Position controller

Abstract

The utility model relates to a position controller, which is used for a pneumatic actuator for operating 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 comprising a power supply electronic device for operating the electric pneumatic converter, and a shell surrounding an internal space, a supporting body inserted into the internal space is arranged, the circuit board is fixed on the supporting body, and the shell and the supporting body are matched with each other; the utility model relates to an electro-pneumatic converter for separating an interior, in particular pneumatically, into an electronics compartment for accommodating at least one electrical and / or electronic component, in particular power electronics, and a converter compartment for accommodating an electro-pneumatic converter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a position controller for a pneumatic actuator of a regulating device (such as a regulating valve) for process technology equipment (such as chemical equipment, in particular petroleum chemical equipment, power plants, breweries, etc.). The utility model also relates to a method for manufacturing such a position controller. BACKGROUND

[0002] EP 0 587 170 B1 describes an electric-pneumatic signal converter of modular construction and with explosion protection. A current-to-pressure converter is arranged in a hollow housing part, which has a pneumatic supply connection and a pneumatic output for controlling an actuator. The housing also comprises a box-like part with electrical contacts. 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 housing module. The current-to-pressure converter and all the pneumatic components that produce exhaust gas are arranged together in the same chamber, which makes precise monitoring and control difficult.

[0003] If the electro-pneumatic position controller is used incorrectly, there is a risk that dirt entering the housing chamber can deposit on the position controller electronics and the electro-pneumatic components. Dirt deposits can cause damage or malfunctions, for example short circuits of the electrical contacts. It has been shown that dirt is expected to enter, for example, in the event of a damaged or contaminated pneumatic pressure supply, or in the event of the use of a poor-quality pneumatic pressure supply.

[0004] If explosive and / or flammable gases, such as natural gas, are to be used as the pneumatic medium, it is also required that no flammable gases are allowed to leak from the position controller. The flammable pneumatic medium must be discharged through a collection tube. Such flammable gases can also be corrosive and cause damage to the electronic components. In addition, an electric current can cause ignition.

[0005] In conventional position controllers, circuit boards are provided for the various electronic components, which are arranged spaced apart from the current-to-pressure converter and are individually encapsulated in different spaces. This results in a high space requirement. In addition, a large number of guides are also required, which leads to high manufacturing and assembly costs and a risk of leaks. SUMMARY

[0006] The object of the utility model is to provide a position controller which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular which is easy to manufacture, saves space and / or is low in manufacturing costs, and / or which is suitable for use with critical pneumatic media, such as corrosive, contaminated, explosive and / or flammable pneumatic media.

[0007] Thus, a position controller for a pneumatic actuator of a regulating device, such as a regulating valve, of a process engineering plant, in particular a petrochemical plant, a power plant, a food processing plant, in particular a brewery, etc., 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 electro-pneumatic components of the position controller. The electro-pneumatic transducer is preferably designed and arranged to adjust a transducer pressure depending on an electrical signal. Preferably, the electro-pneumatic transducer is designed and arranged to adjust the transducer pressure based on, on the one hand, a pneumatic source providing a pneumatic medium, such as ambient air, nitrogen, etc., under a supply pressure and, on the other hand, a pneumatic sink, such as the atmosphere, defining a reference pressure, e.g. corresponding to the ambient pressure. Further preferably, the electro-pneumatic transducer is arranged to adjust the transducer pressure taking into account an electrical signal, in particular an analog or digital signal, 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 in proportion or at least substantially in proportion to the current signal. The electro-pneumatic transducer is preferably designed and arranged to provide the transducer pressure at an active input or output terminal for at least one further pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier. Preferably, the pneumatic components represent purely pneumatic or mechanical-pneumatic acting components, in particular without electronics. In other words, it is clear that within the scope 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 hybrid components. 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 operated intrinsically safe.

[0009] The circuit board comprises power electronics for the electro-pneumatic converter. Optionally, the circuit board can comprise 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 to a plurality of electronic components, in particular a circuit board of the position controller, preferably comprising said circuit board. The circuit board can generally denote a preferably planar component made of an electrically insulating material, such as a preferably fiber-reinforced plastic material, a ceramic material, a hard paper, etc., on which electrical and / or electronic components are fixed. The circuit board can generally be referred to 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. In addition or alternatively, the circuit board can be equipped with leads to electrically connect the electrically conductive tracks on a first surface, for example a top side, with the 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 by electrically contacting the electrically conductive tracks, for example by gluing, clamping, screwing and / or soldering. The circuit board generally has a planar shape, wherein the planar profile can preferably be adapted to accommodate a housing of the circuit board, for example a semicircular shape. 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 hundred times, in particular no more than ten times. The circuit board has a thickness dimension, which is essentially smaller than the width dimension and the length dimension of the circuit board, wherein its dimension is for example at least ten times, in particular at least a hundred times smaller. The leads, etc. extend through the circuit board in the thickness dimension.

[0010] The housing surrounds the interior space. Preferably, the housing consists of at least two housing parts releasably connected to each other, the interior space being completely defined by these housing parts. The housing parts forming the housing can be realized, for example, as a pot-like base body having at least one opening and a releasable lid which, in the operative mounted state, completely closes the opening. The housing can be designed and arranged to accommodate electrical, electronic, electro-pneumatic, pneumatic and other components, preferably dust- and / or water-tight. The housing is preferably designed such that the interior space is designed as a pressure-encapsulated space. The housing can be designed, for example, according to protection class IP65 or higher. A housing for dust- and / or water-tight accommodation of electrical components can be defined, for example, according to the protection classes of the so-called International Protection Marking Code (IP Code). The protection classes can describe the degree of protection of the housing against contact, foreign bodies, water, etc. The IP Code can be specified, for example, according to IEC 529, EN 60529, DIN VDE 0470-1 in the version valid in 2014. 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: dust-tight, 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 rough sea conditions; 7: protection against temporary immersion; 8: protection against permanent immersion. The housing can correspond, for example, to at least protection class IP 65, at least IP 66, at least IP 67, at least IP 68 or at least IP 69.

