Valve, modular system for manufacturing a valve and method for manufacturing a valve

Abstract

A valve is proposed, which has a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit, comprising a cylinder, a piston, a spindle unit mounted axially movably in the cylinder and a housing cover, wherein the piston divides the interior of the cylinder into a cover-side space and a valve seat-side space and a channel in the spindle unit opens into the valve seat-side space. In the housing cover a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are formed as well as a pressure fluid channel in fluid connection with the fluid inlet and a discharge channel in fluid connection with the fluid outlet. The pressure fluid channel branches into two sub-channels, wherein a first sub-channel runs through the spindle unit into the valve seat-side space and opens into the valve seat-side space, while a second sub-channel opens into the cover-side space, and wherein a closure body is provided, which fluid-tightly closes the first sub-channel or the second sub-channel. Furthermore, a modular system and a method for manufacturing a valve are proposed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a valve having a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit, a modular system for producing valves and a method for producing valves. BACKGROUND

[0002] Pneumatic and hydraulic valves are known in a plurality of different variants. Depending on the customer's wishes, the valves are constructed as normally closed valves or as normally open valves. The drive units of normally closed valves and normally open valves are constructed differently, so that only a small number of identical components can usually be used when producing normally closed valves and normally open valves. This results in a high component variety, which adversely affects the production costs and the storage costs. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to enable the production of normally closed valves and normally open valves at particularly low costs.

[0004] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a valve having a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit, which comprises a cylinder, a piston, a spindle unit mounted axially movably in the cylinder and a housing cover. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into a cover-side space and a valve seat-side space, wherein a channel in the spindle unit opens into the valve seat-side space. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are constructed in the housing cover, as are a pressure fluid channel fluidically connected to the fluid inlet and a discharge channel fluidically connected to the fluid outlet. The pressure fluid channel branches into two sub-channels, wherein a first sub-channel runs through the spindle unit into the valve seat-side space and opens into the valve seat-side space, and a second sub-channel opens into the cover-side space, wherein a closure body is provided, which fluid-tightly closes the first sub-channel or the second sub-channel.

[0005] The valve according to the invention has the advantage that it can be operated as a NO valve as well as as a NC valve. NO stands for "normally open" and denotes a normally open valve, while NC stands for "normally closed" and denotes a normally closed valve. In this context, "normally" denotes the state without energy or the state in which the valve is not loaded with pressure fluid.

[0006] The possibility of the valve to be operated as a normally open valve or as a normally closed valve is limited by the fact that the pressure fluid channel branches and runs to the valve seat-side space as well as to the cover-side space. By closing the sub-channels of the pressure fluid channel defined by the closure body it can be determined whether the valve seat-side space or the cover-side space is supplied with pressure fluid when the valve is operated. Depending on which sub-channel is closed by the closure body, the piston can be raised (normally closed valve) or lowered (normally open valve) when pressure fluid is introduced.

[0007] The valve according to the invention thus provides a high variability.

[0008] The valve seat side space denotes the space in which the valve seat closest to the valve is arranged. The cover side space is correspondingly arranged closest to the housing cover of the valve and is delimited, in particular at least sectionally, by the housing cover. The cover side space is arranged above the valve seat side space, in particular, when viewed in a side view of the valve.

[0009] The closure body is a separate component which is inserted into the respective sub-channel. The closure body is fixedly and immovably retained in the respective sub-channel in order to continuously close the sub-channel.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the outflow channel likewise branches into two sub-channels, wherein a first sub-channel extends through the spindle unit into the valve seat side space and opens into the valve seat side space, and a second sub-channel opens into the cover side space. Here, a further closure body is preferably provided which fluid-tightly closes the first or the second sub-channel of the outflow channel, that is to say such that only one of the pressure fluid channel and the outflow channel is fluidically connected to the cover side space and the other of the pressure fluid channel and the outflow channel is fluidically connected to the valve seat side space. When the further closure body closes the second sub-channel of the outflow channel, for example the first closure body closes the first sub-channel of the pressure fluid channel, and vice versa. Thus, it can be determined by the respective arrangement of the closure bodies which channel is fluidically connected to the valve seat side space and which channel is fluidically connected to the cover side space. The arrangement of the closure bodies is in particular such that the valve seat side space and the cover side space are fluidically connected to only one of the outflow channel and the pressure fluid channel, respectively. Thereby, it is ensured that the valve can be operated normally. The expression "one of" denotes that one of the alternative options of the listed channel groups can be selected.

