Modular system for manufacturing a valve, valve and method for manufacturing a valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular system (MS) for manufacturing a valve (1). It comprises a base unit (2.1, 2.2) with a base housing (3) that defines a receptacle (4) open on one side, which is enclosed by a coil assembly (5) of the base unit (2.1, 2.2) arranged in the base housing (3), and at least two different actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4), each having a valve element (9) axially adjustable along an actuating axis (8) and which can be mounted alternatively in the receptacle (4) of the base unit (2.1, 2.2). The invention further relates to a valve (1) manufactured using the modular system (MS) and to a method (45) for manufacturing such a valve (1) using the modular system (MS).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular system for manufacturing a valve according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a valve manufactured using the modular system and to a method for manufacturing such a valve using the modular system.

[0002] Valves are used to control fluid flows in automotive and air conditioning systems. Examples of such valves are described in German patent applications DE 10 2023 117 367 A1, DE 10 2022 107 262 A1, and DE 10 2016 013 492 A1. They are generally composed of a relatively large number of separate components, resulting in comparatively high storage and logistics costs for valve manufacturing, as well as complex and therefore relatively time-consuming and expensive valve assembly. Valve assembly typically takes place on a production line specifically designed for each valve variant. However, the resulting high degree of specialization within a production line has proven disadvantageous in today's highly volatile demand environment, as the production potential of a single line cannot always be fully utilized, at least temporarily.Furthermore, adapting a valve variant to new customer-specific requirements is challenging, as in this case at least some of the valve components as well as the production line have to be redesigned or adapted in a process that is often lengthy and costly.

[0003] The invention therefore aims to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages or at least to show a favorable way to manufacture a valve.

[0004] In the present invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved by a modular system for manufacturing a valve, in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve (HGB), or a shut-off valve. The modular system comprises a base unit and at least two different actuator units. The base unit has a base housing that defines a receptacle open on one side, which is enclosed by a coil assembly of the base unit located within the base housing. The at least two actuator units each have a valve element that is axially adjustable along an actuating axis. The modular system is characterized by the fact that the at least two actuator units can be mounted (or arranged) alternatively in the receptacle of the base unit.

[0006] In other words, the invention provides a valve with a modular design, wherein the valve components required for manufacturing a valve can be selected from a group of mutually compatible valve components grouped together in the modular system. Using the proposed modular system, or the modular design of the valve, valves can be flexibly and therefore relatively robustly supplied in various valve variants, each tailored to customer-specific requirements, to accommodate unforeseen changes in product demand. Specifically, within the modular system, one and the same basic unit is equipped with an actuator unit configured or set up for a specific requirement from a group of several different actuator units.In this case, an adaptation design of the base unit and / or the actuator units is usually not necessary, which makes them comparatively inexpensive and, if necessary, also possible to manufacture for stock.

[0007] The term "axial" refers to the actuating axis of the valve element within a given actuator unit. An "axial direction" can be parallel or substantially parallel to the actuating axis of the valve element.

[0008] The coil arrangement of the base unit can, for example, consist of at least one coil that can be activated by current. Preferably, the coil arrangement can comprise two axially spaced coils, each of which can be activated by current.

[0009] The term "essentially" is intended to account for any manufacturing tolerances. It can be understood in particular as a tolerance band, specifically as a deviation of ± 5% from an ideal value.

[0010] Advantageously, each of the at least two actuator units has an actuator housing that can be inserted into the receptacle of the base housing, either partially or only partially. For the modular system thus designed, it is essential that the actuator housings of the at least two actuator units are identical to each other. In particular, the at least two actuator units are identical to each other such that the respective actuator housings of the actuator units each have an identical basic shape and / or an identical outer contour in the area of ​​the section that can be inserted into the receptacle of the base housing. Preferably, the actuator housings each have an identical outer contour over at least 50%, and more preferably at least 70%, of their respective axial extent.

