Solenoid valve

A solenoid valve for controlling a fluid flow, the solenoid valve comprising:

• an actuating member moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of the actuating member in one direction effects opening of the solenoid valve and movement of the actuating member in an opposite direction effects closing of the solenoid valve;
• a biasing means having an equilibrium position configured to bias the actuating member towards the first position;
• and
• an armature moveable in response to energising/de-energising of the solenoid valve,
• wherein;
• energising the solenoid valve is operable to move the armature to engage the actuating member and cause movement of the actuating member to the second position against action of the biasing means;
• and
• de-energising the solenoid valve causes the biasing means to return to the equilibrium position thereof and to effect movement of the armature and of the actuating member towards the first position, initially causing disengagement of the armature from the actuating member, and, subsequently causing retainment of the armature in a resting position, and wherein the solenoid valve further comprises a permanent magnet located axially adjacent to the armature when the armature is in the resting position and providing a magnetic force sufficient to magnetically retain the armature in the resting position, and, wherein energising the solenoid valve is operable to provide sufficient electromagnetic force to the armature to overcome the magnetic force in order for the armature to move away from the permanent magnet.