[0011] According to one embodiment, each one of the pressure fluid channel and / or the outflow channel extends in the housing cover and the pressure fluid channel and the outflow channel have a common channel outside the housing cover. In this way, the valve can be constructed particularly compactly. In the operation of the valve, the common channel is however used only as pressure fluid channel or only as outflow channel. This is achieved by the respective arrangement of the closure bodies.

[0012] In particular, the pressure fluid channel and the outflow channel have a common channel which starts from the housing cover and extends through the spindle unit to the valve seat side space.

[0013] Inside the housing cover, the pressure fluid channel and the outflow channel are preferably constructed independently of one another. This simplifies the fluidic separation of the pressure fluid channel and the outflow channel.

[0014] For example, at least one closure body is a ball, in particular a metal ball. Thereby, the closure body is particularly well suited to sealing the pressure fluid channel or the outflow channel durably and reliably. The spherical shape here particularly well matches the usually circular cross section of the channel.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one closure body is pressed into the respective sub-channel. In other words, the closure body is force-fittingly secured in the respective sub-channel. This likewise promotes a reliable sealing of the pressure fluid channel or of the discharge channel. Furthermore, no additional securing means are required in order to secure the closure body, which also advantageously influences the compact design of the valve.

[0016] In order to ensure a particularly secure fit of the closure body, the sub-channels can taper.

[0017] For example, the channel sections of the pressure fluid channel and / or of the discharge channel which are formed in the housing cover each have an axially extending channel section and the two sub-channels branch off radially from the axially extending channel section, in particular in opposite directions. Via the axially extending channel section, the pressure fluid channel and the discharge channel are accessible from the outside of the valve, in particular from the outside of the housing cover. This makes it possible to introduce fluid into the pressure fluid channel or to extract fluid from the discharge channel. By branching off the two sub-channels radially from the axially extending channel section, in particular in opposite directions, it is possible to fluidically connect the pressure fluid channel and / or the discharge channel to the valve seat side space and to the cover side space in a simple manner.

[0018] According to one embodiment, an elastic element is provided in the cover side space, which loads the piston into the closed position. This facilitates the design of the valve as a normally closed valve. Alternatively, an elastic element is provided in the valve seat side space, which loads the piston into the open position. This facilitates the design of the valve as a normally open valve.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the spindle unit is connected with a closure which forms a closure of the valve seat in the closed position of the spindle unit. Thereby, the valve can be opened or closed by an axial movement of the spindle unit.

[0020] The spindle unit in particular comprises a hollow spindle. Thereby, at least a part of the pressure fluid channel and / or of the discharge channel can be formed in the spindle unit.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the piston is fixedly secured on the spindle unit. Thereby, the spindle unit can be moved axially in order to open or close the valve by means of a pressure fluid introduction into the valve seat side space or into the cover side space and a lifting or lowering of the piston.

[0022] The piston can be formed plate-like or corrugated. By the shape of the piston, the dimensions of the valve seat side space and of the cover side space can be determined.

[0023] Furthermore, the object according to the application is achieved by a modular system for manufacturing a valve, which is constructed like the valve described previously, having a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit, which comprises a cylinder, a spindle unit mounted axially movably in the cylinder and a housing cover, and at least two differently shaped pistons, which are optionally insertable into the interior of the cylinder in order to divide the interior of the cylinder into a cover-side space and a valve seat-side space and to functionally complete the drive unit with one of the pistons. Depending on the selection of the pistons, the valve can be operated as a normally open valve or as a normally closed valve.

[0024] Thereby, the modular system according to the application enables the manufacture of normally open valves and normally closed valves with a particularly large number of identical components. In particular, only the pistons differ from one another in the normally open valves and normally closed valves manufactured by means of the modular system according to the application. The remaining components are identical. This advantageously influences the manufacturing costs and the storage costs. In particular, the possibility of using the housing cover, which is usually manufactured as a casting, in two variants enables a high cost saving, since the manufacture of a casting requires a tool mold which entails a relatively high investment cost.

[0025] It is still possible by means of the modular system during the installation of the valve to decide whether the valve should be constructed as a normally open valve or as a normally closed valve.

[0026] The cylinder, the spindle unit and the housing cover of the drive unit of the modular system are constructed as described in connection with the valve according to the application.