[0011] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the actuator housings of the at least two actuator units each have a centering section that is designed to be complementary to the base housing and by means of which each actuator unit can be positioned centrally in the housing or positioned in the assembled state of a valve. The positioning of an actuator unit in the housing by means of the centering section can be carried out directly, i.e., directly and preferably without a separate adapter. For the modular system, it is essential that the centering sections of the at least two actuator units are identical to each other. For example, the centering sections can have an identical cylindrical, in particular circular, outer contour, especially over at least 80%, and particularly over their entire extent.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator housings of the at least two actuator units each have a fixing section by means of which a respective actuator unit, positioned in the receptacle of the base housing, can be fixed to the base housing in a form-fit and / or material-fit manner, preferably by hot riveting. For the modular system in this embodiment, it is essential that the fixing sections of the at least two actuator units are identical to each other. Preferably, the actuator housings have an identical outer contour from an axial end of the respective actuator unit to the respective fixing section.

[0013] For the modular system, it can be advantageous if the valve elements of the at least two actuator units are different from one another. Furthermore, it can be provided that the valve elements of the at least two actuator units have different valve element heads. This allows the at least two actuator units to be adapted to different requirements, in particular to different valve seats. In this context, the valve element head is defined as that part of the valve element which interacts directly with a fluid flow to be controlled by the proposed valve for the purpose of controlling the fluid flow, i.e., is directly wetted by the fluid. It can also be provided that the valve elements of the at least two actuator units differ from one another in their axial lengths.The axial length of a valve member is conveniently understood to mean the extension of the valve member, in particular the extension of the valve member body, in the axial direction.

[0014] The valve elements of the at least two actuator units can advantageously each have a cylindrical valve element stem. The valve element stem of a valve element can have a drive section at a (first) stem end arranged in an actuator housing of a respective actuator unit. This drive section, for example, has an external thread of the valve element or is formed by the valve element. Furthermore, the valve element stem of a valve element can have a functional section at a (second) stem end, preferably opposite the first stem end, which projects at least partially from an actuator housing of a respective actuator unit and which has the valve element head of a respective valve element or is formed by the valve element.

[0015] A preferred valve member head may have or be formed by a needle-shaped projection. Another preferred valve member head may have a plate-like collar and a needle-shaped projection arranged centrally on the collar and extending away from the collar. In another embodiment, a valve member head may have or be formed by a frustoconical projection. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned valve member heads; rather, the valve member head of a valve member may be adapted to a customer-specific valve seat.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, each of the at least two actuator units may have a rotor assembly mounted coaxially to a central axis of the actuator housing within its respective actuator housing. The rotor assembly is rotatable in a circumferential direction around the central axis of the actuator housing, and the valve element of the respective actuator unit is axially adjustable within the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly preferably comprises a first component that electromagnetically interacts with the coil arrangement of the base unit to generate the rotary motion of the rotor assembly, and a second component fixed to the first component that acts as a transmission and translates the rotary motion of the rotor assembly into an axial actuating motion of the valve element, for example, in the manner of a spindle drive.The axial positioning movement of the valve element can be achieved by a helical positioning movement.

[0017] Advantageously, the aforementioned first cooperation partner may have or be formed by a permanent magnet arrangement consisting of at least one or more permanent magnets. It is conceivable that the at least two actuator units differ from one another in the number of permanent magnets or in the strength, measured in Tesla (T), of the permanent magnets provided in their respective permanent magnet arrangements.

[0018] Advantageously, the second cooperating component can be provided with an internal thread that meshes with an external thread of the valve element that is designed complementary to the internal thread. The second cooperating component can, for example, be formed by a gear sleeve with a cylindrical sleeve body. The sleeve body can have a central sleeve opening, an inner circumference defining the sleeve opening, and an outer circumference oriented opposite to the inner circumference. The internal thread extends over the inner circumference of the sleeve body. The first cooperating component, preferably a permanent magnet or a permanent magnet arrangement, can be fixed to the outer circumference of the sleeve body. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sleeve body is rotatably mounted on the actuator housing.To implement the aforementioned rotatable bearing arrangement of the rotor device, a sliding bearing arrangement with at least one sliding bearing, preferably two axially spaced sliding bearings, can be provided.

[0019] In order to translate the rotary motion of the rotor assembly into an axial positioning motion of the valve element, it is advantageous for the aforementioned sleeve body of the gear sleeve of the second cooperating partner to have the aforementioned internal thread on its inner circumference, which meshes with an external thread of the valve element received in the sleeve opening of the sleeve body, the external thread being designed to be complementary to the internal thread. Through the interaction of the internal and external threads, a rotary motion of the rotor assembly, particularly depending on the thread pitch of the external and internal threads, can be translated into the axial positioning motion of the valve element.

