Position controller

Abstract

The invention relates to a position controller (1) for a pneumatic actuator for actuating a control fitting, such as a control valve, of a process plant, said position controller comprising: an electro-pneumatic converter (3), such as an I / P converter; a printed circuit board (5) which carries supply electronics (50) for the electro-pneumatic converter (3); and a housing (11) which has at least one electronics compartment (110) in which at least one electronic component of the position controller (1), in particular the supply electronics (50), is accommodated, and a converter compartment (130) in which the electro-pneumatic converter (3) is accommodated, the electronics compartment (110) and the converter compartment (130) being spatially separated from one another. According to the invention, the converter compartment (130) is at least partially delimited by the printed circuit board (5).

Description

[0001] Positioner

[0002] The invention relates to a position controller for a pneumatic actuator for actuating a control valve, such as a control valve, of a process plant.

[0003] A field device for a process plant with a housing for the flameproof encapsulation of electrical components for use in an environment with an explosive or flammable atmosphere is known, for example, from DE 10 2020 122321 Ai. An electropneumatic positioner can be housed in one compartment of the housing. A pneumatic supply line for operating a pneumatic actuator is routed through the electropneumatic converter of the positioner through a pneumatic opening in the outer wall of the housing. To connect the positioner to a compressed air source and / or sink, the outer wall of the housing can be provided with secured pneumatic openings.

[0004] EP 0 587 170 B1 describes an electropneumatic signal converter that is modular in design and explosion-proof. A current-pressure converter is arranged in a hollow housing section that has a pneumatic supply connection and a pneumatic output for controlling an actuator. The housing also includes a box section with electrical contacts housed therein. Electrical, pneumatic, and electropneumatic components are housed in the housing. The housing has an electronics housing module for the electrical components and a screw-in pressure housing module for the pneumatic and electropneumatic components. The electronics housing module is separated from the pressure housing module by a module wall, through which conductors are routed in an explosion-proof manner to contact the electropneumatic components. A pressure sensor is also arranged in the electronics compartment.

[0005] Improper use of electropneumatic positioners poses a risk that dirt introduced into the housing chamber could lead to deposits on the positioner electronics and electropneumatics. Dirt deposits can cause damage or malfunctions, for example, due to short circuits in electrical contacts. Experience has shown that dirt ingress can occur, for example, if the pneumatic pressure supply is damaged or contaminated, or if a poor-quality pneumatic pressure supply is used.

[0006] If an explosive and / or flammable gas, such as natural gas, is to be used as the pneumatic medium, there is also a requirement that any leakage of the flammable gas at the positioner is not permitted. The flammable pneumatic medium must be discharged through a manifold. Such flammable gases can also have a corrosive effect and cause damage to electronic components. Furthermore, it is conceivable that electrical currents could cause ignition.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a position controller that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, particularly suitable for use with a critical pneumatic medium, such as a corrosive, contaminated, explosive, and / or flammable pneumatic medium. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] Accordingly, a positioner for a pneumatic actuator for actuating a control valve, such as a control valve, in a process plant, in particular a petrochemical plant, a power plant, a food processing plant, in particular a brewery, or the like, is provided. The positioner comprises an electropneumatic converter, a circuit board, and a housing.

[0009] In particular, the electropneumatic converter can be implemented as a current-pressure converter. An electropneumatic converter implements an electropneumatic component of a position controller. An electropneumatic converter is preferably designed and configured to adjust a converter pressure depending on an electrical signal. Preferably, an electropneumatic converter is designed and configured to adjust the converter pressure based on, on the one hand, a pneumatic source that provides a pressurized pneumatic medium, such as room air, nitrogen, or the like, at a supply pressure, and, on the other hand, a pneumatic sink, such as the atmosphere, which defines a reference pressure, for example, corresponding to the ambient pressure.Further preferably, an electropneumatic converter is configured to adjust the converter pressure taking into account an electrical signal, in particular an analog or digital one, such as a current signal or a voltage signal. For example, the electropneumatic converter can be implemented as a current-pressure converter and, in particular, adjust the converter pressure proportionally or at least substantially proportionally to a current signal. The electropneumatic converter is preferably designed and configured to provide the converter pressure for at least one other pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier, at an active input or active output. A pneumatic component preferably refers to a purely pneumatic or mechanical-pneumatic component, in particular free of electronics.In other words, it should be understood 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, furthermore, electropneumatic hybrid components. For operation with a flammable pneumatic medium, in particular natural gas, the at least one electronic component, the at least one electropneumatic converter, and / or the optional at least one pneumatic sensor can be operated in an intrinsically safe manner. Preferably, an electropneumatic converter provides a converter pressure with a very low volume flow.

[0010] The circuit board carries supply electronics for the electropneumatic converter. Optionally, the circuit board can carry control and / or regulation electronics for actuating the electropneumatic converter. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control and / or regulation electronics for the electropneumatic converter are distributed among several electronic components, in particular circuit boards of the position controller, preferably including the circuit board. A circuit board can generally refer to a preferably flat component made of an electrically insulating material, such as a preferably fiber-reinforced plastic material, a ceramic material, laminated paper, or the like, to which electrical and / or electronic components are attached. Circuit boards can commonly be designed as so-called printed circuit boards.In particular, the circuit board has conductor tracks on at least one surface, preferably on two opposing surfaces. The conductor 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 equipped with feedthroughs to electrically connect conductor tracks on a first surface, for example, the top side, to conductor tracks on a second surface, for example, the bottom side. Electrical and / or electronic components, such as microchips, microprocessors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, contacts, plug connections, or the like, can be attached, for example, glued, clamped, screwed, and / or soldered, to at least one surface of the circuit board, preferably with electrical contact to conductor tracks.A printed circuit board generally has a flat shape, wherein the surface outline can preferably be adapted to the housing accommodating the printed circuit board, for example, semicircular. The printed circuit board preferably has a width dimension and a length dimension that are essentially of the same order of magnitude or whose dimensions differ from each other by no more than a hundred times, in particular no more than ten times. The printed circuit board has a thickness dimension that is significantly smaller than the width dimension and the length dimension of the printed circuit board, wherein the thickness of the latter is, for example, at least ten times, in particular at least a hundred times, smaller. Feedthroughs or the like extend through the printed circuit board in the thickness dimension.