[0027] According to the application, the object is also achieved by a method for manufacturing a valve by means of the modular system described previously, which is constructed like the valve described previously. The method has the following steps:

[0028] - providing a modular system,

[0029] - selecting a piston from the modular system, and

[0030] - inserting the piston into the drive unit such that the piston divides the interior of the cylinder into a cover-side space and a valve seat-side space.

[0031] A valve like the one described previously can be manufactured particularly simply and at low cost by means of the method according to the application.

[0032] In a further method step, at least one closure body is preferably inserted into the housing cover, in particular before or after the insertion of the piston into the interior of the cylinder. In this way, the assignment of the cover-side space and the valve seat-side space to the respective channels takes place.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the at least one closure body is inserted into the housing cover before the housing cover is mounted on the drive unit. The sub-channel is particularly easily accessible before the housing cover is mounted. However, the insertion can also be carried out subsequently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Further advantages and features of the present application result from the following and from the referenced drawings. The drawings show:

[0035] - Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a valve according to the present application is shown;

[0036] - Figure 2 a top view of the valve in Figure 1 is shown;

[0037] - Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a part of the valve along the line A-A in Figure 2 is shown;

[0038] - Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a part of the valve along the line B-B in Figure 2 is shown;

[0039] - Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of another valve according to the present application is shown;

[0040] - Figure 6 a cross-sectional view through a part of the valve in Figure 5 is shown; and

[0041] - Figure 7 another cross-sectional view through a part of the valve in Figure 5 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve 10, more precisely an NC valve, i.e. a normally closed valve or pressureless closing valve 10 is shown.

[0043] The valve 10 has a fluid housing 11 with a fluid inlet 12 and a fluid outlet 14 and with a valve seat 16 located between the fluid inlet 12 and the fluid outlet 14.

[0044] The valve 10 in a closed state, in which the closure 18 lies against the valve seat 16 and thus closes the valve 10, i.e. prevents a fluid flow from the fluid inlet 12 to the fluid outlet 14, is shown in Figure 1 .

[0045] In order to lift the closure 18 and to open the valve 10, the valve 10 comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit 20. The drive unit 20 has a cylinder 22, a piston 24 arranged in the cylinder 22, a spindle unit 26 mounted axially movable in the cylinder 22 and a housing cover 28 which closes the cylinder 22 on the end side.

[0046] The spindle unit 26 is composed of several parts and comprises a hollow spindle 27 and a spindle extension 29 which is mounted on the end side on the hollow spindle 27. For example, the hollow spindle 27 and the spindle extension are screwed to one another.

[0047] The spindle unit 26 is firmly connected with the closure 18 in order to form a connection between the drive unit 20 and the closure 18.

[0048] The piston 24 is likewise firmly connected with the spindle unit 26, in particular by means of two bearing rings 30 which are applied against opposite sides of the piston 24.

[0049] Here, the piston 24 is mounted movably in the longitudinal direction in the cylinder 22, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the spindle unit 26.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the piston 24 is composed plate-like.

[0051] In order to connect the drive unit 20 with the fluid housing 11, a pipe 32 is provided which is fixed at the bottom 34 of the cylinder 22 and at the fluid housing 11.

[0052] The spindle unit 26 extends from the cylinder 22 through the pipe 32 into the fluid housing 11.

[0053] In order to hold the closure 18 in its closed position and to avoid unintentional opening of the valve 10, for example two or more elastic elements 36 are provided which load the piston 24 into the closed position. The elastic elements 36 are in the shown embodiment coil springs. Optionally, up to six spring groups can be incorporated, which each have up to three individual springs.

[0054] The cylinder 22 and the housing cover 28 jointly delimit a cylinder space 38. The piston 24 divides said cylinder space 38, in particular the interior of the cylinder 22, into a valve seat side space 40 and a cover side space 42.

[0055] A fluid inlet 44 and a fluid outlet 46 are formed in the housing cover 28, as can be seen in Figure 2 , Figure 2 A top view of the valve 10 is shown.

[0056] A pressure fluid channel 48 is fluidically connected to the fluid inlet 44 and a discharge channel 50 is fluidically connected to the fluid outlet 46. The pressure fluid channel 48 is visible in Figure 3 and the discharge channel is visible in Figure 4 . Figure 3 and 4 show a partial cross-section through the valve 10, respectively.