[0020] Furthermore, the modular system may be designed to include at least two different base units. It is advantageous if the base housings and / or the coil arrangements of the at least two base units are identical. Advantageously, each base unit is equipped with a printed circuit board (PCB) housed in its respective base housing and electrically connected to its respective coil arrangement. It may also be designed for the PCBs of the at least two base units to differ from one another. Specifically, the PCB of the first of the at least two base units may include electrically conductive traces and at least one electronic component for controlling the coil arrangement of the second base unit.Furthermore, the circuit board of a second base unit of at least two base units can have electrically conductive conductor tracks as electronic components exclusively for supplying the coil arrangement with electrical energy.

[0021] According to the present invention, electronic components are understood to be, in particular, electrically conductive conductor tracks and electronic components. Electronic components include, in particular, passive components, preferably resistors, capacitors, or inductors, and active components, for example, semiconductor chips and / or sensors. This makes it possible to provide a valve optionally with an "intelligent" base unit with integrated coil control or with a "simple," cost-effective base unit that does not implement such coil control.

[0022] The aforementioned task is further solved by a valve, in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve (HGB) or a shut-off valve, which is manufactured using the modular system according to the preceding description.

[0023] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for manufacturing a valve, in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve (HGB), or a shut-off valve, using a modular system as described above. The method provides for a base unit and at least two different actuator units. Specifically, the respective base unit is manufactured on a first production line, which is separate from and / or distinct from a second production line on which at least one, and in particular both, of the at least two different actuator units are manufactured. For example, the base unit and the actuator units can be manufactured in geographically distributed production facilities, each on a production line comprising several processing stations.The base unit and one of the at least two different actuator units are then assembled in one of the production lines of the aforementioned manufacturing facilities or in a production line of another manufacturing facility. This ensures flexible and cost-effective manufacturing of the valves according to the invention. Due to the geographically distributed manufacturing facilities, local resources can be optimally utilized.

[0024] According to one aspect, the invention relates to an alternative modular system for manufacturing a valve, in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve, or a shut-off valve, comprising at least a first base unit and a second base unit, as well as at least one actuator unit. The first base unit and the second base unit are different from each other. The first base unit and the second base unit each have a base housing. The respective base housing defines a recess open on one side, which is enclosed by a coil arrangement of the respective base unit arranged in the respective base housing.The modular system further comprises at least one actuator unit, which has a valve element axially adjustable along an actuating axis and which can be alternatively mounted in the respective receptacle of the base units. In particular, the first and second base units differ from each other in that the first base unit has a first printed circuit board which has electrically conductive conductor tracks and at least one electronic component as electronic components for controlling the coil arrangement of the first base unit, while the second base unit has a second printed circuit board which has electrically conductive conductor tracks as electronic components exclusively for supplying the coil arrangement with electrical energy. The first base unit and the second base unit of the alternative modular system can each have features that are described above in connection with the modular system according to the invention.whose basic unit is disclosed. The actuator unit of the alternative modular system may each have features that are disclosed above in connection with the modular system or its respective, mutually distinct actuator units.

[0025] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0026] The respective modular system, valve, use, and method may each have features disclosed above in connection with the method, use, valve, or modular system. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, may constitute separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0028] Each of these shows, schematically, Fig. 1. The modular system in an overview, Fig. 2 a first actuator unit of the modular system in a simplified sectional view, Fig. 3 a second actuator unit of the modular system in a simplified sectional view, Fig. 4 a third actuator unit of the modular system in a simplified sectional view, Fig. 5 a fourth actuator unit of the modular system in a simplified sectional view, Fig. 6 a first basic unit of the modular system in a simplified sectional view, Fig. 7 a second basic unit of the modular system in a simplified sectional view, Fig. 8 comprising the assembly of a valve comprising a basic unit of the modular system and an actuator unit of the modular system, Fig. 9 a valve manufactured using the modular system, Fig. 10 a method for manufacturing a valve using the modular system.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview of a modular system, designated as "BS" in its entirety, for the production of a [product / service / etc.]. Fig. 9 illustrated valve 1, for example an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve (HGV for short) or a shut-off valve that can be used in automotive engineering and / or air conditioning systems.