[0011] The housing has at least one electronics compartment in which at least one electronic component of the positioner, in particular a supply electronics unit, is housed. Furthermore, the housing has at least one converter compartment in which the electropneumatic converter is housed. The electronics compartment and the converter compartment are preferably spatially separated from one another. In particular, the electronics compartment and the converter compartment are separated from one another pneumatically and / or pressure-tight. A pressure-tight area or pressure-tight compartment of the positioner can, for example, be designed and configured to be pressure-tight for an environment with an explosive or flammable atmosphere. For example, different areas in the housing can be separated from one another to meet the explosion protection requirements "Ex d," i.e., the ignition protection type of the flameproof enclosure "Ex d."The design according to the invention enables the realization of a particularly simple, cost-effective, compact, and reliable position controller. The housing preferably surrounds an interior space. The housing is preferably designed such that the interior is in the form of a pressure-encapsulated space. By dividing the interior space into an electronics compartment and a separate transducer compartment, corrosion and / or contamination on electronic components, in particular on the circuit board, can be avoided. The housing preferably surrounds the transducer compartment and the electronics compartment. The housing preferably consists of at least two detachably connected shell parts. The shell parts forming the housing can, for example, be implemented as a pot-shaped base body with at least one opening and a detachable cover which completely closes the opening in a normal operating state.The enclosure can be designed and configured for the preferably dust- and / or water-protected housing of electrical, electronic, electro-pneumatic, pneumatic, and other components. The enclosure can, for example, be designed according to protection class IP65 or higher. An enclosure for the dust- and / or water-protected housing of electrical components can, for example, be defined according to a protection class of the so-called International Protection Code (IP Code). Protection classes can describe the degree of protection the enclosure provides against contact, foreign bodies, water, and the like. IP codes can, for example, be defined according to IEC 529, EN 60529, DIN VDE 0470-1 in the respective 2014 versions. The first digit of the IP code indicates the protection against foreign bodies and contact, with a higher value indicating greater protection.The first digit can have the following meaning: 3: protected against solid foreign bodies larger than 2.5 mm and against contact with tools; 4: protected against solid foreign bodies larger than 1 mm and against contact with wires; 5: protected against dust and contact; 6: sealed against dust and protected against contact. The second digit of the IP code relates to protection against water. The second digit can have the following meaning: 3: protected against sprayed water; 4: protected against splashed water; 5: protected against water jets; 6: protected against strong water jets or heavy seas; 7: protected against temporary immersion; 8: protected against permanent immersion. The enclosure can, for example, correspond to protection class IP 65, at least IP 66, at least IP 67, at least IP 68 or at least IP 69.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the invention, the converter compartment is at least partially delimited by the circuit board. It should be understood that the delimitation of the converter compartment by the circuit board should be realized in a normal operating state of the positioner. In a normal operating state of the positioner, the circuit board can provide a pressure-tight separation into the converter compartment on the one hand and the electronics compartment on the other. The circuit board can completely delimit the converter compartment alone or in combination with one or more other components of the positioner, such as a support plate and / or at least one sealing element.By using the circuit board of the positioner in functional union to carry at least one electronic component and to limit the converter compartment, the number of components in a positioner as well as the assembly effort can be reduced, whereby the positioner can be designed to be particularly suitable for use with corrosive or other critical pneumatic media due to the clever arrangement of the circuit board.

[0013] In one embodiment of a position controller according to the first aspect of the invention, the electropneumatic converter is arranged on a side of the circuit board facing away from the electronics compartment. In particular, the circuit board supports the electropneumatic converter. Alternatively or additionally, a support body, preferably attached to the circuit board, can be provided, which supports the electropneumatic converter. The circuit board can be attached to the housing of the position controller by means of the circuit board and / or the support body. The electropneumatic converter can be arranged on the side of the circuit board facing the converter compartment, in particular be attached or attachable, for example, pluggable.It may be preferred that the at least one electronic component, in particular the supply electronics, and optionally the control and / or regulation electronics, is or are arranged on a first, in particular upper, side of the circuit board, and that the electropneumatic 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 one side, in particular equipped or capable of being equipped with a few, insensitive and / or protected components, for arrangement in the converter compartment, as well as an opposite side, which is oriented so as to be protected from critical pneumatic media (facing away from the converter compartment).

[0014] In another embodiment of a position controller according to the first aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the previous ones, the converter compartment is formed by at least one receptacle that is arranged in a wall section of the housing and / or formed integrally with the housing, wherein the receptacle is at least partially covered by the circuit board. Preferably, the electropneumatic converter is or can be arranged at least partially or completely in this receptacle. The converter compartment can be formed by a plurality of receptacles that are arranged in a wall section of the housing and / or formed integrally with the housing and at least partially covered by the circuit board. A plurality of receptacles forming the converter compartment can be spatially separated from one another by intermediate walls and can optionally be pneumatically and / or pressure-tight.In a housing with a converter compartment composed of multiple receptacles, a first receptacle can be designed and configured as a converter receptacle and accommodate the electropneumatic converter, and at least a second receptacle or further receptacles can accommodate further electropneumatic components, for example at least one pneumatic sensor. Contamination or damage to the electronic components arranged in the electronics compartment can be avoided by means of pneumatic and / or pressure-tight insulation of the converter compartment that can be filled with critical pneumatic medium. For operation with a flammable pneumatic medium, in particular natural gas, the at least one electronic component, the at least one electropneumatic converter, and / or the optional at least one pneumatic sensor can be operated in an intrinsically safe manner.

[0015] In a further development of the position controller, at least one sealing element, such as a sealing ring, is arranged between the circuit board and a housing area surrounding the receptacle in order to separate the transducer compartment from the electronics compartment, in particular in a pressure-tight and / or pneumatic manner. Preferably, a pressure-tight separation can be designed and configured for a pressure difference between, on the one hand, the transducer compartment and, on the other hand, the electronics compartment, or between, on the one hand, the transducer receptacle and, on the other hand, the electronics compartment and / or other receptacles, 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 can be arranged in the positioner for fluidically isolating the converter compartment, in particular in an operational assembly state.

[0016] In an alternative or additional development of the position controller, the circuit board in the region of the transducer compartment, in particular in the region of at least one receptacle, has a preferably locally limited surface coating to protect against pneumatic medium. The surface coating can have a thickness in the range from 1 μm to 1 mm, preferably in the range from 10 μm to 300 μm. The surface coating can preferably comprise or consist of a plastic material. The plastic material of the surface coating is preferably particularly corrosion-resistant to the pneumatic medium provided during operation. In addition, an encapsulation can optionally be provided which at least partially surrounds the circuit board and forms an at least section-wise boundary of a chamber and / or receptacle. A surface coating can, for example, comprise or consist of a varnish.