[0011] The position controller according to the application comprises a support inserted into the interior space. The circuit board is fixed on the support. The support can be formed in particular plate-like, wherein such a support can be referred to as a support plate. Plate-like can mean an object which is relatively flat with respect to the volume of the housing. The support plate can have, for example, a plate width and a plate length which are substantially greater than a plate height. The plate length and / or the plate width are at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, the plate height. The plate width, the plate height and the plate length can generally denote the dimensions of the support plate which are oriented relatively transversely, in particular perpendicularly. The plate length can be greater than the plate width. The plate length can be in the range of 1 times to 8 times, to 5 times or to 2 times the plate width, for example. The support plate can be circular or ring-shaped, for example, wherein the diameter of the circle or ring can correspond to the plate width and length.

[0012] The housing and the support body cooperate for partitioning the interior space into an electronics compartment and a converter compartment, in particular pneumatically. The electronics compartment is designed for accommodating at least one electrical and / or electronic component. In particular, the electronics compartment is designed for accommodating power electronics, and / or, alternatively or additionally, the electronics compartment can be designed for accommodating control and / or regulating electronics, etc. The converter compartment is designed for accommodating an electro-pneumatic converter. For example, the support body can realize a partition wall inserted into the interior space for partitioning the interior space into the electronics compartment on the one hand and the converter compartment on the other hand. In particular, the support body, preferably together with the circuit board, forms a spatial partition of the interior space. Preferably, the support body can be form-fitting to the contour, in particular the inner circumferential contour, in the interior space. Preferably, the support body can be at least partially form-fitting to the interior space. For example, the width and / or length of the support body can be matched to the net width of the interior space. The support body and the housing, in particular the interior space, can have at least partially complementary cross sections, for example. In the operating installed state of the position controller, the support body spatially and / or pneumatically partitions the electronics compartment from the converter compartment. In the operating installed state of the position controller, a pressure-tight partitioning between the converter compartment on the one hand and the electronics compartment on the other hand of the interior space of the housing can be realized by the support body. The pressure-tight area or pressure-tight compartment of the position controller can be designed and arranged for pressure-tightness in an environment with an explosive or flammable atmosphere, for example. For example, different areas in the housing can be partitioned from one another by the support body in order to meet the explosion protection requirement "Ex d", i.e. ignition protection type of a pressure-tight housing "Ex d".

[0013] By virtue of the structure according to the application, a particularly simple, low-cost, compact and reliable position controller can be realized. By partitioning the interior space into an electronics compartment and a converter compartment partitioned therefrom, corrosion and / or contamination of the electronic components, in particular on the circuit board, can be avoided. The interior space of the housing can preferably be equipped with one or more pneumatically and / or pressure-tight partitions in order to form pressure-encapsulated spaces. Preferably, the converter compartment forms at least one pressure-encapsulated space. In particular, the electronics compartment forms another pressure-encapsulated space.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on one side of the support body, in particular is fixed thereon, which side faces away from the electronics compartment and / or the circuit board. If the electro-pneumatic converter is fixed on the support body, it is preferably electrically connectable to the circuit board, for example by means of a plug or the like. In an alternative embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, the circuit board has connection points on its surface facing the converter compartment for releasable, preferably releasable, fixing of the electro-pneumatic converter to the circuit board. Preferably, the circuit board is arranged on the side of the support body facing the electronics compartment. The connection points can be realized, for example, by plug connectors, sockets or the like. Preferably, the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on the side of the circuit board facing away from the electronics compartment, in particular is fixed thereon.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, the converter compartment comprises at least one accommodation. The accommodation can also be referred to as converter accommodation. In the area of the accommodation, the support body defines a guide extending from the housing to the circuit board. Preferably, the accommodation is at least partially defined by the bottom, the circumferential wall and / or another housing wall portion of the housing. The circumferential wall denotes the portion of the housing laterally delimiting the interior space (including any recess of the bottom). The accommodation can for example be formed by a recess of the housing (for example a recess in the bottom or the like). The housing recess is generally defined by one or more housing wall portions. Preferably, the accommodation is defined on the one hand by the housing and on the other hand by the support body and the circuit board held thereon. The support body and the circuit board adjoin the accommodation. Preferably, the circuit board at least partially defines the accommodation. Preferably, the electro-pneumatic converter is at least partially, in particular completely, arranged within this accommodation. The guide can form part of a chamber implementing the accommodation. The interior space of the housing can preferably be subdivided into a plurality of sub-areas, wherein a first sub-area or a plurality of first sub-areas can be assigned to the converter compartment and a second sub-area or a plurality of second sub-areas can be assigned to the electronics compartment. The different sub-areas can be implemented by chambers within the housing. Preferably, the first sub-area of the interior space is implemented by the accommodation for the electro-pneumatic converter. The plurality of first sub-areas can be separated from one another, in particular pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly, for example by housing wall portions. Preferably, the different sub-areas of the interior of the housing form separate pressure-encapsulated spaces. The individual pressure-encapsulated spaces are pressure-tightly relative to one another. The sub-area assigned to the converter compartment which accommodates the electro-pneumatic converter forms a first separate pressure-encapsulated space. The plurality of individual sub-areas assigned to the converter compartment each accommodating at least one or exactly one pneumatic sensor form a plurality of second separate pressure-encapsulated spaces. In the operating state, it is preferably only possible to exchange a pneumatic medium into and / or out of a pressure-encapsulated space by means of a specific number of predetermined pneumatic lines, preferably exactly one pneumatic line, exactly two pneumatic lines or exactly three pneumatic lines. Preferably, the first pressure-encapsulated space is equipped with exactly two pneumatic lines, namely a ventilation line and an exhaust passage. Preferably, the second pressure-encapsulated spaces each have exactly one pneumatic line. The electronics compartment can implement a further separate pressure-encapsulated space, wherein the electronics compartment can have no pneumatic lines or exactly one pneumatic line, in particular designed as an exhaust line. Optionally, the pneumatic compartment can form an additional separate pressure-encapsulated 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-encapsulated spaces.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, the converter compartment comprises at least one further accommodation in which at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged. The further accommodation can also be referred to as a sensor accommodation. The pneumatic sensor can be, for example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc., or a combination of a plurality of or all of said sensors. The converter compartment can in particular comprise a plurality of accommodations for a plurality of pneumatic sensors. It is clear that, alternatively or additionally, at least one pneumatic sensor can be arranged in the accommodation for the electro-pneumatic converter. The at least one further accommodation is preferably at least partially defined by the bottom, the circumferential wall and / or a further housing wall portion of the housing. The at least one further accommodation can be formed, for example, by a recess of the housing, which can be defined by the bottom and the housing wall portion. Preferably, the support body and the circuit board adjoin the further accommodation. In particular, the support body defines a further guide in the region of the further accommodation, which guide in particular leads from the housing to the pneumatic sensor and / or the circuit board. The further guide can lead to the pneumatic sensor arranged on the circuit board, in particular fixed thereto. Preferably, a further first subregion of the interior space is realized by the further accommodation for the pneumatic sensor. A plurality of further first subregions can be separated from one another, in particular pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly, for example by the housing wall portion. 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. Preferably, different measurement points are provided in the position controller, and each of a plurality of different pneumatic sensors is assigned to a different measurement 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 input and / or output of the electro-pneumatic converter, the pressure of the pneumatic medium at the supply input of the position controller connected to the pneumatic source and / or the pressure of the pneumatic medium at the output of the position controller for operating the pneumatic actuator.