[0030] The modular system BS comprises, for example, a basic unit 2.1, 2.2 with a base housing 3, which defines a receptacle 4 open on one side, and four different actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, each of which has a valve element 9 axially adjustable along an actuating axis 8, see in particular the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. The actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are designed to be mounted or arranged alternatively in the receptacle 4 of the base unit 2.1, 2.2. According to the invention, a valve 1 is manufactured using the modular system BS by equipping one and the same base unit 2.1, 2.2 with an actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 from the group of several different actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, which is configured or set up for a specific requirement.

[0031] Each of the four actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 has, in addition to a valve element 9, an actuator housing 10 that can be inserted at least partially or only partially into the receptacle 4 of the base housing 3, and in which a respective valve element 9 is received. The actuator housings 10 of the four actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are identical to each other, cf. the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5.

[0032] Furthermore, each actuator housing 10 has a centering section 18 and a fixing section 19. The centering section 18, for example, a housing shell of a respective actuator housing 10, is designed to be complementary to the receptacle 4 of the base housing 3 and is further configured such that a respective actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 can be positioned centrally and directly (i.e., directly and preferably without a separate adapter) in the receptacle 4. The fixing section 19, for example, a collar projecting radially from the housing shell of a respective actuator housing 10, is configured such that a respective actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 positioned in the receptacle 4 of the base housing 3 can be fixed to the base housing 3 in a form-fitting manner, preferably by hot riveting. For the modular system BS, it is important that the centering sections 18 of the four actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.The 4 are identical to each other. The fixing sections 19 of the four actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are also identical to each other.

[0033] The valve elements 9 of the actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 have a cylindrical valve element stem 21, which has a first stem end 22 arranged in an actuator housing 10 of a respective actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and a second stem end 24 opposite the first stem end 22. The first stem end 22 is equipped with an actuation section formed by an external thread 23 of the valve element 9. A functional section projecting from an actuator housing 10 of a respective actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 is provided at the second stem end 24, which in this case comprises a valve element head 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4 of a respective valve element 9.The valve stem 21 is further equipped with a circumferential stop 35, which is formed by a flat surface of the valve stem 21 and positively locks an unwanted rotational movement of the valve element 9 about the actuating axis 8 by contacting a counter surface of the actuating element housing 10.

[0034] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 further shows that the valve elements 9 of the four actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are designed differently from one another. The one in Fig. 2. The valve element head 20.1 has a plate-like collar 26 and a needle-shaped projection body 25 arranged centrally on the same and projecting axially away from the collar 26. Fig. Figure 3 shows another valve element head 20.2, which is formed by a frustoconical projection body 27. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates another valve element head 20.3 with a needle-shaped projection body 25. However, the valve elements 9 of the invention are not limited to the aforementioned valve element heads 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, but can be equipped with any valve element head 20.4, which, for example, is adapted to a customer-specific valve seat.

[0035] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. It is also evident from Figure 5 that the actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are each equipped with a rotor device 14 which is mounted in a respective actuator housing 10 coaxially to a central axis 11 of the actuator housing 10 and which is rotatable in a rotary movement 13 in a circumferential direction 12 about the central axis 11 of the actuator housing 10, in which the drive section of the valve element 9 of a respective actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 is mounted. The rotor device 14 has a first cooperation partner 15, which electromagnetically cooperates with a coil arrangement 5 of the base unit 2.1, 2.2 to generate the rotary motion 13 of the rotor device 14, and a second cooperation partner 16 fixed to the first cooperation partner 15, which is configured to translate the rotary motion 13 of the rotor device 14 into an axial positioning motion 17 of the valve element 9.

[0036] By way of example only, the first cooperation partner 15 is provided for to have a permanent magnet arrangement 28 consisting of several permanent magnets.

[0037] The second cooperation partner 16 is formed in this case by a gear sleeve 30 with a cylindrical sleeve body 31. The sleeve body 31 has a central sleeve opening 32, an inner circumference 33 defining the sleeve opening 32, and an outer circumference 34 oriented opposite to the inner circumference 33. The first cooperation partner 15, i.e., the permanent magnet arrangement 28 made of permanent magnets, is fixed to the outer circumference 34 of the sleeve body 31. Furthermore, the sleeve body 31 is rotatably mounted on the actuator housing 10 of a respective actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, for example by means of a sliding bearing arrangement.In order to translate the rotary movement 13 of the rotor device 14 into the axial positioning movement 17 of the valve element 9, it is provided that the sleeve body 31 of the gear sleeve 30 of the second cooperation partner 16 has an internal thread 29 on its inner circumference 33, which meshes with the external thread 23 of the valve element 9 which is designed to be complementary to the internal thread 29.

