Method for the detection of a position of an actuator element of a pneumatic actuator amid the use of a detection device, as well as a system of a pneumatic actuator and a detection device

A method for the detection of a position of an actuator element of a pneumatic actuator amid the use of a detection device with a control unit and with a first pressure sensor, wherein the pneumatic actuator comprises a venting device and an actuator housing in which a working recess with a first pressure chamber is formed, wherein the actuator element is received in the working recess and by way of the subjection of the working recess to working fluid is movable in the working recess from a main movement section of the working recess through a first damping section of the working recess which is arranged adjacently to the main movement section, towards a first position, wherein the venting device is configured to vent the working recess when the actuator element is situated in the first damping section, wherein the first pressure sensor is assigned to the first pressure chamber, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

• providing the pneumatic actuator in the main movement section,
• subjecting the working recess to working fluid, in order to move the actuator element into the first damping section and to vent the working recess, wherein a primary pressure signal is detected by a first pressure sensor during the movement, and
• determining a first primary pressure extreme of the primary pressure signal and/or a second primary pressure extreme of the primary pressure signal by way of the control unit, wherein as a response to the first primary pressure extreme being acquired, it is detected by way of the control unit that the actuator element has entered into the first damping section, and/or wherein as a response to the second primary pressure extreme being acquired, it is detected by way of the control unit that the actuator element has reached the first position.