Linear Actuator for Actuating a Process Valve

A linear actuator (20) for linear actuation of a process valve, comprising:

• a housing,
• an electronic control unit disposed in the housing,
• at least one electric drive unit disposed in the housing, and
• at least one hydraulic drive disposed in the housing, wherein the hydraulic drive comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder with a piston and a piston rod, and wherein the piston rod extends outwardly through an opening of the housing,
• wherein the hydraulic drive is configured to convert an electric drive power of the electric drive unit into a hydraulic drive force, generating linear movement of the piston of the at least one hydraulic cylinder in a first direction, and
• wherein a linear movement of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder in a second direction opposite to the first direction is generated by a restoring force on the piston rod acting on the piston rod outside the housing.