[0017] In the improvement of the position controller with at least one pneumatic sensor, the pneumatic sensor is arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing the converter compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the pneumatic sensor is held on the circuit board. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic sensor is firmly connected to the circuit board, for example welded. Preferably, on the circuit board, in particular on its top side, control and / or regulating electronics are arranged, which are connected in signal transmission to the at least one pneumatic sensor, in particular on the bottom side of the circuit board, by means of electrically conductive tracks and / or guides and the like. The at least one pneumatic sensor, in particular a plurality of pneumatic sensors, preferably all the pneumatic sensors of the position controller, are arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing away from the electronics compartment. The circuit board can carry a plurality of pneumatic sensors. Preferably, the pneumatic sensor or the plurality of pneumatic sensors are electrically connected to the circuit board. In particular, it is conceivable that the at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in one or more of at least one further accommodation and separate from the circuit board, for example on a separate circuit board, on a support body, on a housing and the like. Preferably, a plurality of different pneumatic sensors are arranged on the same surface of the circuit board facing the converter compartment. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the area of a further guide on the circuit board. In the case of a support body, in particular a support plate, with a plurality of guides, different pneumatic sensors can be arranged in the respective area of the plurality of guides. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the area of a guide for an electro-pneumatic converter.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the position controller according to the application, at least one sealing element, such as a sealing ring, is held on the support body in order to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separate the converter compartment, in particular the accommodation (converter accommodation) and / or the at least one further accommodation (at least one sensor accommodation), from the electronics compartment. In particular, the at least one sealing element, preferably a sealing ring, is arranged between the support body and the circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, in particular the at least one sealing element, preferably a sealing ring, is arranged between the support body and the housing. In the case of an interior space composed of a plurality of chambers, each chamber can be assigned at least one sealing element in order to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separate the respective chamber from one or more other chambers. For example, each accommodation and / or further accommodation can be assigned at least one sealing element. Preferably, at each guide on the support element, at least one sealing element, preferably two sealing elements, are arranged, in particular one sealing element on each side at the opposite ends of each guide or a plurality of guides.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, the housing has a circumferential wall and a bottom which is at least partially surrounded by the circumferential wall, the bottom having a recess corresponding to the circuit board. Preferably, the circuit board can be at least partially or completely inserted into the recess of the housing. In such a position controller, an electronics compartment can be defined in the interior space of the housing above the recess, a transducer compartment being defined below the support body inserted into the recess. In embodiments in which the transducer accommodation and / or the sensor accommodation, if applicable, are partially delimited by the respective guide, the portion of the respective accommodation which is essentially formed by the guide is arranged in the recess. Adjacent to the recess, a protrusion or a plurality of protrusions can be formed in the housing, wherein a first protrusion can be designed to at least partially accommodate the electro-pneumatic transducer, and further protrusions can be designed to each at least partially accommodate at least one pneumatic sensor. The support body is shaped to match the interior space, in particular the recess. In particular, a free space is provided between the support body and the housing, in particular the circumferential wall and / or other housing wall portions, in the region of the recess. By means of this free space, assembly steps, such as the potting of the support body within the housing, can be simplified. By filling the free space with a potting compound, a potting structure which encapsulates the support body in the region of the guide to form a pressure-tight boundary region which delimits the accommodation can also be simply formed. Additionally or alternatively, a cavity is formed between the support body and the circuit board. The cavity is at least partially, preferably completely, delimited on the one hand by the circuit board and on the other hand by the support body. According to the improvement, the support body comprises a plurality of support portions, such as columns, struts or the like, for placing the circuit board. At least one cavity is formed between the plurality of support portions. If applicable, even a plurality of cavities can be formed between the plurality of support portions. By means of the cavity between the support body on the one hand and the circuit board and / or the housing on the other hand, the space around the chamber can be potted, thereby enhancing the effective sealing.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, the circuit board is at least partially enclosed by an encapsulation, in particular a potting. Preferably, the circuit board is at least in the region of the power supply electronics enclosed by the encapsulation. The encapsulation can seal the power supply electronics or at least substantially seal with respect to the electronics compartment.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the support is at least partially surrounded by an encapsulation, in particular a casting. In particular, the encapsulation surrounds the support in the region of the guide and / or the further guide or guides. By encapsulating the support, a solid wall of sufficient strength for separating the compartments can be achieved, for example when natural gas is used in the converter compartment. It is particularly preferred that the encapsulation, in particular the casting, at least partially surrounds the support and the circuit board. The casting is preferably provided on the circuit board and / or the support, at least in the region of the converter accommodation and / or the at least one sensor accommodation. In one embodiment of the position controller with a lateral free space between the support and the housing, the casting can be provided so as to preferably completely fill the free space. Additionally or alternatively, in another embodiment of the position controller with at least one cavity between the support and the circuit board, the casting can at least partially, preferably completely, fill the at least one cavity. The encapsulation, in particular the casting, can achieve a sealing element. By means of the encapsulation of the circuit board and / or the support, a sealing element can be formed which is preferably pressure-tight in order to separate the electronics compartment from the converter compartment. By encapsulating the circuit board, a protective layer for electronic components arranged on the circuit board, such as power electronics for an electro-pneumatic converter and / or control and / or regulating electronics for operating an electro-pneumatic converter, can be formed. The components of the encapsulation are in particular protected from damage, contamination or corrosion by the pneumatic medium. By means of the free space between the support and / or the circuit board on the one hand and the housing on the other hand, the space around the chamber can be cast, thus enhancing the effective sealing.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the position controller according to the application, the power electronics and the control and / or regulating electronics, if applicable, are arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing the electronics compartment. Preferably, the power electronics and the control and / or regulating electronics, if applicable, are arranged on the first, in particular upper, side, opposite the second, in particular lower, side, which comprises the surface for the electro-pneumatic converter and / or the at least one pneumatic sensor.