[0038] The in the Fig. 6 and Fig. The seven base units 2.1, 2.2, each shown in a sectional view, have the base housing 3, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 3, which can be multi-part and made, for example, of a plastic. The base housing 3 defines an internal volume and delimits the aforementioned, open-on-one receptacle 4, which is enclosed by the coil assembly 5 of the base unit 2.1, 2.2, which is completely arranged within the internal volume of the base housing 3. The coil assembly 5 can, for example, consist of two coils, each of which can be activated by current. Furthermore, a printed circuit board 6.1, 6.2 of the base unit 2.1, 2.2 is accommodated in the base housing 3 of the base unit 2.1, 2.2 and is electrically connected to the coil assembly 5. The printed circuit board 6.1, 6.2 is in the present case electrically connected to a plug interface 42 integrated into the base housing 3, so that the coil assembly 5 can be supplied with electrical energy by an external energy source (not shown). The base housing 3 and the coil assemblies 5 of the in . Fig. 6 and Fig. The illustrated base units 2.1 and 2.2 are identical to each other. However, the circuit boards 6.1 and 6.2 of the two base units 2.1 and 2.2 are different from each other.

[0039] The circuit board 6.1 of the in the Fig. The first basic unit 2.1, illustrated in Figure 6, has a plate-like base body 43 and electrically conductive conductor tracks 37 and several electronic components 39, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, semiconductor chips, or sensors, the latter being intended for controlling the coil arrangement 5 of the first basic unit 2.1. The circuit board 6.2 of the unit shown in the Fig. In contrast, the second basic unit 2.2 illustrated in Figure 7 has a plate-like base body 43 and exclusively electrically conductive conductor tracks 37.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 8 shows the assembly of a valve 1 comprising a base unit 2.1, 2.2 of the modular system BS and a symbolic actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 of the modular system BS. The actuator unit 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 is inserted axially into the receptacle 4 of the base unit 2.1, 2.2 in the direction of an insertion direction 44.

[0041] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a valve 1 that is manufactured using the BS modular system.

[0042] Finally, the Fig. 10. A method 45 for manufacturing a valve 1 using the modular system BS. Method 45 provides that a base unit 2.1, 2.2 and at least two different actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 are provided in geographically distributed production facilities 40.1, 40.2, 40.3, 40.4 and at each of several production lines 41.1, 41.2, 41.3, 41.4. The base unit 2.1, 2.2 and the at least two different actuator units 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 can then be assembled on one of the aforementioned production lines 41.1, 41.2, 41.3, 41.4 or on a further production line 41.5 of another production facility 40.5. Reference symbol list BS modular system 1 valve 2.1 first basic unit 2.2 second base unit 3 Base cases 4 recording 5 coil arrangement 6.1 First circuit board 6.2 second circuit board 7.1 First actuator units 7.2 Second actuator units 7.3 Third actuator units 7.4 fourth actuator units 8 axes 9 valve element 10 actuator housings 11 Center axis 12 Circumferential direction 13 Rotational movement 14 Rotor assembly 15 first cooperation partners 16 second cooperation partner 17 Positioning movement 18 Centering section 19 Fixing section 20.1 first valve head 20.2 second valve head 20.3 third valve head 20.4 fourth valve head 21 Valve linkage 22 first shaft end 23 external threads 24 second shaft end 25 needle-shaped protrusion bodies 26 plate-shaped collars 27 frustoconical projection bodies 28 Permanent magnet arrangement 29 internal threads 30 Gear sleeve 31 shell bodies 32 central sleeve opening 33 Inner circumference 34 External circumference 35 Circumferential stop 37 conductor tracks 39 electronic component 40.1 first production facility 40.2 second production facility 40.3 third production facility 40.4 fourth production facility 40.5 fifth production site 41.1 first production line 41.2 second production line 41.3 third production line 41.4 fourth production line 41.5 fifth production line 42 connector interface 43 Basic body 44 Insertion direction 45 procedures QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2023 117 367 A1