[0057] As is visible in Figure 3 , the pressure fluid channel 48 has a channel section 52 which extends axially in the housing cover 28. From the axial channel section 52, the pressure fluid channel 48 branches into two sub-channels 54, 56. These two sub-channels branch off radially from the axial channel section 52, more precisely in opposite directions. In other words, the pressure fluid channel 48 has three channel sections 52, 54, 56 which converge at a cross-over point and which are generated by two bores, one of which extends parallel to the central axis of the spindle 26 and one of which extends transversely to the central axis of the spindle.

[0058] The axial channel section 52 does not necessarily have to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve 10, as is shown in the figures, but can also extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the valve 10, for example at an angle of up to 20°.

[0059] The sub-channels 54, 56 can also extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the valve 10.

[0060] The first sub-channel 54 extends from the fluid inlet 44 through the housing cover 28 into the gap 58 above the spindle unit 26 and from there through the spindle unit 26, more precisely through the hollow spindle 27, further to the valve seat side space 40 and opens into the valve seat side space.

[0061] The second sub-channel 56 extends to the cover side space 42 and opens into the cover side space.

[0062] The pressure fluid channel 48 is thus connected not only to the valve seat side space 40 but also to the cover side space 42.

[0063] The same applies to the discharge channel 50. As is visible in Figure 4 , the discharge channel 50 likewise has an axially extending channel section 60 from the fluid outlet 46, from which the discharge channel 50 branches into two sub-channels 62, 64 which branch off from the axial channel section 60 in opposite directions.

[0064] The first sub-channel 62 of the discharge channel 50 likewise extends from the fluid outlet 46 through the housing cover 28 into the gap 58 and from there through the spindle unit 26 to the valve seat side space 40 and opens into the valve seat side space.

[0065] The second sub-channel 64 extends to the cover-side space 42 and opens into the cover-side space. The discharge channel 50 is produced, for example, like the inlet channel 48.

[0066] The discharge channel 50 is thus likewise connected to the valve-seat-side space 40 and the cover-side space 42.

[0067] The channels 52, 54, 56 of the pressure fluid channel 48 and the channels 60, 62, 64 of the discharge channel 50 are produced as bores in the housing cover 28. The sub-channels 54, 56 of the pressure fluid channel 48 here transition into one another in register. The same applies to the sub-channels 62, 64 of the discharge channel 50.

[0068] The pressure fluid channel 48 and the discharge channel 50 together have a channel 66 which extends through the spindle unit 26 to the valve-seat-side space 40. The channel 66 extends in the spindle unit 26 in an L shape. The gap 58 is also associated with the pressure fluid channel 48 and the discharge channel 50.

[0069] In the housing cover 28, the channels 48, 50 extend independently of one another.

[0070] The valve 10 also comprises two closure bodies 68 which are produced as separate components. The closure bodies 68 are balls, in particular metal balls.

[0071] As can be seen in Figure 3 , the closure bodies 68 are pressed into the second sub-channel 56 of the pressure fluid channel 48, thereby closing the flow path of the pressure fluid channel 48 to the cover-side space 42.

[0072] In the first sub-channel 62 of the discharge channel 50, too, a closure body 68 is pressed in, as can be seen in Figure 4 . In this way, the flow path of the discharge channel 50 to the valve-seat-side space 40 is closed.

[0073] The closure bodies 68 are in particular provided outside the axial channel sections 52, 60.

[0074] The valve-seat-side space 40 is thus supplied with pressure fluid via the fluid inlet 44 in the operation of the valve 10. The pressure fluid presses the piston 24 upwards here against the force of the elastic element 36. As a result, the closure 18 is lifted from the valve seat 16, so that fluid can flow from the fluid inlet 12 to the fluid outlet 14.

[0075] During the lifting of the piston 24, fluid is simultaneously conducted out of the valve 10 from the cover-side space 42 via the discharge channel 50.

[0076] Figures 5 to 7 A further embodiment of the valve 10 is illustrated. In Figures 5 to 7 , the valve 10 shown in is operated as a NO valve, i.e. as a normally open valve or pressureless opening valve 10.

[0077] In Figure 5 , the valve 10 is shown in the open state, wherein the closure 18 is lifted from the valve seat 16 and releases the fluid flow from the fluid inlet 12 to the fluid outlet 14.

[0078] In order that the valve 10 can be operated as a normally open valve, in Figures 1 to 4 the closure body 68 of the embodiment shown is arranged differently.

[0079] In particular, the closure body 68 is pressed into the first sub-channel 54 of the pressure fluid channel 48, thereby closing the flow path of the pressure fluid channel 48 to the valve seat side space 40.