[0023] The application also relates to a method for producing a position controller for a pneumatic actuator of a regulating device, such as a regulating valve, of a process engineering apparatus. The method according to the application comprises providing a circuit board with power electronics arranged thereon and control and / or regulating electronics, if applicable, arranged thereon, and preferably an electro-pneumatic converter releasably connected to the circuit board or arranged thereon. Alternatively, the provided circuit board can be equipped with or equipped with at least one pneumatic sensor. Furthermore, the method according to the application comprises providing a housing, in particular a pot, with an interior space and a support insertable into the housing. The circuit board is then inserted into the interior space. The circuit board inserted into the interior space is preferably fixed to the housing by means of the support.

[0024] In the method according to the utility model, the inner space is divided by the support body into an electronics compartment accommodating power supply electronics and a converter compartment accommodating an electro-pneumatic converter. By means of the support body, the inner space can be spatially divided into the electronics compartment on the one hand and the converter compartment on the other hand. Preferably, the inner space can be pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly divided by means of the support body into the electronics compartment and the converter compartment. Only preferably purely electrical and / or preferably purely electronic components (control and / or regulating electronics) can be accommodated by the electronics compartment. In the converter compartment, a pneumatic sensor or a plurality of pneumatic sensors can additionally or alternatively be accommodated. In this case, a plurality of chambers which are spatially separated (for example by means of intermediate walls) and in particular pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated can be formed in the converter compartment by means of the support body and the inner space defined by the housing. Preferably, the accommodation for the electro-pneumatic converter can be formed by inserting the support body into the inner space. Alternatively or additionally, at least one further accommodation for at least one pneumatic sensor can be formed by inserting the support body into the inner space. For example, a converter chamber in which the electro-pneumatic converter is accommodated and a sensor chamber which is spatially separated from the converter chamber and in which the pneumatic sensor is accommodated can be formed by means of the support body inserted in the inner space of the housing. The support body and / or the housing can be manufactured with intermediate walls or equipped with intermediate walls, for example the housing can be integrally manufactured with the intermediate walls, for example as an injection-moulded part.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the utility model, the circuit board is fixed to the support body and inserted into the inner space together with the support body. The circuit board can be fixed to the support body, for example, with an adhesive (such as glue or solder) and / or with a connection (such as a screw). In this way, the support body can serve as an assembly aid for the circuit board. By means of the support body, an error-free and precise setting of the circuit board in a precisely predetermined insertion position in the inner space of the housing can be achieved in a simple manner. By fixing the circuit board to the support body before inserting it into the inner space, the assembly operation for the circuit board can be significantly simplified.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the utility model, at least one pneumatic sensor, in particular coupled to the circuit board, is provided. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic sensor is accommodated by the converter compartment. In the case of a converter compartment divided into different chambers, the pneumatic sensor can be arranged in the converter compartment together with the electro-pneumatic converter. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one pneumatic sensor can be arranged in a corresponding sensor chamber which is spatially and, if applicable, pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the converter chamber. A plurality of sensor chambers which are spatially and, if applicable, pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from one another can also be provided in the converter compartment.

