107 (wall portion between the converter compartment 130 and the pneumatic compartment 170), for example. The side chamber and the pneumatic module not shown in more detail can be adapted to one another in such a way, for example, that the pneumatic module realizes a complementary insert which preferably completely covers the shape of the side chamber.

[0166] The pneumatic module can be realized as a component-unified block, for example, in which the pneumatic channels and a plurality of pneumatic components 7, such as the pneumatic amplifiers, for example the preamplifier 175 and the main amplifier 176, the flow restrictor and / or the pressure reducer 172, are integrated. The exhaust channel 139 can discharge the consumed pneumatic medium into the pneumatic compartment 170, which is connected to the surroundings or a collecting vessel to discharge the consumed pneumatic medium or exhaust gas isolated from the position controller 1, so that the electronic components in the electronics compartment 110 are not in contact with the pneumatic medium. The pneumatic sensors 4 can be connected to different measurement points with respect to different pneumatic components 7 by means of the pneumatic lines 174.

[0167] Advantageously, the electronics compartment 110 can be isolated by closing the interior space 100 of the housing 11 airtight with a cover. In order to avoid an undesirable underpressure in the electronics compartment 110 with respect to the ambient pressure of the position controller 1, an exhaust line 119 can penetrate the outer wall 117 of the housing 11. Depending on the application purpose, the exhaust line 119 can be optionally closed by means of the cover 180, 181 or designed to be open to the surroundings.

[0168] Figure 16 The position controller 1 is exemplarily shown with a housing 11 which is equipped with a pressure-sealed "Exd" cable inlet 210 through which the supply and optionally the control of the power supply electronics 50 and other electronic components arranged in the electronics compartment 110 can be supplied. For a particularly safe design, a Zener barrier 250 or the like can additionally be provided. Outside the cable inlet 210, preferably in a pressure-sealed encapsulation, a connection circuit board 220 can be arranged. The connection circuit board 220 can be connected to external components, for example other components of a process engineering device, by means of at least one, here: three, pressure-sealed "Ex d" cable inlets 230. Figure 16 A common exhaust 179 for exhaust gases and for discharging pneumatic media from the pneumatic compartment 170 is also shown. For critical pneumatic media, such as methane, the common exhaust can be connected to a collecting pipe (not shown).

[0169] Figure 10 to Figure 12 and Figure 15 A first variant of the cover 180 is shown, which is penetrated by four through-holes 182. Figure 13 and Figure 14Another variant of a cover 181 with a recessed channel 183 is shown. The cover 180, 181 can be designed as an asymmetric plate with one or more (here: four) mounting holes 185. For fixation to the housing 11, the housing can be provided on its outer wall 117 with a protrusion 108 for the mounting position of the cover 180, 181, wherein the protrusion 108 is complementary to the uniform shape of the mounting hole 185. Each of the other mounting holes 185 can be occupied with a screw 102 for fixing the cover 180, 181. For explosive environments, the explosion-proof barrier 118 can completely cover the exhaust line 119. Externally, the exhaust port 111, on which the exhaust line 119 is arranged, can be covered with the cover 180 / 181. The cover 180, 181 can be placed in front of the exhaust port 111 in a first open position, in which the exhaust line 119 is in fluid communication with the through-hole 182 or the recessed channel 183, so that the electronics compartment 110 is connected to the surrounding environment. Between the exhaust port 111 and the cover 180 / 181 a membrane 187 can be arranged. The membrane 187 is only effective in the open position of the cover or plate 180 / 181. The membrane 187 serves as a pressure equalizing element. Designs with pressure equalizing elements different from membranes are also conceivable.

[0170] Alternatively, the cover 180 / 181 (as shown in Figure 11 ) can be arranged in front of the exhaust port 111, so that the part of the cover 180 / 181 without a through-hole, recessed channel, etc. covers the exhaust channel 119. Between the cover 180 / 181 and the outer wall 117 a sealing element 186 is arranged which annularly surrounds the exhaust port 111. The membrane 187 can be realized integrally with the sealing element 186 as a pressure equalizing element with an adhesive circular sealing ring (as a standard component). In the closed position of the cover 180 / 181, the exhaust line 119 is closed by means of the sealing ring 186. In the state as shown in Figure 11 , in which the cover 180 / 181 covers the exhaust port 111 to close the electronics compartment 110, it is alternatively conceivable to omit or not install the membrane 187 or the pressure equalizing element.

[0171] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the abstract, and the drawings may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realizing the application in diverse embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A position controller for use with a pneumatic actuator to operate an adjustment device of a process technology device, the position controller comprising: Electric-pneumatic converter; A circuit board that carries power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter; and The housing includes at least an electronics compartment and a converter compartment, the electronics compartment housing at least one electronic component of the position controller, and the converter compartment housing the electro-pneumatic converter, wherein the electronics compartment and the converter compartment are spatially separated from each other. Its features are, The converter compartment is defined at least in part by the circuit board.