[0017] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged in the converter compartment. A pneumatic sensor can, for example, be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like, or a combination of several or all of the aforementioned sensors. The circuit board preferably carries the at least one pneumatic sensor. It can be particularly preferred that the electronic component, in particular the supply electronics and optionally the control and / or regulating electronics, is / are arranged on a first, in particular upper, side of the circuit board and the pneumatic sensor is / are arranged on a second, in particular lower, side facing away from the first side. The at least one pneumatic sensor is preferably arranged or can be arranged on the same side of the circuit board as the electropneumatic converter.In particular, the converter compartment comprises at least one receptacle in which at least one pneumatic sensor is arranged. This receptacle can also be referred to as a sensor receptacle. The converter compartment can in particular have a plurality of receptacles for a plurality of pneumatic sensors. For example, the position controller in the converter compartment can comprise a converter receptacle and a plurality of sensor receptacles that are pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from one another. It should be understood that alternatively or additionally, at least one pneumatic sensor can be arranged in the receptacle for the electropneumatic converter. This at least one receptacle can be formed, for example, by an indentation in the housing or the like. It can be preferred that various measuring points are provided in the position controller, and that at least one of the several different pneumatic sensors is assigned to each of the various measuring points.According to a preferred development, the positioner in the converter compartment comprises a plurality of, in particular, further receptacles with different pneumatic sensors arranged therein in order to detect different pressures in the positioner, for example, a pressure of the pneumatic medium at an inlet and / or outlet of the electropneumatic converter, a pressure of the pneumatic medium at a supply inlet of the positioner connected to a pneumatic source, and / or a pressure of the pneumatic medium at a control output of the positioner for actuating a pneumatic actuator. Preferably, the various receptacles inside the housing form individually pressure-encapsulated spaces. Individual pressure-encapsulated spaces are pressure-tight relative to one another. The sub-area assigned to the converter compartment, which accommodates the electropneumatic converter, forms a first individually pressure-encapsulated space.Several individual sub-areas assigned to the transducer compartment, each accommodating at least one or exactly one pneumatic sensor, form several second, individually pressure-encapsulated chambers. An exchange of pneumatic medium into and / or out of a pressure-encapsulated chamber is preferably possible in normal operation exclusively via a certain number of predetermined pneumatic lines, preferably exactly one pneumatic line, exactly two pneumatic lines, or exactly three pneumatic lines. Preferably, the first pressure-encapsulated chamber is equipped with exactly two pneumatic lines, namely the ventilation line and an exhaust air duct. Preferably, the second pressure-encapsulated chambers each have exactly one pneumatic line.The electronics compartment can implement a further, individually pressure-encapsulated chamber, wherein the electronics compartment can be equipped with or without a pneumatic line, particularly a vent line. Optionally, the pneumatic compartment can form an additional, individually pressure-encapsulated chamber. 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 chambers.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, a position controller is provided that comprises an electropneumatic converter, a circuit board with supply electronics, and a housing having a converter compartment and a separate electronics compartment. The first and second aspects of the invention can be combined with one another.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the invention, the converter compartment has an exhaust air duct for discharging pneumatic medium from the electropneumatic converter to a manifold for exhaust air and / or for discharging pneumatic medium into a pneumatic compartment. According to the second aspect of the invention, the positioner can have a pneumatic compartment in which at least one pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier, a pressure reducer, or a flow limiter, is accommodated. Preferably, the housing has the pneumatic compartment in addition to the converter compartment and the electronics compartment. For example, the housing can have an interior space that is divided or can be divided into an electronics compartment and a converter compartment, and the pneumatic compartment separated from the interior space by a peripheral wall, a wall section, or the like.The pneumatic compartment can, for example, be realized by a side chamber having an opening that can be completely closed by a cover. A pneumatic component preferably refers to a purely pneumatic or mechanical-pneumatic component, in particular free of electronics. In other words, it should be 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, furthermore, electropneumatic hybrid components. With the aid of the exhaust air duct and / or the manifold, critical pneumatic medium can be discharged from the converter compartment, bypassing electronic components, preferably all electronic components. The exhaust air from the positioner, in particular its electropneumatic converter, is preferably discharged at a distance from sensitive components, in particular electronic components, of the electronic unit.The exhaust air from the electropneumatic converter is preferably captured in a separate exhaust air chamber, which is sealed from the electronics compartment. The exhaust air duct supports the pressure encapsulation of the electropneumatic converter housed in the converter compartment or a sub-area thereof, on the one hand, and the electronics compartment, on the other. The sub-area assigned to the converter compartment, which houses the electropneumatic converter, forms a first individually pressure-encapsulated chamber, from which exhaust air escapes only in a controlled manner through the exhaust air duct. The electronics compartment can implement a further individually pressure-encapsulated chamber, thus advantageously ensuring that the electronic components in the electronics compartment are protected from contaminated exhaust air.

[0020] According to a further development of the second aspect of the invention, an ignition barrier, in particular a sintered filter, is arranged in or on the at least one exhaust air duct and / or the at least one manifold. The manifold and / or the exhaust air duct is preferably fully covered with the ignition barrier at least along one duct section in its cross-section. Such a design can be particularly advantageous for use of the positioner with a flammable or potentially explosive pneumatic fluid and / or in a flammable and / or potentially explosive environment, in order to locally limit the consequences of any sparking or similar on the electropneumatic converter.According to a third aspect of the invention, a position controller is provided that comprises an electropneumatic converter, a circuit board with supply electronics, and a housing having a converter compartment and a separate electronics compartment. The third aspect of the invention can be combined with the first and / or second aspect of the invention.

[0021] According to the third aspect of the invention, a pneumatic compartment is provided in which at least one pneumatic component, such as a pneumatic amplifier, a pressure reducer, or a flow limiter, is housed. Preferably, the housing comprises the pneumatic compartment in addition to the converter compartment and the electronics compartment. For example, the housing may comprise an interior space that is divided or divisible into an electronics compartment and a converter compartment, and the pneumatic compartment separated from the interior space by a peripheral wall, a wall section, or the like. The pneumatic compartment may, for example, be realized by a side chamber having an opening that can be completely closed by a cover. The third aspect of the invention further provides that the electronics compartment is preferably spatially separated from the converter compartment as well as from the pneumatic compartment.It should be understood that the separation of the pneumatic compartment in relation to the electronics compartment and the transducer compartment refers to a normal operating state of the positioner according to the invention. The division into transducer compartment, electronics compartment, and pneumatic compartment can be realized, for example, by barriers that can be inserted into the housing and / or formed integrally with the housing, such as partition walls. The division into transducer compartment, electronics compartment, and pneumatic compartment can optionally be realized by a multi-part housing, wherein, in a pre-assembly state, one or more of the compartments can be arranged together in different of the assemblable parts of the housing or undivided within a part of the housing, and wherein, in a normal operating state, the compartments are separate from one another.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that in the pre-assembled state, at least one housing part is provided, which is available undivided or with a division, for example a partition, to form two of the three aforementioned compartments, for example the electronics compartment and the converter compartment, wherein in the operational assembled state, the third compartment, for example the pneumatic compartment, is provided by at least one further housing module, which can in particular be connected to the housing. In particular, the converter compartment and the pneumatic compartment are pneumatically and / or pressure-tested separated from one another. Optionally, the electronics compartment is pneumatically and / or pressure-tested separated from the converter compartment. In particular, the electronics compartment is pneumatically insulated from the converter compartment and, if applicable, the pneumatic compartment.