[0027] According to an improvement of the manufacturing method according to the utility model, at least one sealing element (such as a sealing ring) is arranged on the support body, the circuit board and / or the housing. Preferably, by means of the at least one sealing element, the converter compartment (in particular the accommodation for the electro-pneumatic converter and / or the at least one further accommodation for the at least one pneumatic sensor) is pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the electronics compartment. Preferably, two or more sealing elements (in particular sealing rings) can be provided in order to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly isolate the converter accommodation. Furthermore, preferably, two or more sealing elements (in particular sealing rings) can be provided in order to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly isolate the at least one sensor accommodation. Preferably, the at least one sealing element (preferably a sealing ring), in particular each accommodation, is arranged for sealing contact with the support body on the one hand and the circuit board on the other hand. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sealing element (preferably a sealing ring), in particular each accommodation, is arranged for sealing contact with the support body on the one hand and the housing on the other hand. For example, the support body can be formed with at least one guide for the electro-pneumatic converter and / or the at least one pneumatic sensor, and the at least one sealing element can be arranged on the guide.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the utility model (which can be combined with the preceding embodiments), the circuit board and / or the support body, preferably after being inserted into the interior space, are at least partially surrounded by a packaging (in particular a casting). Preferably, the circuit board and / or the support body are positioned in a predetermined operating position in the interior space of the housing and are held in the operating position during the application of the packaging (in particular the manufacturing of the casting). Preferably, the circuit board and / or the support body are first inserted into the interior space and then the packaging (in particular the casting) is manufactured. The packaging (in particular the casting) can preferably be applied at least in the region of the power electronics and, if applicable, the control and / or regulating electronics. The packaging (in particular the casting) can optionally be formed from a sealing material in order to act as a sealing element. The circuit board can be protected from contamination and corrosion by the packaging.

[0029] Preferably, a position controller according to the utility model is manufactured as described above by means of the manufacturing method according to the utility model. Preferably, the position controller described above is manufactured according to the manufacturing method according to the utility model.

[0030] A position controller for a pneumatic actuator for operating a regulating device of a process engineering apparatus, comprising an electro-pneumatic converter, a circuit board comprising power electronics for operating the electro-pneumatic converter, and a housing surrounding an interior space, provided with a support body inserted into the interior space, the circuit board being fixed on the support body, wherein the housing and the support body cooperate for partitioning the interior space into an electronics compartment for accommodating at least one electrical and / or electronic component and a converter compartment for accommodating the electro-pneumatic converter.

[0031] The electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on a side of the support body facing away from the electronics compartment and / or the circuit board.

[0032] The converter compartment comprises at least one accommodation in which the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged, wherein the support body defines a guide from the housing to the circuit board in the region of the accommodation.

[0033] The converter compartment comprises at least one further accommodation in which at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged, wherein the support body defines a further guide in the region of the further accommodation, which leads to the pneumatic sensor and / or the circuit board.

[0034] The pneumatic sensor is arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing the converter compartment, and / or the pneumatic sensor is held on the circuit board.

[0035] At least one sealing element is held on the support body for pneumatically and / or pressure-tight partitioning of the converter compartment from the electronics compartment, wherein at least one sealing element is arranged between the support body and the circuit board, and / or wherein at least one sealing element is arranged between the support body and the housing.

[0036] The housing has a circumferential wall and a bottom which is at least partially surrounded by the circumferential wall, the bottom having a recess corresponding to the circuit board, and the support body is form-fitting to the interior space, wherein a free space is provided between the support body and the housing in the region of the recess.

[0037] At least one cavity is formed between the circuit board and the support body.

[0038] The support body comprises a plurality of support portions for placing the circuit board, wherein at least one cavity is formed between the support portions.

[0039] The circuit board is at least partially surrounded by an encapsulation.

[0040] The support body is partially surrounded by an encapsulation.

[0041] The electronics compartment is configured for accommodating power electronics.

[0042] The electro-pneumatic converter is fixed on a side of the support body facing away from the electronics compartment and / or the circuit board.

[0043] At least one sealing element is held on the support body to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separate the accommodation and / or at least one further accommodation from the electronics compartment.

[0044] A plurality of cavities is formed between the support portions.

[0045] The circuit board is surrounded by an encapsulation at least in the region of the power electronics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] The preferred embodiments of the utility model are described in other aspects. Other features, advantages and characteristics of the utility model will become clear through the following description of the preferred embodiments of the utility model and with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0047] Figure 1 Is the cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model;

[0048] Figure 2 Is the cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the position controller according to the utility model, with encapsulation surrounding the circuit board;

[0049] Figure 3 Is another cross-sectional view of the position controller according to Figure 2 ;

[0050] Figure 4 Is the top view of the inner space of the position controller according to Figure 2 ;

[0051] Figure 5 Is the top view of the inner space of the position controller according to Figure 4 without support body and circuit board;

[0052] Figure 6 Is the perspective detail view of the support plate from the first direction;

[0053] Figure 7 Is the perspective detail view of the support plate according to Figure 6 from the second direction;

[0054] Figure 8is a sectional view through a support plate with a circuit board fixed thereon;

[0055] Figure 9 is a perspective detail view of a circuit board;

[0056] Figure 10 is a detail view of a cover part for covering an exhaust channel of an electronics compartment of a housing of a position controller according to the utility model;

[0057] Figure 11 is a sectional view through a cover part with a through-hole and an exhaust channel according to Figure 10 ;

[0058] Figure 12 is a detail view of a cover part;

[0059] Figure 13 is a view of a housing of a position controller according to Figure 10 from below;

[0060] Figure 14 is a detail view of an alternative cover part with a recess channel;

[0061] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a position controller according to Figure 10 ; and

[0062] Figure 16 is a schematic view of a position controller according to the utility model.