2. The position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on the side of the circuit board away from the electronic device compartment.

3. The position controller according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The converter compartment is formed by at least one receiving portion arranged in and / or integrally formed with the wall of the housing, wherein the receiving portion is at least partially covered by the circuit board.

4. The position controller according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one sealing element is disposed between the circuit board and the housing area surrounding the housing to pneumatically and / or pressure-sealedly separate the converter compartment from the electronic device compartment.

5. The position controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The circuit board has a surface coating in the area of ​​the converter compartment to prevent the influence of the pneumatic medium.

6. The position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the converter compartment, and if necessary, in the housing.

7. The position controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit board has a locally defined surface coating in the region of the converter compartment to prevent the influence of the pneumatic medium.

8. The position controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The circuit board has a locally defined surface coating in the region of the at least one receiving portion to prevent the influence of pneumatic media.

9. The position controller according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the housing for the electro-pneumatic converter.

10. The position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilation duct fluidly connects the electronic device compartment to the converter compartment.

11. A position controller for use in adjusting a pneumatic actuator to operate a process technology device, the position controller comprising: Electric-pneumatic converter; A circuit board that carries power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter; The housing includes at least an electronics compartment and a converter compartment, the electronics compartment housing at least one electronic component of the position controller, and the converter compartment housing the electro-pneumatic converter, wherein the electronics compartment and the converter compartment are separate from each other. Its features are, The converter compartment has an exhaust passage for discharging pneumatic media from the electro-pneumatic converter to the exhaust gas manifold and / or into the pneumatic compartment, wherein the pneumatic compartment accommodates at least one pneumatic component.

12. The position controller according to claim 11, characterized in that, The explosion-proof flame barrier is arranged in or on at least one exhaust passage and / or in or on at least one manifold.

13. The position controller according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sintering filter is arranged in or on the at least one exhaust passage.

14. A position controller for use in adjusting a pneumatic actuator to operate a process technology device, the position controller comprising: Electric-pneumatic converter; A circuit board that carries power supply electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter; and The housing includes at least an electronics compartment and a converter compartment, the electronics compartment housing at least one electronic component, and the converter compartment housing the electro-pneumatic converter. Its features are, A pneumatic compartment, wherein at least one pneumatic component is housed, and the electronic device compartment is spatially separated from the converter compartment and the pneumatic compartment.

15. The position controller according to claim 14, characterized in that, At least one pneumatic line connects the converter compartment to the pneumatic compartment.

16. The position controller according to claim 15, characterized in that, The housing has a housing section that at least partially forms the pneumatic compartment, the housing section including a pneumatic interface for connecting the at least one pneumatic component, wherein the pneumatic interface is in fluid communication with the converter compartment.

17. The position controller according to claim 15, characterized in that, The power supply electronics and / or the circuit board are encapsulated.

18. The position controller according to claim 17, characterized in that, The encapsulation forms a pneumatic sealing element for separating the electronic device compartment from the converter compartment.

19. The position controller according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The package seals the circuit board and / or the power supply electronics relative to the electronic device in a compartment.

20. The position controller according to claim 14, characterized in that, The electronic device compartment has an exhaust pipe for balancing the pressure difference relative to the surrounding environment of the position controller (1).

21. The position controller according to claim 20, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe has an outlet, which is covered by a removable cover.

22. The position controller according to claim 21, characterized in that, An explosion-proof flame barrier is arranged in the exhaust pipe and in front of the cover.

23. The position controller according to claim 22, characterized in that, The ventilation channel is achieved through at least one opening in a sealing seat on the circuit board or housing for accommodating a sealing element, wherein the sealing seat is not occupied by the sealing element.

24. The position controller according to claim 15, characterized in that, At least one pneumatic line connects at least one housing to the pneumatic compartment.

25. The position controller according to claim 15, characterized in that, The at least one pneumatic line extends through the wall and / or bottom of the housing.

26. The position controller according to claim 17, characterized in that, The power supply electronics and / or the circuit board are encapsulated with potting compound.

27. The position controller according to claim 18, characterized in that, The package forms a pressure-sealed pneumatic sealing element for separating the electronic device compartment from the converter compartment.

28. The position controller according to claim 20, characterized in that, The electronic device compartment has an exhaust pipe for balancing overpressure or negative pressure relative to the surrounding environment of the position controller.

29. The position controller according to claim 21, characterized in that, The discharge port is completely covered by a removable cover.

30. The position controller according to claim 22, characterized in that, The sintering filter is arranged in the exhaust pipe, before the cover.

31. The position controller according to claim 23, characterized in that, The opening is achieved by a groove.

32. The position controller according to claim 23, characterized in that... The sealing element is a sealing ring.

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