[0022] In a further development of the position controller according to the third aspect of the invention, at least one pneumatic line is provided, which connects the transducer compartment, in particular the at least one receptacle, such as the transducer receptacle or a sensor receptacle, with the pneumatic compartment. A pneumatic line extending from the transducer compartment can, for example, be implemented by a collecting line and / or an exhaust air duct as described above with regard to the second aspect of the invention. Preferably, the housing has a wall section, which preferably at least partially delimits the transducer compartment, and at least one pneumatic line extends through this wall section and / or base. It is conceivable for two or more, in particular separate, pneumatic lines to lead from the transducer compartment to the pneumatic compartment.For example, the converter compartment can be equipped with an exhaust air duct to discharge exhaust air from the electropneumatic converter and a pneumatic line designed as an air supply duct. In addition, individual sensor compartments could each be assigned at least one pneumatic line for fluidic communication with a respective measuring point in the pneumatic compartment.

[0023] According to a preferred development, at least one ignition barrier, in particular a sintered filter, is arranged in the at least one pneumatic line. In particular, at least one ignition barrier is arranged in at least one pneumatic line between the pneumatic compartment and the electropneumatic converter. Alternatively or additionally, an ignition barrier is arranged in at least one pneumatic line between the pneumatic compartment and the at least one pneumatic sensor. Preferably, the plurality of pneumatic lines are all equipped with at least one respective ignition barrier, in particular a sintered filter.By arranging the electropneumatic components, such as the electropneumatic converter and, if applicable, pneumatic sensors, preferably individually in chambers of the converter compartment and connecting them to other pneumatic and / or electropneumatic components or the environment by means of respective pneumatic lines, which are equipped with an ignition barrier, the risk of damage resulting from malfunctions of the individual electropneumatic components can be minimized.

[0024] In a preferred development of the positioner according to the third aspect of the invention, the housing has a housing section that at least partially forms, in particular surrounds, the pneumatic compartment and comprises a pneumatic interface for connecting the at least one pneumatic component, preferably a plurality of pneumatic components, particularly preferably all pneumatic components of the positioner, wherein this pneumatic interface is in fluid communication with the converter compartment. The pneumatic component or components is / are preferably contained in a pneumatic module, in particular a common and / or integral component. By integrating one or preferably a plurality of pneumatic components into a single common pneumatic module, the structure and assembly of the positioner can be made particularly simple.Such a modular design of the positioner without major modifications due to different assembly states of small components is a great advantage.

[0025] In one embodiment of a position controller according to the first, second, and / or third aspect of the invention, the printed circuit board is enclosed by an encapsulation, in particular a potting compound. Alternatively or additionally, the supply electronics are enclosed by an encapsulation, in particular a potting compound. Additionally, the encapsulation can enclose any control and / or regulation electronics. In particular, the encapsulation forms a preferably pressure-tight pneumatic sealing element for separating the electronics compartment from the converter compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the encapsulation, in particular, seals the printed circuit board and / or the supply electronics from the electronics compartment or at least substantially seals them.The encapsulation can seal, or at least substantially seal, the circuit board from the electronics compartment at least partially in at least one region or several regions where at least one electronic component and / or electrical conductor track is attached to the circuit board. It may be preferred that all electronic components and / or electrical conductor tracks on the surface of the circuit board facing the electronics compartment be coated with the at least one encapsulation.In particular for use with an explosive and / or flammable gas, for example natural gas, as pneumatic fluid, the circuit board and optionally the support body can be completely encapsulated, in particular within the housing, wherein only at least one connector for electrically contacting the at least one electronic component, such as the supply electronics, and / or a small area of ​​the circuit board in the vicinity of the contacts for the electro-pneumatic converter and / or the at least one pneumatic sensor remains free.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of a positioner according to the first, second, and / or third aspect of the invention, the electronics compartment has a vent line for compensating a pressure difference, in particular an overpressure or a negative pressure, with respect to the environment of the positioner. In particular, the vent line is arranged remote from the converter compartment, in particular its receptacles, i.e., the converter receptacle and possibly several sensor receptacles. The electronics compartment is preferably pneumatic and / or pressure-resistant, separate from the converter compartment and, if applicable, the pneumatic compartment, and thus does not communicate fluidically with the other compartment(s). The electronics compartment can be closed or vented or vented via the vent line, in particular independently of any attached pneumatic module, the pneumatic chamber, or the operating medium.With a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, there is a risk that a pressure differential with the atmosphere could develop due to temperature differences. With such a design, there is a risk that, for example, a previously sunlit enclosure could suddenly cool down due to a sudden thunderstorm or similar event. This would create a negative pressure within the sealed compartment relative to the environment, which could draw rainwater in through gaps. Ventilating the electronics compartment via the vent line can effectively prevent this effect.