[0063] List of reference signs

[0064] 1 position controller

[0065] 3 electro-pneumatic converter

[0066] 4 pneumatic sensor

[0067] 5 circuit board

[0068] 6 support body

[0069] 7 pneumatic part

[0070] 11 housing

[0071] 50 power supply electronics

[0072] 51 top side / surface (circuit board)

[0073] 52 bottom side / surface (circuit board)

[0074] 53 potting compound

[0075] 55 plug connector

[0076] 57 plug receiving portion

[0077] 60 support portion

[0078] 61 guide

[0079] 62 seat portion

[0080] 63 step

[0081] 64 further guide

[0082] 65 cavity

[0083] 66 protrusion

[0084] 67 assembly aid

[0085] 70 pneumatic module

[0086] 71 top side (support body)

[0087] 72 bottom side (support body)

[0088] 100 interior space

[0089] 102 screw

[0090] 104 housing region

[0091] 105 recess

[0092] 106 further housing region

[0093] 107 housing portion

[0094] 108 protrusion

[0095] 109 fixing screw

[0096] 110 electronics compartment

[0097] 111 mouth

[0098] 113 ventilation channel

[0099] 115 bottom

[0100] 117 outer wall

[0101] 118 sintered filter

[0102] 119 exhaust line

[0103] 120 circumferential wall

[0104] 125 free space

[0105] 130 converter compartment

[0106] 131,141 containment section

[0107] 132 sealing ring

[0108] 138 sintered filter

[0109] 139 exhaust channel

[0110] 142 sealing ring

[0111] 148 sintered filter

[0112] 152, 162 sealing rings

[0113] 170 pneumatic compartments

[0114] 171 pneumatic interface

[0115] 172 pressure reducer

[0116] 173, 174 Pneumatic lines

[0117] 175 preamplifier

[0118] 176 main amplifier

[0119] 179 manifold

[0120] 180, 181 Covering Components

[0121] 182-channel hole

[0122] 183 groove channel

[0123] 185 mounting holes

[0124] 186 sealing element

[0125] 187 membrane

[0126] 200 connection rooms

[0127] 210 cable guide

[0128] 220 connection circuit board

[0129] 230 cable guide

[0130] 250 Zener Barrier Detailed Implementation

[0131] In the following description of the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, for the sake of readability, the same or similar parts are provided with the same or similar reference numerals.

[0132] It is clear that the directional indications used here should be understood and referenced in the accompanying drawings, rather than as limitations on the installation situation.

[0133] The position controller according to the utility model is generally designated by reference numeral 1. A first embodiment of the position controller 1 is shown in Figure 1 , a further embodiment of the position controller 1 (with a casting 53) is shown in Figure 2 .

[0134] Figure 1 The position controller 1 shown comprises as basic components an electro-pneumatic converter 3 (in the following can be designated by way of example as current-pressure converter) and a circuit board 5 (in the following can be designated by way of example as printed circuit board). The circuit board 5 is substantially planar. For insertion into the cylindrical housing 11, the circuit board 5 can have a cross section of an annular or circular portion.

[0135] The circuit board 5 is equipped with electrically conductive tracks (not shown in detail) and at least one electronic component (can also be designated as electronic assembly). Power electronics 50 are arranged on the circuit board 5. Further electronic components comprise for example a plug connector 55 for electrically connecting and / or signal transmission connecting the power electronics 50 circuit board 5 to for example a power supply unit, a superordinate control unit, etc. (not shown in detail) of the position controller 1. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 is connected to the circuit board 5. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 can be firmly connected to the circuit board 5 for example by soldering. Alternatively, the electro-pneumatic converter 3 can be equipped with a plug and the circuit board can be equipped with a corresponding socket or plug receptacle 57. The circuit board 5 is further equipped with power 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 embodiments described in the following, the circuit board 5 is further equipped with one or more electro-pneumatic components or hybrid components.

[0136] The position controller 1 comprises a housing 11. The housing surrounds 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 suitably arranged within the housing 11 such that it separates the latter into an electronics compartment 110 (in which at least one electronic component of the position controller 1 is arranged) on the one hand and a converter compartment 130 (in which the electro-pneumatic converter 3 is accommodated) on the other hand. The circuit board 5 is a preferably one-piece planar body having a top side 51 and a bottom side 52. From the top side 51, the electronics compartment 110 extends, from the bottom side 52, the converter compartment 130 extends. The electronic components are arranged on the top side 51. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 is arranged on the bottom side 52 as is shown by way of example in Figure 7 and 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.

[0137] The circuit board 5 is accommodated in the interior space 100 of the position controller 1 in the operating assembled arrangement. In the operating assembled state of the position controller 1, the interior space 100 is subdivided into an electronics compartment 110 and a converter compartment 130. The circuit board 5 is firmly connected to the housing 11, for example screwed. Figure 2 It is shown that the circuit board 5 is fixed to the housing 11 by means of fixing screws 109, which hold the circuit board 5 on 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.

[0138] For example, as shown in the embodiments 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 operating assembled state, 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 portion 60, which is inserted together with the circuit board 5 into the recess 105. Between the circuit board 5 and the circumferential wall 120 of the housing 11, a free space 125 is provided. Between the support body 6 and the circuit board 5, a cavity or chamber 65 is formed, at least partially.

[0139] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of the support body 6 is shown, which has the shape of a substantially annular disk. The support body 6 can be subdivided into three regions, namely the support portion 60, a seat portion 62 offset therefrom, and a step 63 connecting the support portion 60 and the seat portion 62. The circuit board 5 is arranged in the region of the support portion 60. If the circuit board 5 is to be firmly connected to the support body 6, a plurality of fixing elements (not shown in detail), such as screws or clips, can be provided. The fixing elements can be designed to pre-tension the circuit board 5 to the support body 6. The support body 6 is penetrated by guides 61 for the electro-pneumatic converter 3 and by further guides 64 for the pneumatic sensor 4 (see Figure 3 ). The guides 61, 64 are formed in the support portion 60.