[0002] DE 10 2022 107 262 A1

[0002] DE 10 2016 013 492 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Modular system (MS) for the manufacture of a valve (1), in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve or a shut-off valve, characterized by - a base unit (2.1, 2.2) with a base housing (3) that defines a one-sided open receptacle (4) which is enclosed by a coil arrangement (5) of the base unit (2.1, 2.2) arranged in the base housing (3), - at least two different actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4), each having a valve element (9) that is axially adjustable along an actuating axis (8) and which can be mounted alternatively in the receptacle (4) of the base unit (2.1, 2.2). [2] Modular system (MS) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - each of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) has an actuator housing (10) that can be inserted at least partially into the receptacle (4) of the base housing (3), - wherein the actuator housings (10) of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) are identical to each other. [3] Modular system (MS) according to claim 2, characterized by , that - the actuator housings (10) of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) each have a centering section (18) which is designed to be complementary with respect to the receptacle (4) of the base housing (3) and by means of which a respective actuator unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) can be positioned centrally in the receptacle (4), - wherein the centering sections (18) of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) are identical to each other. [4] Modular system (MS) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that - the actuator housings (10) of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) each have a fixing section (19) by means of which a respective actuator unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) positioned in the receptacle (4) of the base housing (3) can be positively fixed to the base housing (3), preferably by hot riveting, - wherein the fixing sections (19) of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) are identical to each other. [5] Modular system (MS) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the valve elements (9) of at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) are different from each other, and / or - the valve elements (9) of at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) have valve element heads (20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4) that are different from each other. [6] Modular system (MS) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that - each of the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) has a rotor device (14) which is received in a respective actuator housing (10) coaxially to a central axis (11) of the actuator housing (10) and which is rotatable in a circumferential direction (12) about the central axis (11) of the actuator housing (10) in a rotary movement (13), in which the valve element (9) of a respective actuator unit (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) is arranged to be axially adjustable. [7] Modular system (MS) according to claim 6, characterized by , that - the rotor device (14) has a first cooperation partner (15) which electromagnetically cooperates with the coil arrangement (5) of the base unit (2.1, 2.2) to generate the rotary motion (13) of the rotor device (14), and a second cooperation partner (16) fixed to the first cooperation partner (15) which translates the rotary motion (13) of the rotor device (14) into an axial positioning motion (17) of the valve element (9). [8] Modular system (MS) according to claim 7, characterized by , that - the first cooperation partner (15) has or is formed by a permanent magnet arrangement (28) consisting of at least one or more permanent magnets. [9] Modular system (MS) according to claim 8, characterized by , that - the at least two actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) differ from each other by the number of or the strength of the permanent magnets provided in a respective permanent magnet arrangement (28) as measured in Tesla (T). [10] Modular system (MS) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by , that - the second cooperation partner (16) has an internal thread (29) which meshes with an external thread (23) of the valve element (9) designed in a complementary manner to the internal thread (29). [11] Modular system (MS) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the modular system (MS) has at least two different basic units (2.1, 2.2). [12] Modular system (MS) according to claim 11, characterized by , that - the base housings (3) and / or the coil arrangements (5) of the at least two base units (2.1, 2.2) are identical to each other, and / or - the base units (2.1, 2.2) are each equipped with a printed circuit board (6.1, 6.2) housed in a respective base casing (3) and electrically connected to a respective coil arrangement (5), and / or - the printed circuit boards (6.1, 6.2) of at least two base units (2.1, 2.2) differ from each other, and / or - the printed circuit board (6.1) of a first basic unit (2.1) of at least two basic units (2.1, 2.2) has electrically conductive conductor tracks (37) and at least one electronic component (39) for controlling the coil arrangement (5) of the second basic unit (2.2), and - the printed circuit board (6.2) of a second basic unit (2.2) of at least two basic units (2.1, 2.2) comprising exclusively electrically conductive conductor tracks (37) as electronic components. [13] Valve (1), in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve or a shut-off valve manufactured using the modular system (BS) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [14] Method (45) for manufacturing a valve (1), in particular an expansion valve, a hot gas bypass valve or a shut-off valve, using a modular system (MS) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which a basic unit (2.1, 2.2) and at least two different actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) are manufactured in geographically distributed production facilities (40.1, 40.2, 40.3, 40.4) and there in each of these in a production line (41.1, 41.2, 41.3, 41.4) comprising several processing stations, wherein the base unit (2.1, 2.2) and one of the at least two different actuator units (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4) are subsequently assembled in one of the said production facilities (40.1, 40.2, 40.3, 40.4) or a production line (41.5) of another production facility (40.5).

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