[0027] In a further development of the positioner with a vent channel, the vent line has an opening that is preferably completely covered by a cover part, in particular a detachable one. Alternatively or additionally, an ignition barrier, in particular a sintered filter, is arranged in the vent line. The ignition barrier is preferably arranged upstream of the cover part. The ignition barrier occupies the vent line, preferably between the cover part arranged at the opening and the electronics compartment. The cover part can be designed to be movable. The housing of the positioner and the cover part are preferably coordinated with one another such that the cover part can be mounted in at least one first and at least one second predetermined covering position.The cover part and the housing can be equipped with at least one positioning aid for establishing predetermined positions. For example, the housing can have a projection and the cover part can have an opening or recess complementary to the projection. The cover part can be positioned at the opening in a first covering position, in which the cover part closes the electronics compartment, preferably in an airtight manner. The cover part can be positioned at the opening in a second covering position, in which the vent line is open to the environment through the cover part. The cover part can have at least one ventilation region in which, for example, a through-bore or a groove channel is arranged, through which the opening fluidically communicates with the environment. The cover part can be designed, at least in part, as a closure part for sealingly closing the vent line.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment of a position controller according to the first, second, and / or third aspect of the invention, a ventilation channel fluidically connects the electronics compartment to the converter compartment. The ventilation of the electronics compartment, in particular to avoid negative pressure, can take place through the ventilation channel to the converter compartment. Such an embodiment can be expedient, for example, when using the position controller with a non-critical pneumatic fluid, such as ambient air. It may be preferred for this alternative embodiment of the position controller to be implemented in combination with a printed circuit board without encapsulation. A ventilation channel can, for example, be arranged in a contact region of the printed circuit board and the housing and / or at least one passage in a contact region of the printed circuit board and the support body. The region of the ventilation channel is preferably designed free of sealing elements.

[0029] According to a further development, the ventilation channel is realized by at least one opening, such as a groove, in a sealing seat on the circuit board, the support body, or the housing, wherein the sealing seat is designed and configured to receive a sealing element, such as a sealing ring. In this further development, the sealing seat is not occupied by the insertable sealing element. For example, a ventilation channel can be realized on the peripheral edge of an annular groove receptacle for a sealing ring that can be inserted between the support body and the circuit board, omitting this sealing ring.

[0030] In a further exemplary development of the positioner with a vent channel, the vent line has an opening that is preferably completely covered by a cover part, in particular a detachable one. A diaphragm can be arranged between the opening and the cover part. The diaphragm can be designed such that it is active, in particular, only in the open position of the cover part or plate. The diaphragm acts as a pressure compensation element. Designs with a pressure compensation element designed differently from a diaphragm are also conceivable. The diaphragm or the pressure compensation element can be attached to the housing, an inner wall or the cover part, such as glued on, or clamped between the cover part and the housing, in particular directly or via a sealing element.Alternatively, the cover part can be arranged in front of the opening such that a section of the cover part that is free of through-openings, groove channels, and the like covers the vent channel. A sealing element that surrounds the opening in a ring can be arranged between the cover part and the outer wall. The membrane can be implemented integrally with the sealing element as a pressure compensation element with an adhesive-attached O-ring (for example, as a standard part). In the closed position of the cover part, the vent line can be closed or sealed using the sealing element. In a state in which the cover part conceals the opening to close the electronics compartment, it is alternatively conceivable for the membrane or a pressure compensation element to be omitted or not installed.The sealing element can be detachably applied to the membrane and / or the mouth, wherein in particular the electronics compartment can be flexibly connected to or separated from the environment. It is conceivable for the housing to form a storage area, in particular in the form of a recess, in which the sealing element can be stored when separated from the membrane and / or the mouth. Preferably, the storage area is concealed by the cover part when the cover part is fastened to the housing. Preferably, when the cover part is fastened to the housing, the sealing element is held in the storage area via the cover part and can be removed from the storage area, for example for mounting on the membrane or the mouth, preferably for separating the electronics compartment from the environment, when the state of the cover part changes.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Further properties, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure i is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a position controller according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a position controller according to the invention with a potting compound enclosing the circuit board;

[0034] Figure 3 shows another cross-sectional view of the positioner according to Figure 2;

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view of the interior of the positioner according to Figure 2; Figure 5 is a plan view of the interior of the positioner according to Figure 4 without the support body and circuit board;

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective detailed view of a support plate from a first direction;

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective detailed view of the support plate according to Figure 6 from a second direction;

[0038] Figure 8 is a sectional view through the support plate with the circuit board attached to it;

[0039] Figure 9 shows a perspective detailed view of the circuit board;

[0040] Figure 10 is a detailed view of a cover part for covering a vent channel from the electronics compartment through the housing of a position controller according to the invention;

[0041] Figure 11 is a sectional view through the cover part with through holes and the ventilation channel according to Figure 10;

[0042] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of the cover part;

[0043] Figure 13 is a view of the housing of the positioner according to Figure 10 from below;

[0044] Figure 14 is a detailed view of an alternative cover part with groove channels;

[0045] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the positioner according to Figure 10; and

[0046] Figure 16 is a schematic representation of a position controller according to the invention.

[0047] In the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, the same or similar components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals to simplify readability.

[0048] It should be understood that the directional information used here is relative to one another and refers to the illustrations, and is not to be understood as a limitation with regard to the installation situation. A positioner according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. A first embodiment of a positioner 1 is shown in Figure 1, and another embodiment of a positioner 1 with a potting compound 53 is shown in Figure 2.

[0049] The position controller 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises, as essential components, an electropneumatic converter 3, which may be referred to below as a current-pressure converter, and a printed circuit board 5, which may be referred to below as a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board 5 is essentially flat. For insertion into a cylindrical housing 11, the printed circuit board 5 can have a partially annular or partially circular cross-section.

[0050] The circuit board 5 is equipped with electrical conductor tracks (not shown in detail) and at least one electronic component, which can also be referred to as an electronic component. Electronic components that implement the supply electronics 50 are arranged on the circuit board 5. Other electronic components include, for example, a plug connector 55 for electrically and / or signal-transmitting connecting the supply electronics 50 of the circuit board 5, for example to a supply unit, a higher-level control unit, or the like, of the position controller 1 (not shown in detail). The electropneumatic converter 3 is connected to the circuit board 5. The electropneumatic converter 3 can be permanently connected to the circuit board 5, for example by soldering. Alternatively, the electropneumatic 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 also equipped with supply electronics (not shown in detail) for the electropneumatic converter 3. Furthermore, the circuit board can be equipped with control and / or regulation electronics, or parts thereof, for actuating the electropneumatic converter 3. In the exemplary embodiments described below, the circuit board 5 is also equipped with one or more electropneumatic components or hybrid components.

[0051] The positioner 1 comprises a housing 11. The housing surrounds an interior

[0052] 100. The printed circuit board 5 and the electropneumatic converter 3 are arranged within the housing 11. The printed circuit board 5 is expediently arranged within the housing 11 in such a way that it divides it 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 electropneumatic converter 3 is housed. The printed circuit board 5 is a preferably one-piece, flat body with 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 electronics component is arranged on the top side 51. The electropneumatic converter 3 is arranged on the bottom side 52, as shown by way of example in Figures 7 and 8.On the underside 52, in addition to the electropneumatic converter 3, for example, four pneumatic sensors 4 can be arranged (Figure 9).