[0140] The seat portion 62 can be formed at least partially complementary to the shape of the interior space 100 of the housing 10 in order to determine a clear position of the support plate 6 and optionally of the circuit board 5 pre-assembled thereon. For example, the seat portion 62 can be equipped with one or more protrusions 66 and / or recesses matching the shape of the housing 11. Alternatively or additionally, the support plate 6 can have eccentric assembly aids 67 in order to cooperate with the inner side of the circumferential wall 120 and / or other wall portions, for example in the case of a substantially cylindrical housing 11.

[0141] Figure 2 and Figure 3An embodiment of the position controller 1 is shown, wherein the circuit board 5 is encapsulated by a casting compound 53. The casting compound 53 surrounds a large part of the circuit board 5. The top side 51 of the circuit board 5 (except for the plug connector 55) is completely covered by the casting compound 53, thereby insulating and protecting from corrosion the electrically conductive tracks and electronic components arranged on the surface 51 of the circuit board 5. The casting compound 53 can be realized, for example, by an air hardening plastic, such as polyurethane. It can be advantageous to first fix the circuit board 5 to the support body 6, then insert both into the interior space 100, and then cover with the casting compound 53. If the circuit board 5 is covered and thus encapsulated in the interior space 100 by the casting material, the cavity 65 and the free space 125 can be partially or even completely filled with the casting compound 53. The casting compound 53 can realize a form-fit connection of the circuit board 5 to the housing 11. The casting compound 53 can form a sealing element, which results in or at least contributes to the converter compartment 130 being fluidically, preferably pressure-tight, separated from the electronics compartment 110.

[0142] In the operating assembled state of the position controller 1, at least one sealing element can be provided to pneumatically and / or pressure-tight separate the electronics compartment 110 and the converter compartment 130. To this end, the at least one sealing element is suitably arranged between the circuit board 5 and the housing 11. The sealing element can be realized, for example, by a sealing ring.

[0143] 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 guide 61. Further guides 64 are also equipped with corresponding sealing rings 142 on the top side 71 of the support body 6. In the region of the guides 61, 64, in the operating mounted state (for example according to Figure 2 and 3 ), the support body 6 is in contact with the bottom side 52 of the circuit board 5. In the operating mounted state, the sealing rings 152, 142 seal between the support body 6 and the circuit board 5.

[0144] Figure 7 A bottom side 72 of the support body 6 is shown, which in the operating mounted state is in contact with the bottom 115 of the housing 11 in the region of the guides 61, 64. The electro-pneumatic converter 3 covers the converter guides for contacting the circuit board 5. Around the electro-pneumatic converter 3 and the guide 61 occupied thereby, a sealing ring 132 is inserted into a sealing receptacle which is shaped to match the electro-pneumatic converter 3. At the further guides 64, annular sealing rings 162 are arranged in corresponding receptacles. In the operating mounted state, the sealing rings 132, 162 seal between the support body 6 and the housing 11.

[0145] According to Figure 2The cross-sectional view extends through the electro-pneumatic converter 3 and a portion of the converter compartment 130 forming an accommodation 131 for the electro-pneumatic converter 3 (may be referred to as converter accommodation 131). According to Figure 3 The cross-sectional view extends through the electro-pneumatic converter 3 and a portion of the converter compartment 130 forming an accommodation 131 for the electro-pneumatic converter 3 (may be referred to as converter accommodation 131). According to Figure 9 ) the electro-pneumatic converter 4 is arranged in the converter accommodation 131.

[0146] 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 the housing area 104 at 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, the converter accommodation 131 is defined by the guide 61 of the support body 6. The potting 53 and sealing elements (for example in the form of sealing rings 132, 162 (see Figure 6 , 7 )) ensure a reliable fluidic isolation of the converter accommodation 131 in the converter compartment 130 with respect to the electronics compartment 110 and with respect to the other accommodation 141 in the converter compartment 130.

[0147] Figure 3 The sensor accommodation 141 shown also forms a chamber pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the electronics compartment 110. The sensor accommodation 141 is partially defined by another housing area 106 at 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 guide 64 of the support body 6. The sealing rings 142, 152 at the further guide 64 (see Figure 6 , 7 ) ensure (if applicable together with the potting 53) a fluidic isolation of the sensor accommodation 141 in the converter compartment 130 with respect to the electronics compartment 110 and with respect to the further (not shown in more detail) accommodation in the converter compartment 130. For detecting at least one property (like pressure, temperature, etc.) of the 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 with a sintered filter 148 as a flame arrester.

[0148] The plurality of sub-areas of the position controller, for example the individual chambers implementing 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 with respect to an inter- sub-area pressure differential of at least 50 mbar, in particular at least 100 mbar, 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.

[0149] Two pneumatic lines extend from the converter accommodation 131 to the pneumatic compartment 170, namely a pneumatic line 173 and an exhaust channel 139, as shown for example in Figure 5 The pneumatic line 173 or the intake channel is designed and arranged to fluidically connect the converter chamber 131 and the electro-pneumatic converter 3 arranged therein to a pneumatic source (not shown in detail).

[0150] 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 a housing wall thereof to the pneumatic compartment 170, as shown for example in Figure 16 The position controller 1 with the pneumatic module 170 and the pneumatic components 7 accommodated therein is shown schematically in Figure 2 The pneumatic compartment 170 can be formed by a side chamber of the housing 11, as shown for example in

[0151] The pneumatic module can for example be implemented as a component-unified block in which the pneumatic channels and a plurality of pneumatic components 7, for example pneumatic amplifiers, for example a pre-amplifier 175 and a main amplifier 176, flow restrictors and / or pressure reducers 172, are integrated. The exhaust channel 139 can discharge used pneumatic medium into the pneumatic compartment 170, which is connected to the environment or to a collection tube for the discharge of used pneumatic medium or exhaust gas from the position controller 1 in isolation, 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 the different pneumatic components 7 by means of the pneumatic lines 174.