[0080] In the second sub-channel 64 of the discharge channel 50, too, a closure body 68 is pressed in, as can be seen in Figure 7 . In this way, the flow path of the discharge channel 50 to the cover side space 42 is closed.

[0081] The elastic element 36 is not arranged above the piston 24 as in a normally closed valve, but below the piston 24 in the valve seat side space 40 and loads the piston 24 into the open position.

[0082] Furthermore, the valve 10 according to Figures 5 to 7 differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 in the shape of the piston 24. In particular, the piston 24 shown in Figure 5 is corrugated.

[0083] In the operation of the normally open valve, the cover side space 42 is supplied with pressure fluid via the fluid inlet 44, which presses the piston 24 downward against the force of the elastic element 36. Thereby, the closure 18 is pressed onto the valve seat 16, so that the fluid flow from the fluid inlet 12 to the fluid outlet 14 is blocked.

[0084] Apart from the differently shaped piston 24, all components of the normally open valve shown in Figures 5 to 7 are identical to the components of the normally closed valve shown in Figures 1 to 4 . It is conceivable, however, that the elastic element 36 has a higher total force in the normally closed valve than in the normally open valve for achieving a higher switchable medium pressure.

[0085] Due to the large number of identical components, the modular system 70 is suitable for manufacturing the valve 10 described previously.

[0086] When observing Figure 1 and 5 , the scope of the modular system 70 becomes clear. In particular Figure 1 and 5 show a part of the modular system 70 according to the selection of the piston 2, respectively.

[0087] The modular system 70 comprises, inter alia, a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit with a cylinder 22, a spindle unit 26 mounted axially moveable in the cylinder 22 and a housing cover 28.

[0088] The drive unit is thus universally suitable for manufacturing a normally closed valve as shown in Figure 1 and for manufacturing a normally open valve as shown in Figure 5 .

[0089] The modular system 70 further comprises at least two differently shaped pistons 24, for example a plate-shaped piston 24 as shown in Figure 1 and a corrugated piston 24 as shown in Figure 5 .

[0090] Furthermore, the modular system 70 comprises at least two closure bodies 68.

[0091] The different pistons 24 can optionally be inserted into the universal drive unit, more precisely into the interior of the cylinder 22, so that the interior of the cylinder 22 is divided into a cover-side space 40 and a valve seat-side space 42 and the drive unit is functionally completed with the selected piston.

[0092] Depending on the selection of the piston 24, the valve 10 can be operated as a normally open valve or as a normally closed valve.

[0093] In addition to the selection of the piston 24, the respective arrangement of the closure bodies 68 is important for distinguishing whether the valve 10 is to be operated as a normally open valve or as a normally closed valve.

[0094] A method for manufacturing a valve 10 by means of the modular system 70 is subsequently described.

[0095] The modular system 70 is first provided and it is determined whether the valve 10 to be manufactured is to be a normally open valve or a normally closed valve. The respective piston 24 is then selected from the modular system 70.

[0096] The piston 24 is inserted into the drive unit so that the piston 24 divides the interior of the cylinder 22 into a cover-side space 42 and a valve seat-side space 40.

[0097] Before or after the insertion of the piston 24 into the drive unit, the two closure bodies 68 are inserted, in particular pressed, into the housing cover 28 and the fluid connections of the fluid inlet 44 and the fluid outlet 46 to the valve seat-side space 40 and the cover-side space 42 are established in a valve-specific manner.

[0098] Subsequently, the housing cover 28 is mounted at the drive unit.

[0099] If the valve 10 shall operate as a normally closed valve, then a closure body 68 is pressed into the second sub-channel 56 of the pressure fluid channel 48 and another closure body 68 is pressed into the first sub-channel 62 of the discharge channel 50 (see Figure 3 and 4 ).

[0100] If the valve 10 shall operate as a normally open valve, then a closure body 68 is pressed into the first sub-channel 54 of the pressure fluid channel 48 and another closure body 68 is pressed into the second sub-channel 64 of the discharge channel 50.