[0053] The printed circuit board 5 is housed in a standard assembly arrangement of the positioner 1 in its interior 100. In the standard assembly state of the positioner 1, the interior 100 is divided into the electronics compartment 110 and the converter compartment 130. The printed circuit board 5 is firmly connected to the housing 11, for example, by screwing. Figure 2 shows the fastening of the printed circuit board 5 to the housing 11 by means of a fastening screw 109, which holds the printed circuit board 5 to the bottom 115 of the housing 11, which borders the interior 100. A recess 105 complementary to the printed circuit board 5 is recessed into the bottom 115 of the housing 10, into which the printed circuit board 5 is inserted.

[0054] As shown, for example, in the embodiments of position controllers 1 according to Figures 1, 2, or 15, the printed circuit board 5 can be fastened to the housing 11 by means of a support body 6. In the normal operating state, the support body 6 is arranged between the printed circuit board 5 and the base 115 of the housing 11. The support body 6 has a support section 60, which, together with the printed circuit board 5, is inserted into the recess 105. A free space 125 is provided between the circuit board 5 and the peripheral wall 120 of the housing 11. A hollow space or cavity 65 is formed in sections between the support body 6 and the printed circuit board 5. Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support body 6 with a substantially annular disk-shaped configuration. The support body 6 can be divided into three areas, namely the support section 60, a seat section 62 offset therefrom, and a step 63 connecting the support section 60 to the seat section 62.The printed circuit board 5 is arranged in the region of the support section 60. If a firm connection of the printed circuit board 5 to the support body 6 is desired, several fastening means (not shown in detail), such as screws or clips, can be provided. The fastening means can be designed to preload the printed circuit board 5 against the support body 6. The support body 6 is penetrated by a feedthrough 61 for the electropneumatic converter 3 and further feedthroughs 64 for the pneumatic sensors 4 (see Fig. 3). The feedthroughs 61, 64 are formed in the support section 60.

[0055] The seat portion 62 can be formed at least partially with a shape complementary to the interior 100 of the housing 10 in order to define a clear position of the support plate 6 and the printed circuit board 5 pre-mounted thereon, if applicable. For example, the seat portion 62 can be equipped with one or more projections 66 and / or recesses that are shaped to match the housing 11. Alternatively or additionally, the support plate 6 can have eccentric mounting aids 67 in order to cooperate, for example, with the inside of a peripheral wall 120 and / or other wall sections in a housing 11 of essentially cylindrical shape.

[0056] Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of a position controller 1 in which the printed circuit board 5 is encapsulated using a potting compound 53. The potting compound 53 encloses the majority of the printed circuit board 5. The top side 51 of the printed circuit board 5, with the exception of the connector 55, is completely covered by the potting compound 53, whereby the electrical conductor tracks and electronic components arranged on the surface 51 of the printed circuit board 5 are insulated and protected from corrosive influences. The potting compound 53 can be made, for example, from an air-curing plastic, for example polyurethane. It can be expedient to first attach the printed circuit board 5 to the support body 6 and then insert them together into the interior 100 and then coat it with the potting compound 53.If the circuit board 5 is overmolded with potting material in the interior 100 and thereby encapsulated, 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 positive connection between the circuit board 5 and the housing 11. The potting compound 53 can form a sealing element that causes or at least contributes to the fluidic, preferably pressure-tight, separation of the converter compartment 130 from the electronics compartment 110.

[0057] In the operationally assembled state of the position controller 1, at least one sealing element can be provided for the pneumatic and / or pressure-tight separation of the electronics compartment 110 from the converter compartment 130. For this purpose, the at least one sealing element is expediently arranged between the circuit board 5 and the housing 11. Sealing elements can be implemented, for example, as sealing rings.

[0058] Figure 6 shows the top side 71 of a support body 6, where a sealing ring 152 is inserted into a receptacle surrounding the feedthrough 61. The other feedthroughs 64 are also equipped with a respective sealing ring 142 on the top side 71 of the support body 6. In the area of ​​the feedthroughs 61, 64, the support body 6, in the normal installed state, for example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, is in contact with the underside 52 of the printed circuit board 5. In the normal installed state, the sealing rings 152, 142 seal between the support body 6 and the printed circuit board 5.

[0059] Figure 7 shows the underside 72 of the support body 6, which, in the normal installed state, is in contact with the base 115 of the housing 11 in the area of ​​the feedthroughs 61, 64. The electropneumatic converter 3 covers the converter feedthrough for contacting the circuit board 5. A sealing ring 132 is inserted around the electropneumatic converter and the feedthrough 61 thus occupied, into a sealing receptacle that is shaped to fit the electropneumatic converter 3. Circular sealing rings 162 are arranged in corresponding receptacles on the other feedthroughs 64. In the normal installed state, the sealing rings 132, 162 seal between the support body 6 and the housing 11. The cross-sectional view according to Figure 2 extends through the electropneumatic converter 3 and the partial area of ​​the converter compartment 130, which forms a receptacle 131 for the electropneumatic converter 3, which can be referred to as converter receptacle 131.The cross-sectional view according to Figure 3 extends through a pneumatic sensor 4 in the partial area of ​​the transducer compartment 130, which forms a further receptacle 41 for this pneumatic sensor 4, which can also be referred to as sensor receptacle 141. Optionally, a pneumatic sensor 4 is arranged in the transducer receptacle 131 (see Fig. 9).

[0060] The transducer receptacle 131 shown in Figure 2 forms a chamber that is pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the electronics compartment 110. The receptacle 131 is partially delimited by a housing area 104 at the bottom 115 of the housing 11. Opposite the housing 11, the receptacle 131 is delimited by the printed circuit board 5. Between the printed circuit board 5 and the housing 11, the feedthrough 61 through the support body 6 delimits the transducer receptacle 131. The encapsulation 53 and the sealing elements, for example in the form of sealing rings 132, 162 (see Figures 6, 7), ensure reliable fluidic insulation of the transducer receptacle 131 in the transducer compartment 130 from the electronics compartment 110 as well as from other receptacles 141 in the transducer compartment 130.