[0152] Advantageously, the electronics compartment 110 can be isolated by airtightly closing the inner space 100 of the housing 11 with a lid. In order to avoid an undesired underpressure in the electronics compartment 110 with respect to the ambient pressure of the position controller 1, a venting line 119 can penetrate the outer wall 117 of the housing 11. Depending on the application, the venting line 119 can be selectively closed by the cover member 180, 181 or open to the environment.

[0153] Figure 16 The illustrated exemplary position controller 1 has a housing 11 which is equipped with a pressure-tight "Ex d" cable guide 210 through which the power supply electronics 50 and other electronic components arranged in the electronics compartment 110 can be powered and controlled (if applicable). For particularly safe configurations, a Zener barrier 250 or the like can additionally be provided. Outside the cable guide 210, preferably in a pressure-tight encapsulation connection chamber 200, 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 at least one (here: three) pressure-tight "Ex d" cable guide 230. Figure 16 A common vent 179 for exhaust gas and for discharging pneumatic medium from the pneumatic compartment 170 is also shown. For critical pneumatic media, such as methane, the common vent can be connected to a collection pipe (not shown).

[0154] Figure 10 to Figure 12 and Figure 15 A first variant of the cover member 180 is shown, which is penetrated by four passage holes 182. Figure 13 and 14Another variant of a cover part 181 with a recessed channel 183 is shown. The cover parts 180, 181 can be equipped with an asymmetric plate with one or more (here: four) mounting holes 185. For fixation to the housing 11, the housing can be equipped on its outer wall 117 with a protrusion 108 complementary to the uniform shape of the mounting holes 185 to determine the mounting position of the cover parts 180, 181. The other mounting holes 185 can each be occupied by a screw 102 to fix the cover parts 180, 181. For explosive environments, the flame arrester 118 can completely cover the exhaust line 119. Externally, on the outer wall 117, the mouth 111 of the exhaust line 119 is arranged, which can be covered with the cover parts 180 / 181. The cover parts 180, 181 can be placed in a first open position in front of the mouth 111, in which the exhaust line 119 is in fluid connection with the channel hole 182 or the recessed channel 183, so that the electronics compartment 110 is connected with the environment. Between the mouth 111 and the cover parts 180 / 181, a membrane 187 can be arranged. The membrane 187 is only active in the open position of the cover parts or plates 180 / 181. The membrane 187 serves as a pressure equalizing element. Configurations with pressure equalizing elements formed differently from the membrane are also conceivable.

[0155] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11 the cover parts 180 / 181 can be placed in front of the mouth 111 so that the part of the cover parts 180 / 181 without channel hole, recessed channel, etc. covers the exhaust channel 119. Between the cover parts 180 / 181 and the outer wall 117, a sealing element 186 is arranged which annularly surrounds the mouth 111. The membrane 187 can be realized integrally with the sealing element 186 as a pressure equalizing element with a glued-on circular sealing ring (as a standard part). In the closed position of the cover parts 180 / 181, the exhaust line 119 is closed by the sealing ring 186. In the state as shown in Figure 11 , in which the cover parts 180 / 181 cover the mouth 111 to close the electronics compartment 110, it is alternatively conceivable to omit or not install the membrane 187 or the pressure equalizing element.

[0156] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the abstract, and the drawings can be of importance individually as well as in any combination.

Claims

1. Position controller for a pneumatic actuator for operating a regulating device of a process-technological apparatus, comprising: an electro-pneumatic converter; a circuit board comprising power electronics for operating the electro-pneumatic converter; and a housing surrounding an interior space, characterized in that a support body is provided which is inserted into the interior space, on which the circuit board is fixed, wherein the housing and the support body cooperate with one another for dividing the interior space into an electronics compartment for accommodating at least one electrical and / or electronic component and a converter compartment for accommodating the electro-pneumatic converter.

2. Position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged on a side of the support body facing away from the electronics compartment and / or the circuit board.

3. Position controller according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the converter compartment comprises at least one accommodation in which the electro-pneumatic converter is arranged, wherein the support body defines a guide extending from the housing to the circuit board in the region of the accommodation.

4. Position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the converter compartment comprises at least one further accommodation in which at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged, wherein the support body defines a further guide in the region of the further accommodation, which leads to the pneumatic sensor and / or to the circuit board.

5. Position controller according to claim 4, characterized in that the pneumatic sensor is arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing the converter compartment and / or is held on the circuit board.

6. Position controller according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one sealing element is held on the support body for pneumatically and / or pressure-tight separation of the converter compartment from the electronics compartment, wherein at least one sealing element is arranged between the support body and the circuit board and / or wherein at least one sealing element is arranged between the support body and the housing.

7. Position controller (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a circumferential wall and a bottom which is at least partially surrounded by the circumferential wall, the bottom has a recess corresponding to the circuit board, and the support body is form-fitting to the interior space, wherein a free space is provided between the support body and the housing in the region of the recess.

8. Position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one cavity is formed between the circuit board and the support body.

9. Position controller according to claim 8, characterized in that the support body comprises a plurality of support portions for placing the circuit board, wherein at least one cavity is formed between the support portions.

10. Position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit board is at least partially surrounded by an encapsulation. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 11. Position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the support body is partially surrounded by an encapsulation.

12. Position controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronics compartment is configured for accommodating power electronics.

13. Position controller according to claim 2, characterized in that the electro-pneumatic converter is fixed on a side of the support body facing away from the electronics compartment and / or the circuit board.

14. Position controller according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one sealing element is held on the support body to pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separate the accommodation and / or at least one further accommodation from the electronics compartment.

15. Position controller according to claim 9, characterized in that a plurality of cavities is formed between the support portions.

16. Position controller according to claim 10, characterized in that the circuit board is surrounded by a casting compound at least in the region of the power electronics.

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