Claims

1. A valve (10) having a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit (20) comprising a cylinder (22), a piston (24), a spindle unit (26) which is mounted axially movably in the cylinder (22) and a housing cover (28), wherein the piston (24) divides the interior of the cylinder (22) into a cover-side space (42) and a valve seat-side space (40) and a channel (66) in the spindle unit (26) opens into the valve seat-side space (40), wherein a fluid inlet (44) and a fluid outlet (46) are formed in the housing cover (28) as well as a pressure fluid channel (48) which is in fluid connection with the fluid inlet (44) and a discharge channel (50) which is in fluid connection with the fluid outlet (46), and the pressure fluid channel (48) branches into two sub-channels (54, 56), wherein a first sub-channel (54) extends through the spindle unit (26) into the valve seat-side space (40) and opens into the valve seat-side space, while a second sub-channel (56) opens into the cover-side space (42), and wherein a first closure body (68) is provided which fluid-tightly closes the first sub-channel (54) or the second sub-channel (56).

2. The valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge channel (50) likewise branches into two sub-channels (62, 64), wherein a first sub-channel (62) of the discharge channel (50) extends through the spindle unit (26) into the valve seat-side space (40) and opens into the valve seat-side space, while a second sub-channel (64) of the discharge channel (50) opens into the cover-side space (42), and wherein a further closure body is provided which fluid-tightly closes the first sub-channel (62) or the second sub-channel (64) of the discharge channel, that is to say such that only one of the pressure fluid channel (48) and the discharge channel (50) is in fluid connection with the cover-side space (42) while the other one of the pressure fluid channel (48) and the discharge channel (50) is in fluid connection with the valve seat-side space (40), wherein the first closure body (68) closes the first sub-channel (54) of the pressure fluid channel (48) when the further closure body closes the second sub-channel (64) of the discharge channel (50), and vice versa.

3. The valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a respective one of the pressure fluid channel (48) and / or the discharge channel (50) extends in the housing cover (28) and the pressure fluid channel (48) and the discharge channel (50) have a common channel (66) outside the housing cover (28).

4. The valve (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the common channel (66) is a channel in the spindle unit (26).

5. The valve (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first closure body (68) and the further closure body are balls.

6. The valve (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first closure body (68) is pressed into a first sub-channel (54) or a second sub-channel (56) of the pressure fluid channel (48) and the further closure body is pressed into a first sub-channel (62) or a second sub-channel (64) of the discharge channel (50).

7. The valve (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The pressure fluid channel (48) and the discharge channel (50) each have an axially extending channel section, and the first sub-channel (54) and the second sub-channel (56) of the pressure fluid channel (48) branch off radially from the axially extending channel section (52) of the pressure fluid channel (48), and the first sub-channel (62) and the second sub-channel (64) of the discharge channel (50) branch off radially from the axially extending channel section (60) of the discharge channel (50).

8. The valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one elastic element (36) is provided in the cover side space (42) which loads the piston (24) into a closed position, or an elastic element (36) is provided in the valve seat side space (40) which loads the piston (24) into an open position.

9. The valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The spindle unit (26) is connected with a closure (18) which constitutes a closure for the valve seat (16) in the closed position of the spindle unit (26).

10. The valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The piston (24) is firmly fixed at the spindle unit (26).

11. The valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The piston (24) is plate-shaped or corrugated.

12. The valve (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The balls are metal balls.

13. The valve (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first sub-channel (54) and the second sub-channel (56) of the pressure fluid channel (48) branch off in opposite directions radially from the axially extending channel section (52) of the pressure fluid channel (48).

14. The valve (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first sub-channel (62) and the second sub-channel (64) of the discharge channel (50) branch off in opposite directions radially from the axially extending channel section (60) of the discharge channel (50).

15. A modular system (70) for producing a valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, having a pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit, which drive unit comprises a cylinder (22), a spindle unit (26) which is mounted axially movably in the cylinder (22) and a housing cover (28), and at least two differently shaped pistons (24), which are optionally able to be inserted into the interior of the cylinder (22) in order to divide the interior of the cylinder into a cover-side space (42) and a valve seat-side space (40), and which drive unit is optionally completed with one of the pistons (24), wherein the valve (10) is able to be operated as a normally open valve or as a normally closed valve depending on the selection of the piston (24).

16. A method for manufacturing a valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 by means of a modular system (70) according to claim 15, comprising the following steps: - providing a modular system (70), - selecting a piston (24) from the modular system (70), and - fitting the piston (24) into the drive unit in such a way that the piston (24) divides the interior of the cylinder (22) into a cover-side space (42) and a valve seat-side space (40).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first closure body (68) and a further closure body are fitted into the housing cover (28) before or after fitting the piston (24) into the interior of the cylinder (22).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the first closure body (68) and a further closure body are fitted into the housing cover (28) before the housing cover (28) is mounted at the drive unit.

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