[0061] The sensor receptacle 141 shown in Figure 3 also forms a chamber that is pneumatically and / or pressure-tightly separated from the electronics compartment 110. The sensor receptacle 141 is partially delimited by another housing area 106 at the bottom 115 of the housing 11. The sensor receptacle 141 is also delimited relative to the housing 11 by the printed circuit board 5, and between the printed circuit board 5 and the housing 11 by the further feedthrough 64 of the support body 6. The sealing rings 142, 152 (cf. Figs. 6, 7) on the further feedthrough 64, optionally together with the encapsulation 53, ensure fluidic insulation of the sensor receptacles 141 in the converter compartment 130 from the electronics compartment 110 and, expediently, from other receptacles (not shown in detail) in the converter compartment 130.In order to detect at least one property, such as a pressure, a temperature or the like, of the pneumatic medium at a measuring point (not shown in detail) with the aid of the pneumatic sensor 4, a pneumatic line 174 extends from the sensor receptacle 141 to a pneumatic compartment 170 described below. The pneumatic line 147 is partially covered over its entire surface with a sintered filter 148 as an ignition barrier.

[0062] Several sub-areas of the positioner, for example the individual chambers that implement the transducer receptacle 131 or the sensor receptacles 141, the electronics compartment 110 and / or the pneumatic compartment 170, are preferably designed and configured to be pressure-tight for mutual pressure differences between the sub-areas 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.

[0063] Two pneumatic lines, namely a ventilation line 173 and an exhaust air duct 139, extend from the converter receptacle 131 to the pneumatic compartment 170, as shown in Figure 5. The ventilation line 173 or the supply air duct is designed and configured to fluidically connect the converter chamber 131 and the electropneumatic converter 3 arranged therein to a pneumatic source (not shown in detail).

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, the pneumatic lines 139, 173, 174 can extend, for example, essentially parallel, from the converter compartment 130 in the interior 100 of the housing 11 through its housing wall to the pneumatic compartment 170. The positioner 1 with the pneumatic module 170 and the pneumatic components 7 accommodated therein is shown schematically in Figure 16. As can be seen in Figure 2, the pneumatic compartment 170 can be formed by a side chamber of the housing 11. A pneumatic interface 171 is provided in the pneumatic compartment 170, where pneumatic components 7 or a pneumatic module comprising several pneumatic components 7 can be attached (not shown in detail). The pneumatic interface 171 can, for example, be arranged on a housing section 107 of the wall section between the converter compartment 130 and the pneumatic compartment 170.The side space and the pneumatic module (not shown in detail) can, for example, be coordinated with one another in such a way that the pneumatic module realizes a form-complementary insert for preferably completely covering the side space.

[0065] The pneumatic module can, for example, be implemented as a single component block within which pneumatic channels and several pneumatic components 7, for example, pneumatic amplifiers, such as a preamplifier 175 and main amplifier 176, flow restrictors, and / or pressure reducers 172, are integrated. The exhaust air duct 139 can discharge a used pneumatic medium into the pneumatic compartment 170, which is connected to the environment or a collecting line for the isolated discharge of used pneumatic medium or exhaust gas from the positioner 1, so that the electronic components in the electronic compartment 110 do not come into contact with the pneumatic medium. The pneumatic sensors 4 can be connected to different measuring points with respect to the various pneumatic components 7 via pneumatic lines 174.

[0066] The electronics compartment 110 can be expediently insulated by hermetically sealing the interior 100 of the housing 11 with a cover. To prevent an undesirable negative pressure from forming in the electronics compartment 110 relative to the ambient pressure of the positioner 1, a vent line 119 can penetrate an outer wall 117 of the housing 11. Depending on the application, the vent line 119 can be either closed by means of a cover part 180, 181 or designed to be open to the environment.

[0067] The exemplary positioner 1 shown in Figure 16 has a housing 11 equipped with a flameproof "Ex d" cable gland 210, through which the supply electronics 50 and other electronic components arranged in the electronics compartment 110 can be supplied and, if necessary, controlled. For a particularly safe design, a Zener barrier 250 or similar device can additionally be provided. Beyond the cable gland 210, preferably in a flameproof connection compartment 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 plant, via at least one (here: three) flameproof "Ex d" cable glands 230. Figure 16 also shows a common vent 179 for exhaust air and for discharging pneumatic medium from the pneumatic compartment 170.For critical pneumatic media such as methane, the common vent can be connected to a manifold (not shown).

[0068] Figures 10-12 and 15 show a first variant of the cover part 180, which is penetrated by four through openings 182. Figures 13 and 14 show another variant of the cover part 181 with a groove channel 183. The cover part 180, 181 can be equipped as an asymmetrical plate with one or more (here: four) mounting holes 185. For attachment to the housing 11, the housing 11 can be designed with a projection 108 on its outer wall 117 for defining a mounting position for the cover part 180, 181, wherein this projection 108 is complementary in shape to the uniform mounting holes 185. The other mounting holes 185 can each be occupied by a screw 102 for fastening the cover part 180, 181. For explosive environments, an ignition barrier 118 can completely cover the vent line 119. The opening 111 of the vent line 119 is located on the outside of the outer wall 117 and can be covered with the cover part 180 / 181.The cover part 180, 181 can be placed in a first, open position in front of the opening 111, in which the vent line 119 fluidically communicates with the through-openings 182 or the grooved channel 183, so that the electronics compartment 110 is connected to the environment. A membrane 187 can be arranged between the opening 111 and the cover part 180 / 181. The membrane 187 is only active in the open position of the cover part or plate 180 / 181. The membrane 187 acts as a pressure compensation element. Designs with a pressure compensation element designed differently from a membrane are also conceivable.

[0069] Alternatively, the cover part 180 / 181, as shown in Figure 11, can be positioned in front of the opening 111 such that a portion of the cover part 180 / 181, which is free of through-openings, groove channels, and the like, covers the vent channel 119. A sealing element 186 surrounding the opening 111 in an annular manner is arranged between the cover part 180 / 181 and the outer wall 117. The membrane 187 can be realized integrally with the sealing element 186 as a pressure compensation element with an adhesive-attached O-ring (as a standard part). In the closed position of the cover part 180 / 181, the vent line 119 is closed by means of the sealing ring 186. In a state as shown in Figure 11, wherein the cover part 180 / 181 covers the opening 111 to close the electronics compartment 110, it is alternatively conceivable that the membrane 187 or a pressure compensation element is omitted or not mounted.

[0070] The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in the various embodiments.

[0071] Reference symbol:

[0072] 1 positioner

[0073] 3 electropneumatic converter

[0074] 4 Pneumatic sensor

[0075] 5 circuit board

[0076] 6 supporting bodies

[0077] 7 Pneumatic components

[0078] 11 housings

[0079] 50 supply electronics

[0080] 51 Top side / surface (printed circuit board)

[0081] 52 Bottom / Surface (PCB)

[0082] 53 Casting

[0083] 55 connectors

[0084] 57 plug receptacle

[0085] 6o supporting section

[0086] 61 Implementation

[0087] 62 seating section

[0088] 63 level

[0089] 64 further implementation

[0090] 65 cavity

[0091] 66 lead

[0092] 67 Assembly aid

[0093] 70 Pneumatic module

[0094] 71 Top side (supporting body)

[0095] 72 Underside (supporting body)

[0096] 100 interior

[0097] 102 Screw

[0098] 104 Housing area

[0099] 105 Deepening

[0100] 106 other housing area

[0101] 107 Housing section

[0102] 108 lead

[0103] 109 Fastening screw electronics compartment muzzle

[0104] Ventilation duct floor

[0105] Outer wall sintered filter

[0106] Ventilation line peripheral wall free space

[0107] Converter compartment, 141 holder sealing ring sintered filter

[0108] Exhaust duct sealing ring sintered filter, 162 sealing ring

[0109] Pneumatic compartment Pneumatic interface Pressure reducer, 174 Pneumatic line Preamplifier

[0110] Main amplifier manifold, 181 cover part

[0111] Channel bore groove channel

[0112] Mounting hole sealing element

[0113] Membrane connection chamber

[0114] Cable entry connection circuit board

[0115] Cable entry Zener barrier

Claims

Claims:

1. Position controller (1) for a pneumatic actuator for actuating a control valve, such as a control valve, of a process plant, comprising: an electropneumatic converter (3), such as a current-pressure converter; a printed circuit board (5) carrying supply electronics (50) for the electropneumatic converter (3); and a housing (11) having at least one electronics compartment (110) in which at least one electronic component of the position controller (1), in particular the supply electronics (50), is housed, and a converter compartment (130) in which the electropneumatic converter (3) is housed, wherein the electronics compartment (110) and the converter compartment (130) are spatially separated from one another, characterized in that the converter compartment (130) is at least partially delimited by the printed circuit board (5).

2. Position controller (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electropneumatic converter (3) is arranged on a side (52) of the printed circuit board (5) facing away from the electronics compartment (110).

3. Position controller (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transducer compartment (130) is formed by at least one receptacle (131, 141) which is arranged in a wall section of the housing (11) and / or formed integrally with the housing (11), wherein the receptacle (131, 141) is at least partially covered by the printed circuit board (5).

4. Position controller (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one sealing element, such as a sealing ring (132, 142, 152, 162), is arranged between the circuit board (5) and the housing area (104) surrounding the receptacle (131, 141) in order to separate the converter compartment (130) pneumatically and / or pressure-tight from the electronics compartment (110).

5. Position controller (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the printed circuit board (5) in the region of the converter compartment (130), in particular the at least one receptacle (131, 141), has a, preferably locally limited, surface coating for protection against pneumatic medium. Position controller (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pneumatic sensor (4), such as a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a humidity sensor, is arranged in the converter compartment (130), optionally within a receptacle (131, 141), for example in the receptacle (131) for the electropneumatic converter (3). Position controller (1) for a pneumatic actuator for actuating a control valve, such as a control valve, of a process plant, comprising: an electropneumatic converter (3), such as a current-pressure converter; a printed circuit board (5) carrying supply electronics (50) for the electropneumatic converter (3); a housing (11) containing at least one electronics compartment (110) in which at least one electronic component of the position controller (1), in particular the supply electronics (50), is housed; and a converter compartment (130).in which the electropneumatic converter (3) is housed, wherein the electronics compartment (110) and the converter compartment (130) are separate from one another, characterized in that the converter compartment (130) has an exhaust air duct (139) for discharging pneumatic medium from the electropneumatic converter (3) to a collecting line for exhaust air and / or into a pneumatic compartment (170) in which at least one pneumatic component (7), such as a pneumatic amplifier (175, 176), a pressure reducer (172) or a flow limiter, is housed. Position controller (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that an ignition barrier, in particular a sintered filter (138), is arranged in or on the at least one exhaust air duct (139) and / or the at least one collecting line. Position controller (1) for a pneumatic actuator for actuating a control valve, such as a control valve, of a process plant,in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an electropneumatic converter (3), such as a current-pressure converter; a printed circuit board (5) which carries a supply electronics (50) for the electropneumatic converter (3), and a housing (11) which has at least one electronics compartment (110) in which at least one electronic component, such as the supply electronics (50), is accommodated, a converter compartment (130) in which the electropneumatic converter (3), is housed, characterized by a pneumatic compartment (170) in which at least one pneumatic component (7), such as a pneumatic amplifier (71, 73), a pressure reducer (75), or a flow limiter, is housed, and in that the electronics compartment (110) is spatially separated from the converter compartment (130) and the pneumatic compartment (170). Position controller (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one pneumatic line (173, 174) connects the converter compartment (130), in particular the at least one receptacle (131, 141), to the pneumatic compartment (170), wherein the at least one pneumatic line (173, 174) preferably extends through a wall section and / or a base (115) of the housing (11).Position controller (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing (11) has a housing section (107) which at least partially forms the pneumatic compartment (170) and which comprises a pneumatic interface (171) for connecting the at least one pneumatic component (7), in particular a plurality of pneumatic components, preferably all pneumatic components of the position controller (1), wherein the pneumatic interface (171) is in fluid communication with the converter compartment (130). Position controller (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply electronics (50) and / or the printed circuit board (5) are enclosed by an encapsulation, in particular a potting compound (53). Position controller (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the encapsulation forms a preferably pressure-tight pneumatic sealing element for separating the electronics compartment (110) from the converter compartment (130).Position controller (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the encapsulation seals or at least substantially seals the circuit board (5) and / or the supply electronics (50) from the electronics compartment (110). Position controller (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics compartment (110) has a vent line (119) for compensating a pressure difference, in particular an overpressure or a negative pressure, with respect to the environment of the position controller (1). wherein in particular the vent line (119) is located far from the Converter compartment (130), in particular the receptacles (131, 141). Position controller (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the vent line (119) has an opening (111) which is preferably completely covered by a detachable cover part (180, 181). Position controller (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that an ignition breakdown barrier, in particular a sintered filter (118), is arranged in the vent line (119), preferably upstream of the cover part (180, 181). Position controller (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a ventilation channel (113) fluidically connects the electronics compartment (110) to the converter compartment (130).Position controller (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the ventilation channel (113) is realized by at least one opening, such as a groove, in a sealing seat on the circuit board (5) or the housing (11) for receiving a sealing element, such as a sealing ring (152, 132), wherein the sealing seat is not occupied by the sealing element.

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